Speed Feed 500 FAIL! The Shocking Consequences of Faulty Trimmer Head Design!

If you are having issues with your line getting stuck in other types of trimmer heads, you may have other issues. I CAN HELP! I went over everything you need to know about it in the video here! • THE BIG SECRET about t...
Get an Echo OEM Universal Speed Feed 400 Trimmer Head HERE!
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My name is Bre. I took two years of small engine repair at the local college. When I left school, I fell into a wonderful job at a local small engine shop where I worked the counter for a couple years. In 2010 my husband and I opened up our own small engine shop in central Arkansas where I am able to work alongside my family and best friends. We see over 2,000 pieces of small engine equipment every year, and answer 1,000's of small engine questions. We specialize in brands such as Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Echo and Shindaiwa, but work everyday on MANY other brands like Stihl, Husqvarna, Honda, Craftsman, Remington, Red Max, Troy Bilt, Scag, Bad Boy, Hustler, World Lawn, Poulan, Mantis, Etc.. Hopefully, my experience I share, will save you Time, Money and Frustration in the future!
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Although very informative, these videos are for entertainment purposes. Please use all possible safety precautions when repairing and operating your small engine equipment.

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for Watching! Find a link to all of my "Must Have", Favorite Tools HERE!! www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfchickanic_9ERPFPBNGQ924P8NS63B

[@josephkaple8923]

Chickanic ‘Making Trimmers Great Again”

[@scooter6334]

No pun intended 😂

[@scottakam]

"Haven't heard that before." is the standard customer service reply to everything!

[@tylerfred7514]

And worst part is sometimes it really is the truth as well.

[@philliphall5198]

They are great at playing stupid and dumb games Hate talking to them period 😢

[@pyrog.c.c89]

Bree you're the greatest consumer adviser in the country.

[@Chickanic]

Aw! Thanks!

[@robkocol5664]

IMHO to save the manufacturer money, the Speed Feed 500 is made from the finest "Chinesium" available anywhere !! These big machines produce big torque (and heat). The design does little to mitigate the heat transfer within the head thus "welding" the trimmer line and internals. Junior Engineers. This would've never happened with the original Shindaiwa design and manufacturing group before the merger.

[@MUUKOW3]

​@@robkocol5664The old Shindaiwa North American headquarters was up the road ,we would do some of the service schools their. The testing they did on stuff was amazing. I still have a four mix test Mule. Of course sthil turned that into chineesium garbage.

[@robkocol5664]

​@@MUUKOW3Shindaiwa's old byline was "First to start, Last to quit." Funny how I see all these Stihl guys, pulling and pulling to get their equipment started. Then there's me with my old school, Japanese made, Shindaiwa equipment, one pull and I'm gone!

[@twocyclesmoke]

@@robkocol5664 Echo acquired & ruined Shindaiwa...😪 Now it's "Last to start First to quit"...😂 Stihl not worth it...🙃Husqvarna acquired Redmax & ruined them, Hitachi acquired Tanaka & ruined them...😪. If buying new Maruyama is currently the best option with a 5 year warranty & Made In Japan.

[@paulmysliborski4832]

"Why am I calling them out when I've been pushing their products for so many years?" Because you are an honest person that calls out what they believe is the truth. Great catch, Bre. And great vid.

[@philliphall5198]

She tells it like it is and doesn’t take any shit eather

[@garymccoy3584]

I am a former employee of The Dow Chemical Company. It could be the type of plastic being used. It needs to be a vulcanizable plastic. Which means the molecules have been cross-linked. You can not melt it. Regular plastic that isn’t cross-linked can be melted and re-used over and over.

[@rooster3019]

Honda America always says: "This is the first we have heard of it" eventhough several forum members report having had whatever issue documented into their system. Next thing ya know there is an "improvement campaign", or design chanage, or even a recall.

[@1boortzfan]

Or even a recall.

[@keithosterkamp6207]

They should be thankful that you bring these issues to them.

[@dwightshelby]

You are an amazing person. The time you take putting together this videos and the information you freely share is priceless. I wish I was 60 years younger and could apprenticeship for you. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@Chickanic]

Wow, thank you!

[@47486459]

I have the same problems when using certain brands of trimmer line in my Stihl string trimmers. It seem some trimmer lines have a lower melting temperature.

[@dougcrane5942]

I bought 2 of these Echo 500 heads from an Echo dealer in June 2023. Put one on Echo trimmer and the other on a Sthil trimmer. I thought "finally" I have heads that work well and easy to load. Huge mistake !! I have the identical problem you show on both heads with the line melting and not feeding. I am not a commercial user just homeowner with a large yard. After 2 months of total frustration I removed the 500 heads and reinstalled old heads on both trimmers. I believe Brie you have solved the great mystery. That aluminum part will conduct the heat rapidly. It is also a substantial chunk of metal that will retain the heat and allow it to build in temperature as additional heat constantly travels down from the hot gearhead through the threads into the aluminum piece. There is no way for the heat to dissipate as there is almost zero air flow in this area. Unfortunately this large aluminum piece is a great idea that does not work. Poor engineering and testing by someone. I enjoy your videos so please keep up the great work !!

[@scotchdrnkr]

In Echos defense they probably figured the metal part instead of plastic would make it better. Turns out it's transferring the heat and melting the line and head.

[@seanthompson8071]

Yeah, you can't say they are cheapening out and substituting metal with plastic. Just the opposite.

[@WJCTechyman]

Although, it makes sense since the head's acting like a heat sink for the hot gearbox.

[@ettcha]

True, my first thought when I saw it was 'Cool, an upgrade'. Hope they do the honourable thing and make a part revision, and in the meantime, offer replacements and issue an advisory.

[@nikm5628]

That's why product testing is a thing... They didn't run it through proper testing. Or they did and just didn't care...

[@WreckDiver99]

Could be, I need to look at my neighbor and I's 400s though. Why? Seeing the same issue on those. Twisting line, and what may be a melting issue. More investigation needed. They can fix this by adding some glass and they may need to change resin to an ASA or GF Nylon. That has GOT to be getting REALLY hot, because the string we used back when I was a landscaper was nylon, and that some high temp material.

[@JanetWilham]

I went and got my husband to watch your video and he sat on the bed watching it on my pc...LOL now he knows you are the best repair person on the web after watching almost ALL your videos!!!!!!!!!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣PS==I look to see you on=Consumer magazine soon👍👍bet your husband now knows what A gem he got when he married you--ha ha ha ha

[@MLenninger]

Good job Chickanic! Hold those companies accountable. Husqvarna listened to you. We do too!

[@jamescaron6465]

I think you are spot on. That metal part is acting like a heat sink, but instead of dispersing into the air, it is dispersing into the trimmer head. Plus, all that heat will turn the plastic brittle and could cause a total failure and have the head fly off the trimmer. I'll stick with my 400 and 450 heads. I even have replacement tops for them.

[@kygtx]

Wow what a story. Thanks for posting.

[@richnorman5017]

Bre, it’s good to have Dealers like you who address these issues directly to the Manufacturers. Your the in field Engineer who sees, diagnoses and addresses issues that come through use. No better testing then actual daily use in the field in actual working conditions.

[@ironscott]

Good stuff. I know I get frustrated when a service department tells me they've never heard of some issue yet there are dozens/hundreds/thousands of reports online about it. Consumers shouldn't know more about problems than the service departments. Has to be even more frustrating for you considering the amount of business you get for them. Keep pushing them.

[@donnyarmstrong9559]

Just a casual obeservation here... Is it me, or are you far more relaxed these days than you were at "the shop"???? "But then, 3 weeks later..." 🤣🤣🤣 Thanks again for all that you do for us out here on the frontier! Living my best La Vida Loca here in south eastern Arizona

[@Chickanic]

Filming at my old shop was terrible. I couldn't do it while we were open, because the phone never stopped ringing. So when I filmed there it was after I had already worked all day. I was tired. LOL!

[@donnyarmstrong9559]

@@ChickanicMakes perfect sense!

[@MyDuckfoot]

I love my 450 heads thanks for the heads up on the 500's.

[@McCullochMac6]

You're Awesome.....great information......Why do they redesign something that is already working ...engineers can't leave good stuff alone..

[@pauludulutch4353]

This happens with steihl too. Had this issue for years. Just thought it was life. Pain in the ass.

[@user-yx8bk6zo9x]

Stihl uses the echo head

[@GCGomez]

I think you are dead on with your assessment of the trimmer head problem Bre'. You're amazing ❤👍

[@Benice6166]

Gosh... So glad Chic offers small machine news to think about. Luv her style..

[@garyalford9394]

Thanks for standing up for your customers !

[@claymeinke5722]

I new it as soon as i saw that big chunk of aluminum what was happening, the gear heads on these units get extremely hot to the point you can`t touch them so it makes sense that that aluminum hub is transferring the heat right in to the plastic housing and line. what`s the old saying, if it ain`t broke don`t fix it! I have the 400 on my units per you advise thanks no problems yet. Great show, thanks again.

[@pointbreak8293]

You like telling the truth and that’s what’s awesome about you chickanic. Keep up the great work as we all love and enjoy your knowledge, wisdom and inspiration 👍👍👍

[@hickorystx]

So "LUCKY" to see this on St. Patricks Day!! Very good info and explained and filmed so well!!! Thank you, again!!! Happy 🍀Day to you, Ron & Family!!

[@Chickanic]

Thanks Darlin'! Hope your day rocks!

[@matthewpiper1421]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Speed feed 400 always has worked perfectly for me.

[@richardludwig8389]

Good job Bre. It's amazing how a little change in a design, causes so many headaches. My wife and I watch engineering catastrophes on TV and one little flaw can bring down a bridge or building. Glad you're using your brain as intended. A big thumbs up

[@kbjerke]

Bre, I *really* value your opinion and experience. Happy Saint Patty's Day!!! 🍀🍀🍀🍀

[@jemaltorney8480]

Here is Australia we have the 375 and 450 speedfeed heads. I’ve found a similar issue with contractors using the 450 head and to much line fed out at a time. I have a couple of contractors who will not use a guard and line trimmer to keep the fed line at a certain length, these couple are always the ones coming back with burnt out clutches and melted line in the 450 heads. I’ve found the issue is worse with ones who use the thicker diamond edge line.

[@computerguy7213]

Reminds me of FORDS thick film ignition, caused all kinds of accidents, turns out the guy that designed it forgot it would be in an engine compartment exposed too 300 degrees plus

[@MrShasta50]

Good video tyvm...I run the 400s. The caps I never change out... I pull the spring and drill a hole and put a hardens bolt lockwasher and nut through it.. Of course put the spring back in place. Tap the bolt head on the ground instead of the cap... 20 yrs now.. Not a problem.. Thanks chickie...,.

[@tfitz44]

So glad I found your video. I’ve been trying to figure out what the heck has been wrong with my trimmer head. Went to my Echo dealer to get the 450 head. They said they would send my 500 head back to Echo so they can see the issue. But heck, I kept thinking it was the trimmer line, so I’d go out and get a different brand or size and nothing worked. But good news is, I won’t have to buy trimmer line for the next 5 years. 😆 Thank you!!

[@TheDesmoto]

I like the heads from the early/ mid eighties. Worked flawlessly for me and loading was easy, at least for me.

[@d-rayphelps1630]

I had this same problem a few years ago and couldn't figure out why it was melted, well now I know!!! Thanks for sharing this with us. Have a good one and May God bless y'all, Bo

[@williamcarl4200]

Amazing. I have welded line together after heavy abuse in the Florida heat. But normal wear and tear? That's a problem. I think you are on the money with this one.

[@timraber6575]

I always thought that the cause for melting trimmer string was that I bought cheap or old string. I got my first speed feed head and have never had that problem again. I do have a second head because I wear out the bottom about once a year. Thanks for setting me straight.

[@desertfox3860]

Well done!

[@user-cz3wi3cm6s]

Thank you for taking the time and effort to make your outstanding videos. I am a 79 yoa all thumbs dude who never, ever would do anything mechanically repair wise. However, I have a nearly fourty year old Sachs Dolmar chain saw that I have babied all these years that just would not run anymore. I am way too cheap to just throw it away and after being inspired by your presentation(s) I ordered a carbueretor kit and long story short, I FIXED IT MYSELF!!! Thanks again.

[@dustinwild]

I worked for Echo up in Canada for almost 10 years, and when I started they were an amazing company to deal with, but over the years, their attitudes towards customer complaints has been just wrong. I was a territory manager, which is basically the rep for an area, and the number of times I would bring a complaint up to the office from a dealer, and they would just tell me that the end user must be using it wrong, or anything along those lines was insane. I had a dealer buy almost 600 SF500's from me when they came out, and as soon as they started selling them, they started coming back. This same dealer sold over a thousand heads every year to they end users, and never had any out of ordinary failures. Once they had the SF500's for more than a couple weeks, failure after failure. Called our tech department, let them know they were having issues, and of course it was just user error. So, I quit.. Lol! Great videos, and info! Love your content!

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for letting me know! Do you think they were melting? They really do make you feel like you're crazy for bringing up an issue, but I am confident with my findings. Your confirmation is icing on the cake.

[@dustinwild]

From what the dealer was saying is yes they were melting. It seemed like they used a different type of plastic on the 500's. Customers were using them the exact same as the 450's, but all sudden the top spacers were melting into the top plate of the head. Plus eating up the bottom cap. Just inferior plastic. I could give you stories upon stories of things that mechanics complained to me about, and I'd bring it up the ladder, and it would go no where. Sad really.

[@jimw1615]

Thanks, Bre for another great informational and instructional video.

[@user-hs7np8hj2r]

Thank you for the tip

[@user-qr4xg3dy3i]

Your a great lady. You let people no what is good and what is not so good. You call the company to tell them about what problems are going on with products which more customers should thank you for. I appreciate what you do and love your video,s. Looking forward to your next one. Cheers.

[@jerrygeorgopolis8015]

Oops ! Thanks for an Excellent video update !! All the best.

[@j.d.ensminger1710]

thanks Bri

[@SpruceGoose-qx8zj]

Love this lady💗💗💗💗

[@mickyantoniazzi8179]

Thanks so much for this informative video. I received my first Shindaiwa Speed Feed 400 for Christmas and can't wait for the snow to melt!!!! Keep up the good work. I learn something useful with every video you make.

[@dennisrexford3035]

I have just ordered the trimmer head and a couple other things that you suggested Thank you for being very helpful kind and honest you’re #1 in my book I appreciate all the videos

[@MusicSensations1971]

Yet again once again true honest advice true honest repairs love it !

[@Wootangtw]

Thanks lady

[@chrismiesner6973]

Nice thanks for explaining

[@user-dr7ku9xp1p]

Keep them on their toes!! You go Girl!!

[@gregforster5913]

Greg from northern Michigan. Thanks for sharing these personal observations. You are the Voice of Your Customers. Echo should have a (DTAC) Dealer Technical Assistance Center help line to report these types of early failure modes. If they react quickly, the problem can be resolved with minimal cost. If it drags on too long, it becomes allot more expensive to address. Echo needs to wake up here.

[@Kyle-ve1zs]

Unrelated to this video, but we were just in Cozumel Mexico and I saw a Chickanic sticker at Coconuts on the east side of the island. I don't think my wife wanted to talk about small engine repair while eating lunch overlooking the ocean 🤣I was super excited to see it!

[@Chickanic]

Too cool! I put it there when we went over Thanksgiving! Thanks for letting me know!

[@normanmack2368]

Very good entrance to all your confrontations with various products.

[@stevehennessy3588]

Love seeing you with the Bug. I've got a '63 in the same color in my garage - it has been in the family since my dad bought it new off the showroom floor. Great video - love the energy!

[@carsoneconomon7977]

I needed a replacement head for my 20+ year old trimmer and took your recommendation and purchased the Speed Feed 400 last fall. I had no issue changing out line on the old head. This new head is stupid easy to replace the line!

[@lonhoschar1943]

Great video! I love all the info you give us. Always a good thing to have a little knowledge when trying to fix my equipment.

[@michaelmaxwell239]

Thanks for all you do for us.

[@Davidjb37721]

Thanks for your help

[@kevinfirmin9528]

Love my speed feed 400 ad and will be sure to check the cap before starting up with lawn care this season. I really appreciate all your knowledge and time spent!

[@bbrut3332]

Thanks Bri for all the great info you bring to your followers on KZbin. I got a 450 unit for my Stihl weed eater thanks to your info

[@stevepelino5986]

After watching your video on the speed feed I got one ….ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT!!!! Major thank you for sharing your videos. Always learning from you 👍👍

[@jodydolan2374]

I am so glad u found this out ! I have had this happen on my last 2!!

[@cb62benson30]

Thank you

[@fayiznalu8411]

Thank you for sharing your experience. 😊

[@SeeMooreVids]

Thanks for watching out for us All.. I did buy the 400 late last summer on your advice. Works great. Take care

[@karlschwab6437]

Great job girl! I often wonder, how some of these manufacturers stay in business!

[@roberta.brokaw3829]

Good information Bre. Like the fact that you aren't afraid to let the big guys know of design flaws. I will have to get a speed feed for myself. Stay safe.

[@timtweet8149]

Excellent! It's a pro doing the work that companies need to be doing through their quality assurance divisions. Thanks for reporting it to them. Hopefully they will fix the flaws or issue a recall/replacement.

[@rogerhawkins3410]

I 😮😮😮 thank u love. I appreciate your time and your patience and knowledge..🤝🏽

[@marklubecke4854]

Nice catch Bre, fortunately ECHO has Chicanic, to cover their backs. Have a good week.

[@davidmoody239]

Have the same problem on my new craftsman trimmer, lucky enough to have 3 others to use. Thanks Bree!

[@Billster1955]

Great detective work.

[@WACKO1123]

Certainly, appreciate the heads-up, on the "improved" head. I just happen to need a head and that's how I found this video so timely.

[@jeffreyhill3960]

My fs56 Stihl had the same thing going on all the time with the original head, just replaced it with 400 speed feed and so far it kicks butt! Thanks to your vid I watched few weeks ago.

[@silverado5469]

Your a smart lady. I think you are on to something. Good call. I agree with your diagnosis. John in Ohio

[@6864109]

Phew! I almost bought one…thank goodness I saw this…keep rocking and thank you chickanic!

[@mikehamilton3833]

Great info. Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Ordering a new cap and 400 head today. Love the VW Bug.

[@supersport57]

Thanks Bri, I also own PB 8010, no problem yet had it for 3 yrs. Thanks again

[@MrTimEarl]

Good Morning Bre !! Woller is southern language LOL Thanks again and Happy St Patricks Day

[@Chickanic]

Yes! Sometimes I wonder if my friends across the pond will know what I mean. My UK friends make fun of me for using the word "wankered". I guess I'll have to find out what it means over there! 🤣

[@jasonfisher8689]

I got a speed feed 400 for my trimmer. It Works great, and I can't thank you enough for recommending it.

[@jaredhildebrandt7210]

Keep doing what you do, we appreciate it!

[@kencurtis228]

You are Correct about the Heat transfer

[@williamjensen4531]

Thanks

[@carlosjesusalicea9871]

I bought six 500, and the six with same exactly melting problem ridiculous. Thanks for your video! ❤

[@diamondharp]

I bought one of those 3520 units last year. I will be checking to see which head is on mine. Thanks for the info and trying to save me “time and frustration”!

[@jakeschisler7525]

You are right about the heat, first thing I thought it was

[@joshuavanhoozer1518]

Thank you for the warning cuz I had been wanting the 500 now I’m glad I didn’t waste money on one

[@massey35]

Bre I like your video's, and how you speak the truth about all your equipment that may have down falls, cheers from Seagrave Ont.

[@BobJonesDadmech]

Great video. I have the 400. Got that after watching your video on the fast loaders. 👍

[@shawndickmann8215]

Great detective work! 👍

[@stevedimartino683]

Great job as usual, thank you

[@joem807]

Sure nice to know you are looking out for us! Great video! Keep up the great job we really appreciate you!

[@ChevyJay283]

I have a 3020 and have the same problem. Until now I thought I was doing something wrong. Thanks for shedding light on the issue. And yes my head is full of grease. I mean my trimmer head…😅!

[@dmb3428]

I heard people raving about the speedfeed head so when my 2003 stihl trimmer wore out I purchased an echo srm 225 , first echo ever and 2 years now it still just works...which is great because I was taking my stihl trimmer head apart and cleaning it often because it was too hard to spool up and would jam

[@Don-pq5gg]

When I saw the headline I thought - uh-oh - I bought two on your recommendation. Lucky they were the 400 model. Great video! Thanks!

[@flapjackson6077]

Dang, girl, you’re a wealth of important info! It’s maddening when even a highly experienced dealer/mechanic can’t get the attention of the engineering department, being shuffled on through without any desire to inquire further. Hopefully this video will “raise awareness” with Echo. There’s obviously a problem with the nee design, and I’m strongly inclined to say you’re explanation is the cause. Keep at ‘em! 👍 Btw, is that a 1973 Beetle I saw? I recognize the round tail lights from the later gen, as I had a 73 which I loved back in the day.