Loop vs Bike Handle Stihl Trimmers, Which is Best for You?

#stihltrimmers #stihllooptrimmers #stihlbikehandletrimmers
The Stihl loop handle and bike handle trimmers have the same powerful engine and both have a weed-eater head, so what really makes them different? What jobs are they suitable for, and more importantly, which one is best for your needs?
Josh at Carl’s Mower and Saw lays out the pros and cons of these different types of trimmers so you can confidently and COMFORTABLY take on the weeds and blackberries!
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[@Carlsmower]

Thanks for watching! We're big advocates of shopping and supporting locals. If you're watching from a different area, here's the dealer locator so you can support a local business too. www.stihlusa.com/locator/search/

[@stephenbousman162]

Can you change your current bike handle trimmer to a loop handle

[@j3dwin]

I have an Stihl FS180 with bicycle handle bars. Can I replace those with a loop handle?

[@chrisxshock]

It’s so interesting hearing other’s perspectives! I have the loop over the bike handle because having 7 acres loaded with a lot of brush; I found the loop was so much more efficient! The bike handle prevents me from getting to places the loop doesn’t. I’m in shape so the fatigue isn’t an issue with either. But the bike handle feels very bulky and not nearly as maneuverable as the loop. The bike handle got hung up on everting and was soooo annoying I sold it and ended up getting the loop. If you have open fields then the bike is probably cool, but in thick brush, it’s almost it’s own battle!

[@adrianrog]

Thank you so much for this video. That's the best laid out reason to pick one over the other I've ever seen.

[@rokr444]

Thank you so much for this video: short, clear, practical... It gave me a clear answer to the question of which one I want to buy.

[@Mopo151]

There are almost no loop handle commercial trimmers to find in Europe, i had to opt for kombi system just to get loop handle. Bicycle is good for big Power trimmers, you carry the weight on the back, thats sole advantage for me.

[@Dreyno]

You should really use a shoulder strap with a loop handle as well. Handlebars biggest advantage is control. You have more leverage and the head is less likely to get pulled into plants and young hedging etc. With a loop handle, sometimes the head can lurch and you end up cutting stuff you didn’t mean to.

[@joeyjojo5]

Thanks for taking the time to post this - answered my question on loop vs. bike - very helpful!

[@Carlsmower]

So glad that we could help bring some clarification to your needs

[@darkiee69]

The Stihl "advance plus" harness is even better, it places the load right on your hips.

[@420funny6]

We have a dairy farm, and hours of clearing fence rows happen, far from the house lol I love our harness

[@janetdowell6005]

Your videos are so very helpful. Your teaching skills rock!

[@AccountingTutor]

CAUTION. The bike handles are not for tall operators. I'm 6'3" and opted for the bike handle 131 after viewing this and other videos. I find it impossible to adjust the harness and bike handle set so that the head is level with the ground when I stand up straight. In order to cut parallel with the ground, I'm going to have to flex my knees to lower the rear of the unit the 3 or 4 inches needed to bring the head flat with the ground. This obviously defeats the purpose of the harness and bike handle grip - that is, to make using the trimmer comfortable. There is a 3rd party add-on handle that I might be able to use with the loop handle 131R, but it wouldn't be compatible with the bike handle unit since the controls are on the handle grip. I would estimate that operators under 6' tall will be OK, but taller folks will have this problem. The trimmer shaft simply isn't long enough for us, and the bike handles are too low and can't be adjusted sufficiently to compensate. Please add this info to the video so others won't be led to make the same mistake I did.

[@3500ton]

Agreed. I’m tall and had to bend then my back started to suffer. Bike handle is not for tall people. I’m 187cm tall. Another thing bike handles add weight. 1kg plus.

[@jameson3500]

Dude, I'm also 6'3, just lower strap, or buy a longer one. "Impossible", LOL!

[@steveale0711]

I’m 6’3” also and bought the 91r with loop handle. I let the strap all the way out, added a carabiner for another 3” but still find myself slightly hunched over to get the head parallel to the ground. Watching videos to see if bike handle will solve my problem. Sounds like it won’t.

[@tgsgardenmaintenance4627]

If you're using a machine for extended periods, a bullhorn is far superior! I don't have one currently as I only have use for one about twice a year. Thankfully my strimmer is a Husqvarna 535LK pro combi and has the power to demolish pretty much everything by just switching the heads, line strimmer, brush blade, mulching blade, clearing saw, hedgecutter and pole saw in seconds! First tool on the van every day.

[@Carlsmower]

That is a nice machine that you have

[@stultuses]

Why can't they make a trimmer with interchangeable handles?

[@flynick]

They are interchangeable! If you own a screwdriver 😂😂😂😂

[@flynick]

Maybe an Allen key or torc screw at the most😂

[@GeneralRELee]

The bike handle option uses a longer trigger cable I believe, if so, you'd have to switch the cable when you switch handles

[@chrisxshock]

You can interchange them.

[@therrienmichael08]

I want the bike handle and harness. My shoulders get an impingement with the loop handle and back cramp.

[@GreyEagle3]

Great video thanks for answering some of my questions. Loop handle fits my needs

[@Carlsmower]

Good to hear we could help!

[@snoopfurlow1275]

That's all I use is the handle bars version on sthil fs f6c,wider swing, easier on your hands, back I the long run

[@seenithere]

Can you purchase the bike handles to convert from the Loop?

[@LouisFML1]

I'm going to switch to echo just to get a higher powered trimmer with the loop! 42.7 cc 410x! Over the 535lx or the 555fx ( hate the bike handle)

[@brianchrisman4331]

Does the FS251 (bike handle) come with a strap harness?

[@AimGobalWorldBibleSchool]

Thanks man...Good Job!

[@smilinjoe23]

whats the part # for the bike handle & harness?

[@coltenbottenfield161]

Hey y'all when he says about the harness coming with the fs131 and the equipment to run a blade at 2:25 does this still apply in 2023,thanks.

[@firefly618]

Can you use the bike handle on a steep hillside with thick bush, though?

[@blacky9043]

Why are some bull/bike handles uneven no matter which way you rotate or adjust to try get a comfortable fit for using?

[@billcantrell5003]

can u do a review on a Stihl clearing saw?

[@addthisto]

thanks a lot

[@j.d.9648]

Does Stihl make a straight shaft trimmer with the 70" shaft? Preferable with bicycle handle? Asking for a tall friend who is 6'3"! 😉

[@christianklotzle1252]

I have the handlebars In my opinion there's no comparison having your hand Right at the motor beats the poo out of your hand its just a bad idea it's not that much more money for that handlebar one like 40 or 50 more it's worth it

[@seabass22]

Does anyone use the handle bar when mowing lawns? Seems like it would be difficult to get under stuff.

[@granturismo315]

This just blew my mind I had no idea there was a bike handle and strap weed eater?? My craftsman kills my forearms weed eating our 2 acre yard

[@fern1416]

Can I get the km 131 r with the bull handle? Also can I get both orb not?

[@Saxondog]

You can't use a pole pruner or a hedge trimmer with cowhorn handles . Gotta be a loop/ring handle, simple as.

[@Carlsmower]

That is one important point

[@treemowerman]

Can the bike handla be adjusted for left handed people

[@dujeamizic3588]

I have stihl fs 87 over eight years bike verison

[@knightimusprime25]

ill make it simple for everybody here the handlebars are best for flat ground and maybe slight grades with plenty of room to swing em the loop handled models are best for hills and banks

[@bobbyrobbins9816]

You are correct, however I will add, if you are cutting for more than 9 minutes and 38 seconds, the loop is junk. It will kill your back and make you hate string trimmers regardless of brand name. Handlebars are for people who actually have real weeds to cut.

[@knightimusprime25]

@@bobbyrobbins9816 if ya dont loosin ir up and slide it back a bit it will i do that on every new loop handle model i get

[@TheGuyWhoDidUrM0M]

@@bobbyrobbins9816 if you're blowing your back out with loop handles you need to change your stance and adjust the loop. I can cut all day with my echo 3020 with only a break every tank of gas

[@alamohammed2899]

can a straight one with bike handles be used for edges? thanks

[@Carlsmower]

With the straight shaft gearbox attachment it’s awesome. The control is nice

[@live2dogood]

Do you (anyone) know whether there's any way to install a bike handle (1:33) onto a Stihl KMA135R unit ?

[@Carlsmower]

We could convert an FSA 135 to a KMA 135 but if you already have an FSA 135 or it would be expensive to convert it to a handle bar

[@live2dogood]

@@Carlsmower Thanks for the response. Do you know whether a handle bar can be installed onto a KMA that currently has a stock loop handle on it ?

[@Carlsmower]

@@live2dogood no the whole motor body/throttle system would not work. The FSA135 (bike handle) you could pull the motor/throttle/handle assembly can be put on a Kombi Shaft assembly. The Kombi shaft assembly would set you back about $70

[@marcusfurlow8332]

Bike handlebars are best

[@elcoviljoen3025]

Can you use the bike handle for edging?

[@Carlsmower]

I’ve done it and the control is actually very nice.

[@elcoviljoen3025]

@@Carlsmower Thanks for the reply. Do you turn the handle to the bottom side then?

[@Carlsmower]

@@elcoviljoen3025 are you talking edger attachment or using it with line to “reverse edge”

[@elcoviljoen3025]

@@Carlsmower "reverse edging"

[@Carlsmower]

@@elcoviljoen3025 Sorry I thought you were talking about with a edger attachment which you can take a gearbox off of a Kombi edger and put it on the end. In a reversed edging application it is a pain in the butt.

[@timothymaslowski4388]

Not true. The loop handle is only to be used with grass blades. If you wanna run a metal cutting blade ( trees/ brush) it must be used with a bike handle machine. Was given false info from a dealer saying I can run a blade but right from sthil they said NO you can not run a blade unless it has bike handles.

[@JamesG1126]

That's false. I do it all the time. I hate the bike handlebars.

[@timothymaslowski4388]

You “can” but it’s not recommended. Right from sthil them selves. You can loose control with a loop handle from kickback. I’ve had it happen.

[@philipdove1705]

Bike handle all day. The loop handle sucks. They should be an after market option for contortionists

[@Carlsmower]

Love the input.

[@jarod144]

The loop handle destroys my back before even 30 minutes

[@TheGuyWhoDidUrM0M]

@@jarod144 check some videos on how to properly use the loop handle. That or you're a very tall mofo and you have to slouch for the trimmer to reach the ground. Maybe a darwins grip will help if you're a tall person.

[@emmanuelprempeh7766]

Please can we do business together, I’m in Africa, Ghana 🇬🇭 …!!

[@roberthoovan4130]

What’s the biggest trimmer they make

[@Carlsmower]

FS 560-CEM it comes in at 3.75 hp

[@roberthoovan4130]

Hate to see the price tag on that

[@Carlsmower]

But I bet you’d love to see the power!!

[@roberthoovan4130]

How much that cost

[@roberthoovan4130]

Can u do a video on one

[@72gunslinger]

Darwin handle

[@Carlsmower]

Those can be nice. Different than a bike handle.

[@giannhsst]

Which is better?

[@nicolashosein]

Can I have the Stihl FS 91

[@LouisFML1]

I HATE THE BIKE HANDLE!!!! I been looking for a the conversation to the loop on the v555fx ! I absolutely hate the bike handle garbage! It drives me nuts!

[@EricStevenTerry]

Looks like you're too tall for the trimmer with the harness.

[@zzblountzz8712]

This is the worse advise I’ve ever herd as a professional landscaper straight shaft is the best hands down don’t waste ur money on Handle bars and allways take ur guard off it just gets in the way and slows u down

[@Carlsmower]

Thanks for your input. What is your model of choice? Do you generally run a line head? What is the average run time per property? I love the loop handle a lot of the time.