Stihl of a deal?

Tangoddess · Mar 28, 2019

Going to jump in here if you gentlemen don't mind. I am looking for a strong Stihl trimmer that can cut through some thick weeds at times, and is a good balance of weight and ergonomics? e.g. bicycle handles?

I have several acres that need to be maintained.

Don't mind spending about $300-$350 or so, located in Texas.

Am tired of getting the home owner trimmers from the big box stores, they don't last.

Thank you

Industrial Toys · Mar 28, 2019

I have friends that are a Stihl dealer and can get dealer cost, yet I don't think I will buy another Stihl product. They also carry Echo. I just came from another Echo dealer that did carry Stihl and said they had it with Stihls lousy approach to warranty. Echo, never an issue. I will probably buy an Echo 051.

Chaos USMC · Mar 28, 2019

Industrial Toys. I wish I could say I "feel your pain" but in all of the years I have owned Stihl equipment, (probably 20-25 years easy) I have never had a need to go back for a warranty issue. I honestly think I still own all of my original Stihl products. Sorry to hear your local dealers are having problems, to bad considering I really believe in Stihl products for all of my needs. Good luck with whatever you decide to purchase.

Tangoddess, I also have quite a chore when it comes to "trimming". My go to tool if it is grass, up to and including some heavier field scrub, is a Stihl FS 80R. Not sure they make that model anymore so you might have to compare against something newer. I could mount a "blade" on it if I had to but haven't. I usually operate it at "half speed" for lighter material and a tank of gas goes a long way. (I do use upgraded trimmer cord) If I have some field crap I want to hit, I run it higher and I have never been beat yet. Having said all that, I also own a Stihl Kombi 130 (I think the current equivalent is a Kombi 131). It is a power head that you purchase different "attachments" for, based on your needs. It can be a heavy duty trimmer, a heavy duty trimmer/cutter with a blade, a tree trimmer/chainsaw, etc., etc. If you think you have the need, this is a beast unit, and you buy different attachments as you need them. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Chaos USMC · Mar 28, 2019

Industrial Toys. I wish I could say I "feel your pain" but in all of the years I have owned Stihl equipment, (probably 20-25 years easy) I have never had a need to go back for a warranty issue. I honestly think I still own all of my original Stihl products. Sorry to hear your local dealers are having problems, to bad considering I really believe in Stihl products for all of my needs. Good luck with whatever you decide to purchase.

Tangoddess, I also have quite a chore when it comes to "trimming". My go to tool if it is grass, up to and including some heavier field scrub, is a Stihl FS 80R. Not sure they make that model anymore so you might have to compare against something newer. I could mount a "blade" on it if I had to but haven't. I usually operate it at "half speed" for lighter material and a tank of gas goes a long way. (I do use upgraded trimmer cord) If I have some field crap I want to hit, I run it higher and I have never been beat yet. Having said all that, I also own a Stihl Kombi 130 (I think the current equivalent is a Kombi 131). It is a power head that you purchase different "attachments" for, based on your needs. It can be a heavy duty trimmer, a heavy duty trimmer/cutter with a blade, a tree trimmer/chainsaw, etc., etc. If you think you have the need, this is a beast unit, and you buy different attachments as you need them. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Industrial Toys · Mar 28, 2019

I had one Stihl trimmer with a flexible drive that broke. Then they put some warranty on that flex drive, but it was too late for me. Besides, that trimmer never started or stayed running. I found a Toro Trimmer at the Restore when volunteering there, had to put a reel on it and it's been the best trimmer I ever owned. I know, I could walk out there, with it haven't been run in half a year and it will start.

People always blame the carburators on the poorly functioning Stihl equipment as if it's a seperate part and you can't blame Stihl for that. But funny, I don't have those carb issues with other equipment.

Chaos USMC · Mar 28, 2019

Never had a carburetor issue either. Sorry to hear about your bad luck, or maybe I am just a lucky guy...

I am a little **** about never letting my equipment sit for more than a month without running them a bit, if I have not used it within that time frame. That goes for anything I own that happens to be topped off with fuel, diesel or gas. I also rely on good additives to keep things clean. Just a habit of mine. Must work, I guess, maybe, perhaps... I also don't use ethanol based fuel in any of my 2 stroke gear. We all have our "go to" tools. Good luck with yours. Be safe and be well.

Industrial Toys · Mar 28, 2019

Things have definitely improved since using fuel stabilizer. The Echo dealer told me today that saws now use semi-synthetic oil for 2 stroke. Is that just CRAZY?

ultrarunner · Mar 28, 2019

Never owned anything bad from Echo...

But we are standardizing on Stihl AP300 battery equipment for part of the Christmas Tree operation and would already be but it sure adds up fast cost wise...

Industrial Toys · Mar 28, 2019

I'm looking at an Echo CS501 P, but I am very intrigued by the CS 2511T, advertised to be the lightest 25cc saw in the world. But for the size, it is pricey! Especially, when adding it to the price of the other saw!

I am currently using a Stihl 017 which is really only running because it is a combination of 3 such junk saws. But I love the size when it works.

ultrarunner · Mar 28, 2019

My little top handle saw has been through it all... keep it in my truck and it does not leak oil or gas fumes compared to other saws that left puddles...

I wish I could remember the number but it has cut through storm fall blocking the road that was 32 inch diameter... it has fallen from treetops and rolled down an embankment into the creek...

My Stihl MS250 saws have had parts rattle off and break... especially the single tool-less tension adjustment and the rubber grip bar vibration insulators... nothing serious except when you are out in the woods and work is delayed...