I bought a STIHL because I couldn't get a spare part for my cheap old Ryobi. I thought I was buying quality, but no. I've had nothing but problems, particularly with the cord spool. I've just finished edging my lawn today, and although it's only about 30 metres circumference, it was a nightmare AGAIN. Today I had cord changes. Each involving 10 minutes or more stuffing around trying to get the cord to feed onto the spool.

It happens every time. SUMMER LAWN MOWING HAS BECOME A NIGHTMARE! My experience with the product means that I will not be wasting money on STIHL again, and I won't be recommending it to my family and friends.

Hard to start, uses to much cord, having to fill every five minutes, doesn't handle long grass! Purchased for my daughter thinking it was not to heavy for her to use in a very small garden. When I rang the dealer he said I could purchase a extra head for $35 to do the job I thought why didn't you tell me that when I buying it.
What takes me ten minutes to do with mine takes 30 with this model plus extra cost for all the cord. Don't waste your money on this.

I was happy with this trimmer until it suddenly stopped working. Now needs ignition coil about $40, plus I'll have to do the repairs myself because if I took it to a shop it would cost more than a new one. Seriously considering not fixing it at all and buying a Hitachi with a seven year warranty.

I just bought this line trimmer this afternoon and I can not get it started... I bought a brand new one for trouble free gardening and just can't get it to work. I have been reading over instructions and watching you tube videos and still can't get it to work. I'm now in trouble for spending so much money and to rub it in I have nothing to show for it.... I could not be more frustrated.

After being disappointed with several cheaper trimmers and brushcutters I spent a bit more on the Stihl and haven't looked back.

I've never had a problem starting it, bump head and line usage is comprable or slightly better than other brands I have used. It performs well and has been troublefree.

I purchased the STIHL FS45R Brushcutter on the 18/09/2013. So far I have used it only twice.
due to it being very hard to start but once it is started it runs beautifully. After buying, took it home and followed instructions from handbook tried to start it, but it wouldn't start, had to take it back and get the mechanic to show me how to start it for me. He showed me how to start it: Choke up, Press bowl 3 times, flick chock lever down & Pull start.
Took home and tried only after 3 attempts did it start. Since then I haven't used it due to the fact it being hard to start and not to be disappointed.
Once started it runs beautifully.
Very hard to start . Would appreciate with some help in the starting.

Like most Stihl products this one is very good. As long as only used for domestic purposes, this is a good reliable machine. The automatic line feed plays up regularly but most brands seem to suffer from this. Always starts first time every time and probably haven't had it serviced as often as I should.
Reliable. Eay to use
Auto line feed

Purchased the Stihl FS45 not too long ago, and so far its been a very positive experience. Lightweight, very well balanced, ergonomic, fuel efficient and its got plenty of power. The FS45 is actually very easy to start if you follow the correct starting procedures outlined in the manual; yes it's worth a read before you start cutting away. The only negative that I've experienced is that it goes through a bit of line, but like others have pointed out, it really depends on what your cutting. Once recommendation is to purchase better line.
Lightweight, easy to start, ergonomic, powerful and fuel efficient
Does go through a bit of line

Purchased stihl because of name but hard to start, a lot of vibration and intermittent stopping but then was easy to restart. Needed to puchase new fuel pick up line due to poor quality of original so dealer sold me the upgraded version that has now lasted for $37(should have been free) I am now happy because, today I launched it across the front yard and it has gone to whipper snipper heaven but I think it should have gone to hell.
Plenty of grunt when it runs.
Poor quality for price, unreliable, never to buy another stihl product.

Have had my machine since March 2005 - doesn't get the TLC it should like most of these machines but it has & still is performing very well. Easy to start & to handle. Bit big for wife but she is small. Doesn't use a great deal of line if you use commercial grade line. Really can't fault it! Believe me it has a lot of tough work on our property.

Have has this for a few months now (easy start model), and have been very impressed. Got this model because the shorter curved shaft was more suitable for my wife to use. If you're taller you will find you need to hold the unit on an angle across your body otherwise your forearm will hit the motor. Very easy to start, haven't had a problem there at all. Got the brush cutter head to go with it (nylon blades) and that works quite well too. Chews heaps less juice than our blower.
Easy to start, reliable, free first service.
Fiddly head assembly - have lost one spring already. May not suit taller users.

Has been nothing but trouble since day one.

Troublesome to start, noisy and the trimmer head is a line waster.

Has spent more time at the repair shop than trimming my lawns edges.
Got to know the repair man very well!
Difficult to start when it does go, noisy and chews through line too quickly.

Its a great machine and it feels powerfull. It is noise and you have to wear proper gear otherwise you get grass and dust all over you but I like it.
Its a Stihl and it feels like a pro. The motor in the 45 is the same as the $500 units they just have more features like electronic start.
Once you get use to the strange way to start it its ok.
Its heavy and its starting process is dificult if you dont understand. You can flood it if not started properly. you have to wear glasses proper pants shoes gloves and ear protection. You tend to waist a lot of line and banging it on the grass to let out more line may damage it.

Great,, does the job, reliable, easy to start and keeps cranking, service is good and not to expensive. So do your self a favour like me and go and get one better still wait till their on special like me .
Starts great, easy to use, cheap to run,,may not be the cheapest but a bloody good piece of kit. Service is very good and cheap, not like others that break bdown all the time and coast a mint to fix.
Not many at all, I suppose the price might throw some,, but its a quality piece and you get what u pay for.