Trimmer Shopping: Echo or Shindaiawa

[need-a-vacation]

I have been looking at buying a new trimmer to replace my 14yr old Shindaiwa T230.

I am looking at another Shindaiwa, the T242, and an Echo 2620. I have considered the Redmax, but for the money I feel the Shindaiwa or Echo is the better value, plus a 5yr warranty!

Anyone use one of these trimmers, or a similar model to the ones I am looking at? I know Echo owns Shindaiwa, and the trimmers are similar to each other.

A somewhat Echo dealer is having a 20% off sale this Sat. Not sure what models they will have in stock yet.

Not interested in other trimmers due to dealer support if needed.

TY!

[WVDusty]

Big Echo fan here. I can't remember the model off hand but I have been using it HARD for almost 7 trouble free years now.

Sent from my SM-J327P using Tapatalk

[Sundancer330]

I know you are not interested in other brands due to service but take a look at the Honda HHT35SLTAT. I bought one last year and love it, 4 stroke (no more mixing gas), lots of power, quiet, and Honda quality that will last for many years. Service and parts are always available online or local dealers.

[need-a-vacation]

Dusty,

TY for the feedback that you’re happy with your Echo.

Sun,

I have read good things about that trimmer. Downside is it has some weight to it. About 3lbs heavier than the Echo I’m looking at. We have about 3/4 of an acre with a lot of trimming.

As for mixing the gas & oil, I have a backpack blower and chainsaw that needs the same mix. So to me it’s not a big deal mixing a gallon at a time. And if I replace the primer bulb, a handheld blower as well for the leaves.

TY for the suggestion though!

[bdreinv]

Been using Echo stuff 20 years, been good for me!

[KillerIsMe]

Mine is an Hitachi CG23ECPSL. I have a small 12 acre farm-type property and have been beating that Hitachi for about six years. I've used it to take down everything from tall field grass to multiflora rose. Trouble free, starts right up. I read somewhere before I bought it it's a re-branded Shindaiawa and was quite a bit less expensive. Might be something to consider.

[Cosmik Debris]

I went with a Tanaka, mainly because it was on sale, about $149, as I remember it, and had a 7 year warranty. I figure that it'll be the last ne I'll buy. When it had a recall, they contacted me, arranged for a box to be delivered and UPS pickup and return to my home.
It has run great, and that is being said by someone who had lost all confidence in weedeaters. I know how far I can throw one.

[Doug]

Stihl :-)

I've beat mine for 14 yrs and just had it start running rough this year.
Never even changed the plugs.
Turns out it was carbon build up in the muffler filter thingy.

[GarlicDude]

Stihl makes some nice stuff: https://www.stihlusa.com/products/pr...duct-selector/

[jimp]

I've got an Echo straight shaft trimmer from HD, use their 2c oil and get the 5 yr warranty, no complaints. I used a Echo handheld blower for 10+ yrs with no issues, it died this summer for some reason, so I bought a small Stihl backpac blower same power and weight as a handheld, works great and powerful if you're in the market for a new blower.

[etex211]

My recommendation is to avoid anything with a two cycle engine like the plague. I'm sure others will disagree.

[need-a-vacation]

TY everyone. Planning on going with the Echo 2620.

Etex,

Not sure why you state to stay away from 2 strokes. I have had them for years, and mixing the gas is not a big deal to me. Plus having other 2 stroke equipment still requires having mixed gas.

But if owning a 4 stroke works for you that good.

[FeatherFam]

We have a 13 year old Echo that we have used a ton. I tune it and give it fresh fuel and air filters every spring, and i use TruFuel. It runs like a champ. We bought an Echo multi-head with a pole saw and articulating hedger last year. It is great, too!
I used to mix my own fuel, but I have become more convenience oriented the last few years (especially with domestic chores), and I want to say that my tools start and run a bit smoother on the TruFuel. I use the TruFuel brand. I bought some other brands, and the machines (edger, hedger, and blower) did not start and run as well. The TruFuel is more money, but I am liking the convenience of it!

[need-a-vacation]

I went with the 2630 as planned. Got their only one!!! Picked up a back pack blower as well so the boys can help with the leaves, and the Timber Wolf chainsaw.

Feather,

Have you tried running the Echo branded premixed fuel/oil??? How does it compare to the TruFuel if so?

I did pick up two quarts of the Echo fuel since it has a two year shelf life AFTER its opened. Plan to use it to “winterize” all the two stroke stuff.

Up to this point I have been running the Opti Oil and mixing it myself. It has a fuel stabilizer in it, and the last can I mix for the year I have added some Sta-Bil as well to the mix to help. With my 14yr old equipment it has worked. Just not sure how touchy the new stuff is so will use the Echo fuel.

[need-a-vacation]

UPDATE:

I used the 2620 (trimmer) for the first time tonight. So far I am happy with it. It does weigh a little more than my old Shindaiwa T230, but I still have the guard on the new trimmer. Though it isn't the largest guard that I have seen on trimmers.