Weed Whacker Suggestions

[Spiffy]

If you want middle of the road, maybe one of those little Stihls or equivalant is the answer.

However, if you want longevity and low vibration over it's life, I'd go with a straight shaft like the Stihl FS80 (or the solid shaft version if you want a better variety of attachments later). The FS80 is probably outside of your budget, but it will have more HP per CC and nicer grips (better vibration control and, I think, feel) etc. than the cheaper ones.

For just a few trees, this suggestion may be out on Pluto, but for more than just a couple minutes of trimming, I prefer bicycle handles and a double "comfort" shoulder harness. The two negatives are: you have to put on the harness, and they are designed for brush cutting (swinging motion), so you have to re-learn how to move a weedwhacker - now using your legs. But your arms and shoulders will thank you if you have a half hour of work! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Spiffy]

If you want middle of the road, maybe one of those little Stihls or equivalant is the answer.

However, if you want longevity and low vibration over it's life, I'd go with a straight shaft like the Stihl FS80 (or the solid shaft version if you want a better variety of attachments later). The FS80 is probably outside of your budget, but it will have more HP per CC and nicer grips (better vibration control and, I think, feel) etc. than the cheaper ones.

For just a few trees, this suggestion may be out on Pluto, but for more than just a couple minutes of trimming, I prefer bicycle handles and a double "comfort" shoulder harness. The two negatives are: you have to put on the harness, and they are designed for brush cutting (swinging motion), so you have to re-learn how to move a weedwhacker - now using your legs. But your arms and shoulders will thank you if you have a half hour of work! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Joe1]

My neighbor and I both live on 6 acres parcels and have a lot of weeds to deal with. He uses only Craftsmen and seems satisfied with them. I bught a Stihl and have been very satisfied with it. If I prime it right it will start on the first pull, but sometimes it takes a lot more. No problems with mine in 3 years of use, but it was around $300.00.

 

[Joe1]

My neighbor and I both live on 6 acres parcels and have a lot of weeds to deal with. He uses only Craftsmen and seems satisfied with them. I bught a Stihl and have been very satisfied with it. If I prime it right it will start on the first pull, but sometimes it takes a lot more. No problems with mine in 3 years of use, but it was around $300.00.

 

[Rob_H]

Thanks all.

As expected, good advice.

Sounds like it's between Echo and Stihl.

I saw a 21CC Echo at HD for $149, model GT201RSC with a curved shaft - any thoughts?

Does Echo do the same thing JD does with HD - different models to make a price? I know Stihl is only sold through dealers, so that's not a question.

Thanks again!

Rob H.

 

[Rob_H]

Thanks all.

As expected, good advice.

Sounds like it's between Echo and Stihl.

I saw a 21CC Echo at HD for $149, model GT201RSC with a curved shaft - any thoughts?

Does Echo do the same thing JD does with HD - different models to make a price? I know Stihl is only sold through dealers, so that's not a question.

Thanks again!

Rob H.

 

[keltonkrew]

I burned my craftsman up.

my Echo SRM-60 is a straight shaft driven tool. Starts easisly, I believe was cheaper than the FS listed above. I want to say it was around $260 or so...can't recall because I bought it quite a while ago...but I do agree, get a shaft driven whacker!

 

[keltonkrew]

I burned my craftsman up.

my Echo SRM-60 is a straight shaft driven tool. Starts easisly, I believe was cheaper than the FS listed above. I want to say it was around $260 or so...can't recall because I bought it quite a while ago...but I do agree, get a shaft driven whacker!

 

[Birdhunter1]

Stihl or Echo would be your best choices.
Stihl has a model out, the FS55 that is kinda like a heavy duty homeowner line that has a straightshaft and you can get it with bike grips or regular grips, price is a little above $200 I think though.
I don't remember what the Echo model # is that my dad has but I can say it has lasted 12 years, is one heck of a weedeater and has had very little if anything done to it since he has owned it.

 

[Birdhunter1]

Stihl or Echo would be your best choices.
Stihl has a model out, the FS55 that is kinda like a heavy duty homeowner line that has a straightshaft and you can get it with bike grips or regular grips, price is a little above $200 I think though.
I don't remember what the Echo model # is that my dad has but I can say it has lasted 12 years, is one heck of a weedeater and has had very little if anything done to it since he has owned it.