Replacement for bump feed on Ryobi whipper snippers

[Tiger]

Had a couple of Ryobi whipper snippers over the years. Major problem that I've had with them is the bump feed mechanism. The cord snaps and then you have to re-assemble the line sometimes 2 or 3 times during the session that it's being used. What do others use? Heard of aftermarket gear, is it any better and where do you source it from?

[joez]

Does the bump feed actually work? does your cable just disapear in a tangle mess after about 2 minutes of use?

I know this is going to sound stupid but my ryobi bump feed never worked then one day (before I smashed it to pieces) I wound the cable in the opposite direction to the arrows on the spool and guess what, it worked perfectly for the first time ever...

I dont know why but it works perfectly in reverse

Probably wont work, but it might be worth a try.


joez

[Tiger]

I do exactly as the instructions specify. Don't get so much a tangled mess as cord getting stuck and not feeding or one end breaking off and not feeding.

[joez]

I do exactly as the instructions specify. Don't get so much a tangled mess as cord getting stuck and not feeding or one end breaking off and not feeding.

Mine was typically breaking near the eyelet and feeding back into the bump feed and tangling up internally, bump feed didnt work/help at all.

But winding in reverse everything works perfectly with no jams until I run out of cable.

[bsrlee]

I've gone through a couple of weed whackers, the problem is not unique to Ryobi, it is generic.

I bought one of the fixed head line holders at a WWW show a few years back - the type where you just stick a length of line in the hole and there are metal grippers inside. The grippers are a waste of time after they get the first taste of mulched grass as they then become glued in place.

Don't give up yet. I found that you can just shove a length of line in and tie a quick knot in the end which stops it falling out. The only down side is that you have to stop the engine to put in new line (but you were already doing that when the 'auto feed' didn't), and carry a few spare lengths of cord in your back pocket.

[Mr Brush]

I have a Stihl FS-85, and the bump feed head on that is a piece of crap too. It isn't just Ryobi.

We recently had a new Stihl dealer open up near us, and I must have mentioned the issue with the bump head while buying other parts from him.

"Oh, everyone knows they don't work properly" says he.......ahhhhhh

He sold me one of these as a replacement

Speed-Feed Fast Loading Trimmer Head, Speed Feed Trimmers | SpeedFeedHead.com

This is the US site showing how the product works, but I had no trouble buying one here locally.

Best thing since sliced bread. Easy to load, and feeds line reliably every time. It just works. I'm just kicking myself that I only discovered this by chance, and put up with the crappy Stihl bump head for all those years. I also use a metal Weedwakka blade for heavier stuff, but the SpeedFeed bump head does for 80% of my regular cutting along fencelines etc.

[Fuzzie]

I had a Homelite originally that didn't last very long as the cord seemed to fuse together in the bump head. I managed to get some relief by using the next higher guage line than it was specified for. One mower shop suggested adding talc to the spool to help it along.

I upgraded the Homelite with a Kawaskai and never had a problem with the feed, although I started out using the heavier guage line, when that ran out I finished off the light weight line from the Homelite without issue.

This brush cutter has been going for 10 years now and the screw on the bottom of the head is now almost useless as it has been bumped so many times the head slots have disappeared. I'm hoping I will be able to extend it's life by just purchasing a replacement screw.

[nrb]

I think Mr Brush you have the same one I have,have lost the packaging but by your desciption I think it is the one.
Works great,just wind in about 3 meters of line and go for it.
The last weed trimmer i bought the guy put one on included in the deal,he said that all his pro and shire customers swear by it,nothing to wear out.
Fits all machines.

[Tonyz]

So? So? You going to keep this a secret or do you wish to share where these can be got from? HMMM?

[rwbuild]

I have a 27 yr old McCulloch bump feed that has never missed a beat. The only ting I have had to do is change the spark plug (once only) and replace a perished fuel hose. Never fails to start after the third pull

[Mr Brush]

I got my SpeedFeed head from a local power tools shop (Irelands in Mittagong), but I suspect several would keep it.

Might be just as easy to get one off EBay though - I did a quick google search on "SpeedFeed head Australia" and it came up with this

SPEED FEED HEAD 4.5" 450 trimmer line brushcutter bump head fastest reload usa | eBay

That's definitely the one I have. The specs list the types of arbour shaft it can be fitted to, but they seem to fit most machines from what I have seen.

I run 2.4mm line on mine with no problems at all.

[nrb]

Tonto,sorry can't get the brand for a few days as my tool is at our holiday house.
I got it at Mower Power in Dandenong,it is from the USA.
Mower Power are a chain maybe you have one near were you shop,good luck
They fit almost all machines the guy at MP told me.

[Tiger]

Thanks for those comments, looks like the Speed Feed is the way to go, just hope it's a good fit for the Ryobi.

[_fly_]

Only thing I can offer is to lay the cord out in the driveway on a warm day so it straightens a little (half hour).
If I wind new cord on directly from the new coil I get the cord breaking back into the roll as well.
But letting it warm and straighten seems to fix it for me (and its a ryobi as well).

[Tiger]

Good idea fly, won't hurt to try.