Rank the trimmer manufacturers

[Metalgear]

I am trying to find out which manuf. is the Best when it comes to string trimmers. Usually after some lengthy research I can narrow it down. This time I am hearing a million different things . So I'll leave it to the pros to give me the inside scoop on trimmers. So have some fun and list your brand preference if you will, I would deeply appreciate it .To narrow it down I am looking for a lightweight, commercial grade machine with a straight shaft,STEEL driveshaft ,good power but most of all a tight-smooth unit. Yes in short I want it all! But I know somewhere out there is a general consensus among professionals as to which manufacturer rules the string trimmer industry(not the sales leader).Thanks for your help!!

[65hoss]

Yea right, a general consensus. Stihl, redmax, shindawa, echo are all good, but we all have our preferences. I would say the general consensus is there is not consensus. The one that each of us own is the best in our minds. :)

With that said, Stihl makes the best trimmers.:D

[dfor]

65hoss probably hit it right on the head, "the one that we own is the best in our minds". Shindaiwa T-230. Pretty light and plenty of power. Thats my choice. I would like to try a Stihl, just to compare.

[bwiesner]

Makita/Robin, Echo, Shindaiwa, Husky, Red Max, and Stihl. Any you prefer but buy Stihl last. Later Butch

[Remo Sid]

Wouldn't have nothing but Stihl FS 85,s for my work crew.
Have a Echo SRM 2100 at home.

I use d to use the ECHO,s at work. Would get about a year out of one. Tried Stihl, and get about 2 1/2-3 yr,s use. At work we use our weedeaters year round. Cut grass in summer, and cut brush in winter.

The other big difference between the two is the Echo is much lighter, and comfortable to use.

Haven't had any hands on experience with the Shindaiwa (sic?)

Remo

Small Engine Repair Help (http://www.network54.com/Forum/194902)

[wxmn6]

I have tried several other trimmers and I find that Sthil FS 85 is the best trimmer I ever used.

[eslawns]

I would say the general consensus is there is not consensus.

If you could find a way to put them in an order of best to worst, what you would find is that if the best scored a 98 out of 100, the worst might be 96 out of 100. In other words, the stuff we use is all pretty good. You need to find something you can afford, is comfortable to use, and (most imortantly) a dealer who will support you after you take it home.

[P&J Lawncare]

My stihl's go for years and have basically zero maintenance costs.

[johnhenry]

If I would rank them it would be shindaiwa,redmax,stihl and echo
All four are great and you shouldnt have a problem with any of these top four

[lawnboy87]

Yeah, Stihl seems to have the best trimmers, and the most Accessories for them, too:blob3: :laugh:

[Fish]

Shindaiwa.
I have to agree with Butch, Stihl last.
Fish
The Shindaiwa t-25 was the best, but no longer made. The old
green machines were t-25s painted green, and many are still
going strong after all these years.

[CSRA Landscaping]

My blood ran orange in the power equipment, but now it's turning red. I bought a Kawasaki KBL26A, a 26cc string trimmer, and it flat out guns Stihl down. Lightweight (incredibly lightweight!), smooth, and powerful. It almost makes weedeating fun, and I hate weedeating. Next month, a Kawasaki BP blower! :D

[Westbrooklawn]

I have been in this business for 12 years, and have used echo and shindaiwa.......both are good, but would give the edge to shindaiwa. This year I bought two husky trimmers, 325LT (i think that is the model number), and they will work circles around anything I have ever owned before, plus they are only 9 lbs. empty. I love them! Don' t know how well they will hold up, but if they do as well as Husky saws do, I expect to get several years out of them.

[parkmaster]

i've used a homelite hk 18 stick trimmer lasted 9 years,
a robin trimmer it was ok. i now use a honda umk341 4cycle
stick trimmer. best one i've used has plenty of power to go thru
heavy stuff.


_________________________
you plant it, I'll maintain it

[Gravely_Man]

All I currently use are Stihl weedeaters at this time but am currently looking at replacing them. Dealer support should weigh heavily in your decision.

[drobson]

I have used mostly Echo and have been very happy. When I first started out I was using low end brands and had to replace them a couple times a year, but when your broke you buy what you can afford. Once I bought my first Echo I couldn't wait to replace all my low end stuff. I tried out a Husqvarna, it was really nice, but for the money I would still buy Echo. I have never tried a Stihl, but would like to sometime, it seems to be the brand of choice with most people I know.

[danzig]

Echo for trimmers, Stihl for chain saws, Exmark for mowers, Cummins for diesel, Stihl for blower, Kawasaki for performance and longevity, Kohler for parts availability(because that 25 command always need to be fixed), S&w for pistol, Remington for rifle, Britney Spears for young chick, Liz Hurley for old chick, Amzoil for oil, Michellin for tires, Coors for beer,Crappie for fish, pheasant for upland bird,Metallica for band of 90's, Primos for best animal calls

[Clewsew]

I currently own a FS 85. That thing is a work horse! If you pour the coals to it, man it is awesome! I have owned it almost 2 years, and did a lot of research before buying. Sthil had the most for the money, and seemed to have the best finish as well!

Clewsew