Gas trimmer purchase?

dja4260

dja4260

Joined
May 16, 2011
Messages
1,616
Location
Greenville, SC via Chicago, IL
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?
 
I think Shindaiwa and Echo are the same model.

I like Echo products personally. Great bang for the buck. I have 3 string trimmers 2 echo and a sthil. The stihl is hard to start when its hot and it drive me mad. The echo always start no matter what. my .02
 
I have an echo 225 but curved shaft.
excellent power for normal household trimming !
I personally guarantee you it does not have the power to whack down areas of over grown brush grass.
Yes it will do it but painfully slow ! a larger trimmer will power through much easier/ faster and less fatiguing on the operator.

On a side note my echo has been absolutely flawless.
 
dja4260 said:
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?
Click to expand...
Me I have a Shindaiwa its over 30 years old and still running. I'm thinking it will last me until the end times!
 
I like Echo and Husqvarna simply because of their ease of finding and buying parts. I avoid Stihl for homeowner tools because they're a dealer-only show in the USA. My personal choice over the years has been Husqvarna and currently use their leaf blower and 525LS string trimmer. My stuff is old so I don't know if the trimmer is still sold but the age is a testament to the durability.

And just because it's BITOG... 32:1 if anyone asks.
 
Echo hands down.
Five year consumer warranty, plus they are very easy to start.
I have a straight shaft 225 that I use as a dedicated brushcutter.
Even after sitting for months, the must pulls that it has ever taken to start it has been three.
Bought a curved Echo to use as my dedicated weedeater last year and it has been flawless.
 
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FowVay said:
I like Echo and Husqvarna simply because of their ease of finding and buying parts. I avoid Stihl for homeowner tools because they're a dealer-only show in the USA. My personal choice over the years has been Husqvarna and currently use their leaf blower and 525LS string trimmer. My stuff is old so I don't know if the trimmer is still sold but the age is a testament to the durability.

And just because it's BITOG... 32:1 if anyone asks.
Click to expand...

I'll be a contrarian and recommend Stihl because they are dealer only.
With all the fake stuff out there I like knowing Im getting genuine OEM parts and if I need it service.

I'd go with Stihl or Muruyama.

The last echos I looked at had been cheapened, and the grips and controls were notably poorer quality than previous units.
 
Last edited:
hemitom said:
I have an echo 225 but curved shaft.
excellent power for normal household trimming !
I personally guarantee you it does not have the power to whack down areas of over grown brush grass.
Yes it will do it but painfully slow ! a larger trimmer will power through much easier/ faster and less fatiguing on the operator.

On a side note my echo has been absolutely flawless.
Click to expand...

Cant run a blade on curved shaft though.
 
Skip Stihl. Their after sale support is non existent, and their service parts are usually MSRP + 15% highway robbery. Echo / Shindaiwa are awsome. Either is fine. The shindaiwa has a nicer brush guard.
 
Fordiesel69 said:
Skip Stihl. Their after sale support is non existent, and their service parts are usually MSRP + 15% highway robbery. Echo / Shindaiwa are awsome. Either is fine. The shindaiwa has a nicer brush guard.
Click to expand...

I suspect this is going to vary place to place.

My local Stihl dealer is awesome.
 
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/#
 
I've owned both Stihl and Echo. Three years ago I purchased a Husqvarna 525LST. This is by FAR the best trimmer I've ever operated. It is a little more expensive than the models you are looking at, but it will POWER through crabgrass, weeds, thorns, thistles, you name it. Nothing slows this thing down. I personally own the Echo SRM-225. It is a quality trimmer, but isn't in the same league. If you have a lot to trim, this Husky is the machine.

https://www.husqvarna.com/ca-en/string-trimmers/525lst/
 
dja4260 said:
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?
Click to expand...
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.
 
While the SRM 225 is a nice unit, and I use one myself, if you have that much yard to use it on, I would up the budget to the suggested 2620.
 
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