OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Trimmers and Brushcutters Two Stroke Trimmers & Brushcutters R Stihl & Husky really worth the $$$$$'s

Hi,

I wanted to find out if the top end models of Stihl & Husquvarna line trimmers are truly worth the premium price they ask for.

I currently own and use 3 Husquvarna and 2 Stihl chainsaws ranging from 30cc to 120cc. I would not hesitate to buy either brand chainsaw again.

I understand the benefit of quality in chainsaws, but aren't line trimmers much the same? (I am not including the crap no name products available in this statement)

For mainly medium use with a little heavy use what do I choose?

Thanks

Hi,

Tanaka , Echo,& Kawasaki are worth considering they make good quality line trimmers, the benefit of quality applies just as much to line trimmers as chainsaws.

cheers gmax

Be sure whether you are talking about small amounts of light usage, or either extensive usage or occasional heavy-duty work. Even a decent brand of light duty trimmer may have a bent shaft drive rather than a bevel gear straight shaft drive, and it may have a cantilevered crankshaft rather than two main bearings. That kind of device is strictly for a few hours a year of grass trimming, and don't push the depth-of-cut even then. Personally I think once you choose the kind of mechanical design you need, the main influence the brand name has is on whether it is easy to start, whether it falls apart occasionally, and whether you can get parts for it.

Well said grumpy and good advice

I prefer the Tanaka brand as they are light and tend to have a bit more power than the Kawasaki (which is close to the weight of the Tanaka).

The Echo is a good machine but it is a lot heavier than both the Tanaka & the Kawasaki machines.

Hi, I have a Stihl straight shaft line trimer, about 15 years old starts up straight away, never done an overhaul on engine or carby, it copes with long grass and fresh blackberry canes and assorted scrub. I have another brushcutter for blade work, red factory paint about 20 years old , do not know the brand name; it also runs well. I had a kawasaki about 22 years ago, also good put was pinched along with the family water pump. I have worked with some new husky saws, that ran well. Some cheap trimmers can be re-built quickly from second hand parts with the right skills. You also need to think who is going to use the tool, you would have to walk over my dead body to touch my 2 stroke engines! I can't believe my Stihl runs so well after all the hard work. Make sure you use the recommended line size; and take that extra time when using them on the job. Do not overload the engine. Take time to: sharpen blades; use fresh clean fuel; lube your cutting head shaft. Try contacting you local horticulture college or university; and ask contractors what they use. If I had the money I would grab a Stihl, straight shaft, mid range type, with the twin handle set up; able to take a blade, given that you have used such powerful saws!