Name: ECHO SRM-225 String Trimmer
Brand: ECHO
Rating: 8 (1 reviews)

January 25, 2023April 3, 2024

ECHO vs Stihl Backpack Blower: Comparing the Giants

Echo vs Stihl Backpack Blowers is like comparing Ferraris vs Lamborghinis. They’re both crazy good options that are elite blowers in the landscaping world.

I have a personal vendetta against backpack blowers because my nextdoor neighbor insists on using them as alarm clocks on the weekends, but I can’t deny how great of a tool they are.

When we first used the Stihl BR600 backpack blower, it felt like a bazooka was strapped to our back. But then we tried the ECHO. Then tried the Stihl again. And honestly, I felt like we had to go write this post to detail our experience.

These are two of the top backpack leaf blowers in the game – so let’s see how they stack up in every category. We chose the Stihl BR 600 to compare to the ECHO PB-770H as they are two of the most popular backpack blowers and the top of the line option from both brands.

Jump ahead:

Backpack Blowers 101
Power comparison
Usability head-to-head
Reliability
ECHO vs Stihl blower cost
The winner: ECHO vs Stihl blower

Want to see a comparison to battery powered backpack blowers?

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

What to look for in a backpack blower

Backpack blowers come in a bunch of shapes and sizes but there are three basic things you need to understand:

CFMs on blowers

Cubic feet per minute. This is a measure of air output on the blower. Higher CFM = more power, but not necessarily more miles per hour. High CFM with a wide nozzle = lower MPH. High CFM with a narrow nozzle = high miles per hour. Ideally, you want both a high CFM with a narrow to medium nozzle for most residential jobs.

Usability

What is the point of having a blower if it is hard to use? Have to get one that is lightweight, easy to start, and has some functions that make your life easier. One thing I look for here is how the weight is distributed. I also look for things like variable speed control, sound, and how easy it is to reach or change controls like cruise control.

Reliability

It’s important to have reliable equipment – hands down. For homeowners, having a backpack blower that can easily start and requires minimal maintenance is key. The engine doesn’t get as much use as a professional landscaper, so hopefully doesn’t require the same maintenance schedule. For professional landscapers, you need to have a blower that starts quickly and isn’t a headache requiring frequent tinkering and minor replacements.

ECHO PB-770H vs Stihl BR 600 Backpack Blower

Now that we know what we are looking for in a backpack blower, we can see how both the ECHO and Stihl blowers stack up. Both brands are known for making super strong products that landscapers and homeowners love, but only one can truly come out on top.

Let’s get started!

Power comparison

When it comes to backpack blowers, power is everything. Power is extremely important to be able to move large quantities of leaves under a quick timeline. Leaf blower power is measured in both CFMs and MPH. With backpack blowers, you really want high CFMs AND high MPH.

With high CFMs, you can ensure that there is a significant volume of air coming out of the tip of the blower. This usually is the “punch” that the blower provides and helps you cover large quantities at a time. MPH gives you the speed to make sure the large burst of air is coming out quickly. Without both, you either get a wimpy but large burst of air OR a small jet stream that doesn’t help move big piles.

The ECHO PB-770H boasts a huge 756 CFMs and 234 MPH air speed. The Stihl BR 600 clocks in at 677 CFM and 238 MPH. These are really close figures, despite having some differences at CFM. Since they are nearly the same air speed, the ECHO must have a slightly larger opening and burst of air. Although most folks won’t recognize a difference in power, the ECHO PB-770H has a slight advantage in overall power output.

Despite the minor power output differences, these have nearly the same engine displacement at both around 64 ccs.

This one is so close because the engines are just about identical. Stihl has slightly more speed, but ECHO has slightly more air output. As much as I’d like to call it a tie, I actually believe ECHO’s CFM advantage puts this one as the definitive winner of the head-to-head power assessment.

Winner: ECHO PB-770H Backpack Blower

Usability features

When I’m looking at usability, the real test begins at about 15 minutes into using the blower. At that point, I’m wondering if I feel like I have complete control over the tool or if I am having to wrestle with it to get the job done.

In particular, I’m gauging how my shoulder feels and whether or not my hand has started cramping due to the trigger placement and other control features.

Whereas the Stihl and ECHO blowers were super similar in power, they are much different in usability. Most backpack blowers operate by having a little handle at the midway point of the blower nozzle that allows you to control the direction of airflow.

Stihl and ECHO have major differences in the functionality of that handle. With the Stihl BR 600, the handle that controls the direction of airflow (the steering handle) also has the throttle trigger and setting lever embedded on it. This is super helpful and convenient as it gives you total control of the blower without having to mess with other portions of the blower.

On the other hand, the ECHO PB-770H has a separate lever that controls the throttle and speed. While it is something you can get used to after a couple tries, it will never be as comfortable as the Stihl BR 600. ECHO does allow you to purchase the PB-770T, a surprisingly less popular version that has a cord that wraps around and allows you to mount the throttle on the blower nozzle.

The winner of the usability competition: Stihl BR 600.

Reliability

When I evaluate a backpack blower for reliability, there are a few things I look for. The first is how difficult the blower is to start. Nothing is more frustrating than cranking the pull cord over and over without the dang blower starting.

The Stihl BR 600 has a purge pump primer, which allows you to prime the carburetor without flooding the engine. Basically, it limits the amount of times the carburetor can be primed, therefore limiting the number of times you pull the cord before it starts. This is a huge advantage because I just know I have flooded my engine a dozen times.

The ECHO PB-770H does not have any specific function that protects the operator from making honest mistakes. Anecdotally, this is the blower my neighbor has and I swear I watched her crank it close to 50 times in a row the other day before it started.

The maintenance schedules on both the Stihl BR 600 and ECHO PB-770H blowers is straightforward. The classic spark plug and air filter replacement as needed and the occasional service.

Reputationally, the BR 600 from Stihl is one I’ve seen completely beaten down, scraped up, and continues to run and start super easily. I own this one and while it takes a dozen pulls, it has a nice foot plate that makes it really effortless to get started around the 10th crank or so.

Winner: Stihl BR 600.

Price comparison

Oddly enough, the Stihl BR 600 and the ECHO PB-770H come in at exactly the same price: $529.99. Wish I could pick a winner here, but they are exactly the same.

Our winner: Stihl BR 600 vs ECHO PB-770H Backpack Blower

After it is all said and done, this is a really tough battle. These things are super easily matched and even cost the exact same.

But for this battle, there has to be one winner: the Stihl BR 600.

We chose the Stihl BR 600 because it is simply easier to use and more trustworthy than the ECHO PB-700H. The features that come with the BR 600 make it easier to start and easier to control. Plus, not only do we see this every time we walk into our garage, but just about every landscaper in the country has one of these. They are the Ford F150 of the landscaping game because you just can’t go wrong with one.

They sell these at Ace Hardware or you can buy them pre-owned for a few hundred dollars cheaper.

Interested in other ECHO and Stihl products? Check out our comparison of ECHO and Stihl Weed Eaters.

January 8, 2023April 3, 2024

ECHO vs Stihl String Trimmers: Comparison Guide

I like the Stihl FS 56 RC compared to the ECHO SRM 225 because it provides a more powerful cut. ECHO and Stihl weed eaters are the gas-powered string trimmers of choice for both commercial and residential use. Both have a reputation for raw power, insane durability, and great performance.

We have extensively reviewed ECHO weed eaters AND Stihl weed eaters and found the two that are most comparable from each brand in the residential space.

The ECHO SRM225 weed eater and the Stihl FS 56 RC weed eater are not only the two most popular, but also extremely similar in just about every way. If you’re looking to pull the trigger (pun intended) on buying one of these, then you need to make sure you read the below deep dive.

Jump ahead:

What to look for in a weed eater
Power comparison
Ease of use
Maintenance
Price and value
The winner: Stihl vs ECHO string trimmer

ECHO SRM 225 vs Stihl FS 56 RC weed eater: Head-to-head comparison

Alright, y’all – let’s get to comparing these two string trimmers. We should walk through a power comparison, how these both feel to operate, maintenance, and price/value. Here we go!

Power comparison between ECHO and Stihl weed eaters

Let me start by saying in a blinded test between the two, the power output feels almost identical. I’ve used my trusty Stihl for a long time, but every time I walk by my neighbor’s lawn he has some seriously nice edges around his yard that he did with his ECHO SRM225.

But if we want to get all technical, the Stihl FS 56 RC has about 25% more cc’s of power output. This is more than enough for the average homeowner and will really help you take it from an around-the-house weed eater to a dense brush-cutting beast.

Both the ECHO and Stihl weed eaters are good for anything residential and had similar cutting power for just about everything we did in our driveway and around our back deck. The only real difference was that the Stihl felt like it accelerated more quickly than the ECHO. At top speeds, however, it was harder to tell. ECHO’s SRM 225 reaches an RPM (rotations per minute) of nearly 9,000 whereas the Stihl string trimmer reaches closer to 10,000 RPM.

It’s clear that the Stihl is the more powerful string trimmer when compared to the ECHO. At the end of the day, both are more than enough power for residential use. But if you have any brush in your backyard that you want to slice down, the Stihl FS 56 RC is going to get it done faster.

Comparing usability between ECHO and Stihl

When I’m evaluating user experience I always use my shoulder as the gauge for how easy a weed eater is to use. What I’ve found that impacts the way my shoulder feels are two things:

The weight of the string trimmer
How long the shaft is

These two things have more impact than a harness or balance or anything else. For me, longer shafts provide more control, which may seem counterintuitive. But I liken it to a surgeon using a scalpel. I have much more nuance when controlling the weed eater when the shaft is longer. Small movements make delicate cuts and shapes in whatever I’m working on.

Me using the FS 56 RC weed eater from Stihl.

The Stihl FS 56 RC weed eater comes in at 10.5 lbs whereas the ECHO SRM 225 weighs just over 11.5 lbs. That extra pound makes a difference when you’re bent over walking around your yard for 25 minutes.

The ECHO SRM 225 has about 5 inches of length on the Stihl FS 56 RC, however. At 71 inches, ECHO trumps the Stihl’s 66 inches in length.

This is a tough one, but I would honestly trade in the extra 5 inches for the extra pound of weight.

The ECHO SRM 225 wins the user experience comparison.

Which is easier to maintain, Stihl or ECHO?

When it comes to maintenance of weed eaters, there are only a few things to keep in mind. About once per quarter, you’ll want to replace the air filter on both the ECHO and Stihl weed eaters. With heavier use, you may have to replace the spark plug as well, but realistically that may be an every year or even every other year replacement.

Otherwise, both ECHO and Stihl recommend making sure that the drive shaft is greased and the fuel filters are inspected and cleaned. Neither of these string trimmers require much maintenance, but they do have some small things to watch out for.

Using the right weed eater string for both is important to preserve performance. Both come with a stock string trimmer line, but we recommend using our .095” green weed eater string that is triangle-shaped.

We tested this string against a TON of other weed eater strings and it was far and above the absolute best.

Price and value: ECHO vs Stihl

The ECHO SRM 225 comes in at about $230 depending on where you buy it, which I recommend checking the price here at Home Depot. The price on the Stihl fluctuates wildly but the Stihl FS 56 RC is about $220-250 and can be purchased at Ace Hardware.

Y’all – this is relatively straight forward. The Stihl is the better option between the two. It not only provides a more powerful cut but often comes in at a lower price. This thing is going to last you for a long time and is definitely the better value.

The Best Weed Eater String for Stihl and ECHO string trimmers

Y’all – we developed our own weed eater string that is designed to be the most powerful, durable, and visible on the planet. It is INSANELY good. Check it out below – we tested it against DOZENS of other string trimmer lines.

Final words: Stihl string trimmer vs ECHO

While I was doing the testing for this article, I really didn’t know which would be better. I loved my Stihl but thought my neighbor’s ECHO was just the same, if not better. After using both and doing some deep research on the technical specifications, the Stihl was the clear winner.

The ECHO weed eater is a bit easier to use but is more expensive than the Stihl. The Stihl is more powerful, requires about the same amount of maintenance, is lighter, and comes in at about 15% cheaper than the ECHO.

The winner? Stihl FS 56 RC.

Why we review string trimmers

How to instantly improve your weed eater

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What to look for in a weed eater

Weed eaters come in all shapes and sizes. They aren’t highly complicated pieces of equipment, but they do have a few nuances. Here is how I see it:

Feel and Ease of Use

Obviously this is subjective, but feel is everything to me. I have had weed eaters in the past where the handle is off to the side, making me torque my shoulders and back. If you can, get as many adjustable pieces as possible to make this customizable. It doesn’t seem like you use a weed eater for a long time, but the work is precision work that requires a steady hand and focus.

Engine Type and maintenance

For residential use, you don’t need a whole lot of power, but if you’re picking between two, you might as well make a point to compare the two. More cc displacement means more power, but how efficiently is it being delivered? How easy is it to replace the air filter or spark plug?

Curved vs Straight shaft

I always, always, always prefer straight shafts. They are so much easier to use and control and are much longer than curved shafts. Curved shafts are good for clearing out a small piece of land unable to be mowed. But if you want to actually do some good trimming and edging, a straight shaft is much better. Curved shafts are difficult to maneuver and to create a straight line for edging. Both of these weed eaters have straight shafts, so you’re in good hands.

Price and value

Of course price is important – but more important than price is how much value it provides.

December 20, 2022April 2, 2024

5 Powerful ECHO Weed Eaters (+1 bonus): Buying Guide

The best ECHO weed eater is the ECHO SRM-225 because it is inexpensive, extremely reliable, and powerful enough for both commercial and residential lawn care.

My neighbor also has one and every time I walk on the sidewalk by his house, I can’t help but admire the insane borders he’s created around his yard. And he doesn’t even own an edger.

But today, I’d like to walk you through the definitive ranking of ECHO trimmers. I recently walked into Home Depot and noticed that there are like 6 or 7 ECHO weed eaters side-by-side and you can’t tell much of a difference except for the price and can’t even really pull them off of the rack to compare.

Which is exactly why we are going to break it down for you today.

Let’s get started!

Here is our ranking of the best ECHO weed eaters:

ECHO SRM 225 weed eater
ECHO GT-225 weed eater
ECHO SRM 2620 weed eater
ECHO SRM 266 weed eater
ECHO DSRM 2600 Battery-powered weed eater
ECHO SRM 410X weed eater

Check out how ECHO stacks up against Stihl.

Best String Trimmer Line for ECHO Weed Eaters

We developed our own weed eater string that absolutely slaps. Extremely powerful, durable, and visible. We tested it against DOZENS of different strings. You can check it out on Amazon here.

Best ECHO Weed Eaters: Ranked

Let’s jump straight into the rankings. I will preface this by saying it is my opinion, not gospel. I am speaking from the point of view of a homeowner, not necessarily a professional landscaper, although I do try to view each weed eater holistically. Let’s get going.

1. ECHO SRM-225 Weed Eater

The ECHO SRM 225 that my neighbor has is like ordering an old fashioned at the bar. You know what you’re going to get. And it has amazing power, consistent results, and amazing durability. There is a reason that this is their best selling string trimmer.

It’s got everything that I look for in a gas-powered weed eater. Let’s start breaking it down:

17 inch cutting swath. Holy cow. That is a massive cutting swath area and can almost (probably) replace your lawn edger altogether. This is a top-of-the-line cutting swath not found on any kind of battery-powered weed eater.
21.2 cc engine – this is about what you expect from a high end residential weed eater. Not too much, not too little – just right.
It is about 60 inches long, or 5 feet. I love when long weed eaters because it gives you more precision and flexibility when cutting and often gives you a straighter line.
Speed-feed head. This is a registered trademark of ECHO, but it basically allows you to quickly reload weed eater string without having to disassemble the whole head.

The cutting head with speed feed technology.

Like I mentioned before, this has just about everything you would want in a weed eater and comes in at one of the lowest prices you can get for an ECHO weed eater. Its MSRP is about $230, but it is currently on sale at Home Depot.

The only thing I would change is upgrading the weed eater string from the stock crossfire string.

2. ECHO GT-225 Weed Eater

The ECHO GT-225 is a somewhat lighter version of the SRM 225 above. It has a smaller cutting swath, a curved shaft, and doesn’t have a speed-feed head, but is otherwise very similar.

While I prefer straight shaft string trimmer, I recognize there is still a place for curved shaft string trimmers. Curved shafts are great for using on flat surfaces where you aren’t necessarily trying to shape something. Think areas that are too small for traditional mowers where you still need to mow down some grass.

They’re also great around light poles, mailboxes, or other solid structures. I think you lose a bit of visibility and reach when you use them, so I always go for straight shafts.

That being said, the GT-225 still has a nice engine and all the same bells and whistles as the SRM-225. So I have to give this one the best curved weed eater made by ECHO award.

Still super popular and is actually about $50 cheaper than the SRM 225, coming in at around $180.

3. ECHO SRM-2620 Weed Eater

The SRM-2620 is a beast. I think it may be the best all-around weed eater for commercial landscapers. It is extremely powerful and surprisingly light. This isn’t one I would use for tinkering around the yard as I am simply unworthy.

I would consider this one an SRM 225 on steroids. It has the below similarities:

A 6 foot long straight shaft
A 17 inch cutting swath (which is huge)
Weighs around 12 lbs without any fuel
Speed feed head

The main difference in this one is that it comes with a 25.4 cc engine, whereas the ECHO SRM 225 has a 20.2 cc engine.

Us normies wouldn’t notice the difference, but if you are using these string trimmers for hours per day, you understand the difference in 5 cc of power output.

It also costs about $120 more than the SRM 225, with the MSRP around $360. You can go to ECHO’s website to find a retailer near you, though I’ve seen these at Home Depot.

4. ECHO SRM-266 Weed Eater

The SRM 266 is a slightly toned down version of the 2620 above. They are nearly identical, with the following differences:

The 266 has a smaller fuel tank, at about 16 oz compared to the 2620’s large 20 oz fuel tank.
The 266 doesn’t have 1.62:1 gear reduction as found on the 2620.
The 266 is slightly heavier by about 2lbs, which is odd because the engine area is a little bit smaller
The 266 is about $40 cheaper

Otherwise, they are the same length and have the same cutting swath. I don’t totally understand why ECHO made these two different weed eaters, but I don’t make the rules.

5. ECHO DSRM-2600 Battery-powered weed eater

Uh….this thing is a monster. Doing research for this article, this is actually the first time I’ve seen ECHO’s battery-powered weed eater line and quite frankly this thing smacks.

The DSRM-2600 has all the things you would want in a sweet battery-powered string trimmer, with one major flaw. This ECHO electric weed eater has a 17 inch cutting swath, which is about 2 inches more than any other battery-powered weed eater I’ve reviewed (which is a lot).

It also matches EGO’s battery powered weed eater line by including a 56V battery. One beautiful thing that ECHO did with their battery-powered motor is including a nice brushless motor. Brushless motors provide more torque, cooler motors, and a longer life. They’re table stakes for electric weed eaters.

One major downside to this one is that the run time is only 26 mins with the 2.5 Ah battery. With the 5.0 Ah battery, you’ll be able to get 54, but even that is subject to dropping if you are stopping and going a lot or cutting thick brush.

Neither of those are great if you are a professional. This is where many battery powered weed eaters get into trouble. They start to max out power, which is great, but you trade off time. Most people that need a lot of power ALSO need time. The technology just isn’t quite there yet.

One other downside is that you may not use these batteries for much else, unless you want to start using ECHO’s battery line for everything else, which is possible. If you have other battery-powered tools, this may just take up another plug in your garage.

We’ve developed a weed eater string that can turn wimpier electric weed eaters into beasts. That means you can get performance + a longer lasting battery. Heck yeah.

6. ECHO SRM 410X Weed Eater

The SRM 410-X is barely a weed eater. It is actually illegal in 15 countries, including Guam.

That part isn’t true. But this thing is INSANELY powerful, so I had to put it on the list. The numbers on this (price included) are astronomical. All of which I’ve never seen before. So here they are:

42.7 cc engine. Yes you read that right, that is OVER DOUBLE the SRM 225.
A 20 inch cutting swath. The next highest I’ve seen is 17 inches. HOLY COW
33.8 fl oz fuel tank. I mean???
A 60.2 inch shaft length, which is OVER 5 feet long.
Almost $600

This is easily the most ridiculous string trimmer I’ve ever seen. And I love it. I want to own this thing so badly I might just go by it right now. I just know I would tear up my yard if I got this thing. It’s an absolute jack hammer.

And for that – it had to make the list.

ECHO Weed Eaters: Parting Words

ECHO weed eaters / string trimmers are workhorses. Super reliable, super durable, probably the F-150 of weed eaters (I just made some people mad).

One thing to remember is that each of these come with a 5 year residential, 2 year commercial warranty. They put their money where their mouth is when it comes to durability, making a product you can trust.

If you’re not interested in ECHO or looking to compare, check out the competitor Husqvarna weed eaters.

Why we review lawn tools

How to instantly improve your weed eater

What to look for in a weed eater

Weed eaters AKA string trimmers come in all shapes and sizes. They aren’t highly complicated pieces of equipment, but they do have a few nuances. Here is how I see it:

Feel – Obviously this is subjective, but feel is everything to me. I have had weed eaters in the past where the handle is off to the side, making me torque my shoulders and back. If you can, get as many adjustable pieces as possible to make this customizable. It doesn’t seem like you use a weed eater for a long time, but the work is precision work that requires a steady hand and focus.
Motor – I’m looking for some dang power, but not so much that I shred the weed eater string every five seconds. A moderate amount of cc displacement is great with me. Anything too high is really a waste of money for me.
Curved vs Straight shaft – I always, always, always prefer straight shafts. They are so much easier to use and control and are much longer than curved shafts. Curved shafts are good for clearing out a small piece of land unable to be mowed. But if you want to actually do some good trimming and edging, a straight shaft is much better. Curved shafts are difficult to maneuver and to create a straight line for edging.

Weed eater string makes all the difference, which is why we broke down the right weed eater string for ECHO tools.

Looking for a battery powered weed eater? Check out EGO’s lineup of electric weed eaters.

October 9, 2021April 10, 2024

Why I Love The Classic ECHO SRM-225 String Trimmer

If you want a weed eater that is hungry, you have come to the right place with the ECHO Weed Eater SRM 225. This is one of the best-selling, timeless weed eaters on the market – for landscapers and homeowners alike.

I have been burned with bad trimmer purchases before, so this is a soft spot for me. Today we will review all the aspects of this ECHO weed eater and help clear up any remaining doubts you may have. Let’s get started:

Features of the ECHO SRM 225
Common criticisms (with pictures)
Trimmer line replacement on the SRM 225
Cost and value
The Official Review

Main takeaway: The ECHO SRM 225 is a reliable, powerful string trimmer that will last you over a decade. You can’t go wrong with this one.

Features of the ECHO SRM 225 String Trimmer

To properly review the ECHO SRM 225, we need to evaluate its power, ease of use, line advancement and added functions. Let’s get started with power:

Power output of the ECHO SRM 225

The ECHO SRM-225 has a two stroke engine, boasting 21.2 ccs. While on the lower end of its peers for cubic capacity, this machine still packs quite the punch. Often described as a “workhorse” weed eater, this thing can go as long as you will let it.

I wouldn’t let the lower-end of the cc’s bother you. A lot of the competitors are used for commercial landscaping. If you’re a homeowner and using this around your yard, this is going to be a beast and almost certainly more powerful than any battery-powered weed wacker.

In fact, ECHO is so certain in the power and durability of their machines that they provide a 5 year warranty for normal consumers like you and me.

Also – this thing has a 17 inch cutting swath. 17! That is probably the widest cutting swath I’ve seen on any residential weed eater. Cutting swath is used to measure the diameter of the string trimmer when it’s spinning. Larger swath means you have a larger cutting area.

Comfort level and ease of use

The ECHO SRM-225 weighs in at about eleven and a half pounds and 71 inches when fully assembled. It has anti vibration technology and a shoulder strap that is sold separately. For those of us that love straight lines, the shoulder strap provides a great way to keep a solid line to trim around your beloved garden, shed, or chicken coop.

Line advancement on the ECHO SRM-225

Something else I love about this trimmer is the automatic line-advance system. While most trimmers come with this technology, the line is way easier to feed and reload than some of the competitors.

If you have any experience with trimmers, you will know that if you bump into something with the head of the trimmer, it will spit out a little bit more line. This process tells you to “back off” a little bit and provides the extra room you need.

Another trimmer we reviewed, the Stihl FS 56 RC, has similar features if interested.

Gas vs. electric trimmers

The gas power on the ECHO SRM 225 is unbeatable. I have toyed around with electric trimmers before, and while they can be handy, they do not come close to gas. My electric trimmer (the RYOBI 40V trimmer) feels like it bounces around or slows down whenever there is any bit of pressure applied.

Gas powered trimmers like the ECHO weed eater mentioned here are ruthless. They will cut through whatever you want them to until they run out of line. If you have never used a gas powered weed eater, start with the ECHO and experience the difference.

There is a reason every landscaping company uses gas powered weed eaters. Next time you drive by a landscaping company, check out what they are using. I almost guarantee one of them is using an ECHO trimmer.

Ability to add attachments

There is the ability to add a blade package to this device for super dense brush. I personally don’t use this, but it is nice for those with acreage and brush.

While some of the electric trimmers have multiple attachments that can be convenient, the ECHO weed eater is just one tool with one purpose. And it absolutely crushes that purpose.

Criticisms of the ECHO weed eater SRM 225

As does any best-selling product have some negative reviews, so does the ECHO weed eater. Something I have consistently seen but not experienced is the blowback from the power of this trimmer. The machine does have a small shield at the bottom (especially compared to its peers) that does not fully protect against dirt and rocks kicking up into your face.

The narrow head of the ECHO SRM 225 weed eater.

If you are wearing safety glasses as recommended, then this should not be too much of an issue for you. After all, dirt is good for you, right?

Another criticism I have seen is with inability to get it started. With the proper 50:1 gas to oil mixture, this should not have any reason getting started.

Replacing the trimmer line

When you do run out of line on the ECHO weed eater, make sure to replace it with .095” weed eater string. This line is easy to load. Simply align the holes on the head of the trimmer, insert the line through to the desired length on the other side, then spin the head until the appropriate amount has fed through.

We developed our own string trimmer line that absolutely slaps and made our ECHO SRM 225 even better. Check it out here!

Cost and value

The ECHO weed eater SRM 225 costs about $220 to $250 at the time this article was written. Compared to other similar weed eaters and trimmers, this is about middle of the pack for price.

You can grab the ECHO SRM 225 from Home Depot for the best price I’ve seen.

For the value, I believe this is one of the most valuable purchases you can make. The ECHO will last you many years and as many jobs as you will need it for. Continue to take care of it and it will take care of you.

Looking for more? We broke down the all of the biggest and baddest trimmers in this post about ECHO products

The official review: The ECHO weed eater SRM 225

Feature	Rating
Difficulty to use	More difficult than electric
Durability	More durable
Maintenance	Some maintenance required
Value	High value
For lots <10,000 sq. ft	Highly recommended
For lots <1 acre	Highly recommended
For lots >1 acre	Highly recommended

Why we review lawn tools

What to look for in a weed eater

When looking to purchase a weed eater there are a few key things to keep in mind. It is always important to understand the power of the machine you are wanting to buy. Other considerations are comfort level, how the line in the trimmer advances, gas vs electric, and whether or not it has the ability to add attachments.

How to instantly improve your weed eater

Gas vs Electric Weed Eaters

When purchasing a piece of lawn equipment in 2023 it’s important to understand your power source options. It basically boils down to gas or electric. Electric trimmers are typically easier to start and require little to no maintenance

. They also have less of a noise and environmental impact. Electric trimmers are usually a good bet for small jobs.

Trimmer powered by gas usually end up having more power and are more suitable for larger, more commercial type applications. Because some electric trimmers receive power by a cord they’re not super mobile, gas powered weed eaters can go where you can go. If you want to trim up the moon, it can go with you.

Gas weed eaters can usually handle thicker weed eater string sizes as well.

ECHO weed eater SRM 225 manual and parts

Manual: https://images.thdstatic.com/catalog/pdfImages/f1/f1900441-69a2-45f2-a7e3-aea572044e4f.pdf

Parts: WWW.ECHO-USA.COM make sure to have your model and serial numbers ready to review.