String Trimmer - Stihl or Echo??

[MI_Roger]

I need to replace my POS Bolens/Troy-bilt string trimmer. Only fours years old and the carburetor fuel pump (I think) and the recoil starter both failed within a week.

I am looking at Stihl and Echo brands, both have local service. The Echo has a 5 year warranty but appears to use some goofy string mechanism where-by you have to shut the trimmer off, walk back to the tool shed, find another 10-inch piece of string, reload the head, restart the machine, then walk to where you stopped and try to finish the job.

The Stihl has only a two year warranty but appears to use a traditional bump-head. Both sell for the same price, +/- $10

Is the Echo system as big of a PITA as I described it? I will be trimming grass on a standard 1/6 acre subdivision lot.

Thanks!

p.s. the other Pro brands are not locally sold.

 

[Chris Meutsch]

Stihl. I purchased one of their leaf blowers and will never purchase any other 2-cycle unit ever again other than Stihl. Starts every time, works flawlessly.

 

[Johnny]

Stihl all the way. Only other brand I will consider is Husky.

 

[Quattro Pete]

I've got a Stihl leafblower and a Stihl trimmer. Both work well, but I've only had them for about a year, so can't really pass judgement. I've heard a lot of good things about Echo though.

 

[hate2work]

Well, I sell Stihl equipment, so I'm a little biased.

Which model are you considering? If all you'll ever do is trim around your yard, the FS 45 or FS 55 would be all you'll ever need. If you want to step up to a light duty commercial unit that can take implements( chain saw attachment, hedgetrimmer attachment, etc ) then consider the FS 90 loop trimmer.

 

[exranger06]

I love my Echo SRM-210. Echo is on the top of my list if I need to buy another small 2-cycle machine. Mine has the traditional "bump" head though.

 

[mva]

I have an Echo edger that has never run that well and now the throttle is sticking (4 years old). I also have several other small 2 cycles including a Husky string trimmer that runs very well. The Echo is not one of my favorites.

They all get the same gas/oil mix including stabil.

 

[Slick 55]

I have an Echo blower that I bought a few years ago and just purchased a Stihl FS 55R trimmer today. Went with the Stihl due to a larger engine and adjustable carb compared to the similar priced Echo.

The only think I don't like about the Stihl is that it's only emissions rated at C (50 hours) versus the Echo at A (300 hours). Not sure if it really means anything in the useful life of the unit.

 

[hate2work]

Originally Posted By: Brett Miller
I have an Echo blower that I bought a few years ago and just purchased a Stihl FS 55R trimmer today. Went with the Stihl due to a larger engine and adjustable carb compared to the similar priced Echo.

The only think I don't like about the Stihl is that it's only emissions rated at C (50 hours) versus the Echo at A (300 hours). Not sure if it really means anything in the useful life of the unit.



That 4140 series engine is well built and should last you a long time. Upgrade your line to some .105 Gator line, that stuff wears like iron.

 

[mjoekingz28]

Originally Posted By: hate2work

then consider the FS 90 loop trimmer.




FS90 all the way. 4 stoke engine with lots of grunt and best of all motorcycle handlebars so you can lean back (instead of forward) and save your back and maybe even enjoy the job.

I got so used to using these when working for the city that when I have a yard to mow, I'll probably not buy a mower and just Stihl it.

What is retail on this model?

 

[hate2work]

Originally Posted By: mjoekingz28
Originally Posted By: hate2work

then consider the FS 90 loop trimmer.




FS90 all the way. 4 stoke engine with lots of grunt and best of all motorcycle handlebars so you can lean back (instead of forward) and save your back and maybe even enjoy the job.

I got so used to using these when working for the city that when I have a yard to mow, I'll probably not buy a mower and just Stihl it.

What is retail on this model?


The FS 90R (loop handle) retails for $299.95.
The FS 90 (bike handle) retails for $339.95.

 

[MI_Roger]

Bought the Stihl FS45. Recommendations were nearly unanimous for Stihl brand.

When tearing down the broken Bolens I discovered the owner's manual was printed in March of 2007! Only three years old, ran like [censored] all last summer, really only got two good seasons out of it.

Buy cheap, buy twice!

I had an Onan brand string trimmer that lasted 10-12 years. Followed that with a Ryobi string trimmer that lasted 10 years. My third trimmer, the Bolens, was junk from day one.

 

[Deltona_Dave]

Good choice on the Stihl! Their synthetic Ultra oil in the white bottle works great too. Low smoke and a lot less fouling on the plug.

The older Echo's were solid too (all gray case). I just gave my Niece my 18 year old echo stick edger. Let my local shop go over it and fixed the bolt for the blade (threads had stripped).

It will give you years of service.

Dave

 

[bruckus]

Have a Stihl 4 mix, 4cycle trimmer. Good power, Quiet, and very dependable. Overall a great trimmer.

 

[tig1]

My Echo weed wacker is 10 years old and the only part I have replaced is the fuel line. Works great, starts great on Amsoil Saber oil.

 

[Inline6]

I have a Echo Blower/Vac/Shredder, that I absolutely Love, Would by anything Echo in a Hearbeat.

Also have an older Toro String Trimmer, with the attachable system for pruners, trimmers etc, that has been foolproof since Day one.

Cannot comment on Stihl, as I own nothing they made, But I do have 2 Husqvarna saws that or very high Quality.

 

[Cmarti]

I love my stihl saws. I have an ancient stihl string timmer that never fails. I also have a n FS 55 stihl trimmer that gave me nothing but fits and we have parted company. I have an Echo blower and trimmer that have never even hiccuped. All these are consumer level OPE

I think you can't go wrong either way. If you go pro series go stihl, consumer level echo.....

 

[MrHorspwer]

Quote:
When tearing down the broken Bolens I discovered the owner's manual was printed in March of 2007! Only three years old, ran like [censored] all last summer, really only got two good seasons out of it.


You did better than me. My Bolens only made it through a single season before it ended in the trash. An $80 trimmer is not worth my frustration and unhappiness.

 

[Oil_Can_Harry]

I have had good luck with Stihl equipment. I have a Stihl FS 36 string trimmer that is 11 years old and doing fine. Also have a Stihl leaf blower and recently added a Stihl HS 45 Hedge Trimmer and Stihl MS230 C-BE Chain Saw. I have had very good luck with Stihl and Toro power equipment and would without question purchase them again when the need comes.

I am strongly of the belief the extra you pay for quality more than makes up over the long haul as the equipment keeps running year after year.

 

[occity79]

I like the Echo srm-230, got one from Home Depot, mine is gray but the new ones are orange, no other changes. I like the 2 cycle, and this is a really powerful trimmer for 23 cc. Alos got the brush blade kit for it. Starts so easy, and the bump haed works perfect. 5 year warranty. Comes with the .095 crossfire line cuts a lot better thatn round line. Shaft is long enough for tall people, very comfy grips too. Echo uses a special low fiction cylinder coating that no other brand has.