Updated 3 Oct 2017
Stihl
FS 38
Snapshot: The Stihl FS 38 petrol line trimmer has 2 cutting lines and weighs 4.6kg. But how effective and easy to use is it?
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Test results
Overall score
Cutting & trimming
Ease of use
Good points
- Excellent vertical cutting.
- Excellent horizontal cutting.
- Very good long-grass cutting.
- OK to use.
- Excellent line feed.
- OK to re-spool.
- Excellently balance.
- Lightweight.
But
- Somewhat difficult to start.
- No edging guide.
- Some vibration.
- Noisy enough to need ear protection.
How we test
Overall score comprises performance (50%) and ease of use (50%).
Performance is based on horizontal and vertical trimming and long-grass cutting.
Ease of use is assessed on handle comfort, shaft length, weight, balance, cutting visibility, controls, vibration, starting, line-feed effectiveness and ease of re-spooling.
Price is from a September 2017 survey.
Our recommendation
We recommend petrol trimmers scoring above 85% overall. While the performance and ease-of-use of the best petrol trimmers in our tests has hovered at or above this level for a few years, battery-electric models continue to improve year on year.
We raised the bar for the performance of battery-powered trimmers to 80% after a batch of 7 cordless models returned impressive performance in our 2017 test.
Key data
Model
Avg price
Specifications
Depth range (cm)
Motor location
Shaft type
Motor type
Noise (dBA)
Weight (kg)
Depth positions
Telescopic handle
Length (cm)
Cutting diameter (cm)
Line-feed method
Run time (mins)
Charge time (mins)
Voltage (V)
Battery size tested (Ah)
More Info
Battery cost ($)
Availability
Notes
Features
Cutting lines
Clutch
Edging guide
Shoulder harness
Member reviews
"FS-38 Stihl pt4"
04 Sep 2017, Gavin S.
Product use: 6 months or more
Pros:
Seems well made, Starts well, reliable brand.
Cons:
See my ealier comments on the Stihl FS-38, (similar to the FS-45 and the Husky 122C)
I tried the trick of removing the lanyard and penny washer from the fuel filler cap. Seemed to improve the running slightly when the cutting vertical edges, the motor still tended to die when upside down but would recover more quickly when shaken or rotated so the curtting disc is horizontal.
Still, the fuel system should be better than this.
Recommend it?
No, this product has too many drawbacks.
"FS-38 Stihl pt3"
20 Aug 2017, Gavin S.
Product use: 3 - 6 months
Pros:
N/A
Cons:
See this site for the Australasian experience.
https://www.productreview.com.au/p/stihl-fs-38.html
Recommend it?
No, this product has too many drawbacks.
"FS-38 Stihl pt2"
18 Aug 2017, Gavin S.
Product use: 3 - 6 months
Pros:
starts easily, seems to be of good quality, but...
Cons:
See earlier comment on fuel feed issues:
On my Stihl I have removed the fuel filler cap lanyard and big plastic penny washer that retains the lanyard in the tank in an effort to eliminate the possibility that the penny washer is preventing the fuel pick up filter from following the fuel at various positions of operation. I will let you know how that goes.
Recommend it?
No, this product has too many drawbacks.
"FS-38 Stihl"
18 Aug 2017, Gavin S.
Product use: 3 - 6 months
Pros:
Seems quite well made. Quality brand but...
Cons:
I like to use these power tools for vertical edging of paths, driveways, garden beds etc. My two previous McCullochs worked well for this mode and their fuel tank positions meant that the engine could run well in many different positions.
I was surprised when my new Stihl FS-38 lost power and began to die until I rotated the tool so that the fuel tank was again on the right side of the motor and the cutting disk was horizontal, then the engine picked up speed again.
Seems to be a common complaint for these Stihl Line trimmers on overseas forums. The fuel tank and pick-up design lets it down.
Recommend it?
No, this product has too many drawbacks.
