Echo String Trimmer for the wife???

[hobbyfarm]

You just about can't go wrong with Echo equipment. I've had a model SRM 3000 trimmer since the early 80's and other than basic maintenance it has been absolutly bullet proof.
It is now on its second spark plug, second air filter and its second primer bulb. Just grease the head once in a while.
Phil

 

[hillslider]

Bob,

If I were you I would look at the Stihl FS45 or FS46. A buddy just bought the FS45 for around the house. It is a pound lighter and has a few more cc's of engine power comapred to the ECHO 200i model. Stihl also has a easy start system. You just lightyl pull the cord and it release it and it starts. Realy a top notch piece and it is also better in price. If I remember right it was about 170.00. Also has the curved shaft. Happy shopping and remember a happy wife is a happy house. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[Bob_Skurka]

The FS45 looks good (no need for the extra length of the FS46), but I do like the head of the Echo a little better. My experience with the line feeders is that they don't work when they get gunked up. I like the Echo standard head, the Stihl offers a similar unit, but adding that would increase the cost to over the price of the Echo.

The Echo also offers 50% greater fuel capacity (15oz versus 10oz) which given the amount of trimming my wife does, is a benefit!

I think the Stihl offers a friendlier homeowner "look" which might be a benifit for the lovely Mrs_Bob because "perception" of ease of use is often half of the battle!

 

[Alan L.]

I couldn't get my wife to use the string trimmer at all because of the weight. I got one of those Troybilt wheel trimmers at Home Depot a couple of years ago and she loves it. Uses it all the time.

This of course is only good or relatively flat ground - it becomes real work on a slope. I use my Stihl FS85 on the slopes.

 

[FamilyFarm]

I bought the 200i for my mother-in-law after my father-in-law passed away. My children use it more than she does and even the 10 year old has no problem using it. The i-start feature is really amazing. My 6 year old can easily start it! It actually isn't the lightest tirmmer around, but light enough and reasonably well-balanced. It is obviously a high quality unit, very dependable. The only negative (for some people) is the lack of a "bump" feed trimmer line head. It is very easy to put in new line, but extra line needs to be cut to length and kept handy to the worksite. I don't remember the price I paid, but I bought it from Mayberry's at http://www.mayberrys.com/. I have purchased from them many times with never a problem. Terry

 

[Gatorboy]

I find it hard to believe that a woman can't use any normal weed-eater on the market. If doing the trimming is a regular routine, then the muscles should get stronger over time and the weight is not an issue. Mothers can carry around 20+ lbs babies all day long it seems.

 

[Bird]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I find it hard to believe that a woman can't use any normal weed-eater on the market )</font>

What that woman can do and what she will do are frequently two different things.

Hmm, come to think of it, the same could be said of me. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[goodoleboy]

I have an echo srm260 which about a $300 trimmer attachments are brush cutter blades and u handle kit, The weight is hard compare weights unless you see them side by side. My wife loved it , she is 29 years old and is small framed.she would not put that trimmer down, LOL she enjoyed doing it so much.
THe weight did not seem to be an issue with at she didnt complain and she an entire 2 acres. If She did trimming all the time i would buy her a curved shaft trimmer, becuase of her small size. . She was just playing that day so she can use mine.
I would go with Echo though even if you get an srm210 they are top notch trimmer and many pros use the them.. Another plus is engines are made in japan

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I am definately leaning toward the ECHO GT200i. It seems to have everything she likes. Light weight (under 10# empty), curved shaft, easy to start. It has a line head that makes it easy to load more string.

I like the large fuel capacity of the Echo as I usually have to fuel the lovely Mrs_Bob's current trimmer before she starts, and often again before she is finished.

I also like the easy start system of both the Echo and the Stihl (I still have not seen the Stihl in person but hope to today?).

I like the 2 year warrenty on both the Echo & the Stihl.

I prefer the Echo's head design, Stihl offers a similar head unit as an option. Both are priced under $200, which is nice.

The Stihl has a friendlier "sleek & contoured look" to their unit which may have some appeal to the wife, but functionally both appear to be basic units with simple controls.

The Stihl has a slightly bigger engine than the Echo, but both likely have MUCH more power than the inadequate unit she currently uses, so I think either way she would be happy.

 

[hazmat]

Bob,

you can't go wrong with Echo, Stihl, Husky or Deere. Get the one wifey wants. When I was shopping for a trimmer 3 years ago, the Deere was the lightest (straight shaft anyway).