I have used the Chisel tooth saw for years in high grass and brush, and small trees with great success. it is my go to blade. I own 3, and keep them sharp to quick change, so I can cut for long periods without sharpening blades. My Trimmer is a 2005 FS 110 Bike handle model. It is still a beast all these years later. I am looking to upgrade so am interested in the FS 131. I have only owned this one Stihl trimmer, but 16 years of use, has made me a lifelong fan. This thing has paid for itself many times over. So, If I do get another, for the tougher jobs, and just use the old man for trimming yard edges, It will be a Stihl. I'm not set on the Model yet. Nice video, Thanks.
I have a FS 130 with handlebars. The harness that came with it is really useful as it takes the weight off your shoulders. The chisel tooth blade is called a woodcut blade. It cuts grass and saplings like anything. There is an 8 tooth grass blade that's pretty good also. The best is the woodcut blade. This year couldn't get an extra woodcut blade. I got a substitute made by Oregon. It has riveted chainsaw teeth around the outside of the blade. It is the best of them all. Cuts grass great. Been using it to cut small to medium stumps off at ground level. Cut first with chainsaw at waist level. Then come back with brush cutter. Since you are cutting close to the ground, you have to be careful to keep it out of the dirt.
Big Stihl fan here. My first machine was an FR350 backpack. i bought it 2nd hand for £150 over 20 years ago. No idea how many times it got used over that 2+ decade period, definitely in the 100's. Heaven knows how much use it had prior to me getting it as it was used by a professional landscaper from new. I changed about 5 bump heads, 1 carburetor and one flexi shaft in all that time. I also used the 4 tooth blade but was not a fan of that attachment. 1 year ago I had an opportunity to buy a lot of used Stihl and other machinery from the grounds maintenance part of the place where i work. Most of the machines were in excellent condition and some were non runners. The non runners were missing a few little bits such as carb or air intake but effectively hardly used. I also got another backpack brush cutter too. The whole fleet of machines cost me £1200. I placed my old FR350 on ebay and got £500 for that. The new fleet had a wood chipper (not Stihl) but only used once. I sold that for £1200. Now i've recouped all of my original costs, kept a fleet of 8 of the Stihl machines. bought a brand new MS261, a pole saw and carbon extension for the kombi. I am a very happy chappy and the excess cash i made on the other unwanted machines helped me take the Mrs to Jamaica in August for our 30th wedding anniversary. Stihl machines hold their price if they're looked after. I am a fan. 🙂
I’m thinking that might be the blade i need. There’s a ton of Giant Ragweeds I’m trying to deal with and the brush blade would probably do fine with the smaller ones but man they’ll get 2” in diameter sometimes.
I encourage anyone using these blades to to invest in the screened face shield. The material these things cut isn't like getting hit with grass or sand. Ask me how i know ...
@@nes999when chopping brush with a string trimmer, it will have a tendency to throw wood splinters and small pebbles. That debris flies at such a velocity it will sting your face or even cut it in a worse case scenario. A mesh screen or a faceshield is definately recommended.
@@19vendetta19 when I use the circular blade on my FS 131, I wear the same gear as I do cutting trees in the bush: safety helmet with mesh screen, ear protectors, and sun flaps (also keeps debris from hitting my neck) , kevlar pants, safety boots, and gloves. When I use the brush blade, I wear my safety helmet, boots and gloves, but usually not the kevlar pants because they get warm pretty quickly and the tall weeds are more out in the open. If you are cutting noxious weeds like wild parsnip or giant hogweed, use extra caution to not get any of the juice on you. Definitely wear long sleeves, gloves and goggles. I’ve even worn disposable tyvek suits when clearing a patch of this stuff. Don’t recommend using a power tool like this to take out poison ivy.
Great video. I put a brush knife on my FS 80R two years ago. Complete game changer. That is the best thing ever and it's made me super lazy. Even if I'm just cutting grasses, I'll leave it on. It chops right through and I never have to fiddle around with the line at all. BTW, the brand Stihl is pronounced steel, not still.
I have the same trimmer and needed something for cutting down some extremely thick and tough tall grass along my creek bank. The string just gets ate up by them. I wasn't sure which blade would be best but you cleared that up. Thanks.
Approximately how many feet of trail can you trim in an hour? Talking about single track, going 3' on each side of the track with a trimmer. Probably using that triangle grass blade. Mainly weeds, grass, small saplings. Have to do it 3 times a year on about 13 miles in Kentucky.
I get the best results from my chainsaw-like blade by going past the right side of the tree I'm cutting and making the cut on the left side of the blade by drawing it back toward me. Much less kickback and seems to cut much more smoothly. IMHO, this is a "must have" attachment for any FS131 owners. Makes chainsaw-like cuts flush with the ground. Hint: If not pulling the stump, cut of heavier trees about 6" above ground level and then recut stump flush with the ground. It's much easier to control your cut that way.
I agree always use the left side of the blade. I can tell you from many years of experience the front and right side of the blade can give a really dangerous kick back slinging the trimmer and you to the right side violently. I have a stihl FS-250R VERY POWERFUL MACHINE and it taught me this very efficiently when taking out a two inch sapling. Thank God nobody was around me when this happened. Be safe out there these blades aint no joke. Especially at wide open throttle.
Thank you for this video. I just bought all 3 blades you demonstrated. The grass bladee I did not purchase with my FS-131. Haven't used it yet but this video was very informative on helping me decide which blade I will use on what I'm gonna be cutting. Thank you and very informative.
@@RunBikeMike *You should go with the speed feed 450 head, it's a timesaver and certainly worth the money and upgrade since you never have to remove the cap to reload the trimming line. Stihl makes one as well, I can't recall the name of the stihl speed feed head but it is black and white. I run the echo speed feed 450 head on my km131 and I can put around 18 feet of .105 line in that head in 30 seconds or less.*
Nice. I am trying a brand that is like the speed feed 450 but is a lot cheaper. I want to see how long it lasts. I hope a long time but if not I will definitely be getting the 450.
@@RunBikeMike *They have 1 on ebay for $17 that is good. Here it is:* www.ebay.com/itm/Trimmer-Head-78890-21001-For-Speed-Feed-450-STIHL-ECHO-Husqvarna/323742641799?_trkparms=aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20201210111314%26meid%3D62f4eaf770c64add804badc0a8cc7362%26pid%3D101195%26rk%3D6%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dag%26sd%3D193334586703%26itm%3D323742641799%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv9PairwiseUnbiasedWeb%26brand%3DUnbranded&_trksid=p2047675.c101195.m1851
Try using your bump head under the blade instead of the metal piece. That’s how I use it to cut the highways with saplings mixed into the Johnson grass. Don’t worry about that stupid kit and just buy a 20 dollar blade from Lowe’s. It will save you so much time I promise
Sthil makes a hard hat muff and face shield combo for saws. I cleared a BMX track and def recommend using it. I somehow got hit several times in the shield. Hard.
I have to wear both, the helmet/face mask and safety goggles. I've had grass get around the mask and get in my eyes. I've even gone so far as use the goggles with the foam gasket on them.
Can I ask if you can change a strimmer head of a kombi attachment to a blade brushcutter, I’ve inherited one so not bought myself, it’s. Stihl combi attached with a strimmer head at present but wondering if they all can be released and a blade cutter put on, or I have to buy the blade brushcutter attachment? Hope that makes sense, obviously being able to change it out would be a hell of a lot cheaper than buying a attachment. Thanks in advance and great video by the way 🤞
Great video mate ive got a knife blade attached and it gets the job done real fast and can cut through some thick weeds and brush but make sure you use some. Eye protection 👍
I personally favour the 3-knife brush blade for almost all manner of vegetation; except for small trees and saplings. I even use it for hedging. Small trees and saplings call for a saw blade with either 40 or 60 teeth. Good video though- my point about the 3-knife brush blade clearly demonstrated.
I've been using Shakespeare Ugly Line .095. It's the strongest I've ever used so far. It dries out quickly though, every couple of months I soak it water over night.
I have grass blades but never use them, I currently use Husqvarna X force strimmer line and find it excellent. If the going get heavy, ie bramble and brush, I use an Oregan mulching blade, which is phenomenal! The clearing saw blade is also great for saplings and small trees. I use a Husky 535LK pro combi and bought extra shafts, so the different heads are already fitted, so switching takes seconds! Like the look of the handle you have fitted to your strimmer, any info on that would be welcome! 👍
I agree with you on the knife blade. I’ve never used that line but I’m going to take your advice and get some. I just bought the attachment that takes the strands of thicker line and I don’t care much for it. But you are right about that knife blade for sure. I enjoyed your video
I never used on and didn’t want to spend the money on something I wasn’t sure I would like. I also got that 131r for the price of the 94r and couldn’t pass it up. Knowing I could buy the Darwin grip making it more comfortable for long use.
Where did you get that part(s) that you put on to hold the blade on? I've got a several year old FS 94, that I bought a few "Grass Blades" for, but I don't have the hardware to mount it. If mine came with it I musta lost it... I bought it from my local Rural King and you never get the accessories or all the crap that's supposed to come with something, unless it's a sealed box...
I have a Stihl FS-131 with the 3 knife blade. It's 250mm but there are bigger ones - do you think it's possible to fit a bigger one successfully? There is the space on the clearance...
Darne! I wish I would've watched this before I bought all my blades. I'm in Washington and thats probably the blade that would've been the most kick ass on my property. Thank you. I'm gonna check into it.
Great video, I have a very similar setup and all of those attachments. You're a recommendations are spot on. My Stihl doesn't get much use now that I switched to a walk behind brush mower, which is several times faster to do the same work.
Looking forward to replacing my fs 130 with the 131. I've had it for 5 years and it worked great until just recently, I think the carb just needs cleaned. But I want to try the 131.
I changed from the 4 blade my brush cutter attachment came with to the 3 knife; now it vibrates like crazy, it's tightened down, tried twice and same results. What do you think ?
I have the chisel tooth blade and it works pretty good. The 4 tip grass blade I find vibrates a lot.. not worth the money. Wonder if it can be balanced?
Hi Mike, thanks for the video. I just bought the 131R. To start off right, I'm watching some videos to get familiar with the trimmer. I bought mine to specifically use on thick vines, briars, brush and saplings of about 1". I see you have some type of handle that you use with your left hand. It looks like that could help a lot when cutting thick stuff. Where did you get that? Also, a different person's video said you have to change from the trimmer guard to a stronger guard when using a blade. Do you recommend the same?
Here is the grip I use. amzn.to/3WvAfbC Also some prefer to change the guard but I didn’t. It does help with safety however I feel pretty safe using it with the guard I have on. So personal preference.
I use the knife blade for up to 3" trees. I don't even understand why people use sawtooth blades when the knife blade works 10x faster. A full power swing will take down 2" buckthorn instantly!
String causes less damage to yard plants, fruit tree's, and siding. At high rpms the blade will chip brick, and cut fence wire . I've had the same blade with heavy use for 4 years now, and it still works fantastic . You can go for hours in ruff brush without the worry of running out of string
I have an abundance of blackberry & Salmonberry brambles on my property and purchased a 131R with the knife blade attachment. It's been great on the blackberry, but the Salmonberry stalks are tougher, and I'm considering that circular saw blade attachment. What I'll probably do is cut the Salmonberry stalks higher up, and then I can go back and completely uproot them by hand & shovel. I was able to find a co-op/feed store about 10 miles away that sells ethanol-free gas. I use the oil additive sold at my local Stihl dealership, which they say will extend the warranty period(if I recall correctly). Great purchase, so far!
hollow shaft or solid ? solid one is approx. 8 lbs extra weight yet it seems more durable with the knife blade if brush cutting a few larger stems~! thank you for taking the time to cover the topic.
I can't get an answer from my local stilh dealer about which blade I can run on a FS70RC. can you offer any input. Also do I need to change the standard trimmer shield/guard for a blade application?
I am not sure on that model. I know you need to make sure you have a solid shaft model. Otherwise it could damage the trimmer. I have ran with and without a guard.
First, I go for value in machines, strictly solid-shaft of course, like Husqy D-handle or bike-handle Tanaka, with blades like Oregon mulchers or Forester 9" chainsaw-cutter; maybe 12" 3-lobe in rocky field. ~25 cc machines work great. String is for along masonry ONLY, IMO. Oregon mulching blades puree the debris, for much cleaner job. For woody stuff, chainsaw-cutter way better than any others and sharpens easily in the field. Next experiment is Oregon mulchers on 45 year-old 21 cc 1 hp Echo. Place your bets. Never stihl, sorry, for reasons.
While I could not see definitively, it looked as though when the string head was removed and the plate and slightly concave washer came off the bottom of the gearhead, that the plate was put back on and the concave washer put on the inside. If you look at the Stihll instructions on how to assemble it, the large flat cover goes on first, followed by the blade that you want to use and then the concave washer. The stamped steel cap then goes on and the bolt finishes at all. There will be a slight space between the stamped steel cap and the blade you're using. However, all of that is necessary to keep the blade centered and tightened down flat. To use the chisel tooth circular saw- style blade, especially when cutting saplings or brush, the head needs to come from the right hand side of the trunk and cut toward the left, as if you cut from the left to the right, you are inviting serious kickback of the blade and machine.
10.5 and I appreciate you watching it even though it is not what you are here for. This is just a piece of the puzzle that is mtb trail building. And funny enough my tool videos are more popular than any of my mtb videos. They seem to reach a wide range of people. So it is fun to mix them in every so often.
Wisteria can have thickish stems - I would go for chisel tooth blade. This would be mostly for horizontal cutting. Vertical cutting is easier and safer with a polesaw.
Take the guard off so you can actually cut the grass... mash it up... and those steel tools for the Stihl work 10 times better if you use it like a golf club or a hockey stick... yeah you just smash trees and bushes down one hit... way more effective and my tools still work fine I think it's the proper way...
I have used the Chisel tooth saw for years in high grass and brush, and small trees with great success. it is my go to blade. I own 3, and keep them sharp to quick change, so I can cut for long periods without sharpening blades. My Trimmer is a 2005 FS 110 Bike handle model. It is still a beast all these years later. I am looking to upgrade so am interested in the FS 131. I have only owned this one Stihl trimmer, but 16 years of use, has made me a lifelong fan. This thing has paid for itself many times over. So, If I do get another, for the tougher jobs, and just use the old man for trimming yard edges, It will be a Stihl. I'm not set on the Model yet. Nice video, Thanks.
I have a FS 130 with handlebars. The harness that came with it is really useful as it takes the weight off your shoulders. The chisel tooth blade is called a woodcut blade. It cuts grass and saplings like anything. There is an 8 tooth grass blade that's pretty good also. The best is the woodcut blade. This year couldn't get an extra woodcut blade. I got a substitute made by Oregon. It has riveted chainsaw teeth around the outside of the blade. It is the best of them all. Cuts grass great. Been using it to cut small to medium stumps off at ground level. Cut first with chainsaw at waist level. Then come back with brush cutter. Since you are cutting close to the ground, you have to be careful to keep it out of the dirt.
Big Stihl fan here. My first machine was an FR350 backpack. i bought it 2nd hand for £150 over 20 years ago. No idea how many times it got used over that 2+ decade period, definitely in the 100's. Heaven knows how much use it had prior to me getting it as it was used by a professional landscaper from new.
I changed about 5 bump heads, 1 carburetor and one flexi shaft in all that time. I also used the 4 tooth blade but was not a fan of that attachment.
1 year ago I had an opportunity to buy a lot of used Stihl and other machinery from the grounds maintenance part of the place where i work. Most of the machines were in excellent condition and some were non runners. The non runners were missing a few little bits such as carb or air intake but effectively hardly used. I also got another backpack brush cutter too. The whole fleet of machines cost me £1200.
I placed my old FR350 on ebay and got £500 for that. The new fleet had a wood chipper (not Stihl) but only used once. I sold that for £1200.
Now i've recouped all of my original costs, kept a fleet of 8 of the Stihl machines. bought a brand new MS261, a pole saw and carbon extension for the kombi. I am a very happy chappy and the excess cash i made on the other unwanted machines helped me take the Mrs to Jamaica in August for our 30th wedding anniversary. Stihl machines hold their price if they're looked after. I am a fan. 🙂
I’m thinking that might be the blade i need.
There’s a ton of Giant Ragweeds I’m trying to deal with and the brush blade would probably do fine with the smaller ones but man they’ll get 2” in diameter sometimes.
I encourage anyone using these blades to to invest in the screened face shield. The material these things cut isn't like getting hit with grass or sand. Ask me how i know ...
Mind sharing your story? I learned the hard way with safety glasses, but never figured a mesh mask was needed
How do you know?
@@nes999when chopping brush with a string trimmer, it will have a tendency to throw wood splinters and small pebbles. That debris flies at such a velocity it will sting your face or even cut it in a worse case scenario. A mesh screen or a faceshield is definately recommended.
@@19vendetta19 when I use the circular blade on my FS 131, I wear the same gear as I do cutting trees in the bush: safety helmet with mesh screen, ear protectors, and sun flaps (also keeps debris from hitting my neck) , kevlar pants, safety boots, and gloves. When I use the brush blade, I wear my safety helmet, boots and gloves, but usually not the kevlar pants because they get warm pretty quickly and the tall weeds are more out in the open. If you are cutting noxious weeds like wild parsnip or giant hogweed, use extra caution to not get any of the juice on you. Definitely wear long sleeves, gloves and goggles. I’ve even worn disposable tyvek suits when clearing a patch of this stuff. Don’t recommend using a power tool like this to take out poison ivy.
Dad had a DR trimmer I used one time and when I say I got hit with a log it was bad lol
Great video. I put a brush knife on my FS 80R two years ago. Complete game changer. That is the best thing ever and it's made me super lazy. Even if I'm just cutting grasses, I'll leave it on. It chops right through and I never have to fiddle around with the line at all.
BTW, the brand Stihl is pronounced steel, not still.
Stihl is pronounced still unless you have an accent and think your smarter than the average bear
I have the same trimmer and needed something for cutting down some extremely thick and tough tall grass along my creek bank. The string just gets ate up by them. I wasn't sure which blade would be best but you cleared that up. Thanks.
Thank you for taking the time to make this video
Approximately how many feet of trail can you trim in an hour? Talking about single track, going 3' on each side of the track with a trimmer. Probably using that triangle grass blade. Mainly weeds, grass, small saplings. Have to do it 3 times a year on about 13 miles in Kentucky.
I get the best results from my chainsaw-like blade by going past the right side of the tree I'm cutting and making the cut on the left side of the blade by drawing it back toward me. Much less kickback and seems to cut much more smoothly. IMHO, this is a "must have" attachment for any FS131 owners. Makes chainsaw-like cuts flush with the ground. Hint: If not pulling the stump, cut of heavier trees about 6" above ground level and then recut stump flush with the ground. It's much easier to control your cut that way.
I agree always use the left side of the blade. I can tell you from many years of experience the front and right side of the blade can give a really dangerous kick back slinging the trimmer and you to the right side violently. I have a stihl FS-250R VERY POWERFUL MACHINE and it taught me this very efficiently when taking out a two inch sapling. Thank God nobody was around me when this happened. Be safe out there these blades aint no joke. Especially at wide open throttle.
What cc power would you recommend for the knife blade?
I use the 40 tooth carbide tip for a quick clearing because it cuts grass through to about 1/2 inch
Thank you for this video. I just bought all 3 blades you demonstrated. The grass bladee I did not purchase with my FS-131. Haven't used it yet but this video was very informative on helping me decide which blade I will use on what I'm gonna be cutting. Thank you and very informative.
Just bought my 1st sthl o man way worth the money, I've tried just about all of them . Nothing compares
*The echo black diamond .105 line is the most durable line I've found and I've used all the of the good lines.*
Nice! I am testing a new trimmer head. I hope to have a review up about it soon. Unfortunately it takes up to .095.
@@RunBikeMike *You should go with the speed feed 450 head, it's a timesaver and certainly worth the money and upgrade since you never have to remove the cap to reload the trimming line. Stihl makes one as well, I can't recall the name of the stihl speed feed head but it is black and white. I run the echo speed feed 450 head on my km131 and I can put around 18 feet of .105 line in that head in 30 seconds or less.*
Nice. I am trying a brand that is like the speed feed 450 but is a lot cheaper. I want to see how long it lasts. I hope a long time but if not I will definitely be getting the 450.
@@RunBikeMike *They have 1 on ebay for $17 that is good. Here it is:* www.ebay.com/itm/Trimmer-Head-78890-21001-For-Speed-Feed-450-STIHL-ECHO-Husqvarna/323742641799?_trkparms=aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20201210111314%26meid%3D62f4eaf770c64add804badc0a8cc7362%26pid%3D101195%26rk%3D6%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dag%26sd%3D193334586703%26itm%3D323742641799%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv9PairwiseUnbiasedWeb%26brand%3DUnbranded&_trksid=p2047675.c101195.m1851
Sweet thanks. I will check it out
Here for trail builds and biking but happen to also be in the market for a new Stihl trimmer. Timing couldn't be better!
If you have any question about them just let me know. I would be happy to try and answer them for you.
I use the brush cutter blade, works pretty good but I have a ton of blackberry vines on steep hills that are still a pain
Try using your bump head under the blade instead of the metal piece. That’s how I use it to cut the highways with saplings mixed into the Johnson grass. Don’t worry about that stupid kit and just buy a 20 dollar blade from Lowe’s. It will save you so much time I promise
Thanks! Just got one of these, was wanting to see what each attachment does. Cutting broom and gorse. Cheers from New Zealand.
Thank you for the info on the blades
Great video, useful info and presentation style.
Sthil makes a hard hat muff and face shield combo for saws. I cleared a BMX track and def recommend using it. I somehow got hit several times in the shield. Hard.
I have to wear both, the helmet/face mask and safety goggles. I've had grass get around the mask and get in my eyes. I've even gone so far as use the goggles with the foam gasket on them.
Cool, confirmed I can use the saw blade for the woody invasive plants.
Can I ask if you can change a strimmer head of a kombi attachment to a blade brushcutter, I’ve inherited one so not bought myself, it’s. Stihl combi attached with a strimmer head at present but wondering if they all can be released and a blade cutter put on, or I have to buy the blade brushcutter attachment? Hope that makes sense, obviously being able to change it out would be a hell of a lot cheaper than buying a attachment. Thanks in advance and great video by the way 🤞
Great video mate ive got a knife blade attached and it gets the job done real fast and can cut through some thick weeds and brush but make sure you use some. Eye protection 👍
I personally favour the 3-knife brush blade for almost all manner of vegetation; except for small trees and saplings. I even use it for hedging. Small trees and saplings call for a saw blade with either 40 or 60 teeth. Good video though- my point about the 3-knife brush blade clearly demonstrated.
I've been using Shakespeare Ugly Line .095. It's the strongest I've ever used so far. It dries out quickly though, every couple of months I soak it water over night.
You're into the Stihl stuff just like me! Nice informative video! Thanks!
Trying out the grass blade with the Kombi 56 rc-e I own. Bought the attachment for it. Maybe I’ll swap it out for the knife blade
This was EXCELLENT and well done and prepared. Well thought out as well. Very clear in showing detail. Thank you so much! 👍💯🇨🇦🍁
I have grass blades but never use them, I currently use Husqvarna X force strimmer line and find it excellent. If the going get heavy, ie bramble and brush, I use an Oregan mulching blade, which is phenomenal! The clearing saw blade is also great for saplings and small trees. I use a Husky 535LK pro combi and bought extra shafts, so the different heads are already fitted, so switching takes seconds! Like the look of the handle you have fitted to your strimmer, any info on that would be welcome! 👍
It is called the Darwin Grip and I love it. Here is a link to it. amzn.to/3lcI19v
Thank you so much!! It explains a lot for a beginner like me.
Thanks for the video. I completely forgot how to remove the head for my Kimbo.
I agree with you on the knife blade. I’ve never used that line but I’m going to take your advice and get some. I just bought the attachment that takes the strands of thicker line and I don’t care much for it. But you are right about that knife blade for sure. I enjoyed your video
I LOVE my brush blade! Haven't used the saw blade yet but that will be changing soon
What blade you recommend for clearing saw Brian's from fence rows
Would be good to see how you load the string & then as it gets shorter, how to lengthen the string & how long it should be.
Thanks for making this video. Can you explain more about Darwin's grip handler you have on your Stihl trimmer??? Thanks.
That was very helpful and realistic - thanks
Try a Renegade 80t carbide tipped blade. That is what I use to clear trails and it is fantastic.
Thank you for your time and experience,I am waiting on the knife blade to be delivered
Wonder if one of these blades will cut down a patch by about 5’ x 5’ of cactus 2 feet tall
where are the limit stop for the saw blade?
Also, missing brush cutter guard for grass blade.
2:50
To loosen, turn clockwise.
Awesome video that made me pull the trigger on buying my own 131 R today! Out of curiosity, what handlebar attachment do you have on your machine?
That is the Darwin grip. Enjoy your new Stihl 😊
@@RunBikeMike can I ask why you didn’t buy a handle bar machine to begin with?
I never used on and didn’t want to spend the money on something I wasn’t sure I would like. I also got that 131r for the price of the 94r and couldn’t pass it up. Knowing I could buy the Darwin grip making it more comfortable for long use.
@@RunBikeMike well you can’t argue with that price at all. As a stihl dealer my self that’s a absolute steal!
Does that Darwin grip get in the way if you turn the trimmer upside down to do edging?
I'd like to know where to get that auxiliary handle
Here is a link where you can get one. It is well worth the money.
amzn.to/2PXGfgD
Can this (swapping between string and blade) be done with the 450 as well?
Thanks helped with my purchase 🤠👍
Try out the 9" or 10" Renegade RSB blade
Where did you get that part(s) that you put on to hold the blade on?
I've got a several year old FS 94, that I bought a few "Grass Blades" for, but I don't have the hardware to mount it. If mine came with it I musta lost it...
I bought it from my local Rural King and you never get the accessories or all the crap that's supposed to come with something, unless it's a sealed box...
I have a Stihl FS-131 with the 3 knife blade. It's 250mm but there are bigger ones - do you think it's possible to fit a bigger one successfully? There is the space on the clearance...
try out the trimmer line gatorline 0.95 or .105
Would the 111 run those ok
Try out the Oregon brush mulching blade for line trimmers. They are good on blackberry stocks and I don't see many reviews of those.
Darne! I wish I would've watched this before I bought all my blades. I'm in Washington and thats probably the blade that would've been the most kick ass on my property. Thank you. I'm gonna check into it.
You should try the poly-cut .
Get a km unit with the hedge trimmer or power scythe attachment. Worlds of difference.
Thanks man!
Thanks for the video bro
Bought the 4 sided grass blade today. It sux!!
He didn’t really cut « brush ». Just some grass where trimmer is best. Also any battery hand held chain saw will take care of any sapplings.
How good does it do with thick Briar Patch
Great video, I have a very similar setup and all of those attachments. You're a recommendations are spot on. My Stihl doesn't get much use now that I switched to a walk behind brush mower, which is several times faster to do the same work.
I've been looking at the DR Trimmer, which one did you get. My property is 209 ft x 209 ft.. a walk behind would be much faster
Which walk-behind brush mower would you recommend for mowing brush along an electric fence on a farm?
I’m looking to purchase a Sthil fs131 soon, but and was wondering if these attachments come with it or whether they are optional accessories?
They are optional that have to be bought separately.
so wonderful beautiful video Mike i love it see so nice
Good video
Looking forward to replacing my fs 130 with the 131. I've had it for 5 years and it worked great until just recently, I think the carb just needs cleaned. But I want to try the 131.
I changed from the 4 blade my brush cutter attachment came with to the 3 knife; now it vibrates like crazy, it's tightened down, tried twice and same results. What do you think ?
Hmm I am not sure what would cause that other than the blade being out of balance
@@RunBikeMike I agree, I'll take it to my stihl dealer where I got it, it's still under warranty
I have the chisel tooth blade and it works pretty good. The 4 tip grass blade I find vibrates a lot.. not worth the money. Wonder if it can be balanced?
Great information thank you
My fs131 won’t fit these as the spline doesn’t have that notch
Very informative thank you for this video.
Hi Mike, thanks for the video. I just bought the 131R. To start off right, I'm watching some videos to get familiar with the trimmer. I bought mine to specifically use on thick vines, briars, brush and saplings of about 1". I see you have some type of handle that you use with your left hand. It looks like that could help a lot when cutting thick stuff. Where did you get that? Also, a different person's video said you have to change from the trimmer guard to a stronger guard when using a blade. Do you recommend the same?
Here is the grip I use. amzn.to/3WvAfbC
Also some prefer to change the guard but I didn’t. It does help with safety however I feel pretty safe using it with the guard I have on. So personal preference.
Is the four blade cutter needs to be sharpened? Hello from Québec Canada!🇨🇦
no but you could. It might cut even better if you sharpen it.
@@RunBikeMike ok, thanks!
What’s the brand of that aftermarket handle. That thing looks really nice
Ballard inc
Nice video I’m looking at getting the stihl 91, what is the handle you have on your trimmer? Looks like it helps.
It is a Darwin Grip. It is great. amzn.to/3BMwzqY
I use the knife blade for up to 3" trees. I don't even understand why people use sawtooth blades when the knife blade works 10x faster. A full power swing will take down 2" buckthorn instantly!
Where did you get that extra handle???
Here is where you can buy one. amzn.to/3p1sSgr
echo crossfire is a good line
Where did you get your handle from?
Here is a link amzn.to/3pEcymh
Did you have a bunch of grease everywhere with your first use? I’ve got grease all over from the power head/shaft part …
No I didn’t but if they put to much in I could see that happening.
What are pros/cons/difference between using string or the 3 bladded one?
Sting is good around the house but for brush go with the 3 blades
String causes less damage to yard plants, fruit tree's, and siding. At high rpms the blade will chip brick, and cut fence wire . I've had the same blade with heavy use for 4 years now, and it still works fantastic . You can go for hours in ruff brush without the worry of running out of string
Nice job!
I have an abundance of blackberry & Salmonberry brambles on my property and purchased a 131R with the knife blade attachment. It's been great on the blackberry, but the Salmonberry stalks are tougher, and I'm considering that circular saw blade attachment. What I'll probably do is cut the Salmonberry stalks higher up, and then I can go back and completely uproot them by hand & shovel. I was able to find a co-op/feed store about 10 miles away that sells ethanol-free gas. I use the oil additive sold at my local Stihl dealership, which they say will extend the warranty period(if I recall correctly). Great purchase, so far!
Ferns! I have tons of thick ferns here, hoping that the chisel tooth saw blade or brush knife work for me.
Hello where i can buy handle ?
hollow shaft or solid ? solid one is approx. 8 lbs extra weight yet it seems more durable with the knife blade if brush cutting a few larger stems~! thank you for taking the time to cover the topic.
Solid
@@RunBikeMike would agree , very few vids of the comparison, other equipment can be added yet not for the lighter weighted shaft.
I bought a new 3 blade brush cutter blade and my entire KM56 vibrated extremely a lot what do you think would cause that?
Is that a solid shaft trimmer? If not then that might cause those issues.
@@RunBikeMike straight shaft Kombi with string trimmer and bush cutter attacments. 3 knife blade went on the brush cutter attachment
@@RunBikeMike it's a 2 piece so it accepts other attachments like leaf blower, edger, pole saw etc
I can't get an answer from my local stilh dealer about which blade I can run on a FS70RC. can you offer any input. Also do I need to change the standard trimmer shield/guard for a blade application?
I am not sure on that model. I know you need to make sure you have a solid shaft model. Otherwise it could damage the trimmer. I have ran with and without a guard.
I have a km 131 kombi motor with Strimmer attached can I do the same
Where did you get that handle
Here is where I got mine. amzn.to/472aVQC
This doesn’t rev as high as expected. Seems like it should rev higher even with string
First, I go for value in machines, strictly solid-shaft of course, like Husqy D-handle or bike-handle Tanaka, with blades like Oregon mulchers or Forester 9" chainsaw-cutter; maybe 12" 3-lobe in rocky field. ~25 cc machines work great. String is for along masonry ONLY, IMO. Oregon mulching blades puree the debris, for much cleaner job. For woody stuff, chainsaw-cutter way better than any others and sharpens easily in the field. Next experiment is Oregon mulchers on 45 year-old 21 cc 1 hp Echo. Place your bets. Never stihl, sorry, for reasons.
Why would it shake or vibrate like the blade is loose? I’ve followed all the steps
While I could not see definitively, it looked as though when the string head was removed and the plate and slightly concave washer came off the bottom of the gearhead, that the plate was put back on and the concave washer put on the inside. If you look at the Stihll instructions on how to assemble it, the large flat cover goes on first, followed by the blade that you want to use and then the concave washer. The stamped steel cap then goes on and the bolt finishes at all. There will be a slight space between the stamped steel cap and the blade you're using. However, all of that is necessary to keep the blade centered and tightened down flat. To use the chisel tooth circular saw- style blade, especially when cutting saplings or brush, the head needs to come from the right hand side of the trunk and cut toward the left, as if you cut from the left to the right, you are inviting serious kickback of the blade and machine.
Thanks much
im only here for the bikes but your videos are great so ill watch anyways
Also, how much acres do you have?
10.5 and I appreciate you watching it even though it is not what you are here for. This is just a piece of the puzzle that is mtb trail building. And funny enough my tool videos are more popular than any of my mtb videos. They seem to reach a wide range of people. So it is fun to mix them in every so often.
@@RunBikeMike just a thought... maybe you make a channel just for tool videos? That would be a lot of editing tho
Which blade is the best to use for wisteria?
I am not sure. I don’t have that plant around where I live.
Wisteria can have thickish stems - I would go for chisel tooth blade. This would be mostly for horizontal cutting. Vertical cutting is easier and safer with a polesaw.
Did you feel shaking or vibration when you used the brush cutter?
No it is well balanced
Mine has terrible vibration with the brush blade
Nice video great trimmer l have one 😊
Buen video, mi multifunción Stihl Km 94 con disco va bastante más lenta, me vale para comparar potencia, gracias, saludos desde España-
whats the name of that handle you are using on the stihl trimmer
It is the Darwin Grip. amzn.to/36kRJQs
@@RunBikeMike ok thank you so much
Darwin
thanks I appreciate a response, I had to get some for my trimmers@@paulbecker97
I just bought the knife blade and man that thing vibrates way to much to even run the trimmer. Any idea why that’s happening? I have a fs91r
Hmm that is odd. Is the fs91r a solid shaft?
RunBikeMike yes. I’ll take it apart and reassemble it and hope that fixes it
Yeah maybe also check to see if the blade is balanced too.
Knife blade all day everyday when it comes to brush and small saplings.
Take the guard off so you can actually cut the grass... mash it up... and those steel tools for the Stihl work 10 times better if you use it like a golf club or a hockey stick... yeah you just smash trees and bushes down one hit... way more effective and my tools still work fine I think it's the proper way...