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Just to be balenced as I know I often bash anything that isnt Stihl/Husq/Echo or Makita/Honda as from experience I have found most other makes to be lacking in some or all departments....

I've been aware for some time that tools with Branding such as "Mitox""Sanli" and Garden care are all identical but just carry different branding. I have also been aware that these are generally clones of ECHO tools from the early 2000's.

Well recently I was offered a "Garden care" strimer for £60 which was in non working order (throtle trigger was snapped and gummed up carb). I decided to plump for it, knowing its only ever been lightly used...and that I would be able to sell it on if working at the allotment society for perhaps £150.

Well  trigger was replaced (Genuine Echo part used) and carb didnt even need cleaning... just the air filter washing! - closer examination found every single part identical to an echo PAS unit from the same era (Comparing against manual and spare parts).

The unit runs well with low vibrations and has accepted and run with a friend PAS strimmer attachment all day today striming paths at my allotment working-party.

So for anyone starting out - there are other budget options which are reasonably priced for what you get - the only thing I would be wary of using such "branded" machines is they may be clones of ECHO but the machining quality seems to be rougher and I would imagine they will not last as long... but at 1/3 the price for someone starting out they are a good step on the ladder. Their compatability (In the multi-tool) department with a high-quality brand like Echo also has huge benefits - giving you a stepping stone up in increments.

This doesnt change my opinion that Stihl / Echo and Makita are the best 4 makes for tools - but given the vast price differences and the tough times were in - its always worth knowing alternatives.