Really liking the Echos I got this year.

quote:

Originally posted by LS1 GTO:

quote:

Originally posted by bigdeal:
Stihl

This is what I have, straight shaft and 2-stoke motor. Something about the extra strength of gas and no limitations because of a cord sold me.

I have Stihl chainsaws, and bought the string trimmer/weed eater that has the removable lower end, so I can borrow all the attachments from my brother, (edger, and bush trimmer thing)

I had ha husky before that, just a standard model, that was my dad's ,
I grabbed it when he passed, it was probably 5-8 yrs old and I used it another 5 before it just would not run (worn out)

Echo.

I had a FS90 trimmer that threw a rod and became worthless after a year - I cannot recommend a Stihl. I now use Echo for anything that uses gas, and have a really good Husq chainsaw.

Echo will warranty their products for 5 years if you use their gas.

quote:

Originally posted by sig77:
If it is just for yard duty consider and electric. I got a dewalt electric and it works great for around the yard and much less maintenance. If you really need a gas trimmer I would go echo. I had one in the past and loved it, but for my suburban yard, it was overkill.

Same here. Trimmers don’t soak up much power and a good electric trimmer is super powerful these days.

It's funny I have an old Echo300 chainsaw thats been great. Also have an Echo hedge trimmer. Also terrific piece of equipment. Recently bought an Echo 310 chainsaw. In short a piece of crap. Low power, throws the chain alot. So anyhow I would have said Echo but not sure if they are no longer as good. Check You-Tube for some reviews.

My Echo is maybe twenty-five years old, we have a difficult property with ground level weeds in rock and stone and a bunch of nasty wild honeysuckle I have to fight. I use one of those heads that you pre-cut line for two gripper holes, whatever they're called. I use the heaviest line I can, .155 square Oregon. A cutting beast but it beats the crap out of the Echo and it's still running well.

I use a Stihl. But storing it vertically causes fuel to leak out. Also Stihl made a bad head design and only after complaining did I receive the proper head. Now it actually feeds the line.

I will move to battery devices soon.

Bought the DeWalt 20 volt cordless this year. The one which the shaft folds in the middle. And come with a 5 AH battery.

So far it is doing a great job!

No mixing fuels, pulling to get it started,etc.
It also has a simple head to reload the string.

I use Echo equipment for my lawn business.

I had two Stihl trimmers over the years. I have a 4 year old Echo now, running great.

I’m a Stihl guy, but when it comes to weed whippers, I’m an Echo guy now.

quote:

Originally posted by bubbatime:
From my past experience as a small engine mechanic, I would HIGHLY recommend using the premix 50:1 fuel that you can buy at Home Depot for $5 a can. If you are an average homeowner that uses less than a gallon of 2 stroke fuel a year, you cant present an argument not to use the stuff. Its is exceptional stuff, no carb problems ever. It lacks the oxygenated compounds (the stuff that REALLY ruins small engines) and ethanol, so it last forever and doesn't go bad. And the VP Racing JASO FD rated 2 cycle oil in it is top of the line.

Will have to investigate that as well as the similar product the local power tool store sells. I just assumed it was stupid expensive gasoline for folks too lazy to mix and didn’t realize it had something analogous to the “white gas” we used to use for chainsaws when I was a kid. Instead I have been running 100LL (which isn’t cheap either, but lasts and is stable forever) and the mix oil.

Thanks for the Pro tip!

ETA: I misread $5 per can as $5 per gallon. With 32oz cans, that’s awful close to $20 per gallon. At that rate, I’ll stick with the 100LL and over the year save enough to run some through an airplane too.

It is still way cheaper for a homeowner than rebuilding your stuff ‘cause junk gas turned to jelly over time and killed your carb, but for the ranch we go through too much to go that route.

My ECHO PAS-225 works flawlessly for me. I purchased the optional hedge trimmer attachment and not being tethered to an extension cord has been a real game changer for trimming hedges and bushes around my home.

Honestly, they're both good, so whichever has the best servicing dealer near you.

I'd lean Husqvarna, but I have a Husky Trimmer, Chainsaw and Backpack blower, so I 'might' be biased!

I also drive a Volvo....

ECHO.....the 225 is a good motor. I have it on a pole saw and also a pole hedge trimmer.......

In this space get the Echo. But get the powerhead and the string trimmer attachment. You will thank me later when you want a different attachment.

I've used Husky commercial for 15 years. 525 has as easy a head to load as there is. blows speed feed away. All are good. I buy Husky because mine are trouble free and my dealer treats me good.

Someday when I'm loafing I'm going to get my 2 stroke together for a group shot. Yard sale!

Another happy echo user... bought from Lowes. Zero issues in 6 or 8 years now. Straight shaft model. Love their bump feed head.

I either buy from a servicing dealer for the service... or I consider it a disposable tool and buy from wherever I find what I need for a good deal.

This

quote:

Originally posted by bigdeal:
Stihl

I've got a Stihl FS70 and have had the carburetor replaced 2x due to ethanol in the fuel eating the seals. What ever one you purchase - try and use Ethanol free fuel.