For a medium duty job, the Stihl Homescaper series FS45 or FS55 may be the best fit for you from the Stihl lineup. Alot of people also highly recommend Echo. The SRM-210 is a light-weight medium to light commercial duty trimmer.

As far as Homelite trimmers, I agree that parts seem to be harder to get since the company has been sold. It is now owned by Ryobi. However, Sears Parts (www3.sears.com) and many local small engine shops still carry the parts. The parts diagrams are still readily available as well online.

You may be able to look up a parts diagram for your particular trimmer that would be helpful. You can try: http://m-and-d.com/parts.html and click on the "Illustrated Parts Diagrams ONLINE". Then select Homelite as the Brand and enter your model number (usually UT-XXXXX).

I have a straight shaft Homelite trimmer that is about 15 years old that I have used on much taller than 3" grass. Many times on 3 foot weeds. The only problem that I have ever really noted on tall weeds is some weed wrapping around the shaft above the trimmer head. Considering all that I have done with mine, it has been very durable, and trouble free. Maybe the more recent products are lower quality, but I wouldn't say that a Homelite is incapable of use on tall grass, or reason to be ridiculed.

Good luck with either your new purchase, or repair...

I own both an Echo SRM 210 and a Stihl FS 80. I use the Echo as my grass trimmer and the Stihl as my brush cutter.

I looked at the Stihl FS 55. An excellent piece of equipment, especially when equiped with the bicycle handles. I needed something more heavy duty. hence the FS 80.

Other quality brands I know of are Shindiawa, Husqvarna and it seems Kawasaki.

I would recommend a trip to a dealer or two that sells and services Echo, Sthil, Husqvarna, Shindiawa or Kawasaki. A quality dealer will work with you to select the correct trimmer for your situation. I also recommend a dealer because you may, in the future, need service or repairs that you cannot do. My dealer, tractor, brushcutter and soon chainsaw, takes care of my registrations with the manufacturers. When I need something, he knows me by name and I get a little break on pricing! I'm old school. Find a good dealer, work with them as they work with you and you will be treated very well.

Enjoy the journey.

eal51 in western CT

adkinsca and eal51,

Thanks for your helpful responses. I did make a purchase yesterday--an Echo 251. After I'd posted my query, I remembered to search the forum for discussions related to gas trimmers, and was impressed by the positive feedback offered on Echo products. Parts and service availability--yahoo!

The curved shaft model I bought is both light in weight and feels incredibly well balanced. It has a simple choke and is wicked easy to start; once started, it keeps running (imagine that). New to me is the non-spooled line feed. The salesman at the farm equipment supply told me he made a jig to cut up the 6" lengths of line that you carry in your pocket and stick into the line head as needed. He also suggested listening to a ball game while cutting your supply of line.

Anyhow, I anticipate sublime happiness while using this trimmer. I'll keep you posted.

Maureen

adkinsca,

I forgot to thank you for the Homelite info.--thank you!

Bert, of Bert's machine, is simply an old timer. Which isn't to excuse his attitude regarding Home Depot, foreign manufacturing, or the now commonplace act of mega-companies buying up smaller companies, then shearing the manufacturing standards we consumers were accustomed to; but rather, I wonder if Bert is not clinging--dare I say--to ethics that were more common to a previous era. My wandering in with what he views as a product that borderlines the disposable category was just an opportunity for him to express his dismay. When I get the Homelite running, I will stop by his shop with it for his consideration.

Thanks again,

Maureen

i pulled the cord to get the weed whacker to start and now it won't go back in. What should i do?

1. Insert hands high into the air.
2. Open mouth widely
3. run around in small circles while screaming

where can I get a diagram for the echo srm 210? I need a part off my tank , I am not sure what it is because it is gone. I have a fuel line, a return line and now I also have a hole which leaks gas....steve CT

Husqvarna 235r