I don't know anything about Shindaiwa but this is what I know about Stihl. I think a better choice is the FS 80 instead of the FS 85. Here is why. They are the exact same machine..same engine, displacement, power, etc. The only difference is that the FS 85 has a solid steel drive shaft, where as the FS 80 has a flex drive cable. Both drive shafts have a lifetime warranty and you have to pay a premium for the solid steel shaft. Check with your dealer, you can probably get the FS 80 cheaper. This is the machine that I use and could not be happier with a trimmer. I'll buy another one if this one ever wears out.<p>----------<br>Bryan..Heartland Lawn Care<br>heartlandlawn@hotmail.com
they are both very good i have a shindaiwa t230 and it is great, i would say get the dealer that is closer or i would also think about buying the same kind of edger as trimmer that way when one eventually wears out you have inter changable parts,<p>----------<br>CJC Landscape Management<br>Winter Haven, Florida
I've got both an FS-80 and a T-230 and like them both, but if you're going to run this machine for an extended period of time definitely go for the T-230 because it weighs around 1.5# less than the Stihl. That may not sound like much, but run one for a couple of hours straight and you'll agree. MHO Thanks, Lynn
What t-230 are you looking at ?t-230xba with a harness and auto head and set up for a blade is 289.00 around here plain t-230 is 260.00.cable drive shaft on the sthill might be guarenteed but means down time if it breaks,and hope your dealer has one.all shindaiwa even there homepro has a solid shaft,weight means a big diff, to thats my 2 cents worth<p>
Power-wise the Stihl is better,the Shindaiwa<br>is lighter and still has adequate power for<br>trimming work.For the real wild jobs though,<br>you can't beat the Stihl.
I just got a brochure from my dealer in the mail. A T230 is $229.95 and a T260 is $289.95, so shop around.<p>----------<br><a href="http://www.townserver.com/elm/">Eric@ELM</a><br>
Southside not to get into a pissing match<br>the t-230 does not compare with the sthill fs 80 or 85,it has 1.1hp 9.5 lbs,lets compare apples to apples the t-260 at 11 lbs has more hp than the fs 80&85 1.4hp to 1.27 hp about the same weight,also both units have steel drive shafts not flex cable,as does the fs 80 also you have to stay with the sthill heads due to the tin plate at the bottom of the gearbox<br>unversial adapters do not fit tight against it so it spins freely
one word.<br>RED MAX 2300!!!!!!<p>ok it was more than one word, but it is a great trimmer, and only $300. Best one I've used thus far.
