Stihl Vs Echo Vs Husqvarna Trimmers – What’s the Best Brand?

As far as string trimmers go the titans of the industry are certainly Stihl, Echo and Husqvarna. And while their string trimmers are incredibly popular, they are popular for different reasons.

For example, Husqvarna is known for making trimmers that are extremely durable and ready for both commercial and residential use. Stihl on the other hand is known for making trimmers with advanced periphery features.

And Echo is known for making trimmers that are easy to maintain. They all bring something different to the table which can make it a bit difficult to choose between these three brands.

But to help you out, we have put together a comprehensive comparison review of these brands including a breakdown of some of their most popular string trimmers. Let’s get started!

Stihl Vs Echo Vs Husqvarna Overview

Stihl is a German manufacturer of chainsaws and other outdoor equipment. The company was founded back in 1926. Echo is actually a brand owned by a Japanese conglomerate that started out making forestry equipment. Today, the conglomerate known as the Yamabiko Corporation is responsible for making a huge array of motorized equipment.

The history of Husqvarna stretches back the farthest – all the way to 1689. They started out making firearms, then moved on to everything from motorcycles to sewing machines. Husqvaran is a Swedish company and today, they make a wide selection of forestry and lawn care equipment.

Quick Facts

	Husqvarna	Stihl	Echo
Country of Origin	Sweden	Germany	Japan
Founded	1689	1926	2008
Specialties	Commercial-grade farming and forestry equipment	Power equipment, forestry equipment	Outdoor machinery, industrial machinery, agricultural machinery

Echo SRM-225 Vs Husqvarna 128LD Vs Stihl FS56

Echo SRM-225

Selling Points:

• Rubber front handle
• Residential-grade trimmer
• Gas-powered

Quick Facts:

• 2cc engine
• 17” cutting width
• 59” shaft

Is it Easy to Handle?

The Echo SRM-225 weighs only 11.5 pounds when it has an empty fuel tank. Overall it is very well-balanced with a comfortable and soft rubber front handle. It’s a straight-shaft trimmer so it can get under decks and other low-lying objects pretty well.

What’s the Line Like?

The Stihl SRM-225 uses a .095” nylon cross-fire line.

What Size Job Does it Suit?

The 21.2cc engine and the 17” cutting swath make it ideal for medium to large yards and lawns.

Is it A 2-Stroke or 4-Stroke Trimmer?

The Echo SRM-225 is a 2-stroke trimmer so you will still have to mix oil and gas together.

Key Features

• Speed-Feed Head – The Speed Feed 400 head makes it easy and quick to change out the line.
• Easy Access Air Filter – The air filter can be accessed without using any tools.
• I-30 Starting System – The SRM-225 is pretty easy to start overall thanks to the I-30 starting system.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Easy to start
• Not heavy

Cons:

• Debris shield is too small

Who Should Buy it?

The Echo SRM-225 would be a solid choice if you just need an easy-to-use trimmer for residential use.

Overall Score: 94/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Husqvarna 128LD

Selling Points:

• Gas-powered
• Commercial strength
• Built durably

Quick Facts:

• 28cc engine
• 17” cutting swath
• 8 pounds

Is it Easy to Handle?

The Husqvarna 128LD is very light at just under 11 pounds so it’s very easy to handle. It is a little bottom heavy (the trimmer head) but you get used to it very quickly. Plus it has a larger debris shield than the Echo SRM-225 so it protects you from flying clippings better.

What’s the Line Like?

The Husqvarna 128LD takes a .095” line.

What Size Job Does it Suit?

The Husqvarna 128LD would be a great choice for light commercial work because it’s very durable and has a powerful engine. But it’s also a good choice if you have a large yard or lawn.

Is it A 2-Stroke or 4-Stroke Trimmer?

The Husqvarna 128LD is a 2-stroke trimmer.

Key Features

• See-Through Fuel Tank – A simple feature but also a very convenient one. The see-through tank allows you to easily determine when you need to refuel.
• Detachable Shaft – The only trimmer in this class comparison that allows you to detach the shaft from the trimmer head.
• Air Purge – The air purge button allows you to seep air out of the fuel system for easier starting.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Very durable
• Good for commercial use
• Very light

Cons:

• Faulty on/off switch

Who Should Buy it?

If you need a trimmer that can handle your commercial landscaping projects, the Husqvarna 128LD would be a good choice.

Overall Score: 97/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Stihl FS56

Selling Points:

• Loaded with features
• Straight shaft
• Gas-powered

Quick Facts:

• 2cc engine
• 6” cutting width
• 6 pounds

Is it Easy to Handle?

This was the lightest trimmer in our class comparison and it is very easy to handle. The front handle can be adjusted 360 degrees so it can accommodate you no matter what your stance is.

What’s the Line Like?

The Stihl FS56 takes a .095” line.

What Size Job Does it Suit?

The Stihl FS26 would be best for medium yards. It can handle thick weeds but struggles a bit with shrubbery and saplings.

Is it A 2-Stroke or 4-Stroke Trimmer?

The Stihl FS56 is a 2-stroke trimmer.

Key Features

• Lined Drive Shaft – The drive shaft is fully lined which helps to dampen excess vibration.
• Stop Switch – You can kill the engine with a simple press of a button
• Multi-Function Control Handle – All of the controls are located on or near the control handle.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Very user-friendly
• Great for residential work
• It can be used with a shoulder strap

Cons:

• Struggles with thick growth

Who Should Buy it?

The Stihl FS56 would be a smart choice for anyone who is new to using a line trimmer.

Overall Score: 95/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Overall Winner

For this class comparison, we would recommend the Husqvarna 128LD. It offers a more balanced combination of usability, durability and cutting power. The strength to weight ratio is superb, there are no grass clogging issues like with the Echo model and it is fairly easy to start.

Echo SRM-3020 Vs Husqvarna 535 Vs Stihl FS 131

Echo SRM-3020

Selling Points:

• Lightweight construction
• 2-stage air filtration
• Built for heavy jobs

Quick Facts:

• 20” cutting swath
• 5cc engine
• 7lbs

Is it Easy to Handle?

Yes and no. While the rubber front and rear handle are comfortable, the SRM-3020 is on the heavy side and it vibrates quite a bit.

What’s the Line Like?

The Echo SRM-3020 takes a nylon Black Diamond .095” line.

What Size Job Does it Suit

The SRM-3020 is ready for big jobs. It’s big and strong enough for commercial work.

Is it A 2-Stroke or 4-Stroke Trimmer?

The SRM-3020 has a 2-stroke engine.

Key Features

• 62:1 Gear Reduction – Cuts very efficiently and delivers smooth speed transitions.
• 24 Ounce Fuel Tank – Tackle larger jobs without having to stop for a refuel.
• Advanced Fuel Transfer – The bellows-style fuel transfer system makes for easier starting in adverse conditions.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Very efficient cutting
• Good on weeds
• Good power to weight ratio

Cons:

• Vibrates a lot

Who Should Buy it?

The Echo SRm-3020 would be a good choice for anyone who prioritizes fast and efficient cutting capability.

Overall Score: 93/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Husqvarna 535

Selling Points:

• Professional-grade
• Straight shaft
• Gas-powered

Quick Facts:

• 35cc engine
• 15 HP
• 7” cutting width

Is it Easy to Handle?

The wrap-around handle coupled with the easy tap n go line release system make the Husqvarna 535 easy to handle. Plus, it only weighs 12. Pounds.

What’s the Line Like?

The Husqvarna 535 can be outfitted with a .095” line.

What Size Job Does it Suit?

You can easily clean up about an acre’s worth of yard with the Husqvarna 535.

Is it A 2-Stroke or 4-Stroke Trimmer?

The Husqvarna 535 is a 2-stroke string trimmer.

Key Features

• Bevel Gear – The bevel gear design makes for a much more reliable transmission.
• X-Torq Engine – Husqvarna’s X-Torq engine helps to lower emissions and operating costs.
• Stop Switch – This feature automatically shifts to the “on” position when the engine is cut.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Cuts well low to the grass
• Durable design
• Smooth acceleration

Cons:

• Expensive

Who Should Buy It?

The Husqvarna 535 is a great trimmer to outfit your landscaping crew with.

Overall Score: 98/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Stihl FS 131

Selling Points:

• Gas-powered
• Straight shaft
• Protected spark plug

Quick Facts:

• 5” cutting width
• 3cc engine
• 1lbs

Is it Easy to Handle?

The Stihl FS 131 can be outfitted with shoulder straps. It’s lightweight and has an adjustable handle so it’s very easy to manage overall.

What’s The Line Like?

The Stihl FS 131 comes with a .095” line.

What Size Job Does it Suit

The 16.5 cutting swath doesn’t quite match the powerful 36.3cc engine so it is held back a bit. It’s suitable for residences with tough weeds, saplings and thick grass.

Is it A 2-Stroke or 4-Stroke Trimmer?

The Stihl FS 131 has a 2-stroke engine.

Key Features:

• Compensating Carburetor – Pulls air from the clean side of the filter.
• Simple Starting – Simply prime the carb with fuel, set the choke and pull the cord.
• Anti-Vibration System – Designed to reduce operational vibration.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Great for thick grass
• Very comfortable
• Easy starting

Cons:

• Small cutting width

Who Should Buy it?

Anyone with a medium to large-sized property.

Overall Score: 94/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Overall Winner

Again, the Husqvarna 535 comes out on top with its superior durability, ample power and reliable transmission.

Echo GT 225 Vs Husqvarna 122c Vs Stihl FS38

Echo GT-225

Selling Points:

• Gas-powered
• Curved shaft
• 48” shaft

Quick Facts:

• 2cc engine
• 2oz fuel tank
• 16” cutting width

Is it Easy to Handle?

It has a dry weight of 10.1lbs and the curved shaft helps you get past obstacles like retaining walls.

What’s the Line Like?

The Echo GT-225 takes a nylon Crossfire .095” line.

What Size Job Does it Suit?

The Echo GT-225 is ideal for small yards or for trimming up gardens and flower beds.

Is it 2-Stroke or 4-Stroke?

The Echo GT-225 is a 2-stroke trimmer.

Key Features

• Vibration Reduction – The Echo GT-225 vibrates very low and is very comfortable.
• Rapid Loader Head – This feature makes it very easy to replace the dual line.
• Curved Shaft – Great for yards with retaining walls and raised beds.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Easy for beginners
• Quiet

Cons:

• Underpowered

Who Should Buy It?

This trimmer would be a good fit for anyone with a small yard.

Overall Score: 94/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Husqvarna 122c

Selling Points:

• Lightweight
• For residential use
• Curved shaft

Quick Facts:

• 8 HP
• 17” cutting width
• 7lbs

Easy to Handle?

The Husqvarna 122c is very easy to handle  even if you’ve never used a string trimmer before.

What’s the Line Like?

The Husqvarna 122c can be paired with a .095” line

What Size Job Does it Suit?

It’s good for yards about 2,000 sq. ft. and smaller.

2-Stroke or 4-Stroke?

The Husqvarna 122c is a 2-stroke trimmer.

Key Features

• Smart Start – The Smart Start system makes cold starts easier.
• Tap N Go Head – Allows you to release the line by tapping the head on the ground.
• Wrap-Around Handle – The wrap-around handle design is comfortable for left and right-handed operators.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Strong chassis
• Good around obstacles
• Large fuel tank

Cons:

• A bit heavy

Who Should Buy it?

Anyone with a small yard but who still wants a long-lasting trimmer.

Overall Score: 95/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Stihl FS38

Selling Points:

• Residential use
• Curved shaft
• Loop handle

Quick Facts:

• 3lbs
• 15” cutting width
• 2cc engine

Easy to Handle?

It weighs just about 10 pounds with the shield and a full tank so yes, it’s very easy to handle.

What’s the Line Like?

The Stihl FS38 takes a .095” line.

What Size Job Does it Suit?

It’s great for small gardens and trimming up around hardscapes.

2-Stroke or 4-Stroke?

The Stihl FS38 is a 2-stroke trimmer.

Key Features

• Polymer Housing – The chassis is made of an impact-resistant, lightweight polymer
• Fully Lined Drive Shaft – This helps reduce some of the engine vibration
• Steel Clutch – The clutch features a heavy-duty steel-on-steel design.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Easy to manage
• Good for trimming between shrubs
• Affordable

Cons:

• Not great for large jobs

Who Should Buy it?

Anyone looking for a low-maintenance trimmer for a small to medium yard.

Overall Score: 95/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Overall Winner

This class of trimmers is pretty similar across the board but we liked the engine-protection features of the Stihl FS38 a bit more than the other two.

Price Comparison

Husqvarna tends to be the most expensive brand.

Which is More Durable?

Husqvarna definitely produces the most durable string trimmers.

What is the Best for Home Use?

For purely residential use, we like Stihl. Stihl trimmers combine easy operation and affordable prices.

What is the Best Professional Trimmer?

Again, Husqvarna is the best choice if you’re looking for professional-grade string trimmers.

Final Assessment

While you may not need a trimmer that can withstand extremely hot extremely cold temperatures and getting rattled around the back of a truck, Husqvarna is still the best overall value.

Their trimmers can handle a wide array of jobs. But if you’re looking for something for home use specifically, you will save some money by going with Stihl or Echo.