would like comparison of string trimmers

[nancyk]

Our Shindaiwa T230 starts and runs fine but started making a noise at the bottom of the tube when the trigger is depressed. The head was taken apart and a small stone was found in it, and the head was replaced. The noise still continues. I took it to a Shindaiwa repair shop, the estimate I was given was a minimum of $300 to fix it, as it probably needed a new drive shaft, clutch and bearing(he said their labor rate was $100 an hour). So I am thinking lets just get a new trimmer, as $300 was a minimum. Are there any discussions/comparisons on this site of the different trimmers? We should definitely get a commercial quality. I just looked up Husqvarna, the 130, and a number of people have commented that is a bit flimsy, can be hard to start(the Shindaiwa always starts right up). Some people comment on the Echo 2620.

 

[Rdrcr]

I don’t remember viewing a recent thread specifically illustrating a comparison between commercial trimmers but, there are several discussions on individual trimmers if you search.

I’m particular to Stihl products. My Stilh Kombi KM131 R is one of the best tools on my property. I’ve abused it relentlessly and it just keeps going. It’s been a great investment. Plus, the Kombi system allows for a ton of different attachments.

I even have a leaf blower attachment for it which I use to clean off my tractor, SxS and ZTR mower after each use.

I don’t think you can go wrong with Husqvarna or Echo, they’re both highly respected and recommended manufacturers.

Mike

 

[ericm979]

I have a couple Stihl trimmers, an FS85 and a FS240. I also have a bunch of their chainsaws. The trimmers get used pretty hard and have held up fine. I also have an Echo saw and a pole pruner. Both of those start easily and run well. I would consider an Echo. I have not been as happy with my Husky products, both leaf blowers. I got one to run properly only after buying the special screwdriver to adjust the carburetor properly. As shipped it was so lean it barely ran.

 

[oosik]

I have a Stihl trimmer ( FS450 ) and two Stihl chain saws. All work fine and are a great addition to my group of tools.

 

[RjCorazza]

I have two of the Stihl Kombi trimmers and they have been dead reliable for my semi - commercial use.

 

[2manyrocks]

Echo SRM-225 is $229 new from Home Depot. They have sold a lot of these. ECHO 21.2 cc Gas 2-Stroke Straight Shaft String Trimmer SRM-225 - The Home Depot

 

[jyoutz]

I do also like Stihl products, but I own Echo string trimmers. Because their string head is the easiest to load and isn’t one of the “bang and jam” designs. And overall they are durable and work well. HD carries them as well as a lot of small engine /lawn equipment dealers.

 

[jyoutz]

Echo SRM-225 is $229 new from Home Depot. They have sold a lot of these. ECHO 21.2 cc Gas 2-Stroke Straight Shaft String Trimmer SRM-225 - The Home Depot

That’s what I have and I’m very pleased with it. I also have the echo wheeled trimmer.

 

[Pecosbill7]

Last year I purchased a Husqvarna battery powered PowerAxe chainsaw on the recommendation of a friend. I had had two gas powered Husqvarna chainsaws that had become very obstinate when it comes to starting. I was remarkably impressed. The battery lasted half a day and I gave out before it did. The best thing was how quiet it was. Didn’t even need hearing protection.

So, I then went out and bought a Husqvarna battery powered string trimmer, which uses the same battery. Works like a charm, and once again no hearing protection needed unlike my very reliable old Echo gas powered trimmer. It does everything I want it to do and it never fails to start, lol

I then bought the Husqvarna pole saw that also uses the same battery. It worked great until a tree limb came down on it and bent the aluminum shaft. No prblem, I thought, but boy was I wrong about that. I ordered the part from Husqvarna but it took over six months to get it. They kept claiming “supply chain issues” but I kept seeing new pole saws in Lowe’s and online which curiously all contained that supply chain restricted part. Really torqued me about their customer service, but all in all I am very happy with the performance of these battery powered Husqvarnas. You can buy them on Amazon or at Lowe’s. I picked up an extra battery just in case the initial battery gave out while the little woman was cutting firewood (if you knew her you’d KNOW that’s a complete fabrication). The extra battery isn’t really necessary but it’s nice to have. These are 40 volt big boys and they last quite a while.

I think Husqvarna is having a special right now where you get a battery free with a purchase.

 

[newbury]

How much do you trim?
I've several Stihls but my go to trimmer is a DeWalt Flexvolt 15"(?) that I've used as a string trimmer but also have put on a 3 blade trimmer head and a saw blade head. It requires the Flexvolt batteries (won't work on 20V max) but I've several of them.
I've had it for about 4 years or so. The head it came with was a POS, so I put on a Husqvarna 537388101 Universal T35 for ~ $30.
Dead reliable so far.