String trimmers

[aczlan]

Echo and Stihl both build good machines. Neither companies are perfect and will put out a orange or lemon now and then,,, but in general do build them with integrity and quality.

And a poor mechanic can ruin (or fail to fix) either in a hurry...

Aaron Z

 

[ultrarunner]

I stopped into a new hardware store in a kinda upscale area the other day. They had an extensive selection of Stihl products. I always check them out.

Took me a few minutes to realize EVERYTHING was battery/electric. NO gas engines at all. The only oil they carried was bar and chain oil.



TBS

This is what I am seeing at full line Ace Hardware stores... they sign on for a promotion and get a package display with inventory.

I did ask how long to get more chain and was told they need to be able to make a minimum order to place an order.

 

[bmg88201]

I think it is good idea to buy equipment at a place that also does the service. If you buy from a big box store or a hardware store and then have troubles, they will use another place to get it repaired, might take a week to get it picked up, then if it still doesn't work, then you wait another week or so and never get to talk to the person that worked on it. I like talking face to face to the person that does the repairs, no third parties.

 

[ArlyA]

We only buy from shops with a good service history.

 

[Doofy]

We only buy from shops with a good service history.

I try to buy things that I can repair myself or mail away for repairs. It getting harder to find repair parts or companies that will even mail you parts. Maybe a 3D Printer would come in handy.

 

[Atchuuu]

Went to Tractor Supply Co last week and noticed a bunch of Dewalt 20v trimmers had been marked down. Someone went in and stole the batteries so TSC was selling them as is. Since I have a couple of the 20v batteries I thought I would give it a try and the price was right.

I'm really disappointed in the run time of this trimmer. It just didn't hold a charge long enough. I used two batteries and still did not finish the job which really surprised me because my Dewalt battery operated chainsaw goes all day.

I really like the concept of battery operated tool. No mess, no mixing, no warm up. Just ready to go when you need it provide you have a charged battery. Like Dewalt products but for my use the 20v just isn't the right tool.

 

[ultrarunner]

Blowers and Shaft Trimmers sap batteries...

I have been pleased with the chainsaw and hedge trimmer... I think it is the on and off cycles as opposed to the constant drain... nothing scientific just my thoughts.

 

[two_bit_score]

I think it is good idea to buy equipment at a place that also does the service. If you buy from a big box store or a hardware store and then have troubles, they will use another place to get it repaired, might take a week to get it picked up, then if it still doesn't work, then you wait another week or so and never get to talk to the person that worked on it. I like talking face to face to the person that does the repairs, no third parties.

We only buy from shops with a good service history.

It's been my experience that Stihl only sells through dealers who have a service department available in- house. This hardware store does have a central location where all service work is done.

I too like to buy at a dealer who does the work on site. Preferably buy it directly from the guy to services everything himself. There still are a few guys like that out there in the Stihl family.



TBS

 

[Evets Tsorf]

Went to Tractor Supply Co last week and noticed a bunch of Dewalt 20v trimmers had been marked down. Someone went in and stole the batteries so TSC was selling them as is. Since I have a couple of the 20v batteries I thought I would give it a try and the price was right.

I'm really disappointed in the run time of this trimmer. It just didn't hold a charge long enough. I used two batteries and still did not finish the job which really surprised me because my Dewalt battery operated chainsaw goes all day.

I really like the concept of battery operated tool. No mess, no mixing, no warm up. Just ready to go when you need it provide you have a charged battery. Like Dewalt products but for my use the 20v just isn't the right tool.

I have noted that battery powered equipment is changing rapidly, tried to by replacement batteries for four year old Porter Cable tool set, 20 volt as I recall. These are now only available on line. All the newer equipment is all higher voltage to cram more energy density in the packs. This is changing things for the better, the new Echo trimmer with the higher amp hour pack is good for about an acre of property, a battery powered trimmer from a couple years ago was marginal for a small yard.

 

[ultrarunner]

It's been my experience that Stihl only sells through dealers who have a service department available in- house. This hardware store does have a central location where all service work is done.

I too like to buy at a dealer who does the work on site. Preferably buy it directly from the guy to services everything himself. There still are a few guys like that out there in the Stihl family.



TBS

More local Hardware stores are carrying Stihl Homeowner line of Battery Garden Tools...