Replies

1. 
   dynamwebz | Nov 15, 2009 09:51am | #1

   This is Fine Woodworking, not Fine Lawncare.

1. 
   alanplanesaw | Nov 15, 2009 05:13pm | #2

   Dear Dy --

   Thanks for clarifying that.  I must have missed something.

   Regardless, through much research, I have discovered that the majority of fine woodworkers also do some level of lawncare, further, that as they have a love and commitment to their tools, that they generally either have an opinion or, that some may know an exact website (which I have not been able to discover) somewhere on the net that gets me closer to the information I am looking for.

   Generally speaking, Knotheads are knowledgeable, helpful people.

   Alan - planesaw

    

2. 
   JerryPacMan | Nov 15, 2009 05:16pm | #3

   Do a search on the products you are considering.  I was in the market for a backpack blower and found consumer reviews on various sites on the models I was considering.  I ended up with my first Sthil product, a BR 600 blower.  I love it as it is relatively light, well engineered, starts with one pull and really blows.

   I am a Husky fan as I have their chain saw, trimmer and lawn tractor.  These are also excellent products.

    

   Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans.

   When your ship comes in... make sure you are not at the airport.

3. 
   Quickstep | Nov 15, 2009 05:43pm | #4

   I have several Stihl tools and have never had any real issues. My local equipment shop carries both. As I recall, their opinion is that Echo is homeowner tools and Stihl is professional grade. As I recall, Stihl has a higher price point. Breaktime might be a good place to post this question also.

4. 
   BG | Nov 15, 2009 08:49pm | #5

   Planesaw,

   All I can tell you is I used to have a Stihl and two years ago I bought an Echo based on the recommendation of my nephew who is a professional landscaper. He told me to buy a model where the shaft was straight. I do not know how the Stihl and Echo compare relative to amps but, from a power standpoint, the Echo blew me away

5. 
   sapwood | Nov 15, 2009 09:05pm | #6

   When looking for a string trimmer I read a lot of reviews online. The Echo interested me but there are no dealers in my nearby neck of the woods. So I couldn't get a hands-on look. So I purchased a Stihl, FS-90 with the bicycle type handle. It's a great tool.

   I've noticed that virtually every professional landscaper here has Stihl tools in their trucks and trailers. We had some big fir trees removed last week and the crew had a dozen chainsaws laid out to use... all were Stihl. This must mean something.

   I figure this topic is suitable for Knots because I'm using my trimmer (get the blade attachment also) to clear for a new workshop.

1. 
   JerryPacMan | Nov 16, 2009 12:08am | #7

   In NE Ohio most of the landscape trailers have some Echo trimmers and blowers on them.  My Husqvarna dealer said that the Echo 755 backpack blower is a favorite vs. the Husky blowers.  I went with the Stihl and have not been disappointed.  I also bought a Husqvarna trimmer this year and it is powerfull but light weight. 

   Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans.

   When your ship comes in... make sure you are not at the airport.

6. 
   PeteBradley | Nov 16, 2009 03:33am | #8

   I've got an Echo trimmer and a Stihl chain saw. IMHO they're both 'quality' makes. No complaints about either.

   Pete

7. 
   joinerswork | Nov 16, 2009 04:05am | #9

   dynam,

   At least one poster here on knots recommends using a leafblower to dust his shop annually.

   Ray

1. 
   alanplanesaw | Nov 16, 2009 05:38am | #10

   Ray,

   I actually think I remember that.  I have "blown" out my garage in the past with one.

   Alan - planesaw

    

1. 
   alanplanesaw | Nov 16, 2009 05:41am | #11

   Thanks everyone.  I have routinely seen Echo on the professional landscaper and lawncare trailers and trucks.  My chainsaw is a Stihl and about 23 years old.  Now, it doesn't get used everyday, but after all this time it still starts on the 2nd or 3rd pull even after sitting for months without being used.

   My blower and trimmer are Echo's are fantastic. 

   I have heard that Echo's engines are rated for a higher number of hours than Stihl's, and was hoping to find something to either back that up or show me otherwise. 

   Thanks everyone,

   Alan - planesaw

2. 
   dynamwebz | Nov 16, 2009 05:08pm | #13

   That would be me. It works quite well. I turn on all my dust collectors in my basement workshop and have at it with my leaf blower. The only real drawback is the carbon monixide detector goes off.

   Nobody mentioned Lesco Equipment.

   I owned a landscaping business for 5 years. I purchased Lesco equipment almost exclusively because of it's high reliability.

   But Stihl is an excellent choice as well.

   If you buy the best, you will never be disappointed and won't have to buy it twice.

   Edited 11/16/2009 9:10 am ET by dynamwebz

1. 
   JeffHeath | Nov 17, 2009 12:37am | #14

   I have 2 Stihl TS 400 14" concrete saws, 1 Stihl blower, 2 Stihl chainsaws, and a Stihl weed wacker. Stihl cannot be beat for quality, in my humble opinion.Jeff

1. 
   boilerbay | Nov 17, 2009 04:58pm | #17

   Jeff,
   What you said,
   I have 1 Stihl blower, 1 Stihl chainsaw, and a Stihl weed wacker.

1. 
   bill5335 | Nov 18, 2009 04:37am | #18

   I also have an Echo blower/shredder, Stihl chain saw and weed wacker. Love them all.  Some times I start up the saw just to listen to it idle. 

   I asked a small engine mechanic what was the biggest problem he saw. He said "carburetor problems from that corn ####". (gasoline with ethanol).

   My first week wacker was something yellow. Piece of crap. Fixed it with repeated blows with a 6 pound sledge. Never gave me another second of grief.

    

   Bill

    

2. 
   Eef | Nov 24, 2009 08:40pm | #21

   bill,in all the years i've been working with various power tools, it has been seldom that i felt the need to beat one to death. however, the once-in-a-while tool murder, by way of a large, blunt instrument, can be most gratifying.
   eef

8. 
   jumpminow | Nov 16, 2009 05:58am | #12

   Planesaw:

   I was in the commercial lawn equipment business for several years.  Here is the real scoop.  Stihl makes a better product; but Echo is much easier to find parts and service for.  Don't buy your Echo from a big box store.  They cannot service the product and real dealers are hesitant to do so or won't warrant it.

   Both are however, good products.

9. 
   YesMaam27577 | Nov 17, 2009 03:26am | #15

   They're both quite good.

   Just be sure that no matter which one you buy, that you buy 89-octane gas to make your fuel mix.

   It's stated in both of their owner's manuals, and yes, it really does make a difference.

   I won't be laughing at the lies when I'm gone,
   And I can't question how or when or why when I'm gone;
   I can't live proud enough to die when I'm gone,
   So I guess I'll have to do it while I'm here. (Phil Ochs)

1. 
   alanplanesaw | Nov 17, 2009 03:22pm | #16

   Dear Yes,

   Thanks for the octane advice. 

   Alan - planesaw

10. 
    daveinnh | Nov 24, 2009 05:36am | #19

    Looking at professionals in the business, they will have either Stihl or Husqvarna- not Echo.

    We have Stihl - 2 chainsaws and a weed-whipper for homeowner use; after burning thru cheaper quality equipment.

    Depends on how much / hard you use your tools, but you get what you pay for.

    Another factor in staying with one brand is that the gas - oil mixture ratio  is constant.

    And I'd consider this to be a relevant Knots topic.

1. 
   alanplanesaw | Nov 24, 2009 05:53am | #20

   Dave,

   Thanks for the "relevant" comment.   I have to politely disagree regarding Echo.  Echo has two lines -- what I'll call consumer and professional.  From a number of sources I have determined that in a given area the professionals use Echo, or Stihl, generally speaking.  It appears to vary from region to region.  Apparently both high quality machines.  I have a Stihl chainsaw that is about 23 years old.  My Echo trimmer and blower have been around for many years also and get used weekly during the growing season. 

   Echo's engines appear to have the highest rating possible, as to engine life.  Can't find  comparable data for Stihl, although it may be out there.  Either way, they both appear to be high quality.  The "regional" thing may be marketing or simply who in a given region stocks which product line.

   Thanks for the input.

   Alan - planesaw

    

   Edited 11/24/2009 9:57 pm ET by Planesaw