Echo vs Stihl power heads: Are my perceptions right?
gearhead36
11 years ago
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ladylake
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agogearhead36
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
echo srm230 or stihl fs90?
Comments (20)I thought I would post a follow up now that its been about a year. I have used the Echo SRM261T a LOT, both with the string head and the blade. It has been an excellent machine. First off, the only trouble I've had was the carb needed an adjustment about 6 months in (when I was using it in the winter) and the dealer did that with no problem. It would start, but you couldn't give it any throttle, it would die. Since then, its been fine. They told me to bring it back again this summer, they'd adjust it again. This thing has massive power and torque. I haven't found much that it won't cut. With the blade I've cut saplings over an inch thick. I think with patience, you could do more than that. It's basically a circular saw blade. I've cut stuff with the string that surprised me, too. The string head is the best I've ever used, it never jams or kinks up. And it seems to hold a lot of string. Also, it doesn't get weeds caught up all around it like my old one did. I've used this one for many hours at a time, and the vibration never bothers me. My old one you couldn't really use for more than an hour, it would kill your arms. This unit is very smooth, easy to start too. And I never did get the harness, I've kept the regular d-handle, too. About the only thing I wish is that I could switch quicker between the string and the blade, I use them both a lot. Its a less than 5 minute job as it is, so not a big problem. Anyway, its a great machine, very recommended!...See MoreStihl BR380 vs. BR420 Blower tube sizes
Comments (8)I am changing the subject a little. Before you going and spend $350 or so on a BP, have your wife go and try put one on first. Make sure BP is what she want. I found bp hard to put on, it is like 20lb back pack with a big tail!!! If you have a big area to blow, bp is the way to go because after struggle to put it on, it is very comfortable to work for hour at a time. If you only doing a few minutes, then she better try and see whether that's the way to go. I have both. I am a gear head!!! I insist on buying a big bp. Now I end up using the bp during leaf season and put in storage mode for the rest of the year. All the other time, I still use my hand held. bp is not the easiest to put onto the back even for a man. And it is so easy to pull the hand held to do a 10 minutes job. If your hand held is still working, consider getting another hand held and play dual pistol!!!! Don't laugh!!! So many times I have to switch hands with the hand held because, it blows left if you hold with your right hand, blow right if you hold with the left. I really wish I have two, one in each hand to blow a wide, straight path!!! Down side is your hands can get really tired if you have to blow over 10 minutes. Hand held are stronger if it is the same size engine. Your hand held must be about 300cfm at the tube. All you need is another good one like Echo PB251 or the Husqvarna 125, you get over 600 cfm combined. That is as strong as a big bp, much stronger than the BR380/420 which is only about 400cfm. Both hand held are about $160 or so. Again, go put one on her back and see how she feel, that is the most important thing bar none. Happy wife make a happy husband!!!...See MoreStihl FS55Loop or Echo SRM 210 string trimmer?
Comments (53)I realize this is a very old thread, but for the benefit of those reading reviews I thought I would share my experience. I've owned several Echo 210's. In terms of reliability the little echo is amazing. Not once in 12 years has an echo trimmer failed me in the field. I've had issues. Even broke a plastic piece on the carb that holds the throttle cable, even so I was able to put a zip tie on it and finish the day. And if I'm honest it broke due to my piling other tools in the back of the truck. Not Echos fault. The 210 is not exactly a powerhouse... Hey it's an entry level semi-pro tool. Echo should advertise them as "It just works". Year after year, use it knowing it will get the job done. In 2008 I bought a bigger Redmax trimmer. A bcz2401. Power on the Redmax was astounding, for a while. In all the years I've owned Echo, none have broken or failed under warranty. Redmax has failed in the field 5 times. Issues ranging from clogged screen to coil failure. Not once have I clogged a screen on an Echo exhaust. While it isn't hard to fix, it just shouldnt happen. Recently the Redmax failed again. It's out of warranty, but still very low hour (I've gone back to using the Echo). After this most recent failure I almost recycled the Redmax, it simply fails too often. I decided to try having it serviced by another dealer. The "new" service center recommended a carb kit, in installing it they found a defective diaphragm. Hopefully it will run as it should, but I will never have the confidence with it that I have with an Echo. Year after year, Echo just works. If it doesnt, I've yet to be disappointed by the installation of an "Echo re-power kit". It comes with everything to restore the original power (spark plug, air filter, fuel filter.) Also in 2009 I bought a Stihl fx 110. Maybe it wasnt setup properly from the dealer, others have said it should have lots more power. By the end of the first day the Stihl was in the back of the truck, my helper was using the old (6+ seasons) Echo. I probably sound like a company schill, but for my money and peace of mind, Echo is the clear winner. Btw if you regularly cut very tall or super thick grass the 230 is much torquier than the 210. It's surprising that such a small difference in cc delivers so much power. The 260 is simply a Hoss....See Moreagain - stihl vs. echo low end...
Comments (9)I've had the echo srm-210 for a few years & it runs fine & starts easily. The soft handle is a good feature. It reduces vibration & carries easily at a good balance point. The line advances easily & is easy to change. The 50:1 mix with the stihl "good" semi-synth oil will work fine. I always wear my earmuffs when I use it, but it's not as loud as the old red vibrating, so unbalanced that you need a strap to support it, and left your hands tingling when you were done monster that it replaced. Nothing against stihl, but I like my echo. It is one of three echo machines I have & am happy with....See Moregearhead36
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoevdpgh
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agogearhead36
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agohotwired
9 years agolast modified: 9 years agohotwired
9 years agolast modified: 9 years agoladylake
9 years agolast modified: 9 years agotrickyputt
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoCarmen Allocco
7 years agotrickyputt
7 years ago
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