Recommendation for a line gas trimmer

Stihl has a few nice ones,,,from consumer grade to professional,,,if ya have a Stihl dealer close to ya,,,stop by...they are actually having good sales right now, or just check out there website,,,you can also get pricing right on the Stihl webpage....good luck

Stright shaft would be the way I would go. Easy to up grade to a pole pruner later. Fs-90 stihl if I could afford one. lol

I have a FS-90R. It's got a lot of grunt, more power than I actually need. I don't like the spool-head on it. Feeding string, binds up too often so I'm going to change it to something else, just not sure what. Good balance though, and pretty quiet. And did I mention "The Grunt factor"? I'm not certain, but there might be add-ons for the power head. The brochures seem to show that, but the local Stihl dealer says 'No". But they also had a 180C retailed @ $389.00, until I pointed it out. Maybe someone can clarify the optional attachements, if any.

I had the fs-90 and gave to my uncle. It was nice but not for trimming. I started to get tired of trying to trim with it and started to mow down my bushes I planted. So, I bought an fs-45 I think and this works very nice for me. It was 159 bux.

I have Husqvarna EVERYTHING.... My Weedwacker, Roto-tiller, all 3 chainsaws. I own a 60" Cub Zero-Turn. But am currently looking to get a Husqvarana Zero Turn. Dont get the "Cheap" model.. Spend the money and get commercial. Will last a lifetime.. If you buy the cheap one, in a week you will kick yourself in the A$$... Ask me how I know... Now anytime I buy anything... I ask myself is this what I really want???? If its not... Then dont buy it. Spend the money and get what "You Want". Sometimes it may be more than you can afford. But it will all work out i the end.

Beetle-Kill said:

I have a FS-90R. It's got a lot of grunt, more power than I actually need. I don't like the spool-head on it. Feeding string, binds up too often so I'm going to change it to something else, just not sure what. Good balance though, and pretty quiet. And did I mention "The Grunt factor"? I'm not certain, but there might be add-ons for the power head. The brochures seem to show that, but the local Stihl dealer says 'No". But they also had a 180C retailed @ $389.00, until I pointed it out. Maybe someone can clarify the optional attachements, if any.

Click to expand...

I thought and maybe wrong but the pole pruner attachment. If not I would look for one the does.

I have the fs-90. https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/2691/
I guess the 4 mix engine is a little quieter, but I can't see having an engine with valves and a 2 stroke mix.
My experience is that it has a rev limiter that kicks in under certain conditions-I think with a toothed saw blade at no load-sounds like it's stalling.
I like the handlebars. It's been dependable.

smokinjay said:

Beetle-Kill said:

I have a FS-90R. It's got a lot of grunt, more power than I actually need. I don't like the spool-head on it. Feeding string, binds up too often so I'm going to change it to something else, just not sure what. Good balance though, and pretty quiet. And did I mention "The Grunt factor"? I'm not certain, but there might be add-ons for the power head. The brochures seem to show that, but the local Stihl dealer says 'No". But they also had a 180C retailed @ $389.00, until I pointed it out. Maybe someone can clarify the optional attachements, if any.

Click to expand...

I thought and maybe wrong but the pole pruner attachment. If not I would look for one the does.

Click to expand...

Pruner is what I'd be after, if available. I saw the new "thing" last week, looked like a FS70 with a new tiller attachment. Like a "Mantis" on steroids. That would be cool also, but I shudder to think of the cost.

I have a FS45. It has plenty of power for my needs (I'm not clearing brush) and it is super light. The larger trimmers get tiresome for around the house type trimming, but are great for commercial applications. Back when I was working for a commercial landscaper we had a FS90 with a brush head that we cleared a large hillside with a couple times a year. The FS 45 would struggle on that job, but on the other hand, I wouldn't want to strap on (literally) a 90 every time I mowed the yard.

In the end, it depends on your needs. If it is light duty work, get a smaller trimmer. Your arms will thank you. If it is heavy duty work, get a bigger one...will take way less time to get the job done.

I have a stihl fs-55 that I bought new 10 yrs ago. It is great. Straight shaft, it runs a spool head and I also have some blades that I run on it. It has taken a lot of abuse over the years and still starts very easily and runs without a hiccup.

I have the Husky trimmer, with saw blade attachment for heavy brush. It's very powerful, will shoot a rock in your leg and draw blood. Have to wear my chainsaw helmet with face-shield so I keep my eyes. It will also eat your siding on your house. Very pleased with it's performance, but it's heavy. I demoed Echo trimmers, thought they were very nice also.

Beetle-Kill said:

smokinjay said:

Beetle-Kill said:

I have a FS-90R. It's got a lot of grunt, more power than I actually need. I don't like the spool-head on it. Feeding string, binds up too often so I'm going to change it to something else, just not sure what. Good balance though, and pretty quiet. And did I mention "The Grunt factor"? I'm not certain, but there might be add-ons for the power head. The brochures seem to show that, but the local Stihl dealer says 'No". But they also had a 180C retailed @ $389.00, until I pointed it out. Maybe someone can clarify the optional attachements, if any.

Click to expand...

I thought and maybe wrong but the pole pruner attachment. If not I would look for one the does.

Click to expand...

Pruner is what I'd be after, if available. I saw the new "thing" last week, looked like a FS70 with a new tiller attachment. Like a "Mantis" on steroids. That would be cool also, but I shudder to think of the cost.

Click to expand...

lol I hear you. I cant even seem to save up enough right now for the trimmer its self.

I have the Echo Power head, trimmer and pole pruner...soon to have the tiller. I could not ask for a better trimmer...

RedMax.

If all you need is line trimming, this one is very affordable:

http://www.redmax.com/node3937.aspx?nid=249907

Only 9.5 pounds, and they have a pro-quality spool head that won't bind the line on the spool. Balance and feel are just about perfect. Straight shaft (with a shaft drive rather than cable drive, for better power transmission and longer life) gets under low-lying branches better. Easiest starting trimmer I ever tried, and plenty of power for straight-ahead line trimming. Smoothest running small engine I've ever seen, great throttle response and literally no vibration at all. I have one on order from my local Dolmar/RedMax dealer. Service there is phenomenal, that is a big thing to consider. Most times they adjust stuff while I wait and hand it back to me fixed free of charge, even saws I purchased elsewhere.

It really pays to put out a little extra green to cultivate a good relationship with local dealers. I have gone through three consumer-grade (Lowes and HD) gas trimmers so far and the box stores just can't repair these things. The local repair shops won't even look at them without a $75 bench charge if you never bought from them. I value the service I get from these guys more than the products themselves.

I too have a Red Max, BC2200LDC. I've had it for 15 years now, never a problem. I replaced the grommet and fuel lines and filter yesterday, and a new spark plug. First I've spent on it since I bought it. With fresh gas, it's started on the second or third pull every spring. It's fine for light trimming, but I would want more power if I had to work it any harder.

I have both a Stihl and a Crapsman. I like the thicker trim line on the Stihl because it last longer. The string line head is a poor design though in my opinion, although this is an older model and they may have since changed the design. You might want to check out how easy it is to put in new trim line which ever one you decide on. Also I recenetly had to repair both for different reasons. For the Sthil I had to go to a dealer, I don't think they sell parts online. The Sears model I was able to order parts online.

We have the fs55 stihl. After having the problems with it for the past 2 years and a carb replacement I wouldn't recommend one. It does the job but for what I paid for it there shouldn't have been the problems.

The RedMax I'm getting comes with that new twisted round line. I'm told that is creates less air resistance, so the RPMs stay up where they belong, especially on the lower powered units. With low HP motors, the air resistance slows things down to the point where the line starts to bend around the spool at you cut, both reducing the cutting efficiency and increasing the chance of the line binding on the spool. Lasts a lot longer as well, since you are cutting with the tip of the line rather than the side. Whatever trimmer you end up getting, you should check out the twisted lines.

Last year, I decided on the FS110 (bike handles) but they only had the FS90 and the FS130 in stock at the time, so I bit the bullet and got the FS130 (bike). It's not the lightest, but the full harness (instead of single strap) does a nice job of supporting the weight. Performance wise, it's a beast, and it's also an easy starter. When warm, I can even start it with one pull while hanging from the harness.

On the negative side, its head has the string binding problem that some have mentioned. I switched to another type of string a few days ago--so far so good. For you brand loyalists, I will admit to using Husqvarna string on it, so maybe that was the problem. :lol:

http://www.echo-usa.com/trimmer-heads/


look at the speed feed head there I don't have it but I was interested in it..


Lack of funds is what is holding me back

Normally I say to run screaming in the opposite direction from Sears power equipment, but my 4 stroke Craftsman trimmer has held up better than any I've ever owned. I had a Stihl before...it was a decent machine...loaned it to a friend who straight gassed it...idiot. I don't remember what model the Craftsman is but it has a little Briggs engine on it and the only thing I've done to it in the 5 years I've owned it is change the oil once per season and replace the fuel lines and primer bulb last year. It's a little heavy. It has loads of power, runs very smoothly, and is VERY quiet. It will also take different attachments.

I bought the Stihl FS90 this weekend, dealer through in the 6 pack of oil and that gave me the 4 year warranty deal they are doing. I also bought a brush blade for it as i have a crap load of dreaded blackberries that need to be thinned out. way more trimmer than I need but I am hoping it is my last trimmer to buy