Gun Dog Forum

I am currently look at getting a GAS powered weed eater I need something tough and reliable look at the Stihl brand today wondering what everyone else is using and how its holding up I just bought a new piece of property that I plan on building a new house on its a 5 ac lot.

red max if they are in your area,just cant beat them.ive been using them for over 20 years never had problem yet.jmo

Red max I'll have to call around and see if anyone carries them.

STIHL, We have three of them, and a couple hondas. When we go out to clear some land, the first ones that go in the truck are stihls. The hondas are in the shop more than they are out working.

Shindaiwa. I've owned alot of brands and was told about this one by a landscaper. I bought one 3 years ago with all the attachments and love it. Haven't had a single issue. My wife likes it to. Light easy to crank. Worth looking into IMO.

Attachments you mean like the stihl has the trimmer pole saw those attachments? Cause that is why I am leaning towards them but want to know what other options are out there. I will look into themthanks

Stihl was what I would buy when I was a vineyard manager. You do have to make sure to drain the gas out of them if not in use or you will be buying carb rebuild kits. Not a big fan of combo tools or attachments for real work.

I have owned Stihi chain saws & weed eaters had good luck with both lots of years of service . But I have changed & bought a Echo chain saw & weed eater after I wore out the Stihi's they start so much easier & cut faster, plus lighter . For this farm use if i was to buy another set I would buy the Echo again .

Stihl and Echo, I have an Echo now, but have used both with very good luck.

Stihl FS-55 Living on 11 acres of timber, I use the brush cutter blade most. Changes out easily and will cut through some pretty good size saplings, if you have the need. Zero issues in almost 10 years of use.

Well looks like I'll be going with the sthil.

I have goats, almost zero maintenance, just worm them every 6 weeks or so. And they are fun to pet or just watch.

wems2371 wrote:Stihl FS-55 Living on 11 acres of timber, I use the brush cutter blade most. Changes out easily and will cut through some pretty good size saplings, if you have the need. Zero issues in almost 10 years of use.

I own the exact same model and I've had the same experience. I don't leave gas sitting in the engine, I make sure to run it dry each time I use it. No repairs in 8 years of ownership. Stihl all the way.

Stihl are great but Echo weed eaters are just as good. I have owned both and can't go wrong with either. Whichever one you can get the best deal on and has a factory authorized repair shop close by if for some reason you were to need it. Both brands are winners and I have products from both companies in my garage.

Another vote for Stihl. Though I'd consider an echo.

Just had my echo serviced after 8 years...... And that's because I let someone borrow it.

I use a big echo. Takes the heavy line and you need a strap. Well I dont use the strap but most folks do.

If there is a Red Max dealer in your area...that is the one to buy. Landscapers use them and can't kill them. They do not seem to be bothered by ethanol in the gas and the problems that causes for small engines.

Otherwise I would get a Stihl. In central DE there are no Red Max dealers, so I got a Stihl commercial model. It takes .095 line and will cut down 1/4- 3/8" saplings with a couple of passes. I have about a mile of electric fencing to edge, drainage ditches to keep knocked back and and edging around buildings and such, so it gets pretty decent use. I do use roundup wherever I can, but there is still a lot of weed whacking to do. It is ten years old and had not needed service yet.

The draining of the unit...EVERY TIME... and use of Sta-Bil is, I believe, key to the longevity of these units. The ethanol in the gas dissolves lacquers and resins from gasoline and oil and when the ethanol evaporates, those lacquers and resins deposit on interior engine surfaces, like the carburetor, which can really screw it up. At least that is wheat the dealer told me.

FYI, they do make gasoline that does not have ethanol in it. I have a couple of quart cans of it for emergencies and quick jobs. I also believe aviation gasoline is alcohol free.

RayG

Echo

I like the Redmax also.

I would say stihl or echo I currently have echo and had it since 04 never even changed spark plug on it, runs great cant beat it.

I have a Redmax that is as old as my Simplicity lawn tractor, 18 years, and neither has needed a repair except for worn rollers on the cutting deck.

The Redmax has been totally neglected and still run like a champ. I have never winterized it and I often use old gas/oil.

Up until last month I'd say Stihl. Bought one last year for my husband and he loved it. 3 weeks ago the shaft seized up...Stihl doesn't want to honor the warranty and the shop I bought it from told my husband it "wasn't under warranty for commercial use." That was weird - we only use it around the house and have no desire to do any more weed whacking than we do around our house and dog kennel. We're both pretty unhappy with the whole situation.