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Testimonials: Trimmers

I purchased an easy start weed trimmer and I love it. Starts right up. Very powerful and lightweight. It’s actually a joy to trim weeds now. Thanks for making a perfect power tool. I would recommend you guys to everyone I know.

Kyle S.
Dodgeville, WI

I own an FS 130-R trimmer. Last weekend I set out to do some chores off the honey-do list. The weather was nice and I had other ideas but...

Off I go and finish with tank of gas #1. Refill and begin working on tank #2. Thinking that I have done enough to keep the wife happy I start to clean the trimmer and put it away. Enter my wife. You're not done says she. Refill with tank #3 thinking to myself don't start, don't start. The darn thing starts. In fact the darn thing starts for 3 more refills.

My complaint is that Stihl obviously has a design flaw. My old trimmer would have given up long ago and I would be off doing what I wanted rather than the honey-do list. Please build in more flaws so I don't have to work so hard.

Seriously, Yes my old trimmer would have given up long ago this is just a note to say Thanks for making such a reliable product.

Bob M.
The Dalles, OR

To the folks at STIHL,

In May of 1994 I bought a FS 74 straight shaft trimmer/brushcutter. Outside of routine maintenance, I haven’t had any problems with the machine.

Last summer, the tap & go weed head finally wore out. I replaced it with a FixCut 25-2. After 16 years of service, that’s extremely impressive. And it’s showing no signs of slowing down. I’m thinking it’ll outlive me, which is just fine by me.

I’ve used STIHL products off and on for over 20 years. I have an MS 250 chain saw I bought last year. I work for the WV Dept. of Highways. We use STIHL saws, leaf blowers, and trimmers because of their impeccable, reliable service.

My trimmer hasn’t been abused but it hasn’t been babied either. I know that model is not made anymore, but rest assured, if the time comes to get a new one, it’ll be a STIHL.

The Dealer I do business with is Mill Creek Saw Shop in Junction, WV. For over 20 years, Dick Jones and his staff are top notch. They’re honest and straight-forward about all of the products they sell. I trust them and that’s something you can’t put a price on.

I know brand loyalty AND reliability is not what it used to be. However, it’s good to know in this day and age you all still carry on the traditions of building GREAT dependable products.

Too many times people are quick to complain about products in general, but hardly ever give due praise. Well this letter is overdue. Thank you for all the years of great service from your great products.

Yours truly,
Charles M.

Many years ago, when I was a younger man, I was very fortunate to work for the heavy equipment division of a large utility company here in town. I was a young engineer, and all the more experienced equipment operators and mechanics I learned from all preached the Stihl brand. I took it to heart, and thus began my pledge to loyalty too. I happened to meet a beautiful young girl at this utility company. One night after a date, I happened upon her closet in the apartment we lived in. Low and behold, she had won a Stihl line trimmer in an annual corporate event. Funny place to find one - but in an apartment I suppose you really have no need for it - so it was in mint condition. That night I knew she was the one. Years later, we're still married, and that line trimmer is still in our garage and I use it all year round. Two pulls, max, to get it fired up. I love Stihl.

Ben
Chattanooga, TN

Dear STIHL,

I just wanted to let you know how much of a pleasure it truly was purchasing my weed eater from the Smith family. They were very patient, extremely knowledgeable and even made sure I knew how to completely operate this new awesome tool before leaving their store. Try getting that at the big box stores. I hope you never sell out and allow just anyone to sell STIHL products. I know I will never buy anything other than STIHL for the rest of my life. I've tried the other brands and I will never go back. You have a customer for life!

Thank-you,
Jim M.

I am new to using your products. I have heard of your brand’s reputation and thought of you guys as being just a chain saw manufacturer. I was having problems with my "new" weedeater (grass trimmer) that I purchased last year and only ran about 4 times prior to putting it up for the year. The trimmer that I purchased was expensive and I thought that all new 2 cycle trimmers were the same, as far as being hard to start. I have been proven wrong since purchasing my New STIHL Kombi grass trimmer. I brought it home last Friday and ran it with no trouble. Then fired it up again Saturday to finish up the work around my home. I am very pleased with it and I do not regret the price for the entire set up. I hope to have this machine for years to come and look forward to purchasing more attachments and products from your company. I just wish that I knew last year what I now know this year about your trimmers and thought that you may want to hear from a very satisfied customer about your fine products. Please keep up the good work.

Blaine J.
Vidor, TX

I purchased a STIHLtrimmer and it has run so good for several years that I’m now buying another STIHL. I had thought about other brands, but it’s just a waste of money. If you’re thinking about buying a trimmer or any other outdoor power equipment, then go with the best. I will have to say, the first STIHL I had I put through the mill, and it just kept on going. Even though I used it hard, it always cranked up on the first or second pull. So now I’m sticking with the best, and that’s STIHL. They put quality in their products.

Tracy
Walnut, MS

I will be short and to the point. I love every man and woman who works at STIHL that made this dream of a machine possible. Up until my recent purchase of a STIHL trimmer, which now includes every possible attachment I could find, I had been using, or rather fighting with, another name brand. In contrast to the other brand, my STIHL trimmer starts every time and makes my yard work go much quicker. My wife suggests it also has improved my vocabulary, as she now no longer has to hear me cursing at my previous trimmer. Thanks.

Jay R
Geismar, LA

Just wanted to let you know I use your products and that I tell everyone about them that’s in the market for something you make. Here's why, I have a FS 44 trimmer I purchased in 1994 and I have had no problems with it at all! I still use it to this day and it starts on first pull. It's a little ragged looking because of its age but still works perfect. I have replaced the string spool 2 or 3 times but that is going to happen. I have a large lawn and it has done a lot of work, not just lay in the building. Just wanted to brag on you guys for an excellent product. You know you just don't find that these days, and I think people have gotten out of expecting it. I just thought you might like to hear my story.

Thanks!
Reynard P.
Sherrills Ford, NC

I have just purchased a new trimmer, the STIHL FS55R, from McQuade’s Ace Hardware in Westerly, RI. They were great, they gassed it up, fired it off and made sure I was aware of all features and how to operate - not to mention they can service it where I bought it! To me it is a far superior piece of equipment than the Echo I just replaced with it!

Thank you!
Rick B.
Westerly, RI

My other half wanted a gas trimmer. I was a little worried because she managed to break two good lawnmowers, one brand new, before even finishing our modest lawn. Even after we bought the trimmer the dealer took an incredible amount of time explaining how to use it so she had no problems starting it and getting right to work. The trimmer is also incredibly easy to start and use. Even for a lefty like my girl, she is grinning ear to ear the whole time she is using it.

Joe B.
Overland Park, Kansas

We have had a STIHL weedeater for years. It was the only one I had ever used. It was a pretty big one, but it did the job, and I liked it. Recently, I had to purchase a new weedeater. This was a very important selection to me. I do all the weed eating at our house. I would have preferred one just like I had, but since you didn't make it anymore I was going to have to pick out a new one. My most important issue was that I did not want a weedeater that was going to vibrate me to death. I had tried others before that did that and in a few minutes of use I couldn't hold a pencil to write my name. I went to our local dealer and checked them out - they were very helpful, and I bought a new F55 with easy start. I used it that afternoon and just wasn't completely satisfied. It seemed to vibrate more than my old one, and the shaft wasn't as long as the old one. My husband said I probably couldn't return it because I had used it. 2 days later he went by the dealers and told them - they said it had a 7 day guarantee and yes, I could return it. I was so glad cause I just dreaded having to use one that I really didn't like. So, I took it back and bought a F100 (or maybe it is a F110). There wasn't much difference (if any) in the weight, and it didn't come with the easy start (which at this point has never been a problem for me, anyway). It was funny because the lady laughed and said that one is considered a professional, and I guess they figure when you get to that level you don't need an easy start. But the shaft was longer, more so like my old one. I told the lady at the dealers that I spent more time picking out a weedeater than most women spend picking out a new living room suit, to which she agreed. I just wanted to say that I think it's a good policy that you can return it, because to me a weedeater is like a new pair of shoes - you really can't tell much about it until you put it on and use it. The dealer was great about bringing it back and buying a bigger one, no problem. People probably think women can't use STIHL tools because they are larger, but for me it's no problem. If you ever need a commercial or ad about women using your product just give me a call!!! STIHL is all we will ever own at our house.

Ina G.
Hestand, KY

I purchased a stihl weedeater 3 years ago and I just wanted to say how happy I am with it. I run a small mowing business and I use it often and it has held up beautifully. I just wanted to thank you for making such a fine product.

Ross S.
Bedford, IN

For as long as I can remember, I have always hated weed-eating my yard. There was never a time when my trimmer didn't have some problem that made the job last longer. My back would ache every time I used it as well. A few weeks ago, my weed eater finally died, and I borrowed my neighbor's. It was a Stihl FS 55 RC-E; I had never used a Stihl before. I trimmed my yard in record time and, for the first time, my back didn't hurt. I knew for sure that my next purchase would be a Stihl. I bought an FS 55 R and used it on my yard. I am very satisfied with my purchase and will never buy another brand again.

Joseph W
New Braunfels, TX

I recently purchased a small farm in SE Ohio. Due to terrain it is not accessible to tractors and bush hogs. I needed a piece or reliable equipment that would stand up to the task of cutting light brush and heavy weeds. I purchased the Stihl FS 90 brushcutter and could not be happier with the purchase. I do not have a lot of experience with outdoor equipment but find this brush cutter does an outstanding job and is very easy to start and use. It appears to have outstanding safety features built into the unit also. When I purchase my first chain saw I can assure you it will be a Stihl.

Thanks,
Bill F
McConnelsville, OK

Today, I just got a FS 250. It is great! I've been through a lot of trimmers (4). YOURS IS SUPER! Thanks STIHL.

Buddy
New Iberia, LA

I have a STIHL grass trimmer among other STIHL tools and it stopped running last summer, and it would not start. I thought about replacing it, when it occurred to me that in nearly 20 years, I had never replaced the spark plug. I took the plug out, cleaned it, and put it back. It started on the second crank and ran perfectly. One day, I may have to break down and buy a new spark plug, maybe.

Gordon B
Greenwood, SC

I just want you to know that I just received one of the best pre-Father's Day gifts I've ever received. I am fifty-three years of age, and until now, I've never known the pleasure of owning a good... no, a great string trimmer. I couldn't ever afford a high end string trimmer, because string trimmers are not too high on your list of priorities when you're trying to raise a family. Hence the other brands.

Well I had quadruple bypass heart surgery and the other brands were wearing me out trying to get them to start. So, about three weeks or so back, a good friend recommended that I try one of your fine string trimmers. Well, that's what I'm so proud of. I really couldn't afford to purchase one at this point in time, but my wonderful, thoughtful, sweet son took me to Revelle Ace Hardware and said, "Pick one out." I said, "I won't get the most expensive model you guys make", but the model that my son bought was a wonderful, wonderful relief. I got it home, I read the safety instruction book, put my glasses on, and the rest is history. I will admit that weed trimming is still no great fun, but life is a lot easier. When you have a STIHL in your hands, you have the best. Thanks for making a great product, and for restoring an old man's confidence.

Charles Warren

I purchased a FS 90 trimmer/brushcutter and I have to say I was skeptical about a 4 stroke engine. I just knew that the darn thing would be slow, but I also knew STIHL's reputation. And that helped in my decision. I have to admit that I never choked it. It started with only 2 pulls and minimal effort. Let me tell you, it's a good thing that I was holding it, because I believe it will fly. What a great product you people make.

Brandon C.
Atlanta,TX

Greetings to the Employees of STIHL:

This is a letter of appreciation from Barbara Lester, President of the FRIENDS OF THE LITHONIA AFRICAN AMERICAN CEMETERY (FLAAC). It is indeed a pleasure to hear from a company after the purchase of a tool.

The STIHL HL 100 hedge trimmer that was purchased at Cowan Ace Hardware, Conyers, GA has thus far proven to be an answer to a cleaning project at the FLAAC cemetery site.

FLAAC was organized three years ago as a non-profit organization to clear and restore a neglected community 6.8 acre cemetery site in Lithonia, GA. There are graves at the site which date from the early 1900s and perhaps earlier. Large trees have been removed, and much undergrowth removed. However, to maintain the site, continued control of regrowth and grass needs to be done. The hedge trimmer was a needed addition to the tool pool.

Sincerely,
Barbara Lester, FLAAC President

I just received a letter from STIHL regarding my latest purchase of a STIHL FS 55 trimmer. I was actually glad when I bid my last string trimmer "farewell", because I've had my sights on the FS 55 for over a year now. (The previous trimmer was NOT a STIHL.)

I've also got a STIHL 030 AV chain saw that was purchased by my father back in October of 1971. And I still have the original receipt. I was about a year old when he bought the saw, and I watched him cut with it my entire life. Now it is in my possession (It has been for some time now.), and it is still cutting just as well as it did when my father bought it. Given its age, it still looks new. This is because my father always cleaned it up after every use.

I just wanted to let you guys know that you make the best power equipment on the market. And though some of it might cost a little bit more on the front end, I'd like to point out that my 33 year-old chain saw is still buzzing away! Materials and manufacturing might have changed a bit since the early 70's but your equipment will still outperform anything that I've come across. Keep up the good work and let the people and employees of STIHL know that they are making one of the best, as well as one of the best QUALITY, products in America.

Thanks,
Daniel L.
Louisville, KY

I bought an FS 46 C trimmer with the Easy2Start™ feature. Sounds like a simple decision, but let me fill you in a little. I have severe back pain and cannot exert myself with yard work (although I love keeping my home nicely kept outdoors). So I went shopping for lawn equipment this season that would be easier on this old body. Well, I found a local dealer who had Echo and STIHL trimmers both on display. I picked up brochures for both and read them carefully before returning the next day. I asked the dealer to demo both and it was no contest: the STIHL FS 46 C had me right there on the spot! Lock the trigger, pump the bubble, turn the switch to "on", and give the rope a gentle pull. It jumped to life with virtually no effort at all.

I've used my STIHL now for about a month and I simply love it. It's not only easy to start, but the balance is perfect and it weighs almost nothing. The ease of loading the trimmer string is the best I've ever seen. In short, folks, I've never been happier with a product in my life, AND my back does just fine...no strain at all.

I thank every person involved in making STIHL products with such skill and thought for the user. Please accept my highest praise for the very best product of its kind...the FS 46 C with Easy2Start™.

Sincerely,
Bill W.
Whitesville, KY

I just wanted to commend your Easy2Start™ system. Over the years, I have lost more religion than one would have thought possible trying to get weed eaters started. The dealers all swear they will start with no problem. (Echo, Weed Eater, and yes, STIHL). Those all need a trip to the repair shop every year if I am even going to think about using them. However, I saw something on the Easy2Start system and bought one of your FS models. I love it! It always starts (Hope I didn't jinx it!) even after the winter down time. I now weed eat more than twice a year, thanks to this system. I love it!

Patsy L.
Junction City, OH

I've been in lawncare for 7 years. This year I spent $46,000.00 on mowers, trimmers, & blowers. The trimmers & blowers were Echos. And with these Echos, I've had more problems than anything else. I have 326 properties to mow each week. Most days we have to use our 3 year-old STIHL trimmers to finish our work days. I'm sure I will have to buy more trimmers this year, (Note: I've only used the Echo just over one month.) and they will be STIHL.

Michael C.
Cooke's Lawncare
Columbus, OH

This is just a testimonial to your STIHL FS 66. I purchased the unit in 1991 in Salina, Kansas and have never done anything to repair - even so much as change plugs, air filter, gas filter - absolutely nothing!

Finally, just two weeks ago, it quit and wouldn't re-start. I took it to Green Industry SuperCenter in Visalia (an Elite Stihl dealer) and showed them. They looked at the unit and said they hadn't seen one that old in a long time. The unit shook when they tried to start it - this turned out to be a loose motor mount screw which they tightened. They then replaced the spark plug, air filter, and fuel filter - IT FIRED RIGHT UP. UNBELIEVABLE. To top this off, they only charged me for the parts.

It's easy to see why STIHL is No. 1 for me. (P.S. - I used to live in Virginia Beach where I believe the unit was assembled.)

I've been a QA Manager and Operations Manager with several companies and can appreciate the work your people have done.

Again, thanks for the development of such a great workhorse.

Sincerely,
Don H.
Visalia, CA

I don't do well with gas-powered equipment. In fact, I just bought an electric mower because I could no longer get my gas mower started. A mechanic friend thought I might have left it out in the rain and water got inside. My gas blower is also unstartable. I don't know why. Only my ancient Sears snow blower and my STIHL trimmer (which I bought last year) can be started with any regularity.

Today, I was trimming around my in-ground pool, and I had to go in my house to reset the pool pump circuit breaker. I didn't want to turn off the trimmer because I was afraid that I might have trouble warm-starting it. So, I set it down on the concrete apron and went inside.

Three minutes later I came back. When I saw movement in the water, I thought "Ah, good, the pump turned on this time." But when I looked around - no trimmer! Had it been stolen?! Did I put it somewhere else?

Then I realized what the movement in the water was. I went to the edge of the pool and saw that the trimmer was at the bottom of the shallow end, four feet down. I figured that that was it for my STIHL trimmer. I fished it out, turned it over, and fretted.

Luckily, I remembered that the mechanic tried to blow water out of my mower by using the starter. So I flopped the trimmer back, pulled the starter twice, and it fired right up! I even used it for another half hour. My neighbor said that now I know what to do with my trimmer if I have trouble starting it again.

I thought that even you folks at STIHL would be amazed at this one!

Dr. Robert A. Leonard
Rockville Ctr., NY

Just wanted to offer my salute to STIHL for your outstanding product performance. I purchased a STIHL gas trimmer in 1983 and now some 21 years later it still runs like a new one. I have NEVER done a thing to it except rewind it with new string and fill it with gas. I hang it up in the winter and when I get it out in the spring, I choke it once and it’s never failed to start...never! It has never had a tune up or new plug.....it just keeps on going, year after year! Oh, and just in case you think I might seldom use it, I contract to landscape and mow two area restaurants, our personal home, another one acre property we own and as a home builder I use it weekly to keep the lots clear of weeds and grasses. So, it's used almost daily.

Just thought you deserved a pat on the back and my thanks for a terrific trimmer that's celebrating 20+ years!

Jacobs Construction Co.
Sidney, OH

Last summer I purchased FS 110 trimmer/brush cutter. I had only had it for about 4 days when one of the locks fell out of my trimmer trap during travel. My heart dropped as I saw my new $400 piece of equipment drop at 60 miles per hour and topple off the side of the road. I was sure it was trash.

I stopped the vehicle and walked back. I found the trimmer and to my surprise all but the head cover was intact. I choked it and gave the pull string a tug and it started right up and I still have not had a bit of trouble with it.

The local dealership, Double D Supply, even had a spare head cover that they gave to me for free.

I have only used STIHL for my business and will continue to do so. Keep up the good work.

Tony Shewmaker
Owner/Operator
Lawnfather Landscape Maint.
Meridian, ID

Sixteen years ago, I bought a FS 66 weed eater from a dealer here in town. One of my friends and I started mowing lawns part-time. The business grew until we couldn't take on any more work. Not long after that, I was offered a job that I just had to take. I told my friend that I had to stop mowing with him because the commute to and from my new job took too long. I kept my mower and weed eater, and I mowed when I could. To make a long story short, I am still using the same STIHL weed eater that I bought so long ago, today! It has NEVER failed to start! And I have only changed the spark plug once.

The only problem that I have had with my weed eater was when I dropped it and broke the carb adjustment screw. This is the only weed eater that I have ever purchased, and I use it a lot! It has been especially useful for the regular trimming I do around a certain pond. My only question is: "Why would anybody buy any other brand?"

A good friend of mine is in the tree business and the only brand of saws that he uses is STIHL. He takes good care of his saws, so when he offered to sell me his STIHL 036, I jumped on it. I'm glad that I did. That's one hell of a saw! I would like to thank everyone at STIHL for making what are in my opinion, the best weed eaters and chain saws ever made.

Thanks again,
Michael Crouse, Burlington, North Carolina

Since Hurricane Isabel hit our area, I have been working daily, clearing trees for friends and family. To this point, not one of the STIHL products that I purchased from Morton's Equipment has failed me. My 041 Chain Saw, my FS 80 Brushcutter, and my HS 45 Hedge Trimmer have all been through the mill and have worked as hard as I have.

Today, I gave all my STIHL tools the day off; I figure that they've earned it. But on October 2nd, we'll all go back to work. Y'all keep up the good work and keep making great tools for hard working people. God knows, those of us who work hard want our tools to last. We don't mind spending money for quality.

I'm off to Mortons to buy a new STIHL hat. My green one got misplaced somehow, and I don't want people to think that I use anything else but STIHL.

Y'all be good,
Brad Griffin

To the Employees of STIHL,

I want all of you to know that I have purchased weed eaters of every name brand.

I'm going to be 64 on July 5th. During all of my years, I have bought electric weed eaters of every name brand that some of my so-called friends said to buy.

And now I want all of you there to know that the money that I spent for my STIHL was well spent.

Every time I'd get ready to weed with any of the other brands, there would be carburetor problems, the engine would fire out, or the spools would wear out in nothing flat.

Thank you for the nice letter you sent me. And I want you to know that for all those years that I purchased those bad brands, I could kick myself in you know where for not purchasing STIHL. I don't know what to tell you to improve, "So don't," ok? Thanks again. I'm with STIHL ALWAYS, AND I'LL TELL EVERYONE ELSE.

Sincerely,
Joseph C. Dobis
Thanks Again

Dear old friends at STIHL Incorporated,

Thank you for the letter that I received from you on June 9th. Yes, I am enjoying my new STIHL FS55R weed eater or trimmer. It really works great. In the fall I also enjoy the new STIHL Farm Boss MS290 chain saw that I bought from Race Brothers Farm Supply Co. in Springfield, Mo. If no one has told you that they appreciate your fine power equipment, then let me be the first!

Thanks again,
From a Big Fan of yours,
David R. Mason

From your letter on June 23 regarding my purchase of a STIHL FSE60 trimmer, you're welcome. This is one weed eatin' machine! The salesman at Cypress Ace Hardware was a young man who, at the end of a busy day, took time to show me how the trimmer head loaded and was very knowledgeable about your product. I have forgotten his name (Jason?) but he is a credit to both the store and STIHL. I am headed there now to look at hedge trimmers. Thanks for a great product, the FSE60.

Jack Green

I wanted to tell you that I love the STIHL FS 36 trimmer. My husband asked me what I wanted for my birthday and the answer was easy!
T.S. Little Rock, AR

...... the finest pieces of equipment on the market. I purchased my first STIHL product (FS 65 brushcutter) eight years ago. It has done everything I ever expected it to do and more.......
L.W. Newton, NJ

I have 8 STIHL products. No breakdowns in 6 years.......... Great equipment.
J.R. Afton, VA

We are a solid member of the STIHL family. STIHL is the best in our line of work. All landscape contractors can rely on STIHL products' dependability and durability.
J.M. Elgin, IL

"I bought the STIHL FS 44 trimmer because my STIHL 020 chain saw has given me good service for nineteen years. Quality does count. That is why I bought STIHL again."
J.P., Bath, Ohio