Tanaka TCG24EBSP 2-Cycle Gas String Commercial Grade Trimmer, 23.9cc

As I researched for this product I really wanted to spend my money well this time. I caught a $100+ trimmer on clearance for under $50 at the beginning of Summer. I have nothing aginist the brand which is Bolens, a MTD product and thought with it's two stroke 31cc motor and curved shaft design it would be a good performer. Wrong I was and I had decided if I had to trim with it one more time I'd go nuts! So as I researched I was really wanting overkill but not at a overkill price. I looked at the Swisher brand on Amazon which I have heard are superior trimmers but price wise they better be as well as many other well known brands. For my money I simply can't see spending upwards of $400-$600 on a trimmer. Which lead me to this well discounted trimmer with many positive reviews.I ordered it on Tuesday and received it Thursday. As I opened the box I found a mostly assembled product. Only the handle, trimmer guard and trimmer spool needed assembly with no tools needed. They are provided and while the instructions need better diagrams it's fairly easy to assemble the parts without by simply looking at the parts supplied. I had fuel already properly mixed so after fueling it started after using the primer bulb, choke and only 3 pulls. Which leads me to my only engineering complaint. The kill switch is a on/off design with symbols not writing and stays in the position you last leave it. By contrast I prefer a kill switch which is spring loaded and returns to a "on" or "run" position. This one does not. While others have complained of it's poor position I did accidentally kill the motor once while in use but I was using the trimmer to edge and had it inverted upside down which lead to the accidental disengaging of the kill switch. More on that shortly.I trimmed more than an acre and edged as well with the trimmer today and found it to have more than enough of power and rpms to trim and edge. I had not edged or trimmed in at least a month so some areas had significant weed growth with thick vegetative growth. It performed very well nonetheless.The throttle is very responsive and allows for good control of the rpms. I was able to do most of the yard without using a wide open throttle. Through some heavier weeds and vines I did use full throttle and the trimmer easily cut through all as it should. In short the machine is easy to maneuver and has plenty of power. It is light enough to be used on very large yards without much fatigue and is well balanced. It is fairly smooth running with no more noise than you would expect from a quality gas powered trimmer. My overall impression is I made a very good choice for this well priced trimmer.Being a slight bit picky and the fact this is my first straight-shaft trimmer I did find it a little more difficult to find a comfortable position to edge with. While it had more than enough power I basically turned the trimmer upside down to edge with it. Turning it one direction I found the hot exhaust vent which didn't burn me but it was hot. Turning the trimmer completely the other way was a little tricky because of the kill switch. Leading me back to how I accidentally turned off the trimmer because the kill switch is located on the opposite side of the throttle. I also noted earlier it's not a spring loaded switch. It is easily turned off and I also will add it took 3 cranks to start only because it was off on two of my first attempts because I did not realize it was not spring loaded with a default to be always in a "start" or "on" position. In normal trimming positions it really should not be a hugh issue if your aware of it's location. Most of the things I noticed with this trimmer were related to it being a straight-shaft and my not being familiar with the characteristics of their use. Other than the more difficult position to use as an edger I noticed the longer reach caused a slight tendency for the trimmer head to be pulled by thicker vegetation when encountering heavy weeds and vines. Nothing serious by any means just a steadiness of control issue which I noticed while trimming near my wood fence. I try very hard not to line blast significantly my fence. It's a personal preference and as I said a nit-pick based solely on my inexperience with cutting characteristics of a straight-shaft trimmer because if it's longer length and reach.I did note it ran perfectly no matter which way I turned it and I actually ran it out of fuel while edging with it upside down which I noticed it still used every drop of fuel from the tank. I believe the tank size is plenty large but I have a significant yard to trim and edge. I suspect under normal circumstances where I keep my yard trimmed and edged each time I mow I will use about a tank of fuel. This trim was at least a months worth of growth.For most users this trimmer is more than adequate considering it's relatively light weight, balance, power and price. If price isn't a concern I'm sure there are comparable perhaps better trimmers which cost more but performance and engineering wise this trimmer is a wise choice at under $200. Currently there's a $40 rebate through the latter part of the year on the Tanaka website making this trimmer an excellent value at $149 with the rebate. For those concerned there is a downside for such a great price and that would be the sticker that reads "Made in China". It's hard to avoid these days when your price and product shopping without physically seeing the product but there are also advantages to shopping based on user reviews versus which you feel is better based on a hands on sight preview. It's simply hard to find the "Made in the USA" branding these days.UPDATE: 6/18/2012The trimmer had been working well but this past weekend upon an easy one or two pull start-up it began to sputter during full throttle and eventually died. I repeated the process several times before inspecting the unit and noticing the fuel line has deteriorated. I am certain this is due to Ethanol deterioration of the rubberized part. While I have kept this product adequately serviced, properly stored and used a fuel stabilizer; I may not have used it 100% of the time. I know I became much more aware of the problem relating to Ethanol shortly after purchasing this trimmer. I use a product called STA-BIL 22214 Fuel Stabilizer - 32 Fl oz. which is designed to stabilize fuel. The problem is today's fuel contains Ethanol which is a corn based alcohol. Ethanol is known to be highly destructive to small engines, more specifically cylinder blocks, carburetors and the rubberized fuel lines. Essentially any part that the Ethanol is in contact with for as little as two weeks can be damaged and over time this can cause significant damage even failure. Manufactures have had substantial fuel related repair cost under warranty in recent years, so much so many have begun changing their warranties as a result to exclude fuel related damage or limiting warranty liability. It is all due to the destructiveness of Ethanol which has been well documented with write-ups and technical bulletins in recent years. I highly recommend using a fuel stabilizer such as Stabil in all your small engine products, make sure sure you only keep enough fuel so that your fuel doesn't get much age sitting around waiting to be used and I do not recommend running your small engines out of fuel to be fueled the next time they are used unless the manufacture states specifically. Follow the manufactures guidelines and use a fuel stabilizer according to the directions. If your small engine gets infrequent use keep that in mind when using your stabilizer and follow the directions for use and storing. In regards to this trimmer I would still recommend it to others but take extreme care of the fuel and it's treatment to prolong the life of all your small engines.Update Pt. 2: 6/18/2012The last of my update is the ugly truth! Called Tanaka to obtain the part or find a service center. I live about 8 miles from our Int'l airport but the nearest service center is 35 miles from me and not in the city. Being the distance was likely going to be 140 miles by the time I dropped off and picked up a repaired unit I called the repair center to make sure they had the part and would repair under warranty. I was told there was no way Tanaka would warrant the fuel line or carburetor for that matter. I appreciated the man who happened to be the owner for his honesty. I called Tanaka back being it was their direction to take the unit to the service center after I explained the fuel line had deteriorated. At first I explained why I had called back but was told, I haven't heard that but the unit has a 7 year warranty. The agent then referred me to someone in the service center who at first said, I figured they wouldn't but have them call me and I will approve it. However when pressed for a direct phone number to reach the service man I was speaking with the ugly truth became evident. How old is it again, I have had almost two years. Oh well I really can only warrant a fuel line for a year because it's not really covered by warranty.I have had this unit less than two years and it is well maintained but when it got down to nuts and bolts Ethanol is being treated like an untreatable cancer for small engines. I'd take a star perhaps two or three away from the product if I did not know almost any small engine manufacture is responding to Ethanol and the repairs associated with it in this manner. I suspect it will get worse. While disappointed I'm going to spend a few dollars and find a fuel line that fits it. The best recourse any consumer has concerning Ethanol is to contact the EPA to file complaints about Ethanol which likely will do nothing but the more complaints the better and write your senators and congressman about the destructiveness of Ethanol. Remember to pre-treat your fuels with a fuel stabilizer always, limit how long you store your fuel in the can or equipment and follow all manufacture suggestions concerning fuel, mixtures and proper storage. Also follow the fuel treatment recommendations. STA-BIL 22214 Fuel Stabilizer - 32 Fl oz. I now use this in all my small engines and after this experience I will be even more vigilant. I wish I had always used this product in my weed-eater.Update Pt. 3: 6/18/2012I am happy to report while the warranty was not honored I stopped by a local small engine repair shop and for the sum of $3.21 got enough fuel line to do the repair twice. It took perhaps 15 minutes to remove the fuel tank and bottom bracket, cut a new line, remove and replace the filter pickup on the end of the fuel line inside the tank, reconnect the fuel lines and replace the fuel tank and bottom bracket. A fairly simple repair which afterward the trimmer roared to life easily and is running like new. I suspect the plyable fuel lines will be a concern on many of these units. I have mentioned the earlier precautions but will add plunge the fuel prime bulb carefully when priming the carburetor before each start to perhaps not stress the fuel lines. The deterioration is not a defect rather a side-affect of today's Ethanol blended fuels. Hope this helps and happy trimming.

--UPDATED 03/05/2012 at bottom - Knocked off one star ----UPDATED 05/01/2017 -- 6 Years later and it's still working like the day I bought it ----UPDATED 04/28/2018 -- Engine still running strong. My primer bulb failed. Replacing it with a new one. Some of the grommets are leaking. Probably deteriorating due to the ethanol in the gasoline.--UPDATED 02/18/2023 -- Still working, but getting finicky. Engine has to warm up a bit or else it dies. Sometimes have issues keeping it running. Power is diminishing. Other than that, it's okay. May need to clean or rebuild the carb...who knows. Probably just go with a Milwaukee electric after this thing kicks the bucket.This review comes from the perspective of a homeowner and mechanical design engineer who likes the right tool for the job.I was in a situation that many people that might read this review are likely in. I had an electric weed trimmer that just wasn't doing the job. The crappy thin 0.065" line, the ANNOYING cords, and the lack of power. I knew I needed to go gas, but do I get one of the entry level consumer models that may do the job or can I justify jumping up to something that will last me a decade or more while plowing through everything in sight?I went with the Tanaka TCG22EASSLP and I haven't looked back...I live in Southern California and I have a small yard, but I have a large steep slope in my backyard that gets covered in thick weeds. I attacked that slope with my slightly used Electric Craftsman. It took me around 5 hours, 3 spools of .065 line, and 150 feet of extension cord to take out that hill. After that, the Craftsman was never the same...it sounded like the bearings in the motor had grenaded themselves.I ordered the Tanaka soon after. This year, that same hill took me an hour and a half, I never changed the line, and I used two tanks of gas. Even if I didn't have that hill, I would still prefer the Tanaka for weekly trimming; definitely over an electric and most likely over other cheap gas trimmers.I grew up in Texas on over an acre of property in the suburbs of Austin. As a kid, I had to mow and weed-eat the yard...I wish had the Tanaka.Construction:The construction of the Tanaka is superb and modern. All of the handles, switches, and guard are made of high quality molded plastics. The trimming head and line feeding mechanisms are excellent. The gas tank is well made as well.My only complaint is that the priming "bubble" doesn't always pop back up to allow for more than one press. So, I usually have to manually prime it by holding the throttle open and pulling the cord a couple times. I would suggest to Tanaka that they use a different polymer or design for the bubble.The 2-cycle engine in this thing absolutely SCREAMS and has gobs of power. Don't be afraid to go full throttle to plow through whatever is in your path. This thing LOVES to rev high, the faster it's spinning, the happier it is.Fuel:Don't worry about the "mess" of having to mix oil with the gas. It's actually really easy and convenient compared to worrying about a 4-cycle engine that has oil you have to check, fill, and change. Just buy a cheap 1 gallon gas can and keep it all seperate from the untreated gas. In the past 8 months I have owned this trimmer, I have used maybe 3/4 of a gallon? It's a LOT easier than dragging extension cords around your yard.Ergonomics:This trimmer feels great! The handles are comfortable. The trigger is well placed, nice and big, and allows easy modulation of the throttle. The forward handle is designedvery well to allow you to orient the trimmer at almost any angle necessary, such as turning it on its side to go along walkways, trimming on inclines or declines, or just hitting stuff straight on.It's absolutely ridiculous how light this thing is with as much power it puts out. All of this adds up to reduced fatigue and quicker trimming!My only complaint is the placement of the "kill switch". I usually hit that accidently at least once every time I use the trimmer. No big deal, since it starts right back up. It's probably a good thing for safety though.Trimmer Head:The trimmer head is simplicity at its finest. When you need more line, simply tap the button on the head against the ground and it releases line. It takes maybe 2 minutes to load once you get the hang of it.The simplicity of the design is its key to reliability.Pros:- Powerful- Great ergonomics- Super lightweight- Design is simple, yet refined- Reliable (8 months - no problems)- Fuel Efficient (I've personally used very little fuel)Cons:- Nada!Conclusion:If you have never heard of Tanaka and are worried about their quality, don't be.If you have an electric trimmer, want to upgrade to gas, but not sure if you really need one this nice? Just go for it, you won't regret it.If you are replacing your old busted gas trimmer and are looking for an upgrade to a higher quality product? This is the one.If you are trying to decide between this trimmer and the other more expensive entry level professional brands? The Tanaka should make you very happy.Suggestions:Don't buy a 4-cycle trimmer. 2-cycle is the only way to go.Let the engine warm up a bit before giving it a lot of throttle. As the engine heats during use, you may to need to fine tune the choke. If engine cuts off when you turn the trimmer at extreme angles, I have noticed that adjusting the choke helps a bit.The engine has definitely improved in performance as it has broken-in, so don't worry if you feel like it is lacking in power straight out of the box.--UPDATE 3/5/2012--After one year of owning this weed eater I started experiencing a fuel leak. Turns out the fuel lines had already degraded and were cracked. I purchased a generic fuel line kit from Home Depot for $5 and easily replace the line. Whatever polymer they are using for these lines needs to be changed ASAP because it is obviously being destroyed by the fuel or heat. This is a potentially dangerous issue and I removed a star because of it.Other than that issue, the trimmer has been working perfectly. Still going strong.

Great product starts every time lots of power.Have owned several trimmers this is the best by far

No issues. Can take a few pulls to start but is a rock solid performer. Lightweight yet good power and durability.

Easy to start, easy to use, and POWERFUL!