String Trimmer/ Brushcutter Recommendations

[kenmac]

I also own one of these MultiCutter System trimmers commerical grade.O', Did I also mention I also own a husky ?

 

[RobertN]

I have two... Oner is an older Husky 225R 2-stroke. It is getting worn from TONS of use. Awesome mid size machine though. I have used the string head, wet grass bade, and brush blade.

A while back I got a new Honda 31cc 4-stroke. The 4-stroke is quieter, has tons of power, and cuts like crazy. It sounds like an old Honda Trail-50 motor bike ;-) I have been really happy with it.

I spent a couple hours on the trimmer yesterday, and will be out there in a few minutes today.

I am a confimrmed Husky/Stihl pro line kinda guy. But, I tell you(IMHO, of course), that the Honda 4-stroke is THE WAY to go.

I was on the Husky, and my son was using the Honda. When he stopped, I switched over. As much as I like the Husky, and reliable as it has been, that Honda was definitely nicer!

I also have a Stihl Combi system, but it has the regular oval handle setup, not the handle bar like the Husky and Honda I have. The Stihl system works very well; we have the string trimmer, edger, hedger, and rototiller heads.

Well, gotta go; got a couple hours of weedeating and bushhog'n awaiting

 

[_RaT_]

I spent a couple hours on the trimmer yesterday, and will be out there in a few minutes today.

I am a confimrmed Husky/Stihl pro line kinda guy. But, I tell you(IMHO, of course), that the Honda 4-stroke is THE WAY to go.

I was on the Husky, and my son was using the Honda. When he stopped, I switched over. As much as I like the Husky, and reliable as it has been, that Honda was definitely nicer!

I also have a Stihl Combi system, but it has the regular oval handle setup, not the handle bar like the Husky and Honda I have. The Stihl system works very well; we have the string trimmer, edger, hedger, and rototiller heads.

Well, gotta go; got a couple hours of weedeating and bushhog'n awaiting

After my Shindawa goes I will replace it with a Honda as well. Noise, power, smell all going in its favor. Surprised too how much lighter they have gotten from previous models. When you finish weedeating with it, you may smell like grass but not 2 stroke gas.

 

[fishman]

I've had a Stihl FS85 for about 6 years now (think the current model is an FS90) and really like it. No issues at all. Get the bike handle bars if you are going to use a blade.

Speaking of blades, the "scratcher" blade Stihl advertises to cut trees isn't worth squat in my opinion. It gets dull quick and can't be easily resharpened. The other blade they sell is sharpened with a round file similarly to a chain saw. They work great and will cut a tree around 5" in diameter or less. To sharpen, I clamp it in my vise and run a few strokes from a round file on each tooth. I bought two and can work a long time before they get dull, as long as you keep out of the rocks. Sharpening takes about 5 minutes. I'm pretty sure the blades will outlast the trimmer, as they are designed to be sharpened a LOT. I highly recommend this style of blade for cutting bigger brush.

I use their "brushcutter" blade for heavy grass and brush or in rocky areas. It is also well worth the money.

 

[Champy]

I've had a Stihl FS85 for about 6 years now (think the current model is an FS90) and really like it. No issues at all. Get the bike handle bars if you are going to use a blade...................I use their "brushcutter" blade for heavy grass and brush or in rocky areas. It is also well worth the money.

Fishman - I was looking at the Stihl's and the salesman said only the FS100 and higher could take the brush cutting blades. Evidently you are using them on your FS85........am I getting fed a "line" by the sales guy?

FYI - I am looking for something to cut down thistles; milkweed, reeds, thornbushes. Will an FS85 be strong enough?

Thanks

 

[1bush2hog]

Fishman - FYI - I am looking for something to cut down thistles; milkweed, reeds, thornbushes. Will an FS85 be strong enough?

Thanks

If you have a good bit of this type of stuff to cut then go with the FS250 - I have both the 85 and 250. While the 85 will do the job, the 250 will do it longer and better

 

[fishman]

Champy,

I checked the website because I'd just been looking at the Stihl catalog and knew I saw the FS90 with bike bars approved for blades. And I was right. Look here:
STIHL Incorporated United States -- Products -- Trimmers -- Manufacturing and Selling The World's Number One Chain Saw

When I bought mine I went in with the idea of buying something along the lines of a 250. My salesman essentially said "Why, when the 85 will do all of that also?" I bought it with the understanding that if it didn't do a good job, I could bring it back. I still have it and am very pleased with it. I'm sure it's no 250, and I'd bet anyone who owns a 250 is extremely pleased with their purchase. However, the FS90 they're selling now is likely half the cost of a 250 and it has the solid driveshaft just like the big boys. Sometimes I wish for a little more power when cutting bigger brush, but as long as I keep my saw blade sharp, the trees are no match. For smaller brush, perennials and tough annuals, the FS85 is all you need and more. If you can afford bigger, then go for it but if not, buy the FS90 and you will be happy.

You will need to remove the string trimmer guard and replace it with a blade guard, which is smaller. You will be frustrated if you don't. Personally (and I'm not recommending this to anyone), I find it works best with no guard when using the blade. There's no way the blade can ever get close to a part of my body, and I always wear a full face shield and helmet with ear protectors, so anything slung at me isn't going to hit me in the face.

 

[Champy]

Thanks Fishman.........I was debating between the FS80 and the FS110...looks like the 110 might be the way to go (bigger is always better - right?)

 

[Toiyabe]

Stihl doesn't seem to list the FS 90 (not FS 90 R) on their blade compatibility page. Presumably it will take the circular saw blades.

The FS90 and FS110 are four-stroke engines that still use gas/oil mix. Some folks say they don't have the grunt that the two-strokes do.

 

[RobertN]

I have the 31cc Honda. It has a different grunt than the other two 2-strokes I have(Husky trimmer/brusher and Stihl combo head). Reminds me of dirt bikes; 4-strokes have a different torque curve and power band than a 2-stroke; it isn't a bad thing, just different and takes getting accustomed to.

FWIW, my Honda came with a brush blade and string head.

Stihl doesn't seem to list the FS 90 (not FS 90 R) on their blade compatibility page. Presumably it will take the circular saw blades.

The FS90 and FS110 are four-stroke engines that still use gas/oil mix. Some folks say they don't have the grunt that the two-strokes do.