1) The head does not grip the line (in most cases). The head rotates via pawls and gears. By the head rotating through the clicks on the gear, it is unwinding the line from the spool. The spool usually holds the line around a post or something else that grips the line at the halfway point. All the methods of gripping I have seen do not care what size line is used. If you use the precut type of head, that may be a different story. I have never used that type. 2) 89 Octane or higher is recommended on the engines. Mixing every month is good but not always possible with HO's. If your gas will sit for awhile, use Stabil. It will keep the gas fresh longer. Also store your gas in a cool place, out of direct sunlight. 3) You can probably find an owners manual on the Echo site. About all I do for my Stihl is keep the gas from sitting too long in it, replace the string, keep the filter clean and grease the hub every year. No probs so far @3-4 years of light to medium use.

Gimmick? Yeah to a degree but some folks with arthritus[sp] or coordination issues will find them useful. Wankel, they aren't like the old crank and release starters. They are a double sprng set up which smooths out the pull. Gives a bit of a head start on pulling which tensions one spring which triggers when enough force is applied so you don't feel the initial surge. It is odd feeling at first. I don't always pay attention when testing units in the shop and have been caught off guard. When not expecting it they feel like something is broken because it pulls too easy.

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.

I am going to another dealer now. I bought my last blower Maruyama BL8100 from them. It was only $20 over the online store so I didn't mind buying from them. Knock on wood I have no problem with it and hope to keep it that way. Don't want to find out how good this dealer is!!!! Besides I like to go and play with other equipments. Now I am shopping for a mower, that don't quite work as well buying online. Fuel tank of 5 gal!!! You have to carry on your back!!!