Gas trimmers

[PolarBear]

I have 3 Stihl trimmers/weedeaters from an FS 120 on down to a 66,  All are over 10 years old and the 120 is 16.  Have never had an issue with them except I broke the shaft while brush cutting (my fault) and all have performed perfectly.  I run all Stihl power equipment.  Just use ethanol free fuel and good quality and right quantity of mix and it will last for years.

[Alchase]

I got a husky with a honda engine I like a lot

What ever you get, get a Honda 4-stroke engine, every small engine I own is a Honda 4-stroke, Mower, Pressure Washer, Weed Wacker, etc... I have never had an issue with any of them.
I have had a Craftsman Weed Wacker with a Honda 4-stroke, for about 10 years.
One pull start, never had and issue.

I'll be sure to handle one. Since my acre and a half is on a hillside, I'm looking for something fairly lightweight. I understand the 4 strokes are heavier

Weight really is not an issue at all with 4-stroke Weed Wackers.

I run all Stihl power equipment.  Just use ethanol free fuel and good quality and right quantity of mix and it will last for years.

Stihl was double the price I paid for my 4-stroke Honda, I also like not having to pre-mix and have multiple gas cans, but that is a personal choice.

I have talked to many professional yard maintenance people in the last couple years here in OK.
Everyone runs commercial grade Stihl equipment here.
If you can afford it commercial grade Stihl would be the way to go.

[C-Money]

Last time I bought a weed whacker I went to Electric. Got a Craftsman, and I have plenty of extension cord.

[Mossy]

Ran around to a few stores to check them out and I'm leaning toward a Stihl FS70R, FS94R or the Honda 25cc model.

The Honda is a little more bottom heavy although it could be the handle position.
They are all straight shafts but I don't think any are solid driveshafts.

[Naches Sportsman]

Go look at husqavarna before you buy a stihl.

[j_h_nimrod]

Go look at husqavarna before you buy a stihl.

Then buy the Stihl...

[Threewolves]

I quit messing around and got a Honda, easiest starting weed eater I ever owned.

[Mossy]

Go look at husqavarna before you buy a stihl.

I currently have a Husqvarna mower that won't restart after 5-10 minutes of running
A Husqvarna leaf blower that usually takes 20-30 pulls to start(if it ever does)
A Husqvarna chainsaw that's hard to start but runs well afterward

So....I'm a little leery about the brand 

[Naches Sportsman]

My Husqvarna leaf blower starts in 2. Weed eater in 4. Had both for 8 years now. Have had nothing but power and ignition problems with stihl weed eaters while running several different models throughout the summer. My Husqvarna out does them all day long.

A buddy that I used to hire for helping me on the side for my fire wise projects ran a stihl that was supposedly the same power wise compared to my Husqvarna. My weed eater out performed his.

[j_h_nimrod]

We currently run 5-6 different Stihl string trimmers ranging up to about 15 years old and have had little to no issues. Also 7-8 chainsaws, 2 leaf blowers, 1 each pole trimmer, power scythe, concrete saw, cutoff saw, and hedge trimmer. Have not had more than typical tool problems from use n abuse. I know every company has it’s issues, but I have been lucky with Stihl.

My new favorite tool is the power scythe, amazing tool for brush and bracken!  Gonna put a hurtin’ To the Scotch Broom this year.

Use ethanol free gas!

[Fl0und3rz]

Power scythe?  I need one of those.

[j_h_nimrod]

Think hybrid hedge trimmer on an extension and used similar to a string trimmer. You can clear a lot of brush quick!  Makes short work of black berries and any brush 3/4” or less.

[fish vacuum]

Last time I bought a weed whacker I went to Electric. Got a Craftsman, and I have plenty of extension cord.

That. Except I went cordless Ryobi. Runs 40 minutes on a charge and requires zero maintenance.

[PolarBear]

Electrics are fine if you have tiny city lots but if you have any acreage forget about it.  I do own one Husqvarna backpack leaf blower and it will run great as long as it is cold outside.  If it is over 70 degrees it overheats and shuts down after a half hour or so.  It's been that way from the day I bought it.  Not a big fan.

[Fl0und3rz]

Forgot I have an echo backpack blower, too.  Two stroke and it is much easier starting than the echo trimmer.