Which brush cutter would you keep??? Stihl FS 80AV or FS 76???

Arborist Forum

Help Support Arborist Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

Colty Bolty

ArboristSite Lurker
Joined
Sep 15, 2019
Messages
8
Reaction score
1
Location
in the woods
Hello. Looking for your opinions. I have both an older FS 80av and a FS 76. I got them both working well it seems. My question is which one do I keep and which one do I sell. I want to keep one to put carbide blade on and cut through brush at the cabin. Most of the brush is 1"-2" thick. Both have handlebars ... All comments are appreciated.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20200610_225350410~2.jpg
    3.1 MB · Views: 12
  • IMG_20200610_225455593.jpg
    4.3 MB · Views: 13
  • IMG_20200610_225356280.jpg
    4.1 MB · Views: 13
I’ve never used either of those models, but the FS76 looks to be from the same “era lineup” as the FS72 trimmer we bought new in 1992. The FS72 has been running the same fuel lines and carb diaphragms that whole time, with about a zillion hours on it. Only this year did it show signs of needing a carb kit.

We did munch one lower gearbox (found a used take-off replacement) and I had the muffler off once—once!—for
cleaning and it wasn’t bad.

It has run a variety of two-stroke oils mixed at 32:1 throughout its life, and been used pretty hard. It has been a very reliable tool. I expect it will continue to be with a carb kit and new fuel lines this year.

I would talk with a Stihl dealer about parts availability before you make a decision . Also, why not keep both? You might need a backup if one is down for repairs. Or you might have a buddy help out sometime and a second machine could be useful.
 
I own the 86, which I believe is a big brother to the 80. I personally like the all metal construction, very solid and rebuildable but that’s just me. No primer bulb no problem.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I own the 86, which I believe is a big brother to the 80. I personally like the all metal construction, very solid and rebuildable but that’s just me. No primer bulb no problem.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The only issue with my 80 is parts availability... Not sure if that could become an issue. My 80 has a primer bulb and a wired valve on the bottom. Have to press the button for it to prime.. not sure what that's all about. I do love the old school look and the metal construction
 
Back
Top