As We Speak! I called my best and most trusted Mechanical Friend this morning (we started building VW engines 1968-70 and he still builds his). He was un-loading his Zero-Turn Mower to cut some of his 10 acres per week he cuts during the growing season. Knowing his task I let him go instantly to try and beat some heat and etc here in North TX. He called me back in 15-30 minutes wanting to know some basics as to why his mower would lock-up. Info he has to know but was hoping for a possible simple check and fix from me since he was tired and frustrated. Naturally, I asked him how is the oil level and if the oil is showing any signs. The Shocker! "I stopped checking the oil since it w/n burning/using any and the dip stick is not showing any oil". I reminded him as he knows, I h/n purchased a mower ever since my personal need starting in 1973 (due to all the mowers that have been given to me w/o a real problem). "My practice is to not started any mower week to week w/o checking oil and gas knowing they should be good". Again! I'll loan him any tool or equipment (truck, trailer, log splitter, saws and etc) I own but try to be present or check it before it leaves.. His Enemy Is Too Much Work To Think!

I am on the Stihl Bandwagon because they went way out of their way to take care of me when they could have turned their back. I had a friend by my saw in the States and ship it to me in Germany. Even though they are made here, they cost almost twice as much as you folks pay. After about 30 minutes of use, the connecting rod came loose. Took it to my local dealer and with a bottle of Jack Daniels for the mechanic and got the saw back in 3 days. I just bought a trimmer from them because they checked the suggested price on the Stihl USA site and discounted me half the difference then loaded me up with goodies that more than covered the other half. I'm always in a hurry so got the FS130 with the 4-mix engine and harness/handlebars. So comfortable to use that if you had a third hand, you could drink a beer while mowing. They told me that the straight shafts are less maintenance than curved and of the straight shafts, the solid shaft is best (at least FS90). I wrote to the Stihl website awhile back and desribed my situation (about 8 miles of fence, some ditches and a couple of right of ways) and a guy suggested that if I had the FS90 or FS110 (depending on how heavy the growth) that I wouldn't have to do more than routine maintenance (spark plug and filter) for a long time if ever. Good Luck

Charles, I think you may be overanalyzing a bit here. I think you would be the person to get the advice from since you have experience with each type of Echo unit. I own a Homelite ST-275 straight shaft trimmer (flex cable drive) that is 15 years old. I feel like I take care of my stuff better than the average person, but I have only lubed the drive cable a couple times in the years that I have owned it. I have even run mine on several occasions with a brush blade (I know it is not recommended with the flex cable). My point is that I believe either will last her very well, without much lubrication hassle. Maybe I am talking a whole different level of usage than she would have, but I would estimate my trimmer has about 150 hours total usage on it. With that total estimate, I have lubed the cable on average about every 50 hours usage.

I can't say the same about the Echo products, some people report getting 15+ years, but the SRM210 is very difficult to start. Mine worked for 4 years no problems, then it wouldnt start, I spent $60 and had the carburator rebuilt and the plug changed, it worked for a season. Then the next season I had the same tune up/cleaning done. It worked but had little torque and would bog down in 12" brush or weeds. Now, a season later, it wont start again. Now, the small size chainsaw I bought for $199. It worked for 6 hours then wouldnt start. I took it to the authorized warranty dealer and Echo refused to pick up the repairs stating normal wear and tear, furthermore the unit was leaking the bar chain oil. I took it back to big orange and since I had it for more than 30 days they refused to take it back. So I am done with Echo products, they charge too much for products and their warranty is worthless. BTW, just to let you know I have had lawnmowers for 16+ years that are working fine and I do regular preventive maintenance.