Stihl FS240

rekees4300 · Sep 16, 2015

Thinking of buying a new Stihl FS240. Needed to trim several acres of tall grass/weed/briar as well as clearing up to 3" diameter Buckthorn. Before spending $600+ would like to know if the FS240 would be up to the task. Recommendations?

Will_C · Sep 16, 2015

I have the predecessor-a FS250. I think it will do what you want. Use the circle saw blade on those 3" buckthorns.

Will

JKR · Sep 17, 2015

I also have a FS250. It a very powerful trimmer. With a blade on it will cut though small 3" trees and brush easy.
You may want to look at the FS 130 R $400 it is a great performer.

rekees4300 · Sep 17, 2015

Thanks for the feedback guys. For the circular saw blade there are two choices, scratcher tooth and chisel tooth. Which one would be better?

Will_C · Sep 17, 2015

I use the chisel blade, and I think you'll like it on those 3" trees. It is easy to sharpen with a chainsaw file.

Will

rekees4300 · Sep 17, 2015

JKR said:
I also have a FS250. It a very powerful trimmer. With a blade on it will cut though small 3" trees and brush easy.
You may want to look at the FS 130 R $400 it is a great performer.

The FS130 has a great weight to power ratio and is lower priced but I'm leaning toward getting the FS240. According to a Youtube review the FS130 has a 4 stroke engine that isn't suitable for low speed trimming.

Will_C said:
I use the chisel blade, and I think you'll like it on those 3" trees. It is easy to sharpen with a chainsaw file.

Will

Thanks, apparently the scrather tooth blade has to be "professionally" sharpened which would be a hassle so I'll get the chisel blade. Also going to get a 3 bladed brush knife to annihilate briars and other assorted undesirables.

JKR · Sep 18, 2015

I have used both blades. Saw blade on 2" to 3" trees and heavy brush. The 3 point blade on thick brush and heavy grass.
If it just heavy grass I use the string line .105 X Line or Commercial Round Line. Both work well.
There is no one blade or line that dose it all.

Will_C · Sep 18, 2015

Yes- it helps to have an assortment of heads. I have the line, the 3 plastic swinging blade head, a 3 bladed steel head, and the chisel tooth. All get used for something every year.

Will

rekees4300 · Sep 18, 2015

Bought a FS240 today. Also bought a chisel blade, a 3 pack of 7/32" files to sharpen it, 3 bladed steel brush knife, roll of .105 nylon line and a gallon of Motomix. Still need to get a special stop limit deflector for the chisel blade. The Stihl dealer said they would extend the FS240 warranty from 2 years to 4 because I bought the Motomix ... can't beat that!

oldballs · Sep 18, 2015

rekees4300, if you get a chance would you post a picture of that "stop limit deflector" used for the chisel blade. My dealer didn't seem know which one I needed for the chisel blade purchase. I bought a FS90 some time ago but haven't used the blade yet. That .105 line can take down about anything except the larger brush and small trees.
Cheers,
Mike