I did some research recently on line trimmers, and a friend who is up on all of this says Troy-Bilt was purchased by a Chinese company a couple of years ago. They bought it for the name, and apparently have no intent to support all of the existing Troy-Bilt equipment from the previous company. The jury is out on the new stuff, but it sounds pretty dodgy to me. I ended up with Ryobe. A little underpowered compared to my old Craftsman, but it starts easily so I spend a lot less time trying to start it or fixing the broken starter cord.

A friend of mine suggested that if I were ever to buy a riding mower for here that I buy a used one to see if I like it. The depreciation would have been taken care of, and if it was more than I wanted, I could turn around and sell it for the same price, no loss.

Good luck in your choice.

SRS