New String Trimmer Suggestions requested

[VaderSS]

Down in Brazil at the moment.

I just ordered a replacement for my ancient Murray lawn mower. Got a Toro 20057.

I'm now looking for a new string trimmer.

So far, from my research, I'm looking at the Echo GT-200/201 and GT-251 and the Stihl FS 45 and FS 46.

Leaning toward GT-251, with the FS 46 in close second.

Any suggestions/comments are welcome.

 

[VaderSS]

Oh and, I've got a typical suburban yard. Not heavy duty work, but I'd like something that would last a while.

Looking mainly for easy and reliable starting with good edging and trimming ability and easy handling.

 

[ATS-V]

I don't know. Those machines are pretty pricey. I bought a Ryobi 7 years ago for ~$100. Other than one carb adjustment a couple years after I bought it, it's been great.

 

[benjamming]

So you want one with a curved shaft? I bought the Stihl FS 45 a couple months ago. I like it. It was $140. You will simply need to see if the longer shaft of the Stihl FS46 is better for you or if the standard length shaft of the FS45 fits you.
Have you looked at the Stihl C-E trimmers with the "easier" starting method? I didn't see the need for it.

 

[rainman49]

If you want a trimmer that's easy to start, try the Kawasaki KRT27A. It's the best trimmer I've ever owned and you can start it with two fingers. It's more expensive than the box store trimmers at $250, but well worth it to me.

 

[Lonnie]

I have a straight shaft Echo, a bit over 7 years old. I go through a gallon of premix a month, lots of wacking. I change the fuel filter in the tank, the air filter and spark plug frequently and have yet to even adjust the carb. It starts on the second pull most of the time, sometimes on the first. I use Red Line racing 2-stroke oil at about 80-1. I don't know how long it's going to last but I'd buy another one. One thing I do is make sure I never lug it down, alway keep it spinning with cutting.

 

[yeehaw1960]

I always recommend (get ready to shoot at me!) Weedeater Featherlite. Simple construction, easy to start, use with one hand if neccessary and only 70 bucks. No frills and certainly no thrills, but they do a nice job. I have two of them at home. Picked them out of the trash, dumped the bad gas out, put new gas in and they run like new. I have to admit, I do get a little jealous when someone brings in a "high-end" whacker for service and I test it out, but for the money and being able to toss it every 4 or 5 years, if you're not able to work on them, they're hard to beat.

 

[VaderSS]

Thanks guys.

I have a old Featherlite now, as well as an ancient Craftsman straight-shaft that is pretty heavy. I like the Craftsman for it's power and edging ability, but the Featherlite handles much better. We use the Featherlite for trimming and the Craftsman for edging.

Both were given to me not running. I stripped them down and got them running well, but neither starts easily. I can get them started, but my fiance' can't. I'm gone half the time, so my fiance' winds up paying someone to do the lawn. Of course, they don't do the job as good as we do and they don't mulch.

I was thinking that a curveshaft with more power and a thicker line would give me better handling and the edging ability of the Craftsman.

The Kawasakis look very nice, but they don't have curved shaft models.

The Stihls may work with a shorter shaft, but, from speaking with a coworker my height, the shorter curved shaft Echos are too short for taller people.

Picking a trimmer has been harder than picking a mower.

 

[benjamming]

It sounds like the Stihl FS46 with the longer shaft (than the FS45) may be appropriate then.

 

[yeehaw1960]

Your fiance can't get them started??? Sound like when a guy has trouble boiling water or vacuuming the floor. If you do a bad enough job or take long enough she will always push you out of the way and do it for you. She may very well be sandbagging.

 

[Crusader]

I have a Sthil FS46 trimmer. Have had it for about 3-4 years or so. Had it in for warranty work since it was not running properly - still doesn't work correctly. I now have a straight shaft Echo srm-230 bought it from home depot and my dad bought a srm-210. Both work flawlessly and stat on the 3rd pull or so.

The Echo's run like a dream compared to my FS46. Maybe it's just my FS46 is a dud - not sure. The Echo spins more freely and the engines on the Echo don't have any flat spot in the power band. If you're gong to go with a Sthil get a higher end model. Echo has a 5 year USA warranty.

Echo 210 is a tad lighter and probably a better value on cost. The 230 seems to run smoother. Any of these are great for light to medium light trimming but begin to struggle when you use them on heaver thick weeds. I just did a huge commercial clean up that took me 2 days to complete. My Echo 230 spent most of it's time at full throttle. Echo 210 is around $200 at the Home Depot or slightly higher at your local dealer. Many commercial Lawn Care Operator use the 210 for what it's worth. 230 will take additional attachments that can't be used on the 210. Depends on what you needs are.

YMMV

 

[Fatboymoe]

I just sold my 6yr. old Echo 210 and bought a Stihl FS55R. I have had the Stihl about 5 months. In comparing the two, I liked the Echo better. I did, however, buy the California Stihl which has a exhaust cat. It just doen't seem to run as good. With no adjustments to make on the carb., it's as good as it's going to get. Both do the job( light landscaping around the house), it's just the Echo was better.

I bought a Stihl edger a few years ago, the FC55, and it runs great. I guess the newer stuff with the California restrictions are a definite minus.

I would still have my Echo, but I got a $50 gift card from Stihl for being a loyal customer and I bought the new Stihl. I guess loyalty has it's drawbacks.

 

[VaderSS]

Wound up getting a bargain on an Echo 210 Split Shaft. I also got an edger attachment to go with it. It's a bit light on power for the edger when edging for the first time, but it gets the job done and is great for maintaining the edge.

The trimmer attachment works great and it has plenty of power in that mode.

If you follow the starting instructions, it starts easily, though it always takes a few gentle pulls to get the first start of the day. After that, one light pull is all it takes.

 

[ffracer]

I had a Weedeater Featherlite. Absolute piece of ----. Cheap, cheap, cheap. It finally broke the starter recoil. It was hard to start. Very light (good!), but really a toy. To me, $70 every two years is a waste of money.

Replaced it with a 4-cycle Craftsman (same as Cub Cadet/MTD) and seems to be very powerful and easy to start. Also has a shaft to use attachments like blower and edger. So far so good.

I almost got a Stihl, but the low end models don't seem as good as the much more expensive.

 

[Sienna Driver]

I have largely eliminated the need to trim by putting mulch around the house foundation so the mower can reach the edge. I don't mind mowing but trimming is just too much hassle.

 

[Jim 5]

I also have the Echo SRM 230 and am pleased with it. Another consideration is how well the bump-feed line feeder works. Once the trimmer is running, this could be the biggest source of irritation for you.

The echo SRM 230 bump-feed works very well. I'm sure the Stihl equivalent would be just that. I have noticed the Echo takes a fair amount longer to warm up and get to full power than my Stihl 2 stroke equipment (leaf blower and chainsaw). But once it is running it works very well.

 

[Tom_T]

I'm sold on the Tanaka's. Dealer support is lacking but they will sell parts direct and I do my own wrenchin'. Hard to describe this but the trimmer and hedgeclipper I have just feel right. Plenty of power, quiet, light and built well. You can use them a long time without getting beat up. The "Brain" head on the trimmer is sweet. A Kawa trimmer would be my #2 choice.

 

[JTK]

Quote:

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Hard to describe this but the trimmer and hedgeclipper I have just feel right. Plenty of power, quiet, light and built well. You can use them a long time without getting beat up.

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I think that's the key too Tom. The higher dollar stuff is just easier on the operator. The little 2-strokes don't differ much IMO, but the feel and balance of the higher dollar stuff is way better.

Joel