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Stihl: FS 90 R vs FS 100 RX

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freshprince94

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
This is a question for all the Stihl guys:

Which trimmer in your opinion is the best? The FS 90 or 100 RX? I won't be using gearbox attachments, and it will be for basic trimming of S. Augustine grass, no brushcutting.

Thanks...
 
#2 ·
freshprince94 said:
This is a question for all the Stihl guys:

Which trimmer in your opinion is the best? The FS 90 or 100 RX? I won't be using gearbox attachments, and it will be for basic trimming of S. Augustine grass, no brushcutting.

Thanks...
Click to expand...
FS80 because it is a two stroke. The 90 and 100 either you are at 0% throttle or 100% throttle, it's hard to find an in between. So it's a pain to trim around delicate stuff but with the 80 you can control the throttle WAY easier.
 
#3 ·
Amen brother. If you get a Stihl get a true two stroke. The 4mix stuff is good but not built to the same standards of the other stihl equipment. Do you see Stihl putting a 4mix on their chainsaws? Nope because if they did they would loose there edge. Also consider getting a Echo or Shindaiwa.
 
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#4 ·
for straigth trimming and no other gear box attachment I would go with the fs100rx a little more power and less weight. I have two fs90r because I use the hedge trimmer attachment also and they are good enough for what I need it for.
 
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#5 ·
Mow Right said:
FS80 because it is a two stroke. The 90 and 100 either you are at 0% throttle or 100% throttle, it's hard to find an in between. So it's a pain to trim around delicate stuff but with the 80 you can control the throttle WAY easier.
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This is very true. See if you can get one to use for a day before you buy.
 
#6 ·
I know you didn't mention an 80 in your options but that is what I would do. I have 2 FS80's and they are okay for brush cutting too. For regular trimming they have more than enough power with great control.
 
#7 ·
I'm not sure, but I think the 90 and 110 has a solid drive for attachments and the 100 has a hollow drive for less weight, more power for trimming.

Take the guard off and you have more control on the 4-mix, but more flying debris. I like the brush guard, with the skirt, and line cutter removed.
 
#8 ·
I bought an FS90R about two months ago, to replace an FS85. The throttle control issue mentioned above is the first I've heard of that concern. Having run both, and still run an FC85 (edger), I don't see the 0% to 100% at all. I have no problem with an intermediate throttle position on either the FS85 (FC85), or the FS90R.

So far, I'm very impressed with the FS90R. It starts better than any other handheld I've owned. I use it only for turf trimming, no attachments. The machine has plenty of power, and quick throttle response. It gets about 3 hours of use per day, and I go through two or three tanks of fuel each day. I am very satisfied with the unit.

I know that didn't answer your question about the two models, but my experiences are only on the FS90R.
 
#9 ·
Mow Right said:
FS80 because it is a two stroke. The 90 and 100 either you are at 0% throttle or 100% throttle, it's hard to find an in between. So it's a pain to trim around delicate stuff but with the 80 you can control the throttle WAY easier.
Click to expand...
I got a stihl fs90 in May and i have found it to be very reliable. i have used an fs80 also and i found that it does not have the power the 90 does. also if you use the 90 often finding a median is quite easy. just my 2 cents though.
 
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#11 ·
I purchased the 110 back in April. I have five attachments and have had no problems with starting (actually starts on first pull, always) and no throttle control problems. My only complaint is that its kind of heavy after a few hours of trimming.

But, to answer your question, I would recommend the FS80 if trimming is all you'll be doing.
 
#13 ·
Happy as can be....I returned my FS100 today because it quit while running only 2 hours of operation. It was hard to control .....either nothing or all at once which I admit all new machines need a learning period but this one I could see would be a scalper if loss of control. Like others stated not for trimming around delicate areas. Went and bought an Echo $70 cheaper but very easy to get to know.

Just my 2 cents
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
mississippiturf said:
I purchased the 110 back in April. I have five attachments and have had no problems with starting (actually starts on first pull, always) and no throttle control problems. My only complaint is that its kind of heavy after a few hours of trimming.

But, to answer your question, I would recommend the FS80 if trimming is all you'll be doing.
Click to expand...
Why, the 80 costs more. I like the 4 mix engine.
 
#15 ·
CustomKare said:
Happy as can be....I returned my FS100 today because it quit while running only 2 hours of operation. It was hard to control .....either nothing or all at once which I admit all new machines need a learning period but this one I could see would be a scalper if loss of control. Like others stated not for trimming around delicate areas. Went and bought an Echo $70 cheaper but very easy to get to know.

Just my 2 cents
Click to expand...
Which Echo did you get?
 
#17 ·
Does the 210 have enough power? I agree that the 265 is heavy, I thought about getting a 265, then I seen the 280 is 2-3 oz. lighter, but it's heaver than my Shindy 270. The 270 is great, but you don't want to use it all day, I think the 265/280 are about a # heaver.

I guess I need to look at the 210. Our dealer has 2 of the old 261's, not as heavy as the 265's I also thinking about those.
 
#18 ·
CustomKare said:
Happy as can be....I returned my FS100 today because it quit while running only 2 hours of operation. It was hard to control .....either nothing or all at once which I admit all new machines need a learning period but this one I could see would be a scalper if loss of control. Like others stated not for trimming around delicate areas. Went and bought an Echo $70 cheaper but very easy to get to know.

Just my 2 cents
Click to expand...
Maybe the 90s have better throttle control than the 100s. I have used both and I still like the 2 stroke better also because they spin up faster which makes it feel like more power and better throttle response.

Honestly the only advantage I would see with a 4 stroke is not having to mix fuel, but with the 4 mix takes that away, and it still carys all the bad traits of four strokes. Such as more moving parts, weight, valves, ect.

Plus the 2 strokes don't have that over engineered gas cap that everybody complains about.

Also the ONLY reason that 4 mix was even made was because of the tree huggers that didn't want to pollute the environment.

Of course everything above is 1 man's opinion, my $.02.

Let us know what you decide! :cool2:
 
#19 ·
I would agree with getting the FS80. I own a 100rx and a FS110. The 110 gets used as edger only after getting the 100. They are right about the throttle control on the 100. Mine also takes forever to warm up. Got tired of it and wanted a new trimmer, was between the FS80 and Husqvarna 326LS. Went with the Husky because of the dealer. Its working out well.
 
#20 ·
The Echo 210 maybe a little under powered, but for resi's it's fine. The 210 has a 21cc and the 265 I belive has a 27ccc.

It's funny last week I put a post out here about Stihl bein a POS and the Stihl fans seemed to take it personal. Now I'm seeing alot of people agreeing with me. I think we all would like to have a Stihl in our trailer but they don't measure up to their name like they do in chain saws. In my opinion
 
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