If you could start all over again

[Boudreaux]

I spent the last 4 hours searching the web and read posts. Even though here in Texas the grass does not grow like in the North-west, I still want to have a reliable machine.
I decided to get a HRX217HYA and dropped the idea of the HU800AWD. Mainly because I don't need AWD (total flat land) and the higher quality of the Honda.

As for the trimmer I was disappointing and confused by Husqvarna. The only multi-tools are the homeowner grade 12x series. Everything above will not take attachments.
The 128Ld looked good, but only takes low cost attachments (Lowes). The 128LDx take the pro series, but no blower available and very expensive.

So I settled for a home-owner grade Stihl FS 56 RCE witht the according attachments. If there is money left I might step up to a FS90, but I will see.

I feel sure you will get good performance from the Stihl FS65. I have a Stihl FS55 ('98) with many countless hours of service. It's still going strong.




:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

 

[Tombstonebilly]

Go to a local pawn shop or flea market and buy a bunch of stuff for $2000.00 :2cents:So it aint new as long as it works.:wink:

 

[CauZey]

If I was a home owner like you with a half acre yard I would go to sears and buy everything I needed rite there except maybe a blower. Bg 55 stihl is a pretty solid unit for a home owner and is 150$ . I'd buy a craftsman rear engine rider and craftman power head with trimmer and edger attachment . Not sure what you're wanting for a brush cutter but I'm sure they have bladed head attachments. That's less than 1500$ prob and they offer financing

 

[CauZey]

They even offer a pole saw power head

 

[TheDuncan]

Go to a local pawn shop or flea market and buy a bunch of stuff for $2000.00 :2cents:So it aint new as long as it works.:wink:

One of the best advises I ever got in forum.

The 2000 USD were my max and I'd be happy to stay under. If you take the majority of the opinions here regarding mower and trimmer, you will very easy reach those numbers.
I don't want to buy some low end crap and replace that in 3 years. I also try not buy equipment I don't need - therefore I went away from the riding mower idea or some commercial stuff.

 

[exotion]

Don't buy craftsman if you have a 2k budget get some quality stuff I stand by my original recomendation.

Ric seems to believe that the echo power heads are underpowered. But he doesn't have one so whatever... I think even the lowest powered echo head will suffice for a homeowner.

I mow all day with a honda hrr with smart drive its the little brother of the hrx and I like it.
I have echo 225 equipment and never had a problem with power. So yah buy hrx, echo pas, and beer. Or some other fun tool that's serves no purpose except to allow you to be lazy

 

[Ric]

0.5 acres is a decent amount of land to mow with a push mower. Most of the yards in our neighborhood are 0.25 acres and more people have HRX's than any other mower. If you are doing 0.5 acres every 5 days, that is a lot of use on a mower of lesser quality than the Honda!

Most of the yards in your neighborhood are 0.25 acres, I guess then all you need is a Honda when you consider your only mowing 5000 sq.ft. per yard.

 

[Ric]

Don't buy craftsman if you have a 2k budget get some quality stuff I stand by my original recomendation.

Ric seems to believe that the echo power heads are underpowered. But he doesn't have one so whatever... I think even the lowest powered echo head will suffice for a homeowner.

I mow all day with a honda hrr with smart drive its the little brother of the hrx and I like it.
I have echo 225 equipment and never had a problem with power. So yah buy hrx, echo pas, and beer. Or some other fun tool that's serves no purpose except to allow you to be lazy

I don't believe there under powered I know there under powered. Echo's Pas system power heads run from 21.2 cc engines to the largest being 28.1 cc. The smallest Stihl you can buy is the 90 and it's a 28.4 cc and there 130 is 36.3cc so tell me the Echo"s not under powered in comparison. I can also tell you from experience. the Echo 28.1cc engine sucks and don't say he doesn't have one so whatever...I know because I do have one so

 

[exotion]

I don't believe there under powered I know there under powered. Echo's Pas system power heads run from 21.2 cc engines to the largest being 28.1 cc. The smallest Stihl you can buy is the 90 and it's a 28.4 cc and there 130 is 36.3cc so tell me the Echo"s not under powered in comparison. I can also tell you from experience. the Echo 28.1cc engine sucks and don't say he doesn't have one so whatever...I know because I do have one so <img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16468"/>

I still think it is not under powered... it may not have as much power as the stihl but if you don't need the power... walla

P.s sorry was un aware you had one.

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

I still think it is not under powered... it may not have as much power as the stihl but if you don't need the power... walla

P.s sorry was un aware you had one.

I agree they have plenty of power for what you need!