I have the older clay-tile main-line, and tree roots get in at the seams. I used to have to either pay a company to come clean the main-line or rent a machine and do it myself 1-2 times a year (spring and fall). I decided to spend the money on this so I could just do it myself, and eventually save some $$$. So far, so good.
Pros:
Good size (smaller than the pro ones).
Works well
Plenty of cable length
Cons:
The cable being 1/2" is a little more flimsy than a 3/4" cable is more common on the pro ones. I had it kink up on me once and was barely able to get it stopped before I destroyed the cable. In the end, I learned how to be more careful with it and it hasn't been a problem since.
The wheels aren't great - They only touch the ground when tipped way back. I am considering replacing them with some larger wheels.
The drum is a little too close to the ground - On uneven ground or in deep grass, it can get bind up and the drum won't turn. Readjusting the placement of the device has always resolved this, but a little more thought into the fact that you aren't usually using this on a tile floor would have been nice.
UPDATE:
I've had this for awhile now, and used it several times. Here are a few things I've run into over that time period.
1 - Air leaks from the hose from the connection at the machine. The foot pedal is a pneumatic switch, and I was having trouble with the air leaking out of the pedal and then the machine wouldn't work. What I found was the hose clamp that connects the pedal to the machine wasn't working right anymore. It is a crimped connector, but no amount of re-crimping fixed it. I bought a standard screw-type hose clamp and it's been fine since. A whole lot of irritation, but in the end, it was a 10-cent fix.
2 - Loose belt - This might be because I use it outside, and the drum would sometimes run on the ground. But, the belt needs to either be replaced, or I need to figure out how to adjust the tensioner pulley. The drum is currently slipping a bunch, which means it isn't cleaning out the roots like it should be. What I've found is if I put more pressure on the tensioner pulley, the whole system works much better. I haven't had a chance to look into if I can adjust that or not, but once I get it figured out, I'll post another update.
| Manufacturer | Ridgid Tool Company |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 26998 |
| Item Weight | 45 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 21 x 17 x 23 inches |
| Item model number | 26998 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color | White, Black, Red |
| Style | Kit |
| Material | Metal |
| Power Source | AC |
| Voltage | 115 Volts |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Included Components | K-400 |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | Full Lifetime Warranty. Should your tool ever malfunction from defects in workmanship or materials, we will repair or replace the tool free of charge. |
