Summary:
I don't think you can beat Stihl products. They just work like they should.

Strengths:
This guy is consistantly at the top of Consumer Reports rattings. Its clearly built more solid than many other trimmers at this price point. The string head is much easier to work with than many others, including other model stihl's.

Weaknesses:
The trimmer head, while nice, does not hold much string. I've had to rewrap it once a season. My old Stihl with the larger head could last 2-3 years.

Summary:
I have always been impressed by the quiet, powerful, stress-free stihl product. With a company so willing to back up their product with a good manufactures warranty, I will continue to buy from stihl.

Strengths:
FS-45 i personally own and from what I have used it, it is a reliable machine, it is powerful and can tear through what I give it.

Weaknesses:
The only flaw I can give a complaint about is the handle is not quite at the correct height for myself.

Summary:
Very good Stihl quality as usual.

Strengths:
Quiet, easy start and powerful motor.

Weaknesses:
Trigger finger gets tired after a while, because hand is in an awkward position.

Summary:
I have a small yarn and I would go electric again. I want to sell this thing.The gas/oil mix is a pain. I guess if you use it all the time it may be worth it, but in S Cailf I use 2x per month...

Strengths:
When it runs it cuts well.

Weaknesses:
Hard to start . Constantly stalls. Takes over an hour to get started and use. Always some thing wrong with it.

Summary:
To own any gas powered is to make sure that the maintainence is kept up on it. Don't expect it to start right up if you put it away for 2 months and never change the gas. Gas doesn't stay fresh!

Strengths:
Great brand, built solid

Weaknesses:
none

Summary:
Great trimmer for an elderly person with back problems when it will start.

Strengths:
Light weight, great trimmer head that is easy to refill with cutting string. Cuts very well.

Weaknesses:
Purchased an FS 45c at end of last season by recommendation of a friend because of it ease of starting. It worked well. Did not leave fuel in it over winter. Put fuel in it and started it this season. It ran for about 15 minutes then locked up. I am using Stihl's oil and recommended 89 octane gas mixed at recommended proportions. The gas does have 10@ ethanol. It has totally locked up and I cannot pull the rope. Is it the 10@ ethanol? Have cleaned air filter, taken spark plug out & turned the fins with a slinder screwdriver. Still won't budge. Guess I will take in for repair. Not pleased with it at this time. Wondering if I did something wrong?

Summary:
My ratings will be based on it's first six years of use. Not the last year.

Strengths:
I have had this trimmer for over 7 years. Up until this year it has been problem free.

Weaknesses:
Going on it's 7 year of service I found the unit was stalling and cutting out more so when inverted. I cleaned the Carb out and it worked better but has not been the same. Was then and is now Consumer Reports top pick. It has a broken gas tank because I through it on the ground. Do I buy another one? Many of the older Stihl dealers are carrying Echo now and trash on Stihl. Not sure what to buy?

Summary:
will not buy sthil again

Strengths:
My old McClough ran for 20 years with heavy use, this thing is three years old and seems to be a piece of junk

Weaknesses:
I use fresh gas, run the carb dry each fall, however it constantly cuts out (runs like a 2 cyl with one bad plug) so called bump stringer is worthless, shut the engine off and do it by hand

Summary:
have had for 2 years,harder to start than the homelite i sold in a garage sale for 5$.

Strengths:
pos

Weaknesses:
junk since day of purchase

Summary:
Over priced piece of trash

Strengths:
Looks nice

Weaknesses:
Just purchased in June of 2009. My old Ryobi is a much better machine. Impossible to start at first. What they don't tell you in the manual is that it floods very easily and you should abandon the starting instructions after 2 pulls, take the choke off and put the throttle in its lowest postion. Took it to the retailer twice and they had a hard time starting it. Eats up trimmer line in a matter of minutes. Trimmer advance doesn't work. A real piece of junk for a high price.

Summary:
good unit and hard to kill. plenty of power. seems to last forever. best spool system i have even owned. i had a few sears trimmers at first. they were junk. stihl makes an excellent product.

Strengths:
still runs after 8 years of hard use what's not to like

Weaknesses:
very touchy on gas. if gas is even a few months old, it runs poorly. also, stupid spark arrestor gets plugged. i removed it and run it without.

Summary:
Keep line head clean and take out spark arrestor when they get clogged up and clean or leave out. Use only Stihl oil and Stihl line you won't have any trouble. Keep your Stihl, Stihl!!!

Strengths:
Great trimmers have 4 of them, 2 of them are 8 years old. We use them everyday at a school with about 28 acres of mowing. These are second to none.I replace the autocut head yearly and have to replace the bump button on the bottom half way throgh the summer bacause we trim around so much curbing and sidewalks through the summer months.These are light and easy to use.

Weaknesses:
None

Summary:
I wouldn't recommend this piece of junk to anyone.

Strengths:
well balxnced,light weight

Weaknesses:
starts hard, string doesn't advance. You need to take head off to get string to advance.

Summary:
I had an older model FS45 for several years. When it came time for a new one, I wanted the same thing. Well, I hate this one. You have to hold it against the ground when cranking it and it's still hard to hold while trying to pull the rope. The rope is very hard to pull. Currently it won't start at all. I've had it for 3 months and it looks like it's going to have to go out with the trash. I still love my Stihl chainsaw, but will never buy another Stihl trimmer. The FS-45 is nothing but a piece of junk.

Strengths:
none

Weaknesses:
Hard to start. Hard to hold when cranking. Hard to pull the rope.

Summary:
Actually I have a FS46 which is identical to the FS45 except for a slightly longer curved shaft. The trimmer has stood up to very heavy use for over 7 years and still runs as good as the day it was purchased. It is used approximately 4 hours each week. Just be sure to run a good 50 to 1 fuel mix (I use the Stihl Ultra synthetic oil) and check the fuel and air filter a couple times each season. Also be sure to check the muffler screen to make sure it isn't clogged or do like many do and just remove it. I also have a commercial Stihl FS130R with a brush blade attached for brush, tall weeds, and keeping about 5 miles of fence line clean. After lugging around the 12+ pound FS130R all day it's a real joy to pick up the lightweight 9.3 pound FS46 to use around the house. The model FS45 is even a few ounces lighter. All in all the FS45/46 series are great low cost trimmers.

Strengths:
Easy starting, plenty of power to use .095 line in taller grass and weeds, very lightweight, and it's proven to be very dependable over the past 7 years.

Weaknesses:
Only problem I have had is that the original fuel line started to leak after 3 or 4 years. Replaced it (cheap $10 fit) with an upgraded 'green line' and it still runs as good as new. I use it weekly to trim approximately 2 acres and sometime wish it had a slightly larger fuel tank.

Summary:
Ok machine, had it 3 years, first 3 months had to replace spool head,that was 25 dollars. Starts ok runs good. I would buy another one but, the best weed eater i had was a Sears weed trimmer, lasted 12 years with out any trouble..

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
Cheap head on Machine

Summary:
I have had this trimmer for three years and never had a problem till now. I took it in for to get it running right and a new pull cord. Then I thought I flooded it and just wouldnt run period. I changed the sparkplug then took it in again. They told me I was using old gas and took it home and the new gas didnt do anything so back again I went for repair and they told me that it was the ignition coil. Now it sat out in a bad rain storm and it started running bad again. In the attempt to start it the pull cord broke again and I threw it against my fence and walked inside... I now own a Echo...

Strengths:
cuts well, lightweight, comfortable to use.

Weaknesses:
hard to start, stalls for no reason, takes forever to finish my lawn.

Summary:
Won't buy another....will go with a cheaper model and buy a service contract Beginning to wonder about the quality of these products,,,Seem to hear same complaints from many...Dealer ie useless, and corporate will not return any inquires

Strengths:
Great when you can get it started.......ignore start directions and only prime a couple times and pray it runs w/choke. If it continues to run your good to go, but mine runs 10 to 15 minutes before starts to sputter and quits

Weaknesses:
Hard to start.....trimmer rarely advances, and eats string up quicker tthan others I have used (Craftsman)

Summary:
I own 3 Stihl chain saws, 1 hedge trimmer 3 string trimmers. All have been very dependable except for the FS-45. Come on Stihl if your dealers aren't going to be on the ball with parts at least let us buy them online.

Strengths:
Seems to be a good machine for the money Starts good Stihl oil is a must

Weaknesses:
Shaft bearing [trimmer end] gives out quick. $50.00 to fix! Stihl waiting for parts. Handle is uncomfortable for a taller person

Summary:
While this was initially a good trimmer, it is not worth the frustration of spending hours on maintenance, and still it will not keep running.

Strengths:
Worked great for over 2 years. Lightweight, and cuts through heavy grass and weeds easily.

Weaknesses:
Very unreliable. After year 2, very hard to start even with new spark plugs, fresh gas and so on. In year 3 it runs great for 2 minutes and stops and will not start. Replacing fuel filter made no difference. Local dealer seems to have no clue except suggesting replacing carb, which is very expensive. Previous to this, my Ryobi went 10 years with no problems. TroyBilt is also very reliable and always starts for me.

Summary:
Thought it would have lasted longer than three years.

Strengths:
Normally starts easy

Weaknesses:
Stihl uses Chineese parts on this thus it does not have the quality that I expected.

Summary:
junk not happy at all.

Strengths:
I have had a sthill for a number of years good tools

Weaknesses:
Bought this one ney in july 08 it has been in the shop 5 times the dealer blames it on the gas and epa rules now days. wont idle the carb. is dirty when took apart dumped gas out of can clean hard to start the dealer has offered me a new one or i can up grade dont know what to do now.

Summary:
No better that a $70 cheapo from Homedepot.

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
Bought one new in March. The first time I use it and tried to shut it off the switch didn't work. I guess there was a bad connection in the switch, had to flip it back and forth several times to get it to shut off. I have a Stilh chain saw that works really well and always starts with just a few pulls no matter how long it sits. That is why I bought a Stihl weed eater. Each time I used it it became harder and harder to start. I used the proper gas, the proper oil and kept it clean. The last time I tried to use it it would not start. I wasted 2 hours of my life on this piece of junk and got so mad I smashed it into a million pieces and threw it into the garbage. These problems shouldn't happen after 8 months. I have a Ryobi prior to this that lasted 6 years. I also have another Ryobi that I found on the side of the road in someones trash. I fixed a broken wire in it and left it sitting in my garage for a year after that and guess what happened when I tried to start it, fired right up. After I destroyed the Stihl I took the spool off the shaft and the spool fit the old Ryobi but the nut that holds it on was different. Other than that the spools are exactly the same. HMMM is Ryobi making the lower end weed eaters for Stihl?

Summary:
I hate it. Next year I will buy an Echo and throw this one out.

Strengths:
Seems to be well made, that's about it.

Weaknesses:
The line is impossible to install so that it advances automatically. I have to take it apart and pull more line out by hand every time I use it. Maintenance instructions are vague--unlike Echo that shows you what to do step by step. Unit is so short so that you must use it bent over and the vibration this thing gives off will kill your hand and arm. I have lost all respect for Consumer Reports after their high rating of this trimmer.

Summary:
This is my second trimmer I've owned. I had a Ryobi trimmer before and let's just say I don't have it anymore. I didn't even now STIHL made trimmers I thought they were just a big chainsaw company. I was online looking at different trimmers and I went to Home Depot and Lowes to check out Echo and Huskvarna but they were pretty expensive and cheap looking. I went to a couple of STIHL places and looked at the FS 45 and they looked much more durable but the shaft was pretty short, so I opted for the FS 46. It was pretty expensive but I gave it a shot. This trimmer has been great from day 1. It starts easy, has loads of power and it's easy to install new line. I don't know if it's the synthetic oil they pushed me to buy but it only takes 1 or 2 pulls to get it going. It comes with what the salesman calls an easy spool head. I simply just insert the trimmer line into each socket and twist the knob and it loads by itself!

Strengths:
Powerful and lightweight

Weaknesses:
Expensive!

Summary:
I read Consumer Reports ,thought I was making an educated choice.It seems many others are having the same problems.I suppose we need to inform Consumer Reports of our problems

Strengths:
none

Weaknesses:
auto line feed doesnt work;carb floods;I have used only Stihl air filters,NGK sparkplugs annd Stihl oil - 9o+octane .Had a Sears Craftsman that lasted 10+ years.Have had this Stihl 1 year

Summary:
Do not buy this unit

Strengths:
looks good

Weaknesses:
POC, does not start , took it in out of warrenty charged 125 dollars to fix

Summary:
If you buy one make sure you live by a good stihl repair service center! I have owned this going on 7 years and it has been repaired once. I wouldn't even consider repairing a cheaper model. I dont think stihl makes these in germany with their saws. Mine is american made. I will be buying a swedish made husky next time.

Strengths:
Light Weight,

Weaknesses:
Wouldn't shut off, had to pull the spark plug cap. Turns out wiring harness from the factory was bad. Repaired under warr. 6 years ago and still going strong.

Summary:
Had to go out in the shed and get the 13 year old eager beaver that has sat for years and crank it up. probably cost 50 bucks back then. and you can't beat it not even with a 200 dollar piece of orange craP.

Strengths:
Can't think of one. oh yeah it looks brand new because it doesn't get used because it never runs.

Weaknesses:
It won't trim well because it won't run. It's pretty though.

Summary:
Sorry I bought one. I've tryed serveral things, to help. None improved the problem! Frankly, it doesn't trim all that well, when and if it'll start. Tim next door has a STIHL lawn blower, that the same way.

Strengths:
Appears to be well built. Consumer reports loves it, for what thats worth.

Weaknesses:
Spark plug wire is crowded by the motor housing. Motor floods way to easy, making it hard or impossible to start.

Summary:
Make's a nice paper weight.It's junk,do not WASTE your money.$149 down the toilet.This is the first big name trimmer I've purchased,all I got was the name.This is no better than,make that not as good as a $99 WalMart trimmer.It's junk!Not heavy enough to be a boat anchor.When it was running it worked OK.

Strengths:
Looks nice.

Weaknesses:
It's a piece of junk.Owned 24 hrs,had to pull spark plug twice yesterday and clean it.It floods,tried to start this morning,nothing.It will wear your arm out pulling rope starter.Will return to dealer to see if hotter spark plug will help,if not it's going in the garbage.Will buy another brand,a WalMart cheapo or an Echo or Honda trimmer.My last trimmer was a $65 no name Chinise built Airstream,sat all winter fueled up (with fuel stabilizer)the el cheapo started right up.But shaft broke yesterday.

Summary:
I can not start it at this time and I am thinking of buying another brand, It realy pisses me off that I thought I bought the best and fine out after a year and a half it will not start and has to go to the shop. It would be one thing if I ran it for 6hr a day for that long, but for the time it is ran at each use you would think It would work longer. After reading the reviwes I am not the only one haveing problems with the primer.

Strengths:
It is easy to install string, when it starts it is easy to start.

Weaknesses:
Will not start

Summary:
I have had this for a little over two years and had seen very little use. I have used it so little that I just now had to wind new string on it. It has never worked right from the first day I bought it and now won't even start. I have an old Weedeater that is over 10 years old that I never had to do anything to it and it starts right up. I bought the Stihl to replace the Weedeater but the Weedeater is the one I have to use now and the Sthil just sits in the garage. This was my first Stihl product and will be my last.

Strengths:
Looks nice and the price not bad. Not to heavy

Weaknesses:
Won't idle right. I had to taken it back soon after purchase to have the idle problem fix. It never was fixed all that good. Still would not idle and would stall out if I did not keep the throttle at a high idle. This didn't even work all the time. String not that heavy and breaks easy.

Summary:
Piece of junk. My first FS45 lasted for about 10 years. It was not the same machine as the current one. I bought another FS45 last year because of the good service I got from the first one. This thing is worthless. After only using 2 tanks of gas, I took the piece of crap out back to the woods and threw it as far as I could and then went to Lowes and bought a Husqvarna. Never again will I buy a Stihl product.

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
Hard to crank, hard to start, hard to keep running

Summary:
This trimmer has been a problem since day 1

Strengths:
good power easy loading

Weaknesses:
Had problems starting it since day one had one year and will not start at all now.

Summary:
A solid strong machine,once you get past starting issues ,may switch to a head that takes the pre-cut pieces of line.

Strengths:
Solid feel,engine runs strong when it runs,which has been since I started ignoring the instructions .Make sure not to use the flooder bulb because thats all it does.

Weaknesses:
Floods like a fiend if you follow start up instructions.Line advance sporadic at best,line breaks often .

Summary:
Just another cheap product that Stihl is usibng to destroy what used to be a good name.

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
Built cheap, won't run

Summary:
I believed Consumer Reports and bought the "best". The problem is, it is the worst. Yes, I use Stihl oil and fresh gas. This has been a piece of junk from day 1. I should have kept my 8 yr. old Echo. I'm on my way today to Lowe's to buy a Husky 223L.

Strengths:
It's pretty and has the name Stihl on it which used to be a positive thing.

Weaknesses:
Hard starting if it starts at all. String only advances if you do it by hand each time. Runs (if it will start) like a 4 cylinder car with a spark plug missing.

Summary:
Ok product if taken care of like anything else.

Strengths:
*Runs Great *Easy to re-spool *Backed by a Stihl dealer for 2 years(home depot and lowes products must be sent away to be serviced)

Weaknesses:
Engine floods very easy. Avoid locking the throttle while starting. Put the engine on choke prime a few times. Once starts to turn over flip to run. Then pull until starts

Summary:
Look elsewhere. Stihl does not build a very good product and Stihl does not stand behind their product.

Strengths:
NONE

Weaknesses:
It won't start after just one season. I took it into the dealer and the lady at the dealership laughed and commented that they were working on a lot of those trimmers. When I got it back from the dealer it still would not start. Even when it did start during the first season of use it ran rough. I regret not taking it back immediately.

Summary:
If it ran I would be happy... Would not buy another Stihl due to hard to get replacement parts.

Strengths:
When I first got it.. ran fine no problems at alll

Weaknesses:
little over a year and it will not stay running... seems like carb problem.. Tried to find someplace to buy a carb but seems they keep there parts secret... I don't want to bring to a dealer to pay those rediculous prices. It may just be another of the many problems "ethanol " is causing in gas engines...

Summary:
Grade: F-

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
Have run my new Stihl ( pronounced STEAL) for less that 2 hours and it is broke. Just back from the dealer for the first of what I expect to be many warranty repairs. Plus the line around the spools was horribly tangled as delivered from the factory. This product is junk. DO NOT BUY IT. WEAKNESSES - throttle trigger. Line advance mechanism.

Summary:
i heard the fs 45 was a good trimmer.. hahaha what a joke.. had mine for about 3 years and have done nothing but swear at it.. have replaced the spool three times. would like to smash it, but that would be throwing money away.. kinda sucks i guess.. at least i have my old faithfull on standby. my little weed eater that i purchased at canadian tire store about 15 years ago still runs like a charm..

Strengths:
the only good thing about it, is it seems to fit my height.. i am not bending over to use it.

Weaknesses:
hard to start, runs like crap for at least 10 minutes after start up.. eats line way to fast, hard to get the easy wind spool to work right... so much easier just to take the spool head off and wind by hand.. the tap and go is almost useless..vibration is ridiculous..

Summary:
I bought this FS 45 in 2008.When I wanted to use it the first time this season, It would not start.I took it to the dealer who installed a carb. kit (so he said). I was charged $45.00. I used it one time and now it won't start at all.I returned to the dealer who said that he found trash in the carb and charged me $22.00 more. He started it up at the shop when I picked it up but it sounded horrible.Now it will not run at all. This is a piece of junk. I will never buy another stihl product again.

Strengths:
I can not think of one, except that it is very pretty due to not being used a lot.

Weaknesses:
Floods very easy, will not start after only two seasons. Dealer will not stand behind the product.

Summary:
Disapointed. This is the last Stihl product I will ever buy.

Strengths:
Runs well, seems to be well made. I have had no trouble ever in starting it.

Weaknesses:
Spark plug is almost impossible to remove, vibration will kill your arm, fuel filter inside the tank is impossible to remove, but the worst problem is that the string absolutely will not advance as it is supposed to. You have to take the thing apart and advance the line by hand every time you want to use the FS-45. It really is overpriced for what you get. My $90 Weedeater puts the Stihl FS-45 to shame.

Summary:
N-OT HAPPY!RUNS GREAT WORKS GREAT WHEN STARTS DOESN'T CLOG DOWN dealer is great to help

Strengths:
Can't think of any right now, since I'm about to pass out from trying to start it! FS45

Weaknesses:
Can't start it, sounds like will start but doesn't, have used 3 times! !st time started great, 2cnd time so so.

Summary:
a bad choice the name got me my chainsaws are great but the weed eater is a big disapointment for 200 bucks

Strengths:
none

Weaknesses:
floods easily will not start is way too tempermental

Summary:
good looks but thats about it

Strengths:
seems to me that it starts as well as any other weed eater. nice apperance and performance. Cuts really well for a small weed eater.

Weaknesses:
nut got stuck on bottom of shaft. I had to use a screw driver and my drill(with a drill bit) to remove the spool head assymbly. I distroyed it and now have to buy a new one. Old one seezed up for no apparent reason. peace of S@!T.

Summary:
STHIL IS TERRIBLE TO DEAL WITH AND THEY MAKE AN INFERIOR TRIMMER

Strengths:
NONE

Weaknesses:
FAULTY STARTER COIL. I BROUGHT MY F45 ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO AT BELMONT SUPPLY IN VIRGINIA AND HAD TROUBLE STARTING IT FROM DAY ONE. TWO WEEKS AFTER I BROUGHT IT, I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAD TROUBLE STARING IT. I DID NOT USE IT THE REST OF THE SUMMER BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT START. FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS, I COULD NOT START IT OR COULD BELMONT. THEY INSISTED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE CARBURETOR. THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE ME WITH THE CORRECT SCHEMATIC FOR THE CARBURETOR, BECAUSE THEY HAD CHANGED TO A DIFFERENT, I. E. CHEAPER DESIGNED CHINESE MADE CARBORETOR. AFTER, I REBUILT THE CARBUREATOR, WHICH HAD NO APPEARENT PROBLEM. IT STILL WOULD NOT START. I BENCHED TESTED THE STARTING COIL AND FOUND THAT IT WAS DEFECTIVE. LAST WEEK A STILL TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THEY WERE AWARE OF THE DEFECTINE COIL PROBLEM, BUT I DID NOT GET A RECALL NOTICE. THEY SAID TO TAKE THE TRIMMER BACK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE PART REPLACED FOR NOTHING AND I WOULD "ONLY" HAVE TO PAY FOR THE "10 MINUTES OR SO" LABOR THAT IT WOULD TAKE TO REPLACE THE COIL. THEY WOULD NOT SEND ME A COIL TO REPLACE IT MYSELF. THEY SAID IF I WANTED TO BUY THE COIL IT WOULD COST $30 AT THE DEALER . BELMONT TOLD ME IT WOULD COST A MINIMUM HOUR LABOR AT $75 TO REPLACE THE COIL OR I COUULD ORDER IT FOR $37. I ORDERED SAME. I TOLD STHIL I NEVER HEARD OF HAVING TO PAY FOR THE LABOR TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE PART. THE COIL WAS MADE IN MEXICO. THE STHIL TRIMMER IS AS AMERICAN OR GERMAN AS THE YUGO CAR.

Summary:
I guess I am lucky here. they are cheap and I have used them on my farm for about 6 years, aside from the random carb adjust. mine get used at least 150 hours a year and run fantastic. For $150 its pretty hard to find a weed eater that will work this hard, with this king of power,that have run for this long for this price

Strengths:
reliable and price

Weaknesses:
no accesories

Summary:
My FS45 is only 3 years old and used 20 hours at the most. I would have used it more but my inexpensive Toro is so much easier.

Strengths:
NONE!

Weaknesses:
Difficult to start, switching from string to blade cartridge is a pain in the rear end. Line breaks easily.

Summary:
JUNK!

Strengths:
lightweight

Weaknesses:
pull string is weak, have to adjust carb every 2 weeks, hard to string the absolute worst piece of crap i have ever owned, ill never buy anything else made by stihl, walmart sells better for half the price

Summary:
Pure Junk!!

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
Almost impossible to start!! I took it back to the dealer twice. They said that it is the hardest trimmer to start on the market. I have had a Ryobi for 10 years, and it still starts within 3 pulls. I wanted a lighter trimmer, so I bought the Stihl. It takes 20 to 30 minutes to get it running. It is not even worthy of sitting in my trash can.

Summary:
If this is "the hardest trimmer to start on the market," then the market has come a long way. I kinda wish it had a little longer shaft, but I'm 6'6" so that's probably my own problem.

Strengths:
Easy to start, runs great.

Weaknesses:
It's pretty loud, but that's what you get with a gas trimmer. Goes through the line, but that's what you get using a string-based weedwhacker around hard edges.

Summary:
I now live in Georgia where I took it to another dealer. They told me that I could trade it in towards a new one if I can get it to start. That's awful. I will not be buying another stihl. I will now try another brand.

Strengths:
Out performed several weedeater units I purchased in years past. Engine ran great great initially.

Weaknesses:
Extremely hard to start after being in service for two years. The pull cord broke after one year. It was replaced by the dealer under warranty. The problems started after year two. Runs Sluggish when running, but now it want start at all.

Summary:
Wish I could give it a zero score.

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
Bought this a couple years ago late in the season; ran OK the first year but wouldnt start after that. Has been repaired twice at two different authorized repair shops, still doesnt start. Spent more on repairs than the stupid thing cost. Trading it in on a Husqvarna today.

Summary:
Run away!

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
Worked well first year. Start of second year, wouldn't start. Took in to Stihl shop for "Tune-up". It then ran for one month. Haven't been able to start it since. POS...

Summary:
Replaced a FS36, which was a workhorse for me. Very disappointed with FS45, but more disappointed with the after sales service from both the seller and from from Stihl. I can't recommend them to my friends anymore. I've been running power equipment my whole entire life and Both Stihl and O'Connor's talked down to the "the little lady" BIG MISTAKE. I own a landscaping business. I talk to lots of people that were potential customers.

Strengths:
Will not start so I guess that there are no strengths. Customer service after sale is very weak and is adversarial.

Weaknesses:
Hard to start. I've only got 3 minutes cutting time from this trimmer. Takes no less than 20 pulls to start because of the unit is impossible not to flood. Then it won't run on full throttle which tells me that there is air infiltration. BAD GAS is just a catchall for when they know they have a bad product and have no idea how to fix their problem. Funny how all my other equipment runs just fine on that same "bad gas".

Summary:
Buy only if you have a small yard with little trimming--1/2 acre or less. I have 2 acres and 800ft of fencing I trim in addition to triming around the house. Sales guy said this is the one I want and he was wrong. It is not large enough for this job. Spool does not hold enough line--I have to change it 1-2 times each time I trim. This trimmmer accepts .080 line and no heavier. My problems would go away if I could use more and heavier trimming line. Sales guy said he would not exchange it for me for a larger maching. Do not buy from Clermont Equipment in Milford, OH. His suggestion was that I;m not trimming correctly and if I used the machine properly I wouldn't have any issues. Their follow up service is terrible.

Strengths:
starts good. quiet.

Weaknesses:
Fuel tank is not large enough does not hold enough line on the spool for me.

Summary:
Unusable

Strengths:
Unfortunately, after years of satisfaction with Stihl chain saws, I have to agree with those who find this to be pretty a piece of Asian made junk and my dealer response, which was always great on the chain saws, is terribler. I haver to believe that the dealers are under orders from Stihl not to be forthcoming on the problems of this machine. Everybodies dealer seems to say the same thing "old fuel" -- that's just line. I'm having hour long starting issues with new fuel and Stilh own oil -- the only thing I've ever used in it. This year I got it started once and used it for a little over an hour. It hasn't started since. Used it for one year with occassional hard starting but

Weaknesses:
Famous for starting problems

Summary:
Not worth it if you figure it will only last 3 years and then cost as much or more than a new unit to repair.

Strengths:
Trimmed very well initially.

Weaknesses:
After 3 years, not dependable. Had carb rebuilt/adjusted and it ran for one and a half trimmings. I need something dependable that will start and run when the trimming needs to be done. Bought another brand and am now very happy. No problems.

Summary:
I bought this trimmmer on the basis of a Stihl chainsaw I have had for 25 years. But the trimmer and the new chainsaw have been a big disappointment. The carrier for the chainsaw is the worst designed thing I have ever see. I will not buy any more Stihl products.

Strengths:
After it starts, it runs fine and strong, but getting it started has been very difficult from the beginning.

Weaknesses:
Its ackwardly balanced and, hence, difficult to hold while starting. I'm half worn out by the time it starts. The string will not advance automatically and I have to stop the engine and take the entire spool apart to pull more string out.

Summary:
Wish I had read these reviews before I bought this thing. I always thought Stihl was the brand you spent more on, but got a better product. Guess I was wrong.

Strengths:
Powerful trimmer. Cuts thru just about any grass,weed,etc. you may want to trim.

Weaknesses:
Can't start it after sitting thru 1 winter. I've just started to research this problem, but based on all the negative reviews I've read on this site, I think I have an idea of what might be the problem. I too had a Wal-Mart cheapy weedeater I replaced this FS45 with. Wasn't as powerful as the Stihl, but I never had any problem starting it, & never did anything to maintain it (even ran "old gas" in it). Consumer reports rated this high, which is why I bought it. I don't have the time to deal with getting this thing fixed. I'll probably just head to Lowe's/Home Depot and buy something else.

Summary:
I SELL STIHL PRODUCTS NO COMMISSION AND WHEN YOU SELL THESE TRIMMERS THE FIRST THING YOU ASK THEM IS WHAT ARE YOU CUTTING LIGHT GRASS, HEAVY GRASS, WEEDS, OR BRUSH. THE FS 45 IS ONLY TO BE USED FOR LIGHT GRASS AND HEAVY GRASS FOR SHORT PERIODS OF TIME. IT SAYS ON THE TAGS OCCASIONAL USE WHICH MEANS LIGHT DUTY. WITH STIHL YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR BUT THE EQUIPMENT NEEDS TO MATCH WHAT YOUR DOING. AND JUST BECAUSE YOU DUMPED YOUR BAD GAS OUT OF THE TANK DOESN'T MEAN YOU'LL BE FINE IF YOU PUT FRESH GAS IN THERE THE CARB STILL HAS GAS IN IT, AND YOUR NEEDLES ARE GUMMED UP. IF YOU HAVE TO HOLD IT AGAINST THE GROUND TO START IT HIT THE GYM PANSEY. I SELL THIS TRIMMER TO WOMEN ALL THE TIME THEY HAVE NO PROBLEMS. AND FOR THE GUYS WHO CAN'T START IT AT ALL BECAUSE IT FLOODS, ITS NOT LIKE THE CHAINSAW CHOKE WHERE YOU HAVE TO PULL THE THROTTLE TO CHOKE IT, IT'S A TWO STROKE YOU FLOOD IT HOLD THE THROTTLE WIDE OPEN IT CLEARS IT OUT. FOR $50 DOLLARS MORE GET THE FS 55 ITS THE TOP OF THE OCCASSIONAL USE TRIMMERS I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT GOOD REVIEWS FROM CUSTOMERS, I OWN ONE MYSELF AND ITS A GOOD MODEL. I'VE HAD SEVERAL CUSTOMERS THAT HAVE THE OLDER MODEL OF THE FS 55 AND THEY'VE HAD THEIRS FOR OVER 20 YEARS, BEAT THAT SEARS , RYOBI, WEED EATER. THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE PROBLEMS ESPECIALLY THE ONES WHO SPAZZED LIKE A CHILD AND BROKE THEIRS ARE IDIOTS THEY BOUGHT THE WRONG TRIMMER FOR WHAT THEY WERE DOING. AND THE GUY WHO LEFT HIS IN THE RAIN WHAT DO YOU EXPECT YOU LEFT IT IN THE RAIN MORON. IF THE DEALER DOESN'T ASK YOU THE QUESTIONS I STATED THEY SHOULDN'T BE SELLING THESE PRODUCTS AND DON'T BUY FROM THEM THAT WOULD BE WHY YOU GET TRIMMERS THAT DON'T WORK THE WAY YOU WANT IT TO. I'LL REPEAT IT THE FS 45 IS A LIGHT DUTY TRIMMER NOT A TRIMMER YOU CAN RUN 8 HOURS EVERYDAY IT WAS NOT MEANT FOR THAT, USE IT AROUND THE HOUSE AFTER YOU MOW YOUR LAWN LIGHT DUTY STUFF, IT'S A GAS POWERED VERSION OF AN ELECTRIC TRIMMER, YOU WOULDN'T BRUSH CUT WITH AN ELECTRIC TRIMMER WOULD YOU.

Strengths:
LIGHT WEIGHT

Weaknesses:
NONE IF YOU USE IT FOR LIGHT TRIMMING

Summary:
sucks

Strengths:
can't think of any

Weaknesses:
guess what? It worked ok for the first year, not so good the second year, not at all this year.

Summary:
I'll never buy another one.

Strengths:
I don't like nothing about it.

Weaknesses:
I 've had problem with the one I have ever since I got it. When it need to be fix I think it is under warranty and I have to pay. They tell me I'm not mixing the oil right but I use the Stilh oil. Every time I have the same problem. I've taken it back three times in less than a year.

Summary:
This is my second FS46. Same motor as FS45, longer shaft. The first one May 2003 no problems, got stolen. Second one November 2008 no problems last year. This year hard to start. Was able to start it August 18, 2010 using Star Tron. Did not use it again until last Sunday. Would not start at all. Had the carb rebuilt; was told it was really bad. I am waiting to see what happens with a rebuilt carb and using Star Tron.

Strengths:
It is very good when it runs.

Weaknesses:
You do not expect it to stop working before two years.