Best weed trimmer wanted.

[Thomas]

I am heavy user on trimmer,and Echo over the years has stood the test over time...purchase mine from dealer.

 

[Will_C]

I won't say anything about other trimmers, but I have 2 Stihls- a FS85 that is about 15 years old and a FS250 bike handle that is about 5 years old. I am very impressed with both.

Will

 

[/pine]

When/if I ever have to replace my 13 year old Poulan straight shaft PL25 I'll probably go with Echo....
...I always hear Stihl when the topic comes up...but I swear...almost every time I'm in the local shop ( A Stihl dealer) for something (usually hydraulic related)...someone is always bringing in one (or more) of their trimmers for repair...

As for my PL25...I've replaced a few parts...that are simple to order online...nothing near the cost of a new trimmer (like some of the commercial repair bills I've seen)...It is going to need a new throttle cable soon I noticed the last time I used it though...

A tip for those that are using older trimmers...after use make sure there are no hot spots along the shaft...if it's warm it could use some grease...!

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

I used to sell Stihl waaay back when. This will p. o. some, but go get you a Shindaiwa and don't look back. Get the speed head.

They are so good, Echo bought the company. In 13 years, I've only had to put a new fuel line on mine. Cost me a buck. Plus I use it in the winter with the pole saw attachment. My next one, if this one ever gives up, will be the slightly bigger multi purpose model and I want a shoulder strap.

 

[4570Man]

Sthil has never done much for me. My husky saw will out cut an equal $$ sthil saw, and a shindiawa weed eater is better than a sthil.

 

[Carhartt Cowboy]

Well, thanks to this thread I just purchased a Husqvarna 525LST.

Went back and forth a few times between the 4 stroke and 2 stroke. I tried to talk myself into the 4 stroke but in the end could not. The 4 stroke was just as loud as the 2 stroke (very surprising) and heavier, although the 4 stroke was rated at better fuel consumption. Mixing gas is no big deal and the weed trimmer will look nice by my rancher 460 saw I got earlier this year.

 

[MoKelly]

You do lots of trimming!

I trim, on average, about 1 hour/week around the house, trees, bushes. culverts and pipes. Not crazy long stuff but not a typical yard.

I use an Echo straight shaft trimmer. I purchased it at Home Depot. It was something like $159.00 on sale. I have used it 5 years now. It has always started easy and works very well. Its light enough that I can use it without pain. The straight shaft is invaluable for getting under trees and bushes.

I don't have to do much in the winter --- just drain gas and run dry. Then in the Spring I fill with gas and she starts perfectly.

MoKelly

 

[Dewbie]

I habent read all the comment but hands down sthil with straight shaft. I use to hate weedeating because it hurt to bad and left my hands shaking hours after use. Broke down and spent around 400 for a sthil and haven't looked back. Husqvarna and echo would be the other two brands I would recommend after sthil. If it isn't one of those 3 your wasting your money. And again straight shaft don't get a curved one.

 

[sd455dan]

Echo will be the easiest to start. I have a srm 225.

me to- going on year 28..

srm 240 labeled as a John Deere only failure was the magneto coil I replaced about 4 years ago- agree with everybody about going with a straight shaft version.

 

[Duwop]

I want to thank everyone for their contributions to this thread. I have not made a decision yet though I've been to the local Stihl dealer but he really didn't seem to care if he sold me one. I guess that also speaks loudly of the service I would receive. Have another dealer a few miles farther away and my dealings with them 13 years ago tells me not to go there either. Tomorrow I will head to the closest Echo dealer (Home Depot) 35 miles away to get my hands on one, I like to feel the balance and weights to get the right fit. It's seems that hands down most would advise to get either the Echo, Stihl, Redman or Shiwandia. If I spend the time to track down dealers for these model here in the middle of nowhere to get a hands on this process may lead to weeds 8 ft high come spring. I think the search needs to end soon. I will keep y'all posted.

 

[4570Man]

I think it is actually Redmax. I have handled redmax trimmers, and I like them. My backpack blower is a redmax and it is good quality, and blows super hard. It usually takes two pulls to start.

 

[bjr]

I just did get a Echo I think it's the PAS266 with the Speed Feed I bought an extra shaft so's I could just change ends from blade to string. My Neighbor who's legaly blind uses it quit a bit and he's able to start it and change line when he needs to. I vote for the Echo. I've got two acres and have to keep the fence lines clean. I do use a fair amount of Glysophate (Roundup) as well. bjr

 

[dgeesaman]

Purely for string trimming, Echo 225 or Redmax's similar model.

That's what the pros who've run these things for hours per day swear by.

 

[moriboy]

I have had really good luck with the Stihl weedeaters. It's one of the pro models, not a big box store one.

 

[hslogger]

I have run Stihls and Shindawa. Stihl IMHO is the leader in my book. Their replaceable rotating arm system set the standard. A consideration not to be overlooked is what is your local dealer selling? Are there landscape contractors and Mow and Blow people in your area? Look at what they run. Most often you will see Honda Mowers and Stihl trimmers in the same rig. Presently I am running a five year old Shindawa but the next one will be a Stihl.