Stihl FS80R any good?

[FergusonTO35]

There is a Stihl FS80R for sale here locally for 100.00. Seller says it runs good, pics suggest it is not a beat to death ex-lawn service unit. What do you think, would it be worth getting for that price? How would it compare to my Shindaiwa T242?

 

[PA Dan]

I have a FS85 and it's a killer trimmer. Not sure how much difference in the two.

 

[Larry B]

There are a few versions of the fs80. Bought mine new in 1988. I feel one of the best trimmers made. I have worn out 4 bump feed heads and a couple echo speed feed heads. It has good power and can run dual .095 line. Has enough power for a brush blade too. I would pull the muffler and check piston and cylinder. If good i would say worth the hundred if it is not beat up. Other than a split primer bulb mine has never needed anything fixed. I use reguslar E gas and it has the original fuel lines still.

 

[rjames]

There is a Stihl FS80R for sale here locally for 100.00. Seller says it runs good, pics suggest it is not a beat to death ex-lawn service unit. What do you think, would it be worth getting for that price? How would it compare to my Shindaiwa T242?

Mines been great. Only downside is the cable drive causes vibes. Short use is fine but a long run will make your paws numb. A hundo is fair considering its not beat to hell.

If you're sensitive to vibes I'd pass. Ymmv

 

[FergusonTO35]

Thanks, I'll see if we can make a deal on it. It looks like Stihl made this model for a long time, the earliest ones were rebadged Shindaiwa. This one is definitely a late model with the more recent plastics and EPA sticker

 

[DND 9000]

Attention: Old FS 80 AV (4112) and later since 1996 FS 80 (4137) are not the same. These are 2 different engine series.

 

[ayoungtexan]

The 80s and 85s were some great trimmers. Not as powerful as the 4mix but simpler and lighter. Probably more reliable too

 

[FergusonTO35]

Hmm, maybe this model isnt such a great idea for me. Stopped in at the shop to pick up a riding mower battery and looked at what appears to be thw closest thing to an FS80 today, the FS94. When holding it in a comfortable position the cutting head is like 8" off the floor. I'm 6'4 and to get it down close I really have to bend down into a sore back position. I have to bend over a little with my Shindaiwa but not like this. The extended shaft FS50CE fits me perfectly, of course its a homeowner machine.

 

[ayoungtexan]

Try and find a Tanaka TBC260PFL (I think that’s the model number). It’s the longest trimmer I know of, and it’s got a 71” shaft but the total length of the trimmer is longer than that. If you can’t find that, the Stihl 240R or the Echo 410X are long as well

 

[ayoungtexan]

Another option is the Redmax 260, it’s around the same class as the FS80 and 94, but the angle on the gearbox and head is better for taller users

 

[Larry B]

The 80s and 85s were some great trimmers. Not as powerful as the 4mix but simpler and lighter. Probably more reliable too

The 4 mix are more powerful but i prefer the lighter weight and not having to mess with valves. The 4mix motors are good but fussy about valves staying in adjustment. My old FS80 just works. My pole saw has the big 4 mix engine. Plenty of power but heavy.

 

[FergusonTO35]

If I was going to get a 4 stroke handheld machine, I would get a Honda. My stepdad hasn't managed to kill his for 20 years.

 

[PissRev]

Hmm, maybe this model isnt such a great idea for me. Stopped in at the shop to pick up a riding mower battery and looked at what appears to be thw closest thing to an FS80 today, the FS94. When holding it in a comfortable position the cutting head is like 8" off the floor. I'm 6'4 and to get it down close I really have to bend down into a sore back position. I have to bend over a little with my Shindaiwa but not like this. The extended shaft FS50CE fits me perfectly, of course its a homeowner machine.

All the trimmers are going to be short for you. The easiest thing to do is get a Darwin's Grip. You can adjust it or you can stand straight up and down and trim without having your back bent. And yes that FS80 is a good trimmer. I think the only difference between the 80 and the 85 is that the 85 had a solid driveshaft. I have the FS94R and it has a cable drive shaft but it's one of the smoothest non vibrating trimmers I've ever used.
This is the Darwin's Grip.

 

[FergusonTO35]

Thanks. The FS80 sold but I will keep that in mind.

 

[Farmer Jean]

For future reference to anyone looking this model up - If you get the chance to pick up a complete FS80R locally for under $100, don't hesitate.

It's one of the models actually going UP in value over time according to recent sold auctions. If you part it out you can double that, it's a really good trimmer.

 

[Onan18]

Only drawback to the 80/85 is at this point if they have not been resealed yet it is time. The seal kits are cheap and it is one of the easier units to reseal.

 

[Mutley]

I've had numerous FS85's - I also had one FS80 that I bought used about 19 years ago. They were chalk & cheese to use. The early FS85's didn't vent well in hot climates, so were an absolute PITA to re start after stopping to re fuel, or rewind line onto. Apart from that, they really rocked. My FS80 was a bit meh to use TBH. The engine had less power & the shaft was galv steel (read heavy), vs alloy on the FS85. The later model FS85's, from about 2004 onwards simply rocked. No restart issues in the heat. My last FS85 died in October last year. I have a LOT of FS85 spare parts, including engines, but decided on replacing it with a KM94. So far I'm very happy with the 94. It's quiet, it has umph & it's light. I wouldn't even consider another FS80 TBH.