New Stihl FS91R Professional Trimmer - the difference between trimming and brush cutting

[@watershedoverlook]

I have owned the previous version of this trimmer, the FS90R, for years and it has served me really well! Love the "four-mix" technology...higher power at lower RPMs (quieter). Congrats on the new purchase.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks, Chris! The new FS91R is definitely an upgrade for us. Jennifer even likes running it. Now I don't get to mow or trim! :)

[@joeraptor1]

I bought the 91r last year. Great trimmer. A little heavy when fully loaded with gas but you get used to the weight. I had the 94r before it and like the 91r way better. It's a little more powerful than the 94r but has way more torque and is quieter. It blows through grass with ease, even thick, lush spring growth. The solid steel shaft reduces vibrations to next to zero. It has also been surprisingly very good on fuel for such a large motor. I can usually trim 5-6 lawns (15-20 minutes at each place) before running out of fuel. In contrast, I also have the Shindaiwa T262 (same as the Echo SRM2620). Great trimmer too. I can get about 4 lawns trimmed with that one. Put a speed feed head on that 91r and it's amazing. Great Job by Stihl. Thank You for your video.

[@mp_outdoors556]

I bought the fs91r last year, worth every penny. Once you go 4 stroke you don't want to use a 2 stroke no more, not just for the extra power and comfort but also because it's not as loud. Yes i use ear protection every time.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

We are enjoying the FS91 this summer. The quiet is a nice bonus to all the power and comfort of that vibration dampening.

[@scotthenry3401]

Its not a 4 stroke, its a four mix which is a 2 stroke engine with the same kind of valves that a 4 stroke has. Four strokes have a sump with engine oil. Two strokes have no sump so need oil mixed into the fuel.

[@waholoopesorry74]

@@scotthenry3401You’re wrong. It’s a four stroke that has a 2-stroke air/fuel mixture. Explain to me how with two valves the piston could possibly function with only 2 strokes

[@scotthenry3401]

@@waholoopesorry74 you are right, it does use 4 cycles, my mistake. So it's a 4 cycle engine running on fuel /oil mix.

[@waholoopesorry74]

@@scotthenry3401 No worries, we're all learning! Yes it is a four stroke that runs on a mix. I own a FS91R and highly recommend it!

[@tractorhead04]

I have the attachment capable version of this trimmer. It is such a beast. I use it for the heavy stuff and have the Fs56Rce for around the house.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Nice!

[@Stihlalive044]

I love Stihl products, FS56R I have for ages, BG85 blower, 044 and a 026 chainsaw. Trimmer might have had a stuck diaphragm in the carburetor if it sat over the winter, mine gave me issues this spring but runs like a top once the diaphragm freed itself up with gasoline mix moving through it.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for the info!

[@josephnovotnak]

Bought my fs91r 3 years ago and love it. Use it for my landscaping business. Just adjust the valves every year!! The only thing I don’t like with mine is that I had to replace the carb last year, went with oem Stihl. I don’t run ethanol free fuel in my stuff, used it 2 times and everything ran way worse… very hard to start on ethanol free for me.

[@rainman6080]

Adjust the carb and check the spark arrestor inside the muffler. The screen gets clogged and it can’t breathe causing the hard/no start. Personally since I live in an area without worry of starting a forest fire I just took mine out. Problem solved no more clogged screens. Use ONLY 93 octane ethanol free fuel. Your fuel lines and carb diaphragm’s will thank you.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks! How difficult is it to adjust the valves? Is it something I can do myself?

[@josephnovotnak]

@@PurpleCollarLife oh very simple, yes very easily done by yourself. There is videos on how to do it. Stihl actually sells a kit with the correct size feeler gauge, gasket, and crush washer. I would highly recommend doing it after the first 2 months of owning it, then yearly after. It would be good to make a video about if you do it!

[@davida.p.9911]

I wish more people would pause their mowing/trimming when a car passes by. I've had rocks and all kinds of debris thrown up at my car when I'm passing someone mowing. It's annoying to say the least....and damaging at worse. Very nice Stihl trimmer!! They should have labeled this one as "Easy Start".....maybe even patent the technology. Thanks for sharing, Chad!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That's a pet peeve of mine for sure. I hate driving by someone's house and their trimming or mowing right by the road and blowing that stuff out toward my vehicle. I work to hard to keep my stuff nice to have someone carelessly chip it up. And I also don't like when people blow their grass out onto the roadway. It makes it very dangerous for motorcycles. Thanks for watching!

[@grungemunkey]

Any still product with a ce after the number is an easy start. Pull it like your doing curls for your biceps

[@PhillipDrumz]

I love mine! Good video! It is super capable imo

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Totally agree!

[@Iluvcars23]

I used to have the older version a 90r it was super great knowing i have a big front and back yard and then i had a friend that has been wanting it for ever than i gave it to him and bought a echo 3020t im thinking about buying a fs 91r i like echo and stihl both very good brands

[@PurpleCollarLife]

I’ve heard good things about the old version - FS90. I’ve never tried it, and can tell you that I’m continually impressed with the FS91.

[@cadenconverse15]

I have the 131 R. Let me tell u that thing is a beast. I have cut some big stuff

[@PurpleCollarLife]

The 131R looks like a great machine. I just looked up the specs - 1.9 hp, and 36.3 cc. That IS a beast!

[@mattjones1792]

I love my shindaiwa m262 and also have a stihl km131r but would use the shindaiwa any day over the stihl and that’s only for trimmers like the other stihl products

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks!

[@Doomgel]

If i bought it again, I would get the 131.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks!

[@fatefarmspa]

199 is a good deal for that Weedwhacker. I’ve used that model before. 👍

[@fatefarmspa]

From what I was told, even though there are four stroke, they still need upper head lubrication cause there’s no crank case oil like a conventional four stroke

[@Flashman36175]

Have you seen more effecent gas usage with the four stroke? I think you might. As for why you mix the oil is becauce you can not easliy have an oil sump on a trimmer or any engine that you run in different orintations. To make an engine that occasionally runs in different orintations reliably is not east or cheap, ask Lycoming (They make small airplane motors of both types). There are alot if different types of four stroke engines. Nice video, got to get me one.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That’s a great question. Haven’t really tracked fuel consumption to compare. I just fill it up when it gets low. I would speculate that it would be better - but I’m not certain.

[@kylebruhn]

Did you check if your fs 55 was vapor locked? I think maybe your machine was not getting any fuel. I have both a Stihl FS 56 and FS 91 with that same problem. I just open gas cap to vent pressure from tank.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That’s possible. It’s been running like a top since I got it back.

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Good Morning To Both Of You 👍👍👌👌😇😇OUTSTANDING Informative video Sir 😇👍Nice Marine Engine Mercury 😇👍that is a very long side roads cleaning 😇👍All Chainsaw does leaks Sir from various reasons ( left over oil coming from the cutting bar running down is the most culprit )🤔 no no no, you will be doing potatoes peeling duty if you put that dirty sweeter into the clean place 🤣👍Cheers 🍻🍻

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Hello Dave! I was disappointed that the chainsaw didn’t stop leaking - but I’m glad to hear that it’s not a major issue. The new trimmer is powerful and makes the work easier. Easier work is always my goal. :)

[@brianlubeck4184]

The reason they need to use 2 stroke oil is to keep the crank bearings and other parts lubed up. Unfortunately because of the design of the machine, you will always have to use 2 stroke oil in the engine or you will burn it out fast, you can not use straight gas in that machine. For further information, I suggest you watch Taryl Fixes All he has a video that explains everything i just said a bit further

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks! That is very helpful. It definitely runs great!

[@brianlubeck4184]

@@PurpleCollarLife As explained in the video I referenced in the video I mentioned on TarylFixesAll, that Four-Mix that Stihl calls it is actually a weak point in the design of all Stihl engines that use it . I'm warning everyone who reads this comment ahead of time

[@mikeshobbyhomestead8917]

I had the km135 and it was to heavy. I got the fs94. Took the front guard off and it’s a monster and super light weight. Just make sure you wear eye protection.

[@joshuabennett723]

I think one of the biggest appeals to 4 stroke is not having to mix gas seeing as you have to mix gas still not really sure why you'd prefer this over a lighter higher rpm 2 stroke but what do I know

[@PurpleCollarLife]

While I always prefer lighter weight - the torque and power of this professional trimmer is worth the additional weight.

[@loodusefilm7881]

Are you sure that bar oil isn't coming from bar itself? Maybe adjust oiling down bit, run it a bit and try again is it leaking or not. Nice video!

[@patrickpk6299]

what went wrong with the old trimmer????

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for watching. I mentioned in the video that the Stihl service department ran it at all different angles/orientations, and couldn't get it to replicate the problem.

[@patrickpk6299]

@@PurpleCollarLife oh, missed that. so nothing was wrong? maybe flooded with gas and then the gas evaporated over time

[@bradh74]

I know you have Stihl stuff which is great but I think with all that Toro stuff there and all the batteries (60volt) that will power any 60volt power equipment, I'd told Toro I need a pro electric trimmer, leaf blower etc. I believe they're lighter (not sure) but have less vibration and noise. I'd rather have the hand held stuff electric than the snow blower myself, but "beggars can't be choosers". So good luck with that but my Echo I got at Home Depot is still running 10+ years later but I use that as little as possible! Brand makes a difference but after it's quality price and I'll never wear it out it'll stop running because of neglect.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Actually, on my way to the Stihl dealership - I was considering getting something battery powered as a trimmer. But my quick research couldn't find anything that can run for about an hour straight trimming or blowing. Granted, I didn't look super hard because I was on a mission to get the chainsaw worked on and the trimmer checked out. But I do agree that there is a place for the new battery powered stuff. There may be something Toro battery powered in my future as a handheld tool!

[@ProductiveRecreation]

Nope. Saw shouldn’t leak that much sitting for a few days (if that’s all that puddle was from). Mine sure doesn’t. As for trimmers, my dad has an FS46 that is over 20 years old and going strong with no issues other than a replacement trimmer head. I don’t like my straight shaft Echo (inherited from my grandfather) because I’m tall and I find I’m constantly leaning or getting into bad posture to keep the head down low enough for trimming. The shaft needs to be longer. My dad’s FS46 is a curved shaft, but it’s long and works nicer for me. If I were buying a new one I might get one with bike handles or should strap. Something with better ergonomics!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for watching! I agree - the saw leak is annoying. My previous Stihl saws have not done that. I’ve had the curved shaft and straight shaft trimmers. Being a shorter guy - I actually prefer the straight shaft. I feel like it lets me reach further across the ditch. I often stretch one-handed to trim across the ditch and reach as far as possible. Plus - it builds good arm muscles. :)

[@killerclaws101able]

swap for the old style head you will not regret just make sure its not a knock off

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks! I put the auto cut head on it already.

[@MartinStockel]

Use a shoulder strap to take of some of the weight of your arms.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

I forgot to mention - the FS91R did come with a shoulder strap! I've never used one on a trimmer - so I haven't tried it out yet. But that's a good idea.

[@horselog225]

Definitely would have went handlebars and double shoulder strap for what you do, so much less strain on the body 👍👍

[@RDEnduro]

I have a Stihl as well, if you dont use Stihl oil you will run hot and shitty. Ive tried, just use Stihl oil i dunno what they put in it lol.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks! Great tip.

[@hippo-potamus]

BS! Stihl oil is the worst oil you can use. Why the dealers push that junk is beyond me. They even encourage you to buy the silver one which is even worse than the normal orange bottle. It runs dirty and clogs spark arrestors constantly apart from slowly building up junk on the engine internals and piston. I switched to Echo Red Armor years ago and I will never use Stihl 2 cycle oil again. Just compare the specs and its not even close. Plus the red armor will slowly over time clean out all the muck and build up both on the spark arrestor and inside the engine. All of my Stihl machines run super good now no issues whatsoever.

[@jimhofoss9982]

I went with the 60v Flexvolt Dewalt. I’ve went thru many gas trimmers, and fed up with them. Electric is the future. Super powerful, Always gos instantly…lighter, less fatigue, no vibration….and Quiet! Perfect for cemetaries, I’d feel bad using a noisy gas trimmer there….I know the dead won’t mind….but it’s about respect😉 Cheers!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That's awesome! I haven't yet tried a battery powered trimmer or blower (or chainsaw). But I'm seeing that they've come a long way in the last few years. I do believe there will be one in my future. Thanks for watching!

[@DaveofAllTrades75]

No offense but if you’ve gone through many of them and are fed up with them sounds to me like you really didn’t take care of any of them therefore had nothing but problems with them I still have an old cheap $50 Murray two cycle trimmer that I got from Walmart 20 years ago and it’s still fires right up and runs I have since switched to a bigger one but still keep it in my shed because why not it’s still runs and it’s my loaner to people to ask to borrow a trimmer let’s see your electric stuff last 20 years lol. I disagree that electric is the future everyone’s pushing them now but all those lithium ion batteries are not recyclable at this time and just filling up landfills plus Third World countries are using slave labor to mine all the components to make your electric batteries I think electric is a just another lie being sold to you as “green” to try and sell more somehow thinking you’re saving the planet when they’re becoming just as much of a ecological disaster as anything else just like the batteries in electric cars. If we’re being honest I think battery tools are becoming so popular because the new generations are just lazy and don’t want to maintain their equipment therefore make excuses that gas is the problem when you are the problem you take care of your equipment it takes care of you simple as that people own 20-30 to 50 year old power saws and other equipment still running because they’ve taken care of them no electric tool is gonna last that long imo lol

[@jimhofoss9982]

@@DaveofAllTrades75 Appreciate your input…I’ve got 20 year old chainsaws that still run, a homelite, and a 65cc husky. I like dewalt tools, and have 20 year old grinder and drills that still use the original batteries…and I like the dewalt trimmer very much, and wouldn’t make mention of it, unless I thought it was a great tool! cheers

[@gordonplatter9162]

With your saw try cleaning the vent

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for the tip!

[@hippo-potamus]

@@PurpleCollarLife Yea take out the spark arrestor and clean it with a wire brush and blow torch if you dont want to buy a new one.

[@HorrorBigGameRR]

It’s not an actual 4 stroke engine. It’s a 4-mix. Essentially it’s just a 2 stroke with over head valves. Which is why it still takes the 50:1 mix

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks!

[@mattjones1792]

Get a shindawia M262 trimmer that u can add attachments to and shindaiwa trimmers are way better then stihl trimmers not hating on stihl but just fir there trimmers and shindaiwa is a better product of echo

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks. I've never heard of that brand. I'll have to look into it!

[@hippo-potamus]

Switch to Echo Red Armor 2 cycle oil instead of the junk Stihl 2 cycle silver oil and you will never have to clean or replace the spark arrestor again. Compare the specs of both oils and you will see that the Echo is far superior in every way. I will never use Stihl 2 cycle oil again on any of my engines. And I have Stihl chainsaws, weed eaters, and blowers all running super clean after the switch years ago.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for the info! I've recently switched to the Amsoil SABER oil.

[@scotthenry3401]

Its not really a 4 stroke, its a 2 stroke but with the same type of valves as a 4 stroke.

[@dadanomadi834]

So it's using 4 strokes.