Have had mine for 18 months now - unlike other reviews on here i found it fairly easy to start - following the direction of the stihl shop where i purchased it - cold start - 3 pulls on choke, take it off choke, 2-3 pulls and it runs. Warm start no choke 2-3 pulls and its fine. I did have a issue of stale fuel when i left it sit over winter but a quick visit to my local and was sorted.

Bought my fs38 stihl used it about 20 times, stopped running smoothly so i took it to my local stihl dealer and was told after 2 weeks that the carby was no good, new one was $90 plus labour $175, told better of to buy a new one, it certainly wont be a stihl, last stihl product i ever buy, wouldnt take one even if they were free, if it was xmas present I'd regift it !!

I have had this FS38 for two 1/2 years for an average urban block. I’ve spent twice what I paid for it on servicing because of the following problems. Won’t start easily and eventually stopped starting. Cuts out during use if it’s on an angle (apparently a carburettor problem) which is very frustrating. Have replaced carbon, we’ll see how long this one lasts. It doesn’t bump feed easily and the chassis burns my forearm where it rests against it during use. Also gives me little static electricity shocks. Hate using it. Just find it painful and time consuming and frustrating to use. Regret buying it. Will NEVER buy again.

Bought this FS 38 to replace the previous model that I had been using without any problems for about ten years, this one is hard to start, is cheaply made and poorly designed.
The unit is very hot to touch in the handle area or where you place your arm to control the unit.
Contacted STILH customer service on line, six months later still no reply. Crap on you STILH.
DO NOT BUY THIS ITEM.

Worked okay first 6 months. Always lost fuel whenever I turned it to trim the driveway and died constantly. Wouldn't start this spring. Stored properly through winter. Installed new carburetor and kinda worked one time and now continues to not start or stay running when it does run. Adjusted new carb many of times. Stihl is now Chinese trash!! Will never buy their products again!!

I recently purchased an FS36. It goes alright but I expected a bit better from a brand such as Stihl. Many people said to go with Stihl as they have tough equipment. Anyhow, it does the job for now but i probably would look at a different brand if i wanted to buy in future

I am a hard and fast Stihl user and have always sung their praises, even though the gear is expensive to buy compared to other brands. I have many Stihl chainsaws, blowers, and post hole borers etc. This machine is CRAP. NEVER STARTS.. .Big let down stihl...very disappointed. I will never buy another Stihl weedeater. ...though am a believer in most of their other products.

Within two months this unit began to act up. It would starve for fuel and be very touchy about flooding. I found the in tank gas filter was sticking up into the tank so it would basically run out of gas with half a tank. I fixed that with some patience and a pair of forceps. But starting it is still a crap shoot. It got so bad that I removed the recoil and force started it with a drill gun, just for personal satisfaction and to rev it as high as it would go until I calmed down. I have a stihl chainsaw and a backpack leaf blower that are both ancient and start great. What happened STIHL?

Green line is useless if cutting near foundation or rocks.
Should come with 0.95 line.
Hard to get the line out of head. Need to turn the trimmer off and then you can get more line.
Dealer did not show me how to put line on the trimmer head.
Should not have to do this.
Last purchase of a STIHL.

I am very disappointed with your fs38. Runs horribly.
Took to dealer for a tune up and to check it.
Surprised to be told straight away I should buy a new one.
Ever since having it serviced, it runs even worse.
I honestly hope your employees are not trained this way on purpose.
Poor customer care.
A disappointed customer.

Ran terribly from the start. Line head attachment is very frustrating to use. Very difficult to start even using spray ether and now wont even start. It was a lottery as to whether it would start or not.This product made a simple job very time consuming and frustrating. Would never buy Stihl again despite their reputation.

I am lucky to get 15 minutes CONTINUOUS MAX use from the FS58. either the motor, which is VERY difficult to start, stops or the plastic slashers refuse to extend no matter how hard I tap the head. And IF the 2mm green slashers do extend... the whole length comes out and jams the motor by rapping round the head. As for refitting the plastic slashers easily... FORGET IT! As fast as you wind it on it springs out of the two slots even after locking them into their 2mm pocket slots. I expect machinery to fail OCCASIONALLY but EVERY time its used? NEVER AGAIN. I will never buy another stihl again.

This trimmer has no power dies when put into the smallest job, used once, now want to sell it on gumtree bit it is full of the fs38 as new for under $100, not happy at all with this stihl would not recommend, and by the look of gumtree a lot think the same.

Cuts well auto feed line excellent and able to handle really heavy / long grass. No problems starting if primed as instructed and care free operation while in use. I have owned Stihl chainsaws, trimmers and blowers over the past 25 years and this product is up to their high standard.