Echo Multi vs Stihl Kombi

[dave28]

Hi All, looking to replace a seized Stihl 130 kombi and am considering the Echo 265 as I've had a fair share of problems with the Stihl the main one being problems with the drive shafts not meshing when connecting the two units and extension shaft.

The Stihl is about 35cc and the Echo only 25cc so wondering if if will be powerful enough.

Will be running chainsaw pruner and hedge trimmer for hard trimming around farm and woodland rides.

Interested to know if any one uses the Echo for hard use and how well it does.

Thanks

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

Echo. But I would say that. Had the stihl, changed to Echo, perfect decision.

[GardenKit]

If the choice is only Stihl or Echo, then I would say Echo.

But I would be a bit cautious about dropping 10cc, whatever you hear about Hi Torque gearboxes etc, 25cc is 25cc and will not do what a 35cc machine will.

[cornish wood burner]

I needed a split shaft machine and briefly looked at a km130. I believe its only a 1/4 inch square shaft so very weak. Not what you would expect from a £1000 system.

[TORNADOS7]

Got an 'Echo' at work very similar to the one your looking at which is used as a pole pruner and strimmer, not a bad little tool for what it is but if your intending on giving it a hard time then I'd be very careful as it's not the most robust of machines !...

[treesrus]

i use echo long reach hedge trimmers on a regular basis, great piece of kit, but not for heavy duty stuff, anything over 1cm will put a load on the blades that will lead to failure.

[Fredward]

I bought a Husqvarna 525 something.. Came with a strimmer, bought a pole saw attachment, hedge trimmer attachment, extension.. Runs them all well with loads of grunt, very smooth and ergonomic, easy to start, seems robust but still early days.

[Fredward]

This:

 

HUSQVARNA 525LK Combi-Split shaft strimmer-hedgecutter

 

Only 25cc but hasn't ever felt like it's down on power. My dealer said shafts are lifetime warranty, although they can be a bit fiddly to get the shaftsto fit together.

 

Echo are also good, tend to be robust but heavier and less ergoonmic, I really didn't like the handle configuration of the Echo telescopic polesaw.