Subcontracting for landscaping jobs, Stihl or Echo trimmers worth the $400 jump?

I'm starting to sub out more mulch installs and lawn renos, and need a reliable trimmer for the crew. Stihl FS 56 is $400 but lasts forever, while Echo is half that but breaks quicker. What's your take on the value?

fuck these equipment rental companies charging us out the ass for subs, it's BS.

Go Stihl every time, the Echo will have you back at the shop in a week.

Stihl all the way, but maintain it right.

Subs always trash cheaper gear, so yeah, spend the money.

Same here, skimped on tools and regretted it big time.

Don't cheap out on trimmer heads, they fly apart and hurt someone.

Stihl's warranty is gold for sub work.

Hate when subs bring junk that slows the whole crew.

Check the carb kits, Echo clogs easier in dusty mulch jobs.

Stihl feels more balanced for edging beds.

Echo overheats quick on big lawns.

Seen too many Echo failures on sub contracts.

Stihl's louder but cuts better through thick weeds.

Both work, but Stihl resale value is higher if sub quits.

Echo's fine, just oil it more.

What size yards are you subbing?

Stihl's like $400? Bargain compared to downtime.

My crew loves the Echo for its weight.

Stihl dominates in pro landscaping circles.

Echo's got better battery options if you're going cordless.

Stihl or bust, Echo feels cheap.

Same struggle, went Stihl and never looked back.

Frustrated with Echo breaking mid-job last season.

Insurance hates cheap tools on sub sites.

Man, that reminds me of the time my sub's trimmer exploded mid-mulch.

Haha yeah, sounds familiar.

Appreciate the input, leaning Stihl now.

Echo might be okay for starters but yeah.

Felt that, tools make or break the sub hustle.

Right? Gear fails and the whole day's screwed.

Haha, classic landscaping chaos.

Thanks for the laughs, needed that.

Totally get the back pain part.