Stihl FS56 VS Echo SRM225

In this video I explain the differences and compare the STIHL FS65 and the ECHO SRM225
I'm sure you can tell that I definitely prefer the Stihl. Both are great trimmers but I don't see why anyone would buy the Echo over the Stihl especially after seeing how well the FS56 holds up over time. When you bump the head on the Echo, the engine really struggles to keep the rpms up enough to cut the line when the guard is on and when the Stihl is using the same line, it cuts it with no issues. The overall quality of the Stihl also seems to be much better as well.
Let me know your opinions in the comments down below!

[@alexbliggenstorfer5680]

I am just starting my small lawn mowing business and I bought the Stihl and I love it so much and I have literally cut small branches on a tree with it before

[@GFYM1738]

I got the cheapest one fs38 and I love it so far, cuts grass so smoothly. I'll make sure this thing lasts.

[@badtothebone346]

I have both units. The main difference in servicing them is that the carb on the Echo is easier to take off. It takes 2 screws and is off. With the Stihl, you have to take some of the casing off to service the carb. Servicing the spark arrestor is easier on the Stihl. Both units perform about the same.

[@marknewman9430]

I ran the 56rc for about 5 years with no issues until the clutch went out doing roughly 20 yards a week. Love the Stihl but I also have an echo 225 as my edger unit. I agree the echo seems much less powerful and the Stihl has top notch throttle control. Echo has more reliable starting and isn't nearly as temperamental as the Stihl. The problems I've had with the echo are due to it not being able to take the abuse the Stihl can. My choke lever and the throttle control on the carb have broken off by being thrown around in the truck. You could say I should take better care of my equipment, but the Stihl had been in service years longer and could handle the abuse due to its plastic cover over the carb area. Both great trimmers in their own right, used to hate on the echo but I replaced my Stihl blower with an echo unit and I'm glad I made the switch.

[@user-dq8kk9xu2m]

One thing is clear from all these comments. People are biased in favor of the unit they like, including the poster and me. My first bottom of the line Echo trimmer lasted 33 years and I bought the same (upgraded) model again. Should last the rest of my life. I think to get a truly unbiased opinion visit Project Farm.

[@melonboi186]

You are speaking facts.

[@roadrunner694]

I've never been able to make heads or tails out of projject farm, he is always going like a hundred miles an hour.

[@bradjenkins932]

@@roadrunner694 That's sad

[@chrisB_OG]

good point

[@vito1785]

I've never used the Stihl. I have had Echo 225 from about 5 years, with no issues at all. My father in laws weedeater was giving him problems at the end of this season, so I figure I might get one on sale at this time so he is ready for spring. The Echo were all out of stock but they have Stihl, so this is why I'm watching this video. From the look of it in the video, and by the comments, they are very similar, and the one someone might perfers will come down to personal taste. I just want to say, I have not had any of the issues with the head. Yes it will jam if you put too much line in it. But that is a user mistake, not an issue with the head, and will happen with any trimmer head if you put too much line init. The only reason it happens more often with the Echo is because it is simply easier to feed more line into it. With regards to it spitting out the line when you bump the side. Not once in the 5 years of use has head sent out more line by me bumping the side into any post, tree etc. If it is spitting out line by bumping the side, it is either not assembled correctly or it is defective.

[@everythingmechanical4638]

I agree it just comes down to preference. I probably should have clarified better in the video but just the way the speed feed head is designed in general makes it easier to accidentally bump the line and I prefer the smaller bump section on the stihl head. I completely agree with you on the heads jamming as well and it's just as easy to take the echo head apart if it does jam

[@jamesWilliams-ch9sn]

Some good points but I like my echo for my 1 1/4. Lot 5 years so far no issues

[@keithienmason4643]

Love my Stihl fs56 RC string trimmer first Stihl weed eater ever I used this season best weed eater I have bought my self it's all ready broken in the use of it the trimmer is still new it doesn't take much to break it in a string trimmer

[@artmetcommerce4749]

Good review! Are you still liking the Stihl? You mentioned they're both entry level. What's the best model if I can spend a little more, but still under $300? My lot isn't big but it has a lot of brush around the edges.

[@everythingmechanical4638]

Yes! The STIHL is great. They are both entry level, but for some brush the FS56 will probably be perfect. I'm not sure on the price of all models but your best bet is to talk to your local dealer who can help you find one within your budget. I also have the FS91 wich is great but I think I paid more than $300 for it

[@daniellongoria9622]

4 or 5 yrs now of Home use with the 225 and I have done nothing to it and feel guilty but this thing a great tool for my mid size yard .

[@Jaydem_]

Still running it? I got a little under a acre I’m looking to buy a gas trimmer idk which one tho my battery one can’t even cut 1/3 of my yard

[@daniellongoria9622]

@MrJordanD starts right up every time . Replaced the head that holds the string and bought the tune up kit this spring . It's a great machine !

[@stephenkowalski2448]

Just the video i was looking for, i was looking at buying the echo but they now selling the stihl at $199. I have the FS90 for over 10 years but i'm looking for a string only trimmer. Too much trouble to switch from blade to string and the FS90 is a tank for grass trimming. Considering the stihl is lighter i think ill go stihl as im looking fir a lightweight grass trimmer. At only $200 and lighter weight its not worty the time swapping from blade to string on my FS90

[@ninazeng6036]

Great video!

[@noncched6839]

Good information. No matter which one you select use the premixed guel out of the cans. No ethanol and 93 octane!!

[@anthonyboitnott7140]

I’ve always used poulan trimmers. Which trimmer would you recommend for me as a resident that mows two lawns.

[@everythingmechanical4638]

Either the Echo or Stihl is a Good choice but personally I would recommend the Stihl FS56

[@turningoveranewleaflawncar952]

Great review! I'm a Stihl guy, but my mower dealer is an Echo dealer. I asked if I could demo an Echo trimmer for a week. They had the small 225 they left me to demo. I demoed it this week and it doesn't even come close to my Stihl stuff. Very little power and difficult to start and operate and it looks to be built cheap. Everything you mentioned I found wrong with it. Glad I atleast got to demo it and can give it back. I'm way happier with my Stihl tools!

[@everythingmechanical4638]

Thank you!

[@richcityrepresentative8805]

How did you have a hard time starting a easy start echo srm 225? I just bought one last month as my first time ever and it starts everytime.. you probably don't know what you're doing

[@TearsOnABlackRose]

​​​​@@richcityrepresentative8805and to expand on what you're saying, the 225 unit is NOT even part of Echo's premium lineup. they are entry-level and only 220$. It sounds like he's not mixing the gas to oil correctly or something. Anything X-Series from Echo, like their 450$. 3020Ts are going to be all-powerful. With that being said, I run weed eaters only by ECHO.

[@richcityrepresentative8805]

@@TearsOnABlackRose yea the 3020t is a beast!! And it'll outlast any Stihl trimmer without a doubt.. I've heard a lot of Stihl guys are switching to echo products

[@victorrippe5845]

@@turningoveranewleaflawncar952 It looks like you don’t have a clue how to run a 2 cycle engine you want to buy a trimmer every year or two buy Stihl’s 4mix engines are horrible

[@benjaminleslie3155]

I've had an echo 225 for a decade now and it still runs great! I also have an old 210 from the 90s that still works fine! those machines will last for as long as you want. not knocking stihl though.

[@everythingmechanical4638]

I've heard that, time will tell!

[@artmetcommerce4749]

Do you know how the 225 compares to the power of the PAS-225 (attachment version)?

[@mikehigby7897]

Have more problems with my echo srm 210 than I had with my stihls. Already replaced the carb on my srm210 and it only had a mixture adjustment screw and not high and low speed adjustments like on the stihl

[@melonboi186]

@@mikehigby7897 user error.

[@MikeHensley-sc3ns]

About to buy the echo!

[@crayonsvat121]

What do you mean echo has no power my echo srm225 cuts through thick tall weeds .

[@everythingmechanical4638]

It'll do it... But it doesn't like it. Both of these trimmers are entry level and dont have too much power but compared to the stihl it doesn't have much at all

[@lesterhooker2085]

This guy is comparing apples to oranges, the stiel has a bigger engine its going to be stronger.

[@edwardlindsay2306]

@@lesterhooker2085 it’s not apples to oranges, they cost the same

[@mikehigby7897]

@Lester Hooker he's comparing appled to apples based on entry level models. Stihl is always more expensive but you get what you pay for. Stihl makes a much more high end brush cutter at $1600 and has a way bigger engine with way more power. The stihl entry level here has a bigger motor with more power and is lighter.

[@bradwolfgram6345]

Echo has a better warranty.

[@Tacosaucemann]

Man you just hate this echo😂

[@RonnieMoscaAmericanstangs6033]

I have and prefer echo equipment. Just my preference, Their products never let me down and are easy to work on .

[@zakkcooper]

The echo needs the brass plug popped out of the back of the carb so you can tune the carb trust me night and day diffence and it'll also stop it from leaking oil out of the exhaust, also remove the spark arrestors from the muffler so the thing can flow better. I work on small engines for a living and Echo is my choice.

[@scufxz6841]

I’ve never heard of that I just bought a echo srm225 for my small lawn buisness and I’ve noticed that there is oil all over my exhaust and over the plastics I figured it would have to be tuned any way because of emissions I think I have a carb I can throw on it that has the screws available

[@drewski6843]

@zakkcooper I just purchased this model and was wondering if you can recommend a vid on showing how to remove the brass plug and other restrictions? Thanks for the info..

[@JayMoney-tw7tg]

I have a question: Can I use the fs56rc for commercial use, or is that questionable

[@tuberocker69]

Yes! The only real gripe I've heard is that the gas tank is a little small for commercial use. If you don't mind filling up a couple of extra times there's no doubt it'll do the job!

[@darcybyrne257]

I have the exact same set up I have an echo 225 and still 56 the steel will walk all over the echo not even close so you’re right

[@JeffHaire]

If your line feeds from bumping the side it's becuase your leaving the arrows lined up with the holes after spooling

[@katadimreipanmei4228]

I have seen your echo product machine by youtube but where i can get to buy this echo machine

[@everythingmechanical4638]

Go to your local dealer

[@mattcruz4837]

Echo is better 💯

[@user-nb4ps7st9q]

In your dream😂

[@ews-texas5258]

Can you get parts for the stihl from Home Depot or lowes?

[@everythingmechanical4638]

@@ews-texas5258 no you have to go to a dealer

[@dwaynebrock1312]

We ran fs56 for a long time before we got our 91 and 131 and it's unreal the abuse they have been through and they still stay on the truck as backups

[@georgerodriguez4419]

Anyone have experience using a Stihl FS91R compared to the Echo SRM-225 or SRM-225i?

[@everythingmechanical4638]

I also have this trimmer. Compared to the 225 it is a monster power wise and is much more durable. Only downside is that its a lot heavier. I personally like running it a lot better

[@georgerodriguez4419]

@@everythingmechanical4638 Thanks. I went ahead and purchased a Stihl KM 91 R with the line head trimmer and pole pruner attachments.

[@RedRed-sr6fy]

I use my 225 everyday no problems 💯

[@gunsandrotors8704]

Picked up that same Stihl on sale for 199.99 at Ace hardware. For home use cant go wrong.

[@squez861]

The Echo 2320T is the commercial version of the 225 and it will run circles around any Stihl while weighing a lot less.

[@everythingmechanical4638]

The 2320T is a much better machine than the 225, agreed!

[@WisconsinEric]

I just got my 2320T last week and I like it a lot, although I have only used two other gas trimmers. One Echo SRM 230 and one very large and old Stihl with the huge "U" bicycle handle. The 2320T handled some very thick knee high weeds along a ditch very well.

[@jamestarbet6647]

Why do u take of the gard of the strimmer

[@everythingmechanical4638]

Without the guard you can run the line out longer and have better visibility

[@jaypino2642]

Where is the grease fitting on the echo

[@everythingmechanical4638]

The older srm125s had a bolt on the head that you take out and fill with grease. Now I think only the commercial units have them

[@arturos.l.2248]

Stihl is much more enclosed and protected, where as the echo is much more open and easier to work on and replace parts

[@user-qz9nd6bi2m]

I like the echo 225 it has plenty of power and I have weedeated lots of yards with it

[@ninazeng6036]

【from HIPA】Would you like to test my parts for your equipment?thank you.

[@fondferret]

It says it's commercial quality not commercial usage

[@randyhays2113]

It has a 2 year comercial waranty and a 5 year residential.

[@brucelewis1017]

I have a sthil fs 91 and a echo smr 230 and my echo is lighter than the sthil but the sthil has more power

[@RyanDaniel-kd1vg]

Most of your problems could be solved by using the guard

[@everythingmechanical4638]

I have the same critiques with the guard on

[@richcityrepresentative8805]

Once you break the motor in and adjust the carb, the 225 will cut thick grass/weeds no problem.. i love my 225!!!

[@salvadoracevedo3812]

i have echo weed eater,blower and chainsaw i love em, i have a stile chainsaw it's good to

[@Evanx373]

I personally hate speed feed heads. I can load my Husqvarna t35 head in less than a min and it holds almost 30 ft of .105 line.

[@croquest8749]

Stihl is lighter smoother more fuel efficient engine is 6 c.c bigger so more power. I have on old 55r from 15-20 years ego and still performs like new. Funny you ran over yours just like me.

[@TaiTran-zc9qp]

yep. you got that right. stihl is the best

[@victorrippe5845]

@@TaiTran-zc9qp In your dreams 🤣🤣

[@victorrippe5845]

I totally have to disagree with you the Echo srm225 will outlast that Stihl fs56 any day first of all the Stihl fs56 it’s not rated for commercial work like the echo I had a fs56 Stihl first of all the shaft is shorter then the echo that is a down plus and after one year of commercial usage it was fallen apart nothing like there old Stihl Fs 55 homescaper series and Stihl would give you one year commercial warranty the fs56 is 30 days commercial the quality is just not there and it’s a very flimsy trimmer and not solid like the echo at all.

[@everythingmechanical4638]

Maybe you had a different experience with it but from what I've seen the echos really only stand up to one year of hard commercial use anyway, usually companies buy new ones every year anyway. The stihl would probably do the same as well though as it's also not built super heavy duty. Just from my observations though the echo seems significantly more flimsy with cheap flimsy plastic everywhere where the stihl feels a bit more solid

[@victorrippe5845]

@@everythingmechanical4638 Totally false where are you getting your information from. here in Miami Fla we use our equipment harder then any other state and our equipment are none stop all year long I have 4 srm225 and they are over 4 years old the only issue I have run into with them are the carbs that need to be replaced and that is a simple fix takes 5 minutes to make a swap and your back to work my Stihl Fs56 was the worst trimmer I have ever had in the 30 years I’ve been in business echos are bullit proof

[@Orefamilylawncare]

Ok so first off the fs56 may have more "power" that's true however it's a home use trimmer, shorter shaft, plastic body, commercial warranty is terrible. I killed the clutch on TWO fs70 which are commercial rated. Echo and shindiawa are by far a better quality.

[@victorrippe5845]

@@Orefamilylawncare Yes I totally agree the echo srm225 holds up commercial work way better then Stihl fs56 I had a Stihl fs56 and that thing fell apart in a year and my Srm 225 Still going strong and this was like 5 years ago you can’t kill those little 225

[@randyhays2113]

GREAT REPLY!

[@levikender4820]

I’ve had both. If you repair your machines get the echo. Parts are cheaper and more available. The Japanese are amazing engineers and I believe made the first commercially available chainsaw. They have been around for a century and are extremely reliable. Stihls have the name but for the price are hardly justifiable. You wouldn’t believe how many Stihls I see at the dump compared to the echos. At the end of the day though, use these machines with care as intended and you’ll get a lot of life out of them. I have an echo hedge trimmer from the 70’s and it barely smokes for a two stroke. Same with my stihl chainsaw from 76’. Take care of them and they’ll take care of you.

[@everythingmechanical4638]

I’d agree Echos are definitely much easier to repair. Especially since they sell specific tune up kits for each machine whereas the stihl you have to go to a dealer and buy each individual part

[@mikehigby7897]

You'll be repairing the stihl less often you are paying for higher quality parts. I've had both and the echo I had to fix and dial in way more than the stihl. The stihl blowers have more low end torque and move stuff even in idle and the echo products have to rev higher for to do the job. Landscaping companies by echo because they are cheaper with a better warranty. That is all. Let's not talk chainsaws. Stihl high end chainsaws destroy echo and the only other brand lumber jacks use aside from stihl is Husqvarna. Husqvarna and echo commercial products have been declining in quality ever since they started selling consumer models at big box stores. Quality control out the window and less focal point on commercial products. That is facts and why a lot of dealers quit selling echo.

[@dannys813]

You helped me make a weed eater decision. Thanks

[@melonboi186]

Echo srm 225 best. Non negotiable it is just the best. Everyone has them and if you think they are bad you just didn’t use it properly

[@user-tm8hx1fk2z]

AMEN

[@carlosrobles9148]

I second that

[@tuberocker69]

I'll race you, title for title, with my Stihl! 😎

[@melonboi186]

@@tuberocker69 Echo will surely beat it

[@BIGBamBam86]

Yeah ok bro. Been working in lawn care for over 15 years and stihl is the best. Nothing comes close

[@garyalensr]

I see your obviously a Stihl fan, you've commented and hearted all the comments about the Sthil but ignore all the Echo comments. My opinion is Echo is hands down better than the Stihl. I think the SRM has plenty of power for cutting tasks

[@everythingmechanical4638]

The 2320 is a great machine and only slightly higher price. Most of the echo comments are people mad that I like the Stihl better but probably never used much else

[@everythingmechanical4638]

But regardless if you watch my blower video you’ll see I’m not partial to Stihl I think the RedMax is better machine in my opinion

[@noahpeters010]

I had an Echo SRM 225 but then I sold it to mad dad and then I bought a 420 dollar Stihl FS 94R

[@dab5328]

You say you thought because it was commercial.😂 Why wouldn’t you check the actual specs. I feel like you’re comparing two different classes. I have the same echo and it does fine. Maybe if you’re doing commercial recommend not using it for commercial. You can’t take something that’s much lower hp and expect to get the same results

[@randyhays2113]

The Echo has a 1.2 bhp compared to a 1.07 for the stihl.

[@LLeiteRltr]

Can tell you don’t like echo

[@everythingmechanical4638]

well not this echo

[@Ginoinny]

The Echo is made to run full throttle

[@NoahVR010]

That's why I like Stihl better because of their power, efficiency, durability, and their bump feeds are way better then others no offense other companies.

[@melonboi186]

No, echo's speed feed is better because Stihl still has the old tape it apart system

[@victorrippe5845]

@@NoahVR010 Brother you don’t have a clue of what your talking about Echo has the best feed head on the Market the speed feed head 400 that’s why every Stihl owners goes and buys that bump head to put on there Stihl’s that are super unreliable Redmax Echos and Maruyama’s are the best trimmers on the market right now ask any lawn company in South Fla that puts thousands of hours on these units and Stihl’s don’t hold up Stihl’s are only good for up north not for hot climates like Miami Fla and Texas

[@Capmybets]

Ahh the the devil himself fs 55r.

[@ElSlickVic]

6cc bigger. Of course it’s more powerful. Good review tho. I just bought the 225. Regretting it now. They both run for $200 in my area

[@victorrippe5845]

You did a better buy believe me the Stihl fs56 won’t hold up commercially like the Echo srm225 I had a fs56 and in a year used commercially it started falling apart

[@bradjenkins932]

@@victorrippe5845 LOL

[@steveningram865]

lol no new gardener would spend that amount of money to start of with not very good advice in my opinion

[@sherrischneider2794]

You are supposed to run at full throttle. You don't know how to use a trimmer.

[@everythingmechanical4638]

Maybe if it has no power then you do…

[@melonboi186]

you are so biased towards stihl. you only like the comments saying stihl is better or echo sucks.

[@bradjenkins932]

Then you do a video.

[@bryanyoder2574]

For entry level trimmers the stihl fs56 is BY FAR the best in its class. When it comes to comercial units Husqvarna wins hands down. Echo is a close second for comerical trimmers. The 4 mix stihls are not good.

[@sgm6881]

Which Husqvarna do you have??. Thinking about picking up the 525ls or lst tomorrow

[@nathanbigsby8731]

4 mix are the best. Nice try, though.

[@bryanyoder2574]

@@nathanbigsby8731 I wouldn't say the 4 mix stihls are terrible they just are not as good as echo and husqvarna in terms of reliability.

[@nathanbigsby8731]

@@bryanyoder2574 Ran my 10 year old FS130 for 6 hours straight today, in 4-6 ft tall grass. It has hundreds of hours on it, never had the valves adjusted and still running the original spark plug in it. Used and abused since 2012 without one hiccup. I also have an echo I fire up once in awhile just to switch things up. It's ok for some light duty work but when its time to get it done, the 4 mix is untouchable.

[@bryanyoder2574]

If we're talking older units the 90/110/130 were much more reliable than the new 91/111/131. I was referring to the new ones. They don't hold up and run like crap in my experience. I have an older 110 I like still though.

[@user-nb4ps7st9q]

Stihl is beter

[@gooxh]

Stihl vs echo is like this.. Lexus vs toyota. Same shit, one has more power and costs more to fix, the other has a little less power but runs longer. I still prefer stihl everything. All the way down to my chainsaws, which is followed by Husqvarna closely

[@Red_right_hand1]

BTW the echo is expensive then the fs 56 about 30 bucks more

[@user-tm8hx1fk2z]

No it’s not moron… if you buy the straight shaft fs56 it’s around 240 with tax… if you buy the straight shaft srm225 it’s 240 with tax. You must be thinking of the junky curved shaft one now yes those are way cheaper bc they’re garbage.

[@randyhays2113]

Look up the weight of these machines. The Echo is about a pound lighter according to manufacturers specs. The author claims the Stihl is lighter. This voids any claims he is making as far as I am concerned. BS Video.

[@everythingmechanical4638]

If you look at manufacture specs, the echo dry weight is 11.5 lb while the stihl is 10.6 lb, making the stihl almost 1 lb lighter. Right off the website…

[@RandallHays]

I don’t know where you’re finding your information, but both of mine came from both Echo and Stijl. Dry weight out of the box. The echo is considerably lighter.

[@pathallman8641]

Stihl is crap

[@bradjenkins932]

LMAO

[@Solo_adv]

All my weed eaters are Stihl I have the fs91r fs111r FS 240 r love all of them wouldn't trade them for anything else, however I do have this one echo SRM 225 and I can honestly say that this has as much power as my fs91r it has a ton of power! I don't understand it doesn't make sense to me either. It will cut through 3 ft high weeds just like my fs91r no problem.

[@user-tm8hx1fk2z]

Exactly and the moron in this video is talking about it doesn’t have a lot of power… the sthil weed eater in this video comparison is like 5cc higher not even enough to notice. Some people Just don’t know what they’re talking about

[@stevefarrington5618]

I had a tree trimming business for 12 years. STIHL take down saws Echo climbing chainsaw Echo weed eaters