Yes.....I forgot to mention that the deal is still available where you can double the warranty from 2 years to 4 just by purchasing a 6 pack of the new synthetic mixing oil, which I must say helped to sway me over to the Stihl side of the fence.

I think I would prefer a goat or two! Less noisy and requires no gas. Plus you get goat's mile for making great cheese.

I use a Tanaka brush cutter/weed eater. I'm no expert, but I feel it is average or better. I am actually not sure what a superior brush cutter should feel like though.

I do think that the blade makes the cutter, assuming the machine is at least adequate.

We love our Stihl but just received a recall notice in the mail last week. I just figured my hands were not as strong as my husbands, the gas cap refused to close completely so it leaked as i ran it. But it wasnt me it was the the gas cap, so at least its going to be fixed. The warranty is a good idea. Love your Blog.

I'll agree with you hands down! I worked a couple seasons for a lawn care company; we used Stihl weed eaters, blowers, and an edger. I abused those suckers 40 hours a week and never once experienced a hiccup! Now That I'm an amateur again, I wish I had the cash to buy one.

Sheila --- Once someone trains a goat so that it will eat weeds right up against the edge of my garden plants but not touch the corn, I'll buy one in a heartbeat.

Eric --- I think you're right on track about the blade. Mark's trying out a few different brush blades and I'm sure you'll hear reviews of them before long!

Jennifer --- Sounds like Mark was smart to spring for that extended warranty. Glad the gas problem wasn't your fault.

Phil --- After reading your comment, I'm glad we waited four years until we could afford a good one. We had considered getting a cheaper one before, but didn't want to have to replace it every year.

I just read where Stihl has come out with a Lion battery weedeater... can't wait to hear reviews on that one. I'm no good with things that require pull cords, so I have a Black and Decker NiMH battery weedeater that lasts only about 15 minutes a charge...

I'm always tempted by the battery operated tools, but whenever I look into them, they don't have enough power for serious work. The last one I researched was chainsaws, though, so maybe weedeaters don't need quite that much gumption?

With the Black and Decker weedeater, you're not going to take out a privet hedge but it does fine on most stuff. I've taken out new, green multiflora rose shoots for instance. The batteries just don't last long, but neither do my arms When the Nicad batteries wear out, I'll be looking for a L-ion replacement and the Stihl would be at the top of my list.

Mark chose the model we did because it's the cheapest one that is appropriate for brush attachments. Weaker models will bend, but this one has a solid shaft that runs all the way up, I believe, which means it won't break when it hits a tree. I suspect that none of the battery weedeaters would be nearly as hefty.

I have the same model you do and love it. I have never had a weed eater that didn't die and require cool down time before restarting. Now that we have three acres it is nice to use it for brush clearing without the problems others have had. I was glad to get the safety recall in the mail. I though I wasn't smart enough to get the gas cap on correctly.

The first chainsaw I used regularly and loved was a Stihl and I'm now addicted to their chainsaws. The starting system is just so basic and reliable that it's made me despise chokes and more than I used to. I do regret that I didn't take good care of my first chainsaw and thus had to buy a new one. But I now religiously clean my chainsaw after use and haven't had problems since.

Aaron --- I love how easily this one starts up. Granted, I haven't tried to start it, but Mark seems to get it going on the first pull every time!

Diggitydog --- It sounds like you must have an EZstart saw? We considered getting one of those, but they were all a bit small even for Mark's smaller saw. (He does a lot of hard work with those tools.)

I think Stihl trimmers are a good choice. They are reliable and have plenty of power to get the job done. I am currently using the FS55. That being said, my top choice is still the Shindaiwa T231.

I haven't heard anyone talk about that brand before, but the review on your site does make it look wonderful. Lower vibration would definitely be a plus --- that's the one downside of Mark's current weedeater.