Stihl FS90

I purchased a Stihl FS90 weed trimmer.

I opted for the handlebar setup in that I don't anticipate getting the extra heads to utilize its capabilities to be used as other tools (e.g. pole saw).

The Stihl 4-mix makes for easy starting and running.  It starts right up and I can immediately turn off the choke and it idles nicely.  Never had any other 2-cycles (except my other 4-mix machines) be able to idle like that.

Unlike a traditional 2-cycle, this engine is a little slower to get up to RPM.  When I say slower, it's probably only a second or so but it's not as instantaneous/snappy as the traditional engine.

My other trimmer is a Husqvarna Mondo which is about 6 years old (and will be used in comparison).

As mentioned, the Husky snaps up to full RPM's slightly faster.
When hitting heavy grass/weeds, the Husky quickly looses power.  The Stihl boggs down some but plows through it.
I never realized how much vibration I was getting on the Husky until I picked it up after running the Stihl.  It's like night and day.
The shroud around the Stihl's trimmer head is much larger and covers a large sized area on the operators side.  I honestly didn't compare to see if it sent less grass clippings to the operator but did find this oversized shroud a little hard to get used to at the start.  It's size does seem to get it snagged more easily in the heavier stuff.

PS.  I'm not bashing the Husqvarna products nor product line.  All my chainsaws are Husqvarna and are top-notch saws.  It's also not fair comparing a new Stihl to a well used Husky, but it's all I had...

I have an FS100, got it right before the 90 came out. Kinda wish I had a 90 for the solid driveline. I could have put the cultivator and other attachments to use rather than buying another piece do to that.

 

 Ive had the pleasure of working, and operating, a lot of weedeaters. It's my opinion, and just an opinion, that Toro Red-Max and Shindaiwa have the market. Our trimers are run 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, and the only thing I replace on the Shindaiwas are the line heads. The bad about the Shindaiwas.... the throttle guide sticks up above the plastic housing (cover), when people roll the trimmer over to reload the string, the guide breaks.

   All in all, Shindaiwa. $360.00 weedeater.  "Homeowner" models are less expensive, but I stick with abused and run-over and still running brands.