Moved back from overseas last year and built a new house with a big yard. I had no lawn equipment until I recently bought a used 2011 John Deere D170 from a neighbor who is moving overseas. Now I am looking for a weedeater, edger, and blower.

I was at Ace Hardware the other day and noticed that Stihl makes a "Combisystem" that you can use weedeater, edger and blower attachments with the same head. After digging around on the internet, looks like Echo makes a similar product. Does anyone have any experience with these combisystem units or the Stihl/Echo product lines in general? I'm looking to buy within the next few weeks as the grass is starting to take off. Appreciate any suggestions.

never tried the kombi system but I own a landscape company and been in business for 8+ yrs and we use stihl weedeaters, stick edgers, and backpack blowers 55-60hrs/wk and have been very happy w/ them. I will admit that I have been experimenting w/ redmax backpack blowers.

Echo weed eater. Stihl chainsaw

Buy straight shaft stick edger instead of curved, straight has solid drive shaft which will last longer, curved has flexible drive shaft which breaks

Pick one and roll with it. Both are quality brands.

Do keep in mind that the convertible systems put more use on a single engine than if you had s separate edger, weedeater and blower.

Echo also has a longer warranty. I really like my SRM-225

Echo and Stihl are both solid options. I currently have an Echo blower and line trimmer, but am considering getting the Stihl Kombi system. Periodically Stihl will have a special deals for their Kombi systems...anyone in the industry know when they usually do that?

Thanks for everyone's input. I decided on the Stihl Combisystem and picked up the package today at Ace hardware. I got the trimmer, straight shaft edger and blower attachments. Looking forward to taking them all for a trial run this weekend.

How much for all of that?

I've got the echo combo set and love it. I'd recommend getting the chain saw attachment. It's safer to use than a regular chain saw and will cut through some thick stuff. Since buying the chain saw attachment, i've never used the other chain saw.

I got the KM 56RC-E for $500 (+tax) at Ace Hardware. The motor, trimmer, and edger were packaged for $399, which saves you about $60-70 versus buying items separate. I then added the blower attachment for $99. The Ace Hardware is down the street from my house and I give them regular business, so happy to pay a fair price. Not sure if I could have gotten it cheaper somewhere else, but I couldn't wait for a sale as I needed everything ASAP. Plus I got a 4-year warranty from Stihl and the Ace guys can service anything I need.

Early reviews are good. I used the trimmer and blower yesterday, but didn't open the edger box yet. Motor is ventilated well and doesn't get hot like others I have used. Unit started on second pull after opening the box. After switching from trimmer to blower, it started on first pull in half choke position. I was pleasantly surprised with power on the blower. It actually pushes you back a little if you aren't paying attention when you crank it up. I'll open the edger next week and give that a go.

[This message has been edited by bayouaggie (edited 2/25/2013 9:00a).]