Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I am looking to buy a grass trimmer for my dad.  He is currently using my Stihl FS-85 and eventually I will need it back.  I was thinking Shindaiwa because I have heard nothing but good things about them and something a little lighter than my FS-85.  Truth is, however, I just don't that much about grass trimmers.  Any advice is welcome.

Steve

Hi Mason, I have a good friend that has a lawn business. A few months ago i was talking to him about trimmers. This is what he told me about those two. The stihl is heavier but if taken care of  you will get many more hours out of it than the Shindiawa,but if its for your dad I don't know if his back is good or not but the weight might be a little more important than the hours.This guy takes care of everything he has. He's owned both of these brands i dunno if this is any help. later Mike

Stihl, Echo, Shindaiwa, Tanaka and RedMax to name a few, are all good brands. I would suggest paying more attention to weight and ease of use than the brand, as long as you stay with the top ones. If he finds it too heavy, you might as well save your money because it won't get used.

Hi...

TANAKA... is a brand Marshall tipped me off to 2 years ago or so... I'm glad he did...

Sits for weeks or longer... and easily starts 1-2 pulls... unlike my previous hard-starting Stihl brand...

Check 'em all out... and get confused like some of us...

Dave...

 Hello all

          I just got a new Stihl Kombi Km110R with the grass trimmer a the straight shaft edger.  It has the new "4-mix" motor. It sounds different than any other Stihl  (not bad ) has alot of low end power . The Autocut head is a nice set up for a string trimmer.

         More latter when I use it some more.

                                                     Tom

I have a Shindy T-230, and I am very happy with it........many of the guys I work with at the firehouse have switched from echo's to shindy's. Many are pro landscapers.....
mine only gets used once every two weeks or so, and always starts right up with one or two pulls.

My advice is to check the brands mentioned above on their websites to see weights, models, etc.  Also ask yourself who do you like best in your area for service, and see what they sell.  Service means a lot.

A big OPE dealer around here sold tons of echo's for years.....then Home depot started selling them, he was the closest "real" dealer, and he did not want to service all of HD's sales, so he just dropped echo and is now selling sthil.

My exmark dealer who I like sells shindy's , so I went with what he sells.........

Frank D.

In my opinion Stihl is about the best. Quality, long life, and power is what you want in a unit and Stihl does not fall short on that! If you had a hard time starting a Stihl in the past it is either because you werent following the propper proceidure to starting it or you let the fuel get stail and therefor have gummed up the carb.