So I watrched the "Echo" youtube video, and a few others. They act like we all do this day in and day out and have a ton of experience. This man showed it like this was our first time. And of course it's our first time. Why the heck would we be watching this if we knew what we were doing. This was good and covered everything. Echo should pay you. This is better than anything I watched on their tutorials.
Now I feel like a moron. This is my first year in business and I have an echo 2620T trimmer came with the speed feed 400 head. I’ve been disassembling the head to run my new line through. Never even noticed the arrows 🤦🏻♂️ going to be a lot more productive now. Thanks brotha for the tutorial
Man, thanks a lot for this video. I just bought a Speed Feed 400 for my Echo 2620. Been a cave man long enough 😂. Can't wait for it to arrive. Now I have a clue how to use it, thanks to you.
Those heads are terrific. A few years back I worked a whole season without knowing it was a speed-feed on my echo 225 so I was always refilling the "archaic" way until a dude from another lawn service pointed it out to me. Felt pretty dumb but shoot, now it's speed feed heads on all the whips at the shop. Great vid. 💪💯
Wow! I've had the speed feed 400 for almost 2 years and when I originally bought it, everything worked fine as it should've. After I decided to replace the original trimmer line with the thicker diamond line, I must have reinstalled with the arrow facing the wrong direction because the string would no longer spit out when bumped. I figured it was a bad unit and would normally disassemble and pull more string through manually . I never knew of this simple and easy to follow instructions. After watching your video, I went out and relooked at my trimmer and sure indeed, i had reinstalled the line assembly with the arrows in the wrong direction . After correcting the issue, It works just as the day I bought it! Thank you so much for the video, I feel like an idiot for not knowing this.
Thanks Jay; I bought an Echo Speed-Feed 400 Universal Trimmer Head, but I didn't know how to replace the line; this head and your tips are game changers. I really like your chill presentation that gets right to the point from a guy who isn't talking theories but it out there using the tools in the field. I just got back in after changing the line and applying your tips. Thanks again.
Awesome. Straight to the point and explains why he does and doesnt do certain things, for example, not trusting the provided string in the bump feed, rather, replacing everything clean and fresh having complete confidence in your machine before you begin the task at hand. Gave this first time weed wacker user some confidence. Here we go, lets do it. Thanks, brother.
Thanks, this was extremely helpful. For reference, these steps work on the Stihl FS 94 R (Stihl FS94R) string trimmer I own (including the green bushing - described beginning at ~7:50 time). For those that are following this - make sure to get that spacer that goes between the trimmer and the speed head oriented correctly (beginning at ~9:25)!
I just got my Speed Feed 400 yesterday. It kind of fell apart in my hands and gave the instructions a look. Threw away the instructions and just fiddled with the parts. Installed it took it out in my back yard fired her up and about 6 minutes later I was about half way done. There isn't any kind of positive click to let you know you've let line out. The only way to tell is the swishing of the line gets louder. What a great purchase! I've learned to be patient with the old head now I'm back to enjoying trimming again.
U R Good! Thank you. Yesterday I attempted to use my 400 for the first time, unsuccessfully. Drank a beer and called it a day. After watching your video I know it will work for me today!
Jay, I too went through the cover on my 1st speed feed, exposing the spring. On my second one, I used a washer and a short self-tapping screw in the center of the cover. I have now used that one head for three seasons. I installed the washer and the screw on a brand new head because I wanted all the plastic I could get for the screw to grab. Try it. You will love it.
Great video Jay! Just a DIY/FYI project to get WAY more life out of your cap, if you pick up a 3/8" carriage bolt, 3/8" fender washer (Or a 1/2" if using a carriage bolt to go over the square base under the head), and a 3/8" lock nut. Drill a 3/8" hole dead center in the cap. If you are using a carriage bolt, use a sharp knife and cut the hole into a square. If you are using any other kind of bolt, this won't be necessary. Pop the washer over the bolt, put the bolt through the hole, and tighten to just snug with the lock washer. Now you have a domed metal head with a metal flat washer covering the high wear area of the cap. Since it's dead center, there isn't any extra load on the trimmer or anything. You can use a regular hex head bolt, but I like to use a domed head bolt, just so it glides smoothly and doesn't catch on anything. If you have a head already wearing thin, you can save it so long as you have not gone through to the spring. I'm not a commercial/professional user, but I used to go through 3-4 caps in a year. This is my third year with a cap that I would say is half worn before adding the bolt/washer trick. All in, a small pack of 6 stainless bolts, 2 stainless fender washers (still using the first one) and 2 lock nuts (still using the first one) cost about $6 from the local hardware store, so if you have a couple minutes to drill and bolt, I'd say it's money well spent since it's even cheaper than just a replacement cap.
I just bought a copy of this head from China, as they are half the price of the originals. After measuring, if you use an M10 (3/8") carriage bolt, the washers will be too big for the included spring. Using an M8 (5/16") bolt, should mean that everything will fit? I will find out, when the bolts, washers and nuts arrive.
I am new to this. Just bought my 1st Speed Feed head. Drilled out the hole and put that cartridge bolt through it. Of course with the lock nut. But I am glad I did it on a new cap. Thank you.
A tip I learned about ( Brittle ) trimmer line.. REJUVENATE IT...Just let it soak in water for a few hours and it will become soft / plyable again . It won't cause line breaking... ALSO spray a Lubricant in the hole were the trimmer line is & won't jam up... Thanks for this video on how to use the speed feeder...
Thanks for the video Jay. I purchased an Echo speed feed 400 yesterday. I own a 1995 Echo 2100. The worst thing about it was restringing the original head with line. It was such a tedious process which had so many variables that could go wrong. You had to hold your mouth just right and find the proper VOCABULARY in order to complete the mission at hand.
I remember when the speed feed came out and folks were constantly complaining about it and they didn't like it. I had an Echo 225 trimmer where I had to feed the line the old way and hated stringing it. I purchased the 266T around 2015 and it had the speed feed head and I immediately liked the head because I hated the other method of stringing the head. I've been using the speed feed head ever since. I don't go through them like you do though because I don't do this for a living. Glad you found a cheaper solution than a full replacement. I will certainly remember those bump head replacements.
Where do you purchase the Speed Heads and or caps? Home Depot? I seen several after market “Speed Heads” on Amazon but not sure I trust those. A few dollars more and get the real thing has always paid off for me.
Jay, great video and tips man! Been using (Shindaiwa's now) Echo's Speed Feed 400 and 450 trimmer heads for years on my Shindaiwa and Stihl trimmers - I'm not sponsored by the brands mentioned in any way and own all my equipment free and clear! The string length varies with its gauge; 4 (not full) arm lengths is good for up to 0.095 (2.4 mm). I've stuck with 3 fully extended arms (I'm 6'2) for 0.105 (2.7 mm) lines (FS 94R/111R on 400s) and 0.130 (3.3 mm) lines (B450/FS 131R/240 on 450s). To make it easier on the (twisted) 0.130 line, took a Phillips #2 screwdriver, applied grease then using heat, carefully expanded the spool hub central channel so now it moves freely. To extend the life of the covers, I've epoxy 2 large washers at the bottom - way cheaper. Another couple tips: paint the spool housing alignment arrows white; will make your reloading a breeze! Paint a dot on the spool hub so you know which side goes inside the housing up/down! For additional info on Echo 400, go to www.echo-usa.com/getattachment/461b0eb3-9a40-4c7d-ad50-e4430504d147/99944200907es_082013.pdf For additional info on Echo 450, go to www.echopartsonline.com/Echo-Speed-Feed-450-99944200903-OEM/ Shop around for savings!
Is there a benefit of the Speed Feed 450 over the 400? I dont see an obvious difference in the description other than a $3 upcharge in price, and that it mentions the 450 works on different trimmers.
I cant't thank you enough for clearly showing how to load the echo trimmer. You brought the trimmer head close to the screen so that anyone can clearly see and comprehend how to line up the little notches. No one is as good and clear and thorough as you. Y should become a teacher, because you both show and explain everything slowly and perfectly. GOD BLESS YOU ! AND A BIG BIG THANKS!!!
Homie in a lawn forum I was checking said *his ☆☆☆☆ pro tip* on these was to drill a small hole in the center of the cap, then fit it with a nut and washer outside and a locking nut inside. That way you never make contact with cement and you save the life of the head for longer. I haven't tried it, but it seems legit. Hope this helps cut down your $$ on new heads/caps. New sub. Good sh*t. Ups.
After many years in the lawn care industry I discovered last year we should be soaking all trimmer line in water for 24 hours bc it does get brittle (like you mentioned). Thank you for the great video👍🏼!!
A BONUS TIP: keep your line submerged in water til the day of use (or even til the time to load the head). There are a lot of landscapers keeping line on their trailer or in the truck. The smart ones are keeping it in a sealed bucket or pail. It will stay far more pliable and cut much longer on each section. You'll use a fraction of line as a pro by doing that. Remember, this stuff breaks down quickly in the sun and hot air. There's a reason you don't have trim line piled up six inches deep already on the properties you maintain. ;) Toss that "dead line" you pulled off in for a soak and pull it out in a few days. You won't be keeping it for emergencies, you'll want to load that juicy string.
@@JaysLawnService did you do it? All line sound be soaked. Even if new. That line could have sat in a hot warehouse for a while. This stuff is made in huge batches. It works on all line!!!!
I just now came home from buying this same trimmer head. My reason for buying this replacement head was because I had to re-string trimmer line about three hours ago. I had to disassembly the head unit to re-sting new line. Not anymore... Thumbs Up!
Dude thank you! I was so sick of my replacing the trimmer line...I was like this in bullshit 😒 and I have a huge yard to maintain. I'm going to Home Depot. Thank you from South Florida
Bro this video sold me on the echo speed feed. Went out to Home Depot today and bought one. Installed it on my Honda gx35 no issues. Works fantastic! Thanks so much man its definitely a game changer.
Cave Man here who just got educated! Thanks for a greata video Jay! I've never liked using string trimmers since they're such a pain to re-string. Just bought a new straight shaft stilhl trimmer and I'mm gonna toss the orignial head and give the speed feed a try. Nice camera work and great instructions!
More: it’s about 102* outside. When it cools down to 96-97* this evening, I’m gonna try my new head. Again, thanks for the video, the instructions leave one with questions. ALL of which you covered. Great job dude. Thank you, Artie Miller
When Shindaiwa invented this head it was a complete game change for the whole trimmer market. I bought one of their trimmers 15yrs ago with it and haven't looked back. I recently put one on my Makita 18v cordless trimmer. I have also seen it under other brand names now like Echo, Oregon, etc. but its still the same Shindawa head. I wont use anything else.
Jay, you mentioned not trusting possibly brittle string. Chickanic explained about that in one of her videos. All old string can be revitalized - "unbrittled" - by soaking the string only (not in the string head) in a container of water. Leave it in there for a day and pull it out to use. It will absorb water to replace what has dried out and it should be as good as new! I hope that helps you with this issue.
Thank you for this video. I recently rented a house and the owner provided an electric, single line trimmer. Reloading the line was a pain in the butt, as it is with so many other trimmers. The battery operated, single string trimmer was underpowered and cut poorly, so I decided to get a gas powered Stihl. I read several reviews and decided on the FS 91R, knowing I would need to look for a better trimmer head. From your review I decided to purchase the Stens Fast Feed Trimmer Head 385-288, which I think is also marketed under other brand names. The FS 91R used the green adapter. It is very easy to install and it is super easy to replace the string. I wish I had one of these twenty years ago. Reloading the string has been such a hassle.
sir I'm a roofer. wanted to let you know i was struggling with the adapter. and i was jamming a screw driver and hammer. once i saw you pop out the adapter i felt like a moron. thank you for this video. appreciate it
Mr. Jay, great job on this video. I been using these heads since they came out. My Echo trimmers out last the Stihls twice as long. Good motors. Thank you.
Great...took my trimmer head off and after putting it back...guess I left a part out..well @ 75 I forget some stuff..watched the head take apart..low and behold there was the part (the part which had line on it that you removed). My SRM-225 manual showed nothing..nor did the online version. So Jay thanks for being a professional in your trimmer vid...you beat out Echo... hahahahahaha!
Lots of people drill a hole through the cap and put a ⅜ bolt with the flat part on the outside, so when you tap it it won't wear to because you're just tapping on the head of the bold.
Little late to your video. Been looking at this head for a while. My Stihl head (parts) disappeared in the weeds a couple of days ago. Almost went and bought a replacement at the local Stihl dealer, then remembered the 400 Echo Speed Feed head. Finally picked one up at Home Depot. Really like the "400", but I think Echo should send you some bucks, the enclosed "instructions" suck! Your video is really a great help! Concise and no B.S., outstanding job! Thanks!
Very informative tutorial ! Straight to the point, great hot tips in regards to the consumable parts and how to replace them efficiently. Stay blessed brother 🤙🏽
Jay....THANK you for the outstanding knowledge you have provided. Last Saturday I was reloading the spool and cursing the entire time when it would slip and I would have to start over. It took me almost 25 minutes to get the line on the spool and put it in the case. And you just did it in maybe 25 seconds!!! I had not clue and it does not tell that anywhere in the owners manual that I could find!! THANK YOU!!!!! Oohrah!
Thank you for the video really helped me ….. returning the favor….. to knock out brass fitting use the handle end of the tool instead of the screw driver side…. Again thanks for the help
its 1 march 2023 and yo video was the ONLY one I could understand to put my used echo weed eater head back together.. had to take it apart to remove weedbarrier 'strings' or shredded pieces.. thanks again.. im savin this video
Hey Jay thanks for explaining everything so thoroughly… I appreciate the info, I do work in Florida and I just recently switched to a “speed feed” head, so knowing what to do with modifying with different brands is really helpful, thanks
Jay, Thank you for this illustration. I have struggled with string replacement since I got my echo, (not the same power as yours). I laughed out loud this morning after I replaced it, without it faulting when I start the machine. Thank you! I appreciate!
Thank you so much! I’m retired, and have despised weed eating for years. Have a old FS40C Stihl . Ordered the speed feed, just now! Can’t wait. Great video as well. You did fantastic! Ronnie, East Tennessee
Great Video. I just bought the Echo GT 225, and it came with this ridiculous head you would have to put 6 inch pieces of trimmer line at a time. For a great weed eater Echo sure blew it in the head they sell with it.
Is there any reason Echo makes a separate Speed Feed 400 for the curved shaft Echos? I was going to buy one for my SRM210 straight shaft as it was only $19 instead of $29 online, but the description says the $19 one is for curved shafts ONLY. Still not sure why curved or straight shaft should make a difference on why the $19 Speed Feed head wouldn’t work on a straight shaft trimmer
Hey Jay , just watched a vid of a guy who puts a bolt on the lid under the spring which keeps the plastic from wearing out when you bump it. Cool idea . Thanks for the vid , bought the part for my hubby not realizing now have to get the green piece and spacer….🤪. Then we will follow your directions to get it out on his Stihl kobe. 👍🏻♥️🇨🇦
Jay- I drill a hole in the bottom of the where the spring is at. I use a 1 inch bolt and a big flat washer and a lock nut. This way you are tapping on the nut head and the trimmer head has been on for 5 years. This is 11 lawns a week for 5 years.
I just got an echo srm 225 with the speed feed crank head its awsome it makes changing line so easy they have brand new heads with line at home depot easy
Great Video! ... I have a Stihl FS40C and I am having some problems finding the right way to attach this head… I think its different for the smaller trimmers?
I LOVE to watch my neighbor re-string his trimmer. He has to go sit down in the shade while he works on it. I can restring mine without shutting the engine off. I have tried to tell him about the speed feed. He told me they "don't work right". I assured him they do, but then he said they do not work for his trimmer. LOL. At this point I hope he never gets one because watching him struggle is a blast.
Jay. Thank you! I just subscribed. What I really liked about this UA-cam is you didn't just talk about the 400 you showed us exactly how to do it and then the spare part to purchase. I was measuring line for the last 10 years, and now I am just going to use my wingspan and never walk my acres of land without spare line in my back pocket. I wish you all the best from Fallbrook, CA!
Great demonstration! Clear and concise instructions. Works super on my Echo. Less time consuming and easier than refilling the common spool. And precutting line to carry in your pockets is a really good idea. Thanks for your tutorial.
thanks for this video; my crummy dewalt head broke on first use; restringing did no good, so went out and bought the Echo. Your video was fantastically clear so far as installation, use of adapters etc.
So many of these videos and what is always missing is, in what direction do you install the spool inside the unit, even before installing it on your trimmer. Spins left or right?
@@JaysLawnService not true. My Buddy has an Echo SRM225 with the SPEED FEED 400 head. Watched a few you tube videos that had conflicting information on the spool direction. We had to do it several times as we didn’t think it mattered but it does. We had the L towards the cap so the R was facing up. As soon as we loaded the line the line was sucked into the head. We reversed the spool where the L is facing up then it worked perfectly. Hopefully someone will be helped by my trial and error.
I just got mine today in the mail for my Stihl FS 55R. The instructions for this stink. Glad I watched your video and for the first time ever I'm looking forward to using my weed eater. The changing of the string was always a nightmare. Again thanks man and take care.
Hey Uso. Man I really appreciate the video. I would've been screwing with that thing for an hour before figuring it out. Took 10 minutes and you cracked me up while doing it 🤙🏻
@@JaysLawnService I will apply that method next time I’m weedeating a bunch! Last gig my wife and I knocked it out less that 3 hours, with what I just saw I’m sure we can shave off 1 man hour together when we go back to that customer in the fall
Jay What a great presentation excellent I can feel like a 400 Trimmer weekend weed warrior fighting to clean the area with excitement of completion. Thank You well done.
Brah ! ! ! I live in Hawaii where we do a lot of weedeating and I’ve never seen your way of loading a Speed-Feed Head. Tried it the other day and it works perfectly- you freaking rock Brah! No going back to my shop and taking the head off and rewinding - carry extra line in back pocket now - Game Changer! Much Mahalo
Been using a Remington 2510 weed trimmer for about 10 years. What a pain it is to change the line, "caveman style". My trimmer broke, thank God.....I had no idea these speed heads existed. Going tomorrow to HD to buy me a new trimmer..Thank you
Thank You for the Lesson Jay! I believe God has blessed You with an exceptional gift for teaching. Clear, concise, and professional. Thank You for sharing Your experience, and instruction.
Thank you. The shop did say to do something like this just needed a visual. Although I didn't remove the white thing as it seemed like I has to break it to remove it. It still worked so thanks again
Great video man, i just subscribed to your channel. I keep rolls of string cut, taped and ready to go and always keep on in the pocket for when needed💪💪💪
Thanks dude I borrowed a trimmer with this head and wasn’t able to get ahold of the friend to get the correct way to load it and how much line to put in it 👍👍
I was watching your video and another thing came to mind. There is no reason to throw out your older line. Most people don't know this but the trimmer line is hydrophilic, meaning it absorbs water. So you got some line you don't know how long it's been sitting around, put it in a bucket of water. it will reabsorb the water. And your line will be good as new. I keep a bucket of water and put my line in it to condition it before I need it. I always have fresh line waiting to go.
I had a model older than this one that I love. My sister has difficulty with tools that are too heavy and she actually loved mine and found it easy to use ua-cam.com/users/postUgkx_rBCFuDW1zD6blTGhLkvAkxU657uR_lG . This is a newer model but was even lighter which she really appreciates. She enjoys it and I no longer have to go to her house to trim as she can handle it fine. Haven't used it enough to comment on the battery life but lithium batteries last longer than the old style. Being cordless makes it easy to trim the far edges of the property. The entire yard can be trimmed with one charged battery.
I also keep precut line in my back pocket, I use Stihl autocut, I can restring my trimmer in under a min from killing my trimmer to cutting again. I also have 20 years experience in professional lawncare
So I watrched the "Echo" youtube video, and a few others. They act like we all do this day in and day out and have a ton of experience. This man showed it like this was our first time. And of course it's our first time. Why the heck would we be watching this if we knew what we were doing. This was good and covered everything. Echo should pay you. This is better than anything I watched on their tutorials.
Now I feel like a moron. This is my first year in business and I have an echo 2620T trimmer came with the speed feed 400 head. I’ve been disassembling the head to run my new line through. Never even noticed the arrows 🤦🏻♂️ going to be a lot more productive now. Thanks brotha for the tutorial
Anytime!
Man, thanks a lot for this video. I just bought a Speed Feed 400 for my Echo 2620. Been a cave man long enough 😂. Can't wait for it to arrive. Now I have a clue how to use it, thanks to you.
Me too! The friend I borrowed it from didnt know this either!!
Same here, I've had an Echo with the speed feed head, and I kept taking it apart and winding it up🙃
Those heads are terrific. A few years back I worked a whole season without knowing it was a speed-feed on my echo 225 so I was always refilling the "archaic" way until a dude from another lawn service pointed it out to me. Felt pretty dumb but shoot, now it's speed feed heads on all the whips at the shop. Great vid. 💪💯
LOL Hell yeah bro!
Wow! I've had the speed feed 400 for almost 2 years and when I originally bought it, everything worked fine as it should've. After I decided to replace the original trimmer line with the thicker diamond line, I must have reinstalled with the arrow facing the wrong direction because the string would no longer spit out when bumped. I figured it was a bad unit and would normally disassemble and pull more string through manually . I never knew of this simple and easy to follow instructions. After watching your video, I went out and relooked at my trimmer and sure indeed, i had reinstalled the line assembly with the arrows in the wrong direction . After correcting the issue, It works just as the day I bought it! Thank you so much for the video, I feel like an idiot for not knowing this.
I just bought the Echo SpeedFeed 400 for my Stihl FS 91 R String Trimmer I love it. Its so easy to refill with line.
Right? Huge time and stress saver!
@@JaysLawnService Yes it is.
Thanks Jay; I bought an Echo Speed-Feed 400 Universal Trimmer Head, but I didn't know how to replace the line; this head and your tips are game changers. I really like your chill presentation that gets right to the point from a guy who isn't talking theories but it out there using the tools in the field. I just got back in after changing the line and applying your tips. Thanks again.
Glad I could help
Awesome. Straight to the point and explains why he does and doesnt do certain things, for example, not trusting the provided string in the bump feed, rather, replacing everything clean and fresh having complete confidence in your machine before you begin the task at hand. Gave this first time weed wacker user some confidence. Here we go, lets do it. Thanks, brother.
Thanks for the kind words David!
Thanks, this was extremely helpful. For reference, these steps work on the Stihl FS 94 R (Stihl FS94R) string trimmer I own (including the green bushing - described beginning at ~7:50 time). For those that are following this - make sure to get that spacer that goes between the trimmer and the speed head oriented correctly (beginning at ~9:25)!
Best trimmer head ever been using them for over 20 years ever since Shindaiwa came out with the speed feed head.
Yes sir!
I just got my Speed Feed 400 yesterday. It kind of fell apart in my hands and gave the instructions a look. Threw away the instructions and just fiddled with the parts. Installed it took it out in my back yard fired her up and about 6 minutes later I was about half way done. There isn't any kind of positive click to let you know you've let line out. The only way to tell is the swishing of the line gets louder. What a great purchase! I've learned to be patient with the old head now I'm back to enjoying trimming again.
U R Good! Thank you. Yesterday I attempted to use my 400 for the first time, unsuccessfully. Drank a beer and called it a day. After watching your video I know it will work for me today!
Jay, I too went through the cover on my 1st speed feed, exposing the spring. On my second one, I used a washer and a short self-tapping screw in the center of the cover. I have now used that one head for three seasons. I installed the washer and the screw on a brand new head because I wanted all the plastic I could get for the screw to grab. Try it. You will love it.
Great video Jay! Just a DIY/FYI project to get WAY more life out of your cap, if you pick up a 3/8" carriage bolt, 3/8" fender washer (Or a 1/2" if using a carriage bolt to go over the square base under the head), and a 3/8" lock nut. Drill a 3/8" hole dead center in the cap. If you are using a carriage bolt, use a sharp knife and cut the hole into a square. If you are using any other kind of bolt, this won't be necessary. Pop the washer over the bolt, put the bolt through the hole, and tighten to just snug with the lock washer. Now you have a domed metal head with a metal flat washer covering the high wear area of the cap. Since it's dead center, there isn't any extra load on the trimmer or anything. You can use a regular hex head bolt, but I like to use a domed head bolt, just so it glides smoothly and doesn't catch on anything. If you have a head already wearing thin, you can save it so long as you have not gone through to the spring. I'm not a commercial/professional user, but I used to go through 3-4 caps in a year. This is my third year with a cap that I would say is half worn before adding the bolt/washer trick. All in, a small pack of 6 stainless bolts, 2 stainless fender washers (still using the first one) and 2 lock nuts (still using the first one) cost about $6 from the local hardware store, so if you have a couple minutes to drill and bolt, I'd say it's money well spent since it's even cheaper than just a replacement cap.
Thank you for the comment. I will definitely try this in the future.
You beat me to this tip. I have the original cap on my speed feed because of the installed carriage bolt. Residential use @ 5 years old!
@@Bluesky-bx2ig Nice!
I just bought a copy of this head from China, as they are half the price of the originals. After measuring, if you use an M10 (3/8") carriage bolt, the washers will be too big for the included spring. Using an M8 (5/16") bolt, should mean that everything will fit? I will find out, when the bolts, washers and nuts arrive.
I am new to this. Just bought my 1st Speed Feed head. Drilled out the hole and put that cartridge bolt through it. Of course with the lock nut. But I am glad I did it on a new cap. Thank you.
A tip I learned about ( Brittle ) trimmer line.. REJUVENATE IT...Just let it soak in water for a few hours and it will become soft / plyable again . It won't cause line breaking... ALSO spray a Lubricant in the hole were the trimmer line is & won't jam up... Thanks for this video on how to use the speed feeder...
Thanks for the tip!
Dawn dishwashing soap in water helps it feed great and lasts longer 😊
This line string trimmer head has to be the best thing on the market! I have an Echo and it is the best ever! Great video and explanation!
100% agree!
Not in the Business, just a home owner but, I keep coming back to this video to remember how to load my speed feed.
Great video and what a time saver.
Thanks for the video Jay. I purchased an Echo speed feed 400 yesterday. I own a 1995 Echo 2100. The worst thing about it was restringing the original head with line. It was such a tedious process which had so many variables that could go wrong. You had to hold your mouth just right and find the proper VOCABULARY in order to complete the mission at hand.
Anytime!
Glad this video was of some use to you. Thanks Arthur!
I remember when the speed feed came out and folks were constantly complaining about it and they didn't like it. I had an Echo 225 trimmer where I had to feed the line the old way and hated stringing it. I purchased the 266T around 2015 and it had the speed feed head and I immediately liked the head because I hated the other method of stringing the head. I've been using the speed feed head ever since. I don't go through them like you do though because I don't do this for a living. Glad you found a cheaper solution than a full replacement. I will certainly remember those bump head replacements.
Awesome! This makes year 5 for me.
Where do you purchase the Speed Heads and or caps? Home Depot?
I seen several after market “Speed Heads” on Amazon but not sure I trust those. A few dollars more and get the real thing has always paid off for me.
Jay, great video and tips man! Been using (Shindaiwa's now) Echo's Speed Feed 400 and 450 trimmer heads for years on my Shindaiwa and Stihl trimmers - I'm not sponsored by the brands mentioned in any way and own all my equipment free and clear!
The string length varies with its gauge; 4 (not full) arm lengths is good for up to 0.095 (2.4 mm). I've stuck with 3 fully extended arms (I'm 6'2) for 0.105 (2.7 mm) lines (FS 94R/111R on 400s) and 0.130 (3.3 mm) lines (B450/FS 131R/240 on 450s). To make it easier on the (twisted) 0.130 line, took a Phillips #2 screwdriver, applied grease then using heat, carefully expanded the spool hub central channel so now it moves freely. To extend the life of the covers, I've epoxy 2 large washers at the bottom - way cheaper. Another couple tips: paint the spool housing alignment arrows white; will make your reloading a breeze! Paint a dot on the spool hub so you know which side goes inside the housing up/down!
For additional info on Echo 400, go to www.echo-usa.com/getattachment/461b0eb3-9a40-4c7d-ad50-e4430504d147/99944200907es_082013.pdf
For additional info on Echo 450, go to www.echopartsonline.com/Echo-Speed-Feed-450-99944200903-OEM/
Shop around for savings!
Thanks for the tips!
Is there a benefit of the Speed Feed 450 over the 400? I dont see an obvious difference in the description other than a $3 upcharge in price, and that it mentions the 450 works on different trimmers.
I love how, at 11:16, when you were describing cutting the weeds, you were also singing the blues a little bit. That's what I call enjoying your work.
I cant't thank you enough for clearly showing how to load the echo trimmer. You brought the trimmer head close to the screen so that anyone can clearly see and comprehend how to line up the little notches. No one is as good and clear and thorough as you. Y should become a teacher, because you both show and explain everything slowly and perfectly.
GOD BLESS YOU ! AND A BIG BIG THANKS!!!
Wow! That is very kind of you to say. Thank you so much!
Homie in a lawn forum I was checking said *his ☆☆☆☆ pro tip* on these was to drill a small hole in the center of the cap, then fit it with a nut and washer outside and a locking nut inside. That way you never make contact with cement and you save the life of the head for longer.
I haven't tried it, but it seems legit.
Hope this helps cut down your $$ on new heads/caps.
New sub. Good sh*t.
Ups.
Nice tip! Thanks!
This is why I love UA-cam! Thank you for your video. The directions were not easy to follow that came with it. You literally simplified the process.
I'm glad I was able to help out. Thanks for watching!
After many years in the lawn care industry I discovered last year we should be soaking all trimmer line in water for 24 hours bc it does get brittle (like you mentioned).
Thank you for the great video👍🏼!!
A BONUS TIP: keep your line submerged in water til the day of use (or even til the time to load the head). There are a lot of landscapers keeping line on their trailer or in the truck. The smart ones are keeping it in a sealed bucket or pail. It will stay far more pliable and cut much longer on each section. You'll use a fraction of line as a pro by doing that. Remember, this stuff breaks down quickly in the sun and hot air. There's a reason you don't have trim line piled up six inches deep already on the properties you maintain. ;)
Toss that "dead line" you pulled off in for a soak and pull it out in a few days. You won't be keeping it for emergencies, you'll want to load that juicy string.
Great tip! I might try that with my "dead line". Thank you sir!
I was going to leave the same comment. We have no idea how old "New" string from the hardware store is. Throw it in a bucket of water.
Interesting tip, I'll give that a go, thanks!
@@JaysLawnService did you do it? All line sound be soaked. Even if new. That line could have sat in a hot warehouse for a while. This stuff is made in huge batches. It works on all line!!!!
I just now came home from buying this same trimmer head. My reason for buying this replacement head was because I had to re-string trimmer line about three hours ago. I had to disassembly the head unit to re-sting new line. Not anymore... Thumbs Up!
Glad I was able to help out.
Dude thank you! I was so sick of my replacing the trimmer line...I was like this in bullshit 😒 and I have a huge yard to maintain. I'm going to Home Depot. Thank you from South Florida
You are welcome for Big Texas!
Bro this video sold me on the echo speed feed. Went out to Home Depot today and bought one. Installed it on my Honda gx35 no issues. Works fantastic! Thanks so much man its definitely a game changer.
Hell yeah Shorty! Good for you Bro! Glad you got some good input from my video. Thanks!
Cave Man here who just got educated! Thanks for a greata video Jay! I've never liked using string trimmers since they're such a pain to re-string. Just bought a new straight shaft stilhl trimmer and I'mm gonna toss the orignial head and give the speed feed a try. Nice camera work and great instructions!
Thank you so much! Very kind of you!
More: it’s about 102* outside. When it cools down to 96-97* this evening, I’m gonna try my new head. Again, thanks for the video, the instructions leave one with questions. ALL of which you covered. Great job dude.
Thank you, Artie Miller
Happy to be of service Artie! Stay cool out there!
Also the spool,has a L. and a R on it for a straight and a curve shaft trimmer. Great video.
Wow! Thanks! Never noticed that.
When Shindaiwa invented this head it was a complete game change for the whole trimmer market. I bought one of their trimmers 15yrs ago with it and haven't looked back. I recently put one on my Makita 18v cordless trimmer. I have also seen it under other brand names now like Echo, Oregon, etc. but its still the same Shindawa head. I wont use anything else.
Nice!
Thanks for the tip on just replacing the Speedfeed bump cover. Saved me from needing to buy a whole new unit. Thumbs up!!
Thank you Fritz!
Jay, you mentioned not trusting possibly brittle string. Chickanic explained about that in one of her videos. All old string can be revitalized - "unbrittled" - by soaking the string only (not in the string head) in a container of water. Leave it in there for a day and pull it out to use. It will absorb water to replace what has dried out and it should be as good as new! I hope that helps you with this issue.
Thanks Jay ! I’m just a regular dude in Kansas that benefited from your video. Thanks for being a great human being 🤙
That's very kind of you to say. Thank you brotha!
agreed! my dumb ass had the line in wrong and was wondering why it wasn't self feeding 😂
@@Jonnyboy876 Glad you got it right
I am also just a regular dude in Kansas that benefited from this.
Thank you for this video. I recently rented a house and the owner provided an electric, single line trimmer. Reloading the line was a pain in the butt, as it is with so many other trimmers. The battery operated, single string trimmer was underpowered and cut poorly, so I decided to get a gas powered Stihl. I read several reviews and decided on the FS 91R, knowing I would need to look for a better trimmer head. From your review I decided to purchase the Stens Fast Feed Trimmer Head 385-288, which I think is also marketed under other brand names. The FS 91R used the green adapter. It is very easy to install and it is super easy to replace the string. I wish I had one of these twenty years ago. Reloading the string has been such a hassle.
Thanks, I have a home on an acre that's on a corner with a circular driveway. I spend too much time trimming. This will surely help.
Happy to be of service!
sir I'm a roofer. wanted to let you know i was struggling with the adapter. and i was jamming a screw driver and hammer. once i saw you pop out the adapter i felt like a moron. thank you for this video. appreciate it
Mr. Jay, great job on this video. I been using these heads since they came out. My Echo trimmers out last the Stihls twice as long. Good motors. Thank you.
I've been hearing that lately. Thanks Zapattube!
Great...took my trimmer head off and after putting it back...guess I left a part out..well @ 75 I forget some stuff..watched the
head take apart..low and behold there was the part (the part which had line on it that you removed). My SRM-225 manual showed nothing..nor did the online version. So Jay thanks for being a professional in your trimmer vid...you beat out Echo... hahahahahaha!
Lots of people drill a hole through the cap and put a ⅜ bolt with the flat part on the outside, so when you tap it it won't wear to because you're just tapping on the head of the bold.
Nice tip!
Little late to your video. Been looking at this head for a while. My Stihl head (parts) disappeared in the weeds a couple of days ago. Almost went and bought a replacement at the local Stihl dealer, then remembered the 400 Echo Speed Feed head. Finally picked one up at Home Depot. Really like the "400", but I think Echo should send you some bucks, the enclosed "instructions" suck! Your video is really a great help! Concise and no B.S., outstanding job! Thanks!
Very informative tutorial !
Straight to the point, great hot tips in regards to the consumable parts and how to replace them efficiently.
Stay blessed brother 🤙🏽
Very kind words. Thank you!
Jay....THANK you for the outstanding knowledge you have provided. Last Saturday I was reloading the spool and cursing the entire time when it would slip and I would have to start over. It took me almost 25 minutes to get the line on the spool and put it in the case. And you just did it in maybe 25 seconds!!! I had not clue and it does not tell that anywhere in the owners manual that I could find!! THANK YOU!!!!! Oohrah!
Thank you for the video really helped me ….. returning the favor….. to knock out brass fitting use the handle end of the tool instead of the screw driver side…. Again thanks for the help
Thanks for the tip!
its 1 march 2023 and yo video was the ONLY one I could understand to put my used echo weed eater head back together.. had to take it apart to remove weedbarrier 'strings' or shredded pieces.. thanks again.. im savin this video
Happy to help
Hey Jay thanks for explaining everything so thoroughly… I appreciate the info, I do work in Florida and I just recently switched to a “speed feed” head, so knowing what to do with modifying with different brands is really helpful, thanks
Happy to help! Thanks Jorge!
I did not know that my trimmer had that head on it and learned how to load it quickly I used to take it apart and wind by hand . Thanks
Yes sir! Happy to be of service!
Yep I have 3 weed eaters and all 3 have one, the best thing ever, I get mine from Amazon for 11.00 each
I love those things man!
$11 for the complete head or just the top cap?
Jay, Thank you for this illustration. I have struggled with string replacement since I got my echo, (not the same power as yours). I laughed out loud this morning after I replaced it, without it faulting when I start the machine. Thank you! I appreciate!
having problems with the speed feed and this may have saved me a lot of time. thank you!
Happy to help!
@@JaysLawnService Really great tutorial video!! I remember the days of stringing up a weedeater the old ways! Speed feed is all I use now. Subscribed!
@@foto2548 Haha! Thanks man!
I hate this head.
Thank you Jay! You are much better than the instructions that come with the replacement head. Echo could pay you for this because it is so good!
Idk why but I smiled the whole time I watched this.
Haha!
I've had my echo for about 4 years and I learned today how to do this correctly lol. I see I'm not the only dummy 😂😂😂😂. Thanks bro
They come with no instructions.. this was very thorough and informative... thanks.. !!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much! I’m retired, and have despised weed eating for years. Have a old FS40C Stihl . Ordered the speed feed, just now! Can’t wait. Great video as well. You did fantastic! Ronnie, East Tennessee
Thank you!
TRIMMING?
Great Video. I just bought the Echo GT 225, and it came with this ridiculous head you would have to put 6 inch pieces of trimmer line at a time. For a great weed eater Echo sure blew it in the head they sell with it.
Yeah man, the speed feed head is awesome!
Is there any reason Echo makes a separate Speed Feed 400 for the curved shaft Echos? I was going to buy one for my SRM210 straight shaft as it was only $19 instead of $29 online, but the description says the $19 one is for curved shafts ONLY. Still not sure why curved or straight shaft should make a difference on why the $19 Speed Feed head wouldn’t work on a straight shaft trimmer
Hey Jay , just watched a vid of a guy who puts a bolt on the lid under the spring which keeps the plastic from wearing out when you bump it. Cool idea . Thanks for the vid , bought the part for my hubby not realizing now have to get the green piece and spacer….🤪. Then we will follow your directions to get it out on his Stihl kobe. 👍🏻♥️🇨🇦
Good tip!
Never seen a gangsta lawn care dude before until now! Great vid man.
LOL! That's hilarious! Must be my southern accent maybe?
🎼🎼🎼”You see him rollin….weed eatin…..and mow-in.”🎼🎼
What’s a gangsta?
Huh? I couldn't find a gangsta anywhere. Lol
Racist
Jay- I drill a hole in the bottom of the where the spring is at. I use a 1 inch bolt and a big flat washer and a lock nut. This way you are tapping on the nut head and the trimmer head has been on for 5 years. This is 11 lawns a week for 5 years.
You amazingly made this feel like a documentary. Man I truly appreciate this and definitely will be subscribing. Please keep the videos coming.
Thank you so much! I appreciate that. Stay tuned.
I just got an echo srm 225 with the speed feed crank head its awsome it makes changing line so easy they have brand new heads with line at home depot easy
Yes sir!
Great Video! ... I have a Stihl FS40C and I am having some problems finding the right way to attach this head… I think its different for the smaller trimmers?
Not sure. You may want to check the Echo website.
I LOVE to watch my neighbor re-string his trimmer. He has to go sit down in the shade while he works on it. I can restring mine without shutting the engine off. I have tried to tell him about the speed feed. He told me they "don't work right". I assured him they do, but then he said they do not work for his trimmer. LOL. At this point I hope he never gets one because watching him struggle is a blast.
Awesome video on the speed feed head , the instructions to install it, and great tip on how to measure out your line. Thanks so much.
Glad I could be of service.
Jay. Thank you! I just subscribed. What I really liked about this UA-cam is you didn't just talk about the 400 you showed us exactly how to do it and then the spare part to purchase. I was measuring line for the last 10 years, and now I am just going to use my wingspan and never walk my acres of land without spare line in my back pocket. I wish you all the best from Fallbrook, CA!
Ben, thanks for watching! I'm glad I was able to help.
Great demonstration! Clear and concise instructions. Works super on my Echo. Less time consuming and easier than refilling the common spool. And precutting line to carry in your pockets is a really good idea.
Thanks for your tutorial.
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!
thanks for this video; my crummy dewalt head broke on first use; restringing did no good, so went out and bought the Echo. Your video was fantastically clear so far as installation, use of adapters etc.
So many of these videos and what is always missing is, in what direction do you install the spool inside the unit, even before installing it on your trimmer. Spins left or right?
Good point. I think why no one addresses it is because it doesn't matter which way you put the spool in.
@@JaysLawnService not true. My Buddy has an Echo SRM225 with the SPEED FEED 400 head. Watched a few you tube videos that had conflicting information on the spool direction. We had to do it several times as we didn’t think it mattered but it does. We had the L towards the cap so the R was facing up. As soon as we loaded the line the line was sucked into the head. We reversed the spool where the L is facing up then it worked perfectly. Hopefully someone will be helped by my trial and error.
@@kma5699 Yep...Pretty Important Step That A Lot Of Vids Miss.
I just got mine today in the mail for my Stihl FS 55R. The instructions for this stink. Glad I watched your video and for the first time ever I'm looking forward to using my weed eater. The changing of the string was always a nightmare. Again thanks man and take care.
Happy to be of service, Thanks for watching Jinx!
Very well explained. Thanks, you helped an old guy get it installed.
Glad to be of service! Thanks for watching!
Just installed my speed feed head.Gave it a try,truly a time saver
Glad you like it.
Hey Uso. Man I really appreciate the video. I would've been screwing with that thing for an hour before figuring it out. Took 10 minutes and you cracked me up while doing it 🤙🏻
All love Toko! Thanks for watching Lammdawg!!!
My echo has notched on the string so taking cap off for more string is required, you don’t gotta use the notches!!!! That’s awesome
I know right! lol
@@JaysLawnService I will apply that method next time I’m weedeating a bunch! Last gig my wife and I knocked it out less that 3 hours, with what I just saw I’m sure we can shave off 1 man hour together when we go back to that customer in the fall
Thanks man, I just bought one of these and now I know how to install it. Greetings from Kentucky!
Hey! Greetings!
Jay What a great presentation excellent I can feel like a 400 Trimmer weekend weed warrior fighting to clean the area with excitement of completion. Thank You well done.
Thank you sir!
The spool can go in the wrong way make sure you check that every time you take it apart nice video
Got it
Just replaced that on M230 shindaiwa, went smooth thank you
Ty!
Thanks Jay, that was a life saver. Nice trimmer sound effects LOL. Great video.
Thank you sir! LOL!
I do three arm lengths, also 6 foot. The specs state 20ft max. Its nice to know 24 is not a problem.
@JaysLawnService Best vid on the Echo 400 I've seen on UA-cam. Thanks!
I appreciate that John! Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the vid, was a little frustrated trying to figure out fittings until I saw . and now cutting
Thanks for watching!
Does it matter which way you put the part on that holds the string on the spindle? One side has L on it and the other has an R on it. Thanks
I never noticed an L or an R, so I guess it doesn't mater much. lol
@@JaysLawnService It Matters,One Way For Bent Shaft ,Other Way For Straight.....Most Of These Vids Miss That Part
Brah ! ! ! I live in Hawaii where we do a lot of weedeating and I’ve never seen your way of loading a Speed-Feed Head.
Tried it the other day and it works perfectly- you freaking rock Brah! No going back to my shop and taking the head off and rewinding - carry extra line in back pocket now - Game Changer! Much Mahalo
Uggggggghhhhhh ! , Us Cavemen like make spaghetti with trimmer line. [ Just saw this speed feeder today on Amazon and ordered it immediately ]
Awesome!
Been using a Remington 2510 weed trimmer for about 10 years. What a pain it is to change the line, "caveman style". My trimmer broke, thank God.....I had no idea these speed heads existed. Going tomorrow to HD to buy me a new trimmer..Thank you
Thank You for the Lesson Jay! I believe God has blessed You with an exceptional gift for teaching. Clear, concise, and professional. Thank You for sharing Your experience, and instruction.
Quite possibly the greatest compliment I have ever received on any of my videos. Thank you sir! You made my day!
Thank you. The shop did say to do something like this just needed a visual. Although I didn't remove the white thing as it seemed like I has to break it to remove it. It still worked so thanks again
Glad it helped
Great video man, i just subscribed to your channel. I keep rolls of string cut, taped and ready to go and always keep on in the pocket for when needed💪💪💪
Yes sir! Gotta go to war with the extra ammo. LOL
Thanks dude I borrowed a trimmer with this head and wasn’t able to get ahold of the friend to get the correct way to load it and how much line to put in it 👍👍
Happy to help!
Epoxy a Nylon Thick washer to the bump side so it wears off. cheaper and last longer. you could use a Steel body washer.
I've seen a couple other youtubers do that. I'll have to give it a try.
Ok, This was amazing. I forgot my dealer sold me this model and I have been taking it apart forever without knowing this feature... Thanks Jay!
Thank you very much for this video I’ve had my echo speed feed for over a year and didn’t know how to installed it until I saw your video
Glad it helped
I was watching your video and another thing came to mind. There is no reason to throw out your older line. Most people don't know this but the trimmer line is hydrophilic, meaning it absorbs water. So you got some line you don't know how long it's been sitting around, put it in a bucket of water. it will reabsorb the water. And your line will be good as new. I keep a bucket of water and put my line in it to condition it before I need it. I always have fresh line waiting to go.
Thanks for the tip!
Excellent video, heading to buy one right now! Thank you!
Awesome! Hope everything works out!
I have absolutely no clue about speed feeds. Great tutorial and tip with the line trimmer in your back pocket. Thanks a lot man.
Hey! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!
Do you have a link on where to buy one with the adapters ?
No, but you can search for it on Amazon. It's about $11.
@@JaysLawnService ok thanks
@@nitronick45 No problem
Good job on showing how it works! I got this Speed Feed 400 and the instructions were lacking. You did a great job explaining it to me Thanks
Glad it helped!
I had a model older than this one that I love. My sister has difficulty with tools that are too heavy and she actually loved mine and found it easy to use ua-cam.com/users/postUgkx_rBCFuDW1zD6blTGhLkvAkxU657uR_lG . This is a newer model but was even lighter which she really appreciates. She enjoys it and I no longer have to go to her house to trim as she can handle it fine. Haven't used it enough to comment on the battery life but lithium batteries last longer than the old style. Being cordless makes it easy to trim the far edges of the property. The entire yard can be trimmed with one charged battery.
I also keep precut line in my back pocket, I use Stihl autocut, I can restring my trimmer in under a min from killing my trimmer to cutting again. I also have 20 years experience in professional lawncare
Cool!