[K-OS]

Hi Guys,

I am in need of a multisystem and was wondering what you all recommend?

I have personal experience with the FS110 weed eater but never liked the balance or the throttle control of the machine. I must admit I've had this machine since it first came out.

Did Stihl improve the 4-mix units?

I also looked into echo and absolutely LOVE the 2-strokes from echo. However, a lot of people complained about the weight of the engine.

Between both Stihl and Echo I have always loved Echo's smooth power and robust machines, and Stihl 4-mix for their AMAZING power to weight ratio.

What do you guys suggest? My local dealer sells Stihl, Echo and Shindaiwa.

Thanks!
Daniel

 

[K-OS]

Forgot to mention I would be using it as an edger and a trimmer for hedges. Maybe even a roto cultivator.

 

[NORTHMAN]

Daniel,I'm sorry that I can't help but what is your dealer's opinion on them?

 

[DA Quality Lawn & YS]

I have the KM 90 Stihl with string trimmer and rototiller attachments. I like the tiller, is good for small areas, really digs, can't bog it down. Is awkward to carry off to the side of your body though....so you get a little tired but just take it easy and its nice to use.

String trimmer....unit is heavy. I prefer to use my hdwe store Weed Eater cause it is so much lighter. Power is great, can't tip it on its side and edge though because the string pushes up inside the head and you are forced to stop to dig the string out. Don't like the head on the KM90 (autocut).

 

[K-OS]

Daniel,I'm sorry that I can't help but what is your dealer's opinion on them?

Hey Northman

My dealer still believes 4-mix engines are unreliable. They require service and are temperamental to climate change. He does believe however that Stihl is at the moment leading in the 4 stroke business.

I'm always skeptical taking advice from a dealer, they have little to no experience with the unit in the field. Sure they can comment how reliable the machine is, but no one really knows how well the owner took care of the machine.

Our Echo weed eaters have been running strong for close to 15 year (Good old 3000 series I believe). But lately, it seems echo has gone in another direction, redesigning their machines. We have a hedge trimmer from echo that we purchased 5 years ago, great machine but can't really compare with anything since it doesn't get as much use as the other machines.

The Stihl FS110R is still going strong, never adjusted the valves like we were supposed to. I honestly hate the balance of this machine. They seem very top heavy and always want to rotate in your hands when you release grip (not torque related, truly weight balance issue). The throttle response is also terrible, since I got the machine I could never keep a smooth throttle, seems like it's always too much or too little, never in between. Not to mention the outstanding torque of this machine sent a penny through a customers car window.

Dan

 

[K-OS]

I have the KM 90 Stihl with string trimmer and rototiller attachments. I like the tiller, is good for small areas, really digs, can't bog it down. Is awkward to carry off to the side of your body though....so you get a little tired but just take it easy and its nice to use.

String trimmer....unit is heavy. I prefer to use my hdwe store Weed Eater cause it is so much lighter. Power is great, can't tip it on its side and edge though because the string pushes up inside the head and you are forced to stop to dig the string out. Don't like the head on the KM90 (autocut).

Hardware store string trimmers tend to be good if you are the only operator, but give it to an employee and they last 3 months.

Have you tried putting the Shindaiwa Autofeed head on your Stihl? It truly is an amazing system, the head is nice and heavy and the feed system works flawlessly.

Thanks!
Dan

 

[Just Mow]

The Stihl kombi attachments are much more durable. Also, there is so much more power out of the 4-Mix than the Echo unit.

 

[troyota71]

Stihl all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I blew up 7 or 8 echo 0 to 90 trimmer heads before i switched to stihl.The new 0 to 130 stihl trimmers are great!!!!!!!!!!!! They have a lot nicer balance and don't strip out like the echo's

 

[Rudedog]

I just bought the Stihl FS110R from my dealer in Leesburg Virginia. Man does it have power. I really like the design of the head attachment. It is easy to re spool. I also bought the HL 135 hedge trimmer attachment. It is very easy to swap the attachtments and really feels like a robust machine. I am getting the hang of feathering the throttle so I can get around flower beds without deforesting everything.(LOL).

 

[troyota71]

Now take your grease screw out,drill a hole,thread them and put a grease nipple in and screw back in.I use the " Red-Tac" synthetic grease.Be careful not to over grease as to much can cause the gear box to heat up to much.It is a lot cheaper than buying the tubes of grease from stihl.

 

[hackitdown]

I have had very good luck with the Stihl Kombi system. I have the trimmer, edger, hedge clippers, chainsaw, and brush cutter, all good, no failures. The engine is about 4 years old. Never a problem with any 4-mix, and I do no maintenance.

 

[mds2000]

i have run a km 90 110 and a 130 with lots of atachments would not go any other route if i had to start over. for the first machine i would go a 110 it will take a bit to get the feel for the triger. Valve ajustments are a must only take like 5-10 min at most and will give you more power.

have not had too much luck with echo

 

[troyota71]

what is the valve setting on the 110-130? I have run them for years and not touched them yet.I always forget to do it,but they run great.but I may not notice as they would go out of whack slowly.I do spray combustion chamber cleaner as well as a little sea foam threw them on a regular basis.Some people hate them but I would have nothing but!!!

 

[mds2000]

just ask your dealer for a km valve kit they hav a feeler gauge a brash washer and a valve cover gasket i think there like 10$ but my dealer gives them to me for free.
You will see a huge difference in power when you do an adjustment expecialy if you have never done one.

for adjusting valves Check that arrow on the flywheel lines up with
the right-hand screw on the ignition module before making adjustments it should take like 10 min or so and is easy to do.