Best lower-priced trimmer/blower???

[A1 Grass]

Not trying to be cheap, but...

Budget demands that I purchase good, but reasonably priced trimmer and blower. Brands? Quality off-brands? Experience with....

[MikeLT1Z28]

no! don't go off brand. worse comes to worse, get a hand held instead of a back pack. i like my stihl BP but i don't see why the hand helds would be of any less quality. just don't buy equipment twice. if you can find a way to afford it now, do it, leaf season is almost here (for me anyway)

as far as trimmers go, stay with a good commercial one too or it'll be worn out soon.you can usually get a shindaiwa t-230 for around $200 or a little more.

[StayStihl]

You can get yourself a Stihl FS 55 Trimmer for around $200.00. Now, I know that they aren't listed as a "commercial" Unit, but we used one for quite awhile, then traded up to another FS 85. Personally, for just your basic trimming, around houses, trees, etc, I don't see a thing wrong with the 55. I have just had such great luck with the 85, that's all we will ever use, but had no problems at all with the 55 unit. I agree with Mike on the blower issue. I would definately not!!! go with an off brand though, when you can get a decent buy on some name brand stuff, that's servicable by a "dealer" that means alot to me in itsself.

[roscioli]

What are you going to be blowing with it? Just clippings +dirt after edging? Or leaves? Honestly, and I hate to say it on here becuase I KNOW I am gonna get bashed, but the craftsman I had before my echo worked VERY WELL for minor blowing. I would NEVER try to blow leaves with it, but for minor stuff, it held up well and could blow well for its price/blow ratio. Don't believe the CFM's or MPH on the box though. You can get them used (returns) at sears for like $60 sometimes, otherwise up to $139. Buy 4 of them at the same price as a new commercial unit.
NOT FOR LEAVES THOUGH!
As for trimmer, I would buy lower end commerical. My SRM-2100 has held up very well so far, its tough, you can drop it, toss it in the truck and all that for a while, and really keep it revved up for long periods of time without any noticable damage. I got it used so I don't know what they cost new. Actually, somebody correct me if I am wrong, but I think they might even sell these units at Home Depot now...

[Mr_Marc]

Originally posted by roscioli
What are you going to be blowing with it? Just clippings +dirt after edging? Or leaves? Honestly, and I hate to say it on here becuase I KNOW I am gonna get bashed, but the craftsman I had before my echo worked VERY WELL for minor blowing. I would NEVER try to blow leaves with it, but for minor stuff, it held up well and could blow well for its price/blow ratio. Don't believe the CFM's or MPH on the box though. You can get them used (returns) at sears for like $60 sometimes, otherwise up to $139. Buy 4 of them at the same price as a new commercial unit.
NOT FOR LEAVES THOUGH!
As for trimmer, I would buy lower end commerical. My SRM-2100 has held up very well so far, its tough, you can drop it, toss it in the truck and all that for a while, and really keep it revved up for long periods of time without any noticable damage. I got it used so I don't know what they cost new. Actually, somebody correct me if I am wrong, but I think they might even sell these units at Home Depot now...

I agree with Roscioli

We/I started out with all ECHO first blower was a PB-260L I'm still using it today. Nice machine and works great. I just bought the
PB-403 and another SRM-2100 my trimmer of choice. The SRM-2100 takes a beating everyday and they don't quit. The only thing I will tell you is DON’T buy at Home Chepo. You want service and the ECHO Company builds into the price a haggle factor. Don't pay retail...

[MikeLT1Z28]

staystihl, where in western tn are you?

dealer service is another good fact that was brought up. home depot does not equal customer service, nor does sears.