Hi all, I currently have a two year old Stihl FS56 Strimmer. I guess it gets maybe a couple of hours use a week, if that!
This machine has been in the shop due to inconsistant dying, or not starting. It was tuned up & now smokes shockingly on startup, if it does start & is also spitting out oil as well. Over the casing, exahust & even the pull cord.
So it's back in again & expecting to be told the carb has had it. (I run it on Aspen as well)
I really don't think a machine like this should be knackered after two years & probably no more than 150hrs in that time. Anybody else had issues with this model?
If it is a major issue, whats the best machine to replace it with, Stihl or not to Stihl? And what model do you guys recommend for mostly domestic use & the odd residental estate?
Thank for any advice,
Neil
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100% NOT stihl for this type of machine. That machine has high vibration levels and rungs like a dog.
Try the Echo 222es, or similar sized shindaiwa, tanaka or husqvarna machines.
Agree with Dan.
Have a look at Husqvarna 525RJX with strimmer head -- should be able to get it under £300 -- the only issue is it might be too powerfull for the jobs you want it for -- but its a great strimmer
If it's not been done already, replace the carb. You can pick up identical non-Stihl carbs on Ebay for about £15........ work well and never had a problem with them.
Thanks for your advice guys, I have ordered the 525rjx
I'd have gone for theStihl fs94........... almost same price but a brilliant machine.... light, powerful, very reliable............ must have had mine for some 6 years.... used daily and never let me down. Also, being 2 stroke rather than 4-mix, there really is little to service.
The Stihl FS94 is a very bad professional choice. Vibration levels are very high at 4.5/6.5ms2. The Husqvarna 525 is 1.9/2.0. It's a deal breaker for me.
Problem with these sort of things.... everyone has their own opinions frequently different from the others. Can't honestly say I've ever noticed any vibration...... there again, my fingers and all numb and white....... can't feel a thing with them:) I'd say, whilst vibration is not ideal, if you're only doing a couple of hours a week, I doubt it will cause any problems........... if you're using it all day, then yes it might.
I run the fs94 no issues on small domestic gardens.
If doing larger areas or commercial areas then the fs240 comes out to play.
Strangely I just replaced an FS56 with an FS94. Thought the 56 was getting a bit difficult to start and put it down to old age, had it about 5 years and done a couple of hours a day on average. I can't fault the FS 94. Its also light enough that I don't even bother with a harness unless I am doing a big job.
Stihl FSA90 with two AP300 batteries and a fast charger. Pricey but will pay for itself in cash as well as health benefits. I don't know much about other brands but did have a go with a husky belonging to a customer, the lack of variable speed on the throttle was akward and meant battery life was not too good.