Shopping last year, had the chance to use a Stihl BG85, used on two seperate occasions two hours each time.
Highly recommended. The most outstanding feature it had that really made the job be easy was what they call cruise controll. (it also weighs approx the same as their lower end models I think like 8.8 lbs as compared to 8.6 lbs) The lower end models did not have the cruise controll function.
There is a thumb lever that you can move in incriments to hold and vary the speed with one hand operation. This easy controll did not have to be used in conjunction with the main throttle trigger. In other words you don't have toset the main trigger and then lock it with the cruise lever. . You could use either one the difference was the cruise kept it at the speed you wanted and could be easily lowered or set higher. This was the lightest and most powerful for it's size I could ever have imagined, well balanced etc etc. and when walking from different starting points and mulch shrub beds etc the cruise controll significantly helped ease the whole job, down to less noise and instantly adjusting to the power level needed, so you didn't have to adjust angles or lift and reach to change throttle adjustments. It will definately help the machine last longer. Can't quote the price, but it was high. I ended up buying an el cheapo, and I am paying for it in the long run.
Ben07
This message was modified Mar 7, 2005 by Ben07
Ariens 8524LE, Toro CCR2000, Jacobsen S-B S-blowers, Generac 10hp Gen-convt. to N.G., 5 L-boys(D's F's &Dura( 74,77,80,88,00), Antiq. 1960 AYP 20 in. mag w 3.5 Tech mower. Ryan/Ryobi gas Trim. AYP 205 gas blwr. Mac c-saw,Toro E-blwr, 2 Weed-E e. stg. trims. outboards, boats, util trail, 2 Jeeps
