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Weedeaters

bowhunter1023

bowhunter1023

Owner/Operator
Staff member
48,922
274
Appalachia
My first power tool purchase was my Stihl FS90R weedeater back in 2007. It's been a great tool that I've got my monies worth from 100X over. But, I'm tired of fixing it. I need to replace the pull cord for the third time and it's got a fuel-related issue that I can't seem to nail down, but suspect an internal issue in the engine. I've been considering upgrading to a more powerful model with handle bars for a while and now may be the time.

For guys that have transitioned to handle bars, would you do it again? I have my suspicions about them from a "detail" standpoint as I'm very meticulous with my trimming. I don't have the amount of road bank I used to have, so that's good.

Anyone running an FS111 or 111R? Curious as to the power they bring to the game, especially when running a saw blade or poly head in thick stuff.
 
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"J"

"J"

Git Off My Lawn
Supporting Member
57,051
274
North Carolina
Yeah, I’m following along on this one as I’ll be replacing mine over the winter.
You doing 2 or 4 stroke, Jesse?
 
bowhunter1023

bowhunter1023

Owner/Operator
Staff member
48,922
274
Appalachia
Haven't given too much thought to that, but a 4-stroke would be nice. Although, with 2 saws and a blower that run on 2-cycle, it's always on hand, so mixing and storing isn't a huge deal. I'm not enough of a gearhead to decipher the advantages between the two when it comes to operations. My only frame of reference is Banshees were way more fun than 450Rs 😂
 
Big_Holla

Big_Holla

Senior Member
26,238
234
S.E. MI to reside & S.E. OH to LIVE!
Following as well. I've been looking at the Stihl's with the interchangeable attachments. Really would like a trimmer that I can put a pole chain saw on and kill 2 birds with one stone. Then add a cultivator attachment for next year's garden.
 
"J"

"J"

Git Off My Lawn
Supporting Member
57,051
274
North Carolina
Big_Holla said:
Following as well. I've been looking at the Stihl's with the interchangeable attachments. Really would like a trimmer that I can put a pole chain saw on and kill 2 birds with one stone. Then add a cultivator attachment for next year's garden.
Click to expand...
I’ve got the ryobi trimmer currently and have the blade attachment added since moving down here. It works as advertised but with a 3/4 mile driveway I work the living crap outta it and need something a little more heavy duty.
I’ve had nothing but 2 strokes so far but am seriously leaning too the 4 stroke for less noise, easier starts. Straight shaft and so far I’m liking the looks and reviews of the husqvarna.
 
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hickslawns

hickslawns

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
39,773
248
Ohio
Let me check out model numbers later. We have run the snot out of multiple FS90s. Years of commercial use. Don't have many 2 handled units. The one I have is used once every several years. Anymore I leave a saw blade on it and use it for saplings on a couple locations with a ditch.

Don't sweat 2 versus 4 stroke. Our four stroke models use mix gas. This is how they are blessed to lubricate a 4st engine when it is turned on its side to trim. Typical 4st engine with oil pump would be starved for oil and seize. Two strokes tend to review a tad higher and are quicker to respond to throttle. 4st is fine but on heavier stuff you might engage throttle more before sticking it into thicker brush. Such miniscule differences most homeowners wouldn't notice the difference. I notice a slightly throatier sound and more torque requiring more rev before engaging heavy weeds. I think you would be pleased with either.
 
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OhioWhiteTails

OhioWhiteTails

Senior Member
Supporting Member
8,477
191
Flatlands
I'll be replacing my 2 stroke as well in the future. I too would like a some more options for dealing with heavier trimming. As of now, I can't justify buying a new one when mine still runs and starts fine.
 
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bowhunter1023

bowhunter1023

Owner/Operator
Staff member
48,922
274
Appalachia
giles said:
Round up
Click to expand...

= cancer. And ugly brown spots.

I do use it, but that's not going to cut it on the ditch and around landscaping.

As for the "other orange" versions, I've already hopped on the Husq bandwagon, then back off. I'm a Stihl man for life now. Some of it has to do with local dealer reps, some of it has to do with how each starts when cold. Husq makes some good stuff, just not my first choice.
 
jagermeister

jagermeister

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
18,084
223
Ohio
To me, the handlebar versions actually seem to cost me more effort than the ones without. Even with a full harness, they just always seem to be off balance and cumbersome. I find myself fighting the weight and balance of them more than the lighter/smaller options. I would choose to sacrifice a minuscule amount of power to retain balance, maneuverability and ergonomics.

To be completely honest I would probably choose a battery-powered variety if my trimming involved less than 60 minutes of work. The electric tools that Stihl produces are absolutely impressive. And if you go with the right model, you can share batteries between trimmers, blowers, saws, and even push mowers.
 
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bowhunter1023

bowhunter1023

Owner/Operator
Staff member
48,922
274
Appalachia
I don't use a strap or harness because it don't like the way they restrict my range of motion. That's my fear of going to a handlebar is that I'd have to use the harness.
 
giles

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
44,814
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The real Amish country
jagermeister said:
To me, the handlebar versions actually seem to cost me more effort than the ones without. Even with a full harness, they just always seem to be off balance and cumbersome. I find myself fighting the weight and balance of them more than the lighter/smaller options. I would choose to sacrifice a minuscule amount of power to retain balance, maneuverability and ergonomics.

To be completely honest I would probably choose a battery-powered variety if my trimming involved less than 60 minutes of work. The electric tools that Stihl produces are absolutely impressive. And if you go with the right model, you can share batteries between trimmers, blowers, saws, and even push mowers.
Click to expand...
If battery is an option...I’m very impressed with my options. I can gather pics and info when I get home if you’d like. Everything is interchangeable from flashlight to pole saw.
 
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"J"

"J"

Git Off My Lawn
Supporting Member
57,051
274
North Carolina
bowhunter1023 said:
I don't use a strap or harness because it don't like the way they restrict my range of motion. That's my fear of going to a handlebar is that I'd have to use the harness.
Click to expand...
I use the strap as it’s less wear and tear on the body and once I get that swinging motion going it helps immensely.
When I pull the trigger on a new one I may go with a harness version vs the strap.
 
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