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FS 45

This value-priced grass trimmer is our lightest gasoline-powered model, ideal for a homeowner’s yard trimming tasks.

FS 45
Rated 3.8 out of 5 by 20 reviewers.
Rated 2 out of 5 by I wouldn't buy this again I have had a similar problem as many other posters. The string won't advance and the part of the head that you tap gets stuck and you have to pry it out. Then you have to manually advance the string or take the head off. No matter how careful you are to wind it properly, this continues to happen. Took it to the dealer and they sold me the self winding head. That is nice, but I still seem to have a problem with the tapping part. Since I've never had that problem with any other trimmer, I don't believe it is me. Besides, I have had others try it and it did it with them too. I don't know if it is this model, but I think if you get a bad one, it is bad and if you get a good one, it is really good. It is the luck of the draw. I sent Stihl and email asking for a replacement original head, just in case it was a defect in the head, we'll see if they send it to me and stand behind their product. May 18, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Lightweight, Affordable, Reliable. I've had my Stihl FS 45 for years and it has served me well from day one. After going through several trimmers before this one, I decided to invest the cash in getting a good one and it has proved to be one of the best investments I have ever made. I've used it for everything from cutting my own yard to doing work for other people and this trimmer has paid for itself several times over. The only real work I've had to do to it was replacing the carburetor once (about a week ago) and it fired up for me on the first crank this evening. Lightweight, dependable and affordable, this trimmer is perfect for the average homeowner. Recommended wholeheartedly. May 15, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Good trimmer. We've had this trimmer 3 years now. It can be temperamental when starting and I wish it would hold more line. BUT, it is a very good trimmer for its size and the price. It's lightweight, but has enough power to tackle the tall weeds. Reliable as well. I have never changed the plug in it, I don't empty the gas come winter time and its used on a farm. When using the right size string and correct oil/fuel mix, you should have no problems. All of our chainsaws are Stihls as well. May 14, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Great Trimmer I've had this trimmer three years now and it starts right up and runs great with no problems. Wish it had a little more power at lowert speeds. May 13, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Dependable and built to last I have used this trimmer for 2+ years and just bought a second one so my buddy and I can both trim at the same time. I am in the landscaping buisness and cut 2 cemeteries every week, along with 2 houses with very large yards. Although it is not listed as "commercial grade" it has run flawlessly for me. I never had any trouble with any of the parts other than the spool, which I had to replace once. Other than that it is a great trimmer, especially for the money. Also, it is so light that my shoulder does not get sore from hanging on to it all day! All I know is if a trimmer can run 5+ hours straight with little maintance and high abuse, I'll take it. Stihl made a quality product as always! May 12, 2013
Rated 1 out of 5 by If you like maintenance, this is the trimmer for you. I have had this trimmer for 2 1/2 years and it is not dependable. It has been hard to start from day 1. I follow the manual to a tee but same results. If I go more than a couple of weeks of using it, it won't start. I am going back to an electric. It's a pain to drag a cord around but it always starts. May 12, 2013
Rated 1 out of 5 by Not a Good Trimmer This trimmer will work once it starts. Line does not advance. I always need to take the spool head off and advance the line. It does not "tap and go" like it is supposed to. May 10, 2013
Rated 3 out of 5 by Not as good as Consumer Reports Rated it I've used it twice and its diffucult to start. Also the choke doesn't seem to work and its hard to tell if its on or off. Once it cranks it runs fine. May 8, 2013
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