Best Trimmer Head and least expensive repairs?

[Fisherman74]

I am looking to get a new string trimmer and I know stihl and echo are among the best and shindaiwa, redmax and Husqvarna are typically in the mix.

My question is more along the lines, which one has the smoothest operating or most reliable trimmer head and which one is simplest to get parts for and generally cheapest to maintain/repair? Also, does one generally honor the warranty better than the other, granted I expect that in large part is more about the dealer and if they push it with the company?

I am leaning toward the stihl fs56 or 70, or the echo 225 or 230, though I will not rule out others. It is just echo and stihl seem to be the most available around the area. While I like echo, I can't get over the fact we are talking a 21/22cc engine on the echos and a 27cc on the stihl, which is about thirty percent larger, yet the weight is about the same or a touch less with the stihl.

I am not in the business, I am homeowner on less than an acre that appreciates good equipment.

 

[Tundra5.7]

I have been running an Echo SRM-2100 for 15 years now. It has gotten very hard to start in the last month or so. I'm actually surprised it's still running but I've always run ethanol free gas in it and have kept fresh plugs and air filters in it. It has been a very good trimmer and I can't complain one bit.

My father in law has a Stihl FS-56 straight shaft trimmer that he uses. In side by side tests, we both agree the Echo seems to cut through heavy weeds and grass a little better than the Stihl. Having said that, I will likely step up to a Stihl FS-70 due to having two excellent dealers within 20 miles of me.

 

[Grassbandit]

My vote is for the Stihl. I've had mine for years through rentals and never had any issues. FS55R and FS80, just keep them clean and mix the fuel properly and you'll be fine.
Don't forget to grease the gearhead too....The main point is to care for whatever you buy and it will last you a long time.

 

[SnapperRiley]

Ya buy the stihl you'll need it when you buy a echo srm230 or shindaiwa , you will stick the stihl in the ground and beat it with a hammer stihl couldn't make a good power tool to save their lives these days RIP. The 21-24cc echo or shindy will spank that stihl all over your yard

 

[Nwatson99]

Ya buy the stihl you'll need it when you buy a echo srm230 or shindaiwa , you will stick the stihl in the ground and beat it with a hammer stihl couldn't make a good power tool to save their lives these days RIP. The 21-24cc echo or shindy will spank that stihl all over your yard

:laughing: Now that was funny.



Fisherman74 get the Stihl, you will not go wrong with a Stihl.

 

[SnapperRiley]

Just saying, my closest dealer is a stihl dealer that was all I ever bought until I tried a Shindaiwa it was just amazing I bought mine same day I tried my buddies now all my stihls sit in the garage, fs55 , 2x fs90s . they just weren't even close to the t242 IMO

 

[Fish]

Shindaiwa has always made great quality equipment, but their parts/dealer support was always poor. Since they were absorbed by Echo, that has probably improved a bit.

 

[Ric]

I am looking to get a new string trimmer and I know stihl and echo are among the best and shindaiwa, redmax and Husqvarna are typically in the mix.

My question is more along the lines, which one has the smoothest operating or most reliable trimmer head and which one is simplest to get parts for and generally cheapest to maintain/repair? Also, does one generally honor the warranty better than the other, granted I expect that in large part is more about the dealer and if they push it with the company?

I am leaning toward the stihl fs56 or 70, or the echo 225 or 230, though I will not rule out others. It is just echo and stihl seem to be the most available around the area. While I like echo, I can't get over the fact we are talking a 21/22cc engine on the echos and a 27cc on the stihl, which is about thirty percent larger, yet the weight is about the same or a touch less with the stihl.

I am not in the business, I am homeowner on less than an acre that appreciates good equipment.

Out of the ones you mentioned the FS 70 would be the way to go IMO. It's a commercial grade trimmer and would provide a homeowner years of service. The Echo 230 cost like 289.95 the 70 is like 279.99 so you'd save a little but IMO if you want the most trimmer for your money I'd spend another $40 and buy the Stihl FS 90R for $329.99. I've been using the 90 and 110 daily for the last eight going on nine years without any issues.

 

[Ric]

Shindaiwa has always made great quality equipment, but their parts/dealer support was always poor. Since they were absorbed by Echo, that has probably improved a bit.

Actually Echo doesn't own Shindiawa. Both them and Kioritz are owned by Yamabiko Group. They are basically the same trimmer, made in the same factory I believe, just different color packaging.

 

[Fish]

Yeah, I never really focused on the sordid little details, and really haven't compared the trimmers lately, but they dropped Shindaiwa's chainsaws, so I assumed that the Shin group didn't have a lot of pull in the decision arena... I didn't realized that they had morphed the trimmer line, I'll go by and check it out at the Expo this fall.....