Trimmers and edgers: which are best?

[win1free]

I have Echho trimmer and edger, but they are wearing out. Want brand and models should I replace them with?

Troy

[Joe25]

I would go with Echo again. I have always been quite satisfied with all of Echo's power equipment. Their equipment is very reliable and I have had very few problems. I would go with ECHO

[codywyomingus]

Echos aren't what they use to be! Go with a stihl !!! Twice the machine, for not much more money! Only buy from a dealer who can service them when needed !!

[DRM Ventures]

Might as well put in a vote for Shindiawa.....they run and run....

Derek

[codywyomingus]

yes both stihl & shindaiwa are excellent choices!!

[GCMow]

Echo are the best get the 260 size. I have ran Stihl and thay give me blisters on my hands from the vibrations.

[MOturkey]

I bought an Echo 260, I believe is the model number with the new "tornado" engine. Runs great, starts easily. I just today purchased a Stihl FC85 edger, which I haven't even started yet. I bought it largely because of it being mentioned on so many postings. It seemed to be the favorite of many users of this site.

[MudslinginFX4]

I use Echo trimmers, edgers, and blowers. I am going to buy several new pieces this year and was thinking about another brand but I have never had a Echo to go out on me so I will prob stay with them.

[Toehill]

Geez you guys arent working hard enough if your ECHOS arent dying......Go with the REDMAX the asian engineers seem to be the best that 7001 blower is the best around I replaced all my blowers trimmers and edgers with REDMAX

[MudslinginFX4]

Haha... Toehill, we put those echos through total abuse. When I say we have never had one go out on us I mean as far as engines blowing up etc... every now and then I have to fool around with a couple of things and change the spark plugs, air filters etc.. If I am able to get 2 years out of them I am happy, they have paid for themselves plus made me a great profit.

[kmeku]

shindaiwa gets my vote. I've had echo and used sthil, but nothing beats the shindaiwa!!!

J.M.

[PMLAWN]

Troy, You say that they are wearing out. How long have you had them and how often do you use them. I have a few 230 units and they are just 1 year old. What can I expect as far as a lifespan.
ECM, do you know how many hours a week you put on them? Thanks.

[win1free]

PMLawn,

I had to replace the head on the trimmer after only maybe 20 hours of use. I think I just bought to small (21cc) of Echos for any type of commercial work. The edger cannot handle hard ground before it gets very hot. This is our first year (part-time to see how we like the business) and I had bought them before doing any research. I saw the maintenance workers at the local court house using Echo, so I bought Echo. After talking to more people, it appears that Echo is for home owners and not really commercial. This lawnsite.com has been great for me. Hopefully, I will not make the same mistakes in the future with the help of others. I try to read almost every post at night.

Troy

[GCMow]

Echo are commercial on the bigger size.

[mjensen]

ECho makes a home user model and a commercial. I have a echo and it works great.... I would prefer to have a Shindiawa but at this point in time I am ok with my ECHO for the time being.

[65hoss]

I just picked up one of the new Stihl FS 110's. I've been running all Stihl FS 85's for years. The new 110 is simply amazing. It weighs only ounces more(not noticable) than the 85's and the power is night and day difference.

[DJL]

does this crap ever end? Stihl, echo, shin, chevy, dodge, ford, scag, ferris, exmark, john deere............................................................................................... ............................................

[Nikoman]

No it doesn't ever end.
You forgot to mention my Husqvarna!

[ColePyck]

Shindaiwa for me, from what I can read on here you should go with shindaiwa for trimmers T230 or up(I have the T230 and T260x) and as far as blowers go the Redmax 7001, one time or another you can find some complaints on Echo or Stihl but not a lot of these two brands. Shin and Redmax IMO

[NickN]

<i>You forgot to mention my Husqvarna!</i>
...and Maruyama............