OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Trimmers and Brushcutters Ryobi Trimmers & Brushcutters Making Ryobi perform better

I've had a couple of Ryobi Whipper Snippers over my time, biggest frustration is that when the string breaks clean off that you need to turn the power off and re-sring. The Bump feed is barely adequate and so what should be a 15 min job ends up being an hour. The end result is that the Whipper Snipper just sits in the shed unused and then won't turn on because of carby problems etc.

Is there an after-market bump feed or would changing the string to a better type (if so, which?)help much? Is there anything else that can be done?

tiger, the trick with all the feed-out string reels is to stop before the string breaks off right at the reel. Once it does that, it takes perhaps 2 minutes to get it back into operation. Well, that's how long it takes me, and until I'd practised a bit it could easily take 15 minutes.

So far as the bump feed itself goes, I prefer it with the bump knob removed so you can hand feed it in about 15-20 seconds, and it never feeds by itself, plus the knob doesn't get in the way when you are snipping. However I've been advised by an expert that it is better yet to toss the feed reel entirely, and fit a simple string-holding device that just holds one piece of string. When the string becomes used up or broken, you just install another piece in a few seconds. I haven't tried that approach yet, but I can't recall seeing a professional use anything else.

Thanks grumpy for getting back to me so quickly. I try to not let it break off right at the reel but the whipper snipper has a mind of its own and no matter how careful I am, it breaks off and you need to stop it and re-string.


The concept of doing away with the bump feed altogether is interesting, I haven't heard that before. I'll have to investigate that further.

Hi All, doing away with the bump head altogether is something that interests me as well, I have had a quick look in the online store....I can't see anything like it, but Bruce might chime in here and tell us what the contractors and professional use.

Getting rid of the bump head would be great!!

Tiger,

You have three solutions regarding the bump head and they are:

1. On the guard is a cutter which cuts the nylon to the required length and if it is blunt the nylon will break.

2. You are using old nylon from Bunnings or from a hardware store which is not flexible.

3. The eyelets on the bump head are damaged.

I have used bump heads for many years and don't normally have issues with the nylon breaking unless it is one of the three things above.

That is a fairly representative single line head. The particular one is advertised as being for Tanaka trimmers.

Hi Bruce, I agree with you entirely, but what do the contractors and professional use....this fixed line gadget?

Darryl,

It depends on the contractor as to what they use but most of them to my knowledge are using the Tanaka type as grumpy has displayed.

Thanks Bruce, I can rule out 2, could not see any damage so 3 is ok but not sure. Am investigating 1.

Bruce, is there a recommended brand of line for use with Ryobi whipper snippers?

If I could comment on Grumpys idea of fixed head units. From my observations over time I have found they used these heads with thick line 1/the thick line lasts longer 2/you need a powerful unit to push thick line which is generally why you see contractors using them. They buy commercial machines, usually.

If it is adaptable, Kawasaki make a brilliant tap feed head. I keep mine well away from concrete edges and the like and it is still in perfect condition after 12 years. I was put onto them by a good friend who is a mowing business owner.

As others have said, keep the string up to them and don't go below 2.4mm, preferably 2.7mm if your machine can handle it, both the motor and the protective shroud cutting blade to keep even lengths.

I have found the Shindaiwa Speedfeed heads of good quality too.

The size line that Ryobi recommends is 2mm and I would suggest the trailblazer brand line (it is made in the USA) as it is good quality.

Thanks.