Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc Petrol Reviews
Latest Reviews
“Superb Little Machine”
Written on: 21/08/2012
I'm confused why most people seem to have issues starting this machine. My starts generally after 3 pulls from cold and will restart straight away from warm. Basically the steps I follow (possibly from the instruction book - long forgotten), go like this : 1 - Make sure switch on handle is set to "|" (On) - may sound obvious but its caught me out one or twice 2 - Push the priming bulb on the top down 8 times - you should see it fill with fuel 3 - Put choke full on (orange lever to the... (read more)
“What a load of rubbish”
Written on: 14/07/2012
I thought it was me until I read other peoples reviews. I would achieve more with a pair of nail scissors. Don't buy this utter rubbish. The spool feed does not feed line, the spool head twist nut locks in position and you need the strength of Samson to free it. This is the worst piece of equipment I have ever bought and should have been recalled. In the end the spool head twist nut sheared away from its plastic casing and I was reluctant to buy a new spool head for such a crappy piece of... (read more)
“load of rubbish”
Written on: 10/06/2012
biggest waste of money and time ever! avoid at all costs. (read more)
“Best one yet”
Written on: 19/05/2012
Easy to use line feed/ starts easy as/ Goes like a bat out of hell. I love my new weedwhacker (read more)
“Worst trimmer ever”
Written on: 17/05/2012
Bought a Ryobi trimmer and from day one it never worked correctly. Complained to the Ryobi people but they said i must of put old gas in it.I wil,never buy another product from them again. (read more)
“This POS Sends You To Therapy!”
Written on: 09/03/2012
Bought a Ryobi RBCGM25BB 25 cc with bike handles $ 299 - tested my patience to the limit. Bought it from Bunnings (big Ryobi fan boys). Pretty much from the word go and over the next few months: - difficult to start - poor idling out of the box - would often cut off/stall when idling to warm up - very difficult or impossible to re-start after stalling - when idling you would only have to look at it and it would stall LOL - would often stall when you give it juice with the throttle then a... (read more)
“So - so Ryobi combo”
Written on: 24/07/2011 by Mike__B (2 reviews written)
Following the demise of my Ryobi, searching for advice on it brought me here. So I thought I'd share my experience. Would I recommend one? Well, yes and no. The one I had lasted 2.25 years of fairly heavy use - I've got 150 meters of mixed hedging, and do some hedges for friends, so the hedge trimmer attachment got a lot of use. It stripped it's gears after a year, Ryobi sent me new gears, which was excellent service. When they too stripped after a few uses, they replaced the entire gear... (read more)
Duke_Nukem's Response to Mike__B's Review
Written on: 02/07/2012
Hi Mike, I'd really like to know how you got spares for Ryobi. You got them direct? What is their address? In China? I need a new coil but I've been told by several professional repairers that getting Ryobi spares is IMPOSSIBLE, which is one reason why they would not sell them, service them or even touch them with a barge pole. (Getting customers angry is another reason.) I have Googled for Ryobi spares, and found places that claim to do them, but it turns out that by "spares" they only mean oil, gloves and goggles.
Reply to this comment
Mike__B's Response to Mike__B's Review
Written on: 02/07/2012
I had very good service (in uk) from:
TTi UK Group
Ryobi Technologies UK
Purchas Road
Didcot
Oxfordshire
OX11 7BF
Tel: 0800 389 0305 Fax: +44 (0) 01235 517 094
Hope this helps.
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“Will not start.. line does not issue”
Written on: 15/07/2011 by Lucasg (2 reviews written)
Absolutely useless... often take it to my plot to sue and bring it home again without even getting it to start.. can take an hour to get it going.. and if it decides to fire up you have to take the spool off to get line feed.. total rubbish.. avoid (read more)
Dtstewart's Response to Lucasg's Review
Written on: 09/03/2012
Yep...line feed was PITA too.
Took ages to reload new spool.
Following the modern tradition of cheaper is better.
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“I have to say, mine has been floor less for 3 years...”
Written on: 09/10/2010
I have to say, mine has been floor less for 3 years now. I think this has something to do with me cleaning it after every use, it still looks brand new. My spool has always worked, it starts after the second or third pull on half choke. My only problem was it's back breaking to use, it's just not long enough. I sorted the line snap problem by buying a stronger line.
Mine has just today seized though, even after my careful use, so for that reason i would say do not buy one. Even if you look...
(read more)
“Defective product. Ryobi should have recalled this...”
Written on: 25/09/2010 by Max4444 (1 review written)
Defective product. Ryobi should have recalled this product. The lines keep snapping with simple grass trimming every couple of meters. This was a replacement for my battery operated trimmer ryobi grass trimmer which has serviced me for several years but now the battery is worn. It's very noisy too! 113dB worse than hgv passing by. I am getting my money back then getting a replacement from another manufacturer. Annoying do not buy! (read more)
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Showing 1 - 10 of 46 Reviews
“Useless! would not start, reel did not work has...”
Written on: 07/08/2010
Useless! would not start, reel did not work has stated, it was swopped for a new one which was worse.
In disgust I threw it in the bin. What a waste of money. Cheap, but not cheap in the end.
Bought a Stihl which has been faultless.Hence the saying you get what you pay for.
(read more)
“I bought this POS a couple of years ago, the spool...”
Written on: 25/07/2010
I bought this POS a couple of years ago, the spool never worked correctly and last time I started it the spindle from the strimmer to the main body had worn out so it is now useless. the biggest waste of money ever..DO NOT BUY ONE!!!!!!! (read more)
“The line feed is a problem. I bought a replacement...”
Written on: 05/07/2010
The line feed is a problem. I bought a replacement head (not from Ryobi) and the line feed is now a bit better. Search on Google for replacment heads for the machine. One of the good garden equipment guys will advise. The chap I spoke to knew straight away what I was on about (read more)
“I wish that I had visited this review before I...”
Written on: 12/06/2010
I wish that I had visited this review before I purchased one of these. I have spent 40 mins trying unsuccessfully to start a machine that was clearly never designed properly in the first place. I could even have forgiven it(a bit) if it had even worked once. (read more)
“Wear a millstone around your neck and use a scythe,...”
Written on: 14/05/2010
Wear a millstone around your neck and use a scythe, it's less effort. (read more)
“I find some comfort in the feedback illustarting...”
Written on: 24/09/2009
I find some comfort in the feedback illustarting exactly my own expewriences with this vile piece of kit. How it ever got to market is beyond me.
The line feed is quite something from Hell...The Bolt holding the line feed siezes...The start system must have been designed by a rival manufacturer!
Come on Ryobi
(read more)
“No problem with starting or the engine operation of my...”
Written on: 13/09/2009
No problem with starting or the engine operation of my Ryobi PLT2543Y . Main issue is the line feed or lack of it. No matter what I try I can't get the line to feed out which leaves me taking off the spool every time I want more line. (read more)
“Used ryobi plt2543y once.Lasted 15 minutes then the...”
Written on: 02/09/2009
Used ryobi plt2543y once.Lasted 15 minutes then the fuel line broke.Unfortunately it was out of warrenty having been boxed for that rainy day.Do not buy!!!!!! (read more)
“PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE THIS P.O.S..this RYOBI/26CC GAS...”
Written on: 27/08/2009
PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE THIS P.O.S..this RYOBI/26CC GAS LINE TRIMMER It took me to trips to the store and exchanged them each time and the last time i just got my money back..the problem was just the same as others after you get it started that just put it one step closer to being recycled with the trash..because that sucker would not restart for nothing..so please be WARNED..make a better decision with another brand..i chose troy-built and its worked like a champ from day one. If i would... (read more)
“I have just been using the Ryobi PLT 2543Y for about...”
Written on: 28/07/2009
I have just been using the Ryobi PLT 2543Y for about five hours and it worked perfectly, however, when I had finished, I found out that the exauhst had come off, the bolts had snapped. That is the only down point. Everything else works fine though. (read more)
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Showing 11 - 20 of 46 Reviews
“I am a 67 yr. old man with very sore joint and after...”
Written on: 04/07/2009 by ci mackenzie
I am a 67 yr. old man with very sore joint and after had a few electric strimmers, you have to walk further to get round bushes and other items in the garden, they are lighter but thats all. the cable is the bug and battery can go flat with a heavy workload. NOW SINCE I BOUGHT A RYOBI MOD. PLT-2543Y, I HAD A LITTLE TROUBLE WHEN I GOT IT AT FIRST BUT THATS ALL BEHIND ME NOW EXCEPT FOR THE RE-LOADING THE SPOOL WITH MY ARTHRITIS IT TAKE SOME TIME BETWEEN ONE MINUTE TO AN HOUR (read more)
“The Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc Petrol is on the whole, decent...”
Written on: 06/06/2009 by Pristine Gardens
The Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc Petrol is on the whole, decent value for money. You get what you pay for I guess.
I've owned 2 of these, both had pretty much the same life-span and same faulys. Machines held up well considering i've used them commercially for the past 8 months. Though they're not as well built as some of their competitors, which I guess is why it they're much cheaper than the other's.
No real problems with the grass trimmer attatchement, but hedge cutter won't go through any thick...
(read more)
“The Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc is simply awful piece of...”
Written on: 04/06/2009
The Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc is simply awful piece of machinery. I am in finance, and I could have designed something better. If I was Ryobi, I would be ashamed of myself to have dumped this on the market. Avoid this product at all costs. (read more)
“i have owned a Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc Petrol for couple...”
Written on: 26/05/2009
i have owned a Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc Petrol for couple of months, Line feeds been great as long as your an experienced line fitter, But mine will start easily from cold following the handle instructions bit since the first use never ticks over without throttle, i glanced at the throttle cable that runs from the trigger and it actually doesnt engage til the triggers been pulled halfway, i suggest they fix the cable length coz it must be over stretched , but then why should i fix their products... (read more)
“i have owned a Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc Petrol for some...”
Written on: 25/05/2009
i have owned a Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc Petrol for some time it starts from cold ok, cannot get it to run off half choke and half throttle , and after 5 mins when hot it cuts out and there is no way you get it started again until it is cold , possible the following wk !!!! (read more)
“Took a while to get the knack of starting the Ryobi...”
Written on: 21/05/2009 by Pardo (1 review written)
Took a while to get the knack of starting the Ryobi PLT2543Y but not real problem there - main problem is the appalling line feed. Spend 100 times more time releasing the line than strimming. (read more)
“Agree with all the comments,cannot ever get my yobi...”
Written on: 08/05/2009
Agree with all the comments,cannot ever get my yobi PLT2543Y 25cc Petrol to start,line feed awful.Don't buy one!!! (read more)
“this litle Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc Petrol 25cc engine is...”
Written on: 05/05/2009 by nigel francis (1 review written)
this litle Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc Petrol 25cc engine is excllent for toning the stomach muscles.I get mine out of the shed every saturday in summer and spend around 40 mins. pulling my guts out trying to get it to start. I then put it away again until the following week.Could give you a hernia if you overdid it at first mind. For 70 quid its cheaper than a mountain bike or a trampoline, takes less room up, and gives the kids hours of fun.I usually end up with a face like a well slapped... (read more)
“The Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc is an awful machine. Took a...”
Written on: 03/05/2009
The Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc is an awful machine. Took a couple of weeks and lot of cursing to get it to start even though I followed the instructions. Worked once and now will not start at all. (read more)
“Bought a Ryobi PLT2543Y two years ago and have had it...”
Written on: 22/04/2009 by rlwa2469 (1 review written)
Bought a Ryobi PLT2543Y two years ago and have had it working only two or three times. Cuts out when hot and refuses to re start, line feed is terrible. I paid to have it serviced last year thinking it was me and the garden machinery shop told me it was the worst make they had come accross. Tried again today then decided to look on line and am glad to see its not just me. I am going to have one last go and if it does not start am going to attack it with a sledge hammer. (read more)
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Showing 21 - 30 of 46 Reviews
“Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc Petrol is an awful piece of kit,...”
Written on: 07/04/2009 by david 3974 (1 review written)
Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc Petrol is an awful piece of kit, started ok , but when hot would not restart , so pretty useless if you want to use more than once.
(read more)
“ i would not really recomend one of these Ryobi...”
Written on: 26/03/2009 by andyc1969 (1 review written)
i would not really recomend one of these Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc Petrol strimmers, i have never had a problem starting it, even after 5 months in the garage and on stale petrol, but definitely concur on the line feed problems experienced by all on here... (read more)
“I had no problems starting the machine, but you do...”
Written on: 26/09/2008
I had no problems starting the machine, but you do need to follow the instructions exactly. The bump feed mechanism is atrocious, the line does not feed well, the securing nut wears out instantly and the head gets stuck to the shaft. Rubbish. (read more)
“It's shocking that such a poor product as the Ryobi...”
Written on: 15/08/2008 by disgruntled9999
It's shocking that such a poor product as the Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc Petrol is on the market. From my experience how can it be that something that is for the simple task of trimming the garden can fail to start!
Time and again, I've tried to get this useless piece of junk started only to end up-an hour later- getting the electric one out.
I used to have a Stihl petrol strimmer and it gave me no problems whatsoever, which confirms I'm not the monkey.
(read more)
“Unlike others, I have had no problems with the engine...”
Written on: 26/06/2008
Unlike others, I have had no problems with the engine starting or running, but the line feed is a nightmare - a problem shared by many, it seems. I spent more time trying to unsnag the line than I did strimming. It never worked for any length of time without the lines snapping and the bump mechanism failing. It is then all too easy for the twin-feed lines to become entangled while trying to free them. I would not recommend this product to anyone. (read more)
“A right pain to start!!! Took me about 30 mins to...”
Written on: 23/06/2008
A right pain to start!!! Took me about 30 mins to start the engine and then after about 30mins of cutting the engine cut out. Then it took another 30mins to start again! Nightmare! do not buy! (read more)
“The Ryobi build quality appears to be very poor, even...”
Written on: 15/06/2008
The Ryobi build quality appears to be very poor, even for a budget strimmer i would never buy another one of these, my advice to anyone is if you need a strimmer but one made by Husqvarna or Sthil, they may cost more but there is a very good reason for this, they are made much better and easier to get replacement parts for if you need to. (read more)
“My Ryobi petrol strimmer has only worked for one...”
Written on: 14/06/2008
My Ryobi petrol strimmer has only worked for one weekend and now does not start. I have tired changing the fuel and cleaning the spark pug and still it does not start. I know that they are cheap but at least it should work! Please all of you save your money and buy something else instead. (read more)
“Re: difficulty in starting Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc Petrol....”
Written on: 10/06/2008 by kencoo
Re: difficulty in starting Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc Petrol. A friend bought one and had great difficulty starting it out of the box. Eventually I got it to work by NOT squeezing the throttle on full (as the manual suggests) but by squeezing it half on. In fact we discovered it doesn't need any throttle for it to start. She's off to use it to discover what else can go wrong. (read more)
“I can concur to a certain extent with other Ryobi...”
Written on: 01/06/2008
I can concur to a certain extent with other Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc Petrol reviewers as I experienced similar problems out of the box. But I then read the manual, realised that I had flooded the machine, cleaned the spark plug and emptied the excess petrol from the engine. Then, following the instructions exactly, and I mean exactly, the machine started first time. Did two hours of work without problems, starting twice from hot also without a problem during that time. At the price I paid in... (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 31 - 40 of 46 Reviews
“Unlike others, I have never had a problem in starting...”
Written on: 04/05/2008 by w6wayne
Unlike others, I have never had a problem in starting the machine, but would not recommend buying one because I can only use it for 5 minutes then spend 15 minutes freeing the lining and re feeding. Spend a bit more, this is cheap but you get what you pay for. (read more)
“Like everyone else I just can't get the Ryobi PLT2543Y...”
Written on: 04/05/2008 by Mayur Shah (1 review written)
Like everyone else I just can't get the Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc Petrol strimmer started. I finally get it going but my god is it hard and a train on my patience. I would not recommend. It's just too hard to start it up. (read more)
“This Ryobi strimmer is available for under £70 if you...”
Written on: 24/04/2008
This Ryobi strimmer is available for under £70 if you search, but I cannot recommend it. Poor line feed, almost impossible to load new line. (read more)
“I thought it might be me having trouble starting the...”
Written on: 22/04/2008
I thought it might be me having trouble starting the Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc Petrol (at the moment I can't get the thing to start) but having read other reviews I find that I'm not alone. Finally like the other review it started o.k. from the box but has gradually got worse - and its only been used at most 6 times! (read more)
“The Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc Petrol strimmer is heavy, has...”
Written on: 18/09/2007 by Hopesprings
The Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc Petrol strimmer is heavy, has the most bizarre new line fitting, & the instructions demand an PHd in applied science. On performance, It is very difficult to judge where it's going to strim, & the noise level is amazing. This machine is completely non-consumer friendly & an utter waste of time. (read more)
“Product was returned to B&Q within 2 weeks, but as the...”
Written on: 10/07/2007 by Ian w
Product was returned to B&Q within 2 weeks, but as the Ryobi PLT2543Y 25cc Petrol strimmer had been used, a refund was not available until they could prove a fault. It was sent to Ryobi to test, and no fault was found. It took me about 30 minutes to get it started again when I was back home. I don't think it is user error. (read more)
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Duke_Nukem's Comment
Written on: 03/01/2013
It is not a matter of following the "steps". Don't you think these other guys have tried all that? I am a former car mechanic and have worked on thousands of engines. If anyone can start an engine, I can. But in the end even I could not start my blasted Ryobi.
The explanation is that you are lucky. The problem seems to be the ignition coil;i deteriorates on round about the timescale of the guarantee and then packs up completely. You are lucky that yours hasn't - perhaps the monkey who made yours was more conscientous with the insulation dip.
All would not be lost if you could replace the ignition coil - but (here's the crunch), read my lips, you cannot get spares for it!