trimmer choice

[MikeC]

which is better buy? 22.5cc shindaiwa model T230 for $289, or 25.1cc stihl FS85 for $268.

[Millertime34]

I don't know anything about Shindaiwa but this is what I know about Stihl. I think a better choice is the FS 80 instead of the FS 85. Here is why. They are the exact same machine..same engine, displacement, power, etc. The only difference is that the FS 85 has a solid steel drive shaft, where as the FS 80 has a flex drive cable. Both drive shafts have a lifetime warranty and you have to pay a premium for the solid steel shaft. Check with your dealer, you can probably get the FS 80 cheaper. This is the machine that I use and could not be happier with a trimmer. I'll buy another one if this one ever wears out.<p>----------<br>Bryan..Heartland Lawn Care<br>heartlandlawn@hotmail.com

[cjcland]

they are both very good i have a shindaiwa t230 and it is great, i would say get the dealer that is closer or i would also think about buying the same kind of edger as trimmer that way when one eventually wears out you have inter changable parts,<p>----------<br>CJC Landscape Management<br>Winter Haven, Florida

[gorrell]

I've got both an FS-80 and a T-230 and like them both, but if you're going to run this machine for an extended period of time definitely go for the T-230 because it weighs around 1.5# less than the Stihl. That may not sound like much, but run one for a couple of hours straight and you'll agree. MHO Thanks, Lynn

[Keith]

Check around on the T230 prices. $289 is a bit high.

[Dave]

What t-230 are you looking at ?t-230xba with a harness and auto head and set up for a blade is 289.00 around here plain t-230 is 260.00.cable drive shaft on the sthill might be guarenteed but means down time if it breaks,and hope your dealer has one.all shindaiwa even there homepro has a solid shaft,weight means a big diff, to thats my 2 cents worth<p>

[southside]

Power-wise the Stihl is better,the Shindaiwa<br>is lighter and still has adequate power for<br>trimming work.For the real wild jobs though,<br>you can't beat the Stihl.

[Eric ELM]

I just got a brochure from my dealer in the mail. A T230 is $229.95 and a T260 is $289.95, so shop around.<p>----------<br>&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.townserver.com/elm/&quot;&gt;Eric@ELM&lt;/a&gt;<br>

[Dave]

Southside not to get into a pissing match<br>the t-230 does not compare with the sthill fs 80 or 85,it has 1.1hp 9.5 lbs,lets compare apples to apples the t-260 at 11 lbs has more hp than the fs 80&85 1.4hp to 1.27 hp about the same weight,also both units have steel drive shafts not flex cable,as does the fs 80 also you have to stay with the sthill heads due to the tin plate at the bottom of the gearbox<br>unversial adapters do not fit tight against it so it spins freely

[grasscapeinc]

one word.<br>RED MAX 2300!!!!!!<p>ok it was more than one word, but it is a great trimmer, and only $300. Best one I've used thus far.

[jrblawncare]

Just picked up a T-260 last week,nice trimmer for just under $300.00.....I like it!

[Grassboy]

From what I have heard RedMax is awesome. But, I also heard they have a MAJOR parts problem. Their dealers have told me that the parts are hard to get shipped in. I don't know that's just what I have heard from a few people. I don't have a problem in choosing Redmaxx or not because their is only one dealer in a 50 mile radius of where I am at!

[Dave]

the shindaiwa pound for pound hp to hp is alot lighter than the redmax,as i almost became a redmax dealer except for the weight difference

[MowerUp]

Is there much difference in the power of the Shindaiwa T230 and the T260? Is it worth the difference in money. A dealer close by quoted me $249 for the T230 and $289 for the T260. What is your opinions?<br>

[MowerUp]

Also, which is better the RedMax or the Shindaiwa?<br>

[Keith]

I like the T230's, they are light and have plenty of power for everyday trimming. Our LE 260 edger has more power and it runs good, but I prefer the lighter machine.

[jrblawncare]

Mowerup,the T-260 weight is 11 lbs.24.1cc/1.4hp.T-230 weight is 9.5lbs.22.5cc/1.1hp...shindaiwa states &quot;Highest power-to-weight in its class&quot; for the T-260,I got one last week and put a grass/brush blade on it for a job that had trimming around a pond,tall grasses,catails,lite brush...the thing did a great job!!

[MowerUp]

The T260 Shindaiwa weighs 11lbs and the T230 weighs 9.5lbs. which is the best machine to run on a regular (weekly basis) based on power and weight?<br>

[Mowman]

Mike, I just purchased a Husqvarna 322L for $ 279.00 It has a 22.5cc engine w/solid steel straight shaft. Weighs in at only 8.4lbs,a real plus if you are going to use it for long periods of time.Has plenty of power for trimming grass.