thegreatfixer,
Get an ECHO and you'll never have to fixer. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I have an old (1985 model) SRM-3000, and other than one plastic purge valve ($1.25) it has never needed any repairs (I even have the original washable air filter in it) . I felt guilty after ten years and replaced the spark plug. that's it. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
This is not one that gets used for two or three months a year either, we have a year-round growing season.
There are many good brands out there:
Tanaka, RedMax, Maruyama, Husqvarna, Stihl, Efco.
But, 9 out of 10 pros here in the sub-tropics use ECHO. It's funny when you go into a full-line (professionally servicing dealer) store with several brands to see them with ALL the other brands on sale but not the ECHO. And they still out-sell the others here. The only exception is the Stihl chainsaws. They do have a good hold here.
One more thing, just for fun, examine the websites of the brands you're looking at. Look for say, a parts manual online.
I've done this just looking for information and ECHO has every manual online! Stihl doesn't, Husqvarna doesn't. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
Knowledge is power. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif