Stihl FS 131 vs FS 91 R, Which Weed Eater is Right For You?

I have both the Stihl FS 131 and the Stihl FS 91 R, in this video I compare the two weed eaters, show you first use and how to change the string in the weed whacker. How to Select the Right Stihl Trimmer or Brushcutter. Stihl Weed Whacker Review. Stihl trimmer aka weed eater, weed wacker overview and comparison between the two models. Which one is best. Commercial vs. homeowner. Stihl FS131 verse the FS91r.
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Oregon Gatorline Professional Magnum 3-Pound Spool of .105; amzn.to/2WFhqFm
Anleolife Heavy Duty Square .105-Inch-by-1038-ft String: amzn.to/2Wli4cq

[@stevenmchenry9276]

Best demo ever

[@topsaw]

Thank you

[@machninety7334]

When your priming the FS 131, I believe it has some sort of new engineering put into the priming system. The manual says to press the primer bulb 5 times, even if the bulb is already filled with fuel. I think it is designed so you can press it many times and it wont flood. But pressing it 5 times will make it easier to start. Also, Ive found before starting any machine made by stihl or any other company, to always crack the lid on the gas tank for a second or two. If you have been using it, stopped for a second, then attempt to restart, if you crack the lid first, youll hear a rush of air come out of the fuel tank. This makes it much easier to start on just about the first pull every time. Hope this helps.

[@topsaw]

Good feedback

[@marknewman9430]

I never knew that lil hack. I always wondered why my stihls don't wanna crank up right away when hot. Thanks!

[@ronaldnorris2179]

I have Husqvarna it’s starts warm first pull every time..no shenanigans.

[@SysTolicElm]

I have this problem after warming and say string runs out before fuel. When trying to start back takes a few pulls and wants to bog or shut off when pressing throttle, gonna try this and see if helps

[@stephenparchewski1998]

Yes, with those you can prime them as much as you want and nothing bad will happen. I have a KM130. I’ve adjusted the carb to run a touch richer than factory. If the bulb is full of fuel (even if left sitting for a few days), I just choke it to start it and it usually pops off on the first pull. I used to prime it 4 times, but why prime it when you don’t have to (no need to wear out your primer bulb).

[@shallah777]

I just bought a 131 today & it's a magnificent piece of equipment. I use the 91 also but the comfort & the power of the 131 after a long day of cutting makes it worth it.

[@topsaw]

Nothing like good tools, good feedback thank you

[@shallah777]

@@topsaw you're absolutely right & you're welcome

[@ianjimenez9769]

Thank you for the review! I believe the cut radius is less with the shoulder strap because you’re already losing reach by have to reach across your body to hold the loop. Very help information! Cheers from the mountains of Puerto Rico!

[@topsaw]

Great feedback on the shoulder strap, I never thought of the decreased radius. Always wanted to visit PR

[@newcreation07]

I have the 131r and omg it’s the best weed eater I’ve ever had! I can’t find anything that’ll bog it down. I highly recommend to get the 131r if you can!

[@topsaw]

Well said

[@ProMachinist]

Thank you for the instructional video TopSaw. Very informative and perfectly narrated. My Stihl FS90 is equipped with various types of cutting blades and works exactly as it should. I Highly recommend the handle bar model such as mine for those extra big cutting or thinning jobs. Andy 🇨🇦

[@topsaw]

Good feedback

[@bigtexas7580]

*The echo speedfeed 450 head is the best head you can put on these or any trimmer. I put one on my KM131 weedeater attachment and it's a night and day difference to never have to remove the cap when you run out of trimmer line. Stihl makes one of these heads too now but I always use the speedfeed 450 because it holds 20 feet of .105 line and lasts a very long time. Another thing to do is remove the spark arrestor screen on the muffler, it'll give the trimmer a little more power and prevent carbon build ups.*

[@topsaw]

Yes it is

[@matthewbeaver5026]

Removing the screen will also void the warranty.

[@bigtexas7580]

@@matthewbeaver5026 *You can always replace the screen before you take the unit in for warranty work. I've never had to take any machine in for any warranty work.*

[@matthewbeaver5026]

@@bigtexas7580 neither have I. Just something I thought relevant for anyone else who may read this.

[@SnifterRoux]

@bigtexas7580 what screen are yous referring to?

[@jarod144]

Both. 131 for grass and brush cutting. 91R for hedging and pole saw stuff

[@topsaw]

I agree, I have both and use both.

[@greenmarine5]

It's nice to see the machines in action instead of watching some salesmen tell you about these, that probably has never even used one.

[@topsaw]

Thank you

[@harriglnola7655]

Thanks so much, man! Honestly, I would have NEVER thought to cut my line at an ANGLE to make it easier on me installing it into the receiving holes on the spool! When I saw you explain and then actually DO it, I was stunned that I had never thought of it before. I know, its a small thing, but I sure as hell appreciate you sharing that valuable tip with me (us). Great job and great video. Thanks so much again! By the way, I own the FS91R and I LOVE it!

[@topsaw]

Thanks, it's the small things that turn out to be the large things

[@4KXAY]

Even tho im 13 im puting the fs 131 in my bucket list that ting seems like a beast it has some power for its size

[@topsaw]

Good to hear

[@danielfurr5409]

Which is better for trimming around trees, the house etc? Does the bullhorns make it hard to manipulate the weedeater to certain angles?

[@topsaw]

Smaller one is much better for around the house. Only need the big one if you have acreage

[@danielfurr5409]

@@topsaw I have 12 acres but don't plan on using weedeater but on 1acres. And that acre has about 50 trees and house on it to trim etc. There are some very large brush areas though... will the 91 take a brush blade ?

[@topsaw]

@@danielfurr5409 yes but a little under powered for a brush blade

[@rarnette73]

You can get the bars for both weed eaters, the last digit or alphabetic denotes what loop or handlebar comes with the unit.

[@topsaw]

Thanks good to know

[@HydeMyJekyll]

Good timing on this video, just about to go buy a new weed eater next week- moved 1200 miles away and left my old lawn tools in the barn. Old machine is a $100 Troy-bilt that I bought new and put around 400 hours on it mostly cutting 2'+ tall grass on a steep hillside in a field behind my house. Definitely lacked a little bit of power, but I was super happy to be able to run it for 8+ hours in a day and not have any maintenance problems. I forget what part exactly, but some bearing went out maybe three times, cost about $5 to fix it each time, otherwise no problems. Is a machine like the 131 worth the money? I feel like many people underestimate the capabilities of the 'cheap' items if you take care of them.

[@topsaw]

131 might be overkill, out of all my chores, weed eating is the worse, anything to make it go faster is good for me

[@MrPizzapuppy]

I bought my FS131R from a recommendation of a friend of mine, and I can say that the power is incredible. It will basically go through anything green, and a tri-wing blade can take down 2+ inch sapplings. The throttle was alittle touchy, but now that it's broken in it's alright. I believe I've ran 30-35 gallons of gas through it over the last 2 years, and it's been a good one. I didn't mind paying the $400 for a good quality piece of equipment, and it's easily paid for itself a few times over. Sidenote: FS131 is the bike handle, an R on the end (FS131R) designates a loop handle. This applies to all Stihl trimmers. Hope someone finds this helpful.

[@woofbark4475]

@@MrPizzapuppy Yep was wondering and you answered

[@MrPizzapuppy]

@@woofbark4475 Glad I could help!

[@jakerussell2159]

The 91 also comes with the same harness and handles if you get the 91 and not the 91r

[@topsaw]

Good to know

[@stevenbrown5210]

Thank you! I like the 131, I just might get one!

[@topsaw]

Springs coming , I'm.about to get it ready for the season

[@joshuavanhoozer1518]

I have the 131 r and I love it

[@topsaw]

It is so much easier to get work done with great tools

[@imatt6566]

Love my (FS91 not R) with the handlebars for brush cutting.

[@patmason7276]

Darwin grip make it sweet. Have 91R want the 131 kombi. Have the 91R for 5 years been a beast cuts anything thrown at it.

[@topsaw]

Yes they are the top of the game

[@pneuamtics1]

I had a model older than this one that I love. My sister has difficulty with tools that are too heavy and she actually loved mine and found it easy to use kzbin.infoUgkx_rBCFuDW1zD6blTGhLkvAkxU657uR_lG . This is a newer model but was even lighter which she really appreciates. She enjoys it and I no longer have to go to her house to trim as she can handle it fine. Haven't used it enough to comment on the battery life but lithium batteries last longer than the old style. Being cordless makes it easy to trim the far edges of the property. The entire yard can be trimmed with one charged battery.

[@topsaw]

Yep

[@robstewart5048]

Just a heads up, someone probably beat me to it, but the reason the 91 has the loop handle instead of the bike handles is bc of the “r” designation.

[@robstewart5048]

Also, what line r u using in this video? If you remember

[@topsaw]

Yes that is correct

[@topsaw]

I'm almost positive it is .105 which I use on both for weed eating and smaller for edging

[@AP-gn9fd]

With the bullhorn, do you feel like you have to lift the tool with your arms and does that get tiring? Im used to using a traditional setup like the 91R where you can push down with your trigger arm to raise the head up.

[@topsaw]

No, I think the big handles are less work, weight still rests on your shoulders

[@AP-gn9fd]

Great, thanks!

[@techguy9023]

Do you use the brush cutter blade? Lots of briars here to cut. I have seen the 131 and 131R. The R has the D handle but feels lighter. Is it the residential version? The dealer said it was the handle difference.

[@topsaw]

I think the r is only for the different handle

[@stevemarvin2785]

You can get either handle set on both. When you get used to a more powerful tool, going back to a weaker one is a letdown. I ve used D handle for 30 years... not a fan of clunky handle bars.

[@topsaw]

Very true, I still like the handle bars for long use, prevents my elbow from tingling

[@SnifterRoux]

I am yet to buy a new trimmer and don't need the bike handle. Is it worth having both the 91R and 131R or would the 131R be comfortable enough to do the light more finesse stuff too?

[@topsaw]

I have both but only use the 131. I thought I would use both, but don't. I keep the 91 only as a backup

[@martyepperly5803]

I purchased the 91 with the handle bar grip. It is the "bomb"! The jury is still out as to whether I will replace the strap with the harness. Thoughts?

[@topsaw]

Good to hear, I like the harness. Helps rotate through a bigger arc and doesn't make your lower back sore from being equally weighted.

[@woofbark4475]

@@topsaw So the harness fits the 91 also?

[@topsaw]

@@woofbark4475 yes it will

[@dwaynesykes694]

The "R" in the "FS 91 R" indicates it has the loop handle, the "FS 91" has the handlebar style grip with a full harness. Comparing them on that attribute is therefore meaningless.

[@topsaw]

Ok

[@xaviersawirjo7128]

how or what kind of mix do you use for the fs131??

[@topsaw]

It's a four stroke but you run regular 50:1 mix

[@supersound6691]

You can change the heads on these right? Because all the Stihl trimmers that I have used, I have changed the heads on them.

[@topsaw]

Yes, same heads

[@cynthiagarcia6272]

Just purchased fs 131 and having problem starting is there a trick

[@topsaw]

Needs fresh gas. Full chole until it pops, choke automatically turns off and then one more food pull. I use my knee on the engine housing to hold it down, not on the shaft.

[@snoopfurlow1275]

Mid grade gas,mixing oil..flip that switch to run,prime it 3 time,let it run,mash the trigger, the auto choke should go back to normal to non choke position, it should run.after it breaks in,have the carburetor adjusted,it will run like a sowing machine!

[@Tom-ej8bb]

Ty! Looking to buy a straight shaft so I can take out brush with small saplings using a saw blade attachment. Same dealer but 2 different salesman gave me different advice. One said I can put blade on the 91 but the other said it wouldn’t cut saplings so I need the 131 handlebar type at least! Confused! Any advice?

[@topsaw]

91 will spin the blade but probably won't have enough power to cut what you want to cut.

[@Tom-ej8bb]

@@topsaw TY

[@knightimusprime25]

the 91 will take a blade and do whatever ya wanna do with it

[@elishasrepairandmore3639]

have you had any driveshaft issues

[@topsaw]

No none

[@elishasrepairandmore3639]

@@topsaw ok thank you

[@eddiemakamba2986]

What is the price on Amazon?

[@topsaw]

I don't think you can buy Stihl products on Amazon, you have to get them from an authorized Stihl dealer

[@jeffcollins7611]

First time I have heard anything about a bucket of water to weedeating LMAO

[@sullivanseeley8550]

Ik

[@topsaw]

Ok

[@eugeneoreilly9356]

Weed eating is a thirsty job especially on a hot day.

[@ReBible180]

Thanks so much for this information! Aloha

[@topsaw]

Aloha, thank you

[@cogentdynamics]

I learned that these are 4 stroke power heads. Thank you. I am not interested in one of those.

[@topsaw]

Ok

[@JLM905]

I love my 131, it'll cut 6 inch trees with the chisel tooth saw blade...thing's a beast

[@topsaw]

True

[@deliverybryan1138]

I have the same Fs 131 with the bike handlebar and I use the mulching blade for my blackberry Brier removel tasks . It really does the job good , someday I will like to move up to Fs 240 or maybe just have both .

[@topsaw]

Good to hear the blade on it works so well, I haven't tried one before

[@deliverybryan1138]

@@topsaw it really chews up the blackberry briers all the way down to the ground .

[@sangueguerriero9538]

Does it also have the edger attachment/option?

[@twintriode]

No FS models are string trimmers only. Those size motor's he is using are made in Stihl's Kombi system. They would be KM91R and KM131R. For the versatility they are a MUCH better choice than what this fellow has. I have the KM91R power head with string trimmer, edger, and blower attachments. Hopefully next year I will have the bed redefiner.

[@snoopfurlow1275]

If they make an edger attachment.then yes..such as pole saw,hedge trimmer attachments.the different is the ccs,the shaft,gearbox ratios.you can convert that motor as well..

[@jarod144]

Yes you can pop any gear attachment on the end like pole saw, hedge trimmer, and blades. The FS 91, 111, and 131 have steel shafts that can handle more than just grass heads 🙏❤️☯️

[@jarod144]

@@twintriode the kombi is trash

[@twintriode]

@@jarod144 Prove it pro.

[@tamaskrisztianseres7881]

Nikkari kawasaki bruscutter 2,7hp 53cm)vs frich adolf still mix

[@topsaw]

Don't know it, but will see if I can find one

[@Gman-26]

Which would you choose for aggressive hill work? About 2 acres worth. Having to really reach just kills my shoulders and back. Think those bars might limit me on the hills?

[@topsaw]

I would get the 131. I think the bars would be advantageous on the hills

[@jarod144]

I use a handlebar 131 on steep hills and use the shoulder strap to push against and sweep grass away efficiently. I’ll never go back to grass trimming with the loop handles.

[@KPTrainham]

Was looking at the 91 but you sold me on the 131. 5 acres of hilly thick brush to do at our new home and I don't think the 91 is up for it. Plus I want that backpack strap! 👍

[@topsaw]

Probably a good idea

[@knightimusprime25]

that 91 will do anything you want it to do

[@michaelapareciobasco6999]

How to avail this fs 131

[@topsaw]

What does that mean?

[@sullivanseeley8550]

“I never weed eat on hot dry days” what 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@topsaw]

Hard to find a day that is not in California

[@MrBig-ow3wy]

@@topsaw im surprised weedeaters are even legal in California!

[@Jesse-pz5fe]

​@MrBig-ow3wy if they weren't how would we cut grass lmao...I guess there's still matches.

[@yommarnyori8894]

Which is better fs 131 or fs 400

[@topsaw]

Both great, both large commercial weed eaters.

[@memedealer313]

bruh the back of those weed eater Are Thick I think the factory made wead eater heads are the better ones. My opinion: any wead eater that has. A strap that goes around you I hate bc I’m no your on a hill it fall out of you hand bc it’s mostly gavel and you go with it

[@memedealer313]

Thanks for the like

[@topsaw]

Ok

[@gloriab9361]

Just cut both sides with a walk behind etc. 2 guys 2 machines. Hmm

[@topsaw]

I like the width of path with the 131 and shoulder harness. Also like for irregular ground.

[@deecee2837]

So much time wasted refilling the line. Get a Speed Feed 400 or a Stihl 26-2 head & leave that annoying BS behind. Seems the FS91R is the same trimmer with a slightly smaller bore & a more realistic need of power for 99% of users - for much less $$$ (currently $299 during Stihl's spring sale). For those who need to take down 3-4" saplings on a regular basis with an appropriate cutting attachment, get the FS131. For the rest of us, the value of the FS91R (much more popular in sales than the FS131) is obvious.

[@topsaw]

Good advice

[@patrickroy1150]

I have the 91r and it's junk

[@topsaw]

Sorry to hear that

[@thefall3551]

These are not 4 strokes

[@topsaw]

They call them a 4 mix engine. They cycle in 4 strokes to reduce emissions but you still have to use mix in the gas.

[@eugeneoreilly9356]

Those 4 mix engines are junk with their plastic cams,Would never buy one.

[@topsaw]

Ok

[@tonycowser1843]

Quit whispering, I could hardly hear you.

[@topsaw]

Sorry, I'll turn it up on the next one

[@sirliftsalot1154]

13 minutes of my life wasted while waiting to hear the 131r run.

[@topsaw]

Sorry to hear that

[@bryanyoder2574]

Neither, buy echo if you want something reliable.

[@topsaw]

I have some echo equipment I really like, lower price point as well. But I have always liked Stihl for overall reliability and power.

[@bryanyoder2574]

@@topsaw man ive had nothing but terrible luck with stihl.

[@MrPizzapuppy]

My father swears up and down by Echos, and I bought him a SRM-3020 for father's day last year, but the sheer amount of torque sold me on the FS131R. That thing has a crazy amount of power. I've probably ran 30-35 gallons of gas through it with no major issues, and it's paid for itself many times.