our Echo blowers and trimmers are over 30 years old. All start & run perfectly. Some basic maintenance is all they've had. No major failures, and parts are still available. We switched to 40:1 a while ago for everything, (includes Lawn-Boy's and Stihls from the 70's) and are using Lucas semi-synthetic 2 cycle.
Hey, appreciate your post. I have 2-cycle equipment as a Homeowner. My favorite is my Toro 22043 Commercial Mower from 2001. Suzuki 2-cycle engine. I use Echo Red Armor mixed at 40:1. Can you recommend a better 2-cycle lubricant?
As one that repairs yard equipment, Echo and Huskvarna are the two most reliable makers of residential level yard equipment. Inexpensive, reliable, long life, and easy to repair.
I just bought the 16” curved because it was cheaper, 179 at Home Depot. Was going to get an electric one but the build quality of those are booty. Used it for about 3-5 hours and it was great! My first trimmer I ever owned. Start up great. 15 mins full throttle and no malfunction.
I love my Echo straight shaft trimmer and Echo blower. Both have worked great for about 10 yrs. now. I did have to rebuild the carb on the blower last year but it still runs strong. Go Team Echo!!
Another thing about Echo- longevity. I can’t speak about every piece of equipment, but my Echo SRM-225 was refurbished in May 2013, and now in June 2023 still works great. We’ve had no major mechanical issues, only had to replace the head once. I make sure to change my spark plugs and air filter after every season, but that’s it. Take care of your SRM-225 and it can last you a decade. I’d 100% recommend it for an average homeowner, however, as with most pieces of equipment, I’d recommend stepping up to the Echo X-Series products for commercial landscapers or those with large multi-acre properties. For the price point it’s at, I’d argue the SRM-225 is the best trimmer on the market, hands down.
I think based on the price point you just can't beat the echo. For the cost it punches way above its weight class in quality and power. I do agree on the weedeater featherlite. For a cheap piece of "junk" as some folks claim, they put out a lot of power out of such a small motor and hold up relatively well. Also, if you trim a lot you begin to notice the weight difference.
I've had my echo srm-230 for 15 years. Purchased new. It was my only strimmer for its first 5 or so years and took care of 3 acres. I've since gathered other trimmers (just to mention big name brands) a husqvarna 128ld, stihl fs 55 and last year a stihl fs 70r. And I still prefer the echo for any extended use! If my srm-230 dies and it isn't economically feasible to repair, I'll definitely be buying a new echo to replace it! Provided they're still available.
Greetings from Mississauga Ontario Canada 🇨🇦!!! I couldn't agree with you more . My personal trimmer is an Echo 2620T, wouldn't trade it for anything, it does it all! Love your vids keep them coming!
@@HomeGaragechannel Cheers my friend, love your content, I'm personally an Echo guy, nothing wrong with Stihl, just prefer Echo, I find them easier to maneuver and extremely well balanced, a fantastic product.
I love everything you had to say about the echo's. Of course something like Echo vs stihl is a heated debate especially in the professional community, I have lots of respect for echo equipment and although I have been tempted to switch to echo I have remained with stihl just because I haven't been given a reason to switch and some of the fancy features (kinda like a nice sports car) like the auto off choke when ya blip the throttle just make me happy. I do love the power some of my stihl's push out, the big motorcycle handlebar version of the 131 is an absolute beast of a trimmer and just destroys whatever I put in front of it although my FS70r is awesome for daily trimming even though I will probably switch to something like a 111 for a little more grunt. I am a strong supporter of feeling out equipment before you buy it just to see what you prefer, I preferred the feel of stihl and went with that but you should always run something you are comfortable running.
ive had echo trimmers for years and they have been beasts. tried a stihl and it was the biggest pos i ever had. head kept breaking the line off and tried replacing it and couldnt find a head to fit it, even stihl didnt have any in stock anywhere. worst experience ever.
@@framelawncare6671 trust me there are alot out there but none that fit that model, it was absolutely ridiculous. i even went to the place i bought it and they were confused about it as well.
Great video… I bought a echo straight shaft trimmer in 1987…I was looking for one and my wise uncle said the echo brand, although more expensive, would last longer. I still have it and it works great. At the same time I was looking for the trimmer I also bought a leaf blower…but I chose a Stihl over an Echo due to the side of the machine the blower intake was on…me being right handed allowed the Echo to suck the leg of my shorts against the intake grill…reducing output…. I kept that one for 30 years and only replaced it after removing the carburetor to clean it and improperly installing the gasket thus blocking the fuel pump vacuum source. I gave it to a friend and after seeing him using it a few days later, I asked what was wrong with it and he politely informed me of my mistake….I guess you are never too old to learn
I have a really old echo weed eater that's the gray one and it fires right up on one pull and a old Stihl backpack blower it starts up every once in awhile
i'll tell you what... i've always been a huge fan of Stihl trimmers. And, i've ran MANY other brands of trimmers thru the years: Homelite, Poulan, Craftsman, MTD, Weedeater, Husqvarna, McCulloch, etc. Sadly, i've never ran an Echo trimmer. I've always wanted to, but never have gotten the chance. Just last year, i decided to buy my first piece of Echo equipment: an Echo PB-9010T backpack blower, and oh my God is it a beast! I've been super impressed with it! And that Japanese engineering in it is absolutely second to none! After purchasing that blower, as soon as one of my Stihl's die, I'll definitely be getting an Echo trimmer. I'm not sure if i'd get the SRM225, i really like the idea of the SRM-2620T. I've watched a myriad of videos on it on UA-cam after Echo released it to all of the content creators/landscapers on UA-cam, and it looks absolutely amazing! I just cannot justify the $400 price tag for it lol. Especially when i currently have perfectly running Stihls, and PILES of parts to keep the FS-85s going. Maybe someday i'll be able to get one : ) . I love you IHG! Great video, as usual, my friend!
Love my 1987 Echo SRM 3000 trimmer, and it is still going strong. No complaints here. It did cost a bit when I bought, but I knew that I was buying a quality product. Buy once, cry once and I am happy I made that choice looking back in time.
Personally I think straight shaft is a lot better for heavier work, they move better, store better and get into far to reach places way better. On the topic of Echo vs other brands, they all have their strengths and weaknesses but sometimes you will come across a hidden gem, and that to me is better no matter the brand. For example I have an older “John Deere” trimmer (it’s a homelite) that works wonders and has never once let me down.
Straight shaft all around. Not only are they more maneuverable, but you can flip edge a lot easier with them, so you don’t need to pull out the stick edger every week. Also they aren’t guaranteed to have a cable shaft, you can get a solid shaft which holds up better over time.
Hi Home Garage, For the longest time I used to use troy bilt (MTD) trimmers. I never had a problem with them. They never broke, and they were easy to use. Then, I started fixing Echo's. When I used my first one, I liked it, but I'm only 5'8 and that shaft is really long for me. Just something to get used to. The only problems I have with the Echo's are the fuel system (nothing new) and the coil. The coils always go bad. But I think they are much better and I would much rather use than any other brand. Even though MTD's are a cheap trimmer, I really do have something for them. Happy fixing!!!
I worked on a co workers SRM-225 a few years ago. Before handing it back to him I tested it out in the yard and I liked it so much I purchased one for myself at the orange home center.
I just bought one of these about a month and a half ago at the time I posted this comment. Got it for $140 off of Facebook marketplace and it looked like it had been used once or twice. It still looked brand spanking new as it was clean. The gas tank had not even started to change color. it still had the original line that came with it and was almost full. I am very very happy with it and I have been working with mine for about an hour and 15 minutes and you are right. It is very balanced and does not tire you out
@@HomeGaragechannel I did not realize I had already commented on this video six months ago, but I just commented on it again lol. Try using a brush cutter on this machine. I just bought a brush cutter conversion kit for it from Home Depot by Echo and it does not disappoint..
Still using an echo straight shaft trimmer. It’s at least 10 years old and I bought I bought it used.Starts Every Single Time. Bought a speed feed a couple of years ago and it’s amazing.
I have a large yard with some very big trees. I went over to Echo and Shindaiwa chainsaws about 10 years ago (from Stihl) and am very happy with the choice. For trimmers I have a 26cc Shindaiwa and a a 35cc Zenoah brush cutter, both Japanese made and trouble free.
I do lawn care for a living now days but I got my first echo trimmer almost 18 years ago. Found it in a trash pile from a rummage sale. Grabbed it put fresh gas in and she fired right up. I still have that trimmer and use it almost every day. I could buy a new one but there's just simply no need. Great products. If this old grey one ever quits there's no doubt in my mind il go get another echo.
Had my Echo GT-225 for about 12 years. Finally went belly up this year. Bought the straight shaft version this year. Hope it lasts just as long or longer!
As having worked for people in the mowing business you use what they have, so I've gotten to use a lot of different stuff. My own was a big Stihl brush cutter with the handlebars that was great for brush but awkward for trimming. My next was an Echo 225 straight shaft convertible that almost never gave a bit of trouble. The son-in-law now has it and it continues to run just fine. I like Echo because it just WORKS, although we had 2 Weedeater trimmers because they were light and somewhat reliable. My Echo was always ready to go when they died. And I liked the straight shaft over the curved because of the extra REACH! My DeWalt is the same way. I might even get to use it this year! THanks and Blessings!
Just like you said they just work. Every time I go to use it starts right up and works as long as I need it to. I spend no time fixing and all my time just doing. Great machine.
I have a dinosaur of an SRM-2100, but it’s a Really Good dino! Been repairing (and currently time for a carby overhaul) and rebuilding these things for years and I own two of them! They’re really easy to repair and maintain (Echo’s I prefer for ease of access) other brands have convoluted designs and hard to access in case of breakdown to repair! I don’t like complicated design, just get in, fix and it’s ready to run. Echo makes things reliable to own and I have great experience with their equipment. They’re just easy to fix, besides they get expensive (from my strict budget anyway) if you’re gonna be replacing it! It’s good to have long-lasting reliable equipment when you prep for storage (empty the fuel tank and run it until remaining fuel is consumed to mitigate Fuel Line Hardening due to stagnant fuel within the fuel line if in a 2-cycle because you gum the carby and carbys Are Expensive to replace if you don’t clear them at the End-Of-Season and just let them sit!) and use fuel stabilizer for reliable starting for the next season😅 UPDATE: bought carby rebuild kits and installed on both units and made a few idle and mixture adjustments, now they’re good-as-new!😭
biking...I've got the Echo SRM-2100 (straight shaft) too...over 22 years old. Just an amazing trimmer. One new trimmer head and a fuel line set, greased the shaft twice, run non-ethanol, been through so many 800+ft rolls of line.. Would like a new one...but no practical reason to buy. The SRM-2100 is going to outlast me. Same for the ECHO PB-200 blower. Thanks for mentioning this Echo Model!!
After years of use, I'm still using a Huskvarna 223L. They don't make that model anymore. I bought it for it's light weightiness. I like one that is so light you can almost twirl it like a baton with one hand for the easy finesse of sensitive spots and it don't tire you out holding it for long periods.
Echos are great. My srm 225 trimmers are 4 seasons old and still work great. I always run premium ethanol free gas and they run so smooth. I also use their handblowers and a 16 inch chainsaw they are great too. I also run Toro turnfmaster 30 inch mowers and they are also great with the Kawasaki engine.
I have the PAS2620 and for its size it's pretty incredible. It's probably five years old at this point but it is still reliable start and run wise. It is the commercial unit as well so it should last longer than some of the cheap units I had. At this point though, I have to see how much it will be to replace the bearings in the pto shaft as they are squealing. It could be just that they're dry and need lubrication.
I have an Echo Pas system (power head & attachments), that I've owned for about 10 yrs. I actually have three. I bought one, inherited one, and once I moved to a larger property, bought a more powerful power head. If my Echo equipment were to die, I'd replace it with more Echo equipment. I've had a few problems with it, but that has been due to being used by a person who 1, didn't want to be using it, and 2, didn't get along with power equipment. Since I've taken over that work, I've had zero problems with it. It cranks easily every time. My previous neighbor had Stihl equipment, and often struggled with getting it started. I just recently bought a couple of new attachments. If needing more than just a trimmer, I'd recommend an attachment system. Advantages of attachment systems: 1. Only have to keep one engine running. If you hardly ever use, say, an edger, you won't have an edger engine sitting unused for months. 2. Cheaper. A power head with, say 3 attachments is cheaper than 3 separate tools. However, for one tool, it's not cheaper. An SRM 225 is cheaper than a PAS 225 with a trimmer attachment. 3. If upgrading the power head, all of your attachments get the benefits of the upgrade. I upgraded my power head, and now I have a more powerful trimmer, edger, blower, brush cutter, and pole saw. BTW, why did you cannibalize the SRM225? You mentioned something about being worn out. Someone actually wore out an SRM225? I've never seen one worn out. Was it used commercially?
Your not alone.. I've owned Echo products for years..still own my 1st one from the 1980s..a back pack blower.. still runs great..got a straight string trimmer..from the 1990s . I run Sea - Foam in my fuel tank. With proper Echo mix... My brother uses Echo,s at there golf course.. Hinsdale Golf Club. The place is 120 old..in IL. Ty
I have had an echo srm 225 for over 10 and it has never not started. Though I do run the gas out of it at the end of every season. I also keep up with regular maintenance
I just sold my 2014 Echo-SRM-225 straight shaft trimmer…for $50 bought it New from Home Depot for $200+.. Was in my shed not being used for at 2-3 seasons..put fresh gas in same old spark plug… And started after about 3 pulls..ran like a champ..I went electric battery..just for the convenience factor only.. What a testament of the Echo brand !! Excellent machine!!
Have an echo straight trimmer (12+ years old no problems) echo backpack blower (over 25 years old, new carb about 6 years ago) stihl hedge trimmers and chainsaw that are used much less than the echoes and they do what I wanted them to do.
I own two of these angle echo trimmers a. Customer got sick of them not starting when he needed then ( turn out he was not mixing fuel correctly ) and he went electric . And there is the thing most consumers want a product they can pick up and use rite away and most of them do not want to do anything but run in used it and put it away so if it fails put it away and either buy another one or go electric . Here is a good question for you HG doe’s Echo make a trimmer with quick attach shaft that is universal ?that would be a great way to go for a conversion if possible . I like the echo product had both I have up in running in no time I have a huskie with quick attach and wow opens up all kinds of possibility’s from tillers to brushes to hedge clippers and pole saws and it runs all them great . If they make a quicks shart for the echo trimmer I would either buy the part and install it on both with strieght shat trimmer end but selling point would be can used most universal attachments . Also agree Balence is important before I did engine repair I had a landscaping buisness and the larger heavy trimmers we just to much on shoulders and arms so mired over to a brush hog walk behind and it work much better I feel a lighter trimmer is perfect for around home you do not need a million CC trimmer to grass around home . My thoughts at least
thank you James Crowley and yes they make them so they can take attachments. The issue is the "universal" part. The shaft has to be the right size, and the coupling for the drive shaft has to be universal too. So that part, I'm not sure about.
Have a srm225 for 8yrs now, bought new @home depot, I do what little maintenance it needs from year to year, never a problem. I agree straight shaft is more comfortable n reach is better especially around shrubs n embankment. Had a ryobi 31cc 2 stroke for 16yrs until the connecting rod or the bearing let loose, but very good product, the draw back, it was a curve shaft not as workable as my echo.
I noticed both trimmers in this video had 300 hour EPA ratings. Current versions of both of those trimmers are only 50 hours. I just bought Echo's least expensive 300 hour rated trimmer, and it is the SRM 2320T. Retail is $289 but I paid $249. Did Echo lessen the quality of the 225's, or has the rating system changed? Same goes for Echo's handheld blowers, their consumer model 2520 has a 50 hour rating, so I bought their X-series 2620 with a 300 hour rating. Both the 2320T trimmer and the 2620 blower I bought have chrome plated pistons and cylinders, and the 50 hour rated machines do not. It seems as though more of their older machines had the 300hr rating.
not sure, but I'm going to guess the parameters for the testing changed, making what used to be good for 300 hours by EPA standards, go down, to the absolute minimum
Love the Echo trimmer!! The Stihl trimmer that I really like is the 2 cycle FS 94R is super light, yes it is expensive compared to the Echo but boy is it nice. Have you ever tried it?But my favorite trimmer is the Red max , man is a monster. Super light and powerful.
Echo is just in general a quality product you can feel in your hands as you start the engine and use it, not to mention there is great parts and accessory support, real dealers and simple
I have one. Always starts and will run and idle all day like a car. Could not ask for a better machine and I'm going on 8 years of use not a single issue runs like the day I bought it. Hope they never stop making it.
Echo tremors are very underrated. I’ve never used a STHIL trimmer so I couldn’t tell you, but I do have the SRM 225 and I absolutely love it! However, I have watched a couple of videos with people using STIHL chainsaws, and that is where their niche is. Echo makes an excellent chainsaw as well, but when it comes to cutting speed and buttery cuts, you can’t beat a STIHL. Like you though. I cannot afford expensive equipment. I got my SRM 225 barely used for $140. It looked like a brand new machine that maybe was used once or twice and then cleaned up and sold to me through that famous app that has a marketplace section. I also have an older Craftsman (Sears) chainsaw and also Poulans which were all given to me for free by a family member.. Those two brands were all made by Husqvarna anyway. Well, while they are not STHIL, they get the job done just fine.
I've had the chance to use a variety and to be honest most of the Mid to higher end equipment are all "great value" meaning you're getting a fantastic machine. Choose between the big 3 or 4 and you'll get a good machine for sure.
And having a Stihl and Echo blower I'll say that each has it's place. I keep the Stihl outfitted for the vacuum when the leaves fall and let the Echo do the blowing. In the summer, each gets to blow. But the Stihl is 2nd hand and both are older. Good old Tru-fuel or Stihl orange bottle!
I have never used a STIHL trimmer except for a bettery powered one (which isn't my thing). But I have used many other brands of trimmers including more expensive ones, The Echo is the best trimmer I have ever had. I can say the same thing for my Echo blower which is a PB-2520. It is so much better than my old MTD Bolens blower. I never realized how bad it was until I got the echo. It vibrated so much, and it was actually a lot heavier. The echo is so smooth and pleasant to use. It also is more powerful and obviously more reliable. Unless they go down hill quickly, I won't buy anything else other than an Echo. I have noticed that new echo products say Yamabiko instead of Koritz on the stickers, so I am not sure if another company bought them or something? But the new blower (only had it for a year) seems to be just as good as my 5 year old SRM-225.
AND one of the best things about echo srm225 and GT225 is that there are so many of them that parts are readily available. They are the Toyota 4Runner of weedwackers.
Thanks for all your professional opinion Unbiased Review on equipment not advertising And a view not ignoring that Some consumers vote with their money And not in a Pissing contest With the Jones Thanks a Billion Do to Inflation 🤑
Never liked the 4 mix concept of the Stihl 91R engine. I have yet to see any benefit of the big, bulky, overcomplicated and underperforming monsters. I suppose they are a benefit to the mower shops. Echo is winning me over, but the older Stihl 2 cycle models (FS-85s, etc.) are still my favorites. Great show.
I’ve had my Echo SRM-225 for over eight years. With only routine maintenance that I do myself, it operates flawlessly and does everything I need it to do. If you keep your fuel filter, air filter, and carburetor clean, and change your spark plug once in a while, it’ll always start right up perfectly. If you keep the gear box greased (at least on older models like mine), the head will last for many years. Here’s a tip: take the stupid screen of your spark arrester. That thing just makes it leak oil when it gets clogged with carbon, and it’s a pain to clean it all the time. You don’t need it anyway.
You always want to make sure the environment you buy is comfortable & that your going to be able to use it in a safe manner so my advice would be do research or go to a local lawn equipment dealer or store & take your time when choosing I would recommend holding them in your hands in the store and feel the weight or if you have any questions or concerns ask the store manager before buying or if you have more than one question or concern write it down choose the product that works best for your needs 😀😀
Well when using a Echo unit under residential use the 5 year warranty is what sold me that and the fact the local Echo dealer gives better support then the Stihl Dealer
Love my echos. Converted 2 sthil guys couple seasons ago with over 100 accounts each. Just recently one of them tells me I cant believe my trimmers still going i would have to replace my sthils by now. Nice no valves to adjust and there lighter too.
I bought a high end Husky. Nothing but trouble from the start. After some research I bought a Echo 3020T. Expensive but powerful, reliable, and reduces time working. It will dig a hole. The 2:1 gear reduction cutter head provides great torque.
I was searching both Echo and Stihl. Not the CHEAPEST models...but mid range $280-$325.00. However....both do Not have grease ports for the heafs anymore; and CABLE shafts...not steel or metal. In other words....Buy; use a few yrs. ; then necessary to Throw away. Sad. Much like many products today. Buy, use, toss :(
@cedartreealf It's called engineered obsolescence. The Echo had a reputation for amazing reliability over many years of use. I have a 3020t with steel shift and grease fitting, three years old. The manufacturers are all doing this. Husqvarna used to be the top of the line high reving saw years ago. They are still not cheap. Bought a new one several years ago and was extremely disappointed. Many of the premium brands are little better than the Chinese knockoffs. I bought a 3/4 impact wrench from Harbor Freight because it was better than Milwaukee and much less in dollars. I was a Milwaukee and Porter Cable patron. I've always gone out of my way not to support China and still do in most instances. Frustrating.
Thanks. I think I will stick with my old reluable electric. Even the EGO battery has complaints about : batteries, line tangling, etc. Sad to see so many BAD reviews of Echo & Stihl as I really wanted the ease of use@@rickhale4348
I own a Shindaiwa T-230X with blue plastic covers. Says Limited Edition due to the Blue plastics. The Weed Eater won't quit. But for a Home Owner like us, it is more machine than we need. Fairly heavy. So we bought a cheap Poulan that doesn't even have a clutch. We use the Poulan a lot but Shindaiwa longevity is awesome.
Hi. I have a question . The Echo SRM 225 gas trimmer had a issue sometime ago, where oil was leaking out of the muffler area. Some echo customers complained about it. Did Echo ever resolve that issue, and if so is there a newer updated Echo SRM 225 gas trimmer that no longer has that problem?
The longest I have had a piece of echo equipment is 3.5 years. Now my neighbor has had his echo for 25 years. I love my echos, and that is the only brand of small engine equipment I would buy new and a lot of the time used. Unless I was buying the piece of equipment for collection purposes. I agree 100% about the cumbersomeness of Stihls. Have you run an echo 2620 trimmer?
Price and weight.. once you master a technique, you can do wonders and clean ups with the lightest equipment and that's why it's my preference.. I am a master trimmer and i just need good technique and good string..
Echo trimmers and blowers have a really nice sound to them. But that’s just my opinion. I rather take a Stihl trimmer all day than an Echo trimmer because of its power and lightweight. They really do have a little bit more power and they weigh a little lighter too, but I’m not a fan when they break and that’s when parts start to becoming a nightmare. But overall, I would choose both.☺️
Hi Mr Clean! What dya think about the fact these Echos are always running a lil rough at full throttle, it seems normal for these one like yours, heard a lot and same thing all time. Don't like this hesitating sound, dya have a solution? Iknow there are no conventional adjustments on carb but not sure it will change anything,,, richer fuel maybe?
I do not find them to be that way at all, and if I came across one, I would assume it needs to be serviced. I find 90% of all machines to be neglected and needing attention. As for yours, there's not much I can do without seeing it in person.
I personally love echos but not the new ones, I love the old gray ones, my uncle has one that sat in his barn not used for 5 years, all we did last summer was put some gas in it and it started 5 pull
I have been a landscape contractor for 27 years and have always used echo. They hold up and have always been reliable. My stihl weed eaters not so great.
I have a 2003 echo srm 210 that is still going strong. Before that I had a stihl that broke & could not be fixed. Glad the repairman suggested the echo.
I have a straight shaft Husqvarna 224L. It's HEAVY and my back really aches after using it. Also its carb does not have adjustment screws like you show in your videos, so I'm puzzled and don't know how to tune it.
@Home Garage it's not really that great. Despite my best efforts to use ethanol free, and stabilized gas, it will start running poorly in just over two years. When I pull the trigger all the way, the motor will speed up but then bog down and kill. It also will not idle. It will kill if i let go of the trigger completely. I replaced the carb, and it runs much better but still struggles at high rpms some and still sometimes will not idle. I ALWAYS run all the gas out and empty the tank every time I use it. I change the oil frequently. Must be something I'm doing wrong. I had to return my last one of these.
I bought a old hedge trimmer echo hc150 the old for 20 dollars and a 12 dollar carb runs good it looked like it was barley new since the cutting system look new and sharp
The Komi is heavy. Try the FS-56 RC, it is not that heavy, 10# or so. You have to balance any trimmer to fit you by moving its handle forward or backward until it’s weight is balanced to your weight and height. I try to buy Made in USA, which is one of the reasons I like Stihl. I don’t have to do a lot of trimming in my yard but I have an additional lot that requires trimming because it gets overgrown. therefore I like a trimmer that will do light work and heavy work. As for reliability and a long life. My last Stihl trimmer (anFS-76) lasted me over twenty years
So I replaced the carb like you told me with a new one and it would run but would turn off unless I kept throttling it but after a while it would turn off completely. So now I've replaced the air filter and the fuel filter and not only does it still turn off after a minute but now it's leaking fuel through the air filter compartment. The air filter was half soaked. Is the air filter salvageable? I soaked it as much as i could with a napkin. This 225 is about a year old. And all the parts i replaced are new. Any idea what may be wrong?
yes gasoline soaked filters are completely reusable after getting soaked with fuel. As for the carb, sometimes you have to make adjustments to the carb to get it to work with the machine.
I bought an echo srm 225 and srm 3020T. HATE both of them was willing to sell both before the first tank of gas ran out. 225 is WEAK. I wish I’d went back with stihl FS 131. Lighter stronger better balanced than the 3020T and the head doesn’t get wrapped up in tall grass. When I’m stopping and cleaning out the grass from the echo I would be trimming with the stihl. Do you want to be working or working on equipment
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our Echo blowers and trimmers are over 30 years old. All start & run perfectly. Some basic maintenance is all they've had. No major failures, and parts are still available. We switched to 40:1 a while ago for everything, (includes Lawn-Boy's and Stihls from the 70's) and are using Lucas semi-synthetic 2 cycle.
thank you blknblu for the information
Hey, appreciate your post. I have 2-cycle equipment as a Homeowner. My favorite is my Toro 22043 Commercial Mower from 2001. Suzuki 2-cycle engine. I use Echo Red Armor mixed at 40:1. Can you recommend a better 2-cycle lubricant?
The echo oil is fine, I get the Lucas because it is quart size, and semi-synthetic. Auto zone carries it. Big box stores don't have semi quart sizes.
As one that repairs yard equipment, Echo and Huskvarna are the two most reliable makers of residential level yard equipment. Inexpensive, reliable, long life, and easy to repair.
I can agree with that.
I just bought the 16” curved because it was cheaper, 179 at Home Depot. Was going to get an electric one but the build quality of those are booty. Used it for about 3-5 hours and it was great! My first trimmer I ever owned. Start up great. 15 mins full throttle and no malfunction.
Echo is pretty good but Husqvarna is junk. I've owned two husqvarnas that got engine knocking or rattling issues.
Where do people get these repaired? Home Depot??
@@lcarter6981 you can totally rebuild it yourself for about $20. I just did it. In about 20 minutes.
I got an SRM-225 a few years ago when they were still $169. Best trimmer I’ve ever had. I have back problems, so I like a curved shaft.
Wow you got a great deal!
That's odd. I prefer a 59" straight shaft because the curved ones and even the shorter straight ones hurt my back.
I love my Echo straight shaft trimmer and Echo blower. Both have worked great for about 10 yrs. now. I did have to rebuild the carb on the blower last year but it still runs strong. Go Team Echo!!
a little service is expected at some point, and not unreasonable
Yep
Another thing about Echo- longevity. I can’t speak about every piece of equipment, but my Echo SRM-225 was refurbished in May 2013, and now in June 2023 still works great. We’ve had no major mechanical issues, only had to replace the head once. I make sure to change my spark plugs and air filter after every season, but that’s it. Take care of your SRM-225 and it can last you a decade. I’d 100% recommend it for an average homeowner, however, as with most pieces of equipment, I’d recommend stepping up to the Echo X-Series products for commercial landscapers or those with large multi-acre properties. For the price point it’s at, I’d argue the SRM-225 is the best trimmer on the market, hands down.
that's pretty amazing and yes the x series is a very good choice
I think based on the price point you just can't beat the echo. For the cost it punches way above its weight class in quality and power. I do agree on the weedeater featherlite. For a cheap piece of "junk" as some folks claim, they put out a lot of power out of such a small motor and hold up relatively well. Also, if you trim a lot you begin to notice the weight difference.
I agree! thank you Shaun Riley
I've had my echo srm-230 for 15 years. Purchased new. It was my only strimmer for its first 5 or so years and took care of 3 acres. I've since gathered other trimmers (just to mention big name brands) a husqvarna 128ld, stihl fs 55 and last year a stihl fs 70r. And I still prefer the echo for any extended use! If my srm-230 dies and it isn't economically feasible to repair, I'll definitely be buying a new echo to replace it! Provided they're still available.
very nice, thank you Aaron Powell!
I bought an SRM 2620t in 2019 to replace a Featherweight trimmer that I used for 12 years. I liked it so much that I bought the PB 2620 blower.
nice!
I bought a PB 2620 blower last month. I really like that thing. 300 Hour EPA rating vs the 2520's 50 hour rating too.
Yes, Echo is far better that most others on the market. Thanks for the video.
Thank you Waterman one
far better to find because they are masss produced with shit maaterial and shit build mechanics.
Greetings from Mississauga Ontario Canada 🇨🇦!!! I couldn't agree with you more . My personal trimmer is an Echo 2620T, wouldn't trade it for anything, it does it all! Love your vids keep them coming!
hello Canada! thank you Massimo Terenzi.
@@HomeGaragechannel
Cheers my friend, love your content, I'm personally an Echo guy, nothing wrong with Stihl, just prefer Echo, I find them easier to maneuver and extremely well balanced, a fantastic product.
nothing wrong with that at all!
I love everything you had to say about the echo's. Of course something like Echo vs stihl is a heated debate especially in the professional community, I have lots of respect for echo equipment and although I have been tempted to switch to echo I have remained with stihl just because I haven't been given a reason to switch and some of the fancy features (kinda like a nice sports car) like the auto off choke when ya blip the throttle just make me happy. I do love the power some of my stihl's push out, the big motorcycle handlebar version of the 131 is an absolute beast of a trimmer and just destroys whatever I put in front of it although my FS70r is awesome for daily trimming even though I will probably switch to something like a 111 for a little more grunt. I am a strong supporter of feeling out equipment before you buy it just to see what you prefer, I preferred the feel of stihl and went with that but you should always run something you are comfortable running.
nothing wrong with that, if it's treated you well, no reason to change it!
ive had echo trimmers for years and they have been beasts. tried a stihl and it was the biggest pos i ever had. head kept breaking the line off and tried replacing it and couldnt find a head to fit it, even stihl didnt have any in stock anywhere. worst experience ever.
@@handytbutler7380 lol that sounds like a skill issue, there are tons of heads out there
@@framelawncare6671 trust me there are alot out there but none that fit that model, it was absolutely ridiculous. i even went to the place i bought it and they were confused about it as well.
Great video… I bought a echo straight shaft trimmer in 1987…I was looking for one and my wise uncle said the echo brand, although more expensive, would last longer. I still have it and it works great. At the same time I was looking for the trimmer I also bought a leaf blower…but I chose a Stihl over an Echo due to the side of the machine the blower intake was on…me being right handed allowed the Echo to suck the leg of my shorts against the intake grill…reducing output…. I kept that one for 30 years and only replaced it after removing the carburetor to clean it and improperly installing the gasket thus blocking the fuel pump vacuum source. I gave it to a friend and after seeing him using it a few days later, I asked what was wrong with it and he politely informed me of my mistake….I guess you are never too old to learn
it happens, at least he'll know how good Stihl is, thank you Michael Restores One More Car.
I have a really old echo weed eater that's the gray one and it fires right up on one pull and a old Stihl backpack blower it starts up every once in awhile
nice! I like the older stuff too.
i'll tell you what... i've always been a huge fan of Stihl trimmers. And, i've ran MANY other brands of trimmers thru the years: Homelite, Poulan, Craftsman, MTD, Weedeater, Husqvarna, McCulloch, etc. Sadly, i've never ran an Echo trimmer. I've always wanted to, but never have gotten the chance. Just last year, i decided to buy my first piece of Echo equipment: an Echo PB-9010T backpack blower, and oh my God is it a beast! I've been super impressed with it! And that Japanese engineering in it is absolutely second to none!
After purchasing that blower, as soon as one of my Stihl's die, I'll definitely be getting an Echo trimmer. I'm not sure if i'd get the SRM225, i really like the idea of the SRM-2620T. I've watched a myriad of videos on it on UA-cam after Echo released it to all of the content creators/landscapers on UA-cam, and it looks absolutely amazing! I just cannot justify the $400 price tag for it lol. Especially when i currently have perfectly running Stihls, and PILES of parts to keep the FS-85s going. Maybe someday i'll be able to get one : ) . I love you IHG! Great video, as usual, my friend!
nice I really like this comment, I appreciate it Jacob Feather
Love my 1987 Echo SRM 3000 trimmer, and it is still going strong. No complaints here. It did cost a bit when I bought, but I knew that I was buying a quality product. Buy once, cry once and I am happy I made that choice looking back in time.
nice choice
Personally I think straight shaft is a lot better for heavier work, they move better, store better and get into far to reach places way better. On the topic of Echo vs other brands, they all have their strengths and weaknesses but sometimes you will come across a hidden gem, and that to me is better no matter the brand. For example I have an older “John Deere” trimmer (it’s a homelite) that works wonders and has never once let me down.
I can see that
that makes sense
@Birdman Yes exactly. I would never use a bent shaft for my mowing business, in fact I don’t think there are any benefits to curved shafts.
Straight shaft all around. Not only are they more maneuverable, but you can flip edge a lot easier with them, so you don’t need to pull out the stick edger every week. Also they aren’t guaranteed to have a cable shaft, you can get a solid shaft which holds up better over time.
Hi Home Garage,
For the longest time I used to use troy bilt (MTD) trimmers. I never had a problem with them. They never broke, and they were easy to use. Then, I started fixing Echo's. When I used my first one, I liked it, but I'm only 5'8 and that shaft is really long for me. Just something to get used to. The only problems I have with the Echo's are the fuel system (nothing new) and the coil. The coils always go bad. But I think they are much better and I would much rather use than any other brand. Even though MTD's are a cheap trimmer, I really do have something for them.
Happy fixing!!!
interesting, I like the fuel system setup, even though they use a tank grommet. Also I've never had a coil fail.
I worked on a co workers SRM-225 a few years ago. Before handing it back to him I tested it out in the yard and I liked it so much I purchased one for myself at the orange home center.
Hey those are my choice of trimmers as well. I know you're going to enjoy it.
Even though I’m mainly a stihl user I do have one echo curved shaft string trimmer and other than the fact it’s a curved shaft I love it!
nice, thank you Chris's garage
@@HomeGaragechannel nothing to it!
I just bought one of these about a month and a half ago at the time I posted this comment. Got it for $140 off of Facebook marketplace and it looked like it had been used once or twice. It still looked brand spanking new as it was clean. The gas tank had not even started to change color. it still had the original line that came with it and was almost full. I am very very happy with it and I have been working with mine for about an hour and 15 minutes and you are right. It is very balanced and does not tire you out
yes, theses are some of the best around, thanks
@@HomeGaragechannel I did not realize I had already commented on this video six months ago, but I just commented on it again lol. Try using a brush cutter on this machine. I just bought a brush cutter conversion kit for it from Home Depot by Echo and it does not disappoint..
Still using an echo straight shaft trimmer. It’s at least 10 years old and I bought I bought it used.Starts Every Single Time. Bought a speed feed a couple of years ago and it’s amazing.
wow very nice!
I have a large yard with some very big trees. I went over to Echo and Shindaiwa chainsaws about 10 years ago (from Stihl) and am very happy with the choice. For trimmers I have a 26cc Shindaiwa and a a 35cc Zenoah brush cutter, both Japanese made and trouble free.
nice choice
I do lawn care for a living now days but I got my first echo trimmer almost 18 years ago. Found it in a trash pile from a rummage sale. Grabbed it put fresh gas in and she fired right up. I still have that trimmer and use it almost every day. I could buy a new one but there's just simply no need. Great products. If this old grey one ever quits there's no doubt in my mind il go get another echo.
wow, thank you for sharing your experience
I bought my echo srm225 4 years ago. Love it, Easy to maintenance. It's well made and easy to use.
Very nice!
Had my Echo GT-225 for about 12 years. Finally went belly up this year. Bought the straight shaft version this year. Hope it lasts just as long or longer!
I hope so
I have the straight shaft and I’ll never use another. It’s a beast and I’ve barely have to do much maintenance on it.
I know right, they are great. Thank you Growing Little Country homestead
i love my echo trimmers
I like them too!
My echo weed eater is 14 years old start on third pull.use 93 octane and echo mix
very nice, thank you Demuntre Smith
I love it over sthil just made the switch I like how you don't have to push the throttle when you're starting it
nice move
Great video one of your biggest fans and you help me a lot with my mower and trimmer's
I'm glad I could help out , thank you Bryson Evans
@@HomeGaragechannel you're the best
I appreciate that
As having worked for people in the mowing business you use what they have, so I've gotten to use a lot of different stuff. My own was a big Stihl brush cutter with the handlebars that was great for brush but awkward for trimming. My next was an Echo 225 straight shaft convertible that almost never gave a bit of trouble. The son-in-law now has it and it continues to run just fine. I like Echo because it just WORKS, although we had 2 Weedeater trimmers because they were light and somewhat reliable. My Echo was always ready to go when they died. And I liked the straight shaft over the curved because of the extra REACH! My DeWalt is the same way. I might even get to use it this year! THanks and Blessings!
thank you for the information Lewie McNeely!
@@HomeGaragechannel I try and U 2!
@Solomon Jaime It worked that way with me but that was just ME.
Just like you said they just work. Every time I go to use it starts right up and works as long as I need it to. I spend no time fixing and all my time just doing. Great machine.
@@jdub976 They just are. I'm out of the lop as far as new stuff but the older was bulletproof!
I'm a Stihl guy. You mentioned balance and feel. My dealer is a good one, but they actually got my trigger and throttle set for me.
nice, nothing wrong with Stihl
I have a dinosaur of an SRM-2100, but it’s a Really Good dino! Been repairing (and currently time for a carby overhaul) and rebuilding these things for years and I own two of them! They’re really easy to repair and maintain (Echo’s I prefer for ease of access) other brands have convoluted designs and hard to access in case of breakdown to repair! I don’t like complicated design, just get in, fix and it’s ready to run. Echo makes things reliable to own and I have great experience with their equipment. They’re just easy to fix, besides they get expensive (from my strict budget anyway) if you’re gonna be replacing it! It’s good to have long-lasting reliable equipment when you prep for storage (empty the fuel tank and run it until remaining fuel is consumed to mitigate Fuel Line Hardening due to stagnant fuel within the fuel line if in a 2-cycle because you gum the carby and carbys Are Expensive to replace if you don’t clear them at the End-Of-Season and just let them sit!) and use fuel stabilizer for reliable starting for the next season😅 UPDATE: bought carby rebuild kits and installed on both units and made a few idle and mixture adjustments, now they’re good-as-new!😭
I really like echo myself and recommend them to everyone I can. thank you biking2cruze.
biking...I've got the Echo SRM-2100 (straight shaft) too...over 22 years old. Just an amazing trimmer. One new trimmer head and a fuel line set, greased the shaft twice, run non-ethanol, been through so many 800+ft rolls of line.. Would like a new one...but no practical reason to buy. The SRM-2100 is going to outlast me. Same for the ECHO PB-200 blower. Thanks for mentioning this Echo Model!!
After years of use, I'm still using a Huskvarna 223L. They don't make that model anymore. I bought it for it's light weightiness. I like one that is so light you can almost twirl it like a baton with one hand for the easy finesse of sensitive spots and it don't tire you out holding it for long periods.
yes I prefer mine the same way. Makes it a lot easier to use.
Echos are great. My srm 225 trimmers are 4 seasons old and still work great. I always run premium ethanol free gas and they run so smooth.
I also use their handblowers and a 16 inch chainsaw they are great too.
I also run Toro turnfmaster 30 inch mowers and they are also great with the Kawasaki engine.
very nice equipment!
I have the PAS2620 and for its size it's pretty incredible. It's probably five years old at this point but it is still reliable start and run wise. It is the commercial unit as well so it should last longer than some of the cheap units I had. At this point though, I have to see how much it will be to replace the bearings in the pto shaft as they are squealing. It could be just that they're dry and need lubrication.
very nice trimmer!
I have an Echo Pas system (power head & attachments), that I've owned for about 10 yrs. I actually have three. I bought one, inherited one, and once I moved to a larger property, bought a more powerful power head. If my Echo equipment were to die, I'd replace it with more Echo equipment. I've had a few problems with it, but that has been due to being used by a person who 1, didn't want to be using it, and 2, didn't get along with power equipment. Since I've taken over that work, I've had zero problems with it. It cranks easily every time. My previous neighbor had Stihl equipment, and often struggled with getting it started. I just recently bought a couple of new attachments. If needing more than just a trimmer, I'd recommend an attachment system. Advantages of attachment systems:
1. Only have to keep one engine running. If you hardly ever use, say, an edger, you won't have an edger engine sitting unused for months.
2. Cheaper. A power head with, say 3 attachments is cheaper than 3 separate tools. However, for one tool, it's not cheaper. An SRM 225 is cheaper than a PAS 225 with a trimmer attachment.
3. If upgrading the power head, all of your attachments get the benefits of the upgrade. I upgraded my power head, and now I have a more powerful trimmer, edger, blower, brush cutter, and pole saw.
BTW, why did you cannibalize the SRM225? You mentioned something about being worn out. Someone actually wore out an SRM225? I've never seen one worn out. Was it used commercially?
it was not only worn out but already missing parts when I got it.
echo best brand ever ive used the same one for over 20 years bro runs like new
agreed
I love the echo trimmer my dad bought and also love the echo CS4910 saw he got for my birthday last year
you really can't go wrong with them
What i love about Echo is that they're so easy to work on. The average homeowner can work on them.
I think so too
Your not alone.. I've owned Echo products for years..still own my 1st one from the 1980s..a back pack blower.. still runs great..got a straight string trimmer..from the 1990s . I run Sea - Foam in my fuel tank. With proper Echo mix... My brother uses Echo,s at there golf course.. Hinsdale Golf Club. The place is 120 old..in IL. Ty
wow very nice, thank you
I have had an echo srm 225 for over 10 and it has never not started. Though I do run the gas out of it at the end of every season. I also keep up with regular maintenance
nice, sounds like you're taking good care of it.
Back in the 90's I would run an Echo trimmer 8 or 9 hours a day .. Echo's were awesome..still a big fan today..
yes they are
I just sold my 2014 Echo-SRM-225 straight shaft trimmer…for $50 bought it New from Home Depot for $200+..
Was in my shed not being used for at 2-3 seasons..put fresh gas in same old spark plug…
And started after about 3 pulls..ran like a champ..I went electric battery..just for the convenience factor only..
What a testament of the Echo brand !! Excellent machine!!
wow that's pretty amazing it started like that !
@@HomeGaragechannel I was shocked myself I primed it probably five times and did the full choke and it took three pulls , and then it started up
Have an echo straight trimmer (12+ years old no problems) echo backpack blower (over 25 years old, new carb about 6 years ago) stihl hedge trimmers and chainsaw that are used much less than the echoes and they do what I wanted them to do.
nice, thank you Ron L
I own two of these angle echo trimmers a. Customer got sick of them not starting when he needed then ( turn out he was not mixing fuel correctly ) and he went electric . And there is the thing most consumers want a product they can pick up and use rite away and most of them do not want to do anything but run in used it and put it away so if it fails put it away and either buy another one or go electric . Here is a good question for you HG doe’s Echo make a trimmer with quick attach shaft that is universal ?that would be a great way to go for a conversion if possible . I like the echo product had both I have up in running in no time I have a huskie with quick attach and wow opens up all kinds of possibility’s from tillers to brushes to hedge clippers and pole saws and it runs all them great . If they make a quicks shart for the echo trimmer I would either buy the part and install it on both with strieght shat trimmer end but selling point would be can used most universal attachments . Also agree Balence is important before I did engine repair I had a landscaping buisness and the larger heavy trimmers we just to much on shoulders and arms so mired over to a brush hog walk behind and it work much better I feel a lighter trimmer is perfect for around home you do not need a million CC trimmer to grass around home . My thoughts at least
thank you James Crowley and yes they make them so they can take attachments. The issue
is the "universal" part. The shaft has to be the right size, and the coupling for the drive shaft has to be universal too. So that part, I'm not sure about.
I've had mine about 5 or 6 years and love it. I have the SRM225
nice, thank you Ronald Fletcher
Have a srm225 for 8yrs now, bought new @home depot, I do what little maintenance it needs from year to year, never a problem. I agree straight shaft is more comfortable n reach is better especially around shrubs n embankment. Had a ryobi 31cc 2 stroke for 16yrs until the connecting rod or the bearing let loose, but very good product, the draw back, it was a curve shaft not as workable as my echo.
nice, glad to see you're enjoying your echo.
I noticed both trimmers in this video had 300 hour EPA ratings. Current versions of both of those trimmers are only 50 hours. I just bought Echo's least expensive 300 hour rated trimmer, and it is the SRM 2320T. Retail is $289 but I paid $249. Did Echo lessen the quality of the 225's, or has the rating system changed? Same goes for Echo's handheld blowers, their consumer model 2520 has a 50 hour rating, so I bought their X-series 2620 with a 300 hour rating. Both the 2320T trimmer and the 2620 blower I bought have chrome plated pistons and cylinders, and the 50 hour rated machines do not. It seems as though more of their older machines had the 300hr rating.
not sure, but I'm going to guess the parameters for the testing changed, making what used to be good for 300 hours by EPA standards, go down, to the absolute minimum
Love the Echo trimmer!! The Stihl trimmer that I really like is the 2 cycle FS 94R is super light, yes it is expensive compared to the Echo but boy is it nice. Have you ever tried it?But my favorite trimmer is the Red max , man is a monster. Super light and powerful.
Totally agree!
Echo is just in general a quality product you can feel in your hands as you start the engine and use it, not to mention there is great parts and accessory support, real dealers and simple
I agree!
I have one. Always starts and will run and idle all day like a car. Could not ask for a better machine and I'm going on 8 years of use not a single issue runs like the day I bought it. Hope they never stop making it.
I agree, these are great!
Echo tremors are very underrated. I’ve never used a STHIL trimmer so I couldn’t tell you, but I do have the SRM 225 and I absolutely love it! However, I have watched a couple of videos with people using STIHL chainsaws, and that is where their niche is. Echo makes an excellent chainsaw as well, but when it comes to cutting speed and buttery cuts, you can’t beat a STIHL. Like you though. I cannot afford expensive equipment. I got my SRM 225 barely used for $140. It looked like a brand new machine that maybe was used once or twice and then cleaned up and sold to me through that famous app that has a marketplace section. I also have an older Craftsman (Sears) chainsaw and also Poulans which were all given to me for free by a family member.. Those two brands were all made by Husqvarna anyway. Well, while they are not STHIL, they get the job done just fine.
I've had the chance to use a variety and to be honest most of the Mid to higher end equipment are all "great value" meaning you're getting a fantastic machine. Choose between the big 3 or 4 and you'll get a good machine for sure.
And having a Stihl and Echo blower I'll say that each has it's place. I keep the Stihl outfitted for the vacuum when the leaves fall and let the Echo do the blowing. In the summer, each gets to blow. But the Stihl is 2nd hand and both are older. Good old Tru-fuel or Stihl orange bottle!
definitely good fuel is a must!
I have never used a STIHL trimmer except for a bettery powered one (which isn't my thing). But I have used many other brands of trimmers including more expensive ones, The Echo is the best trimmer I have ever had. I can say the same thing for my Echo blower which is a PB-2520. It is so much better than my old MTD Bolens blower. I never realized how bad it was until I got the echo. It vibrated so much, and it was actually a lot heavier. The echo is so smooth and pleasant to use. It also is more powerful and obviously more reliable. Unless they go down hill quickly, I won't buy anything else other than an Echo.
I have noticed that new echo products say Yamabiko instead of Koritz on the stickers, so I am not sure if another company bought them or something? But the new blower (only had it for a year) seems to be just as good as my 5 year old SRM-225.
you got that right, consumers forget what a "smooth" engine runs like.
I bought a electric corded stihl Weed eater off Facebook market for $30. I had it for 2 years and it's still beast lol
@@ironlionzion2265 Yeah, dragging around cords isn't my thing either.
AND one of the best things about echo srm225 and GT225 is that there are so many of them that parts are readily available. They are the Toyota 4Runner of weedwackers.
wow, thanks for the 4runner memories, I miss that thing!
Thanks for all your professional opinion
Unbiased Review on equipment not advertising
And a view not ignoring that
Some consumers vote with their money
And not in a Pissing contest With the Jones
Thanks a Billion
Do to Inflation 🤑
thank you BRAXTON PERRY
Never liked the 4 mix concept of the Stihl 91R engine. I have yet to see any benefit of the big, bulky, overcomplicated and underperforming monsters. I suppose they are a benefit to the mower shops. Echo is winning me over, but the older Stihl 2 cycle models (FS-85s, etc.) are still my favorites. Great show.
it's not my favorite either only because I like the simplicity of a regular 2 stroke.
Thank you for reaching out.@@HomeGaragechannel
All I have is echo trimmer in my shed 👍👍👍👍
Very nice!
I’ve had my Echo SRM-225 for over eight years. With only routine maintenance that I do myself, it operates flawlessly and does everything I need it to do. If you keep your fuel filter, air filter, and carburetor clean, and change your spark plug once in a while, it’ll always start right up perfectly. If you keep the gear box greased (at least on older models like mine), the head will last for many years. Here’s a tip: take the stupid screen of your spark arrester. That thing just makes it leak oil when it gets clogged with carbon, and it’s a pain to clean it all the time. You don’t need it anyway.
very good advice
I've got one of the newest husqvarna that changes shafts to a polesaw or whatever attachments you use
that's a nice one
You always want to make sure the environment you buy is comfortable & that your going to be able to use it in a safe manner so my advice would be do research or go to a local lawn equipment dealer or store & take your time when choosing I would recommend holding them in your hands in the store and feel the weight or if you have any questions or concerns ask the store manager before buying or if you have more than one question or concern write it down choose the product that works best for your needs 😀😀
thank you Robert Hamilton
Great video, I would definitely buy a brand new or used Echo trimmer, the straight shaft one.
me too, thank you WildeFox.
The best part of owning an echo is you dont have to worry about anyone stealing it.
I see what you did there
I have an Echo blower that I love! However, my favorite for a string trimmer is a Shindaiwa. It’s so light that I hardly know I’m carrying it.
ah I almost forgot about them!
@@HomeGaragechannel You all may or may not know but my understanding Echo and Shindaiwa are basically the same thing according to Shindaiwas website.
@@elevatorman427 Echo bought Shindaiwa 5 or more years ago.
Well when using a Echo unit under residential use the 5 year warranty is what sold me that and the fact the local Echo dealer gives better support then the Stihl Dealer
you make a great point about service. Good service goes a long way
Just got a new srm225 straight shaft and what was metal is now all plastic
sad truth
No grease port for the head neither.
Stihl & Echo...same story :(
Buy, use a while, toss away.
Sad. Real sad.
Built in obsolescence ....
I AGREE WITH THIS The Emission Compliance period of 300hrs is the best outstanding out there
I know right, 300 hrs is a lot !
Love my echos. Converted 2 sthil guys couple seasons ago with over 100 accounts each. Just recently one of them tells me I cant believe my trimmers still going i would have to replace my sthils by now. Nice no valves to adjust and there lighter too.
totally agree!
Just bought the SRM-266 and love it! Nice video - thanks for the info.
no problem and thank you
I was looking at the hyper tuff cause of price. Now I’m second guessing buying it
nothing wrong with an affordable machine. It just depends on how you treat it.
Echo is definitely a good brand for the homeowner. Parts are easy to order.
I feel the same way
my grampa had a echo for 20 years and still has it
nice!
I bought a high end Husky. Nothing but trouble from the start. After some research I bought a Echo 3020T. Expensive but powerful, reliable, and reduces time working. It will dig a hole. The 2:1 gear reduction cutter head provides great torque.
wow nice choice!
I was searching both Echo and Stihl.
Not the CHEAPEST models...but mid range $280-$325.00.
However....both do Not have grease ports for the heafs anymore; and CABLE shafts...not steel or metal.
In other words....Buy; use a few yrs. ; then necessary to Throw away.
Sad.
Much like many products today.
Buy, use, toss :(
@cedartreealf It's called engineered obsolescence. The Echo had a reputation for amazing reliability over many years of use. I have a 3020t with steel shift and grease fitting, three years old. The manufacturers are all doing this. Husqvarna used to be the top of the line high reving saw years ago. They are still not cheap. Bought a new one several years ago and was extremely disappointed. Many of the premium brands are little better than the Chinese knockoffs. I bought a 3/4 impact wrench from Harbor Freight because it was better than Milwaukee and much less in dollars. I was a Milwaukee and Porter Cable patron. I've always gone out of my way not to support China and still do in most instances. Frustrating.
@cedartreealf I paid $488 plus tax for my Echo 3020t and I'm very pleased but can't say the same for the new model. Mine is a beast.
Thanks. I think I will stick with my old reluable electric.
Even the EGO battery has complaints about : batteries, line tangling, etc.
Sad to see so many BAD reviews of Echo & Stihl as I really wanted the ease of use@@rickhale4348
I own a Shindaiwa T-230X with blue plastic covers. Says Limited Edition due to the Blue plastics. The Weed Eater won't quit. But for a Home Owner like us, it is more machine than we need. Fairly heavy. So we bought a cheap Poulan that doesn't even have a clutch. We use the Poulan a lot but Shindaiwa longevity is awesome.
you got that right and getting a lighter machine was a smart move, thank you Scott A
Hi. I have a question . The Echo SRM 225 gas trimmer had a issue sometime ago, where oil was leaking out of the muffler area. Some echo customers complained about it. Did Echo ever resolve that issue, and if so is there a newer updated Echo SRM 225 gas trimmer that no longer has that problem?
unfortunately I don't have an answer for you.
@@HomeGaragechannel Ok. Thank you.
The longest I have had a piece of echo equipment is 3.5 years. Now my neighbor has had his echo for 25 years. I love my echos, and that is the only brand of small engine equipment I would buy new and a lot of the time used. Unless I was buying the piece of equipment for collection purposes. I agree 100% about the cumbersomeness of Stihls. Have you run an echo 2620 trimmer?
thank you Ethan Miller, and no unfortunately I haven't had the pleasure of using the 2620.
@@HomeGaragechannelIf you can get your hands on one, l wonder what you think of it. I got one and love it, just currious what your thoughts are.
I'll definitely let you know!
What do you all think about the PAS series? I am thinking about buying an Echo trimmer, but I need an edger too.
Love it, definitely buy it.
Price and weight.. once you master a technique, you can do wonders and clean ups with the lightest equipment and that's why it's my preference.. I am a master trimmer and i just need good technique and good string..
nice, thanks for the info
have you tried a tanaka i own a echo and the tanaka they are both great trimmer i think the tanaka i own is great
I don't recall if I have.. but I would certainly like to.
Echo trimmers and blowers have a really nice sound to them. But that’s just my opinion. I rather take a Stihl trimmer all day than an Echo trimmer because of its power and lightweight. They really do have a little bit more power and they weigh a little lighter too, but I’m not a fan when they break and that’s when parts start to becoming a nightmare. But overall, I would choose both.☺️
I can agree with that
what is the local free site that you use?
I only use Craigslist and FB market place, search for "free"
Hi Mr Clean! What dya think about the fact these Echos are always running a lil rough at full throttle, it seems normal for these one like yours, heard a lot and same thing all time.
Don't like this hesitating sound, dya have a solution?
Iknow there are no conventional adjustments on carb but not sure it will change anything,,, richer fuel maybe?
I do not find them to be that way at all, and if I came across one, I would assume it needs to be serviced. I find 90% of all machines to be neglected and needing attention. As for yours, there's not much I can do without seeing it in person.
I personally love echos but not the new ones, I love the old gray ones, my uncle has one that sat in his barn not used for 5 years, all we did last summer was put some gas in it and it started 5 pull
nothing wrong with that
I have been a landscape contractor for 27 years and have always used echo. They hold up and have always been reliable. My stihl weed eaters not so great.
thank you Ben P.
I have a 2003 echo srm 210 that is still going strong. Before that I had a stihl that broke & could not be fixed. Glad the repairman suggested the echo.
I really like echo, it's too bad I'm cheap.
Just bought a used 225 for my son. Cleans it up, put the speed feed head on, runs good. Mixed reviews in the comments, but hey $100, it’s a good deal!
I think they're great!
Thank you for the video
You're welcome thank you for your time Lil Joe II
I don't have string trimmers, but I do have chainsaws, and the answer is used. The key is to make sure you don't get one with serious problems.
great advice, thank you William Bray.
Echo all the way in my opinion. I have a SRM225 and a 2620T both are great but, the 2620 was a huge upgrade from the 225 I started out with.
very nice pieces of equipment you got there!
@@HomeGaragechannel Yep
I have a straight shaft Husqvarna 224L. It's HEAVY and my back really aches after using it. Also its carb does not have adjustment screws like you show in your videos, so I'm puzzled and don't know how to tune it.
That's a very good trimmer you've got there. No unfortunately you can't adjust it. Do you feel as though you need to?
@Home Garage it's not really that great. Despite my best efforts to use ethanol free, and stabilized gas, it will start running poorly in just over two years. When I pull the trigger all the way, the motor will speed up but then bog down and kill. It also will not idle. It will kill if i let go of the trigger completely. I replaced the carb, and it runs much better but still struggles at high rpms some and still sometimes will not idle.
I ALWAYS run all the gas out and empty the tank every time I use it. I change the oil frequently. Must be something I'm doing wrong. I had to return my last one of these.
have you checked the valve lash then? Sometimes when they go out of tolerance, they'll start to have running issues like you mentioned?
@Home Garage no. I'll have to buy a valve guage, find a manual, and give that a shot.
I love my Echos! Great video
thank you B D.
I bought a old hedge trimmer echo hc150 the old for 20 dollars and a 12 dollar carb runs good it looked like it was barley new since the cutting system look new and sharp
nice find!
i used a fs 90r from stihl and that was more comfortable to use then the gt 225. srm 225 i never met one when i was mowing grass.
nothing wrong with that, thank you Manuel Hernandez
I feel like buying top of the line products you get what you want, but buying budget items you get what you need
nice way of looking at it.
The Komi is heavy. Try the FS-56 RC, it is not that heavy, 10# or so. You have to balance any trimmer to fit you by moving its handle forward or backward until it’s weight is balanced to your weight and height. I try to buy Made in USA, which is one of the reasons I like Stihl. I don’t have to do a lot of trimming in my yard but I have an additional lot that requires trimming because it gets overgrown. therefore I like a trimmer that will do light work and heavy work. As for reliability and a long life. My last Stihl trimmer (anFS-76) lasted me over twenty years
thank you for sharing that
I had to steal an echo but the echo one doesn’t like the edge where the string keeps going inside the head on the echo one
interesting situation
So I replaced the carb like you told me with a new one and it would run but would turn off unless I kept throttling it but after a while it would turn off completely. So now I've replaced the air filter and the fuel filter and not only does it still turn off after a minute but now it's leaking fuel through the air filter compartment. The air filter was half soaked. Is the air filter salvageable? I soaked it as much as i could with a napkin. This 225 is about a year old. And all the parts i replaced are new. Any idea what may be wrong?
yes gasoline soaked filters are completely reusable after getting soaked with fuel. As for the carb, sometimes you have to make adjustments to the carb to get it to work with the machine.
I bought an echo srm 225 and srm 3020T. HATE both of them was willing to sell both before the first tank of gas ran out. 225 is WEAK. I wish I’d went back with stihl FS 131. Lighter stronger better balanced than the 3020T and the head doesn’t get wrapped up in tall grass. When I’m stopping and cleaning out the grass from the echo I would be trimming with the stihl. Do you want to be working or working on equipment
sounds like you're doing a lot of brush clearing with them. In that case I'd use a bigger trimmer for sure.
Any stihl that I worked on were junk and wouldn’t run because of scoring. I would rather have a weed eater brand
that's a shame