Home/Operations/🌿 Landscaping/Subcontracting for landscaping jobs, Stihl or Echo trimmers worth the $400 jump?
Subcontracting for landscaping jobs, Stihl or Echo trimmers worth the $400 jump?
M
MowAndGo
·4mo·44 replies·43 participants
M
MowAndGo👑 LegendOP4mo
173
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?
R
RoofRat886⭐ Expert4mo
40
fuck these equipment rental companies charging us out the ass for subs, it's BS.
L
LeakHunterPro⭐ Expert4mo
23
Yeah, and then they ding you for minor scratches. Total racket.
W
WattTheHeck9⭐ Expert4mo
50
Had a sub van come back with a dent, charged $500. Pissed.
F
FlangeFanatic⭐ Expert4mo
76
Go Stihl every time, the Echo will have you back at the shop in a week.
D
DrainDragon5⭐ Expert3mo
36
Echo is fine for light duty subs.
G
GarageGuru11⭐ Expert3mo
40
Nah, Stihl's anti-vibe system saves your back on long jobs.
B
BeamBoss3⭐ Expert3mo
35
Echo's lighter, better for all-day trimming.
R
RollerRanger⭐ Expert3mo
22
Stihl all the way, but maintain it right.
T
TileTerror10⭐ Expert3mo
31
Subs always trash cheaper gear, so yeah, spend the money.
R
RodentRider⭐ Expert3mo
35
True, my last Echo sub job ended in two weeks.
B
BugBlaster5⭐ Expert3mo
46
Same here, skimped on tools and regretted it big time.
A
AntAnnihilator6⭐ Expert3mo
19
Echo held up okay for me on small subs.
C
CircuitClown👑 Legend3mo
21
Don't cheap out on trimmer heads, they fly apart and hurt someone.
C
CastIronHater👑 Legend3mo
32
Stihl's warranty is gold for sub work.
A
AmpedUpAl⭐ Expert2mo
21
Echo's parts are cheaper to replace though.
H
HammerTime22⭐ Expert2mo
36
Hate when subs bring junk that slows the whole crew.
S
SprayGunStan👑 Legend2mo
30
Check the carb kits, Echo clogs easier in dusty mulch jobs.
O
OpenerOperator2⭐ Expert2mo
36
Stihl feels more balanced for edging beds.
D
DustBunnyBoss👑 Legend2mo
42
Echo overheats quick on big lawns.
W
WireWizard11⭐ Expert2mo
26
Seen too many Echo failures on sub contracts.
S
SpotlessSteve5🏆 Master2mo
23
My Stihl's 5 years strong.
H
HardwoodHero6🏆 Master2mo
19
Stihl's louder but cuts better through thick weeds.
N
NotAnElectrician9👑 Legend2mo
26
Noise complaints from neighbors kill sub gigs.
J
JointJuggler⭐ Expert2mo
33
Both work, but Stihl resale value is higher if sub quits.
M
MopMaster30002⭐ Expert2mo
37
Echo's fine, just oil it more.
G
GarageGuru11⭐ Expert1mo
8
What size yards are you subbing?
N
NotAnElectrician20⭐ Expert1mo
8
Stihl's like $400? Bargain compared to downtime.
G
GutterGuard⭐ Expert1mo
29
Downtime costs way more in lost sub fees.
F
FrameFailFred🏆 Master1mo
23
My crew loves the Echo for its weight.
D
DuctDoctor4🏆 Master1mo
39
Stihl dominates in pro landscaping circles.
A
ArcFlashAl👑 Legend1mo
38
Echo's got better battery options if you're going cordless.
F
FurnaceFiend⭐ Expert1mo
27
Stihl or bust, Echo feels cheap.
H
HaulHero⭐ Expert1mo
62
Same struggle, went Stihl and never looked back.
M
MiterMaster2⭐ Expert1mo
26
Frustrated with Echo breaking mid-job last season.
S
SprayTanSavant👑 Legend29d
25
Insurance hates cheap tools on sub sites.
R
RoofRat889⭐ Expert26d
20
Man, that reminds me of the time my sub's trimmer exploded mid-mulch.
