Summary:
Good performer lighter than some straight shaft models.Enough power to tackle overgrowth.

Strengths:
Good power,start easy,great feed system,Service easy to obtain.Very minor weed winding problems

Weaknesses:
Need to get seperate clamp for harness as stock location is to far back for good balance

Summary:
Good buy

Strengths:
Easy to use Long lasting - had ours 5 years with no probs

Weaknesses:
Gets dirty!

Summary:
I have only owned this for two weeks so maybe my review isn't going to really help anyone. I researched trimmers for 5 days (almost all day) and was torn between the stihl and the echo. My neighbor said they use the stihls at work and they take a beating and keep on running...so I went with that. My last one was a home depot speacial that had a ton less power and froze up after the 2nd season....so far I can tell this is way out of that league.

Strengths:
Solid machine, works like a horse.

Weaknesses:
So far I haven't really found any except for it was a little heaview then some other trimmers in the same price range (echo, shin, etc).

Summary:
great german product, like an American truck built by Germans!

Strengths:
starts line champ lighter than most powerful and completes jobs with ease

Weaknesses:
in the beginning it's hard to get used to feeding the line. you will feel like 3rd hand is appropriate, but i placed mine in a vice to hold it while I fed the line into the feeder. it's a nice change.

Summary:
Great machine, just requires regular maintenance to keep in top form

Strengths:
Starts easy, plenty of power, used with plastic blades it takes down thick weeds, grass, even brambles easily

Weaknesses:
The plastic choke lever broke off after a year of use. After about 2 years of normal use, it was losing power. I discovered the exhaust port was getting clogged. It was easily fixed by removing the port and burning off the residue with a blow torch. Now it runs great again.

Summary:
Purchased new 6/07 to trim small hill. After little use had repaired under warranty on 8/08, clean and adjusted carb. After winterizing and fresh fuel used twice this summer and again it would not idle, hard to start and will not stay running. The repair shop says it needs a new carb and check valve. A one hundred dollar bill, I only paid two. I figure it only has about 10-15 hrs on it.

Strengths:
Works great when it ran.

Weaknesses:
Fuel system.

Summary:
Very ggod overall machine...i had issues installing metal blade .Blade does not fit properly over trust plate,could not use metal yet...

Strengths:
Easy start,,very light,good on gas..

Weaknesses:
Installing metal blade issues

Summary:
Wasted investment.

Strengths:
Easy to start.

Weaknesses:
Sold to me new at BRIM TRACTOR COMPANY of Mount Vernon Washington with a chisel blade installed. It's a vibrating hunk of junk that over-revs the blade mass and is useless. Refund or exchange was refused.

Summary:
Poor customer service at the local level, Four Seasons in Eugene, Or. Unsympathetic to product under performing in both reputation and reliability. Regional Stihl guy did contact me after I emailed a complaint on their website but got more company talking points about ethanol fuel harming their products performance. 6 years, 10 hours engine time, fuel emptied before wintering, new fuel and Stihl mix added at new season....wouldn't start, again. Carb rebuilt a year and a half ago, now NEW carb needed & installed for $112. Will stay with it till it stops but then it goes in the trash.

Strengths:
Reputation...real or imagined.

Weaknesses:
After 6 years hasn't run long enough to gauge + or -

Summary:
Looked extensively at other makes before deciding on the Stihl but the name, expected dependability and reliability convinced me to spend the extra money. I have read hundreds of reviews from other consumers regarding these same issues. Unfortunately I did not heed my first instinct. I won't buy another one. By the way, I previously owned a Craftsmen weedeater (not a plug for Craftsmen - just a comparison), and all I did was put gas in it and go. I used every year for 11 years.

Strengths:
For the price I paid for my Stihl there are no Strengths considering the problems I have had with it. If you can't start it you can't use it!!!

Weaknesses:
Won't reliably start, ever!!! Used maybe 20 hours over a 2 year period. Told I need Carburetor rebuild. Of course $50 to $75 and no guarantee it won't keep happening from what I have read.

Summary:
Why can't Toyota make a weedwacker

Strengths:
Lightweight, seems easy to throw. Useful for holding down tarps, building up forearm muscles while you try to start it, testing patience.

Weaknesses:
Its a piece of junk. Since we bought it its been hard to start and bogs down soon, sounds like it has NO power. We brought it in 3 times. Run it til it runs dry to clean carb or does it just die we can't tell. We put in new gas and oil. Now it needs a new carb. We didn't mistreat it, but now we will.. Wasted 200 dollars. We've used it maybe 5 or 6 times. Would have been cheaper to hire somebody.

Summary:
Would recommend it to others that want a good hard working weed eater.

Strengths:
Great power to take on heavy weeds.

Weaknesses:
Changing the head attachment for a blade attachment is not very easy. Also, seems to vibrate a lot with the steel attachment.

Summary:
Stihl and dealers are unsympathetic to the problem. Very poor product and I am very dissappointed in the Company!

Strengths:
NONE! I purchased this trimmer because of the name. That was a mistake. Previously owned a Homelite for 15 years, It still starts every time! Just wanted to upgrade,

Weaknesses:
Always hard to start since I bought it. After one year of use will not start at all. Dealer blames it on gas problem. New gas, old gas does not make a difference. They say I need a new carb. $100.00 bill.

Summary:
JUNK DON,T BUY THIS TRIMMER! IT WILL NOT LAST 2 YEARS.

Strengths:
NONE! 18 MONTHS OLD, HARD TO START, HAS NO POWER, RUNS 10 SECONDS THEN DIES. DEALER SAYS DIRTY GAS. DON'T BELEIVE THEM. NO GAS LEFT IN TANK DURING WINTER. NEW GAS AND OIL IN SPRING. OLDER STIHL TRIMMER, LEAF BLOWER AND CHAIN SAW FILLED OUT OF SAME TANK NO PROBLEMS.

Weaknesses:
SEE STRENGTHS

Summary:
Don't purchase

Strengths:
none hard to start had to have carburetor rebuilt after 3 months use. Parts required to keep this piece of junk working for one year were more than the price of this weed eater. The trigger fell off when opened up all the plastic tongs that hold it were broken

Weaknesses:
The hole weed eater

Summary:
Piece-of-Crap

Strengths:
Ergonomics and style

Weaknesses:
It truly is a piece of crap. My wife purchased this for me a gift a few years ago. It has never worked properly from one season to the next. I have cleaned the carburetor numerous times, rebuilt it once, and replaced the ignition module. Parts are expensive and can only be purchased from a dealer. I also have Poulan and Ryobi string trimmers, and they just start and run, with almost no required maintenance or "fiddling". I keep hoping I can make the Stihl work, it has almost no hours on it and it looks so clean and pretty. I hate to throw things away, but this machine is a "sinkhole" for time and money. I don't think I will own another Stihl product. I swore off LG products after buying a poorly designed front loading washing machine. I've managed to "stick to my guns" about not getting any other LG products, so I think I can do the same about buying Stihl. I hope someone at Stihl reads these reports.

Summary:
If you want a yard trimmer this is the one to go with. Even in the hands of the untrained it is easy to start and use. This is the smallest machine I would want to use. You need to make sure you buy a trimmer with a straight shaft. They are nowhere near as prone to gearbox issues as an FS35 for example.

Strengths:
Strong for its weight-class and it won't eat line terribly fast. Great for personal use. Extremely reliable.

Weaknesses:
Lacks the juice you get from heavier machines like say, an FS110 or FS250. That being said those are commercial trimmers and the FS55 is much smaller.

Summary:
Parts only available through dealer.

Strengths:
The FS55 is a fantastic tool. I don't know what all these other people are reviewing but if it is a Stihl, they are probably the type who refuse to refer to the manual when there is an issue and so make the problem worse. My application could.have easily warranted buying an even more expensive, commercial unit but as I am a cheapskate and having experience with Stihl equipment, I figured the FS55 would be able to handle the job. I was right, of course. Just spent 8 hours yesterday clearing an overgrown acre of property. Used nylon blades with corresponding head and demolished 8 ft. tall sumac, tons of blackberry brambles, giant patches of thistle, and countless other species of plants. Not a single problem with the Stihl. That machine starts every single time and has way more consistent power than the piece of garbage McCullough that I used to struggle with. Buy a Stihl and get the job done already.

Weaknesses:
Power, ease of starting, string head works like a champ and is easy to refill, nylon blades are the proverbial hot knives through butter, comfortable enough for an 8 hour day (bike handles).

Summary:
going to try a echo

Strengths:
when it runs its great

Weaknesses:
hard to start!

Summary:
Excellent tool by far best yard tool I have EVER owned. Have no idea what all these people are talking about... Life long Stihl customer here!

Strengths:
Solid well built trimmer never ever ever any problems NONE! Starts every time easily! Runs like hell! Runs circles around my father in law's top of the line Husqvarna trimmer.He actually borrows mine from time to time said he likes it better?? Only used Stihl oil in it change the plug once a year like you should any well used 2 stroke tool. Never bogs down never lets me down ever. Even in tall wet grass.

Weaknesses:
Original harness is not adequate for the bicycle handle model upgraded to the double standard Stihl harness and problems are gone! No drink holder ...don't know never had any real problems figured I'd make one up??

Summary:
after 1st start will start 1 pull.ist start,impossible.Good trimmer & easy to handle.Just won,t start.Dealer said bring it in tomorrow & he would show me how to start it.HA HA.

Strengths:
Light & cuts well,bought 4/28/2010

Weaknesses:
Nearly impossible to start.Called dealer,said use 5 tanks would be ok.Not true.Counted pulls this morning to start 7/1/2010.43 pulls.stihls.My 1st&last.

Summary:
i hate everything about it.

Strengths:
none

Weaknesses:
its junk. it has a bad vibration when u throttle up the whole engine shakes terribleall the way down the shaft. the stihl dealeer said it was the cluthes kicking in. ive owned every weedeater they are out there and never had one do this. i hate it, im so discusted i wish i could get my money back. they said u only have 7 days if its used. well no one told me that i had it 9 days beore i started it and the first 5 min i used it it was chattering so bad i just put it up. i hate it its a wastre of money and i have told everyone about this so they dont waste their money.

Summary:
sold it and won't get another Stihl

Strengths:
Worked well when it worked

Weaknesses:
One of the most difficult engines to start I have ever used, carb seemed to clog up every month and need cleaning. Big companies can maybe afford to have a resident repair person, but I can't afford $80 every few months.

Summary:
junk

Strengths:
If you can get it ruuning is ok

Weaknesses:
Unit is junk. Took first one back for quitting running and string breaking. Second one starter rope locked up. Dealer said engine froze. That's crap because chain saw same gas and its ok. First and last stihl

Summary:
great

Strengths:
strong for size

Weaknesses:
none

Summary:
Will never buy another Stihl - had 2 Echo's - each of them lasted 10 yrs - this Stihl isn't 3 yrs old and it's garbage

Strengths:
When it works - it works great

Weaknesses:
Hard to start; Carburetor doesn't last on it; Dealers have no idea how to fix them and if they do they charge you more than it's worth

Summary:
Great trimmer will definetly buy more stihl products!!!!

Strengths:
Great trimmer!!! Screams like a stihl!!! Cuts weeds and brush, it does its job!!! I use it every week from spring till end of summer!!! It runs like my dads older FS90!!!

Weaknesses:
Only problem was that the throttle sticks a little bit. Never had a problem starting the trimmer, its sad that people dont know how to start this trimmer or probably mix the right gas to oil ratio. If you cant run this trimmer or keep it running your too much of an idiot and you shouldnt be running one at all, hire a lawn boy!!!

Summary:
I have owned this Stihl weed cutter for over 2 years and haven't been able to keep it running long enough to do anything to speak of. I have used the manual...in reference to the person who thinks that those of us who have had problems are all morons. I've always used the recommended gas, etc etc. The aggravation of owning it and trying to get it running properly has probably taken a few months off of my life. IT IS A PIECE OF GARBAGE. I've decided to throw it in the trash and try and forget I've ever owned it.

Strengths:
Absolutely none!!!

Weaknesses:
DOES NOT CONSISTENLY START OR STAY RUNNING...YOU WILL SPEND MORE TIME TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG THAN YOU WILL TRIMMING YOUR LAWN.

Summary:
I had used a cheap ryobi for 12 years. When it gave up the ghost, I had heard some many good thins about stihl, I decided to spend the extra cash to get a "good trimmer". I have owned many products in my lifetime, but I can positively say, without a doubt, this stihl FS55 is the biggest piece of junk everbeen made. It has been serviced 3 time in 2 years and still doesn't run good. When it does run for a few minutes at a time, the line continually melds and I have to take apart the head. DO NOT BUY>

Strengths:
When it works, it does cut grass well.

Weaknesses:
Very seldom works

Summary:
Love it. Would buy another one but bigger next time cuase bigger is always better.

Strengths:
I've had the Trimmer for a month now and I find it very light weight and easy to use. It starts right up everytime and very easy to reload new trimmer string.

Weaknesses:
Had to take off the Gaurd cause it would shot the grass clipings forward on to the mulch.

Summary:
Biggest piece of junk that I've ever paid over $200.00 for and then spent another 150.00 fixing. I have a Stihl chainsaw that's about 12 years old and it works every time I start it but even so, I'll think twice before I buy another Stihl product.

Strengths:
Worked for a year.

Weaknesses:
Worked for a year and then it would cut out or not start. The dealer rebuilt the carb but that didn't work so he put on a new carb and didn't charge me for the rebuild. That carb worked for about a year. Then it stopped… again. I heard the usual about bad gas and improper storage from the Stihl rep. They basically denied any responsibility. When I said that I never had this problem from Echo the rep said that all carbs are made from the same 3 manufactures and everybody is having trouble. I doubt it but; so this is my problem? It’s called bad engineering and it should have never been marketed. I finally took the carb apart and cleaned it with WD40 and blew out all the ports/jets/etc,. I used some fuel conditioner that seems to help… until next spring.

Summary:
Don't buy Had to return the very same day I bought it.Primer bulb split.Hard to start and bogs down.Continue to have same problems.3 bulbs now and head pulls line back into head.Bought this in May 2010 now Sept.have ran maybe 2 tanks of fuel wont start. Not dependable. Waste of money ,time and effort.Stealership is NO help always has a lame excuse points at me.

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
Carb, Trimmer head, Service

Summary:
a great peice of equipment havent thougt of any other kind of trimmer since I started getting a stihl

Strengths:
strong workhorse. not too heavy cuts all i have put in its way so far this is also my second FS55 and the first one i bought in 2005 and it is still running too just have to start it with a drill though the new one im workin on my third year with it i used to have a featherlite and it was rediculous the stihl has payed for itself ten times over and im proud to own it

Weaknesses:
It had to be tuned up after the first year but over all thats it it has never disappointed me so far

Summary:
All I can say is DONT buy this machine!

Strengths:
None!

Weaknesses:
Ran great for the 1st 2 hours on it. Now it is consistantly hard to start and after 5 mins of running it will bog and die. You must use the choke to keep it running. (Keep in mind, the first 5 mins its running, it runs great). After multiple carb cleanings and constant mixture screw adjustments, I have concluded this machine is a real piece of crap. I bought a used Ryobi from a yard sale and it puts the Stihl to shame...BIG TIME!

Summary:
very nice

Strengths:
never have any problem starting. Parts are cheap and trimmer is very nice.

Weaknesses:
None. most people have alot of troble but the real reason is they done no how to run the trimmer. I work for stihl im a gold star tech. I no how to run the trimmer.

Summary:
Not sure since I have not be able to use it for more than a very short time.

Strengths:
starts ok

Weaknesses:
Used it once for one tank of gas. Now it vibrates so bad I cannot use it. Going back to the dealer tomorrow. Have owned it for 30 days. Really disappointed because I used an old Ryobi and it worked well, finally wore it out. I will update as soon as I get it back from the dealer.

Summary:
Satisfied. Dealer was super nice.

Strengths:
update for my review from 11-11-2010. Took my trimmer to a certified stihl dealer and told him the problem, he tried it and verified the problem. Their service tech took one look and had it fixed and retuned to me in 5 minutes. The Problem: String head had burned up. I think has been a problem of that model. No vibriations now. Satisfied. No expense on my part.

Weaknesses:
none now since the head was replaced.

Summary:
Hoy es el primer dia que uso una de estas maquinas, me dejo una buena impresion sin embargo me costo hacela partir en un principio, pero me acostumbre

Strengths:
ligera, poder suficiente para uso en el hogar y prados pequeños, facil de transportar, en lineas generales hasta el momento me quedo satisfecho con la compra a pesar de la poca experiencia y uso que le e dado.

Weaknesses:
un poco duro para hacer partir el motor, ademas de ser un poco complicado cambiar el nylon, molesta un poco la vibracion y por ultimo eso de hacer mesclas a cada rato cansa algo.

Summary:
Think twice before purchasing. There are better units out there for the same or less money.

Strengths:
Once you get it running it's a nice little machine.

Weaknesses:
Very hard to start. Tough to wind new string on head.

Summary:
It is a OK machine for smaller than one acre land. But now I bought a FS100 with the 4-mix engine.

Strengths:
I have used it for a 1,5 acre land for 6 years. No problems! I have never emptied it for winter, only greased the head couple of times.

Weaknesses:
Very loud machine. And the 2 stroke engine is stinky too. I guess all of the weedwackers are too loud! But hey, why don't they improve them?? Here we have to pay double price for many things. Payed over $400 here. But only once the exhaust clugged up.

Summary:
CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT STIHL'S DEALERSHIP SUPPORT: MY TRIMMER HAS BEEN VERY RELIABLE SINCE DAY ONE. MY LOCAL STIHL LAWN-CARE DEALERSHIP SUGGESTED AT THE TIME OF MY PURCHASE I RETURN MY TRIMMER AFTER ITS FIRST SUMMERS USE. "FOR A FREE MAINTENANCE CHECK-UP."--{A COMPLEMENTARY PROGRAM YOU WON'T RECEIVE AT LOWE'S OR HOME DEPOT.} DURING THAT MAINTENANCE CHECK THE FOLLOWING SPRING. A STIHL CERTIFIED MECHANIC VISUALLY CHECKED MY TRIMMER FOR WORN OR DAMAGE PARTS. AND RE-TUNED ITS CARBURETOR AIR & FUEL MIXTURES SCREWS FOR BETTER PERFORMANCE. TRIMMER FROM THAT DATE ON HAS ALWAYS FIRED UP ON ITS THIRD PULL FOR ME AND NEVER ONCE HAS IT GIVEN ME CONCERN ABOUT ITS EXHAUST FUMES. SINCE THAT {CHECK-UP DAY} I HAVE NEVER FOUND IT NECESSARY TO RETURN MY TRIMMER BACK TO THAT STIHL DEALER FOR ANY SERVICE PERIOD. ITS BEEN 8 YEARS SINCE I PURCHASED IT. AT THIS POINT IN TIME MY STIHL "IT'S KIND OF LIKE THAT EVERREADY BUNNY. JUST KEEPS GOING AND GOING!!!"

Strengths:
IF YOUR LOOKING TO BUY CHEAP AND THINK ALL TRIMMERS ARE THE SAME IN THEIR TECHNOLOGY? "YOUR SADLY MISTAKEN." AS STIHL PRODUCTS ARE NOT CHEAP IN PRICE NOR CHEAPLY MADE.

Weaknesses:
"I'VE NEVER FOUND ANY"

Summary:
Piece of junk!

Strengths:
None.

Weaknesses:
Hard to start and when it did start it did not stay running. I had it for a little over 3 years. It is in the garbage dump now.

Summary:
Huge bunch of junk. The blah-blah-blah about stale gas and various maintenance procedures is rubbish. I have a Lawnboy mower that's over TWENTY years old, never have done ANY maintenance on it other than cleaning the air filter and changing the blade once, and it continues to runs perfectly fine. Stihl products, never again, and I assure the folks at Stihl that I'll pointedly advise all my friends and acquaintances to STAY AWAY from Stihl products.

Strengths:
Trims weeds and grass, on occasion ... when it runs.

Weaknesses:
Extremely difficult to start. Instruction manual advises to remove the spark plug to dry it and clear the carb if flooding occurs. That's IMPOSSIBLE to do, the engine shroud obstructs access to move the wire aside and get a wrench or socket on it. I got burned TWICE on this horrible product. Bought one in 2005, battled it a few years then gave up, decided to "trim" with Roundup. So I admit, I left the thing idle/stored for a full year. April 2010 I tried using it again, absolutely would not start. Figured it'd be cheaper to buy another than pay $$$ for repair. So, idiot that I am, I BOUGHT ANOTHER FS55R. It worked mostly OK for summer of 2010. Now, after one winter season (maybe 4 months maximum), my 11-months-old unit WILL NOT START.

Summary:
I'm approaching the 2nd season with this unit. I've had it professionally tuned. Now if I can keep string from breaking, I will keep it moving forward.

Strengths:
Few and far between but starts and run well most of the time.

Weaknesses:
Doesn't run well at all when I turn it on edge to trim against concrete (sidewalk and driveway). My Ryobi did really well in this position. The main reason I don't like this unit is that I can not get any brand of string to stay in-tact. The string breaks after 10 feet of use. I've had the eyelets swapped on the head and that didn't improve it either. I'm now running string that has a wire filament inside and it still snaps off at the head. I'm not running it deep into the ground, either. I'm going to try a new head and if that doesn't work, I'm going to sell this thing on CL and go buy a Ryobi that I know will run good on edge and not break string every 10 feet. I thought I was doing the right thing by buying a known brand that is worth repairing and keeping for years, but thus far, it's not worth the frustration from breaking string and bogging down on edge.

Summary:
Piece of junk.

Strengths:
I do not know of any strengths. I have not been able to use it enough to know of any strengths.

Weaknesses:
Hard to start. Stihl customer service is no help. They just want to talk about the ethanol. Only had product 10 months and used it about four times. Dealer at store wanted to rebuild carburetor for a charge of $55 or more. Product still under warranty. Why have a warranty? Very bad customer service with the dealer and Stihl. Will not purchase another product from Stihl and will tell friends not to also. Waste of money.

Summary:
I would not recommend this product to a friend, I am hoping it will get me through this summer without too much trouble (it is at the dealer getting carb work now), I will be buying an FS110 next Spring, and don't know if I can sell this one with a clear conscience. I am still a fan of Stihl, my chainsaws and other products have never let me down, but this trimmer is really junk. I have used it four times, the last time I went to use it last summer it wouldn't crank, so I pulled out the old Bolens that the Stihl was supposed to replace, here I am pulling it out again.

Strengths:
Great trimmer for the first few uses.

Weaknesses:
After the first few uses mine just won't start. The plug is like new, engine turning fine, the fuel in it is fresh, and has never had fuel left in it period, I empty the tank and drain it after every use. Always use one gallon cans, never used anything but Stihl 2 cycle oil. I know how to run a small engine. I believe the carb is a defective design, it fouls way to easy.

Summary:
Down time to great for replacing parts where metal should have been used

Strengths:
Cranking

Weaknesses:
Plastic or other synthetic parts result in a early death for the FS55

Summary:
and to those of you who have units that run, good for you. According to what I see written here, you are in tne minority. I bought Stihl thinking it was the best, so far that is not my finding with this trimmer. I realize Stihl makes a lot of good products but I just don't see that as being the case with this trimmer. I think they have a serious fuel problem with this one(and it's not the gas or Stihl oil I use in it either), something that I am not willing to spend my time babying or taking back to the dealer for them to make more money.

Strengths:
If and when it runs it's a good unit, not great but good. And it was a good unit for all of maybe 3 months, since then it's been nothing but problems getting it started and keeping it running. The changing of the line spools and refilling the line is easy

Weaknesses:
Unit will not run for many times before it is gummed up and in need of clean out. Have no idea what the problem is with this particular unit, but this unit should be taken out of service and owners reimbursed for their time and trouble in cleaning/tuning up the unit or Stihl should provide free or discounted service to take care of this poor excuse for a trimmer I have been trying to use for the last two years.

Summary:
As a middle aged woman who does all my own yardwork, I'm going to see about trading this in for a Stihl electric weed wacker.

Strengths:
I would only recommend this product to someone who does weed trimming and edging on a monthly basis, and knows how to do engine maintenance.

Weaknesses:
The carburator gums up easily if the engine isn't used monthly. The owner's manual does not explain how to clean out the carburator so I must take it in for maintenance.

Summary:
great string trimmer for the money

Strengths:
well balanced easy starting plenty of power

Weaknesses:
none

Summary:
I own a lawn business and have 27 accounts I know its not a commercial trimmer but i have used it like one.I have had it 4+ years now and its still going strong. I made it easier to start buy taking the spark arrest-or completely out and using a E3 spark plug. I like the trimmer so much that i just bought another that is exactly the same so now i have two of the best trimmers out there.

Strengths:
Easy to start when you know how to use it. Very strong trimmer i have use bigger commercial trimmers and prefer this trimmer over any for its like weight.

Weaknesses:
none

Summary:
This is my 3rd Sthil machine. I've had this FS55 going on 9 years and have never had a maintenace/mechanical problem whatsoever. Even have the same spark plug installed. I use it strictly for residential use, just edging a small lawn and weeding a moderate size backyard. As long as I use a fresh gas/oil mixture, this thing will continue to be immortal!

Strengths:
Very reliable and easy starting. Runs strong. With the right blade, will cut down small trees.

Weaknesses:
Like the manual states: Requires fresh gas mixture. In my case, here in San Diego CA, I cannot let the mix sit for more than a month before my brushcutter won't run on it. I've learned to buy gas in as-needed quantities only. When my machine was new, the mix could sit for 4 months and the machine would start and run like a champ. I might tear apart the carb some day but as for now I'll just buy 1/2 gallon of gas at a time.

Summary:

Strengths:
Lots of power when it starts and handles all but the heaviest weeds with just the string attached.

Weaknesses:
I have had the carb redone once, but I don't think that I will pay for it to be repaired again. This trimmer will not start (spring 2011) and it is only 3 years old. I have a stihl chainsaw and it meets the expectations of the stihl reputation. This trimmer doesn't come close.

Summary:
Has not run long enough to be of any use..... rebuilt carb last year..... just ordered new carb and will replace to see if I can get a few more years out of it, then it goes in the trash and I buy an Echo.

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
Hard to start, carb is crap, nothing but problems with it for 3 years, customer service sucks.... same bs about bad gas

Summary:
I bought this trimmer in 2008 and it has not let me down what so ever. I have never tuned it up at all or put 1 dollar into it. From the first day I got it, I put gas in it, yanked the pull cord and "DING DA DING DING...! I used it all season, run it out of gas at the end of the season, toss it in the shed and forget about it. 7 months later in spring 2009, I drag it out of the shed, throw fresh gas in it, pull the cord twice and "DING DA DING DING....! same thing goes for 2010 and now 2011. Hell I even use wal mart 2 stroke oil and mix it according to "eye" Its bulletproof.

Strengths:
Lots of power, stone reliable, fires right up whenever I need it to.

Weaknesses:
None. However I do wish this was one of the trimmers where you could interchange attachments like the power broom and pole saw but oh well.

Summary:
Way below expectations. I take very good care of my things. I read the manual and follow it to the "T". This trimmer is a big disappointment. I will not buy another Stihl product.

Strengths:
Ran good the first 3-4 hours. Very strong.

Weaknesses:
I use only about a gallon of fuel a year. At the end of the season I run it dry and put it away. I always use Stihl oil. I just got new fuel in the spring and have had problems. Always hard to start since day one. Always vibrated more than others I've used. I really thought something was wrong it vibrated so much. The Auto Line Feed head doesn't work well. One side always pulls back inside the head. Now after about 4 hours use it bogs down on giving it throttle.

Summary:
I can not in good consience give the Stihl FS55 or the dealer I bought it from a good recomendation. I just add this to the list of mistakes I have made.

Strengths:
The only strength it has is it works fine when it runs. Works well if it will stay running without having to continually push the primer bulb or turn the choke half way on. Starts OK. I follow the instruction manual and only use fresh gas.

Weaknesses:
Very disappointed in it. Highly recomended by the salesman at the dealer. I have taken excellent care of it. Used the oil the dealer said use. Drained fuel after every use(not just at storage time) and pulled the starter through several times to remove all gas. I bought it in 2001. 10 years ago. It ran OK for the first 2 seasons. But now it is just not the trimmer I was told it was. Took it to the dealer and he said it would be 120 days before it could be repaired. Bought a Ryobi. It's doing fine.

Summary:
Very disappointed with it.

Strengths:
When it ran, it ran. Uh....

Weaknesses:
Never started easy. This year it doesn't start at all. Was going to get new carb for it, but the cost for one didn't make sense, and after reading the reviews here, think I'll just junk it. Last Stihl I'll ever own.

Summary:
I won't buy a Stihl again!Most of my time is spent trying to get the trimmer to start and run. I have five acres and over the years the cheaper trimmers seem to work the best. This expensive Stihl is the worst I've owned.

Strengths:
Works well if you can get it started.

Weaknesses:
Very very difficult to start. Has gotten worse over time. Cost to rebuild carb isn't worth it. I beleieve part of the problem is the rubber fuel line which seems to be pinched. The engine heat seems to have made the line less rigid.(terrible design for routing). I am buying a new trimmer but when I have some time I'm going to try my own version of a fuel line and see what happens. After that it goes in the junk pile. Very expensive trimmer

Summary:

Strengths:
Nice color

Weaknesses:
Very hard to start, ran well on first tank of gas then bogs down and not as powerful on other tanks. Stops sometimes when idling. Did I mention very hard to start. For the money I am disappointed. I have large blister on finger from trying to start it.

Summary:
F-Off you German owned pieces of sh_t.

Strengths:
Looks good because it's only been used twice.

Weaknesses:
"Every f_ck_n thing about it", they should be taken off the shelves & buried at sea with Bin Laden. Have not had good luck this year with any of my three STIHL weedeaters two of them being the fS55.

Summary:

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Summary:
I'm going to start watching ebay for an older Stihl trimmer like my fathers. The new units have let down the company name and reputation. Their dealers are no help in fixing the situation. I'm tired of working on this new and improved unit.

Strengths:
Good heavy trimmer, I have owned countless Stihl products over the years and purchased this on the reputation. When it runs it does a great job.

Weaknesses:
Difficult starting after the first season. I used stabil in my last tank but still gummed up the works. Throttle cable sticks and is a slight safety issue. The bicycle bars are a pain when starting the unit. I have to hold it wide open when starting to get it to fire with fresh gas. Stihl saw and Husky saw start and run just fine with same fuel so it's not an ethanol problem like the dealer likes to say. I think it's a new engine/carb issue as my fathers 10 year old stihl trimmer runs fine every year.

Summary:
jUNK

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
Rattles, bogs down, don't buy. Used a Craftsman for 5 years with no problems. What a waste of $200.

Summary:
Great piece of power equipment, have had this machine for over 8 years and it run's like new. After reading some older previous post's, like with anything if it it used as designed and proper maint. done it will last,who know's? I would buy another if and when the time arrives.

Strengths:
Easy to start,usually within 3 pull's,plenty of power,get's the job done

Weaknesses:
Have found none

Summary:
That saves me. Thanks for being so sensbile!

Strengths:
That saves me. Thanks for being so sensbile!

Weaknesses:
That saves me. Thanks for being so sensbile!

Summary:
Not user-friendly. Online help and email responses were terrible. Where is the reliable product??

Strengths:
When it's working it is like a race car. Strap eases strain on back.

Weaknesses:
No feeder procedure in manual. Hard to do with two hands. Dealer was not helpful. Dealer acted like I was an idiot. Carburetor replaced twice under warranty in two years. I don't use ethanol but dealer said it broke since I did...?

Summary:
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Strengths:
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Weaknesses:
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Summary:
Have used for over 6 years and the only problem is with fuel. All fuel has government mandated ethanol, period... Ethanol eats up the older fuel lines and system. Ethanol is a killer of all 2 cycle equip. This even when fuel is drained properly.

Strengths:
GREAT machine when maintained right. I.E. draining fuel, completely. when not in use, for a week or more. This means running fuel out of carburetor.

Weaknesses:
Not the easiest cord winding system.

Summary:
I wrapped it around a peacan tree still under warranty. That is how fed up I was with the crap Stihl sells.

Strengths:
engine ran well for about 18 months

Weaknesses:
after 18 months engine no worky anymore...line feed is a POS, the line gets hot and sticks together.

Summary:
Wish I bought something else

Strengths:
Power; weight

Weaknesses:
Hard to start; uses a lot of gas/oil to start

Summary:
Back to the hoe and scissors I guess because I aint buying another Stihl weed eater. Man are they wasting good years of reputation on this boat anchor.

Strengths:
Better than a pair of scissors or a hoe when it is running.

Weaknesses:
1 year old. Cleaned the carb twice. Maybe a gallon of fuel has been through it. Stored properly. Wont run without the choke on. Smokes. Vibrates. What eh heck did I buy? And after reading all the scripts I am just sick inside. Wasted 2 Frog backs on this POS.

Summary:
The persons complaining of starting issues most likely do not understand how a diaphragm carb works, and yes if you over choke it, flood it then leave it sit the gas will dry up and the remaining oil and residue will create problems best solved by replacing the carb. I suggest for those who have these problems something easy like a homelight or an electric model, Though you won't have near the power or performance .

Strengths:
Light, powerful for size and weight .

Weaknesses:
None so far, it's marketed for occasional use, I use Once a week spring into fall.

Summary:
Buy a cheap one.

Strengths:
Does not work any better than a cheap string trimmer.

Weaknesses:
I have been mowing lawns and starting small machines for 40 years and this is BY FAR the hardest machine to start. I have read the owners manual over and over thinking I was missing something. I have had it back to the dealer several times and they treat me like I am a fool. I will NEVER recommend or buy a Stihl product again.

Summary:
Excellent. I had issues getting it started at first, but after I reviewed the CORRECT way to start it, its easy. Runs like a fine crafted German auto.

Strengths:
Power, Engine performance, Trimmer Head is easy to load with string, bump action is easy

Weaknesses:
The only weakness is getting the starting procedure right. It IS german, so something is bound to be more complicated. So what. Once you get the procedure right, you should have no problems. If you start in wrong order, you will flood the engine. At that point you have to remove the spark plug and clean it out by pulling the starter. I see why there might be complaints, but you just need to go to a certified stihl mechanic (not just someone who sells them) and have them review everything you need to know about starting the unit the proper way.

Summary:
I'm not a beginner at using this type of equipment. I've used chain saws and line trimmers for many years including several Stihl products. I've never had so many problems as I've had with the FS 55. Recently spent $73 for a new carb kit & labor. Ran for short time before it started with the same symptoms it had before carb rebuild. I always drain the fuel and run it dry after every use. This machine just is not reliable and I won't waste any more time, money or energy pulling it over and over and over trying to start it. I would not recommend the FS 55 to anyone.

Strengths:
I haven't been able to use it consistently enough to evaluate its strengths.

Weaknesses:
Stalls, won't idle, dies then will not start again.

Summary:
I'd buy the FS55R again because the engine seems to start and run well, but I'd plan to immediately replace the Stihl trimmer head with the well designed Tanaka No Brainer head to end the frustration of frequent line breakage and make the trimmer balanced better and therefore easier to maneuver. I'd also fire the Stihl trimmer head designer.

Strengths:
I have owned the FS55R (straight shaft) for 2 years. It starts OK (usually takes about 6-8 pulls) and runs fine after starting. The dealer recommended premium gas only for this unit.

Weaknesses:
Trimmer line and trimmer head design are a joke. Original Stihl line had a corkscrew pattern and would break off INSIDE the head within 15 seconds of use (all my trimming is along sidewalks or rock walls). I bought Stihl replacement line (no corkscrew pattern), and it would last about 15 minutes (then also break off inside the head). Getting the line out of the head, rewound on the dual spools, and the head reassembled on the trimmer is a hassle, so my overall trimming time for my yard increased from 30 to 45 minutes. But I found a solution: I replaced the entire head with a Tanaka No Brainer Quickload Head (uses one piece of straight pre-cut line). Works like a dream and is lighter than the Stihl head - makes trimming easier. The same Stihl line (I cut pieces to fit the Tanaka) now lasts for an entire yard trimming session without ever breaking off inside the new Tanaka head (line does wear down so I replace with a new piece for each trimming session - takes about 15 seconds).

Summary:
Over all...if you want to buy something that has a name from a company that rest on its reputation alone, Get it. If you want to buy something that starts year after year after year like my Echo back Pack Blower , well you decide. I have bought two of these in the last 6 years...never again.

Strengths:
When it has a new Carb it is a running dream. It has great power and does the job well. Starts predictably well.

Weaknesses:
Starts predictably well...UNTIL it sits for more than one month without use. Rebuilding the carb is a waste of time. Replacing it yourself is simple at a cost of 40-50 dollars. Stihl dealers make money bundles off of this crap carb and they treat you like dirt in the process. Dealers seem to hate their job and you must be their beating post. You will get lectured on gas quality like as if you are an idiot that uses year old gas and it is your fault. Not true...if this carb sits without priming and starting at least every two days...it will cost you the price of a carb