If you’re looking for the best gas string trimmer for personal or commercial use, then read on for my Stihl FS 56 RC-E vs Honda HHT25SLTAT comparison.
Deciding between Honda vs Stihl gas string trimmers can be difficult when they’re similar. However, a side-by-side comparison of features can help you decide which trimmer is best for you.
Which Is Best Honda Trimmer Vs Stihl
If you’re looking for the best string trimmer, the Stihl FS 56 RC-E trimmer is the best bet. Both have powerful gas engines, but the Stihl model has the easiest start and has a strap to help overcome fatigue during usage.
While both have powerful engines, only the Stihl comes with the promise of zero or low-exhaust emissions. However, Hondas have a history of longevity, which may also sway your decision.
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Stihl FS 56 RC-E Vs Honda HHT25SLTAT Model Comparison
A comparison of these two models shows a number of differences that can help you make a decision.
Stihl’s FS 56 RC-E trimmer is durable and easy to assemble. Offering 1.07bhp from its 2-cycle engine. Its Easy2Start™ technology makes it easy for anyone to use. It’s also lightweight and has a smooth, anti-vibration system and shoulder strap that helps to reduce fatigue during use.
The FS 56 is always ready to use because the momentary stop switch returns to the start position between uses.
The engine runs clean and smooth with lots of power while remaining comfortable. A reasonably sized fuel tank capable of carrying 11.5fl.oz.
The Honda HHT25SLTAT is comfortable to use with low vibration. It uses an Ultra Quiet line to limit noise and is even quieter than previous Honda trimmer models. With its 1.0 bhp 4-cycle engine it will take straight unleaded fuel, with no need to do any oil mixing.
The engine is easy to start after just four or five primes. Despite having a smaller engine than the Stihl, the Honda trimmer head is capable of 10,000 RPM compared to Stihl’s 8,500 RPM. It also has a much larger fuel tank capable of carrying 16.64fl.oz.
STIHL FS 56 RC-E
- Power Type: 2-cycle gas engine
- Engine Size: 27.2 cc
- Engine Power: 1.07 bhp
- Fuel Capacity: 11.5 fluid oz.
- Cutting Width: 16.5 inches
- Line Feed: Bump
- Weight: 10.6 lbs.
- Noise Pressure: 83-104 dB
- Warranty: 2-year
- Price Range: $199- $239
Toro Titan 60
- Power Type: 4-cycle gas engine
- Engine Size: 25 cc
- Engine Power: 1.0 hp
- Fuel Capacity: 16.64 fluid oz.
- Cutting Width: 17 inches
- Line Feed: Bump
- Weight: 13 lbs.
- Noise Pressure: n/a
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Price Range: $329-$359
Honda Vs Stihl Engine
Stihl has a higher engine capacity at 27.2 ccs than Honda’s 25 cc engine. However, Honda’s trimmer head can reach higher RPM.
STIHL FS 56 RC-E Speed Settings
You can control the engine speed on the Stihl with the throttle trigger. There is also a screw that you can turn to adust the idle speed if the engine isn’t running smoothly.
Honda HHT25SLTAT Speed Settings
Like the Stihl, the Honda uses a throttle trigger to control the engine speed.
STIHL FS 56 RC-E Trimmer Head RPM
The trimmer head can reach 1.1 hp (0.8 kW) at 8500 RPMs. At this speed, it’s slightly less powerful than the Honda.
Honda HHT25SLTAT Trimmer Head RPM
The trimmer head can reach 1.0 hp (0.75 kW) at 10,000 RPMs, which gives it more power than the Stihl. However, it vibrates a lot at the highest rpm level.
Build Quality
Both Stihl and Honda are trusted brands for power tools.
Stihl FS 56 RC-E
Stihl has been one of the most trusted brands for power tools for nearly a hundred years. Stihl’s build quality is top-notch. I rank it highest for power. I also give it high ratings for quality and dependability.
Honda HTT25SLTAT
Honda trimmers are reliable and easy to start. I rank it high for longevity, quality, and running quietly. However, I’ve had more difficulty getting the bump head to advance line on the Honda than the Stihl.
Key Features and Benefits
Comparing Stihl’s and Honda’s key features and benefits can give you a good idea of which one might suit your needs most.
Stihl FS 56 RC-E
- High-performance, fuel-efficient engine
- AutoCut® cutting head
- Easy2Start™ technology reduces starting pulls and starting strength effort
- Front handle adjusts 360°
- Upright, translucent fuel tank is easy to check and fill
- Enclosed control cables eliminate dangling wires
- Shoulder strap carrying system helps distribute the trimmer’s weight
- Lined drive shaft provides less vibration
- Made in the USA with domestic and foreign parts
- Contains the “Caring for Nature” seal for zero or low-exhaust emissions
Honda HTT25SLTAT
- Easy-start engine
- 4-stroke engine uses half the amount of fuel as a 2-stroke engine
- Ultra Quiet line makes this model 2.1 decibels lower than the previous model
- Comfortable loop handle provides balance and increased maneuverability
- Handle design reduces vibration, and the flex shaft improves shock absorption
- Works well at low-end, partial throttle torque
- The shaft comes with a lifetime warranty
- Easy to store since it has an inclinable engine
- Made in the USA
Who Makes the Most Reliable Weed Eater?
Honda weed eaters often last longer than Stihl weed eaters. However, both have finicky line feeds.
Stihl FS 56 RC-E
Stihl is a reliable brand for weekly weeding eating jobs. However, if you use it daily, it can be more difficult to keep it running at peak performance.
I’ve found the trimmer line feed to be a little finicky. However, bumping the trimmer head when the motor RPMs rise and rewinding the line as snuggly as possible help.
Honda HTT25SLTAT
Owning a Honda weed eater for 10+ years is not uncommon, and the HTT25SLTAT model promises the same reliability. It’s easy to start every time and continues to work well over time.
The biggest problem I’ve had with this model relates to trimmer line feed aggravation. Following the line feed instructions in the user manual doesn’t necessarily yield satisfactory results.
Warranty
Both the Honda and Stihl trimmers have a 2-year warranty.
How Long Do Honda Gas Trimmers Last?
Honda gas trimmers have a 2-year limited warranty. However, the shaft has a lifetime warranty.
Some owners of Honda the HTT25SLTAT trimmer model report having owned it for 10+ years, while others reported idling problems after a year of use.
How Long Do Stihl Gas Trimmers Last?
Stihl offers only a 3-month warranty if you rent out your Stihl trimmer and a 2-year warranty if you use your Sthil trimmer for commercial groundwork.
You can expect your Stihl gas trimmer to last at least two years with regular use. However, some owners who use it rigorously daily have reported only getting one year of use from it.
Customer Support
Neither Honda nor Stihl have highly rated customer support services.
Is Honda Customer Support Good?
Honda provides a phone number and email address for customer support. However, Honda does not rate well for customer support. They’re not generally easy to reach, product knowledge is low, and contacting them does not always result in issue resolution.
Is Stihl Customer Support Good?
Stihl provides an online contact form and customer service phone number for customer support. However, many customers have reported not hearing back from customer service requests for days or even months.
Verdict: Honda vs Stihl Gas String Trimmer
In a comparison of Honda trimmers vs Stihl, Stihl is my top choice.
Stihl’s FS 56 RC-E trimmer is durable and easy to assemble. Offering 1.07bhp from its 2-cycle engine. Its Easy2Start™ technology makes it easy for anyone to use. It’s also lightweight and has a smooth, anti-vibration system and shoulder strap that helps to reduce fatigue during use.
The FS 56 is always ready to use because the momentary stop switch returns to the start position between uses.
The engine runs clean and smooth with lots of power while remaining comfortable. A reasonably sized fuel tank capable of carrying 11.5fl.oz.
