I like Stihl myself, but I've also got a weedeater and an electric one I paid 10 bucks for about 10 years ago that works fine. Depending on how much you cut, the electric option is your cheapest and less physical bet.

Dave

You consider Echo SRM210 with tap advance head? 5 to 6 pull to start, if you experiment, you might get a routine that can start in 3 to 4 pulls.

If you are REALLY CHEAP, Echo GT200 curve shaft for $169 in OSH. I won't but it is an option.

For about $200, it's hard to beat Echo.

yungman what is your routine? It takes me about 10 pulls to start. I stay on full choke the whole time and then push the choke down when it fires and try to catch it before it stalls. I can't seem to start it unless it is choked all the way.

I found the most important thing is to prime at least 10 times, prime it hard, it won't flood the engine. Close the choke and pull. It usually start in 4 pulls. Open the choke as fast as you can after start and let it idle for 20 second or so.

I used to have so much problem starting my HC151(same engine) until this. I use the same routine with my two Honda engine, usually one pull start.

Hope that helps. It is sure a funny engine!!!

Thanks, I'll give that a try.

I wish it were like my old stihl 280 super woodboss. That thing will practically start if it falls off my workbench.

I ended up buying a Stihl FS55R and promptly returned it the next day. Would not start at all.The dealer looked at the plug and found that it was bad from the factory (electrode broke off). Put new plug in. He then finally got it started and all it did was shake violently. He offered me either a new one or my money back. I took the money. I have a love/hate relationship with Stihl. My Stihl saw works great. I had considered an Echo or Deere but after reading several post here I bought the Stihl. When the Stihl equipment we have at work is actually working, they all run and start great. We do have a high break down rate though. To make a long story short I then bought a Husqvarna 223L and am very pleased. Started on the second pull out of the box and starts on either the first or second pull every time since (following the start procedure as the manual recommends). Good power and rpms as well. The older FS55R/C that we have at work runs like a scalded dog and starts on the second or third pull every time. I had hoped that the FS55R I bought would be similar.

To Jng3

You mean you guy use FS55 for commercial use!!!! That is a homescaper model, for weakend warriors only!!! Anyway, I am not sure the 4Mix is any better!!!!

Keep us inform on how it works out.

Yes the FS55R trimmer at work is 3 years old and is used 2 times a week for 1.5 to 2 hours each time. No breaks other than to refill the tank or bump head. Thats' 60 to 70 times a year X 1.5/2 hours = roughly 100 hours per year. Now what's this "4Mix" you refered to?

Yungman wrote- "Anyway, I am not sure the 4Mix is any better!!!!"

I have a stihl fs110r 4mix and it starts with 1 or 2 pulls. Never had a problem starting. It is still pretty new 1.5 years old and used for my home use only. So far I'm happy with it.

To Jng3
Thanks, so they are no under heavy use, only 300hrs.

4Mix refer to the Stihl 4 cycle engines that use 50:1 oil gas mix like a regular 2 cycles. You don't have to change oil.

They have mixed review. Some people swear by it. Some swear at it!!!!

Huh..I never heard of one before. I don't think our local dealer has any on the rack. He pushes the FS55's hard.

Check out FS90,100,110,130. All 4Mix.

http://www.stihl.ca/4mix/english/stihl4mix/default1.htm#