Stihl String Trimmers

Soggy Bottom Outdoors · Feb 6, 2014

I've been shopping for a new String Trimmer. Most Stihl, I have several dealers in my area. Something on the low end of their Pro Line. Straight shaft, shaft drive(not cable), I don't see using any attachments on it. Will be used to trim some fences, pond banks and dams. I like the FS 90 and 94. Any owners or opinions out there?

deerseeker001 · Feb 6, 2014

I bought a husqvarnia two years ago and love it ,no problems.

madamos · Feb 6, 2014

I love my FS90R the torque allows me to run it at lower rpm and the four stroke engine has a lower less harsh sound. I use it on my 1.75 acres and when the string is wound properly it feeds perfectly and goes all day with one fill.

Paul

MoKelly · Feb 6, 2014

I have the FS 90. I have had it 2 years. I run it for about 2 hours every two weeks in the Spring through Fall mowing season. It has never failed to start and work well. Plenty of power for grass, weeds and other stuff other than wood. I am careful on the gas --- I drain it every time I'm done and refill the next time. It has done well by me.

It isn't the lightest machine available. But, I can use it for the 2 hours and, while I do feel it in my shoulders when I am finished, it is manageable. I have never tried a sling or brace. I am 57 years old.

Good luck.

MoKelly

bobmisi · Feb 6, 2014

I retired five years ago at 59 and started mowing lawns. I always bought Stihl, but I since have gone to Echo. The Echo brand is a little less expensive than Stihl, but the quality is a little better and the warranty is five years. I have two echo trimmers and a blower/vac so far and they have been flawless. I would certainly buy again and would recommend them to anyone, BUT, buy them from a dealer, not a big box store to avoid any warranty issues. Trying to get big box equipment warranteed by a dealer is not fun.

Soggy Bottom Outdoors · Feb 6, 2014

Madamos; I never really looked, I just assumed the FS-90 was a 2 stroker, need to look again. My Dad has a 4 stroke Cad Cadet trimmer that I'm just not all that "hippy" about. Lower RPM and less power.

GGB · Feb 6, 2014

I've got the FS 90 with handlebars and really like it. I mainly use it with the blade for cutting brush and it does very well. I've also got the FS 56 with lloop handle which I use strictly for trimming now. Before I got the FS 90, I did use the FS 56 for brush, but frankly it's undersized for that use if you've got a lot of ground to cover. I've only had a couple of occasions when I thought I needed anything larger than the FS90. And I have used the trimmer head on the FS 90 on heavy grass and it did fantastic, so if that's your main use, you'll be fine but probably will just want the loop handle model.

I'll second (or third or fourth....) only using good fuel. Absolutely avoid anything with any ethanol if you can, especially if you only use the machine intermittently-and that is coming from experience. Today I will only use 100 octane aviation fuel that I buy from a nearby private airport, and it only runs a little over $5 per gallon. I used to use a racing fuel, but frankly think it's overkill, and the lead in it may cause other problems from what I've read. By the way, we still are actively involved with a family farm and grow corn, so it hurts to recommend staying away from ethanol!

Good luck with your decision.

s219 · Feb 6, 2014

I like Stihl for saws, but my next trimmer will be an Echo. They make a real good unit at a good price, and you can get some of their models at Home Depot.

Industrial Toys · Feb 6, 2014

I have had many Stihl (farm) saws and a few of their trimmers, both big and small. I won't buy another!

I always seem to have carb issues. Actually, the larger farm saws work OK just I'm sick and tired of the oil leaking out of them!

Anyway, I am always told that I don't attend to my gas properly. Old, not stabalized, not draining gas in the winter, whatever!

The thing is this. I picked up a Toro trimmer at a Restore (Habitat for Humanity) for peanuts. These are returns from Home Depot. It was missing the reel. Anyway, I do nothing different with my gas, and this thing has just AMAZED me for reliabability! Whatever they do, Stihl could learn a thing or two about building their POS trimmers IMO. Kills me, because I have nothing big invested in the TORO. It's the only trimmer I own that I havn't thrown as far as I could in frustration!