Craftsman vs Echo/Stihl/Shindawia

[BigEyePuna]

Anyone used craftsman line trimmer or chainsaw? They are far cheaper than the other brands.

[lquade]

no to craftsman chainsaw, ours lasted about a month of light duty. sears has sold craftsman, it is not what it used to be. Stihl is the best in my book. mine is still going with repairs along the road from 1976... can't comment on the others...

[Chunkster]

Stihl on both counts. My heavily abused Stihl weed eater has survived 11 years of being slammed into pahoehoe with the only repairs being predictable replacement of head parts. The chainsaw hasn't been treated as badly, but is a great long-term performer.

[Rob Tucker]

I got very tired of standing line to return Craftsman power tools. The only Craftsman tools I buy now have no moving parts.... screwdrivers and mechanic's wrenches are about it.

I have had Stihl chainsaws last 30 years. Shindaiwa weed whackers are great. Mine was stolen and I have a Murayama now which, in it's first year, is working nicely and was more affordable.

[BigEyePuna]

Thanks everyone. I have a stihl line trimmer on the mainland and it has worked great. Guess I should stick with what I know and get a stihl chainsaw too.

[VancouverIslander]

Stihl!

Me ka ha`aha`a,
Mike

[allensylves]

Be careful if you are considering a Stihl MS 211C. Stihl changed the design of the carburetor sometime between 2011 and 2014 and the new one is junk. It has a butterfly valve that sticks open, which kills the motor and will not let it restart. I took mine in for repairs in 2014 and the carburetor was replaced. It worked for a few days and died. I took it back in and got a warranty replacement and then again. Finally a 3rd replacement seemed to work, until I tried to use it after a few months and same problem. It is now at the shop for another replacement. The shop says I am not the only one, although they did not say if they were all the same model.

Allen
Finally in HPP

[eigoya]

Nothing but trouble w Stihl weed whacker. Talked to customer at HD while perusing the equipment there. Told him about the problems, may have been carburetor (I can't remember now) power in general. He said one word, Shindaiwa. Got one and totally happy. have Never repaired it, use hours each week for about two years now. Highly recommend.