I like my stihl handheld stuff!If you want somthing to strat on first pull dont buy a stihl.I dont no why they are like that but they just are.They will run forever though

 

Stihl has never let us down. Not saying other brands aren't good either, but it's hard to try a new brand when Stihl performs so well for us.
Just retired a FS85 to second string after five years of long hard use. It still runs, but we figured it was time to let it rest now.

I think it is all about preferences. Once you get used to something, it's easy to stay loyal to it when it performs for you everyday.

 

I like mine it always starts on the second pull. I never pump the bulb I just use the choke. After two pulls with the choke it will start and die and on the third pull without the choke it starts. I like this machine better then the Echo that I had because it would need to warm up for at least a minute before you could use it and this machine only needs about 5 seconds and then you go.

 

Remo's got it....its kinda like a slant 6 with 350000 miles on it, pump twice turn it over once, turn on raido and left blinker and it starts.

My trick is NO THROTTLE, DO NOT PUMP THE BULB, choke...pull...and if your quick enough to get to the choke thats it...if not un-choke and a half girly pull will get er going.

 

All my hand helds are Stihl. I have never had a problem. Keep in mind that they get worked a lot, but I also clean and service them when I can. That seems to make a difference.

 

I have never had a problem with starting any Stihl equipment. I have had 2 FS85s, and will most likely buy another next year.

 

I have an FS-85 and it's like new, but it needs a new carb. Stihl would not warranty it because it was over one year old. I SAY IT'S JUNK!

 

I have 2 fs85 trimmers and a host of other stihl equipment. They all take 5 or 6 pulls. But they do a great job. No complaints.

 

I have a FS85 and it’s been pretty good. To start it, I hold the head with my left hand (with the shaft pointed to the left), and my left-hand index finger on the choke. As soon as it starts to fire, I have to turn the choke off, and it wakes right up. If I don’t get to the choke in less than a second or two, it won't start.

Earlier this summer, it got to where it didn’t want to re-start after it had been running a while. All I ever burn is 93-octane fuel that’s pretty clean. I got all kinds of opinions and solutions. Spark arrestor screen, fuel filter, etc. But all I did was turn the screw on the carburetor next to the “L” clockwise ¼ turn and it’s run like new ever since.

I don’t like the head angle. It may be that I’m too tall, but when I’m standing straight-legged, I would like a trimmer that hung from my hands with a level head. None of them do that. Either a different head angle or an optional longer shaft would be a solution.

 

i've got the fs80 and km85 with the straight edger attatchment...both start exactly the same...two pulls with the choke, barley runs then dies...one pull w/o the choke and it is screamin...awesome power...could cut a oak tree down if it is in the way...sorry that you are having problems...don't know of many two strokes that start on the first pull...

 

I have had minor problems with my FS 85, nothing a quick trip to my dealer couldn't solve. I'm kind of stuck with Stihl, they are the only dealer around here. If I had a Shindaiwa dealer, I would head that direction, but my dealer is bulletproof. They stop what they are doing to get me running again.

 

Exactly like Remo and Tbarchaser said.
I also think the head angle is a little off, actually, I don’t like the head angle.
I put the manual feed head on mine and like it much better though.

 

Originally posted by Remo
I like mine it always starts on the second pull. I never pump the bulb I just use the choke. After two pulls with the choke it will start and die and on the third pull without the choke it starts. I like this machine better then the Echo that I had because it would need to warm up for at least a minute before you could use it and this machine only needs about 5 seconds and then you go.

Sounds exactly like mine. I like my Stihl too. Warm machine = 1 pull.

 

Originally posted by Likestomow
I have an FS-85 and it's like new, but it needs a new carb. Stihl would not warranty it because it was over one year old. I SAY IT'S JUNK!

Needs a carb already?

To everyone who has problems with their Stihl, and those who don't, what do you use for oil? I use nothing but Stihl oil, and my Stihls last for many years. Three pulls on a cold machine, one pull when warm.
My FS 85 is two years old.
Crawdad

 

Same here Crawdad. The Stihl oil is cheap enough that I dont even care to look for another brand. Another key is to put fuel stabilizer in your equipment over winter.

In early October I start to mix fuel stabiler in all my gas regular and 2 cycle, because I am never certian when the last cut might be for all my different equipment.
In the spring I drain my 2 cycle equipment and put fresh fuel in it, since the oil can deteriorate.

Jimbo

 

It aint bad, But like I said Im not sold yet. Has anyone else whose gone from anbother WWacker to a Stihl notice that the head does seem off, Like with my Echo I was able to hit the grass growing on top of curbs with out having to scalp the grass...Now its like I cant get a good angle to trimming it without taking my time, and scalping. My Echo started first pull. NO MATTER what....then after a week of it giving my bs....went for a javeline spin across a customers yard.
I do like I will admit that, But it could be better.
Thanks Bill

 

Originally posted by Jimbo
Same here Crawdad. The Stihl oil is cheap enough that I dont even care to look for another brand. Another key is to put fuel stabilizer in your equipment over winter.

Jimbo

Stihl 2-cycle oil has stabilizer in it. Wonderful thing about Stihl.

 

Stihl has served me well for 14 years. None of them have ever started on 1st pull...they're not designed to. I have one or two of everything they make. To the guy with the carb trouble...clean your filters regularly and run only Stihl brand oil that's properly mixed. Take care of them and they'll take care of you. Have an 11 y/o BR400 that still runs.

 

I will stick with Stihl trimmers. All my FS85's have been great. I have one that is in everyday service that has 1000's of hours on it. Only had a new carb put on it. I will be starting to switch to the FS 110's this month.

 

You have to talk to your Stihl equipment. Don't ignore it when your getting ready in the morning, say "hello guys". Even if your at a stop and your not going to use the 'edger', tell him "maybe next time". Give them a quick glance when your driving down the road, let them know you care about them out there. Talk to them when your about to start them, but don't be too gentle...let the little f&ckrs know it's time to 'get it'!

If you make this part of your routine, use Stihl oil, get the tune ups you WILL get better results.

 

Originally posted by 65hoss
I will be starting to switch to the FS 110's this month.

The FS110 is great. Matt likes it a lot.

 

I like my stihls.

It doesn't usually start on the first pull (unless warm), but it always starts on the 4th when it's cold.

Mine used to smoke, but I switched to a different brand of gas and the smoke is gone. I am also using stihl oil.

 

How does the Sthils compare to the shindiawa? I am trying to decide which way to go for my next trimmer. I currently have Echo and no real complaints but the trimmer is geting harder to start and seems slugish. I want to get somthing with more power and that I can put a hedge clipper head on.

 

I have a fs85 that will not start can anyone tell me how to clean the carburetor

 

What about the FS -80?