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I just picked up this Echo PE-225 stick edger at my local Home Depot store after returning the new Ryobi cordless stick edger that died after 10 minutes of use. Got in some edging before sundown, and the difference in power between the Echo and the Ryobi is tremendous. :biggrin:

Looks awesome! As you know, I got the same one in December...I love it so far! I got some good edging time in the other day (see pictures). Please tell me how you like it once you get to use it some more, and maybe we can help each other if we have a question! :tongue:
Edging around the flowerbed:
Edging along the road:

So today I used it and noticed that the gearbox gets really hot. Is this normal or do I have a problem ?

MowerMike said:

So today I used it and noticed that the gearbox gets really hot. Is this normal or do I have a problem ?

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They do get warm, You may want to check and see if the head has enough grease.

Ric said:

They do get warm, You may want to check and see if the head has enough grease.

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The manual says to use either "POWER BLENDX" or "lithium base" grease. Would white lithium grease work, or is it something different ? TIA

I don't own an edger. Always use a straight shovel and a shingle removal shovel. How well do they work? Serious time savings?

MowerMike said:

So today I used it and noticed that the gearbox gets really hot. Is this normal or do I have a problem ?

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I have not noticed if that happens on my edger, but I know it does on my trimmer and nothing has happened because of it!

BHLC said:

I don't own an edger. Always use a straight shovel and a shingle removal shovel. How well do they work? Serious time savings?

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YES! It saves tons of time and looks just as good/better. See my pictures in post #2 of this thread. And where I live the grass is not higher than the road/sidewalks (like MowerMike's pictures), so if it was it would look even better!

BHLC said:

I don't own an edger. Always use a straight shovel and a shingle removal shovel. How well do they work? Serious time savings?

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It's like the difference between using a manual reel push mower and a powered rotary mower.

lawn mower fanatic said:

I have not noticed if that happens on my edger, but I know it does on my trimmer and nothing has happened because of it!

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That's good to know. The edger uses the same type of shaft and gearbox as your trimmers. Do you notice any difference between the curved shaft GT and straight shaft SRM ?

They do look good.

MowerMike said:

That's good to know. The edger uses the same type of shaft and gearbox as your trimmers. Do you notice any difference between the curved shaft GT and straight shaft SRM ?

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It's hard to compare since my GT-2100 is so old. It takes longer to start, and it always feels different because the curved shaft is so much shorter than the straight shaft of the SRM-225. And then there is the comfort aspect to it. The SRM has the nice padded handle, while the GT has the hard plastic. I really don't understand why the PE-225 edger doesn't have the nice handle!

lawn mower fanatic said:

It's hard to compare since my GT-2100 is so old. It takes longer to start, and it always feels different because the curved shaft is so much shorter than the straight shaft of the SRM-225. And then there is the comfort aspect to it. The SRM has the nice padded handle, while the GT has the hard plastic. I really don't understand why the PE-225 edger doesn't have the nice handle!

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While we're on the subject of your SRM, how well does that quick load head work ? Does the string feed out evenly and does it last ? Does the bump feed accidentally feed when you don't want it to ?

MowerMike said:

While we're on the subject of your SRM, how well does that quick load head work ? Does the string feed out evenly and does it last ? Does the bump feed accidentally feed when you don't want it to ?

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The Speed-Feed head is the best! The only time it jams is if you are trying to do some edging work that even my PE-225 would have trouble with! Yes the string lasts, and no it never comes out when I don't want it to. I only put a "wing-span" of line in it even though it can hold like double!

MowerMike said:

The manual says to use either "POWER BLENDX" or "lithium base" grease. Would white lithium grease work, or is it something different ? TIA

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The problem with greasing the Echo head is the fact that you basically have to use the Echo stuff because the size of the port and threads are different from anyone else, that's just one more reason I switched to Stihl. Go to a dealer and but the grease tube for the Echo, it will screw in and it's not and issue but as of yet I haven't found anything else that will fit.

Ric said:

The problem with greasing the Echo head is the fact that you basically have to use the Echo stuff because the size of the port and threads are different from anyone else, that's just one more reason I switched to Stihl. Go to a dealer and but the grease tube for the Echo, it will screw in and it's not and issue but as of yet I haven't found anything else that will fit.

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Thanks for the heads up. The nearest Echo dealer is 18 miles from my house, but the Stihl dealer is only 3 miles away. :frown:

I made an interesting discovery today. The local Stihl dealer that is only 2 miles from my house is also an Echo dealer, so I didn't need to drive 18 miles to the other Echo dealer to buy the Echo grease. While there they told me that they're having an open house this Friday March 1st with major discounts on all items and manufacturer's reps to discuss their products. They also carry Toro, Scag, Cub Cadet, Bear Cat, Billy Goat, Snapper and Shindaiwa. I saw some nice ZTRs that would make all you serious mower guys drool. They didn't have any stock on the Echo PE-225 edger that I bought at Home Depot, so I couldn't have saved anything by buying it in their special sale, but they do have plenty of the Echo SRM-225 trimmers, so maybe I'll pick up one of them with the discount. I'll also get some spare blades for the edger and string for the trimmer. Maybe they can recommend the best string size for my needs. I think it comes with 0.095 nylon line, but works with other sizes from 0.080 to 0.105. My electric single line trimmers use wimpy 0.065 line that cuts well but breaks on anything other than grass and weeds.

While I was there they were pushing the Stihl synthetic 2-cycle oil to a customer, telling him that if he bought it with any Stihl powertool, the warranty is doubled from 2 years to 4 years. Since Echo's residential warranty is 5 years anyway, it really doesn't matter for me. Also, I use Trufuel premixed synthetic fuel, which costs about $30 for a carton of six one quart cans, or about $20 / gallon. I figure to use only 1 gallon / year, so that's about $20 / year spent on all my 2-cycle tools. The advantage of this fuel is that it can be stored indefinitely and there's no need to drain the tool fuel tank during off-season storage.

MowerMike said:

I made an interesting discovery today. The local Stihl dealer that is only 2 miles from my house is also an Echo dealer, so I didn't need to drive 18 miles to the other Echo dealer to buy the Echo grease. While there they told me that they're having an open house this Friday March 1st with major discounts on all items and manufacturer's reps to discuss their products. They also carry Toro, Scag, Cub Cadet, Bear Cat, Billy Goat, Snapper and Shindaiwa. I saw some nice ZTRs that would make all you serious mower guys drool. They didn't have any stock on the Echo PE-225 edger that I bought at Home Depot, so I couldn't have saved anything by buying it in their special sale, but they do have plenty of the Echo SRM-225 trimmers, so maybe I'll pick up one of them with the discount. I'll also get some spare blades for the edger and string for the trimmer. Maybe they can recommend the best string size for my needs. I think it comes with 0.095 nylon line, but works with other sizes from 0.080 to 0.105. My electric single line trimmers use wimpy 0.065 line that cuts well but breaks on anything other than grass and weeds.

While I was there they were pushing the Stihl synthetic 2-cycle oil to a customer, telling him that if he bought it with any Stihl powertool, the warranty is doubled from 2 years to 4 years. Since Echo's residential warranty is 5 years anyway, it really doesn't matter for me. Also, I use Trufuel premixed synthetic fuel, which costs about $30 for a carton of six one quart cans, or about $20 / gallon. I figure to use only 1 gallon / year, so that's about $20 / year spent on all my 2-cycle tools. The advantage of this fuel is that it can be stored indefinitely and there's no need to drain the tool fuel tank during off-season storage.

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If you're going to pick up spare blades ask them about a Bulk purchase, 50 to a box. I buy them like that, $38.95 a box and it averages out to like 80 cents a blade. You can also get a better deal on line if you buy it by the 5lb spool. The 095 Stihl line really works well for me.

MowerMike said:

I made an interesting discovery today. The local Stihl dealer that is only 2 miles from my house is also an Echo dealer, so I didn't need to drive 18 miles to the other Echo dealer to buy the Echo grease. While there they told me that they're having an open house this Friday March 1st with major discounts on all items and manufacturer's reps to discuss their products. They also carry Toro, Scag, Cub Cadet, Bear Cat, Billy Goat, Snapper and Shindaiwa. I saw some nice ZTRs that would make all you serious mower guys drool. They didn't have any stock on the Echo PE-225 edger that I bought at Home Depot, so I couldn't have saved anything by buying it in their special sale, but they do have plenty of the Echo SRM-225 trimmers, so maybe I'll pick up one of them with the discount. I'll also get some spare blades for the edger and string for the trimmer. Maybe they can recommend the best string size for my needs. I think it comes with 0.095 nylon line, but works with other sizes from 0.080 to 0.105. My electric single line trimmers use wimpy 0.065 line that cuts well but breaks on anything other than grass and weeds.

While I was there they were pushing the Stihl synthetic 2-cycle oil to a customer, telling him that if he bought it with any Stihl powertool, the warranty is doubled from 2 years to 4 years. Since Echo's residential warranty is 5 years anyway, it really doesn't matter for me. Also, I use Trufuel premixed synthetic fuel, which costs about $30 for a carton of six one quart cans, or about $20 / gallon. I figure to use only 1 gallon / year, so that's about $20 / year spent on all my 2-cycle tools. The advantage of this fuel is that it can be stored indefinitely and there's no need to drain the tool fuel tank during off-season storage.

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I use the .095 Cross-Fire trimmer string and like it!

lawn mower fanatic said:

I use the .095 Cross-Fire trimmer string and like it!
<img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=12544"/> <img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=12545"/>

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I like square string the corners cut a. Little smoother

lawn mower fanatic said:

I use the .095 Cross-Fire trimmer string and like it!
View attachment 12544 View attachment 12545

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I wonder how it compares to regular square line.

MowerMike said:

I wonder how it compares to regular square line.

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I used the crossfire that came with mine I honestly couldn't tell the difference. However if you are string edging the crossfire stuff just got used up way to fast

exotion said:

However if you are string edging the crossfire stuff just got used up way to fast

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Yeah it does!

MowerMike said:

I wonder how it compares to regular square line.

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There is also round line.

exotion said:

I used the crossfire that came with mine I honestly couldn't tell the difference. However if you are string edging the crossfire stuff just got used up way to fast

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I just bought a regular blade edger, so I won't be string edging, but I do a lot of trimming along cement and brick walls. Also, I trim growth between gaps and seams in the driveway and sidewalk, so would the cross-fire wear down faster in those cases ? I saw a 3 lb (681') spool of Oregon .095 square line on Amazon for $27.94; is that a good deal ?

MowerMike said:

I just bought a regular blade edger, so I won't be string edging, but I do a lot of trimming along cement and brick walls. Also, I trim growth between gaps and seams in the driveway and sidewalk, so would the cross-fire wear down faster in those cases ? I saw a 3 lb (681') spool of Oregon .095 square line on Amazon for $27.94; is that a good deal ?

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Yah good deal one pound of cheap round line at harbor freight costs almost 10 so I imagine name brand quality product usually costs more

Echo SRM-225 or Stihl FS 56 RC-E ?

Well, the open house this Friday at the Stihl and Echo dealer is going to offer big discounts on both brands, and I'm trying to decide between the Echo SRM-225 and Stihl FS 56 RC-E straight shaft trimmers. They both have a DSRP of $229.99, so the discounted prices will probably be the same also. I like the Speed-Feed trimmer head on the Echo and it has the same easy starting low vibration engine as the Echo PE-225 I just bought, but would like to compare it with the Stihl, which has a larger displacement engine and a semi-automatic choke for easier starting. Anyway, thought I'd ask to see what y'all think.

Stihl all the way.

MowerMike said:

I just bought a regular blade edger, so I won't be string edging, but I do a lot of trimming along cement and brick walls. Also, I trim growth between gaps and seams in the driveway and sidewalk, so would the cross-fire wear down faster in those cases ? I saw a 3 lb (681') spool of Oregon .095 square line on Amazon for $27.94; is that a good deal ?

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To begin with whether it's a good deal or not depends on the type and size, Oregon makes at least 4 different type of line. Nylium starline, Gator Line, Magnum and Platinum Gator line. As far as it being a good deal No it's not a particularly good deal. I can buy the gator line at the dealers for like $25.00 for a 3lb spool depending on the size and type you buy. I can tell you you can buy the Stihl X-line 5lb (1837') .095 a lot cheaper than Oregon it's only 43.95 for a 5lb spool.

I have found this to be the best line I use 080 at $56 for a 5 pound spool. Works good for trimming around rocks or bricks and awesome for chain link fence. A spool of 095 or 105 is $62



Sent from my iPhone using LMF

Ric said:

To begin with whether it's a good deal or not depends on the type and size, Oregon makes at least 4 different type of line. Nylium starline, Gator Line, Magnum and Platinum Gator line. As far as it being a good deal No it's not a particularly good deal. I can buy the gator line at the dealers for like $25.00 for a 3lb spool depending on the size and type you buy. I can tell you you can buy the Stihl X-line 5lb (1837') .095 a lot cheaper than Oregon it's only 43.95 for a 5lb spool.

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Well, it's the Magnum line but they've just jacked the price up to $37, so it's no longer a good deal anyway. As to buying a 5 lb (1837') spool, I'll be long dead and buried before I use that much string.

We use echo or Stihl line. Usually around $40 a 5lb spool. Go thru two spools a year. We have 3-4 people trimming at least 3 days a week. All use Stihl fs55. IMO they're pretty darn tuff after seeing what the kids put them thru. Few guys even bought them for home after seeing the lickin they take and keep on ticking.

Parkmower said:

We use echo or Stihl line. Usually around $40 a 5lb spool. Go thru two spools a year. We have 3-4 people trimming at least 3 days a week. All use Stihl fs55. IMO they're pretty darn tuff after seeing what the kids put them thru. Few guys even bought them for home after seeing the lickin they take and keep on ticking.

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So, are you familiar with the Stihl FS 56 RC-E trimmer ? Supposedly it has a bit more power and an easier start engine. How easy is it to reload line into the head ? Do you have to rewind spools or do you just feed line from the outside like the speed-feed head on the Echo ?

I know nothing of the fs56. To reload the heads we use you take off the spool and hand wind. It easily holds 5-6 arm spans of line. And I never thought the fs55 was under powered. Actually thought it had quite good power.

MowerMike said:

Well, it's the Magnum line but they've just jacked the price up to $37, so it's no longer a good deal anyway. As to buying a 5 lb (1837') spool, I'll be long dead and buried before I use that much string.

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If you're not using the equipment that much, you're right it will last you a while. We run a 90 and 110 and use a spool and then some every year and with the price you can't beat the stuff. You can get it in a 3lb spool if you like, it comes in all variations or packaging like the rest.

Re: Echo SRM-225 or Stihl FS 56 RC-E ?

MowerMike said:

Well, the open house this Friday at the Stihl and Echo dealer is going to offer big discounts on both brands, and I'm trying to decide between the Echo SRM-225 and Stihl FS 56 RC-E straight shaft trimmers. They both have a DSRP of $229.99, so the discounted prices will probably be the same also. I like the Speed-Feed trimmer head on the Echo and it has the same easy starting low vibration engine as the Echo PE-225 I just bought, but would like to compare it with the Stihl, which has a larger displacement engine and a semi-automatic choke for easier starting. Anyway, thought I'd ask to see what y'all think.

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I wouldn't look for the discounts to be the same between the Echos and the Stihl I hope for you they are but my dealer tells me that the Stihl stuff doesn't have the mark up that the echo units have so they don't have near as much money to play with, now whether that will have any effect on there sale prices I couldn't say. As far as a comparison between the SRM-225 and the Stihl 56 RC-E That's going to be hard to compare. The Echo is a Commercial unit and the Stihl is a HomeScraper Series, Occasional use or Residential unit. I use to run the SRM 210 for two years which is now the Echo SRM -225 and although it has the 21.2 cc engine it will blow that 27.2 Residential Stihl away.

Re: Echo SRM-225 or Stihl FS 56 RC-E ?

Ric said:

I wouldn't look for the discounts to be the same between the Echos and the Stihl I hope for you they are but my dealer tells me that the Stihl stuff doesn't have the mark up that the echo units have so they don't have near as much money to play with, now whether that will have any effect on there sale prices I couldn't say. As far as a comparison between the SRM-225 and the Stihl 56 RC-E That's going to be hard to compare. The Echo is a Commercial unit and the Stihl is a HomeScraper Series, Occasional use or Residential unit. I use to run the SRM 210 for two years which is now the Echo SRM -225 and although it has the 21.2 cc engine it will blow that 27.2 Residential Stihl away.

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In what respect do you mean that the Echo engine will blow the Stihl engine away ? Power, durability, reliability, fuel economy, noise levels etc. ? Also, I'm residential and Echo offers a 5 year warranty, whereas Stihl is only 2 years unless you use their premium synthetic oil in which case they double it. Also, is there any difference in the ruggedness of other parts like the gears and drive shaft ? I must say I'm completely satisfied with my Echo PE-225 edger that uses the same exact engine as the SRM-225, so I wouldn't get the Stihl unless it was somehow better than the Echo. I've also had an Echo PB-250LN for nearly a year now and it's been completely problem free and very easy to start.

Re: Echo SRM-225 or Stihl FS 56 RC-E ?

MowerMike said:

In what respect do you mean that the Echo engine will blow the Stihl engine away ? Power, durability, reliability, fuel economy, noise levels etc. ? Also, I'm residential and Echo offers a 5 year warranty, whereas Stihl is only 2 years unless you use their premium synthetic oil in which case they double it. Also, is there any difference in the ruggedness of other parts like the gears and drive shaft ? I must say I'm completely satisfied with my Echo PE-225 edger that uses the same exact engine as the SRM-225, so I wouldn't get the Stihl unless it was somehow better than the Echo. I've also had an Echo PB-250LN for nearly a year now and it's been completely problem free and very easy to start.

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The first thing you need to remember is that Echo's claims are that all there equipment is Commercial Grade and has a 2 year warranty same as Stihl and Echo offers there 5 year to the residential operator because it is a commercial grade equipment. With respect to the Echo it will be head and shoulders above the Stihl unit in every way that you ask, Power, durability, reliability, and all the rest you asked about. If you want to run a comparison at that sale, Pick up the FS 56 RC-E and start it and run it (it"s Residential)then pick up a Stihl FS 70 R run it and feel the difference(it's commercial) both have a 27.2 cc engine. Then compare it to the 21.2cc SRM-225 and tell me your opinion. I'd be willing to say you'll buy the Echo. After you do your comparison walk back to the Stihls and pick up an FS-90 or 110R and run it and tell me what you think.
The thing is MM you need to buy what you think is the best and what you're going to be happy with :smile: Everyone Has there opinion on what's the best and what's trash. Run the Comparison like I said and decide for yourself and you'll be happy. IMO if it's not a 4mix unit it's not worth bringing home but that's just me.

Re: Echo SRM-225 or Stihl FS 56 RC-E ?

Ric said:

If you want to run a comparison at that sale, Pick up the FS 56 RC-E and start it and run it (it"s Residential)then pick up a Stihl FS 70 R run it and feel the difference(it's commercial) both have a 27.2 cc engine. Then compare it to the 21.2cc SRM-225 and tell me your opinion. I'd be willing to say you'll buy the Echo. After you do your comparison walk back to the Stihls and pick up an FS-90 or 110R and run it and tell me what you think.

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Hopefully they'll have demo models of all of these so that I can test drive them. I went to the Stihl website and find it interesting that they claim the same 10.6 lb weight for both the FS 56 RC-E and the FS 70 R. I'm sure that the heavier FS 90 R and FS 110 R would be total overkill for my needs. Since I've had no issues with my PE-225, and it starts easily, runs smoothly with no vibration, is very easy to operate, is comfortable, doesn't guzzle gas, is quiet enough at full throttle that I don't need ear protection, and everything on it seems sturdy enough I will probably just get the SRM-225, but I figured that I would check out the Stihls anyway while I was there. As to discounts, I guess I'll find out, but I was told that on the Echo it would be about 15%.

Re: Echo SRM-225 or Stihl FS 56 RC-E ?

Ric said:

I wouldn't look for the discounts to be the same between the Echos and the Stihl I hope for you they are but my dealer tells me that the Stihl stuff doesn't have the mark up that the echo units have so they don't have near as much money to play with, now whether that will have any effect on there sale prices I couldn't say. As far as a comparison between the SRM-225 and the Stihl 56 RC-E That's going to be hard to compare. The Echo is a Commercial unit and the Stihl is a HomeScraper Series, Occasional use or Residential unit. I use to run the SRM 210 for two years which is now the Echo SRM -225 and although it has the 21.2 cc engine it will blow that 27.2 Residential Stihl away.

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MowerMike said:

In what respect do you mean that the Echo engine will blow the Stihl engine away ? Power, durability, reliability, fuel economy, noise levels etc. ? Also, I'm residential and Echo offers a 5 year warranty, whereas Stihl is only 2 years unless you use their premium synthetic oil in which case they double it. Also, is there any difference in the ruggedness of other parts like the gears and drive shaft ? I must say I'm completely satisfied with my Echo PE-225 edger that uses the same exact engine as the SRM-225, so I wouldn't get the Stihl unless it was somehow better than the Echo. I've also had an Echo PB-250LN for nearly a year now and it's been completely problem free and very easy to start.

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Yeah if I was in your position I would buy the Echo SRM-225. I have been REALLY satisfied with mine! :thumbsup:

Echo SRM-225 it is

Went to the dealer open house today and there were manufacturer trailers for Echo and Stihl outside with demo tools, so I tried a few and chose the Echo SRM-225. Like y'all said it's really nicer than the Stihl homescaper trimmers like the FS 56 RC-E. It's surprisingly light and easy to handle, so I won't need a shoulder harness. I really like the thickly padded lower handle. The Echo rep advised me to get .080 line instead of the stock .095, telling me that although it would wear quicker it would do less damage to the bark on my trees or my wood fencing. He told me that since line is sold by the pound, rather than length, that the cost would be the same. I'm starting out with a one pound pack of CrossFire line in case I don't like it. He also told me that I will never need to lubricate the shaft and gearbox, and that I should never remove the grease cover or dismantle the shaft, because I'll most likely just do more damage than good. So it looks like I wasted good money on the Echo grease that I bought earlier this week. Maybe the store will take it back, since I haven't opened it.

The owner of the store rang me up with a 10% discount on the trimmer, as well as the line and a 2-pack of Echo edger blades. He took the serial number and got my info to register the trimmer with Echo and then gave it to a shop tech to gas it up and make sure it was in good running order. I'm impressed with this dealer and will definite give them my future business if they carry any products that need.

After getting home today, I used the trimmer for about 1/2 hour, and it made short work of some heavy monkey grass that need chopping down at the roots. I initially had a hard time getting it to feed more string until I figured out that you have to bump it pretty hard for it to advance it. When it tilted it to edge it stalled out, I think because the gas tank didn't have enough fuel in it and the fuel filter was not immersed in fuel. Once the fuel tank got near empty I refilled if with Trufuel, which I use in all my 2-cycle tools. One interesting side note is that the Echo PE-225 edger that I bought a week ago at Home Depot was "assembled in PRC", but the SRM-225 I bought today was "assembled in USA" I asked the Echo rep where the Echo short blocks are made, and he said they are all made in Japan, and all the higher line trimmers and edgers are assembled in the USA.

I told the rep that I was using Trufuel, and he said that in about a month from now Echo will introduce their own branded synthetic premix fuel that uses their new Red Armor oil. He said the fuel itself is the same as Trufuel, which is also the case with Stihl MotoMix. He said pricing will be comparable to Trufuel.

Sweet! I think you made a great choice! You are amassing a good amount of Echo equipment! :thumbsup:

lawn mower fanatic said:

Sweet! I think you made a great choice! You are amassing a good amount of Echo equipment! :thumbsup:
View attachment 12668

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Now, if they'd come out with a 2-cycle lawn mower, then I'd really have a complete collection. :laughing:

MowerMike said:

Now, if they'd come out with a 2-cycle lawn mower, then I'd really have a complete collection. :laughing:

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:laughing::laughing:

Re: Echo SRM-225 it is

MowerMike said:

Went to the dealer open house today and there were manufacturer trailers for Echo and Stihl outside with demo tools, so I tried a few and chose the Echo SRM-225. Like y'all said it's really nicer than the Stihl homescaper trimmers like the FS 56 RC-E. It's surprisingly light and easy to handle, so I won't need a shoulder harness. I really like the thickly padded lower handle. The Echo rep advised me to get .080 line instead of the stock .095, telling me that although it would wear quicker it would do less damage to the bark on my trees or my wood fencing. He told me that since line is sold by the pound, rather than length, that the cost would be the same. I'm starting out with a one pound pack of CrossFire line in case I don't like it. He also told me that I will never need to lubricate the shaft and gearbox, and that I should never remove the grease cover or dismantle the shaft, because I'll most likely just do more damage than good. So it looks like I wasted good money on the Echo grease that I bought earlier this week. Maybe the store will take it back, since I haven't opened it.

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I knew you would buy the Echo. I think he's feeding you a bunch of BS about the Line size though, the 095 is what you should be using in that thing, I'd read the manual about it and greasing that head becuase I never heard of a trimmer head that didn't need greasing. My SRM 210 manual says to use Echo Lube (p/n 91014) or LithumBase Grease in the gear box and drive shaft every 3 months and the same for the BRD-280 and PE-200. Read the Manual and do what it says. Don't listen to that stupid Rep.The thing is for the time it will take you to do 5 minutes you would be stupid not to. The manual also says you should use Echo 2.4mm(0.095in.)Nylon Trimmer Line not 080. Any line of 0.095 will work.

Re: Echo SRM-225 it is

Ric said:

I knew you would buy the Echo. I think he's feeding you a bunch of BS about the Line size though, the 095 is what you should be using in that thing, I'd read the manual about it and greasing that head because I never heard of a trimmer head that didn't need greasing. My SRM 210 manual says to use Echo Lube (p/n 91014) or LithumBase Grease in the gear box and drive shaft every 3 months and the same for the BRD-280 and PE-200. Read the Manual and do what it says. Don't listen to that stupid Rep.The thing is for the time it will take you to do 5 minutes you would be stupid not to. The manual also says you should use Echo 2.4mm(0.095in.)Nylon Trimmer Line not 080. Any line of 0.095 will work.

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Thanks for the advice. I will say, however, that the manual for my SRM-225 states that you can use either .080 or .095. line, and does not indicate any preference. What my manual says regarding greasing is to inspect every 3 months and to apply every 25 hours on the drive shaft cable and every 50 hours in the gear housing. Since I will be using my trimmer far less than you do, I can probable get away with doing this service once a year.

Re: Echo SRM-225 it is

MowerMike said:

Thanks for the advice. I will say, however, that the manual for my SRM-225 states that you can use either .080 or .095. line, and does not indicate any preference. What my manual says regarding greasing is to inspect every 3 months and to apply every 25 hours on the drive shaft cable and every 50 hours in the gear housing. Since I will be using my trimmer far less than you do, I can probable get away with doing this service once a year.

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My manual states what I described in the last post for trimmer line, it doesn't give any alternate but mine is the older model, it's the SRM 210. Greasing the drive is Inspect and lube every 25 hours, The Head is Inspect and apply every 50 hours but regardless of time frame they need to be greased and I'm surprised that a Rep or sales person would tell you that you will never need to lubricate the shaft and gearbox, that's just right.

Re: Echo SRM-225 it is

Ric said:

....it doesn't give any alternate but mine is the older model, it's the SRM 210.

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I didn't look at mine to see if it says what MowerMike's says or not, but as you know I use the .095 trimmer line, and yes you do have to be careful around painted fences, but I would stick with the thickness I have! :thumbsup:

lawn mower fanatic said:

I didn't look at mine to see if it says what MowerMike's says or not, but as you know I use the .095 trimmer line, and yes you do have to be careful around painted fences, but I would stick with the thickness I have! :thumbsup:

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The thing with different size line is you can use the 095 and when you get to your obsticle throttle down you don't need to be full throttle around trees or fences with any size line ever I've seen a 100 foot pine tree die from weed eater ringing. Also I know of a fence that is about to fall over every single one of the posts look like a beaver has been munching on them

exotion said:

The thing with different size line is you can use the 095 and when you get to your obsticle throttle down you don't need to be full throttle around trees or fences with any size line ever....

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Yeah good point! :thumbsup:

Is the SRM-225 better quality than the PE-225 ?

Aside from the advantages of a straight shaft on the SRM-225 .vs. a curved shaft on the PE-225, I noticed a difference in the way the power head is attached to the shaft, even though the engines are the same, the housings are somewhat different. The PE-225 attaches to the shaft by pinching the plastic housing against the shaft, whereas the SRM-225 uses a cast metal semi-circular clamp with bolts on each side. The SRM is a more secure way of attachment and is less likely to crack than flexing the plastic housing on one side. Another interesting tidbit is that my SRM-225 was "assembled in USA", but my PE-225 was "assembled in PRC." A small detail for sure, but indicative of higher quality in the SRM-225 than the PE-225. Pricing on both units is about the same.

Last year I bought the PAS-225. It has the straight shaft trimmer and leaf blower. I also picked up a used three wheeled trimmer to replace my craftsman trimmer and curved shaft edger. I hated that curved shaft edger! I actually bent the shaft/bar on the craftsman power head. Anyway just two days ago I sold my 3 wheeled edger and got my straight shaft echo edger attachment for simplicity. WOW that edger attachment is really built! Cant wait to try it. I am really impressed with echo. Way better than my craftsman stuff. My craftsman stuff did last me several years. I traded the craftsman gear for a case of heineken:thumbsup:

stygz said:

Last year I bought the PAS-225. It has the straight shaft trimmer and leaf blower. I also picked up a used three wheeled trimmer to replace my craftsman trimmer and curved shaft edger. I hated that curved shaft edger! I actually bent the shaft/bar on the craftsman power head. Anyway just two days ago I sold my 3 wheeled edger and got my straight shaft echo edger attachment for simplicity. WOW that edger attachment is really built! Cant wait to try it. I am really impressed with echo. Way better than my craftsman stuff. My craftsman stuff did last me several years. I traded the craftsman gear for a case of heineken:thumbsup:

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Yes, I have the SRM-225 and the PE-225 and LOVE them. I like ALL of my Echo equipment! How do you like the blower attachment for the PAS system?

(http://www.protoolreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/ptr/3538.jpg)

No problems with the blower. Some have complained about not being strong enough but is has done everything I needed it for.

stygz said:

No problems with the blower. Some have complained about not being strong enough but is has done everything I needed it for.

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Good to know! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Lots of good information in this thread! I recently bought an Echo PAS-225 about a month or so ago and im loving it. I started my lawn care business last year, not having much money to start with i bought a troy bilt with the trimmer, edger, and blower attachments. While it got the job done, it just wasnt anywhere near the quality of product to last up to what i needed it to do. Now that i could afford something a little better quality, i went straight for the echo, and im so glad i did. The trimmer is great all the way around. It is built well, fuel consumption is minimal (i fill up after 2 yards, im sure i could get away with 3 but nothing drives me more crazy than running out of gas on the job) the edger is built like a rock! Very solid and im sure will last a very long time. The motor is very quiet (with my headphones in i can hear the line whipping around more than the motor noises)

All in all if anyone is looking for an affordable and dependable trimmer and edger, i highly recommend the pas-225.