Brush cutter, string trimmer recommendatons

rbstern · May 19, 2013

I've managed to get along with entry level Weedeater and Ryobi branded string trimmers over the years, but I've accumulated some land, and need heavier duty equipment that will handle both light string trimmer duties around the house, but also deal with seedlings and heavy grass in the woods and fields.

The last couple of outdoor power machines I've bought have been Husqvarna (chain saw), and Hitachi (blower). Both have now seen a couple of seasons of service, and I am sold on the better quality machines. I have also been borrowing a neighbor's Honda tiller, and have been completely impressed by how good a machine it is.

So, ready to spend a bit more, I'm hoping to get some feedback on better quality, heavy duty string trimmers/brush cutters. What do you have? What do you recommend?

dave1949 · May 19, 2013

I have a Stihl FS 250 model. I can't give you a comparison, it's the only one I have had.

I think it's a very good machine. Starts easy, runs good, tank of fuel lasts a good while, the handle bar style and support harness work fine.

I have a string head, bump style feed works good, a brush/heavy weed blade, and a saw blade with the chainsaw style teeth that can be sharpened with a file. The saw blade will rip through 3" saplings quickly.

I'd buy another.

Will_C · May 19, 2013

I have 2 Stihl's-a FS 85 and a FS 250. The 85 has a loop handle and is used for trimming with a line head, and the 250 has bike handles and is used with line, poly-cut blades, a triangle metal blade and a circular saw blade depending on the application. Both are good units-the loop is handier for "up close" trimming, like around a house, and the bike handle is used for fencelines, ditches, and property edges that are too rough for a bush hog.

'I bought the 85 11 years ago, and the 250 2 years ago. Both have been completely trouble free. I think I paid $300 for the 85, and $550 for the 250 with three heads. I sure there are other good units, that's my experince.

Will

rbstern · May 19, 2013

Thanks, gents. Not surprised to see positive testimonials for Stihl. That seems to be the brand I see most often on landscape trailers.

whistlepig · May 19, 2013

I bought a Stihl 4-mix last year. I'll never buy another 2 cycle and I have had many 2 cycles.

Loadstar · May 20, 2013

I have a stihl FS90. I got tired of screwing with disposable weed eaters so I moved on up. IT has been abused more than I would like to admit to. It has plenty of power and when I put the saw blade on it, it doubles as a pole saw, pruner, and land clearing machine. I really couldn't be happier with it and I have let many people borrow and demo it.

sklunk · May 20, 2013

I have the previous version of this:

Outdoor Power Equipment Attachments, Trimmer or Edger Attachment | ECHO USA

It's been going strong for almost 15 years now and I abuse it. I only have a few attachments but they held up better than I expected.

hslogger · May 20, 2013

I have a top of the line blue Shindawa with a metal blade, and super regular non ethanol gas mix. It has been faultless and perfect running for five or six years. I maintain all my hot wire fence and general maintenance.

mikehaugen · May 20, 2013

I bought a used ryobi at a garage sale for $20 and have used it for about 6 years. That thing wouldn't die. I hated it because it had a curved shaft and kind of a cheap feel and I kept saying that when it dies I would buy another "better" one. Well finally last week I had a fuel line break... easy fix but it finally gave me the excuse the go buy another

. I went to a local dealer that used to sell Stihl and Echo. I was planning on buying an echo because I had seen them at HD and liked them, but would rather support a local guy. So when I got there I found that they had stopped selling Echo, so I bought a Stihl, which is what I had been wanting for a few years anyway but was going to "settle" on the echo because it was slightly cheaper. Then I decided to get the kombi head (km90) and a trimmer attachment. I love it... lots of torque, which I am sure is because of the 4mix engine. It also has a a much more quality feel than the cheaper ones, though maybe a bit heavier but it comes with a shoulder strap. I have a couple Stihl chainsaws and there are lots of dealers in the area so I think I made the right choice. I can't give you much as far as longevity, but if it's anything like any of the other Stihls that I have, I have a lot of faith. It has plenty of power and think it will do well with a metal brush blade on it, which is what I plan to get next for it. Also if you buy a 6 pack of their oil with it ($15) they double the warranty to 4 years.