User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 8/16/2024 8:19:03 PM EST
Looking at getting a Stihl string trimmer for next summer. Tried the DeWalt battery trimmer and while.it does OK for homeowner-type stuff, we have a bit of acreage and can use something more substantial. Our local Rural King and Ag Pro have the FS 91R, 94R, 111R and 131R. I'm OK with spending the money on a good product, but im looking for experiences with these models and what they can do. Im looking at moderate to heavy grass in some areas. Like grass thats grown to seed.
Thank you |
|
|
|
GA, USA
|
Posted: 8/16/2024 8:30:54 PM EST
[#1]
Originally Posted By PKT1106: Looking at getting a Stihl string trimmer for next summer. Tried the DeWalt battery trimmer and while.it does OK for homeowner-type stuff, we have a bit of acreage and can use something more substantial. Our local Rural King and Ag Pro have the FS 91R, 94R, 111R and 131R. I'm OK with spending the money on a good product, but im looking for experiences with these models and what they can do. Im looking at moderate to heavy grass in some areas. Like grass thats grown to seed. Thank you I had a 111r kombi, within days I wished id gotten the 131. Sold it off a few weeks ago, replaced with a Milwaukee. We have 21 acres of which roughly 4 are fenced in. Plenty of line trimming happens. It does take me 2-3 8h batteries to do it all but honestly its better than running that gas trimmer. |
|
|
|
Posted: 8/16/2024 9:31:30 PM EST
[Last Edit: -Obsessed-]
[#2]
I had a 110RX. Precursor to the 111.
Sold it. Went Milwaukee Fuel. I'm happier. More power. Zero fussing. Run time is plenty good enough and batteries are plentiful as I'm on the M18 platform already. If I absolutely had to go gas, I'd skip Stihl and go straight to Shindaiwa. |
|
|
|
VA, USA
|
Posted: 8/16/2024 9:43:15 PM EST
[#3]
I've had an FS250, FS56, FS36, FS110, and a KM131
The KM131 and FS250 were powerhouses- everything else was disappointing in thick brush. It's shocking the speed that you can mow a large area with a commercial trimmer I kept the FS250, it's 20+ years old and stihl runs great  Bike handles + harness FTW |
|
|
AR, USA
|
Posted: 8/16/2024 10:05:50 PM EST
[#4]
I’ve had the FS90 for about 18 years now. It’s been a good machine for me and needed very little maintenance.
You want a straight shaft and according to the dealer that sold it, the FS 90 is the smallest you can go and still run the metal blade attachment for brush. |
|
|
|
Posted: 8/16/2024 10:25:22 PM EST
[#5]
I've had the heavy duty kombi power head for years and it does great. Have various attachments for it. I put the buzz saw blade on the string trimmer to go through johnson grass and saplings and such when I need to clear that sort of area. Otherwise the standard string trimmer does a fine job.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/17/2024 6:22:43 AM EST
[#6]
I have a fs80. Still going strong 17+ years old.
|
|
|
|
IL, USA
|
Posted: 8/17/2024 6:34:14 AM EST
[#7]
I have a FS91 5 years running without a hiccup and eats anything I throw at it. Best string trimmer I have ever owned
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/17/2024 6:59:15 AM EST
[#8]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Rifleman_556: I've had an FS250, FS56, FS36, FS110, and a KM131 The KM131 and FS250 were powerhouses- everything else was disappointing in thick brush. It's shocking the speed that you can mow a large area with a commercial trimmer I kept the FS250, it's 20+ years old and stihl runs great Bike handles + harness FTW I have the fs250 with bicycle handles and harness. It's a beast. I use it mostly for clean up day at the trap club. I use a milwaukee fuel around the house now. Much quieter, does the job (1 acre) |
|
|
|
MI, USA
|
Posted: 8/17/2024 7:25:13 AM EST
[#9]
The shaft on my FS130 snapped at the bicyle handle a few months ago. 11 years old and has tons of hours on it so I can't complain too loudly but was disappointed nonetheless. Haven't looked into getting it repaired yet because getting it to a servicing dealer is a PITA, but assume it is going be half the cost of a new unit.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/17/2024 7:51:23 AM EST
[Last Edit: DD1801]
[#10]
Moved out to some land two years ago and my DeWalt 20v was no longer up to the task. I bought a Husqvarna 130L (I think), straight shaft trimmer from Lowe's. I think it was the cheapest straight shaft one they had. Been using it for two years, only use 100% gas of course (and yes, mixed in with the 2 cycle oil). Fires up every time still. Reloading the spool is quick and easy. I think I can swap the head for a metal blade for the thick stuff but I haven't really found the right attachment for it yet. Definitely a good trimmer and I'm happy with it.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/17/2024 7:56:42 AM EST
[#11]
I bought the 131 last spring.
It’s good for thicker grasses under the fences but don’t go expecting it to whip briars or anything. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/17/2024 8:40:28 AM EST
[#12]
I am in the commercial landscape business. In the last two years we have been moving all of our maintenance teams to Stihl battery operated equipment. We are not buying anymore two cycle stuff. Other than backpack blowers. We have had zero issues with the equipment. There’s literally no maintenance involved.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/17/2024 9:44:35 AM EST
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ZW17: I bought the 131 last spring. It’s good for thicker grasses under the fences but don’t go expecting it to whip briars or anything. Use .105 Black Diamond |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/17/2024 10:10:08 AM EST
[#14]
I have 5 acres. I have a ton of johnson grass and other thick stuff. I have a stihl trimmer. It has been great. I love the two stroke. Idk what model it is, but I've had it for over 10 years and it still runs great. I just always store it gas side down. I would recommend one that can use a blade style trimmer as well as string. The string breaks very easily on the thicker stuff.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/17/2024 2:48:41 PM EST
[#15]
Have a older fs90r that has been through hell.
Jumped up to a fs111 with bike handles. Both cut 5-6ft tall grass that grows thick pretty darn well. But the fs111 is faster at it. Will never use a battery powered grass cutter with how tall our grass gets and traveling by boat. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/17/2024 4:38:53 PM EST
[#16]
I bought a FS 91 R after having a Husqvarna and was blown away at how fast I could move with it. From my understanding it is not a straight 2-cycle engine and does have maintenance required every 50-100 hours or so. I still use to Husqvarna at a different property.
I have not tried the Milwaukee string trimmer but have used the battery pole saw and it ran very well. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/17/2024 5:13:12 PM EST
[#17]
I’ve owned an FS110r for prob 15 years. Running an Echo speed feed head and black diamond .095 line I can cut fairly thick grass about as fast as I can swing the head. Of the models listed I’d go for the 131R just because it’s more powerful and not much heavier than the others. Buy a full chest harness and the weight just becomes a nonissue. It’s a big enough unit you can reasonably run a quality brush blade like a Renegade and not destroy the gearbox.
For my own brush work I’ve also got an fs240 which is an animal. Bicycle handles and lives with a 9-10inch blade on it. Honestly if all your doing is trimming even heavy grass with light brushwork the 131 will make you smile. If you find yourself cutting any serious amount of brush, a second bigger dedicated unit will be far faster. My 110 ran an 8” blade just fine and cut plenty of brush at the cost of a new head. But when I got the 240 the difference in speed was startling. The 240 literally didn’t slow down zipping thru 1” stuff like it was plain grass. The 110cut it fine, but did slow down. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/18/2024 12:19:11 PM EST
[#18]
@hsvhobbit
What is the difference between the 131 and the 131R? |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/18/2024 1:15:06 PM EST
[#19]
I have been a Stihl fanboy for decades.
I own one of the trimers which lives with the circular saw blade set up for heavier brush/raspberries . My go to trimmer is a Echo. Not sure of the model numbers of either but I do remember the Echo is a good value as it was cheaper than any of what I consider brand name trimmers. Good power and it starts very very easy and has good features. I also own both Stihl and Echo chainsaws and I have been quite impressed with everything Echo |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/18/2024 8:25:47 PM EST
[Last Edit: hsvhobbit]
[#20]
@ar556223
In the stihl nomenclature the ‘R’ suffix indicates that the string trimmer has a round handle vs the bicycle handle. Something else to mention. There are some models that have straight shafts yet are not rated for blades. Don’t remember the models but I think they used Fiberglas for the driveshaft and they’d break under the stress from the blade. Confirm with your dealer that whatever you decide has the steel shaft. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/19/2024 7:57:25 PM EST
[#21]
I have the km90 stihl kombi.
I think it needs a tuneup/ valve adjustment, it's not as quick to rev up as it used to be. regardless, I wish I went with atleast he 110 at the time, now the 111.. I could use more power with a saw, or edger. at the end of the day, when I do upgrade, I will get the 131. minimal price difference, minimal weight difference. |
|
|
|
MO, USA
|
Posted: 8/19/2024 9:28:10 PM EST
[#22]
I've had a FS110R for a while, just home duty, but largeish yard. It's about 10-12 years old now, still starts and runs great but parts starting to wear out. It's a little low on the power side of things, but then again, it always has been.
For commercial duty, I'd want more. |
|
|
|
Posted: 8/20/2024 8:04:31 AM EST
[#23]
Yeah my 110r is getting tired but still does fine spinning line. If you haven’t done so, check/set the valves. It’s a 15 minute job and definitely diy level. That said for my serious blade work my 240 gets the nod every time.
|
|
|
|
IN, USA
|
Posted: 8/20/2024 7:47:24 PM EST
[#24]
I have an older echo srm-225 that I have used on my small .25 acre home for the past 13 years. We bought some property to build on some day and I needed a second trimmer. I bought the Stihl FS91r this summer and it's very nice. It has a huge gas tank if you need to trim a lot. It has a weird power band compared to the 2 strokes, but it clears very quickly in the right RPM. It definitely feels more like a commercial unit vs the srm-225. It was on sale for $299 from msrp of $359. Very happy with the purchase and I expect for it to last me a long time for the amount of use I have.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/21/2024 5:05:54 PM EST
[#25]
I want an FSA 135, with the bicycle handle grips. But they do not seem to be in stock anywhere, and none at the factory warehouse.
And no replies to messages when they will be restocked. But I do have a 220 chain saw , and the pro pole trimmer pruning saw. Common battery for all of these. I am very impressed with both, but the batteries are very expensive . Only got one so far. |
|
|
|
MS, USA
|
Posted: 8/21/2024 6:38:13 PM EST
[#26]
I have a 56r, 94, 111, and a 250 beast.
Just depends on how big you want to go power=weight |
|
|
USA
|
Posted: 8/22/2024 7:31:47 PM EST
[#27]
I've got a FS94R. It's a bit underpowered for heavy thick stuff. Works great and light for weekly maintenance. I wish I had a bigger one for thick work.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/7/2024 7:38:25 AM EST
[#28]
I have the FS90R for about 10 years now. Has been great for me, easy to start and plenty of power.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/8/2024 1:21:09 PM EST
[#29]
Largest powerhead in the kombi system you can afford.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/13/2024 2:57:25 AM EST
[#30]
I have the FSA 200. It’s the largest battery trimmer they make. I’ve been using it with a brush blade on multi-flora rose and honeysuckle and have been very pleased with it.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/21/2024 5:18:09 PM EST
[#31]
FS91 with the bicycle grips and a shoulder strap here. It's a beast and does everything I need on my three acres.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/26/2024 8:45:08 PM EST
[#32]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By billth777: I had a 111r kombi, within days I wished id gotten the 131. Sold it off a few weeks ago, replaced with a Milwaukee. We have 21 acres of which roughly 4 are fenced in. Plenty of line trimming happens. It does take me 2-3 8h batteries to do it all but honestly its better than running that gas trimmer. I have run a 131 for a while now On a whim I thought man I should pick up that Milwaukee. I bet it’s a lot C lighter,quieter, decent power etc already had ah batteries from my tools Haven’t touched the 131 since |
|
|
|
WI, USA
|
Posted: 9/26/2024 10:23:32 PM EST
[Last Edit: eclark53520]
[#33]
For reference, the 94 is a legit 2 stroke. Power to weight ratio is way better than the 4mix from my experience.
Most of (if not all) of the rest of them are '4 mix' which means they have valves. The system for actuating those valves has some plastic parts that tend to break/wear out. EDIT: The only trimmer larger than the 94 that is also an actual 2 stroke is the 240. I have used my 94 mostly for yard maintenance and edging. It gets bout 2 hours/week in the summer. Plus I've used it to clear trails to my hunting stands and although it's not as powerful as some of the real big ones, it has worked fine for me. I haven't had it in anything it couldn't handle so far. It busts through thick stuff in the woods no problem for me. For 'gass that has grown to seed' the 94 would eat that no problem. I've had mine for 7 years without anything more than routine maintenance. |
|
|
NC, USA
|
Posted: 10/3/2024 5:02:40 PM EST
[#34]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By DD1801: Moved out to some land two years ago and my DeWalt 20v was no longer up to the task. I bought a Husqvarna 130L (I think), straight shaft trimmer from Lowe's. I think it was the cheapest straight shaft one they had. Been using it for two years, only use 100% gas of course (and yes, mixed in with the 2 cycle oil). Fires up every time still. Reloading the spool is quick and easy. I think I can swap the head for a metal blade for the thick stuff but I haven't really found the right attachment for it yet. Definitely a good trimmer and I'm happy with it. I got good luck with husky trimmers.. I have noticed with all husky trimers that they come from the factory a little bit lean... with all my two stoke stuff i add 1/2 to 3/4 turn out on the high and low speed screws. I picked up a cheap set of weird small carb screwdrivers on amazon. |
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
