New trimmer selection

[Kirk Kempen]

I'm a homeowner looking for a new string trimmer for non-commercial use. I'm considering the Echo 2100, Stihl 55, or the John Deere XT105. All these units are basically the same price.

Ergonomically, I like the XT105 the best of the three, but am concerned that the engine may be too small (19.8cc).

Use will be about 20 minutes per week. 98% of the time with the trimmer head, 2% with a brush blade.

Any suggestions or words of wisdom?

Thanks!

[rkbrown]

With a brush blade, I would definitely want a 25+ cc. I would look at least at the SRM 2400 (although this is only 23+ cc...still beefier than the 21+cc of the 2100) for the echo or an FS 75 for the Stihl.

[Doc Pete]

The Echo 2100 and even the 2400 for that matter, are too short to use, unless you are under 5' tall. The Redmax bt225 is the only bentshaft machine that is long enough for a normal person to use comfortably. However, at about $240, you might as well buy a standard quality straight shaft (echo, etc.) for the same price, or when on sale about $199.