Echo String Trimmer for the wife???

Bob_Skurka · Aug 16, 2004

Does anyone have any information on a lightweight string trimmer that actually has enough POWER to cut tough weeds and is still light enough for a lady?

I have been told the Echo 200i is a good trimmer. It has their new i-Start technology which is supposed to start with 75% less pull strenght than a regular trimmer. Anyone tried this? I was quoted a price of $189.99 + tax.

My wife has a "weed wacker featherlite" and while is it small and light, it bogs down badly with heavy weeds and thick grass making it essentially useless. She will not use my commercial John Deere trimmer because of size, weight and because it is difficult to start.

I've never owned an Echo. Are they good? Any other SMALL - LIGHTWEIGHT - REASONABLY POWERFUL - RELIABLE brands out there?

Bird · Aug 16, 2004

I've never owned an Echo either, but it seems to me that more commercial operators use Echo than anything else that I've seen. So I suspect they're pretty good machines.

Panache · Aug 16, 2004

When I first read the title I was interested in which way you were trying to trade. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bob_Skurka · Aug 16, 2004

$189.99 for the trimmer . . . how much is a wife worth? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Someone is going to get the short end of that trade!

KENSFM · Aug 16, 2004

The Echo GT-200i is a curved shaft trimmer, spend about $10 bucks more and get the SRM-210i which is a straight shaft model. It is a little heavier, but the difference in operator comfort is sizeable. I have Echo string trimmers, hedge clippers, and chain saws, they are pretty much trouble free.
I suggest taking your wife to your dealer to try the different models to see which one she is most comfortable with.
Wish I could get my wife to trim the lawn.
Ken /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Bob_Skurka · Aug 16, 2004

Ken, the wife currently uses a curved arm trimmer and really hates my straight shaft unit. The thing that appeals to me with the little Echo is it is their lightest model. The salesman I talked to said this was the most popular model with the ladies! I know from experience, if it is heavy my wife simply won't use it. I'm also afraid that if I show up with a straight shaft that she will equate it to my JD unit and object.

Any idea how much the 210-i model weighs in comparision?

By the way, on a side note, when I got done talking to the local dealer I went onto the internet and found the same unit selling for MORE THAN the MSRP of $189.99. So while the dealer is not offing any discounts, the internet dealers seem to be charging ABOVE retail price.

rockyridgefarm · Aug 16, 2004

btw, bob, has she tried using a shoulder strap?

Bob_Skurka · Aug 16, 2004

btw, bob, has she tried using a shoulder strap 

 Yup. She doesn't like it. With my wife and mechanical things, K.I.S.S. is a mandatory philosophy to keep in mind. She got chased by a bee(?) once while using the trimmer, she ran into the house. I'd hate to see her run in the front door with the trimmer strapped to her shoulder!!! Because that would happen. Mind you I'm not complaining, she does 90% of the trimming, so I want to get her what she wants.

LIGHT WEIGHT
EASY TO START
CURVED SHAFT

Those are at the top of her list. I want realiable because I don't want to mess with it!

KENSFM · Aug 16, 2004

"Any idea how much the 210-i model weighs in comparision?"

Bob, I believe the 200i weighs 9.6 pounds and the 210i tips the scales at 11.6 pounds. I do agree that the curved shaft model looks smaller (it is) making it more female user friendly.
There is a company out West that I get most of my Echo equipment from, they usually have very good prices. I will look them up and post their contact info for you.
Ken /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

KENSFM · Aug 16, 2004

Bob, the company I buy my Echo equipment from is ALAMIA Inc. in Denver, CO. (ALAMIA.com). I checked with them for price and availability, but they do not sell the model you are interested in. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
I also noticed that Home Depot lists a couple of Echo curved shaft models priced from $150- $179 but they do not feature i-start technology.
I think that the Echo GT-200i would be the best fit in your case just shop around for the best price and dealer.
Ken /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

hobbyfarm · Aug 16, 2004

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 · Aug 16, 2004

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 · Aug 16, 2004

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. · Aug 16, 2004

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 · Aug 17, 2004

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 · Aug 17, 2004

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 · Aug 17, 2004

( I find it hard to believe that a woman can't use any normal weed-eater on the market )

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 · Aug 17, 2004

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 · Aug 17, 2004

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 · Aug 18, 2004

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).