I actually always loved Husky's trimmer heads. The bump feed is great, it pushes out the line smoothly and evenly, especially the larget T35 head. I never used Echo Speed feed cause they aren't readily available in Europe and buying them from Amazon or Ebay is just too expensive with all the tax and fees they charge you. I agree with the you regarding the guard. I never removed the guard from a single trimmer I've ever owned. And it's not just the matter of guarding your shins from the pebbles and stuff. There are 2 other major issues that the removing of the guard results in. First is that a longer line exerts more resistance and therefore the engine (or the motor) is suffering more than the engineers who designed the trimmer predicted. There's a great video on YT that compares the same trimmer working with the guard and then without one but with a 5 cm longer line. The engine was heating up incredibly fast with that longer line. It's obvious that the prolonged use without the guard is resulting in a shorter lifespan of the engine. Second issue that I see in removing the guard is the fact that the guard has a small blade on it that cuts both lines to the same length. If you remove the guard and one line gets shortened more than the other, it results in a nasty vibration. I experience that with a guard when one line is shorter than the other. But all I need to do is bump the head to release more line and they both get trimmed to the same length by this blade attached to the guard....

Well worth the 4th effort in recording it! Cheers, and it does help a ton to hear the more nitpick kind of things from long-term use.

Very helpful and useful review. Your experience has made me feel much happier about my Husqvarna purchase. Really appreciate your time. Thanks.

Agreed. Having a tether and a backpack to the fsa130r is just too annoying and uncomfortable. Part of the appeal to battery trimmers is being able to just grab it and go. I ended up selling my kma130r and all the other stihl tethering attachments that went with it because I just couldn’t get on board with it. With the exception of the chainsaw and hedger trimmer. The hedge trimmer is about the only thing I’m happy substituting the weight of a battery for having that tether. Although just a tip, wrap some duct tape around the handle to bypass that fidgety safety switch. You only have the cable plugged in when your running it. So the deadman safety switch isn’t really needed imo. Also, that thing that sticks out past the handle is there to prevent kickback. So if the unit flings back, the outward handle hits your leg and stops the unit before you can cut yourself with a blade or string. (I personally cut them off with a angle grinder).

Another great video chap - lots of useful info. 👍🏻

Very good down to earth instruction that I found very informative,

Great review. Really raise all the details that are important

I’ve recently invested in the echo 56v platform and I’ve been really happy with it thus far.

I've recently ordered the 520iLX.... Would probably go for the Kombi unit instead having seen this.. It'll be interesting to see how I get on with it! Great video mate!

Hi thanks for your videos, have found them easy to watch and follow. Have you had any reliability issues with any particular brand (Husqvarna, Ego or Stihl) such as warranty or repair issues?

I have been using the ego trimmers for 4 years now and it works like a monster the onliest thing is that i need to change the bump head but it still works great

Definitely looking to upgrade all my old gasoline and corded electric units to battery. I'm partial to Husqvarna as my dad worked for them for years in the construction division. Leaning towards that 325iLK with trimmer. The bonus being I can keep my eye out for used attachments down the road. Good review!

That was a very good review and certainly a good point regarding the Ego.... I was just about to buy one but now I'll get the Husqvarna

Just purchased the Makita DUX60 and it rips. Lovely Lawn you have there mate!

Really helpful thanks. A review of Husqvarna 325iLK with blower, pole saw attachment would be great!

Awesome video! Thank you. I really liked using the 325iLK as well for a string trimmer. I wish I had more time with it. How does the run time compare to the Ego? Do you find you get longer run times? We always run our trimmers in speed 1 as I've never had a need for speed 2.

Thanks for the efforts and research mate. Makes a massive difference. I would love to have a chat with you about your opinion on selecting a brand for across the board. Cheers. JonesBee

Does anyone have an idea where the EGO Kombi unit would fit into this line up when it comes to power

Great review. Thank you

Thankyou mate 👍🏻

I use the Stihl daily in my business. Its such a great versatile unit. Tones of power for the thicker stuff.

Thanks for the review Lovelawn, I own both the Husq 520iRX bullhorn and the Ego bullhorn both get the job done , the ego has heaps of power but chews the battery up , Husq like you said needs a lighter head , doesn't have great power but the batteries are excellent, I see they have updated the Husq to the 535iRXT which looks a lot more powerful. would love to see how the edger attachment go's on the 325iLK as there are not alot of options for battery edgers. Hows the raison 2 mower going would love an update, cheers John.

Bought a 325iLK trimmer based partly on your review, and love it. Versus gas trimmers, things I no longer have to worry about: how old is the gas, where do I get ethanol free, why is it not starting right, do I need to clean the carb, why is it not priming right, is the fuel line cracked, do I need hearing protection, is the manifold too hot to touch? With this unit, I pop in the battery and pull the trigger, and it just starts. If I have to stop and mess with a fence rail or cut something with pruners...release the trigger and put it down, and it's silent. Pick it up and squeeze the trigger in one motion and it's trimming again. The speed modulates nicely, which is handy when trimming along the wire fence. I just leave it in the "On" position - it seemed to use less battery than the battery saver mode for me. Sorry for the U.S. units but I have about 7 acres, 2200 ft split rail fence + 220 ft wire fence + 500 sq ft hill. Mixed in with the grass I have a lot of dock weed, chickory, and plaintain - some thick stalks. The first trimming of the season was a month overdue, and it took 4-5 charges. With just 2 weeks growth, it takes about 2-3 charges. This is with the BLi300 battery. Usually when the battery is getting low, I'm ready for a break or a drink anyway. Got the QC500 quick charger, and it charges in about 30 minutes. I don't even notice the wait for it to recharge. Went all in and got the electric chainsaw at the same time, for similar reasons (tired of dealing with carbs). Also love that tool, and it feels so much safer and easier to use than gas ones. And I love that I can use the same battery for both tools.

I have the ego combi with the trimmer attachment and use the 2.5ah batteries, have a few of them that I swap in and out because the 5ah does get a bit heavy over time. I use the 5ah in my blower and 7.5 in my mower or as a backup for the hand held tools if I run out of smaller batteries in a day. I have half a dozen chargers which I chuck all the batteries in at the end of the day and Bob's your uncle.

thanks for the review, it was very helpful. I didn't know the Sthil was cable only

So at the 17.40 mark approx regarding different fixed shaft models is what they are bringing out next year a dedicated straight shaft trimmer (525 ilst) and a multitool (525ilk) and 2 edgers curved and straight shaft. That will also make a good video doing a comparison of the new and current editions when they arrive.

New to the business but loving my FSA90R, RMA510 and BGA100

Nice vid,is the 325 a commercial unit,because I see alot of people using for this purpose?

i'm looking for the lightest and it is hard to compare the way you explain it. some weights with battery some without. is the 325ILK the lightest?

awesome review!

The new stihl fsa 135r solves the battery issue with both backpack or battery choice. The thing you asked about on your stihl is part of a vibration reduction thing I would say. They would have picked up some strange vibrations during development and that part just helps cancel out those vibrations enough for users not to be bothered by it.

Great video. I recently purchased the Husqvarna battery line up after demoing a few other brands. I did a couple videos on Husqvarna as well, with more to come. I always enjoy your videos. I almost went with the Stihl battery line up but the plug in only style of it was a turn off for me as well. Stihl really should have given an option to use a slide in battery. I couldn’t be happier with Husqvarna line up. The light weight batteries with great run times are hard to beat. 👍

Really informative video thanks 👍🏻. Having lots of different makes does that not make charging a little annoying?

How has the battery been for the 325iLK? I've been seeing bad reviews for the BLi200 battery going dead and that's probably the one thing holding me back right now. Love the breakdown in this video!

great review absolutely agree wth you on the husky ...great content

do you know why they are making all the safeties more complex? like a 3 stage system (on the 325ilk) over the tried and tested 2 stage (on the 536lilx) didnt know that there were any issues with the 2 stage. thanks. good video!

Awesome video 👍

For just used as a trimmer which is better between the Husqvarna 325 and the 525 iB ?

Have you tried the 36v makita combi tool

Hi mate have you used any of the Makita range if so what are your thoughts.

I'm using the Stihl FSA130 and put a screw behind the safety lever. Makes it so much easier to work with. A Stihl dealer told me that the design of the lever will be changed for the 2021 models. I'm using a waist belt with battery on the hip. Make a loop on your cable (but the cable between the velcro's) and you won't be hindered. I tried the Husqvarna 325 iLK too, and in the long run I really like that the Stihl doesn't take the battery in the unit. Makes it even lighter, which is good if you're, like me, on occasions are using the machine for several hours in a day. And like everything...you get used to the cable ;-) I'm using 6 AP300S batteries. I'm running a BGA200 blower, hedge trimmer, and edger on them too.

9:22 so true, great unit but that wire... stihl needs to something about that

How do you compare the FSA 90r to the 536? Which is in your opinion the lighter/better machine?

Hi the sticking out bit my dealer said it stops you turning too far apparently health safety if that makes sense. My dealer keeps on getting me to purchase the Pellenc range but like you don't know weather I would get fed up with the battery and lead. Would you bother with the husqvarna battery back pack or just use the single machine batteries. Can I ask you weather you get given all these tools to advertise or do you buy them all. Cheers Russell.

how long would you say the stihl battery could run for ? also your favorite husq does it last you the whole day ? how how they take to fully charge

Hi mate looking at going battery whippy and hedger. With the husky. Multi tool you say it’s your fav. What is the run time like on the battery you use with the whippy attachment Cheers

Where do you get the 450 speed feed heads from please.

Witch way do they turn clockwise or counterclockwise I want one that goes counterclockwise

I have a Stihl gas trimmer. I am SO done with the carb dying. Gummed up because of fuel issues. I could have bought a new trimmer for all the carb replacements I have had. I do like the attachments for it. I have been looking for a replacement for a year. I am a Husqvarna guy. LOVE their stuff. I have a bunch of chainsaws and they are bullet proof, reliable friends. I have been looking at the Husq battery line and trying to decide which way to go. I am getting the Husq 540 battery chainsaw for trimming trails and light tree work. They take the same battery so that is cool - but this video is from a commercial perspective. The big question is can I get by with a lower model of trimmer or will I be kicking myself in the ass for cheaping out and not having the power and attachment options. Thanks for making and posting the vid. On ya

This is the best comparison review I've found, fantastic thank you. Those nit picky bits are the little things we want to know about! Oddly you've sold me on the Stihl, ordered the FSA135R + 300s batteries when they land next week. I agree about the 130 - cable would be painful.

Would you recommend the Stihl FSA135R with the removable 6AH battery over the Husky 325ilk?

How long are the run times?

Mate if you was me would you bother getting the 950x backpack I'm out all day every day mainly cutting edging grass. Do you think I'll be wasting money just can't make my mind up cheers Russell.

Thanks

Apologies for cross posting. I want to make sure that US buyers are aware. I just took receipt of a 325iLK in the US. Please note that the user interface controls are quite different for the US market. Instead of the buttons with 3 speeds and battery level indicator, the US model comes with a simple 3 position switch - off, on, and esave mode. I can't compare the two interfaces directly so I can't really comment on which is better. It is certainly simpler and probably fine. I'm just disappointed that I didn't get what I was expecting. Additionally, only by digging into the US user manual do you see this user interface with a description. ALL Husqvarna marketing material regardless of region shows the same user interface with the 2 buttons, battery gauge, and speed. So be aware if you are buying in the US market.

well i guess Husqvarna replaced the 536LiLx with the 520iLX, so you should do a review on that and see what the differences are. also Stihl just came out with fsa 135 R, its the same as the fsa 130 R but you can plug an ap battery directly into it. it would be cool to see a review on that too!

Hi Husqvarna machines, commercial use Have there been any problems with electrical plugs on these Husqvarna machines The electrical plug must be lubricated once in a while Which lubrication must be used, with silicone? When the machines are pressed and get hot, the plastic in electrical plugs becomes brittle over time, from heat and incorrect lubrication? Otherwise very good machines Doesn't seem like the electrical plug can or must be changed? Any experiences with and will share them publicly, Thanks.

You cannot take the guard off the EGO. If you do, it will malfunction the first time you bump the string out past the cutter on the guard. So the power will pulse until you trim the line down to the cutter length, so you cannot use it at all without the guard 😭

Great vid. I have a petrol powered stihl. I recently purchased an ego line trimmer. I don’t like it at all. Big guard, don’t like the head or chunky battery. I’d consider a stihl but with out the back pack battery.

I am living Guyana how can I get one of these

😭😭😭... I was hoping to see the Makita trimmer in this comparison, just to see how it stacks up against these heavy hitters. Since I already own the Makita hedge trimmer and a blower, it's only natural to continue within their system since I own a few batteries and a charger. Unfortunately I can't seem to find an honest and quality review of their 18 and 36V string trimmers... I was considering Husky for a while since I've been using their gas trimmers for years now and they've earned me some serious money. And since I'm kind of a brand loyalist, I really wanted to continue with Husqvarna. But when I saw the price of the bare unit plus the price of every individual 36V battery, I almost got a heart attack. I'm sticking with their gas equipment and a gradual transfer to the battery powered stuff will have a green color at its roots...

I don't care so much if it's a blade edger, but for a string trimmer I really really want a trigger that is a true variable speed. Apparently that's either electronically impossible, which I doubt, or would add two dollars to the cost of the unit.

I do not mind the corded style as it keeps the battery weight off the arms. If you do not want yours, I will take it off your hands!

You can change the way they tune there two wires just change the wire to the Opposite wire it will go counterclockwise

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 kzfaq.infoUgkx_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.

Echo?

It's kindof unfair, all batterypowered vs one that has a massive battery and is build for a big power pack. Which I think is one hell of an item on your back, especially the one from Stihl. I'm a landscaper/gardener from Holland and the stihl battery is extremely weak for cold weather while the husqvarna never showed anything with our cold.

Husqvarna winner

I used to do cool stuff like go to Burning Man. Now I watch weed wacker youtube videos. What the heckin heck.

Just wondering how people find these for larger gardens? I’ve about an acre with lots of long grass and uneven ground so don’t want to be charging every few mins. I would prefer electric to petrol though.

I have a lawn care business here in Greenville South Carolina by the amazing grace of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. I’m thinking about switching to all handheld equipment. If I get the attachment trimmer, I should be able to buy the edger and pole saw etc they should all fit no problem right?

Thats a lot of guards still on 😅

I swear who ever designed the Sthil battery series has never worked as a gardener or homeowner.. stupid management listing to “engineers” not users... we have the same issue in our company.

If your running petrol kit just stay with it, cordless does not last, costs you a fortune. Especially avoid Stihl. Would have been cheaper to stay with my petrol kit. Parts extortionate so you just chuck it in landfill and spe t afortune on a new one. Then a battery failing and you've just binned 2k in four years.

My husquvarna mower was a GIANT piece of shit. I will never buy that brand again!

Your review is so much better than most. Really know how to isolate the important features and demonstrate your preferences. I'm also interested in the Worx Nitro WG186 www.worx.com/nitro-40v-cordless-attachment-capable-driveshare-15-string-trimmer-wg186.html. I realize you have settled on the HV, but wondered if you might have any intel on the Worx unit. Seems sturdy, powerful, takes attachments, and the reviews are quite good. But for some reason the local box stores no longer carry it, so that gives me pause. I was also looking at the Ego, but until your review I had not given HV any attention. I will look deeper into that model, thank you.