Trimmer recommendation? Stihl? Echo? something else....

[Tangoddess]

Hi,

How is everyone enjoying the summer? Today I finally got tired of my trimmer, it was one I got from a Sears stor, 30cc, 4 cycle, uses gas, Craftsman brand I think.

It is barely used, but has given me a lot of issues. The fan broke, and I think the pull string got loose etc.

The problem is that it is really hard to start, and takes a lot of yanking.

I am thinking of getting a better/easier to turn on unit, which has a better warranty.

We have pretty thick native weeds and a large plot of land, so quality, and durability is important. We need it to cut around the edges and in narrow spaces where the mowers do not fit.

Which brand/model do you recommend? Echo? Stihl?

And what is a good sweet spot in terms of size, capacity, the Craftsman is 30cc...but I noticed that is on the higher end of the Echo trimmers?

Easy to start and not an earthquake on the body when operating is important

Thank you

 

[ArlyA]

We've had reasonably good luck with Echo's. We suggest getting whatever brand your best dealer sells of those two.

 

[TractorGuy]

I have owned and used a Homelite ST275 since 1988. Have replaced the primer bulb and fuel lines a few times and the line head once. It's very similar to the one they still show at Home Depot. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Homelite-2-Cycle-26-cc-Straight-Shaft-Gas-Trimmer-UT33650A/203681792

For heavy stuff I have a Craftsman push string trimmer with a 6 HP Briggs. I made an adapter to bolt a saw blade to that and can mow down small saplings with it. Looks like it is no longer available but there are many similar models. Welcome to Sears.com - Sears

 

[Industrial Toys]

Owned several Stihl, all garbage. Pull your guts out! Then, throw out your back as you try and hurl the piece of junk as far as possible!

Have a Toro that I got at the RESTORE, for next to nothing, had to put a reel on it. Starts and runs great after maybe ten years!

But I love my 18 Volt Oregon. Quiet, start and stop as you please.

 

[bcp]

Most if the landscaper trailers I see have Echo.

Bruce

 

[laurencen]

my gas one was getting a pain pulling and then stalling when i hit the gas, for the heck i picked up a Milwaukee trimmer, runs off the M18 volt platform, came with charger and 12Amp battery, dealer said if i was not happy return it

well it impressed the heck out of me, it takes the standard .090 wire and in high power beats my gas one hands down

decent battery life and quiet, give it a try or check the videos out

 

[deserteagle71]

Nothing beats a Honda!

After fighting 2-stroke trimmers for years I had enough and bought a Honda 4 stroke string trimmer 20+ years ago. Light, strong, and like any Honda engine, absolutely dependable. Never had to do anything to it in the years I've owned it but pour in some gas and change the oil once a year. Come late October I'll put it up in its rack and next spring I'll pour some fresh gas in it; two pulls on the cord and it will fire up and runs smoothly.

It was more expensive than the 2-stroke trimmers but now I know it was well worth it!

 

[4570Man]

Shindiawa is the best I’ve had. 4 stroke trimmers are heavy.

 

[Morning Wood]

Get a Stihl Kombi head. I’ve had a stihl trimmer since 06 and haven’t done a thing to it but put in gas. It’s runs great.

 

[corl]

I have had 2 husqvarna trimmers. Both good. Ran over the first one with the tractor after 10 year of hard service when it bounced out of the FEL. Starts on the 3rd pull every time with the choke. 2 stroke is lighter if you work it all day. No maintenance required just replace the string when needed. Trimming is not my favorite job but I don't shy away from it because of the trimmer.

 

[herm0016]

I like my Echo PAS. starts every time, attachments work well. i'm not sure ill buy another stihl, as my saw will only run for one session, then it will not start till the next day if i take a lunch break. cant seem to figure that one out.

Agree with the others, I go to my local dealers for equipment. better service, same or better prices from most other places when you keep going back.

 

[atsah]

I have a mid range $199 Husqvarna that runs great, easy to start and I haven't had an issue in years. Buying from a dealer makes all the difference, you tell them you want it, they bring it out back and start it and make sure the carb is adjusted correctly..

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

Dewalt 40V Lithium Ion Battery. No pulling, no priming, no gas to mess with, plus quieter. And it OUTPOWERS my Stihl. Goes several hours on a charge. My arms give out before the battery does. Will never go back to gas-powered.

 

[Beltzington]

We've had reasonably good luck with Echo's. We suggest getting whatever brand your best dealer sells of those two.

I have been using Echo trimmers for over 30-years. My old Echo trimmer ran for 20 years before someone stole it. I bought a new one Echo from HD about 10-years ago and it other than the fuel lines and primer button all degrading and having to be replaced it has been reliable as well. I do not like the Echo OEM trimmer heads and replaced it with a Husqvarna T35 head that is very easy to load and feeds excellent. Make sure you get a straight shaft. Good Luck!

 

[ultrarunner]

Never had anything Bad from Echo...

 

[Birdhunter1]

My dad has had a few Echo trimmers in the last 30 years, all were good dependable units, one or maybe of them were stolen.

I bought a used Stihl FS76 in 2006, I dodn't know how old it was then but it is a bigger one with the bike handlebar grips. So far in 12 1/2 years I have replaced the spool/cutting head on it, fuel line, spark plugs, pull rope and primer bulb. I typically don't touch a wrench or screwdriver to it unless it isn't working. If it ever dies I will probably go with a Stihl just so I continue to have a use for all of my T27 drivers.

 

[ArlyA]

We've been running various Echo's for about 15 years, so we are youngins. I'll add a few photos. This is pole saw and heavy string trail clearing operations. The only string we run is the .155 variety.

I have been using Echo trimmers for over 30-years. My old Echo trimmer ran for 20 years before someone stole it. I bought a new one Echo from HD about 10-years ago and it other than the fuel lines and primer button all degrading and having to be replaced it has been reliable as well. I do not like the Echo OEM trimmer heads and replaced it with a Husqvarna T35 head that is very easy to load and feeds excellent. Make sure you get a straight shaft. Good Luck!

 

[newbury]

Dewalt 40V Lithium Ion Battery. No pulling, no priming, no gas to mess with, plus quieter. And it OUTPOWERS my Stihl. Goes several hours on a charge. My arms give out before the battery does. Will never go back to gas-powered.

<snip>
I am thinking of getting a better/easier to turn on unit, which has a better warranty.

We have pretty thick native weeds and a large plot of land, so quality, and durability is important. We need it to cut around the edges and in narrow spaces where the mowers do not fit.

Which brand/model do you recommend? Echo? Stihl?

<snip>

Like GWWT wrote, a good 40V unit will often wear me out before the battery dies.
BUT - I've no experience with a battery operated unit using a blade.
I've several places where I need a brush cutter with a blade, and I've got a bicycle handle Stihl FS 250 and a regular FS 110. Both will handle a blade and I can take down small trees (3") and bamboo with ease.


My Stihls all start quickly (have to pay attention to choke settings, hear it pop, lower the choke) and I've got a bunch of them (about 8 including chain saws). Use proper oil, Stabil, ethanol free gas.

So for your thick weeds do you need a blade? If you can get by with a TRIMMER I'd recommend a 40V. If you need a BRUSHCUTTER I'd recommend a Stihl.

 

[ultrarunner]

It really depends on what and how often...

My brother has an FS Stihl that is a beast... always has a blade and nothing stops it.

I do like trimmers with harnesses... when I seasonally cut... I do it for hours at a time.

If you are only doing touch up around lawns and such... no need for expensive models.

 

[TMGT]

I've had very good luck with Echo products, I have a 266 PAS, makes it easy to switch between string and blade attachments.
Someone mentioned they didn't like the echo head, not sure what model head they had but the quick load Echo heads are fantastic, I keep a correct length of line on my trimmer in case I run out when I'm away from the house or truck, goes on so quick I don't even have up cut the trimmer off.

I wouldn't get anything smaller then the 26cc from echo.