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Stihl FSE 60

*Est. $120

Reviewed

June 2012

by ConsumerSearch

Electric string trimmer

Pros

Powerful enough for most jobs
Easy to handle
Lighter, quieter than a gas trimmer

Cons

Heavier than other electric trimmers
Extension cord limits its range
May be hard to find

Where to Buy

Find a local dealer at Stihl.com

Our Analysis
Specs

Comparison tests show that the Stihl FSE 60 performs as well as or better than gas trimmers in its price range, even against tall grass and weeds. It's also lighter, quieter and more environmentally friendly than a gas trimmer, and it costs less to maintain and operate. However, this electric trimmer is heavier and more expensive than most other electric trimmers. The other downside is that the user's range is limited to the length of an extension cord -- with this trimmer, that's up to 200 feet. If you need power but want more mobility, a gas trimmer, such as the durable Husqvarna 223L (*Est. $250) or the lower-priced Hitachi CG22EASSLP (*Est. $185) , may be the way to go. Note that the FSE60 trimmer is sold only through authorized Stihl dealers, so you can't buy it online and may have some trouble finding it in stores. You can visit the Stihl website to locate the dealers in your area.

We found the best review of the Stihl FSE 60 string trimmer at ConsumerReports.org, where editors rate and rank it in comparison with several dozen other string trimmers of all types based on objective testing. A single-product review at ConsumerGuide.com provides more detail about features, and owners reviewing Stihl electric trimmers at Epinions.com give an assessment of its long-term performance.

Husqvarna 223L 18-Inch 24.5cc 2-Stroke Gas Powered Straight Shaft String Trimmer

from Amazon.com

New: $269.00 $249.95

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

Hitachi CG22EASSLP 21.1cc 2 Stroke Gas Powered Straight Shaft Grass Trimmer (CARB Compliant)

from Amazon.com

New: $249.99 $186.44

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.org

Editors include the Stihl FSE 60 among the 14 corded electric string trimmers they subject to detailed testing. Each trimmer is rated on its performance at trimming, edging and taking down tall weeds, as well as overall handling and ease of use

Review: String Trimmers, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, Updated May 2012

2. ConsumerGuide.com

This detailed single-product review rates the Stihl FSE 60 electric string trimmer as good to excellent on every criterion except value. Although some testing is referenced, editors don't clearly spell out their evaluation methodology. (Note: Although CosumerGuide.com editors say at the beginning of this review that the Stihl FSE 60 has been discontinued, it's still available and is listed on the Stihl website.)

Review: Expert Review: Stihl FSE 60 Electric String Trimmer, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, July 21, 2008

3. Epinions.com

Some of the owner reviews here for "Stihl electric trimmers" appear to be for older models, but the handful of owners who refer specifically to the Stihl FSE 60 are mostly satisfied. Users who give the Stihl high ratings praise its power, durability and ease of use. However, a couple of users give it low ratings because of reliability problems and unsatisfactory customer service from Stihl.

Review: Stihl Electric Trimmer, Contributors to Epinions.com

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