Best $200 String Trimmer?

[mowerdude777]

I have had the Echo 210 (echos $200 trimmer) I HATED it, I have a $200 Kawasaki blower though and it is great, I personaly pefer the more expensive (higher quality) trimmers thougn but my vote will go to kawasaki

[TheC-Master]

I have the fs250, but that would be a one trimmer, or a special trimmer. For the most part the smaller ones do just fine for crews. You have to keep those costs down.

[olde_blue]

Whether you pay $200 or $300, the initial cost of a string trimmer isn't the main cost of running it. Over an expected life of about 3 years and 1500 hours, the trimmer will drink about 300 gallons of gas ($750+), 6 gallons of 2-cycle oil ($120+), use up about 27 lbs of line (9 3 lbs spools or about $180), and wear out at 6+ bump head buttons (if $10 each, that's $60). Plus tax. Plus repair parts (although it makes more economic sense just to run them for 2-3 years, and then throw them away when they break--the parts are too expensive--and forget about paying someone to fix them).

The $200 trimmer will cost you $1310, or $437 per year to run.

The $300 trimmer will cost you $1410, or $470 per year to run.

Personally, I pick the trimmer I prefer the ergonomics and balance of. I'm currently on the 3rd year of my 2nd Stihl FS100RX (about $270).

[GlynnC]

Originally Posted by olde_blue

Whether you pay $200 or $300, the initial cost of a string trimmer isn't the main cost of running it. Over an expected life of about 3 years and 1500 hours, the trimmer will drink about 300 gallons of gas ($750+), 6 gallons of 2-cycle oil ($120+), use up about 27 lbs of line (9 3 lbs spools or about $180), and wear out at 6+ bump head buttons (if $10 each, that's $60). Plus tax. Plus repair parts (although it makes more economic sense just to run them for 2-3 years, and then throw them away when they break--the parts are too expensive--and forget about paying someone to fix them).

The $200 trimmer will cost you $1310, or $437 per year to run.

The $300 trimmer will cost you $1410, or $470 per year to run.

Personally, I pick the trimmer I prefer the ergonomics and balance of. I'm currently on the 3rd year of my 2nd Stihl FS100RX (about $270).

I think I agree with you on all points. I'm amazed at the dollars I get paid to fix old, run hard, many run hours, trimmers when they really should be replaced--and that's what I usually recommend--but I have 2 guys who are doing everything they can to keep their old equipment running.

[Merkava_4]

Originally Posted by olde_blue

Personally, I pick the trimmer I prefer the ergonomics and balance of.

We have a winner!!

[adblackett]

Stihl 55 for $219, from what I hear it's not the one you want running 40 hours a week, but it will work for less than 20 accounts (me). Sure beats my old gifted Homelite.

[N.TX]

Echo for 220

[touhey33]

Originally Posted by olde_blue

Whether you pay $200 or $300, the initial cost of a string trimmer isn't the main cost of running it. Over an expected life of about 3 years and 1500 hours, the trimmer will drink about 300 gallons of gas ($750+), 6 gallons of 2-cycle oil ($120+), use up about 27 lbs of line (9 3 lbs spools or about $180), and wear out at 6+ bump head buttons (if $10 each, that's $60). Plus tax. Plus repair parts (although it makes more economic sense just to run them for 2-3 years, and then throw them away when they break--the parts are too expensive--and forget about paying someone to fix them).

The $200 trimmer will cost you $1310, or $437 per year to run.

The $300 trimmer will cost you $1410, or $470 per year to run.

Personally, I pick the trimmer I prefer the ergonomics and balance of. I'm currently on the 3rd year of my 2nd Stihl FS100RX (about $270).

You go through more then 6 bump heads. Wow.