Gas trimmer purchase?

I have 3.6 acres and about 50% of it is cared for (mowed/trimmed). I'm looking for a quality trimmer that will trim and wack down overgrown areas/brush.

These two options are $250 each: Shindaiwa T225 & Echo SRM 225.

Another option is the Stihl 91R however it cost about $100 more.

My hope is to use this purchase for the next 10-15 years, bi-weekly.

Thoughts/experiences?
Here is a review of heavy duty string trimmers. They actually tested the Stihl 91R.
String trimmer reviews
 
I’m running an SRM-2620. The thing is a power monster. The more you load it up the harder it runs.

My only complaint is due to the rotation of the head via the gear reduction and the tiny guard you end up tossing all sorts of stuff back at the operator. I’ve tried to get used to cutting on the RH side of the head but I can’t cut properly with that and it still tosses larger stuff back at you like small rocks etc.

That said, it required a long block replacement under warranty after a couple seasons. I ran it out of fuel at low load. It wouldn’t start again and it took nearly 3 months for the shop/echo to decide on what to fix. The crank case wouldn’t hold pressure so they wasted time replacing all the seals etc and it still wouldn’t hold pressure so they long blocked it.

Was very unhappy with the length of time and all the annoyance of not just replacing the unit. I’m very sure they had more money in labor and parts than it would have cost Echo just to replace the unit.

I’m very likely to just buy very nice used echo stuff now at a big discount since the warranty was essentially useless and wasted an entire cutting season. Luckily I still had my little Stihl FS-38 to try and keep up.
 
I have 3.6 acres and about 50% of it is cared for (mowed/trimmed). I'm looking for a quality trimmer that will trim and wack down overgrown areas/brush.

These two options are $250 each: Shindaiwa T225 & Echo SRM 225.

Another option is the Stihl 91R however it cost about $100 more.

My hope is to use this purchase for the next 10-15 years, bi-weekly.

Thoughts/experiences?
My Echo's start easily.
 
The best is MARUYAMA and they are made in Japan. The only issue is there aren't many dealers in the USA probably because you sell one and it'll never come back needing service meaning few want to be a dealer for them.

Look how the shaft attaches to the engine on a Maruyama and look at the Echo.

Look at the parts list diagram and compare it to anything else. Bearings throughout, not bushings. They also use a Walbro carb.

https://maruyama-us.com/product/b230l/#

Maruyama is the absolute top shelf product in this category.

It is the buy once, cry once solution.
 
Echo SRM-2620 is a little more, but worth it. 15 years on, you won't even remember what you paid, so the extra C-note will be a distant memory.
This!

I have the 2620 in the "click-link" version, that can use Echo's attachments (Echo calls it PAS I believe) and it's a powerful and lightweight beast. I also have the 21cc version and it's a bit smoother/even lighter and works like a champ. But the 26cc version is soooo much better with righteous power, I don't regularly use the 21cc version anymore.

102264523.jpg
 
This!

I have the 2620 in the "click-link" version, that can use Echo's attachments (Echo calls it PAS I believe) and it's a powerful and lightweight beast. I also have the 21cc version and it's a bit smoother/even lighter and works like a champ. But the 26cc version is soooo much better with righteous power, I don't regularly use the 21cc version anymore.

102264523.jpg
If I was a smart man I would have bought this. Instead I have two machines. A trimmer and an edger instead of one head with attachments.
 
I'd go with the Stihl, not sure why some on here criticize them but. I bought a Stihl FS-38 6 years ago and it runs flawlessly. I've only had to replace a clogged fuel filter once. I know alot of their products are made in the USA so there's that. The geared Stihls have a port that you can inject grease into. See if you have a local Stihl dealer that might be able to get you a deal.
I'll tell you why I criticize mine. When I am out using it, trimming the fence line or edging, if it stalls it is done. It is near impossible to restart until it cools. It has been back to the dealer way to many times. Mechanic there told me I was not the only one with the problem.
Funnily enough this dealer has stated carrying Echo as well. Can't remember the Stihl model off hand but it has the 4 mix engine
 
Any of them will twirl the string or blade enough to trim the grass and small brush. I will say if you have quite a lot to do, I would get a straight shaft with a shoulder strap. Bending over that long will give your lower back a workout you don't want.
 
Maruyama is the absolute top shelf product in this category.

It is the buy once, cry once solution.

The best is MARUYAMA and they are made in Japan. The only issue is there aren't many dealers in the USA probably because you sell one and it'll never come back needing service meaning few want to be a dealer for them.

Look how the shaft attaches to the engine on a Maruyama and look at the Echo.

Look at the parts list diagram and compare it to anything else. Bearings throughout, not bushings. They also use a Walbro carb.

https://maruyama-us.com/product/b230l/#
Yep.
I was one of the first Maruyama OPE dealers in Texas. At the time that I took them on I already sold Echo, Shindaiwa, and Stihl and I wasn't interested-in taking-on another line to sell. The distributor begged me to sell them and allowed us to completely disassemble one of their trimmers to see how it was put together. Needless to say we were instantly sold on their quality. My first sale was to my most abusive commercial customer, I sold it cheap just to see how it would hold-up. Within a few weeks they purchased several more of them, his crews LOVED them! A little at a time I converted most of my commercial customers over to Maruyama equipment. "It'll never come back needing service" is a fact, they are that good. I still have the one that I purchased for my own use 30 years ago, and I have not been easy on it. The only things that I have done to it are replace a couple of plugs, an air filter, and a primer bulb. That's it. Dealers are hard to find but the products are worth the effort.
 
Yep.
I was one of the first Maruyama OPE dealers in Texas. At the time that I took them on I already sold Echo, Shindaiwa, and Stihl and I wasn't interested-in taking-on another line to sell. The distributor begged me to sell them and allowed us to completely disassemble one of their trimmers to see how it was put together. Needless to say we were instantly sold on their quality. My first sale was to my most abusive commercial customer, I sold it cheap just to see how it would hold-up. Within a few weeks they purchased several more of them, his crews LOVED them! A little at a time I converted most of my commercial customers over to Maruyama equipment. "It'll never come back needing service" is a fact, they are that good. I still have the one that I purchased for my own use 30 years ago, and I have not been easy on it. The only things that I have done to it are replace a couple of plugs, an air filter, and a primer bulb. That's it. Dealers are hard to find but the products are worth the effort.

Awesome. This is what I wanted to hear. I'm really difficult on things and I do have 2 dealers within 30 minutes of me.
 
My Stihl lasted 15 years and then the shaft broke. It was a great trimmer though. I actually bought an inexpensive, straight shaft, Craftsman at Lowes for a temporary solution to get me through the summer, then I planned to buy a new Stihl. I have been using the Craftsman two years now and it's working fine, but your use would be heavy duty compared to mine. I would go with STIHL.
 
Yep.
I was one of the first Maruyama OPE dealers in Texas. At the time that I took them on I already sold Echo, Shindaiwa, and Stihl and I wasn't interested-in taking-on another line to sell. The distributor begged me to sell them and allowed us to completely disassemble one of their trimmers to see how it was put together. Needless to say we were instantly sold on their quality. My first sale was to my most abusive commercial customer, I sold it cheap just to see how it would hold-up. Within a few weeks they purchased several more of them, his crews LOVED them! A little at a time I converted most of my commercial customers over to Maruyama equipment. "It'll never come back needing service" is a fact, they are that good. I still have the one that I purchased for my own use 30 years ago, and I have not been easy on it. The only things that I have done to it are replace a couple of plugs, an air filter, and a primer bulb. That's it. Dealers are hard to find but the products are worth the effort.

None of the shops around me have them in stock... Wanna sell/ship me one?
 
None of the shops around me have them in stock... Wanna sell/ship me one?
I sold my store some years ago and retired, and the terrible droughts we have been experiencing around here have caused many OPE dealers to go under, including my old store, sorry.
The Maruyama dealers that are near you can get you one, and Maruyama offers a 5-day Buyback Program satisfaction guarantee if you purchase one from an authorized dealer and you don't like it. I never had a customer bring one back. Additionally, Maruyama products have a 5-YR Commercial Warranty and a lifetime drive shaft warranty. If you know how commercial users abuse their equipment you know how impressive this warranty is.
 
I'm purchasing an Echo 2620T ($409). I was able to aquire it for the cost of an Echo 2620 ($369) and I received and additional 10% off for military, which made it an easy yes. It appears that it will be overkill and allow me to maintain our overgrown cemetery and wooded paths too.

If you're in the market for outdoor power tools, I highly suggest: https://www.sawsuppliers.com/

I've made a few purchases from them and their owner/customer service is top notch.

I was unable to find a Maruyama dealer within 200 miles.
 
I'll tell you why I criticize mine. When I am out using it, trimming the fence line or edging, if it stalls it is done. It is near impossible to restart until it cools. It has been back to the dealer way to many times. Mechanic there told me I was not the only one with the problem.
Funnily enough this dealer has stated carrying Echo as well. Can't remember the Stihl model off hand but it has the 4 mix engine
Have you tried using high octane gas? I run 100LL Avgas in mine, but now my airport carries mogas unleaded. Just curious. I'd reach out to Stihl corporate they may have a fix for your issue. If it's the 4 mix wouldn't opting for a different heat range plug or a fine wire Iridium plug possibly remedy this?
 
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