Best weed trimmer wanted.

[Thomas]

I am heavy user on trimmer,and Echo over the years has stood the test over time...purchase mine from dealer.

 

[Will_C]

I won't say anything about other trimmers, but I have 2 Stihls- a FS85 that is about 15 years old and a FS250 bike handle that is about 5 years old. I am very impressed with both.

Will

 

[/pine]

When/if I ever have to replace my 13 year old Poulan straight shaft PL25 I'll probably go with Echo....
...I always hear Stihl when the topic comes up...but I swear...almost every time I'm in the local shop ( A Stihl dealer) for something (usually hydraulic related)...someone is always bringing in one (or more) of their trimmers for repair...

As for my PL25...I've replaced a few parts...that are simple to order online...nothing near the cost of a new trimmer (like some of the commercial repair bills I've seen)...It is going to need a new throttle cable soon I noticed the last time I used it though...

A tip for those that are using older trimmers...after use make sure there are no hot spots along the shaft...if it's warm it could use some grease...!

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

I used to sell Stihl waaay back when. This will p. o. some, but go get you a Shindaiwa and don't look back. Get the speed head.

They are so good, Echo bought the company. In 13 years, I've only had to put a new fuel line on mine. Cost me a buck. Plus I use it in the winter with the pole saw attachment. My next one, if this one ever gives up, will be the slightly bigger multi purpose model and I want a shoulder strap.

 

[4570Man]

Sthil has never done much for me. My husky saw will out cut an equal $$ sthil saw, and a shindiawa weed eater is better than a sthil.

 

[Carhartt Cowboy]

Well, thanks to this thread I just purchased a Husqvarna 525LST.

Went back and forth a few times between the 4 stroke and 2 stroke. I tried to talk myself into the 4 stroke but in the end could not. The 4 stroke was just as loud as the 2 stroke (very surprising) and heavier, although the 4 stroke was rated at better fuel consumption. Mixing gas is no big deal and the weed trimmer will look nice by my rancher 460 saw I got earlier this year.

 

[MoKelly]

You do lots of trimming!

I trim, on average, about 1 hour/week around the house, trees, bushes. culverts and pipes. Not crazy long stuff but not a typical yard.

I use an Echo straight shaft trimmer. I purchased it at Home Depot. It was something like $159.00 on sale. I have used it 5 years now. It has always started easy and works very well. Its light enough that I can use it without pain. The straight shaft is invaluable for getting under trees and bushes.

I don't have to do much in the winter --- just drain gas and run dry. Then in the Spring I fill with gas and she starts perfectly.

MoKelly

 

[Dewbie]

I habent read all the comment but hands down sthil with straight shaft. I use to hate weedeating because it hurt to bad and left my hands shaking hours after use. Broke down and spent around 400 for a sthil and haven't looked back. Husqvarna and echo would be the other two brands I would recommend after sthil. If it isn't one of those 3 your wasting your money. And again straight shaft don't get a curved one.

 

[sd455dan]

Echo will be the easiest to start. I have a srm 225.

me to- going on year 28..

srm 240 labeled as a John Deere only failure was the magneto coil I replaced about 4 years ago- agree with everybody about going with a straight shaft version.

 

[Duwop]

I want to thank everyone for their contributions to this thread. I have not made a decision yet though I've been to the local Stihl dealer but he really didn't seem to care if he sold me one. I guess that also speaks loudly of the service I would receive. Have another dealer a few miles farther away and my dealings with them 13 years ago tells me not to go there either. Tomorrow I will head to the closest Echo dealer (Home Depot) 35 miles away to get my hands on one, I like to feel the balance and weights to get the right fit. It's seems that hands down most would advise to get either the Echo, Stihl, Redman or Shiwandia. If I spend the time to track down dealers for these model here in the middle of nowhere to get a hands on this process may lead to weeds 8 ft high come spring. I think the search needs to end soon. I will keep y'all posted.