String trimmer quality level

18 years ago

Hi all,

There are many threads here comparing string trimmer models. I've been reading them for an hour!

My major question is what quality level I need in a trimmer.

I certainly need something better than my John Deer S1400 (I think that's the model number).

The likely contenders for me are Stihl and Echo. There is a dealer for each within a few miles of my house. In fact, here they are:

> http://www.harvardpower.com/site/stihl/trimmers/index.htm

> http://www.toreku.com/home.html (note that I've had more of a relationship with this establishment)

I live on two acres with lots of fences and trees; I'd call it relatively complex landscaping, with stone walls, wire fences, a few outbuildings, two orchards and mature trees, many garden beds, and such. I'll use this machine every couple weeks at the most. It's mostly small weeds and grass, but there are also projects every few months where I hack at multiflora rose bushes, and certain areas that is impossible to mow (due to mud) most of the year, so it overrun with 4-foot weeds. In other words, I sometimes have big projects that this machine would need to help with. But only, say, three or four times per year.

My budget is up to about $350 or so, though funds are fairly tight at the moment, so less would be better.

I'm pretty bad with machines, and tend to use stale gas and otherwise not keep up on maintenance. Much as I try, my track record for repairing them myself is not so good. I realize that this makes me a bad person, but it's a fact we all have to live with.

What I've read about Stihl appeals to me; people often say that their machines generally have a nice feel, and that's meaningful to me. My last couple small engine purchases were Husqvarna (350 chainsaw and GT), and I like them pretty well. My only Echo product is a lightweight leaf blower which was a disappointment; it's hard to start and not powerful enough to do what I want it to. But there are so many rave reviews here of the Echo SRM 210 that I'd be willing to give it a try.

My question, though, is what quality level is appropriate my needs. There's a big price jump from, say, the Stihl FS45 ($150) to the FS80 ($300).

Do I need a pro/semi-pro machine for my situation, or would a lighter-duty "homeowner" model be adequate?

I'm leaning towards the Stihl FS80, FWIW, but if this is really overkill, I'd be interested to hear that argument.

--Jonathan

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

yungman
18 years ago
For $300, you can get some nice ones. Stay away from hybrid 4 cycles at all cost!!! This include Shindaiwa C4 ( T2510 and T3410) and most of the Stihl 4Mix.

If you need light weight weight, Husqvarna 326L or 326Lx. This should be about $300 if you catch it on sale.

Redmax BCZ2401, BCZ3001S are 23.6cc and 29.5cc trimmer, both are light for the power.

Shindaiwa T242 should be at $300.

A lot of John Deere are made by Kawasaki, so I am not going to tell you about Kawasaki.

Echo SRM260 are tried and true if you can still get it.

Stay with 2 cycle stuff and you can't go too wrong, go pick one up and see how it feel to you.

If you don't mind a little heavier, Honda HHT25S and HHT35S are good.

Don't be too cheap. This is not something you need to buy all the time. You really need to pay attention to old gas. put gas stabilizer like Stabil to make it last longer.
fredbarber
18 years ago
I bought a used Stihl FS85 (basically an FS80 with a solid shaft) for $180 a few years ago. I spent probably $50 more for owners and service manuals, a heavy duty shoulder strap, a new trimmer head and a brush blade. I use it to keep the noxious weeds in check on about 8 acres of Colorado mountain grassland. It's a truly wonderful machine and would be equally at home (if a little overkill) on my half acre in suburban Boston.

Of course, buying a used machine sight unseen is a bit of a crapshoot, but I think you can sort of qualify the seller and the machine if you work at it. Or you can try to find one locally (Craigslist or whatever) and see it first.

Good luck,
Fred
Related Professionals
Birmingham Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Crestview Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Tampa Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Middlesboro Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Gulfport Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Dubuque Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Kalispell Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Washington Landscape Contractors · Ashland Landscape Contractors · Nashua Landscape Contractors · Cheyenne Landscape Contractors · Hilo Landscape Contractors · Little Rock Tile and Stone Contractors · Austin Tile and Stone Contractors · Longview Tile and Stone Contractors
den69rs96
18 years ago
Instead of the FS80, look at the FS90R. Its about the same price and has a solid steel shaft and you can buy different gear box attachments for it. The Stihl 4 mix engines run fine, is not that loud, powerful, and easy to start. Just use the stihl synthetic oil and you'll be fine. I'm going to be upgrading my trimmer in the future, and I've considered echo and husky as well. Echo may build quality stuff, but the lack of published hp numbers leads me to believe their stuff is a little unpowered.

I've owned one honda powered piece of equipment and I'll never own another. I have a honda harmony lawnmower, and it is hands down the hardest to start out of any piece of equipment I own. Parts are expensive for the honda's as well. The wheel engagement cable broke and I had to buy the whole assmebly including the lever etc just for the cable. And its the only mower I've ever owned that the deck just about rusted through and the drive wheels are bald. Honda's are not worth the $$$.
Jonathan
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks all. I chose the FS90R. After a first spin, I'm very happy with it. Much, much better than my old machine, both in terms of power and in many design details, such as the ease of adding new string. The bicycle grip and harness really makes a difference. It also seems not to constantly get tangled up, which I imagine is a result of the stronger engine.

Again, thanks. I appreciate your input.

--Jonathan