STIHL FS 38 Trimmer Review

This is a review of the SHIHL FS 38 Weed eater. This trimmer is one that I have owned for the past 2 years and I wanted to give my thoughts on if this is a good trimmer for YOU to buy.
If you have any questions or would like to see a specific function or review, please leave a comment and let me know and I will do my best to get to work on it.
Hope this review helps with trimming down those weeds.
‪@stihlusa‬

[@mattwaters6987]

Have had mine since 2018. I only use Stihl's premix 50:1 fuel. Never an issue besides replacing the line. Runs great! Great review!

[@artillerylife]

Thank you and I actually use STIHL’s 50:1 now as well!!! Thank you for sharing

[@daveengstrom9250]

Thanks for the review. The problem I have with GAS products is they can be so damn hard to start. There have been times I have pulled the cord 50 times and just quit. The electrics are wimpy, yes, but they start with the pull of a trigger.

[@mikecanniff3873]

I had the FS40 for 12 years! Same machine, motor ,length everything, as FS38. Different kill switch, choke is only difference, and,the FS 38 is made in China! The others are American made,with the exceptions for a couple battery trimmers. Don't forget to grease the head gear,take the line head assembly off,and the trim guard, then the bolt that's left,remove to grease. Stihl sells small tunes of grease for this,or Amazon has grease pins,I have pins for chainsaws too. I love mine,always starts, every season.

[@artillerylife]

Good input!!!! I should have put some maintenance tips on here but I can always make another video for that!!! Thank you for sharing

[@TiptronicSS]

Very thorough review, thanks

[@harrothepilot]

I use a FS55 and also a BG86 blower, love using both of them. I also have an old BG75 blower circa 1999 or 2000. It's always run on ethanol free/sthil oil at 50:1, and has had a merciless hard life. Even in 2024, it's a 1-2 pull start machine. It's had normal routine servicing, but that's it, no major work. Love Sthil.

[@alfyr.e.meyerakaa.r.e.m.4434]

Thanks for your demonstration and review. It was because you're military that convinced me to finally get gas. If we can't trust our servicemen/women, there's no one left to trust. Dragging a chord around a 1.25-acre property sucks... especially around the pool and the chord get into the water.

[@SgtStanton]

I just got 2 of these not running for free, and I got them both running, I live stihl so I was stoked when someone offered them to me

[@SGT_Reid]

Can I guess your rank off this video? Let’s see. Did the service member demonstrate sufficient knowledge on the subject matter that they presented? Yes, service member not only thoroughly explained their subject matter expertise on the topic by explaining the specifications of the equipment and safety precautions but also by giving a visual demonstration. If I had to guess your rank, based off this video alone, I would say you were an E-6 promotable or an E-7. Either way as a mechanic and a prior trainer at BN at Fort Bragg, NC you did a heck of a job. The information was presented clear enough that someone that’s never seen one before could operate it off this video alone in my opinion. Keep up the good work!

[@artillerylife]

Thank you again!!!! And your guess is good. Currently an E7

[@SGT_Reid]

@@artillerylife You’re welcome brother! And thank you for the content! After watching the Stihl video, I first thought he has to be an E-6(P) or higher. Then after watching the generator video(I won’t say what it was) but I started leaning more towards E-7 after one of your comments. So if you know, you know😂 Be blessed.

[@davido662006]

This will be my first band new weed trimmer I usually get from a pawn shop

[@Slowrex123]

I’ve had my FS45 for 17 yrs . I’ve never had any issue with it. All I do is replace the line. I don’t even drain the fuel during winter. Never takes any more than 1 or 2 pulls to start. But I think our fuel in Australia is much better quality than the USA

[@markyakubovsky3380]

Great review video man- Love my little FS38 especially after I adjusted the carb. Don't forget there is a throttle open lever on the bottom side of the trigger- flip that baby up and it holds the trigger at half throttle till you squeeze the throttle to release it.. Thx again!!

[@artillerylife]

Thanks for the info!

[@reileymitchelmore1004]

I got one just like this and I didn't need to do that with all I had to do put chalk up a overcup ties and shut the choke and she run perfect for me

[@konnieblaze2116]

My dad, who came to America in 1966 from Germany, always called it "steel"

[@artillerylife]

Well I have a German background….maybe that’s why 😂

[@CowboyAxe]

I have an FS 38 since 2005 lots of hard use, I have an acre yard.

[@artillerylife]

Thanks for the input!!!

[@arian_the_gangster3892]

Shaking is not my problem when using this weedeater, my problem is stones flying on my arm so I have to use gloves

[@drmoynihan]

Thank you. Just arrived at our overgrown beach cabin & 38yr son's used/from a friend (starts right up) and I figure this 72yr (experienced with tools & chainsaw) better go to YT.

[@artillerylife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@deusvult8808]

Here in southern Europe we read it as "shtil"

[@codyhughes5520]

Can we get a gas/oil mix video as well as how to clean the carb

[@glenculp5236]

After owning an FS38 for about six years I think I know why the model # starts with F & S. 🤬🤬Those letters signify words you will likely use quite a lot if you have one. Been hard to start almost from day one. My bad I should have returned it. Also should have at least used ethanol free gas if not True fuel. Oh well live& learn. Going battery powered now. Lots of choices out there. I Welcome any advice on the battery powered side.

[@davidspearie6921]

Nice review, but despise the term "Weedeater". Stihl sells weed-grass trimmers. Weedeater is a brand name.

[@artillerylife]

lol sorry. It’s the name I grew up on 😂

[@Rose-wx2ct]

I hate this trimner...it is way to short..im 174 and i have to bend to work w it

[@artillerylife]

Good point out. Taller people may not like it

[@khethelondlazi7708]

I am buying one. south Africa

[@dirk_v]

Don't. I did and regret it. The head really sucks. Total rubbish. I tried after market heads and eventually settled for the head with the solid nylon blades. But now it is not a line trimmer anymore. The bladed system is not working against solid walls (Brick or concrete, like basically all houses in South Africa have. Remember, it is SA.😮). The aluminium head (disc) with the pre-cut nylon strings works but it is also not ideal.

[@Jan-gf7lh]

P r o m o s m 🎶

[@MohinderSingh-gm9ew]

pronounced sh-til

[@xenomorph7299]

Its STEEL. It says this on their website how to pronounce it just so you all know.