Stihl FS 55 C-E / FS 55 RC-E
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I had an old Stihl FS 55 RC for 20 years, it works so well , so I bought a new fs 55 RC, returned it to mitter 10 after one month because it would start then stop, they said it was my old mixture, ( which is incorrect as I made in fresh) and charged for the service. Then with their mixture, after a month had the same problems, this time they fixed… Read more
it and it know works and they did not charge the second time. However when I use Home made mixture , even using Stihl HP ultra, it stop working, even though I use purpose bought petrol syringes for accuracy. However, if I just use ready mixed motor mix, Stihl approved, it works all the time. I find this a rip off, never buying a Stihl again.
Bought a Stihl thinking I was buying quality; unfortunately it's a complete heap of crap which takes forever to start and then it barely makes it around the yard before dying and then it won't start for the rest of the afternoon. My $99 Homelite from Bunning worked better than this. Majorly disappointed. Show details
Starts ok ,but line keeps breaking, revs up and down on its own.this is the second one I have owned and the last one was good for twelve years approximately,but the new model has been nothing but trouble.I have six still products in my shed and after going back to the place I bought it from and getting no response,i will never buy another stihl product again Show details
Reviews with attachments
Bought this 6/11/23 tried to take back 7/11/23 line is constantly breaking – Worst Item I have ever purchased. Bought extra 2 year Warranty, but have to buy myself a new Head if I want to try to get it working after 5 minutes of use. Show details
In-depth reviews
Can’t see what people are complaining about. This works beautifully – I give this a 4 star purely because over some time it just takes less than 15 seconds to get itself going once started, after that it is runs perfectly, I read all of these bad reviews and the good ones, and I thought, sorry but it can’t be that bad. And I can tell you that it is not as bad as what people are making it out to be. It runs… Read more
beautifully, with the EASY START I really wonder why people are struggling because I barely have even pull the cord to get it going first try every single time without fail, the auto feed function is absolutely amazing and stuck a time saver, I could never ever go back to bump feeds, I use this for a wide variety of thing as well, so for people thinking to themselves that I must only be using this for minor things, ah you would be wrong. If people are having problems like the ones they have been stating then it is definitely at the owners fault, it packs a pretty good punch as well. All in all I would buy this again, and plan on buying more stihl products.
my gut told me to go with husqvarna, instead I went stihl. I wish I went with the husqvarna – from day one it has been hard to start. After its firsts check over at the dealer I mentioned it but they couldn't fault it. Still hard to start 3 out of 4 times ( I only use it 3-4 times a year.) At its first service I mentioned it again.. they still couldn't fault it as apparently it worked fine for them. Last year I had enough and took it to… Read more
them to sort out the starting issue.. Got told I needed a new carby! It has hardly been used, still under warranty but I had to pay $150 for a new carby! I told them not to worry about it and took it home again. This week I needed it again, I finally started, did some cutting for about 15 minutes before it started to feel like it was seezing up.. the revs dropped and it cut out. It would not idle any more and had to keep the throttle open. It made a hell of a noise too so its basically f#$%ed! I am a mechanic and I treat my tools very well but I will never buy another stihl ever again. I run husqvrna chain saws and never ever gave me any drama, even the cheap brush cutters from bunnings never had any issue.. Its good for the scrap now! I'm buying a husqvarna again.
Couldn’t be happier – After conducting a lot of research including reading all the reviews on several trimmers on this site, I was surprised reading all the negative comments regarding the Stihl FS55R-CE trimmer and was leaning towards the Honda 4-stroke. Upon visiting my local dealer (who sells both Stihl & Honda) they assured me most of the problems are reported are… Read more
from user error and that the Stihl trimmers are still a great product.
I have sound mechanical knowledge (not that its required to own a whipper sniper) so I thought I’d give the Stihl a try, several months in I have no complaints or issues with starting this machine.
For those reading other reviews who might be put off buying one here is what I do and I have not had any issues starting the unit even after sitting for over a month during Melbourne winter.
1) Use 91 octane fuel from reputable supplier - I filled a 5L plastic jerry can with Shell 91 the day I got it and still using it 6 months on, unit runs fine. Do hot use higher octane fuels in small 2-stroke garden tools, it causes them to run hotter. Also avoid fuels with high ethanol content, they don’t like it!
2) Use good quality 2-stroke oil - I run Stihl HP Ultra oil at 50:1, apparently using this oil extends your warranty. It’s a bit dearer but does last a long time and seems to work well.
3) Good practice to always fill up the tank after use, so its ready for the next time. I did experience a little bit of bogging down only when edging when it was new, always keeping the fuel tank near full seems to have fixed that.
4) Remember to shake the jerry can each time you fuel up, premix can seperate over time, give the can a good shake before fueling.
STARTING
Ignition on, press primer bulb half dozen times, full choke, place trigger in locked starting position, pull cord till engine sounds like it nearly fires, drop choke, pull again and starts up easily only taking a few pulls even after sitting for a while.
If this doesn’t work for you after several pulls, click throttle trigger off start lock position. Pull the cord and as the cord is nearly all the way out (when you are pulling it) go full throttle and it’ll fire to life.
Just remember its a 2-stroke, it needs to be worked hard don’t be afraid to use full throttle when trimming, also a good hard rev for a second or two before finishing for the day ensures the spark plug and exhaust are cleared out, making starting next time that much easier.
Positive reviews
Excellent and capable machine – Well made machine. Always starts and runs well. Powerful too. I always ensure fuel is mixed correctly and maintenance done regularly. Like any machine neglect causes issues. I have just overhauled carb after 3 years use because revs rose and fell when idling, always a sign of weakening diaphragms etc...now runs perfect again. I use it commercially… Read more
and always clean it etc after use. I have used stihls for over 30 years and found them reliable and parts easy to get.
Loved this machine – I bought it about twenty years ago and loved it until about three weeks ago, when the starter assembly disassembled itself, and can't get a replacement. Only ever changed the spark plug twice, and the spark arrestor once in all that time. I doubt whether the newer ones work anywhere as good. R.I.P old friend. Show details
Awesome machine, light and plenty of power – Picked up one of these last night and it's blown me away how awesome this is. Had a Honda UMK 425 and still Have a 435, they're good machines but too heavy and sluggish. The Stihl is half the weight, starts first pull and makes edging really easy, Auto feed Spool head is a god send, has plenty of power for light clearing work. Yes it vibrates but anything with a high revving two-stroke engine will. Show details
Negative reviews
Rubbish – Rubbish Trigger replaced 3 times Auto head always a problem I thought for the price it would be a reliable solid machine stay away from this product Show details
Piece of crap – I've had mine for 12 months and have used it 6 times. On 3 occasions I have taken it back to mitre 10 and told them that it runs but as soon as I cut with it, the motor bogs out and the head will stop spinning. 1st time they said I must of used dirty fuel, 2nd time I must of not mixed the fuel and oil right . So I bought a tin of stihl fuel and I… Read more
continue to have the same problems. Can't be my fault or dirty fuel now. I thought that by spending decent money i would get a decent product. It's the worst machine I've ever used.
Was good for about 2 years – Initially very good for cutting sloped land that the ride on couldn’t get to and the handlebars were great. However after a few years started stalling , became hard to start , would lose power while cutting , and would stop while cutting. Had to service 2x for the same problem have cleaned carburetors , changed spark plugs fixed diaphragm but the same problem happens 1-2 months later. Find to throw it out ! Show details
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Recent reviews
Avoid at all cost! – Hard starting from day 1. Now it takes longer to get it running than I actually use it. Pick a product that actually runs when you need it. Show details
Chinese overpriced garbage – I have a large property, overall happy with the performance and auto head hence the reason I bought the 4th one in 5 years. It seems the quality is getting worse. I used to get atleast 12 months before I had to change a carby or perished fuel lines 6 months on the new one, carby crap the bed 3 months later fuel lines cracked and sucking in air.… Read more
Absolute garbage and should be $250 cheaper. I'm a mechanic but when I spend $400 on a brushcutter I expect it to last for longer than 12 months and start every time I pull it out the shed. Stay away from these crapboxes I'm going echo.
Very average,way too expensive for what it is – I thought I was buying a top quality machine,how disappointing this machine is. Fresh fuel 50:1 Stihl HP ultra starts easy however does not rev smoothly at all,when turned upside down to do edges it just bogs down and splutters(may need to be tuned properly?) It feels like something is out of balance and the vibration coming from the head is not… Read more
normal I've never had any issues with any outdoor power equipment (I have echo, Husqvarna,and other Stihl products) and they don't feel like this at all. I should have researched a bit more and read the reviews before buying this, definitely not worth $399 will be taking it back to the dealer for a refund
Eventually owned a usable machine after $259 spent on servicing – I purchased a Stihl FS55 on 20 December 2019 and have been trying to get some use out of it ever since. I could not control speed/power as it would 'die' while trying to set the throttle for steady operation. Full throttle would hold speed but noise and vibration levels were untenable. I complained to Marriot's service dept who serviced the unit… Read more
and blamed 'dirty fuel' for the problem - I have 4 other 2-stroke devices including a Stihl chainsaw, all operate perfectly! I have since had the unit serviced at 2 other places. The last finally identified a faulty HV coil as the problem and replaced it with a new one. The unit now works well, so I have spent over 2 years trying to use a unit that was faulty from the outset and spent $259 on servicing before I actually got what I paid for - a usable machine. I am very disappointed with Marriots for trying to fob me off in the first place.
Unusable after winterstop(s) – Unable to get any power or higher refs after a prolonged winterstop (already for second time). Brought the 6 month old FS55 in for repair; apparently some gaskets and small articles in the carburator have been replaced: costs CHF 110 (approx $ 110USD). We use the expensive STIHL monomix fuel and use it 4 times in the summer for 2-3 hours. We make… Read more
sure that before every winter period the FS55 is clean, all fuel is removed and it is stored in a warm dry place. This year again the same problem. In conclusion: when every year an expensive repair is required the product is absolutely not usable for the intended use.
Good and bad – I've had this trimmer for about 6 months and use it for maintaining 2 properties. I find this trimmer is more suitable for slashing rough areas and not so good for the lawn edging. On the plus side it starts easily enough (choke, prime, couple of pulls), it has plenty of power and the auto line feed is great. On the negative side it has quite a… Read more
large head that restricts access when trimming tricky spots (internal corners, behind posts, compost bins etc). What really let's it down is a bad shudder/vibration at low and medium revs. I've had it back to the dealer to check the shudder and their verdict was that it's normal and they all shudder. In summary, if you are running Fs55 flat out all the time it's very good, but where you want more control and not rip everything to shreds it's not good. In fact I still use a 20yo Ryobi to do the trickier stuff or border edging at lower revs.
Just smashed it to bits!!!! – Property size 1/4 acre, owned it for over 5 years, never was happy with it but everything else is stihl in the shed. From day one it was temperamental, easy to start, but some days would be able to do 1/2 the yard other days, barely got 10% completed. Problem was when under throttle, it would die. I would have to restart and press the primer to… Read more
keep it going. I have had the diaphragm replaced twice, tuned multiple times by various outlets, but always the same when under load.....frustrating!!!! Off to spend some serious coin on Shindaiwa.
Unbelievable Horrible! – I excitedly bought this German-brand STIHL but ended up total disappointment. I should have read the reviews by James and Tim. What they said just happened to me exactly! It was shockingly loud, vibrating, sudden weakening & STOP. There is no such thing as easy start. I thought I was a newbie but I watch all the video about starting this XXX. I will give no star if I can. NOW I just hope that the mower shop will give me a refund Show details
The worst! Do not buy – Purchased brand new after my old trusty Echo whisper snipper finally died. Trusting the STIHL name I assumed it would be okay, I was amazed at how terrible it was, hard to start, intense vibration through the handle, insanely loud, terrible rev control, it’s either stalling or maxed out revving. Also un- ergonomic to handle and neatly trim the… Read more
grass. Took back to dealer to see if there was something wrong with it but I was told it’s fine and everything I was experiencing was normal. Have since sold it, never buying STIHL again. Have bought another Echo which is 100% better.
Find out how Stihl FS 55 C-E / FS 55 RC-E compares to other Petrol Whipper Snippers
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FS 55 RC stands for – FS55RC stands for Frigging [Word Removed] x55 Ridiculous Crap. The auto head is a waste of time having to pull it apart every time to put in line and the line just keeps feeding out and out. Show details
Rubbish – Complete rubbish it has cost me more in fuel returning it to the mower shop so many times. Wont start, line wont feed, backfires all the time and stops. Apparently this is normal. Do not waste your money on this. Show details
The stihl FS 55 R-CE .is the best over grown side of a hill and it has not let me down at all . it goes hard – It is really easy to start up . it does met my need and more . I'm really satisfied with my line system . yes it is really easy to replace the line . and it doesn't matter how big and little the line system is really easy to work well . and what you need for . Show details
Stihl is no longer the quality it used to be – My FS 55 has been a pig from the get-go. It's hard to start, it cuts out, takes forever to warm up, it vibrates and the bump-stop is pathetic. I tried to take it back (under warranty) and they would only do so if I paid for the $88 service fee. I've used it about 5 to 10 times and I'm now moving on to a different brand as I can't be bothered and I may as well put the $88 towards a decent line trimmer. Show details
Brilliant quality product – Very easy to start up (read manual)People that have issues I think is user error. Very powerful and easy to use, not too heavy and it's a 2 stroke so it's gonna make some noise but I love it. Modulates throttle well and auto feed cord is a god sent! Worth every cent highly recommend this to anyone. Show details
problem with the product is the users – Great machine punches above its weight never let me down in 12 years only serviced 3 times always starts and capable of clearing heavy weed .also bought brush blade for heavy thistle Show details
I like Stihl, but this is a dud – I have a Stihl chainsaw which is indestructible, the whipper snipper on the other hand has been dreadful. Always hard to start, i clean or replace the carbie to no avail and it now needs a new carburetor after about 20 hours of use. Show details
Very difficult to start – This product is good if it starts. Very difficult to start even in warm weather. I am not at all satisfied with this product. Think twice before you buy. It is two stroke engine. Show details
Upgrade made the grade – This product has developed nicely in the 12 years since I’ve been running Stihl brush cutters from H&G. The base model with the bent shaft was excellent with basic maintenance, infrequently. I replaced that with this model recently. The straight shaft is easier to use. It costs a little more than bent shaft model because of the components… Read more
required, (design related). Straight shaft benefit is in getting the angle to use as an edge trimmer. Flip it over and the angle is right. A bent shaft needs to be held at an awkward angle for edge trimming duty. The auto-feed line function has improved as well (both systems work well).
Great machines! – I'm not sure why so many negatives about this snipper. I am a commercial operator and I give these machines an absolute caning, with little or no servicing and I have two of these. Cuts well, I use only still 2.4mm line without any issues. Do take a little bit to start sometimes, harder if have been heated by use often, but nothing major. Does… Read more
struggled well with initial throttling after starting, but keeps going after persistence. Auto line feed is a godsend for me as a commercial operator and it works well most of time, besides when it gets a little tangled. Never want to go back to the dreaded bump feed heads....paid $350.00 each for my two fs55's and worth every cent for the money they've earnt me in my business....
Great machine – I have only used this machine for a short time, but it has performed perfectly, would suit any average size garden easily. Wasn't sure about the auto cut head at fist, because of the depth of the head to get the sharp cut in the 90' corners but the guys at Squirres burnside (great service thanks) said to give it a go, still find it a bit… Read more
tricky,will get use to . The unit starts with no fuss, reloaded the line on the auto feed easily and cut thru some tough grass on the oldmans neighbors nature strip with ease, auto feed head worked fine and used minimal amount of line as to how hard I was going against the gutter edge. Would recommend the unit anytime, just the auto feed head if you are using on a fine line could be tricky, or maybe just the operator using it,
ok for the first 3 years but no good for long term heavy duty work – Was ok for the early years that i had it but damaged the conrod after 3.5 years not the right machine for a big yard of nearly 2 acres. Dealer service has always been top quality. Have replaced it with an 85 so far so good a lot better for heavy duty work Show details
Disappointed, great for 2 years then useless & unfixable – Easy to start, Easy to use. Line system works fine. Quite easy & quick to replace line. Cuts well unless grass tall & wet. I clean & replace everything on my trimmers every year. I filter my fuel through a fine mesh filter when filling & empty the fuel out when storing it. After one and a half years of use only during spring/summer it wouldn't… Read more
rev out & revved erratically up & down on full throttle.
SEE NOTE BELOW!!!
I had it fully serviced, replacing lines, air filter, fuel filter, spark plug & carburettor.
It runs ok sometimes the rest of the time it is unuseable.
Have tried everything to get it working properly to no avail.
Really disappointed I thought forking out the money would get a good reliable unit that would last me for years but my cheap Ryobi which was half the size & price outlasted it by 14 years.
I would never buy stihl again.
***PLEASE NOTE AFTER YOU-TUBING HEAPS OF SITES I FOUND A SITE TALKING ABOUT THE SPARK ARRESTOR ON THE MUFFLER. I TOOK THIS OUT CLEANED IT THOROUGHLY & BANG OFF IT WENT . I THEN CAREFULLY FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS TO TUNE THE CARBY & IT IS NOW RUNNING BEAUTIFULLY AGAIN!****
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Machine failed again due to HV coil after a further 2.5 years, so one could conclude Stihl has an… Read more