Tanaka TBC-240PF 23-cc 1-1/2-HP 2-Stroke Engine Straight Shaft Grass Trimmer (CARB Compliant)

Tanaka TBC-240PF 23-cc 1-1/2-HP 2-Stroke Engine Straight Shaft Grass Trimmer (CARB Compliant) Review

FINALLY, a trimmer that I'm very happy with ... my Tanaka 240PF!

I tried several different brand trimmers, Sears Craftsman professional model (0), a Ryobi from Home Depot (7), Echo, Stihl, and a few others. I usually buy Husqvarna products, but not this time.

This Tanaka trimmer is amazing. It trims weeds as if they are made of butter with it barely running above idle! So far, I haven't needed to run it past 50% throttle! This is also the quietest trimmer I've ever used. You can actually carry on a normal conversation without raising your voice, while it's running. (if needed)

The bumper feed works so silky smooth that I wasn't sure it was feeding string at all - but it was! Because I never saw the string get shorter, I assumed there was a problem. No problem at all! I had bought the "no brainer" optional spooler, but I see no reason to use it because the standard spool is flawless.

I suppose that after experiencing past trimmers, including all the headaches, I wasn't used to a trimmer that actually works properly. This Tanaka is certainly in a different class, a commercial grade without a doubt.

Before I bought this Tanaka, I did read the other reviews regarding a few problems and complaints of it being made in China instead of Japan. Personally, I'm glad I ignored these comments.

The only criticism I have is - the gas cap leaks slowly if the trimmer is not level, whether you stand/hang it vertically or if you lay it down. It simply cannot be set down or hung tilted to one side. I can deal with this minor oversight.

As a summary and in my opinion, this trimmer is the best. I felt obligated to leave a review because there were only 2 reviews present. I hope mine has helped you make a decision.
Cheers, Jeff

Tanaka TBC-240PF 23-cc 1-1/2-HP 2-Stroke Engine Straight Shaft Grass Trimmer (CARB Compliant) Feature

23cc 1.2 HP PureFire two-stroke engine
60-Inch Solid Steel Drive Shaft
5-Inch Semi-Automatic Cutting Head
Two-year commercial use warranty / Three-year consumer use warranty
Weighs 12-1/2-Pound (5.6 kg) with cutting head

Tanaka TBC-240PF 23-cc 1-1/2-HP 2-Stroke Engine Straight Shaft Grass Trimmer (CARB Compliant) Overview

23 cc, Commercial Grade, Gas Trimmer, 1.2 HP, 2 Cycle, Low Emissions, Full Crank, 4 Bolt Cylinder, 2 Piston Rings, Chrome Plated, Stress Relieved Cylinder, Heavy Duty Clutch, Wapoundro Diaphragm Carburetor With Primer, Pull Force Reduction System, 17.5 OZ Fuel Tank Capacity, Heavy Duty Anti-Vibration System, Soft Rubber Rear Handle, 60" Solid Steel Drive Shaft, 5" Semi-Automatic Cutting Head, 19" Cutting Swath, .095" Cutting Line Diameter, Holds 25' Of .095" Cutting Line, 12.5 LB, With Cutting Head, 50:1 Gas/Oil Ratio, Blade, Attachment Capable, Lifetime Drive Shaft Warranty, 3 Year Consumer Use Warranty.

Customer Reviews

Well engineered - R. Mcintire - Los Angeles, CA USA
I'm a homeowner with a large yard, both hillside and level. What I wanted was a high end homeowner/entry level commercial trimmer and that's what I got. I am very satisfied with the Tanaka. I tried out Shindawa (T242 as a matter of fact), a number of Echo's, Husquevarnas, and Stihls. For my purposes the Tanaka balanced better, and felt as light or lighter, than the others. All of which are good.

A commercial dealer told me the Tanaka's don't break down and that Tanaka has trouble making money since they don't sell that many parts. You judge.

First chance I got I put it together (btw, no shipping damage from Amazon--of course they'd cover it anyway) and took it into the yard to test on 2-3 ft grass (foxtails, wild oat, alfalfa, others) mixed with woody weeds, 1/2" average diameter. Don't know the name, but tough stuff. Leaf shaped like a geranium. The Tanaka just took them out, didn't bog down at all. When I when into some really thick stuff I had to slow down a bit. But it took it all out. Including some dead birch branches, maybe 1/4 to 1/2", I hadn't cleaned up yet.

Oh yeah. It has a 2 year commercial use warranty. 3 yr home use.

So far so good. If I have problems I'll report back.

Not a great choice - Thomas Hargis Jr. - Balto.MD
I had two of these shipped and both times they were damaged from the factory in the box. After inspection I also noticed this is made in China, not Japan like most other Tanaka stuff. Don't waste your time like I did, spend the extra and get a Shindawa T242. This unit would never make it in the real world.

Gas String Trimmer

Friday, November 13, 2009