Read also:
anko cordless stick vacuum review bellini digital kettle - btk615 kogan 43 agora smart led tv difference between optislim and optislim platinum thermann hot water system reviewsStihl FS 38
Fs 38 rubbish
Have had a couple of stihl fs38 units and had trouble getting them to run took latest one used twice to new mechanic and was told using wrong petrol needs 95 or 98 not 85 or 91 which has ethanol in it WHY aren't we told this by STihl and salespeople
Purchased in June 2021 at Hardware Fast for A$179.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
THE TYRE MANFar North Queensland, QLD
Cheap chinese rubbish waist of money
This is the second FS38 I've had 1st one replaced now this one will not run /back fires through the carby had less that 3 hrs use still like new this is just a cheap rubbish item very disappointed stihl agent said it was only cheap, what did I want for the price this is not a quality stihl item just cheap rubbish and even the dealer agreed with me .
Purchased in August 2021 at BRASCH'S CAIRNS.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
MickMetropolitan Adelaide, SA
Horrible horrible and horrible.
Horrible machine. Starting it is a pain. The line keeps sucking in no matter what I try. It’s the most terrible terrible terrible machine. I wish my old trimmer didn’t break! They should do a product recall on these. Don’t buy. The company needs to invest in more R&D instead of advertising how good they are.
Oh! There is more: It had to be repaired a week after I purchased it. Something about a fuel line that was too short. I’m not
kidding.
Just don’t buy!
I know three others who bought this. Two dumped it. The other got a lawnmower man in as he hates it so much. I keep taking it back to the shop and begging for help.
Purchased in February 2021 for A$250.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Stihl FS 38 compares to other Petrol Whipper Snippers
Know better, choose better.
Worst whipper snipper around
Have owned my Stihl FS38 since 2016 and it has been very difficult to start since purchasing the item. I have recently changed the spark plug reset the gap (special tool required to remove the spark plug). Dismantled the unit to see if there is something wrong internally but there was not. Also, the tap reel on the head of the item does not work.
For a german made item with such a good brand name as Stihl to be using a chinese made carburettor is just disgusting.
Emailed Stihl and didn’t even get a response.
Worst purchase at $162 and has barely worked since purchase.
I will be purchasing a Ryobi battery powered.
Purchased in July 2021 for A$169.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
mikeMetropolitan Adelaide, SA
- 7 reviews
Works hard and starts easily
Had mine for 6 years and it’s never missed a beat Easy to start and works at any angle.
Fresh fuel and oil mixed to Stihl ratio
Genuine line lasts better than the cheap stuff
Purchased in March 2021 for A$199.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Roy R.Gippsland, VIC
goes well now but was an absolute cat originally.
bought this new and it never ran well regardless of how much you leaned/enriched it, then it just stopped working at all, cleaned the carb and it ran still poorly for a little while then began flooding like crazy and wouldn't start. was ready to throw it off a cliff and then in desperation i tried a cheap Chinese ripoff replacement carb for 10 bucks delivered. what a transformation, it runs perfectly now and has torque like a tractor. happy now but was really frustrated with this from new. hence the 1 star, simply not good enough quality control and the pricing of a replacement genuine carb is simply gouging. just hope this post may help spmeone else that got one with a lemon carb on it.
Purchased at Stihl Dealer for A$200.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
SamSouth East Queensland, QLD
Stihl FS 38
Absolute heap of crap. Everytime I turned it on it side it would cut out, full throttle it would run the cough splutter and cut out. Despite the thing only being 6 months old, full of fresh mixed fuel it was plagued with issues.
The line feeder is useless, doesn’t bump fee properly. I got so frustrated to dumped it.
Purchased in August 2021.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
RichSouth East Queensland, QLD
Without question, the worst whipper snipper I have ever owned.
I upgraded from a Japanese brand - wish I still had the old Japanese model. The Stihl FS 38 is without doubt, the worst whipper snipper on the market. It is very frustrating to use; five mins of use - then it's ten mins of reloading the damned trim-line feeder.
The feeder is absolutely hopeless - you need Ironman strength to load it because the so called easy-load mechanism is next to useless. The the line gets jammed on the spool and won't feed, despite bashing the s**t out of the feeder on the ground - then the line breaks off and you have to dismantle the whole damn thing AGAIN......!
DOT' BUY IT.
Purchased in September 2021 for A$199.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
defdogAU
- 12 reviews
Was ok, but won't be buying another
My FS38's ignition coil has died after a couple of years of light use. Replacement part is $80 to DIY. New machine is $199 so their marketing strategy is clear. $80 is price gouging - this part would be lucky to cost $10 to make. I expected this thing to last more than a few years - being a supposed 'proper' brand. I've been telling mates to go to a proper mower shop instead of Bunnings, buy a Stihl, but Stihl can GF. I may as well pay cheapo crap prices and go back to Bunnings. In the time it worked, it started easily, but would cut out w...Read more
hen turned on an angle if the revs weren't high. The bump feed never worked and had to always remove the spool and pull line out manually. Goodbye Stihl. Enjoy the small amount you made from me. It is your last.Purchased in January 2021 at Stihl Dealer for A$199.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Stihl FS 38 compares to other Petrol Whipper Snippers
Know better, choose better.
Adele de MarchiPerth, WA
Far 90r trimmer head bump feed not for ladiesladies
One has to be a near on sumo wrestler to get cap off to replace line, again, (your Orange line snaps really easily), I am a female Horticulturist west australia, it is very badly made nothing sits right, it doesn't FEEL right, I used to have a Makita one, bump feed, easy as pie, but I need to shove a s rewdriver in hole to push tab in, the line catch SYSTEM before u put the top back on is really iffy, not impressed, it lets down your great battery range stihl, wake up, girls use spanners too!!!
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
- Verified purchase
Definite Issue/s with some of the FS-38 units
Purchased unit new and started having starting issues within 2 tanks of gas. I use premium gas/seafoam. I am very experienced repairing/rebuilding small engines. My 30-yr old McCulloch Eager Beaver is still going fine. I did not expect to start having issues so soon with the FS-38 and I know some of you have had no issues which is great! I have eliminated issues including compression, exhaust spark-arrestor, spark, etc. My last resort is to replace carb diaphragms, etc. There may be some truth behind issues with Zama carbs. I even trie...Read more
d adjusting jet settings- no change. Sad to think my MF-14 (year 1973) is still going strong and the only carb issue I have ever had since 1973 was sticking fuel inlet needle. And I don't use premium (ethanol free supposedly) in this hydra-static riding unit. Anyway, for those of you having issues with your FS-38, yes indeed it may be carb issues NOT as a result of your actions. I do recommend premium gas with a touch of seafoam (use sparingly) as a stabilizer. Good luck everyone!Purchased in May 2021 for A$165.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
A great trimmer if you care for it properly and have reasonable expectations
( I would have given 4.5 stars if that was an option)
The FS38, bought in May of 2014, has exceeded my expectations.
As long as one follows the proper fuel, fuel storage, and machine storage recommendations, this should be a VERY reliable machine. It has NEVER failed to start.
#1. FUEL:
I ALWAYS use fuel stabilizer after I fill a new, 5 gallon container of gasoline, as I sometimes don't run the machine dry-(as is recommended), and it may sit for a few months over Winter. One time it sat for 6 months with fuel inside and it still started right...Read more
Purchased in May 2021 at ACE Hardware .
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
- Verified purchase
Don't buy the Stihl FS 38
After using only 3 times the FS 38 refuses to start. Stihl is of little help. I would like to get my money back, Stihl refuses, not backing their product.
Purchased in July 2021 at Home Hardware for A$180.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
It won't die, Tougher then nails
All of my trimmers I am really abusive to them, I use .105 string and I run it wide open all the time, these trimmers have rev limiters and It sees the rev limiter all the time. Cons, the carburetors are trash and they have a limited adjustment so you have to buy a new carburetor once your carburetor adjustment is maxed out, also the spark arrestor gets clogged very easy, the fix is to just remove it, but it makes the trimmer way louder but it will sound really mean, it also is kinda hard to start, but this trimmer is unstoppable and its the cheapest gas trimmer stihl makes, I'm totally amazed!
Purchased in April 2021 for A$99.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Peter WHunter Region, NSW
- 3 reviews
- 1 like
10 years on and going strong.
Don’t understand all these negative reviews. Use the proper starting procedure and you’ll have no problems. Mine has been flogged and never failed, not even a service! I’m confused, I run this thing on 2.4 line aswell. No problems. A carb rebuild kit is $15, I just did a rebuild on a mates machine after 5 years of daily use. Runs perfect. Just a note that OLD FUEL will kill any two stroke, remember that. But these carbies are easy to clean or replace, $30 for a genuine carb. A small amount of maintenance and these things will keep on going....
Purchased in April 2021.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Stihl FS 38 compares to other Petrol Whipper Snippers
Know better, choose better.
Michael B.South East Queensland, QLD
- 2 reviews
Not convinced
Had a cheap ryobi for 13 years. I thought I would go stihl this time. So far I seem to want to through it against my rock wall each time I use it! I'm hoping it will at least be reliable as my ryobi was. Two reasons why my neighbours can hear me swearing. 1. Takes more pulls to start then it should. 2. God help you if you have to take the spool off to refit the chord...almost impossible dispite the instructions! Designers must not be the brightest. I remember 15 years ago makers banged on about the touch auto line feeders. They never worked t...Read more
hen and they are "stihl" trying to sell it as a great feature, surely someone can design a better way??? Replace the chord straight away if you buy one. The chord has little slices every 5mm.. breaks every 10secs. What the??? Not up to the hype.Purchased in January 2021 at Nerang for A$179.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Chinese Zama carburetor
I have a total of three Fs38 machines - two trimmers and one blower.
The biggest drawback is hard starting due to the Zama carburetor which cost a fortune to replace the inner gaskets etc yearly.
The Stihl engines self performed solidly over the years and I’ve never had a mechanical breakdown. And I have a big yard and works it hard.
As a result of the hard starting I bought a Husqvarna which is a faultless performer - but much more expensive as well.
I intend to replace all the Zama carburetors with another brand.
The stihl is light and handle...Read more
Purchased in September 2021.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
TazKarratha
- 7 reviews
- 1 like
- Verified purchase
Easy to use
This brushcutter is very easy to use, not to heavy so easy to hold and very easy to start. The cutter glides through the blades and does not get clogged with clippings.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
The1South East Queensland, QLD
- 7 reviews
Great Weed Eater and Great Local Service
Very cheap Brushcutter, came with free fuel, extra line, cap, glass's and sales staff show you how to use it and restring the line, a lot easier than cheapie ones and better quality than even what bunnings sells for a similar price, engine is bigger too!, can't fault it, then ontop of that a 2 year warranty. Have had plenty of Stihl products in the past, can't go wrong.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Not user friendly
The line doesnt auto feed as stated, i dont recommend this for anyone who is 5'8 or taller it gives you a sore back in no time at all and i found it difficult to start and it seems very touchy in the throttle department. I usually use half throttle when i use a whipper snipper but it doesnt like sitting on half throttle, very aggressive.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Questions & Answers
Stan S.asked
Good day everybody.
How do you replace the plastic insertion inside the drive tube that the steel drive shaft cable is housed in. or do you just buy a new drive shaft?
No answers
Kym Kasked
What sort of petrol does it take and do you have to mix it
3 answers
Hey Kym,
It uses unleaded - and yes, it needs to be mixed with two stroke oil, in the correct proportions.
Can you tell me what the mix should be please
Do not use ethanol based petrol E98 is best
John Casked
Can I get the orange cutter blades for my Stihl whipper snipper
2 answers
If you have the owner's manual, it should show the optional trim heads that will fit your model.
Barring that, there are probably aftermarket heads with nylon or other plastic blades that would also fit.
I called into a Stihl dealer and they told me they have never hah them in and on the computer they will not be available till March 2020 I bought the attachment in March this year How can I get them.
ieatwords.com.au has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence our content moderation policies in any way, though ieatwords.com.au may earn commissions for products/services purchased via affiliate links.