Well I got what I asked for I guess, a discounted on special line trimmer, I got it wrong. It wasn't the best piece of equipment to use, looked well built though. I tried using but was not happy with the length of time it took to start and idled a little rough and cut brilliantly but only at the high rev end which with a new machine not usually something you would do straight up. Had to though as it kept conking out. Anyways, to cut a long story short I took it back and got a full refund, no problems at all with the customer service side and purchased a Honda 4 stroke UMS425 Line trimmer for an extra $140 dollars as it was on special. It runs like I had hoped and wished for. Quick tip... read the reviews and save yourself time

The machine wont run unless its at idle or flat out.Dealer said "this is normal.they choke up unless you give it full gas"I've had a similar stihl for about 20 years with never an issue.Very very disappointed. I'll be looking for another brand now.I think i should have been given a refund as I wasn't told i nhad to rev it flat out all the time to get it to run.

Over the years I have had a number of snippers. This is the best of them all.
Had a few problems early on with starting and setting up the line feed. Went back to the dealer and got the good oil on how to work it.
No problems now. Goes a treat.
It is pretty light and very easy to use. I use it around the house. Very, very happy wit it.
Make sure you get some practical advice from the dealer when you buy it.

I Bought this Machine 2nd Hand, had no Spark, Thought this was an easy Fix. Ha I was Kidding Myself.
Replaced the Coil with a 2nd Hand One...Sparking quite Well..Still would not Fire up,but Backfiring through the Exhaust.Stripped the Whole Motor, Replaced the Gaskets,Checked the Rings and Bore.
Still no go. Then decided to Replace the Coil with a New One, still would not Fire up. Stripped it Down again and Checked the Ignition Timing.Firing after it has Passed Dead Top Centre..this is a New One on Me..
Chucked it in the Scrap Bin..Now Trying to get a few Bucks back for all the New Bits I put into it...
Will never Buy another Stihl Product again...Chinese Rubbish

I've owned this 10 days and it has 40 plus hours on it in hot Nova Scotia weather. I done 1.8 kms of ditch not long ago with it. It burns my arm though a bit. Starts ok. it's tough as hell and its great on the hills because it's light.

This is my second unit with the same problem of hard starting. The last straw came today when work HAD to get done and again no start. Unit was stored properly through the winter and had already been used this summer with no problems but today nothing.
I have trouble believing some of the good reviews here as I really don't find it dependable. (I only bought the second because it was covered in an insurance claim).
DO Not BUY.

Was wrapt with my mothers day present, the kids gave it to me as a surprise. The Stihl is strong and sturdy but I will have to build up some muscles. Great snipper for garden work. The Staff at Ferntree Gully Stihl were very helpful in regards to which Wipper snipper I required.

I've had the FS36 for twenty years. I've used it probably 25 times a year for 20 years and it still runs perfectly. When used correctly it gets through the work of grass and edges quite easily. Very easy to start when you follow the instructions. I use 25:1 two-stroke (you should be able to see some exhaust smoke when revving) and I use 2mm heavy duty cord. A complete pleasure to own and use. I have also had the Stihl two-stroke blower for twenty years, same story.

Have had a Stihl FS 38 Brush Cutter for approx. 4 years, recently took it for a service costing me $116.00 only to find out it still doesn't start or run. Took it back to Stihl distributor and was told it needs new Carby worth $140.00 which should have been picked up when it was serviced. Then I was told its not even made in Germany instead its manufactured in South America with cheaper parts and I was lucky to get 4 years out of it. They are only $199.00 brand new but they neglect to tell you they they are not German quality. Will be looking at possibly Honda 4 stroke. My advice to anyone looking at buying the Stihl spend that bit extra and look at another quality brand.

Brought it new, used it 3 times after big efforts to start each time, didnt start at all for about 3 weeks and discovered spark reducer at exaust port was blocked, clearing allowed it to start again, if I had to buy another I would definately shop around a bit more to see what other machinesof similiar price are available

Like others reviewing this machine, I cursed it when I couldn't start it and took it back to the dealer who asked the simple question, "Have you read the instructions?" I had to confess I hadn't, and ever since establishing the proper way to start, have found it to be an easy & excellent, starter.
Similarly, when loading the line into the distributor, I found it worked better when I actually read up on the correct way to do it. It's a great machine.

This machine is great, it's light and accurate . I never have a problem starting it and I have used other stihl trimmers and this does by far the best straight edging to date! Lots of power and easy on fuel. Thanks Stihl keep up the good work and great chainsaws also !

I got this trimmer for fathers day and have had nothing but problems. I've owned other Stihl products and always been impressed with their quality. This POS has been hard to start from day 1. The kid at ACE hardware wouldn't cover it under warranty which makes me even more mad. You can tell me its bad gas and etc etc etc. This was made by children in CHINA and it shows.

This unit is a total [censored word removed] you spend half your time trying to start the Damn thing, only had this a few weeks, and been back a number of times, and to [censored word removed] even more the line advance just does not work at all..the C 5 2
I guess thats why its not even in the Top 10 weed whacker list, I should have read that first,,Eh eh

I've had my FS 38 for over four years now and it still runs perfectly. To start, I press the primer bulb until I see it's full of fuel, set the choke to closed, set the throttle to full open and turn on the ignition. I give it two pulls then open the choke and it starts on the next pull almost every time. It does help to adjust the fast and slow idle mix screws as the seasons change. The trimmer line will tangle and seize up if you use the wrong stuff. Make sure you use a good quality 2.4mm line. Round is best, but I have used square with success. I expect I'll have this trimmer many more years.

Everything else perfect for those who complain about starting in hot weather half choke and only one prime and dont forget throttle lock one tug and its going
Ive worked as in the the gardening trade for over ten years,gardens big and small but now have a good sized area
but find this as a perfect strimmer for a pensioner but would have many uses for it when i was younger