Cheap trimmers are just not worth the aggravation. If you don't want to get disowned by dear old dad, offer to put $200 toward the purchase of a Shindaiwa or Maruyama.

I could not afford anymore cheap priced trimmers.$100.00 this year then another $100.00 in a few years and so on and so on for 20 years and then I spent $300.00 on a Stihl FS-80 about 5 years ago and it performs today just like it did day one perfectly.It will last another 15 years so really it is the cheapest I have owned.

Stihl or Echo.

As I said, I own a Stihl and really did not like it. What model of Echo do you like? I am really looking for not the hghest poriced unit and not low end, but middle.

I'd check out the Echo SRM210. The comparable would be the Stihl FS55.

The 45's are decent units. I'm surprised you had problems with it. They do better than the Ryobi's I have seen for about the same price. The 55 and 210 are just bigger engines and straight shaft.

Depending on how much you use the trimmer, the FS80 or 230/260 might be a better fit for you, especially if you need to do some brushcutting.

The dedicated powertool companies (Echo, Sthil, Shindaiwa, Redmax, Maruyama, etc.) are fairly comparable in the price ranges. Go with one that fits your budget, has good warranty, but more importantly good service for when you need that warranty or other work.

Masiman,

What do you think about the GT-200R? Being all thumbs, I kind of like how the string attaches, or is the tap and go better? Also, looks a little lighter and that would be a plus as I just had back surgery.

I think the difference between the 200 and 210 is the curved shaft, someone may have to correct me if I am wrong.

I prefer the tap and go but there are many that like the plastic blades and the precut trimmer line heads. I don't think you can wrong with any of the choices. My only guess is that if you have alot of obstacles (rocks, fences, etc.) you might be better off with the traditional spooled line as the pre-cuts are more expensive to replace.

For your back problem, you might find the curved shaft to be a little more comfortable. Disadvantages of the curved shaft are that it is harder to edge with the trimmer turned sideways, and not as much reach to get under low things. Additionally, consider getting an upgraded harness, one that crosses your back and maybe one that has a full waist belt. The over the shoulder harnesses help but are not nearly as comfortable.

To work out a deal to get what you want, you'll be better off at the dealer. They can get you set up and you might be able to work out a package deal and save a little money.

Echo SRM210 - I had the precut line head installed @ the dealer as a trade for the new bump-&-go head... I eventually bought a replacement bump-&-go to try out, but haven't bothered installing it yet.

I can't say enough good things about the SRM210 though... It's one of those things where I've used junk trimmers for so many years, and then had a revelation after getting the Echo... The whole 'right tool' makes the job easier situation.

Echo SRM210 - exactly what the homeowner needs...good quality, fast starting, and good performance at $200.