String Trimmers?

[Redoverfarm]

I am going to have to purchase a new String Trimmer soon.  Does anyone have any recommendations based on performance, ease of use, ease of starting?  I presently have a Toro but have owned McCullough and Homelite. 

[ScottA]

I've had very good luck with echo. Make sure you buy a commercial trimmer.

[dug]

I've heard good things about Echo too, they look clean and simple.

My Stihl (non commercial- $170) trimmer has been great though. I've ripped through some really thick stuff with it and it starts third pull every time.

[Rob_O]

Hate to admit it, but I really like my Ryobi trimmers. Never start well, but run like a champ after 90 seconds of warmup. Bought one about 15 years ago, sold it to my neighbor when I sold that house and he's still using it. Bought another one just like it 8 years ago when I got this house and haven't done anything but put gas and string in it.

[rick91351]

I have owned a couple Husqvarnas - medium sized as of late.  Seems the farm and ranch use might be to rough on them.  I am not impressed when they go in to the shop and they say there is nothing we can do with it.  So I am looking now I think at commercial Echo when the last Husqvarna gives out.  I think it would would be a better buy in the long run.  To be fair a commercial Husqvarna might be good as well.

[glenn kangiser]

Medium big Stihl for me and Sassy really likes the Tanaka we got from Mikey B at his saw shop.

[peternap]

I think you've been given all the big ones now

I have a couple.
My Ryobi is fine but not built for hard use.
I have a Huski that's still going strong. I use a brush bar exclusively with it.
I have a 4 cycle Homelite that starts better than any trimmer I've ever had, it's a pain to replace the string on though.

That said...I have an Echo that's bullet proof.

[Tickhill]

I have had my little Homelite for 5-6 years now and it has served me well. It is light and does require 2 stroke mix but a gallon lasts me a long time. Parts are available in most big box stores.

[Sassy]

The Tanaka is light, powerful, easy to change the string - it actually makes weedeating a somewhat enjoyable task - I keep forgetting to bring it up from the valley so have had to use the big, heavy Stihl - I can actually pull the string on it - there's been times where I've had to have Glenn start it.  It does a good job but wears you out after a few hours. 

With all the rain, I need to weedeat again (already done it 2x's) but won't be able to for awhile since my back surgery last week.  I walk around & am so tempted...