New String Trimmer?

[2LaneCruzer]

My old Echo string trimmer has pooped out on me; was in the shop last year, and the guy said this model had carb problems and a new carb was expensive enough that a new trimmer was really the way to go. My question is: Can anyone recommend a trimmer in the $200-$250 range? I want one that (1) STARTS EASY; (2) is light and easy to carry, and (3) has the string head where you individually insert the two pieces of string. My research so far, has little if anything to say about the Echo; seems that he Cub Cadet and the Huskvarna are right up there. Any testimonials to share...anyone?

Thanks in advance;

Dennis

 

[teejk]

I bought the Echo GT225 a few years ago for my wife. Lightweight, nice balance, curved shaft, insertable string. My wife has no problem starting it. What looks like a primer bulb is actually a purge bulb so less problems with flooding I guess. Like you, my wife loves the insertable string. I never had much luck with the "tap-n-go" or autofeed heads.

 

[PJSprog]

My Wife just bought a small Echo (no idea what model, I didn't look that close, probably the GT225) yesterday with the insert string head. She likes it a lot more than our heavier Husqvarna. I like the Husqy a lot (in it's third season now, trouble-free), and the Echo looks like it's pretty well-made, too.

 

[bferg]

I have a Stihl FS-70r. That version might be a little big for your needs (it is the low tier commercial version- straight shaft) but an FS-40 or 50 might be right up your alley. They have all manner of string heads you can attach included the two string insert head type. I can't say enough good about my Stihl. Three pumps of the primer and it starts first pull every time. I have 5 acres of property I am currently converting from unkept woods/pasture to a home site and the FS70 is my #1 tool. I take care of it in terms of maintenance (keep the heads cleaned off, run non-ethanol gas through it, use quality oil and make sure my mix is right) but abuse it in terms of usage. There is nothing I won't try to cut down with it. My brother has the FS60 and a larger brush cutting Stihl trimmer and all 3 of our machines get used and none of them have ever let us down.

 

[bjr]

My old Echo string trimmer has pooped out on me; was in the shop last year, and the guy said this model had carb problems and a new carb was expensive enough that a new trimmer was really the way to go. My question is: Can anyone recommend a trimmer in the $200-$250 range? I want one that (1) STARTS EASY; (2) is light and easy to carry, and (3) has the string head where you individually insert the two pieces of string. My research so far, has little if anything to say about the Echo; seems that he Cub Cadet and the Huskvarna are right up there. Any testimonials to share...anyone?

Thanks in advance;

Dennis

I'm a Echo fan I've own two of them now. I think mine is the "power head 266". I gave nearly $400 for it and the trimmer end. I use the Speed Feed adapter string head. It's been a good investment as I've got two acres of weeds and fence line to keep clean. My current line of choice is the ugly line triangle yellow and I don't let it set in the sun and it does just fine. bjr

 

[Thomas]

Had ECHO for many years and work the heck out of them all kinds of conditions...life span 5-6 years,like the old saying goes you take care of it,it will take care of you.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I love my Stihl FS56RC. It has the tap to release line head and it works well. It is the first one I ever had that really releases line when tapped. You do have to tap it before the line gets too short or it wont have the inertia to pull the line out. I have one of the heads that you put the two pieces of line in and I hate it. You have to carry around a pocket full of the sticks which is a PIA.
The 56RC is a straight shaft string trimmer and is a little heavier than the curved shaft but I need the extra length to keep from having to stoop over so much when using it. It has plenty of power to use .095-.105 diameter line which will wade thru the heavy stuff. I prefer the square string over the round as it seems to cut much better and not wear as much. I have owned mine for a couple years now and it is easy to start- prime it 5 times, put it on start (choke) pull twice and it cranks every time. I run the tank dry when storing it for the winter and never had any carb problems.

 

[PJSprog]

I prefer the square string over the round as it seems to cut much better and not wear as much.

Absolutely. I started using that stuff last year. Huge difference.

 

[tcreeley]

I have a Husquvarna- does ok. Pretty good for starting. My wife like to use a string trimmer but she can't start it easily. I had bought one with a battery starter, but that was junk. She went and bought a cordless 40v Ryobi string trimmer. She loves it. She never has to wait for me to start it. She can cut about an hour on a charge. But she cuts for 10, gardens, cuts for 10, works with the horses, cuts, etc..
Then she charges it. We just got a cordless 40v Ryobi chainsaw that uses the same batteries.
I'm using two canes now and she loves the freedom it gives her to do things - fallen limbs, etc. on her own without waiting for me.

 

[teejk]

I love my Stihl FS56RC. It has the tap to release line head and it works well. It is the first one I ever had that really releases line when tapped. You do have to tap it before the line gets too short or it wont have the inertia to pull the line out. I have one of the heads that you put the two pieces of line in and I hate it. You have to carry around a pocket full of the sticks which is a PIA.
The 56RC is a straight shaft string trimmer and is a little heavier than the curved shaft but I need the extra length to keep from having to stoop over so much when using it. It has plenty of power to use .095-.105 diameter line which will wade thru the heavy stuff. I prefer the square string over the round as it seems to cut much better and not wear as much. I have owned mine for a couple years now and it is easy to start- prime it 5 times, put it on start (choke) pull twice and it cranks every time. I run the tank dry when storing it for the winter and never had any carb problems.

I bought the Stihl FS55R a few years ago and have to say that I hate it. #1 Hard starting (minor problem). #2 That feed head NEVER fed the string properly...would leave one end short (beyond the capacity of the feed mechanism) requiring re-stringing the whole head (major problem). And yes I used Stihl string in whatever diameter it called for.

 

[RobertN]

I like my Huskies and Stihl's. But I use them for backup now. My go to is my Honda...

Honda HHT35SUKAT String Trimmer and Brushcutter Model Info | Honda Trimmers

They also have the regular(doesn't have handle bars)
Honda HHT35SLTAT String Trimmer Model Info | Honda Trimmers

 

[hawkeye08]

I'll likely be getting new trimmer... the Ryobi 18v works for my wife, but my patience wears thin and the lithium ion battery won't last for the whole yard (which my wife is ok with because she doesn't either). We had a McCullough for over 20 years, but it finally seems to be wore out and wife wanted something with battery so she didn't have to mess with starting and mixing gas..

 

[DuckSlayer1017]

Another vote for a Stihl straight shaft. I've had a FS55 or 56 (can't remember) for 17 years. I had to put a new carb on it two years ago but that has been it for maintenance. No issues with the bump feed head like others have said.

OP check EBay for an aftermarket carb. I got one for less than $30 and it works great. It even has all three adjustment screws which I believe have been EPA banned so you don't accidentally run it too rich.

 

[whitexc]

Echo fan here. I have a 10+ year old straight shaft gas trimmer (21CC?) that has been nothing but reliable. It always starts easy, runs great and I have never opened or fixed anything except an empty fuel tank and a string re-wind every so often. It has the original bump-n-feed head that still works great. I also have their blower and a gas hedge trimmer too. These are all Home Depot versions that have served me very well. I run 91 octane with Amsoil or have recently started using TruFuel that runs very well in all my equipment and smells great (like race gas) too!! I have shopped around and almost bought a Stihl but I just can't let go of what I have cuz it works. I would like a bigger trimmer/brush cutter so that may be next and then just keep old reliable as the line trimmer she is.

Good luck with your decision, keep us posted.

 

[RSKY]

My Stihl is fifteen or sixteen years old and started second pull after sitting six months. I don't know if any of the new ones, of any brand, will give the same service with the pollution junk on them.

 

[Tomtint]

I have 5 or 6 Echos, a couple of them are simple smaller straight shaft trimmers and the others are split shaft units that we use with various other attachments. The smaller ones are easier to pull start because the motors are quite a bit smaller then the split shaft ones, but ..having the ability to add usability to the splits is a huge benefit. Tough call. If all you will ever need it for is a trimmer, .. a decent Echo cam certainly be had in the 200-250 range. A split shaft power head would be more.

 

[IXLR8]

I have a 15 year old Honda HHT25 that was a bit tough to start when I first got it.. now it is pump primer until carb is full and it starts first pull. I put a Speedfeed head on it to make loading the string easier and it bump feeds reliably and repeatably, MUCH better than the stock Honda head that came with it. I also have a saw blade I put on it for cutting brush, it will cut up to 2" in diameter with no issues. Being a 4 stroke engine, it is a little heavier than the 2 stroke machines, but I like not having to worry about mixing fuel & oil and dealing with those hassles. And it just sips fuel, a full tank is good for about 4 hrs of trimming... certainly longer than I want to trim for!! In real heavy grass I wish I had stepped up to the HHT35, but that is a still heavier machine and I don't miss the extra power often enough to worry about it.

 

[JRobyn]

Whatever one you wind up with, do yourself a favor and try one of these - Trimmer Shoulder Strap Harness Net Bag For STIHL HUSQVARNA ECHO #4119711 | eBay

There's many other similar ones available including Stihl and Husky-branded ones for 3 times as much. The important things are the full harness and the "hip pad".

If you use a trimmer for more than just a few minutes, your back and shoulders will REALLY thank you.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

Thank you so much everyone; your comments are very helpful. I will read and consider each of them.

Dennis

 

[TractorGuy]

My 1988 Homelight ST-275 is still running fine but if it ever dies I'm going to consider one of the new cordless units.