Gas trimmer purchase?

[blkwtr]

It sounds like there are some good trimmers out there and am glad that you were able to make a choice.
I trim about 1 1/2 acres with about a half mile of roadside and ditches. I have a Stihl FS131-R that I bought in April 2021. It's been used a couple times a week, year round, during the past 4 years. Yes, it cost $475 but I feel it was worth the price. It starts easy with no problems and has plenty of power.

 

[AutoMechanic]

I’ve used Stihl and Echo as well as currently own both. I love my Stihl FS 56 RC. It’s consumer grade but top of the line consumer like the highest one you can get. It’s in its 3rd season and doing spectacular. I paid $249.99 at Rural King for it and it’s on sale on the Stihl website right now for $199. I can’t remember the model number of my Echo trimmer but it’s pretty old and has lasted since my dad bought it years ago but I haven’t used it since I got the Stihl. It has never failed to start on me even after sitting the entire off season. I’d recommend it.

 

[UncleDave]

None of the shops around me have them in stock... Wanna sell/ship me one?

It's worth the wait.

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.

I'll bet the maruyama powered and attachment system is absolutely top shelf.

I'm a powerhead vs dedicated tool guy.

Although Im a fan of redundancy, buying half a dozen powerhead you dont actually need isnt the path I chose so I have 2 powerheads, the starter and the upgrade.

Having just upgraded from 18VX2 to 40, the seemingly trivial 2 volts actually turns into the difference between 600 watts, and 1000 watts at the toolhead. (according to the aussie authorities on the tool) Im not sure if that's the delta but I can say it's notable.

I got by with 600 just fine. 1000 speeds up a number of tasks - like pole sawing and cutting thick hedges.

Don't care about all out speed ? - pull back to level 2 and watch run time approach or beat gasoline levels.

I'm mid project so the wall is a mess - but the fantastic Stihl FS70R - is basically a wallflower now that the 40V head showed up.

 

[johnD2]

Retired my Stihl 94r. Had it since 2017. Nothing wrong with it, just wanted something new..The Husqvarna 525 lst mark ii, was on sale at the dealer. Threw a speedfeed 400 head on it. Love it so far.

 

[lilspenny]

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?

If I were in a similar circumstance, knowing what I know, I'd go for either a Stihl fs111r or a Shindaiwa T262. Both have solid shafts. That does increase weight a bit, but solid shafts increase the machine's versatility.

 

[facility1]

Husqvarna 525 LST for the vote, awesome trimmer ,is what I use, they use this on a cemetery near where I live.

 

[vontis93]

I Have a Maruyama trimmer and blower. I use Trufuel 50:1 fuel and they run like hell!

 

[D1dad]

Homeowner grade husky is poulan in an orange case, save your money. Stihl homeowner grades have gone down in quality from the days of the fs55 but still way better than husqvarna. When I did tree work, every truck used bg55 blowers and ms250s for ground work. Unless they were ran over by a skid steer or a truck, they lasted every bit as long as the pro models. I have an ms250 to maintain my acre lot and 2 new ones in a box, just in case they discontinue them. Still use my 20 yr old bg55 all summer long. I’m not a fan of stihl weed whips since I like to have a beer afterwards without my arm shaking like my blood sugars low.

 

[joekingcorvette]

Years ago when I was more frugal I would hit up the local pawn shops and find about any kind of string trimmer I wanted for way less than regular price. Many times I would find items that were new and if you buy off season you can save a ton. I have a 60V Dewalt and would never go to gas again however it's hard to beat the Stihl brand of trimmers. I see lots of them in my area in use.

 

[D1dad]

Stihl trimmers of old vibrated like an old paint shaker. I had an fs55 and put it out to the curb when the carb needed rebuilt. I’ve got a husky and jonsered, with the latter being smooth as silk. I’ve got an acre to maintain and alternate back and forth. When one runs out of string I grab the other.

 

[SOUNDMAN5000]

Personally, when it comes to anything "small engine" I make my choice of Brand based on what Brand dealer do I have in my area and I prefer a small local mom and pop dealer with a in house service and parts department.

Nothing like buying a BiG BoX store brand and then can't find a service center close for repair or parts.
I now buy my cars, trucks even washing machines based on not only the brand but what my service department experience has been with that brand.

 

[97prizm]

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've had a Stihl fs-38 for six summers and it's been flawless. I replaced the fuel filter last year. My local Stihl dealership is great. I bought a speed feed head and they set it up etc. Personally I'd go Stihl and not look back.

 

[meep]

Husqavarna straight shaft 4 cycle gas trimmer was my favorite. Started and ran good and sipped fuel. I gave it to a friend after moving to 40V rechargeable, but that husq was pretty much in a ways a wonderful and favorite unit.

 

[Slick]

Husqavarna straight shaft 4 cycle gas trimmer was my favorite. Started and ran good and sipped fuel. I gave it to a friend after moving to 40V rechargeable, but that husq was pretty much in a ways a wonderful and favorite unit.

Agree. Your friend was blessed by your gift.

The Husqvarna line trimmer with the Honda 4 cycle engine (Husqvarna Model 324L) is also my favorite of many that I have owned. My first one is still going strong after IIRC 5 plus years of light commercial use. Crankcase capacity of 2.7 Fluid Ounces (80ml) of 5W-40 HDEO change each 50 hours with no adds in between. Easy 1 to 2 pull starts cold and 1 pull warm. Quiet with about 90 minutes run time per tank. Good low end torque allow you to run slow and still trim well.

Honda also made their Honda line of dedicated trimmers/edgers/including Versa Attach units with the same great Honda 4 cycle engine but my concern with the Honda Line tools that the were too heavy for extended use without a strap. No oil-gas mix like the Stihl 4 Mix and some other 4Mix "type" engines.

I am still using the Husqvarna line trimmer today as my "go to" most favored line trimmer for light duty line trimming. I also have commercial gas and electric units from Stihl. Sthil KM 131R (Kombi 4Mix) and the commercial KMA 135R (Kombi Electric) in the fleet. Both are good units but not as good as the Husqvarna with Honda "true" 4 cycle engine.

When Husqvarna sadly discontinued the 324L line trimmer I got lucky and found a new clearance unit for half price. Could not leave it at the store.