WHAT DO I NEED

[Ric]

I understand that they would not be a good value for a large business. But I can't go more than like 11 yards, and I do 7 in 2 1/2 hours. I don't want to spend a whole lot on fancy equipment, and so I thought I would do the multitool. I really like the Echo PAS 225 vpb, it comes with the power head, trimmer and blower for 300. I know the blower is not crazy powerful, but I only need it to blow off sidewalks and grass in mulch beds.

A_tank96

The problem with the echo 225 is the fact that the motor size is only 21.2cc and not strong enough to do the job you are going to want to do. That's one of the big problems I see with all the pas motors, they have four different engines a 21.2, 22.8, 25.4,and a 28.1cc engines and all IMO are under powered. That's why I said the Stihl KM units would be a better deal than the Echo Pas units. The Stihl power heads are or start at 28.4, 31.4, and 36.3cc and have the power to do most any job. The key to buying equipment IMO is to buy equipment that will last for years and that will pay for itself in the long haul and it has been my experience the Echo doesn't do that.

 

[exotion]

The problem with the echo 225 is the fact that the motor size is only 21.2cc and not strong enough to do the job you are going to want to do. That's one of the big problems I see with all the pas motors, they have four different engines a 21.2, 22.8, 25.4,and a 28.1cc engines and all IMO are under powered. That's why I said the Stihl KM units would be a better deal than the Echo Pas units. The Stihl power heads are or start at 28.4, 31.4, and 36.3cc and have the power to do most any job. The key to buying equipment IMO is to buy equipment that will last for years and that will pay for itself in the long haul and it has been my experience the Echo doesn't do that.

... the 225 echo has more than enough power. I have the srm and pe and they have never failed me. Where do you need the power?

 

[Ric]

... the 225 echo has more than enough power. I have the srm and pe and they have never failed me. Where do you need the power?

I know all about the SRM and the PE, I ran both for a year and a half in the business 6 days a week and in the time they did a great job but at the end of that time period they were trashed. The Echo equipment will run good out of the gate but doesn't hold up for any length of time. I've been using the Stihl equipment for the last 6 to 7 years and have never had an issue with any. As far as the power goes, if you have more power and the speed in a machine than you need your not running the machine to the max and if your not running it to the max seems to reason it will last you many more years than the equipment that has to be run that way or to the max to get the same job done.

 

[A_tank96]

Both of you seem right.

However, For me a straight shaft trimmer is an upgrade, and an actual blower is also an upgrade. Even if they don't last quite as long, I'm really only using them in heavy residential application. It is commercial but very small. So they will be an upgrade, and I think when I have saved up I will get the PAS 225vpb combo pack.

A_tank96

 

[djdicetn]

First off I do not have any financing of any kind. My advise would be to stay as far away from financing as possible because financing puts you in the hole right off the bat and you don't need to be there trying to start a business. As far as the Echo and Stihl Multi Task tools go, for business IMO they are a total waste of time and money. My reasons are as follows, 1 there not a cost effective piece of equipment, 2 there to time consuming, 3 there to heavy to use all day everyday and 4 some of the attachments being used like blowers, brooms etc are totally ineffective. For the Homeowner they maybe alright but for business No Way.

From a homeowner "experience" on these "multi-tools" I had a Ryobi 2-cycle straight shaft trimmer that I bought the grass clipping vaccum with bagger attachment and the blower attachment for the "Quick Fit" system. When I decided to get a 4-cycle trimmer(and give the Ryobi to my son) I bought a Troy-Bilt at Lowes. It had the identical "Quick Fit" system and I don't really think it's got the top speed performance it's Ryobi 2-cycle predecessor had. The "vacuum" system was pretty well abandoned early on with the Ryobi after 2 or 3 attempts to use it(very difficult to use with any benefit) although from time-to-time I still use the Ryobi blower attachment(that works "so so"). Like user A_tank96, I never wanted to invest major dollars in other yard maintenance equipment but right now I'm considering getting a decent backpack blower and giving the old Ryobi attachment to my son. I've kinda "toyed" with the idea of getting an edger attachment for the Troy-Bilt, after reading a thread where user lmf described the usefulness and versatility that tool gives for maintaining landscaping, flower beds etc. We created a mulched landscaped area in the back yard a few years back and rented a "huge heavy duty edger machine", more like a gas tiller than a trimmer device. It did a fantastic job, but now I understand what user lmf said about regularly maintaining that look. That was pretty well wasted money since a few years later that well-defined edging around the mulched area is pretty well gone:0(
So now... do I add a dedicated edger($200 or so) to the backpack blower I want or do I get the Troy-Bilt edger attachment($70). You don't have to tell me which one will work better cause I can already figure that out(you get what you pay for syndrome:0) Oh, the lawn care maintenance decisions:0(

 

[AmericanTurf]

"What do I need"? If you have to asked that, then you prolly don't need to be in business.

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

"What do I need"? If you have to asked that, then you prolly don't need to be in business.

I disagree with that. There are people out there that have a lot of knowledge/experience with lawn care and lawn care equipment and there is nothing wrong with asking!

 

[A_tank96]

I disagree with that. There are people out there that have a lot of knowledge/experience with lawn care and lawn care equipment and there is nothing wrong with asking!

Exactly.

NO QUESTION IS TO DUMB. Just wanting some expert advice is all.

A_tank96

 

[Carscw]

Nobody knows everything. It's best to ask then to do it wrong.

(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))

 

[fireman gus]

Hello,

I have a small lawn are business. Right now I only have an older trimmer, a corded blower, and no edger. What do I need to get next? My trimmer is a Stihl FS 45 that runs well. I'm getting sick of the crappy blower, but I have hired labor that does that so I don't have to put up with it. I us usually just edge with my trimmer. I have many good Stihl dealers close, And I have been looking at the BR 200 for a blower, and All Stihls for equipment. I am hesitant to go with echo be size it's only at Home Depot around me. I like the PAS system for the hi though, should I get that? The attar hments are much cheaper. I'm only doing a max of 10 very small yards right now.

Thanks
A_tank96

If you are only doing 10 yards why do you need a "laborer"? Why not do the work yourself and use the money you pay him (her) on getting newer and better equipment? We use all Sthil products. We have been please with thier performance and durability. We run 2 routes and average 15 - 17 yards per day.