Need a new trimmer

[goldrush36]

Hey all I was looking to get a new string trimmer and have come up at a stalemate. I own 2 properties and also help out my wife's grandparents with their home. My property is real lightweight, the Grandparents home gets up there in growth and the 3rd home gets the least frequent attention. I want to keep the budget around $300 or less. So far I have come down to the Echo SRM 230 ($260), Husqvarna 223l ($225), and the Stihl FS70 ($300) or FS90 ($320). My last trimmer was a mac and it was god awful to start and had little power. I have a echo SRM210 in the garage but it is missing the guard, and the cover, trigger, and safety is all busted up as well as I believe it was run extensively without oil (Supposed professional with a drug problem) and it has a lot of shake in it when throttled so I would rather not take my chances with parts and repairs. I would estimate that I would use it about 8-10 times a month, but our "weekend" home takes a few hours of trimming each time. The Grandparents' home is another hour as well so I don't want a POS like the MAC. I have found a few others around the web but always end up being limited by the CA thing.. I have friends in the box stores which is why the price reflects so but I really hate to give either ****** company my money. I worked for both so I know lol. The Stihl I am just going off the MSRP of my local dealer I get linked to from the site as I haven't had time to get over there in person so I don't know if those prices are set in stone... Any help would be appreciated

[Brules]

I have an Echo SRM 225 that is awesome - I wouldnt hesitate on the Husq 223 either. Both are tremendous 2 strokes that will run forever.

[ringahding]

Originally Posted by Brules

I have an Echo SRM 225 that is awesome - I wouldnt hesitate on the Husq 223 either. Both are tremendous 2 strokes that will run forever.

Echo SRM 225 is all we use...make sure to follow manual for proper fuel. We use 91 in all of our echo equipment...

[jackal]

The new Stihl 4-mix are way to heavy and don't like ethanol.

Sorry I bought it.

Next one is gonna be a kawasaki. I heard good things on here about them.

[dstifel]

Have echos and love them

[Dave88LX]

Another Echo SRM-225 homeowner user.

[Nutsedge]

Well 2 strokes are always going to be lighter implements. But I posted a thread not too long ago about the Honda four cycle and its Husky twin. The reason I am intrigued with the Honda/Husky is because I have used a Honda mower for many years (and will likely only use a Honda Mower) and the ease of starting plus the overall refinement is just unbearable. Sounds like you'd be doing much more trimming than me (30-45 min 4-5 a month) so the extra lb or two might be a bit of a disadvantage. Four stroke engines are just much more efficient machines. They operate at lower RPM's so there is less wear and tear. This lower RPM range also generates less heat again adding to the longevity of the machine. Four strokes have superior lubrication/oiling systems. These consist of a sump that holds oil that is much more efficiently dispersed to the inner workings of the engine. This also lends itself to more reliable and durable operation of the equipment. They use less fuel than their two stroke counterparts and have much more torque, which is whats needed when clearing stubborn foliage. And if you want to go even further, the Honda four cycle motors are all CARB certified even in CA as the more efficient combustion cycle creates much less emissions.

So hopefully I have given you something's to think about.
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[kawasaki guy]

I have a KM90 STIHL with a trimmer attachment (same thing as a FS90 but can change head) and I love it. It is a little heavier, but all of the extra power makes up for it. I posted a review in the pro mowing section if you want to look at it.

[goldrush36]

Thanks for the input guys.. ended up going with the echo srm230. Mostly for the grip comfort

[Nutsedge]

So how much more awesome does your SRM feel in comparison to you old unit?