I’ve been doing extreme string trimming for thirty years now. When it comes to true efficiency and cleanliness you’ve got to ditch the guard. I know Stihl recommends against it, voids warranty etc but it’s just better without. Super cool videos explaining these new models. I may scoop one up!!!
Yes the guard off is a lot faster. Noticeably less weight leveraged out on the end of the trimmer. Opportunity to run a much longer cutting swath when the grass is dry or thin. Also u dont have a guard getting in the way around obstacles or getting snagged on stuff. More debris and rocks come at you and ur clothes get dirtier but its worth it. Running the trimmer in heavy green vegetation bogs it down whether the guards on or off. Even if guard off is a bit harder on the trimmer its worth it to me.
@@erike7297 Agree on all fronts. I started out on Shindaiwa trimmers, no guard and back then there weren’t any of those sweet Stihl face shields (which I now use religiously). Many busted lips from rocks and mulch imprints in the forehead!! The guards never seem to protect the user much anyway, though they do seem to marginally deflect from shooting things away from you. Coincidentally the only window I ever broke while trimming was with guard on. Maybe Stihl will wise up and make a guard-less model.🤷♂️
@@cognomenunknown2144 Well said sir. You’re lucky(or just good) that you have only broken one window. I’ve weed whacked for hundreds of hours and broken 2 house windows and one truck window. One of the house windows was high end and it cost me almost a grand.
It can always be that way in life. I should’ve waited… My suspicion is you got some good work done with the 240 before the 251 even came out so you got a look at that as a win
I’m curious to know if this is just as good for regular trimming and not just heavy brush. I’m sure it can handle heavy vegetation and brush very well but how about regular trimming work. I know it’s heavier than a lot of regular trimmers but weight aside.
@@carlsmowerandsaw Do you have any decent recommendations for something that can handle heavier brush but also regular maintenance trimming that's commercial grade? I'm a two stoke fan if it comes down to it lol I like the bigger Stihl but I feel your right it may be way too much.
You can but it’s fairly expensive. Almost better to take a loss and buy a new. You’ll need handle, throttle control, throttle cable, handle clamp. Probably $200 plus $
So whats the solution for protective clothing when buying an MSA300 chainsaw operating at chain speeds of 30m p/second. Even class 3 safety clothing offers no protection against injuries at speeds of 30m per second but yet RUclips is full of users using expensive class 1 trousers, jackets and boots which offer no protection to users at speeds of 30 metres per second. What do you recommend as an authorised retailer re the above? John
I will look into that traditionally, the clearing saws are not a big market in our area. The material most of our purchasers are cutting is less than 1.5 inches in diameter clearing side generally is not necessary. But I’ll see if I can get one give you some good positive review and feedback.
I don’t believe the FS 311 is considered to be in the brushcutter (clearing saw) line. Stihl only lists the 362, 462, and 562 in that line. The 311 is a hybrid mashup between the 131 and 362. It uses the same engine as the 131, but adds the beefier shaft, gearbox, and trimmer head of the 362. 311 also has the massive vibration dampening and deluxe harness of the 362.
Which model of the installation kit would you need for the brush knife? I’m looking at the bike handle model but It looks like there’s two models of the blade kits.
@@carlsmowerandsaw yeah it is and im right handed ya see it's meant to be pointed towards the left so if ya get into somethin ya shouldnt have with it that bar will hit your leg preventin the machine from cuttin ya pointed towards the right it does nothing
I understand not wanting to run a new unit. But I was hoping for a start up and listen. Sorry for coming off like a jerk. I was making fun not hearing it, not you or the machine. Sorry. I have a weird sense of humor.@@carlsmowerandsaw
I’ve been doing extreme string trimming for thirty years now. When it comes to true efficiency and cleanliness you’ve got to ditch the guard. I know Stihl recommends against it, voids warranty etc but it’s just better without. Super cool videos explaining these new models. I may scoop one up!!!
Thanks for your input. What machine are you currently running? What line head do you use?
@@carlsmowerandsaw A Stihl FS91R. And yes it’s had issues 😂😂😂
Yes the guard off is a lot faster. Noticeably less weight leveraged out on the end of the trimmer. Opportunity to run a much longer cutting swath when the grass is dry or thin. Also u dont have a guard getting in the way around obstacles or getting snagged on stuff. More debris and rocks come at you and ur clothes get dirtier but its worth it. Running the trimmer in heavy green vegetation bogs it down whether the guards on or off. Even if guard off is a bit harder on the trimmer its worth it to me.
@@erike7297 Agree on all fronts. I started out on Shindaiwa trimmers, no guard and back then there weren’t any of those sweet Stihl face shields (which I now use religiously). Many busted lips from rocks and mulch imprints in the forehead!! The guards never seem to protect the user much anyway, though they do seem to marginally deflect from shooting things away from you. Coincidentally the only window I ever broke while trimming was with guard on. Maybe Stihl will wise up and make a guard-less model.🤷♂️
@@cognomenunknown2144 Well said sir. You’re lucky(or just good) that you have only broken one window. I’ve weed whacked for hundreds of hours and broken 2 house windows and one truck window. One of the house windows was high end and it cost me almost a grand.
Just bought a 240R near the end of last summer. Should I have waited for the 251?? So far absolutely love the 240.
It can always be that way in life. I should’ve waited… My suspicion is you got some good work done with the 240 before the 251 even came out so you got a look at that as a win
I’m curious to know if this is just as good for regular trimming and not just heavy brush. I’m sure it can handle heavy vegetation and brush very well but how about regular trimming work. I know it’s heavier than a lot of regular trimmers but weight aside.
It's good. But think of it as driving a big diesel 4x4 in NYC traffic. Might not be enjoyable
@@carlsmowerandsaw Do you have any decent recommendations for something that can handle heavier brush but also regular maintenance trimming that's commercial grade? I'm a two stoke fan if it comes down to it lol I like the bigger Stihl but I feel your right it may be way too much.
Can you tell me which line head is the best for the FS-251 for really heavy grass ?
I’d go with the DuroCut 20-2
@@carlsmowerandsaw thank you for your help !!!
@@carlsmowerandsaw One other question. When you buy a new FS-250 from stihl does it come with a harness or is that sold separately?
Please help with multi hour use. Can I convert my FS251R to bike handle? Where can I get the parts?
You can but it’s fairly expensive. Almost better to take a loss and buy a new.
You’ll need handle, throttle control, throttle cable, handle clamp. Probably $200 plus $
So whats the solution for protective clothing when buying an MSA300 chainsaw operating at chain speeds of 30m p/second. Even class 3 safety clothing offers no protection against injuries at speeds of 30m per second but yet RUclips is full of users using expensive class 1 trousers, jackets and boots which offer no protection to users at speeds of 30 metres per second. What do you recommend as an authorised retailer re the above?
John
That’s a challenge we are all facing and trying to mitigate. I would recommend the 9 layer chaps at this point in time.
can u do a video on the FS311 clearing saw?
I will look into that traditionally, the clearing saws are not a big market in our area. The material most of our purchasers are cutting is less than 1.5 inches in diameter clearing side generally is not necessary. But I’ll see if I can get one give you some good positive review and feedback.
I don’t believe the FS 311 is considered to be in the brushcutter (clearing saw) line. Stihl only lists the 362, 462, and 562 in that line.
The 311 is a hybrid mashup between the 131 and 362. It uses the same engine as the 131, but adds the beefier shaft, gearbox, and trimmer head of the 362. 311 also has the massive vibration dampening and deluxe harness of the 362.
Does it come with the adapter for a brush blade?
It should. But they have not been in the box. I have reached out to Stihl to confirm. If not it is a cheap add
Which model of the installation kit would you need for the brush knife? I’m looking at the bike handle model but It looks like there’s two models of the blade kits.
Are those available in California I hear they’re carb compliant
They sure should be
@@carlsmowerandsaw I hope so I want one to replace my new 240r that was stolen last year !
So what's better the 240r or 251r
The 251 has more power for sure and I am seeing it running about 10% lower in the head temp. Which should lead to longer life.
dude ya have the barrier bar on the wrong side
Is it? Are you left or right handed?
@@carlsmowerandsaw yeah it is and im right handed ya see it's meant to be pointed towards the left so if ya get into somethin ya shouldnt have with it that bar will hit your leg preventin the machine from cuttin ya pointed towards the right it does nothing
Blah blah blah. What is it and does it run? Is it another sorry 4 mix?
Straight up 2 stroke bro. It is currently about $50 less than the 240
I am seeing 10% cooler head temps too
Blah
I understand not wanting to run a new unit. But I was hoping for a start up and listen. Sorry for coming off like a jerk. I was making fun not hearing it, not you or the machine. Sorry. I have a weird sense of humor.@@carlsmowerandsaw
@@williamcarl4200 I do have a video where I run it now so you can hear it
Just found that out. Thanks.@@carlsmowerandsaw
Love your videos, man was thinking about buying a FS 240 would like to see more videos of the FS 251R in action