Stihl String Trimmers

[Soggy Bottom Outdoors]

I've been shopping for a new String Trimmer. Most Stihl, I have several dealers in my area. Something on the low end of their Pro Line. Straight shaft, shaft drive(not cable), I don't see using any attachments on it. Will be used to trim some fences, pond banks and dams. I like the FS 90 and 94. Any owners or opinions out there?

 

[deerseeker001]

I bought a husqvarnia two years ago and love it ,no problems.

 

[madamos]

I love my FS90R the torque allows me to run it at lower rpm and the four stroke engine has a lower less harsh sound. I use it on my 1.75 acres and when the string is wound properly it feeds perfectly and goes all day with one fill.

Paul

 

[MoKelly]

I have the FS 90. I have had it 2 years. I run it for about 2 hours every two weeks in the Spring through Fall mowing season. It has never failed to start and work well. Plenty of power for grass, weeds and other stuff other than wood. I am careful on the gas --- I drain it every time I'm done and refill the next time. It has done well by me.

It isn't the lightest machine available. But, I can use it for the 2 hours and, while I do feel it in my shoulders when I am finished, it is manageable. I have never tried a sling or brace. I am 57 years old.

Good luck.

MoKelly

 

[bobmisi]

I retired five years ago at 59 and started mowing lawns. I always bought Stihl, but I since have gone to Echo. The Echo brand is a little less expensive than Stihl, but the quality is a little better and the warranty is five years. I have two echo trimmers and a blower/vac so far and they have been flawless. I would certainly buy again and would recommend them to anyone, BUT, buy them from a dealer, not a big box store to avoid any warranty issues. Trying to get big box equipment warranteed by a dealer is not fun.

 

[Soggy Bottom Outdoors]

Madamos; I never really looked, I just assumed the FS-90 was a 2 stroker, need to look again. My Dad has a 4 stroke Cad Cadet trimmer that I'm just not all that "hippy" about. Lower RPM and less power.

 

[GGB]

I've got the FS 90 with handlebars and really like it. I mainly use it with the blade for cutting brush and it does very well. I've also got the FS 56 with lloop handle which I use strictly for trimming now. Before I got the FS 90, I did use the FS 56 for brush, but frankly it's undersized for that use if you've got a lot of ground to cover. I've only had a couple of occasions when I thought I needed anything larger than the FS90. And I have used the trimmer head on the FS 90 on heavy grass and it did fantastic, so if that's your main use, you'll be fine but probably will just want the loop handle model.

I'll second (or third or fourth....) only using good fuel. Absolutely avoid anything with any ethanol if you can, especially if you only use the machine intermittently-and that is coming from experience. Today I will only use 100 octane aviation fuel that I buy from a nearby private airport, and it only runs a little over $5 per gallon. I used to use a racing fuel, but frankly think it's overkill, and the lead in it may cause other problems from what I've read. By the way, we still are actively involved with a family farm and grow corn, so it hurts to recommend staying away from ethanol!

Good luck with your decision.

 

[s219]

I like Stihl for saws, but my next trimmer will be an Echo. They make a real good unit at a good price, and you can get some of their models at Home Depot.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have had many Stihl (farm) saws and a few of their trimmers, both big and small. I won't buy another!

I always seem to have carb issues. Actually, the larger farm saws work OK just I'm sick and tired of the oil leaking out of them!

Anyway, I am always told that I don't attend to my gas properly. Old, not stabalized, not draining gas in the winter, whatever!

The thing is this. I picked up a Toro trimmer at a Restore (Habitat for Humanity) for peanuts. These are returns from Home Depot. It was missing the reel. Anyway, I do nothing different with my gas, and this thing has just AMAZED me for reliabability! Whatever they do, Stihl could learn a thing or two about building their POS trimmers IMO. Kills me, because I have nothing big invested in the TORO. It's the only trimmer I own that I havn't thrown as far as I could in frustration!

 

[nickc]

i have an fs90r loop handle, had it 4 years never a problem with reliability, its just heavy.

 

[murphy1244]

I have had many Stihl (farm) saws and a few of their trimmers, both big and small. I won't buy another!

I always seem to have carb issues. Actually, the larger farm saws work OK just I'm sick and tired of the oil leaking out of them!

Anyway, I am always told that I don't attend to my gas properly. Old, not stabalized, not draining gas in the winter, whatever!

The thing is this. I picked up a Toro trimmer at a Restore (Habitat for Humanity) for peanuts. These are returns from Home Depot. It was missing the reel. Anyway, I do nothing different with my gas, and this thing has just AMAZED me for reliabability! Whatever they do, Stihl could learn a thing or two about building their POS trimmers IMO. Kills me, because I have nothing big invested in the TORO. It's the only trimmer I own that I havn't thrown as far as I could in frustration!

I have a 15 year old homelite that I can't kill it seems.

 

[thatguy]

Another vote for the FS 90 with handlebars - Mine is only a year or 2 old and is a 2 stroke though

Looking at the Stihl website it appears that is it 2 stroke, based on the 'accessories' lists the 2 stroke oil



brian

 

[madamos]

The FS90 uses what Stihl calls the four mix engine. It is a true four stroke however it uses oil in the fuel for lubrication similarly to a two stroke. You even have valves that require an adjustment, as I remember it is around 140 hours of use.

There was a video on utube at one time that shows how the four mix system works.

Paul

 

[grm61]

I have a Stihl FS90, great machine.
Its the only trimmer I have ever had that the trimmer head works properly, and feeds right.

Fourmix motor is great, starts good, good torque and sounds cool, runs 2 cycle mix for lubrication, but is a four stroke, does not have a sump for crankcase oil.

 

[jdtractor]

I myself have always been a Husky onr. I bought a new Stihl Chainsaw Professional (what they tell me) I cant remember the model # right now, I haven't used it enough yet. I like it so far but I still like HUSKY its a 61 series and been used and proven. Ive cut big timber double the bar length etc...... I was looking for a new trimmer and considered the Stihl brand something good and tough for heavy work etc..... But I went with ECHO instead, I must say I like it very well. It has a brush saw also and it does a good job around my farm etc...... Like I stated earlier I like the Stihl line except for the gas B.S. methanol mix and the way they get u to buy there brand 2cycle oil for another year on the warranty. I don't buy that B.S. and I DONT drain my gas tank etc after Im done working the tools. Ive never did that with any of my saws or trimmers and I don't see my self doing it. If it wont run with left over gas then its not much of a tool. I use the same gas mixture in both saws and the trimmer , which I must say run fine. IMO

 

[ovrszd]

I have a FS90 with handle bars and I carry it on a strap on harness sling, 4 mix engine, two string head. I've had it 5 years. Use it 5-10 times per Summer for an hour at a time. I've never drained the gas. It cranks on a couple pulls. 4 mix engine works great. Good power, easy on fuel. Best part about it is you can crank it, sit it down on the ground idling and walk off and leave it. I'm pretty sure it would sit there idling until it ran out of fuel. Very realiable and dependable engine. Very easy on string, easy to load, easy to extend. It's a bit long for my 5'2" Wife, but fits me fine (5'10"). Nothing about it that I would change.

 

[Garandman]

Does Stihl still make a two stroke model? I have a lot of low lying brushy area near a stream to clear, as well as some small bushes, so being able to use a string head and blade would be useful.

I've heard good things about Echo, and note that Husquavarna has homeowner models with Honda 4 stroke engines as well as pro landscaper models.

Brushcutters, Straight Shaft Brushcutter, U Handle Brushcutter | ECHO USA

String Trimmer, Weed Trimmer, Grass Trimmer | Husqvarna

 

[PapaPerk]

I have a FS90R, FS90 with bike handles and a FS100RX. Nice machines. I bought the new 2 stroke FS94r and did not like it at all!! Traded it for the FS100RX.

I like the 4stroke engines Stihl makes. They have tons of torque and run slower. So there's less vibration. I've never had them not start. I have a Stihl HT130 pole saw too... Also 4stroke. That thing is awesome and starts after sitting for 6 months with fuel in it!

If you get the Stihls get the double shoulder harness. Very comfortable for running the bike handle models.

I also have a Echo weedeater. It's very nice as well. I would check them out too. Echo makes a good product. At least that's been my experience.

 

[PapaPerk]

Does Stihl still make a two stroke model? I have a lot of low lying brushy area near a stream to clear, as well as some small bushes, so being able to use a string head and blade would be useful.

I've heard good things about Echo, and note that Husquavarna has homeowner models with Honda 4 stroke engines as well as pro landscaper models.

Brushcutters, Straight Shaft Brushcutter, U Handle Brushcutter | ECHO USA

String Trimmer, Weed Trimmer, Grass Trimmer | Husqvarna

Why do you want 2 stroke? Yes they still make them.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Why do you want 2 stroke? Yes they still make them.

2 stroke engines used to be much lighter than the 4 stroke much due to not having a valve train to add on weight. The new 4 stroke ones don't seem to be much if any heavier than the old 2 stroke ones. Being as they are such light weights, I would think that they might have some weaker components and thus more prone to failure than the heavier made 2 stroke engines. JUST MY THOUGHTS ON IT. I do have a 4 stroke boat engine and I would never go to a 2 stroke engine, they are so quiet, run smoother and no oil to mix.