Stihl trimmer

[BubbaJr]

Does anyone have any experience with the new Stihl Easy2Start string trimmers? My crappy Ryobi went belly-up over the weekend, and this time I want to get a good trimmer that's easy to start and doesn't make your arms numb from the vibrations. The model I'm looking at is the FS-45. My dealer will order it for me for $169.95.

I offered to trade in my trimmer filled with bullet holes that he could mount on the wall for advertisement purposes, but after he got done laughing, he declined the offer. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[LMTC]

Bubba, this is not quite what you asked, but hey, it's what I have to offer Quit using Stihl brush trimmers 4 years ago after many yearly carb adjustments and chronic hard starting (have owned over a dozen Stihl saws, and currently use a Stihl). Bought a Tanaka trimmer on the recommendation of my local dealer. Would do it again ten fold. NEVER fails to start, runs great. Bought a Tanaka backpack blower as a result, same story. Hopefully someone out there has used the model you ask about.

 

[RobertN]

As much as I like Stihl and Husky equipment, have you looked at the Honda 4-stroke trimmer. cleaner burning and no mixing oil/gas. A friend has one, and swears by it.

 

[RICHARDG]

Wore out two rybois in 5-6 years,,still,probably got close to my moneys worth,,bought a echo model 260s,this spring,it was over 300 dollars,[I think],been 6 months ago,you know,,,,anyways,it is the ticket,just put it to bed today,so now I need a new chain saw,,wore out two poulans in past 10 years or so,,going to go buy a echo,,,echo has two or three smaller than the 260s,,and of course cost less,,,the thing about echo is,,they don't have these "professional" models,,they all are pro models,,near as I can tell,,and they don't cost much or any more than a stihl,,,shindowa,,is supposed to be another top brand,,,thingy

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I looked at the Stihl and the Echos this year. I bought an Echo. Both have easy start mechanisms. Echo calls theirs i-start. Echo is lighter with the same power and a slightly larger fuel capacity. I wanted a small unit with moderate power. Both brands were priced the same. Stihl is sold by the box stores in my area, the Echos are sold by lawn & garden dealers who offer service if/when needed. I was hesitant to buy from a box store figuring they don't service what they sell. Your area may be different.

 

[cj7]

Ok

I have to say that I have had very good service from my Stihl trimmer. It is the lage brush unit with the two handles. I can not think of the model number right now. I only change the plug every couple of years. I use it on my hillside that total about .5 acre of cutting. I have not experience thae hard start issues presented here. Prime it, choke it, pull it and go cutting. Of course everyone has different experiences. I would buy another if I wear this one out.

 

[kiphorn]

My mother bought an FS-45 and likes it just fine. She bought the easy start because she could never get her leaf blower started. No problems now that she has the easy start.

I bought an FS-55 earlier this year when my Ryobi died. I looked at the easy start for about 1 second and didn't think I needed to spend the money for something that could break and that I probably could't work on if it did. My FS-55 starts on the first or second pull everytime so I figure I made the correct decision (for me).

Kip

 

[Bird]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( something that could break )</font>

I've been giving some thought to buying an FS-55 myself and have wondered about the easy start. I'm lazy enough that I'd pay the difference for it, if it's reliable enough. But I'd hate to pay more for it and just have something else to fix.

 

[penokee]

I've used my Stihl FS86 (?) for 8 or 10 years and have had good luck. Starts and runs good as long as the gas doesn't get old (empty the tank each fall). Would buy another Stihl if I was looking at this time.

penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif