ECHO SRM-2620T vs STIHL FS90R LINE TRIMMER COMPARISON 

I personally don’t think you can go wrong with either one. I use the Echo and it has never let me down. One major positive for the Echos are they have a 5 year warranty compared to Stihl’s 2 year warranty.

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 ru-vid.comUgkx_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.

Wow, was I impressed. I recently bought the Echo 2620T. Couldn't wait to start it up and give it a try, I fueled it and followed the instructions. The beast fired up on the 4th pull for its maiden run. Keeping the speed down, I edged our lawn, and trimmed the few areas my mower can't get into. I called it a Beast, because it is one. I had first ordered the 2320T, and was disappointed that it wouldn't cut our St. Augustine grass runners. Sending it back, I then ordered the 2620T, and what a difference. I also installed a timer on my new beast, and to date, I have run it now for 10.7 minutes. I'm not going to use full power till I reach 25 minutes, but then I haven't had to either. This beast is beautiful, and worth every penny. I highly recommend the Echo brand, because if all their gas engines run as well as my new 2620T trimmer, I will no longer use my old FS55R Stihl. It was good, but then I didn't have anything else to compare it with. Now that I do, I won't be going back to Stihl. I'm also running Ethanol Shield now mixed in my 5 gallon gas container. Life is beautiful in my two yards.

I own that Echo trimmer and have found it to be the best one I have ever had. It is a beast and goes through anything and doesn't complain. First trimmer that I have kept the factory line feed system on. The Echo string is the best, sometimes I will trim for almost an hour and never feed new line out. Since I got this trimmer I have been converting other thing to Echo and have not been disappointed.

The comparison was pretty close to even except you took the echo right done the middle of the thick grass while you did not do the same with the stihl. You also went over the Echo side twice while only going over the stihl side once. If I had to choose I would choose the Echo. I bought an Echo trimmer from Home Depot two years ago and haven't had a single problem or issue with it. It trimmers about 55 yards a week including edging. Echo all the way all day!

thats a good comparison. I'd be happy with either although I'd lean toward the echo because it has a greater fuel capcity so you don't have to refuel so often. Thanx for your effort - it's probably the best - non-bias video I've seen

So far I've just been running echo and love them. I put them through hell every week and they keep going so far

I have a 30 year old echo trimmer, it still runs like new and it’s a good thing since parts are no longer available. Also still using an echo power pruner that is about 25 years old.

I've got an ECHO SRM-266S, & it's an absolute beast; especially w/ the Samurai Fury line. I love it. Nice vid!

As a former professional user (did a lot of landscaping and gardens maitenance while at university) shindaiwa (same as echo machines) was my choice when i bought my brushcutter for "domestic" use. My T260 (26cc) stood my abuse fighting weekly mediterranean maquis, cistus, heater, bramble bushes and so on, weed is the lightest thing it cut, for 20 years. So, if it never fails on me, it will be replaced by shindaiwa or echo.

I've owned a small lawn care business for 15 years and still have 2 Echo machines running from the beginning. All I have done to my equipment is use non-ethanol fuel (91 octane), Echo brand 2-stroke oil, added Stabil to the fuel. Prior to storing for winter ran the engine till warm, drained fuel from tank, started till engine dies. Never any issues. Solid equipment.

I’m having a hard time deciding which trimmer to purchase. I’m looking at a Stihl FS 70 R, or another pro series model, or echo. Any suggestions?

You totally missed the main difference. The line feed for the Echo is the best in the industry. One would have thought that the one item most used would have been in the review.

I'm sure the Echo is amazing too but I can only speak to the FS 90R that I've had since 2012 and Stihl starts and runs like it's brand new! Love it!

My favorite was definitely the echo I can’t believe it had a smaller engine and it’s performance was better I will definitely buy an echo

I currently own an electronic echo and love it. My favorite feature is how the line is loaded!

All my garden tools are Stihl. I did try Husqvarna, which is a rather known brand but did not make it. For me Stihl, german brand is known for quality and reliability. Stihl has wont me over for quality and relialibity.

I swear by my 2620T trimmer and my Shindaiwa LE254 edger. Both have been extremely reliable.

I got a 2320T last year. Cleaned out a ditch with Black Diamond 95 line and it was amazing. My neighbor’s kid runs a 2620T for his lawn care business. He’s the one who turned me on to Echo stuff.

I love the echo used Redmax,stihl,husqvarna and shindaiwa. My two favorite is shindaiwa and echo which are basically the same. I can do 9 good size yards on one tank and refill my line in seconds without beating the head to death trying to get it to feed. That speed head is definitely a game changer. Good video man stay safe.

I have one of each. The echo has more torque and stihl more RPMs. Both work well but love the Echo head. Other than that its that Echo parts are available on line at lower prices compared to Stihl at authorized dealers and more expensive. Have also owned e several of each since 70's and they last equally as long. Both good just which models are on sale when I buy.

I’ve owned stihl and echo. I live on a small farm. Use both and beat both to death. The stihl is not made nearly as good as the echo. I switched to echo and have only bought 1. If I can’t tear one up then it can’t be tore up. Echo all day.

Have you used the brush cutting kit with the Echo? Thoughts

Hey there, I do have a question about your stats? How bout ease of use? Which string trimmer did you feel was easier to handle and manuver? I own Shindaiwa and Red Max trimmers I love my red max because it is so light and easy to handle. Thank you. Lindy from Virginia Beach Va

I think the Echo sounded like it had more power. I have an Echo SRM 265S. I'm looking for a new unit. Have been doing some comparative research online with RedMax vs. Maruyama vs. Shindaiwa vs. Echo. I've tried Stihls and I prefer otherwise.

I use Echo products and I’ve never had any problems. I have the SRM-225 and the CS-590 Timber wolf chainsaw. Love them both.

Can you please compare also with husqvarna I about to make the change , I've owned the husqvarna weed trimmer 128LD for 7 years until now I'm experiencing some problems. Don't know which one to get next. Thank you very much.

Have you had chance to test Model# SRM-410U?! I wanted to buy it but wont until someone gives me some thoughts about it

I bought my wife a echo trimmer with easy start it's the best trimmer I've ever had won't buy anything else but echo they are so much better than sthil there's no comparison trust me I own a small engine shop I work on them for a living I know what I'm talking about

Both trimmers are really good i don't own the echo 2620 we use the echo srm266 and the stihl fs90r both are very dependable in my company the echos are less maint then the stihl fs90 we have to adjust the valves on them every year its very easy to do but echos and stihl is all we use here in south fla.

Good video. I use the Stihl 130 Kombi. I cut grass/weeds today for 45 minutes that was at minimum 2.5 ft high. No issues at all. I also have had good results with the hedge and limb trimmer attachments. I recently got the tiller attachment and would take it any day over a light duty gas tiller. The versatility of tihls kombi system is hard to beat. Does Echo make multi tool trimmers?

Late to comment but ehat Husqvarna is comparable to these? The 525 LST? I currently run: Primary-Husqvarna 322L, Back up-Echo SRM 225. First year in lawn care. Part time business with 8 properties. Started on 5/25/19. Not sure that I can swing it till next season but looking for a helpful beefy option for overgrown yards/ditches. Really love my 322L so far.

Both are excellent. I use and prefer the fs90r by far more powerful machine. One swipe and done as the video elistrated. Thank you for the demo

I'm fixing to buy one of these. I don't think it matters which. Both seem to be complete overkill for my application. The Echo did sound more fantastic-er tho. And yes they both sounded incredible idling together. Killer drone shots as well.

I'm curious about the comfort from the grip using the trigger, and how much vibration you get from each one. I'm wondering how tired you get from the vibration after a while? Any Ideas?

How long are the warranties? Echo saws are 5 years for residential. I love my 352 saw.

I'll say this I used the same Stihl on a golf course for ten years and now use it to do several yards. I am not easy on it whatsoever, I use it to line up honeysuckle and just about everything else, never had an issue with it, never worked on it, only gone through one head, but like I said. I am not easy on it. but after 10+ years of service... like a sore Peter, can't beat it!

I just invested into a SRM-225 (Homeowner grade) and I'm just getting used to the ECHO trimmer, I tuned the fuel screws because it sounded a little rough out of the box. In heavy weeds, it seems to have plenty of power and does not give me problems like the MTD stuff. The ECHO also seems to run a long time on a tank of fuel.

Echo all the way.i have both.. But my fav is Echo.. Less weight.. I just feel a faster reaction from Echo.. Echo last for ever too if you take good care of them.

I have been a landscaper for the last past 25 years I've used nothing but Echo echo is a great company every time I needed my power equipment and always there they always started that's why I go with Echo

If the echo has a cable shaft, I wouldn't want it, my other echo's with cable shaft start making racket as the plastic around the cable starts wearing. If anyone knows if echo 2620T uses cable or solid shaft, let me know

I remember our first little string trimmer as a kid. I think it was 1978 and it was a Weedeater brand. Little electric. back then the string on them were SO TINY. I own the Echo P225. Beastly little machine. Would not own anything but Echo.

I want a Stihl, but the Echo quick load head might make me go over to them. Whats up on that Stihl?

7 years and still running my FS 55 R, it will always be Stihl for me.

I'll go for the Stihl, due to its manufacturing quality standard.

Good comparison video. I own a landscaping business and I swear by Echo trimmers. I have 6 Echo Trimmers. The Stihl trimmers these days don't hold up, and from my experience if you use a weedeater like we do, we get about nearly a season out of the commercial grade Stihls. I think I have 2 of the same Echo trimmers you have, but they may be slightly different models, they are 7 years old and we run them hard every day with no problems except the usual wear and tear. An occasional air filter or maybe the bump head wears out, or a pin hole in the fuel line, or a throttle cable breaks. Normal wear and tear on a machine. The Stihl machines that were the best were the FS 80R's because they didn't have the over head valve motors. The new Stihl's with the over head valve motors like the FS90, in my experience, have too many problems with the valves coming out of alignment. I've got 4 of them with 3/4 of a season on them sitting out there in the junk pile. Also with the Echo machines, they told me that they are all rated at commercial grade machines. Stihl does make good backpack blowers, or they used to, and good regular type chainsaws. But in all honesty, with trimmers or weedeaters, I go with Echo. You'll be working while the other companies are sitting around waiting to get their Stihl weedeaters or trimmers out of the shop.

I have both the echo and the Stihl. The Stihl died after one year and the Echo is still going after 10 years. I use the same cord as you and it is the best trimmer cord I have ever used. Thanks.

I use them all. Stihl, Echo and Husqvarna. My Echo 2620T with Weedshark head is my go to for heavy brush out on the property around ponds, etc. For grass and normal; everyday trimming its dealers choice. They are all great machines.

Great video! I would take the stihl over the echo, but I'm a bit biased. I used to work for a stihl distributor so maybe that's why. I also like the way the stihl engineers seem to think ahead and incorporate a better service experience when designing their products. However having said that, the echo srm-2620t is one hell of a nice machine.

I'm biased since I own an echo but I've used both and sthil like the echo.

I run 2 echo 2620s for my small lawncare business and they are great . Taken down some tough yards with ease. Use the easy tune up kits every 6 months and strictly ethonal-free w/red armor. keeps the machine running top shape for an extended time

I’ve had my echo for about 3 years, it’s a smaller one and it was 200 bucks, one of the things i do for a living is clean yards and i absolutely love the echo. It has never done me wrong, it just wont quit, It always start pretty much at 2 or 3 pulls. Has great power, not to mention restringing it is easier then all other weed eaters. My other tools are stihl.

I use Echo products because thats what my local dealer sells! Love my 2620

I just want to say hello from Oklahoma, my son Mateo has autism and you have no idea how he enjoys your videos

I have an older Echo SRM 230 and SRM 260 and I like them a lot. But I also have a Stihl FS55 and FS90R and I like them a lot too. It's hard to say which brand I like better. I've had no problems with either, and they have both racked up some hours cutting grass and brush.

What type of fuel do you run? Looks like the premixed kind!

I've recently started switching over to echo so I would probably choose the echo, the 4mix is still good though. Great video and comparisons

I would say the Echo wins. The Stihl has a bigger engine and a smaller cutting head and it still bogs down. The Echo has a smaller engine and a bigger cutting head and it still takes with out really bogging down. Also the Echo has a bigger fuel tank the speed feed head. (I cant tell if yours has that or not.) I have used a couple Stihl weed eaters before and they have just never wowed me.The one Echo weed eater that I own is from the 80s and it would mow circles around the Stihl that my dad had. Right now they are both down I need to get my Echo going again a mud dauber built a nest in it and it has been sitting for a few years. I have been using a Cub Cadet for the last couple of years I have yet to have an issue with it. Great video :)

How many years of daily service does the Stihl FS90R get? I have only used Echo SRM266T in my business and get 5 years of daily service here in Florida with the Echo SRM266T spending $34.95 in maintenance over that 5 year period excluding fuel and line (head replacement, plugs, and filters) . I use enclosed trailers to protect the equipment from the environment, used Stihl 5lb. commercial green round .095 line spools that cost $25.95 with a $5 off coupon from Ace Hardware. I do use edgers when necessary, but the majority of the time we use the trimmer as a vertical edger. Can you use the Stihl FS90R in a vertical position for edging walk ways and garden curbing? I would be open minded to switching brands. It is all about the cost of doing business in the nickle and dime America we have today.

I can't comment to the echo, or the fs 90 really, but I own an fs91 and my dealer why it seems to bog in short grass and why it bogs (head not in grass) at WOT. He said it has a rev limiter that engages when the unit isn't under a load, that it's a fuel saving feature. Sure enough, I can put it into 2 ft tall, thick grass and it powers right through. I have been thoroughly impressed with it! Maybe the fs90 has the same rev limiter as it's the predecessor to the 91?

The echo sounds like a beast didn't bog at all

I bought the 91r and the throttle response was abysmal. I returned it for Stihl's only 2 stroke trimmer the fs94r. It's worked flawlessly for 2 seasons. The best power to weight ratio in any trimmer I've used beside my old Kawasaki. Echos are awesome, but heavy beasts.

I was given a Stihl FS80R. It came with the more expensive 3 point 12 metal blade and adapter set up. It also came with a cultivator attachment. So I bought a string trimmer head for it, because I got the unit free. The unit is almost 20 years old appears to be from 1999. Well the thing starts right up and runs and cuts great. The clutch might be slightly worn because the blade does not completely stop, but it slows way down. I'm gonna be getting a tube of the grease for it, it could use it. It is still one of the best weed trimmers I ever used hands down. Stihl.

I'm happy with my fs38 fs55 fs120 fs131 and fs 560 always running winter and summer!

I love Stihl I grew up with em. They run great and they run forever.

As a homeowner I’ve run a Shindiawa for 17 years just purchased an Echo 2620 so we shall see! Thanks

Is it easier to trim a driveway edge with a straight shaft or curved shaft?

Have you thought of comparing 2,stroke with 2,mix and 4stroke with 4mix and 2 stroke engined strimmers I had a 4 stroke on loan when my stihl FS460 had a problem,I got the old FS 400 out a did more work in 10 minutes than the 4 stroke did in an hour

I've read most of the comments and I think it's safe to say both are good machines and people have their loyalties to both. Dealer support is huge though, without it, it doesn't matter what you have if you need service. My dealer is fairly large and sells Stihl, Echo, Shindaiwa and Redmax but their commercial turn around time during peak season can be as long as 5 weeks. I'm fixing to pull the trigger and switch to echo. so i have to cast my vote for echo in this case.

great video, i think ill give echo a try! had problems with my stihls trimmer, the higher end ones are very expensive..

I have an old Echo trimmer (1982 vintage) which was sold under the John Deere label. I still use it today. It still starts every spring and does everything I need it to. I am looking for a new head for a hedge trimmer and saw for trimming trees/shrubs. Based on the performance of my ancient Echo and this video and comments, I am confident to stick to the reliable Echo. I have heard a lot of good things from service shops about Echo's. They seldom come in for repair.

I have an srm210 I've been using since 2008. I've had to replace a few parts but I like it because it's light. I do have the sthil fs90 and carry it in my trailer every day as a back up. I go with echo every day though.

I love my Shindaiwa T262 which is the same as the Echo 2620 with a little different control placement. I think the ergonomics on the Shindaiwa are better but the engine and rest of the parts are the same. Though the T262 has a steel rod in the shaft but the 2620 has a wire rope, the 2620T has a head which has a little different gearing (slows the line speed but give more torque.) The cutting swath is different I believe, 20in for the T262 and 17in for the 2620. I was a little concerned with the smallish engine but my dealer said it would do great for my usage. I have 700 yards of irrigation ditch and so I am going through thick grass, clover and weeds which can be from a foot to 3 feet tall. I also have several hundred yards of grass along fence lines that I am doing. My usage model is to fill up the trimmer, let it warm up, then start cutting. when the tank is almost empty fill it up and go wide open again. Lots of times I never let up on the throttle because I am going non stop. I will run 3 to 4 tanks like that back to back. I can't comment too much on the part throttle operation but it seems to do good, that is .01% of my usage. In case anyone is curious I use Maxima K2 synthetic oil in my 2 stroke machines. I love how easy to maneuver this trimmer is (lots of odd angles around ditch banks), I think it is well balanced and it doesn't tire me out like other trimmers. I can tear through the thick stuff and it has a lot of power and I am surprised at how thick and fast of material I have to go through to start to load down the engine. I didn't say bog because it never really bogs, it just slows down a little but again I am going through A LOT thicker of material than the average home owner. Also make sure you run about 5 tanks through the Echo before really getting into the power comparison, it breaks in and works even better after the first few and the power really picks up. I will also never own a trimmer that doesn't have the speed feed head. To put new string in the head just align the arrows, feed the line through and then spin the head to wind it inside. You can replace string in about a minute without ever taking the head off or apart. I would take the Shindaiwa/Echo trimmer hands down over the Sthil and I would take the Shindaiwa over the Echo.

Good video!! I’m looking to buy. Based on the comments I’m getting the Echo. Thanks.

Cool Video, around Memorial day My yard will get 2 foot tall grass because I push mow, the Push mower cuts higher than the Riding mower and doesn't scalp the yard as much, plus it gets pretty wet sometimes, but the Stihl FS 90r is a really good trimmer, use it to trim around the Bushes and trees and keep a path through the woods nice, made some paths to some wild black Raspberry bushes with it and I used it to clear an area passed the yard to be able to have a 30 yard shooting range plus I use it to trim overhanging branches that get in my way, when both my Push mower and Riding mower was needing fixed, I trimmed 2 acres with the Stihl FS 90 R trimmer, took about 8 hours to trim it all, just the mowing part with the grass 2 foot tall, The Stihl FS 90r is a freakin' beast, in case you're wondering why the grass will get 2 foot tall, it's because I'll be at work trimming grass for an average of 48 hours a week, even if it gets to be 95 degrees with a humidity that feels like 100 degrees.

good job. what about warranties ? customer relations? 2 big issues.

Echo. I have 20 lawns & I've used most all types.Echo for my hard earned money!

My business runs echo for weedeating. We have 2 265 and 4 2620. The guys really like the 2620

I've had my Echo GT-225 curved shaft trimmer since 2012 & have had zero major issues w/ it. I service it yearly(clean/re-gap spark plug, regrease drive shaft, clean muffler/spark arrestor & clean the throttle assembly/carborator) & I have say that this tool can take a beating & still perform tip top. As someone said in another comment, Echo products are very easy to work on & replacement parts are easy to find for reasonable cost. I have other Echo gas powered tools & I can say the same for those aswell. If you give your Echo a little bit of tlc every 6 - 12 months it'll return it spades by making your outdoor work go fast, smooth & with out a hitch. I highly recommend Echo gas powered products.

Not sure if you'll see this and be able to respond, but how tall are you? I'm looking for something that is not going to destroy my back trimming down weeds on hillsides on a large swath of land.

You got some beautiful lawn there my friend. Echo all the way

Echo starts every time and I neglect mine for maintenance, nothing in 5 years and runs like i just got it. Only use the power blend echo oil and line. Great engine echo

My old robin 252b finally died i can not find a carb kit for it. So I'm either going to get a echo 2620t or the 3020t

I worked for a lawn care company for about a year, and they only had echo trimmers. They were some of the worst commercial trimmers I ever used. The motors were very temperamental. and there were no guards over the spark plug wires so after they would crack over time from being dropped you would always get zapped like a tazer. The best trimmers I ever used were the stihl fs44s, because they have an excellent power to weight ratio, they are easy to start, and easy to work on. In my opinion, the best trimmer on the market currently is the stihl fs94r. I have had one for about four months and I am very impressed with the trimmer. It is a 2 stroke motor, which makes it much lighter than the stihl 4 mix trimmers. It is also very reliable, I have been using it every day and it has not disappointed me. I know that there are people who will disagree with me, but it’s just my opinion and what I have found to work best for me.

Thank you my friend. A great demonstration. I think I prefer the still, can't really say why, except for me I'm not that far from the factory, and it feels real American. Either way a lot of my preferences are not rational.I do once again appreciate your time very professionally done Henry

I have been using both an my stihl always there my echo i had to put 2 carbs on it i like it thats y i wont let it go o use my stihl. An echo back up

Thanks for this video! I returned a craftsman weeder it was trash! And stuck in between these two! You answered my question!

Thanks for that, I've been wanting someone to do this. The echo sounds a little louder but that's all I can tell. I really don't know.

I have used both Stihl is very dependable and has excellent power with wide open throttle on the four mix engines but they honestly make a pretty shitty weed eater I run my equipment without guards to maximize productivity and the stihl hates it it will bog down and foul out there only power is wide open throttle and a lot of times that is not necessary I don’t walk around cutting in wide open throttle it leaves very little room for error if your where to hit something or bump the head on the ground rocks pine cones debris flies everywhere let’s not for get dog shit too anyways I prefer echo traditional 2 stroke great power throttle response and it’s actually longer than the stihl so it’s less fatigue on your back from bending over and you get a broader sweeping cut

USE THE ZERO TURN , YOU WOULD BE DONE IN 5 SECONDS

Isnt the FS94R the better trimmer to compare to since they would be both true two strokes

Just got the Echo and got home and got everything ready just before sunset and WOW big difference over what I did have! I know both are great brands but I was looking for some validation for the Echo since I had never had one till now. I can vouch for them being every bit as awesome as the video portrays! I have had STIHL before and honestly I like the Echo! I hope it holds up well!~GREAT VIDEO

I would choose the Echo. More power, lighter weight, fewer moving parts...

I love a stihl "4 mix" basically a 4 stroke without a sump.... I have both brands and you dont have to run the fs series wide open because of the massive torque it produces. I have the fs91r and echo and they are both great depending on what your wanting. I prefer the stihl as I can cruise around with massive torque and not wear myself out. After 3 years the stihl starts first pull 9 times out of 10. The main thing in any trimmer is to run a good oil and NON ETHANOL GAS. To do a true comparison overtime you must run no ethanol to keep the carbs clean. Everyone has their brand though right. Good video man!

Great video! What type of grass do you have…it’s beautiful?

I love your film. I have a FS　90R but not using strings but blade. Can you show how to install the blade

Echo ! Most repair shops don’t carry sthil parts

Bought my stihl fs 74 in 1994. Still runs strong after 25 years. Will probably out last me.

Nice video I have an old fs55 sthil and also an old echo strimmer and would rather use the echo all day long less vibration and doesn't bog down in longer grass , cheers from across the pond

I posted a comment and said shindaiwa , I meant to say Maruyama, we have both at the company I work for , the trimmer model I use is a Maruyama CER230E with a BT23L shaft, it’s so light and has tons of power ,