bgsengine wrote:However, there's still folks around here that are stuck in believing there's nothing better than a Stihl
I'm one of those folks.I have a 2000 FS46 trimmer, whose only repair since day 1, was a new $30 carburetor. I found the carb locally at Ace Hardware and after installing it, it never ran so well! The OE carb must have had a bug in it, and only got worse as time passed. I guess I did replace the spool bump button on the cutter head, but that's just normal wear and tear.
I also have a 2005 BG85 blower with the shredder attachment purchased as an afterthought. The only repair I have made to it was a new fanwheel (Stihl nomenclature) as I ingested a stick or two of too large of diameter that chipped off some pieces. Occasionally, I have to adjust the fuel ratio screws to make acceleration from idle to high smooth and non-hesitant. No big deal. In fact I just did that Tuesday. Sure-starting and they just keep on ticking and no cords to drag around.
I have to agree that literature and DIY technical support was a problem but that has gotten better with internet availability recently. It would indeed be nice to purchase parts online at possibly better prices, but I can live with that, as few of parts I have ever needed. I actually have 2 Stihl dealers in this small city and they seem to have a pretty good inventory of parts.
In short, I would have a hard time replacing what I have with anything but another Stihl product. I believe in Stihl oil and 100% real gasoline, no corn whiskey blends used. They hang all winter with fuel in them and have never failed to start in the spring.
Different strokes for different folks.