Terp

Well, after trolling for some feedback on a new trimmer and visiting a number of dealers, I have kind of settled in on the Echo PAS 260 head unit with the rapid load trimmer and the edger attachment.  No one has had anything bad to say about Echo.  When I pick it up, it feels right - good balance, not too heavy, and offers some flexibility.  I'll probably pick it up next week.

So what about oil?  Synthetic or stick with the Echo or Stihl 50:1.  I have two other pieces of 2 cycle OPE (a  Weedeater brand leaf blower and edger about 12 years old) that use a 40:1 mix.  I'm not crazy about having another fuel container with yet another type of fuel in it.  Can I use the 50:1 Echo or Stihl for all my 2 cycle OPE?  Does the Echo/Stihl 50:1 have adequate lubrication qualities for the older 40:1 equipment?  Or go with synthetic for everything, which I believe is 100:1.   Anyone know if the warrranty is affected if you use synthetic at 100:1?

Had a chance to look at the Husky 326 today with the optional attachments.   Nice machine.  Now considering that unit vs the Echo PAS 260.  Need a trimmer and edger.  Anyone know why the edger attachments are not in-line?   Most have a curved offset shaft - Husky, Echo, Stihl.  Though, Stihl makes a unit that accepts an in-line edger that attaches at the bottom of the shaft.  Only one I have seen like that.

The dealer I visited today was discontinuing the Husky line and going strictly with Stihl.  After reading the 2 cycle vs 4 cycle thread discussing small OPE, I have decided against the Honda units and the Stihl 4 mix units.

Well, SnowShoveler has pretty much convinced me to go with a 2 cycle trimmer.

I had been considering the Honda units, but had some concerns.  I am leaning towards the Echo 230 or possibly the PAS-260 for some flexibility with trimmer, edger attachments.  Though some say that the you should't use the PAS model for your primary edger.  I guess my question is - if you should not use it as your primary edger, what is the point?   Are you better off with a dedicated edger?

Also, liked a Husky model I saw - 326.

Good point UC.  A local dealer in as much said the same thing about using an edger as a dedicated unit rather than the Echo PAS or Stihl.  I've  looked at Echo, Stihl, Husky, and Honda.  The soils here are more of a heavy silt loam (more clay).  If we had sandy loam soils I would not hesitate with the PAS series.  Think I will stick with just a trimmer unit.

I liked the Honda.  It is heavier though.  Also liked the Echo 230.  That model comes with cable or steel.  Any comments on the different types?  Also liked the Husky 326. 

First post on the new site.  Glad to see some of the familiar screen names on this site.  Started snowing about an hour ago.  We are supposed to get between 6-10 inches.  So, with a little time to kill before getting out the snow blower tonight, I figure I'd ask for some input on a new trimmer. 

Trimmer is for homeowner use only - for areas the mower can't get to on a 1/3 acre lawn.  I am looking for reliability, easy start, and a well balanced trimmer.  My old trimmer had a curved shaft, poor balance, and just killed my back after 30 minutes.  Seemed like I was never in a comfortable position when using it.  Fortunately it died after 10-12 years.  I can't bear to replace something that still works.  But now I can shop with no regrets.

I'm considering either an Echo trimmer (SRM-210 or SRM-210i) or the Honda 4 cycle (HHT25SLTA).

Anyone have any comments on the above models.  Might even look at the Echo PAS-230 with the optional edging attachment.  I have an edger, but it is fairly old and I am not sure I want a separate piece of OPE when I have to replace it.  Maybe the PAS-230 is a good alternative.

Thanks in advance.