Comparing the Stihl FS 91, 111, and 131

#stihl #stihltrimmers #lawncare
So you need a new Stihl trimmer but you’re overwhelmed by all of your options? We’ve got you! Josh at Carl’s Mower & Saw compares the Stihl FS 91, 111, and 131 trimmers side by side by side, so you can make the best choice for you, your pocketbook, and your property.
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[@vice4134]

In my opinion, you have the BEST explanation online about the difference between all trimmers. I had a tough time to decide. Your explanation helped me to decide much easier. Thank you so much.

[@mcgoon8027]

I ended up getting all three. All of them work great and I have them set up with different size string so I don’t have to swap heads or string, depending on what I’m doing.

[@goldog2816]

Great reviews ,, I just bought the FS 111RX today and after seeing some of your reviews I'm happy with my decision, It can be a little overwhelming with so many models to choose from with sometimes minor differences, thanks for putting out these useful and informative videos, Stihl should be sending you some great perks ........

[@bullpup33]

I just bought a 91. In retrospect I wish I had gotten a 111. But, the 91 works. No question about it. I use it as a dedicated shrub cutter. I use a battery powered unit to hit the soft stuff. So far so good!

[@rjh2459]

Thank you for making the video. I was going to get a 131 but, after visiting my dealer and using a 91 I realized that for my usage around my house and cutting a fence line, a 91 was more than enough power. I did get a brush cutting blade and some extra string trimmer heads. So I can be ready to go. Thank you for explaining the difference in the 3 trimmers.

[@lloyddean5598]

i have the fs111 with the bike handles for about 5 yrs now .. awesome and efficient as a whipper snipper around the yard .. put a blade on it and it becomes a hungry animal .. i absolutely love it

[@luke8210]

Well, I appreciate this video. No offense to my local sales guys but they just couldn't give a straight answer between the 3. Now I know the 131 is what I need. Thanks!

[@stevenbrown5210]

I think for me too. I'm looking to cut some heavy duty brush

[@luke8210]

I can honestly say that the 131 is a beast. I've cut good size mesquite with a blade on it. Very happy with the purchase. Just my 2 cents

[@ChipLinck]

Great video. Gave me just the points I needed to consider. I've had an FS90R for 13ish years, and it is still going strong with normal maintenance. Never had an issue I needed to take it in for. It's easy to work on. It just doesn't have vibration reduction which is really starting to bother me. Plenty of power, even with the brush knife on an overgrown lot that had small weed trees, thorny bushes and other random thick growth. I even used it once on a branch that was as thick as both of my thumbs. So, I know the 91 will do well. At the same time, I plan to get some land in the country, and I know I'll be using the brush knife, or hitting thick growth more often. Decent jump in price from the 91 to the 111. Only twenty bucks from the 111 to the 131. I also looked at the 240, but it's a much bigger jump in price. Looks like the 131 is it. Still going to do more research, but my thought is the 131 should do it all, and faster than the 91, or 111. I'm not getting rid of the 90. So, if it turns out the 131 doesn't have as much finesse around delicate areas, I can switch units. I'm thinking it will be fine though. Even that old 90 can tear it up if you don't feather the controls, especially when you're doing vertical edging along a driveway/sidewalk. You have to learn control. Not like when I was a kid with a cheap corded trimmer with 2 speeds, on and off.

[@michaelwright1602]

I have the 111 in the Kombi, love it! 4 acres of grass and jungle, 50/50... I use the 111 with the blower, trimmer, 12" pruning pole saw w/extension and brush blade. No issues here, it has just enough torque to do everything I want, the 131 would be to much for me, it is a torquey machine, fatiguing. I did try one at the shop before purchasing the 111. Just around the house, and for clearing brush and trimming branches with the pole saw, I would go with the 111, unless you are a big burly guy that is in great shape. The 131 is overkill for my needs, and my arms...

[@stevenbrown5210]

But the 131 is the same weight! Why is it too much?!?

[@michaelwright1602]

@@stevenbrown5210 Not the weight, it is the tourque, my arms are no longer 18 yo...

[@chrism1247]

Great breakdown. Quick and short. Good stuff

[@6900pilot]

I've got the fs 111 with the bike handles, it has really good power and is light as well. Super efficient on fuel, and it came with a full professional stihl harness. I agree with you its the best all-rounder. 👌

[@tzsteve33]

Fully agree, I got the 111 a few years back, it's more about the torque with these machines and takes getting used to if your coming from a 2 stroke, it's capable of getting through some serious stuff. Most of the time half throttle is enough

[@disgruntledconservativevet1798]

I have a KM90R. It’s rated at 1.3 hp. I have most of the attachments because I have 2 KM units, but I just purchased a FS94R. I did that because of weight. I looked at the FS91R. I own 15 acres of mountain ground and Going up and down the mountain, I want as little weight as I can. Also I like the 2 stroke over the 4 mix engine. I’m not into adjusting valves, although I have owned my KM90R for a few years and have never had any problems with it.

[@adamholbrook2281]

Thank you for breaking it down for us. I'm interesting in a 111.

[@DawnJiang-kd6me]

After hurricane beryl, by REJs pool, my dad bought an fs 111r for a clean up by his pool.

[@stephenparchewski1998]

I’ve had a km130 for the last 13 years. It is very powerful for trimming grass, but I also use it for tilling with the tiller attachment. The only thing I don’t care for is its appetite for fuel. After tweaking the carb (they are set too lean from factory), it starts the first pull every time, no matter how long it sits without use. Good machines, and yes, the km130/km131 has a lot more power than you realize until you start using it for trimming grass.

[@imhighandwhatisthis]

explaining exactly what I need thanks

[@bobbystewart2605]

Question, what exactly is the difference between the 130 and 310 or their modern counterparts (131 and 311)? Is it just looks and weight or is there more to it?

[@markclark1605]

Like the 111R does all I need.

[@67L48]

I know this is a couple years old, but can you offer some insight on the FS 311? It has the same engine as the FS 131, but wider path, I think a better included harness, better anti-vibe, and maybe a better gearbox and/or shaft? I’ve got several acres and want the best experience… but there’s a $140 price difference ($670 vs $530). There is almost nothing online about the FS 311.

[@greenmarine5]

Made a big mistake and purchased a hyper tough 2 years ago, started fine when cold, but after use or it ran out of gas I couldn't get it started again. This year I got so frustrated with it, I threw it on the driveway and put the pieces to the road. Video is pretty helpful and one thing is for sure I'm not cheeping out on lawn equipment ever again it just adds frustration especially on a nice weather Saturday when the last thing you want to do is mess with your equipment for 2 hours before it will start or run good.

[@thecubanomackuno]

I can cut hay fields with my 91. If I'm having to just to soft trimming I have to throttle it to 60-70%. Thing has power

[@chrisfelekos6750]

@carl how to they weigh the same if the engine displacement is different?

[@coiorr8370]

Nice thanks

[@Born2doom]

Stihl related that the KM 111s and FS 111s are the most sold of the 3!

[@kelwinskilltwin_yt5958]

Help there is 91 air filter fit on the 111 yes or no

[@sherwinsalvatori6997]

Am watching all those stihl units and I think am in heaven

[@Carlsmower]

😂 We'll take heaven over hell any day!

[@erike7297]

Nice video but you forgot to Mention the biggest maintenance on these trimmers which are the valve adjustments. Not a hard job by any means it maybe took me 40 minutes the first time and now I can do it in about 15 minutes. The valve adjustments need to be done about every 50-75 hours. You can notice it needs to get done when it becomes hard to start and the pull rope starts locking up in mid pull. If you don’t like working on gear these trimmers are probably not for you cause the valve job has to be done eventually. The valve kit with feeler gauge, cork gasket and crush washer costs about 10-15 bucks. Definitely something to consider but I do like these trimmers I’ve got a Km 131, Fs 131 bike, and fs 311 that I just got. These 4 mix trimmers do have a nice low sound though. My Fs 240 (regular 2 stroke) screams with higher rpm’s and I would say the 131 is noticeably more pleasant on the ears.

[@VirginiaWolf88]

really? Oh no? sounds time consuming

[@erike7297]

@@VirginiaWolf88 its definitely something to consider. The valve maintenance kits cost about 10-15 bucks too.

[@joshmason7037]

Can you trim grass with the 91 at half throttle or does it have to be wide open? My current weed trimmer is supposed to be ran wide open. That’s what my dealer told me,so it don’t ruin the clutch.I already ruined one clutch under warranty. It’s an Efco,smaller homeowner version.

[@12123188]

For regular grass just a tiny little bit of throttle is enough, even with the fs 91. Tall grass it does easily with half throttle, but when it gets very dense and/or a bit wet you go full throttle just so the grass doesn't get stuck on the blades. You don't hear the difference in throttle by sound, but you definitely feel and see the difference in power. You will rarely go full throttle with these machines which decreases the fuel consumption drastically. When you start it goes on forever, especially when you learn to feel the machine. Another interesting thing is that the exhaust barely smells on these even when you mix the fuel by yourself with regular petrol from the gas station. There were some initial problems years ago with these 4 mix engines where too of much full throttle or too little throttle was a problem for them and they broke down a lot. But that time has passed many years ago. These are great powerful quiet engines with a clean burn if I can trust my nose 😅. Reliability was a drawback but they sorted that out quite quickly. The 4 mix nevertheless never really got rid of that bad reputation and Stihl almost completely stopped with them a few years ago. When reliability wasn't a problem anymore people started to complain about the sound always being the same, falsely claiming regulation of the throttle is difficult/impossible. A real drawback would be the weight because they are quite heavy and they can vibrate a bit more although I didn't really notice it. I used it very heavily (very dense and tall grass with a lot of thick plants, branches and rocks everywhere for 3 years (it got stolen this summer) and the engine+exhaust looked like brand new. Never had to adjust the valves and the spark plug was also as good as new. Those engines also start very easily. You can start them from your shoulder if not completely cold, that's how little power you need for it to start.

[@PhonePhone-qh6hz]

I like the 91 and 90.

[@merlin9244]

Great, thanks a lot! Greetings from Germany, Armin

[@michaelarthur4764]

Thanks man --great explanation

[@Carlsmower]

Happy to help

[@NHvideos-w8p]

I didnt understand why if 91 fs has 1,27 horse power and the others has 1,9 horse power is not supost tobe 1,27 is more power?

[@CKID-dv8tq]

I have the de 91r and I have had the 111r good machines along with the km 131 r I own

[@andrewserumgard4947]

Should I get the 91r on sale for $300 rn, or should I spend an extra $170 for the 111r ($470)? I’ll be trimming a small cemetery and doing the detail stuff on a 5 acre property every other week. Nothing super tall, thick, or dense. Just a lot of it.

[@CKID-dv8tq]

@@andrewserumgard4947 the 111r is great too it really just depends on the power you want the 91r is great I use it around the house on a few houses I cut and it does cuz nasty brush considering the circumstances

[@andrewserumgard4947]

@@CKID-dv8tq I think the only real reason I would want more power is to maybe get the job done faster. But realistically, I wonder if the 111 would actually get the job done much faster than the 91?

[@CKID-dv8tq]

@@andrewserumgard4947 it may either one will get it done quickly since there’s 4 mix engines

[@mikemorang186]

Bought a FS131 today, disappointed in the power. Took it back to the dealer, thought something was wrong with it, so the gave me another FS131 trimmer, same problem no power. Wish I had bought a 2 Stoke instead.

[@Carlsmower]

You must be getting into some heavy stuff. Maybe it’s time to check the FS240? I’m so sorry you felt light on power.

[@eugeneoreilly9356]

I wouldn't bother with those 4 mix engines,they are rubbish with no power.

[@alan-dr8uo]

The good ole back 40

[@harryerhart5978]

Nice video l think you should weigh all 3 l think you will find a small difference also it looks like you have plenty of inventory here in Florida all the shelves are bare👍👍

[@michellejohn695]

Do they all share the same drive shafts,clutch drums,clutches,and carbs?

[@snoopfurlow1275]

No,

[@theordinarywatches1216]

Always great videos. I am looking to buy the coolest trimmer - should if be 131r or 94r. Will use it to trim beautifully maintained lawns.

[@Carlsmower]

Big bad FS131. But it’s like a big truck in the city. May actually prefer a FS111rx.

[@briancocks1408]

@@Carlsmower

[@briancocks1408]

An FS 131 is probably overkill for the well maintained laws

[@andrewgonzalez1530]

Yesssssssssss, Perfect video!

[@projectseventyone]

Basically, get the 94r all you need and not an arm breaker

[@amauricontreras9554]

Where can I get one in Maryland?

[@Carlsmower]

There should be a dealer locator found at StihlUSA.com. Hopefully that helps you locate the right dealer in your area

[@harryerhart5978]

I have all 3 love them all too 😊

[@brandonblack1540]

The 111 and 131 run bout same use thick line and you'll be surprised wat they can do

[@viperstrike3827]

I have an old Honda umk431 that I can just fling 1 inch saplings around with!

[@Carlsmower]

That was a nice machine, Has great power with a blade. That is for sure.

[@viperstrike3827]

@@Carlsmower Thank you for the reply! The power is not great, but that blade is so heavy that is carries a lot of inertia. When sharp it can cut huge trees. I have slammed it into trees and brought that blade to full stall thousands of times. What it lacks in power it makes up for with unkillableness. Thank you for the reply, and greetings from Mississippi!

[@darwindropmazda]

To me the 111RX is the best trimmer every made! Flex drive shaft but weighs less than those three 💪🏾

[@Carlsmower]

It’s the boss when it comes to weekly trimming

[@JenkinsMowing86]

Husqvarna!

[@zedacruja681]

I need to attach the chainsaw part I think the KM 131 R its the way to go or after I have to change,,,,no way, but T Y.

[@bobmedic3214]

just get the KM131 and get used to the power. You can always back off. Can’t add more power!

[@brucesummers7448]

The power differential is much less of a concern with the models with the bike handle and full harness than with the loop handle version.

[@EarsBeEazy]

If you're a professional and have a grass cutting business or have very large untamed properties and you insist on doing it yourself, then these models are perfect. If you're a regular Joe trimming your cookie cutter house, these models are way over the top for what you actually need unless, of course you like blowing money then more power to you but a fs56 rc-e will be better suited for smaller properties and general use.

[@StihlRunnin]

I’m not a professional by any means but I have a pickup and a brushcutter and people are highly appreciative of the ability to mow everything from manicured lawn grass on up to literal jungles with trees, animals, Russian olive thickets I can do it myself in a day and a half and haul the slash. I use and fs 110 and it’s a great tool I really like it, I put a muffler on it, new carb and modded unlimited jets for tuning at altitude. I think I made about a thousand bales a hay this summer with the thing just sweating, letting this thing sling a skillsaw blade. Great trimmer, if if I could go a little bigger I probably would. Just to ya know feel da powa 😂