Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I am in the market for a "weed wacker", or trimmer.  I don't know which brands are any good, anymore.  I don't really trust any of them too much because of what I perceive as a general decline in quality with the various manufacturers.  Am I being too overly dramatic about this?  I'm thinking of Craftsman, Huqvarna, Stihl, Echo, and Toro as examples.  The usual brands.  I'd like one with the multiple attachments feature, easy start, straight shaft, perhaps a 2-cycle, and around 27cc in size.  I find it sad that too many comments online about personal experiences with a given gas model will range from wonderful results to terrible results for one reason or another, and not just issues with the engine.  I noticed this with a Craftsman model.  Maybe I should consider an electric or battery model?  I find snow blowers and lawn mowers easier to figure out!  Thanks much for any help.

Hi Everyone:  One thing I haven't seen mentioned, starter in the back (instead of the driveshaft side), indicating two main bearings, most likely roller.  The engines with the starter on the driveshaft side are, I believe, single, plain main bearing engines, like old, inexpensive model airplane engines.  I know Ryobi at least makes both types.  Had bad luck with the cheap one, have  many hours on their "Pro" model.
CHarley

borat wrote:

Absolutely! I have the PAS-260 which accepts  different attachments. I have  used the string trimmer and edger weekly during the season for the last 6 years with no problems. I bought their Back Pack Blower (PB-602) and hedge clipper(HCR-1500) at the same time with the same result. There may be units out there that are just as good but you can't go wrong with ECHO.

I don't know if those units sold at the box stores are the same as those sold at the OPE dealers. I would check that issue before purchasing.

Marc

mml4 wrote:

mmI4:  Thanks for concurring with borat on the Echo.  I've seen other good comments elsewhere online about Echo.  Since my original post, I've found a local real dealer (not big box) in my area who carries Echo. I'll have to pay them a visit. 

mml4 wrote:
Strongly agree. If there's even a chance they're different, go to a dealer.
Another thing - I've never regretted picking the model I need and can afford, and then stepping up one. Better the pain in your wallet one time than wishing you hadn't gotten the less expensive one every time you use it.

I own a few Echo products.  Some bought from a dealer and some from Home Depot.  No difference in quality of manufacturing from either source.   As far as I know Echo is does not re-badge inferior products with their name.