Product Review: Stihl FS-80 Trimmer

[Zack]

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My dealer has warned me against Husky trimmers. Unreliable, underpowered, hard to get parts, and not fuel efficient.
Just picked up a Kaw KBL23A & it is the lightest, quietest, best balanced, most comfortable trimmer I have ever laid my hands on. Can't speak on reliability yet.

[zephyr]

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Thanks Marty. Do you have any input on the SRM 260? I haven't been able to use it yet b/c of all the rain we're getting here. I got this model b/c it came with a good warranty and good service at dealer. I like Echo and look forward to any input anyone would have.

[Marty]

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Zephyr:

The 260 is a great trimmer.....light in weight, shaft drive, barrel carb, great throttle response. Has all of the qualities of comparable Shindaiwa and Red Max trimmers, which are also top notch. You should be very happy with your decision.

[Scaper-S2k]

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Zack, let me guess, that dealer that steered you away from Husky DID NOT carry Husky did they?? Yeh, no wonder they would put them down.

Unreliable and UNDERPOWERED? Geez, tell them to get real, compare any equal sized Husky to anything, the Husky wins. And the balancing in untouchable as is the vibration control. NEVER had one problem in 10 years with any of mine (and I have alot). NO maintenance besides plugs and ocassional air filters. My oldest one gets used EVERY day and purrs.

Marty, that Echo Trimmer is the 2600, I remember going and looking at it when you and I discussed it last year. As stated then, it always started perfect with no problems, but the balance of the unit was off to me. The head just didn't want to stay still. I hated using it so much compared to the older 225L Husky's that I stopped using it and never touched it again.

But, every once in a while I would fire it up for training and it started with no problems. I will have to get a picture of the unit I speak of. It's been about 7 maybe 8 years since I bought it.

I have had many men use my Husky's and swear by them over what they used themselves OR from previous companies. I am always open to try new trimmers. As of yet, nothing compares.

No biggie guys, go use one for a week and you will see. Either way, I won't lose sleep my friends, just trying to help out.

<<Don't Fear the Green!>>

[Zack]

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Scaper S2k, my dealer does carry Husky. Mabe the mark-up is less? I take it you are European. Nothing wrong with rooting for the home team but you really should try to expand your horizons.
The Kaw is one fine machine.

[Scaper-S2k]

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No I am not European. I've used the Kaw trimmers and they are not as nice as Husky. All also bought a Kaw 700 blower last month to compare with my Stihl 400. Not as nice or comfortable. While I will not compliment Husqvarna's backpacks or some other products, their trimmers are top notch. For a dealer of such equipment to make a comment of underpowered, not reliable, and hard to get parts for seems suprising. Husky would not like their suppliers saying such bologna. All of which is bogus. Having said that, I have never needed any parts for their equipment except air filters. I did order a muffler that came in with no problems.

You have been steered wrong my friend. Go use one, I have no problems trying other brands. Heck, I am going to buy a Shindiawa shortly just to see the hype behind them (even though they look like Echo).

<<Don't Fear the Green!>>

[zephyr]

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Hey Scaper I will agree with Zack on this one although it pains me to do so. I looked at the Husky brand trimmers and there was only one store in the city that carried them. I played around with a demo and liked it enough although I do not think it is as powerful as the SRM 260 like you said it was. The 260 just purrs and it is as smooth as they come even for trimmers made by echo because I had the 230 also. One reason I did not get the Husky was because the dealer did not even have a blade to fit it. They told me that they would have to order it from Charlotte. It was just a blade and you would think they would at least carry that. There were very few accessories that they carried at all much less replacement parts. I couldn't pull the trigger on a product that I would have to order an air filter for or manual feeder. But I will disagree with you on the power compared to the echo. I felt that the echo blew it away and it even impressed me. Nonetheless, I am just stating my opinion and I'm glad that you found a product that you stand behind just like I have. I appreciate all of your honest remarks so keep them coming.

[Scaper-S2k]

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And you're sure that was the 325lx model from Husky? I've had a few guys from another board e-mail me or post that they flat out loved the Husky over their current or old model. Especially with balance and power. From Echo, Shin, Redmax, and Stihl, they all say the Husky was better and bought them. That diagnosis suprises me. Maybe the stars aligned just right for the Echo?? Huh. Oh well, it is what it is. Good luck with that unit, I do know they run forever, I love Echo hedge trimmers. I have 7 or 8 and the oldest one still starts right up. They ARE good engines.

<<Don't Fear the Green!>>

[zephyr]

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Model numbers I am not certain of. However, it was the 21cc model that is listed for residential use but they said many commercial people use it. I will say it was the next best feel to my ehco. I did have great balance and was light for its size. They only offered a 90 day commercial warranty on it. They confused me. First, it is not a commercial unit then you get a commercial warranty. Anyway, it was a fine machine but in the end i preferred the echo.

[Scaper-S2k]

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Okay, that makes more sense then. The one you tried was the Husky 322l with a 22cc engine which would have been smaller than the Echo 260. I have run the 322l everyday for 3 years and love it. We also have the 325lx which would be comparable to the Echo you tried.

The 325lx has the rubber coated handles and the 25cc engine. That would have been the model to compare to your Echo.

The 325lx is their commercial one. I think they both stand up to commercial use though. Personally I may actually lean towards the smaller one a bit.

Hope the Echo works good, they do have great engines.

<<Don't Fear the Green!>>

[odin]

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we have the fs 80's an 85's they been good so far knock on wood

[zephyr]

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You don't find them heavy especially compared to the echo, husky, shindaiwa etc...?