Who needs a high torque string trimmer? Better question, who doesn’t need one? When Spring is in the air, new grass growth will most certainly accompany the weather.
As a homeowner, you could call a professional landscaper and pay big bucks, or you could remove the growth yourself with an Echo SRM2620T. Maybe you're a lawn care business owner and looking for the best weedeater for your business? Either way, before you purchase this model, it is important to understand the basics in this Echo SRM2620T review.
Founded over 40-years ago Echo Incorporated continues to be a global leader in the manufacturing and development of professional, hand-held outdoor equipment for homeowner and commercial use. The Echo SRM2620T is an innovative combination of high torque, high horsepower, and low weight, not found in most other string trimmers. Keep reading to learn more about this powerful tool!
Echo SRM2620T Comparison
| Specs | Echo SRM2620T | Husqvarna 525LS | Stihl FS91R |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 25.4cc | 25.4cc | 28.4 cc |
| Gear Ratio | 2:1 | 1.46:1 | 1.33:1 |
| Cutting Swath | 17″ | 17″ | 16.5″ |
| Weight | 12.5 lbs. | 10.36 lbs | 12.1 lbs. |
| Fuel Capacity | 20.6 fl. oz. | 17.25 fl oz | 24.0 oz. |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years | 2 Years |
| Full Review | You're here | Full Review | Full Review |
Note: If you're in the market for a commercial weedeater check out our article that compares the best string trimmers in the industry here.
Compared to the competition, the 2620T leads in some areas but falls short in others. First, the 25.4cc engine is consistent with the Husqvarna 525LS but less than the Stihl FS91R. The 2:1 gear ratio is the shining star of this model, especially compared to 1.46:1 on the 525LS and 1.33:1 on the FS91R. Also, the SRM2620T edges (pun intended) out the 525LS in horsepower with 1.35hp compared to 1.34hp and 1.27hp on the FS91R.
With a 20.6 FL.OZ. tank capacity, the 2620T falls between the 525LS at 17.25 and the FS91R at 24 FL. OZ. The cutting swaths are fairly similar with the 2620T and 525LS at 17-inches and the FS91R at 16.5-inches. From a cost perspective, the 2620T is the most expensive followed by the FS91R and 525LS.
Features
The ‘T’ found in the 2620T model number indicates a high torque unit. According to Echo, this model offers 21% greater torque than the competition to maximize performance. While performance continues to be a major focus on this model, Echo has also concentrated on easy start-ability for re-starts, which is especially critical in hot and dusty climates.
Previous models take two or three pulls to get fired up but the 2620T starts on the first pull, regardless of the weather conditions. The Bellows-type intake inhibits hot air from reaching the carburetor to deliver reliable and consistent starts.
Another major feature of this model is the 2:1 gear ratio (compared to a typical 1.62:1 ratio). This increase results in faster and more efficient cutting. Also due to the 2:1 ratio, the 2620T reduces the potential for slowing the head down. This model features a Speed-Feed 400 cutting head that can be reloaded without disassembly and is preloaded with a .095 Echo Black Diamond nylon line. Although the 2620T is not considered a brush-cutter, it can manage all grass and weeds in its path.
Specs
The published specs include:
- Carburetor with purge pump: rotary
- Cutting head: Speed-Feed 400
- Cutting swath: 17-inches
- Fuel capacity: 20.6 FL. OZ.
- Driveshaft: 4-layer cable
- Nylon line: .095 diameter Black Diamond
- Shaft length: 59-inches
- Shaft type: straight
- Weight: 12.6-pounds
Power
Featuring a 25.4 cc, 1.35 HP professional-grade two-stroke engine constructed from highly durable magnesium, the 2620T was able to reduce the weight without sacrificing power or build quality. This two-stroke engine also does not require valve adjustments. Much of the engine is surrounded by plastic that delivers accent touches while protecting the engine from environmental elements and keep users from burning themselves on the engine parts.
Durability
With some trimmer models, build quality is traded for weight loss and improved ergonomics. This is not the case with the 2620T as Echo has delivered a lightweight tool that is a well-built machine. With 80-ounces of fuel onboard, the 2620T is on the lighter side of trimmers in this class. Don’t let the light weight fool you, the aluminum head unit and shaft housing are very rigid and durable under normal operation.
The over-molded front and rear handgrips deliver a significantly more comfortable grip while still providing a high level of stability. This is critical since the handle holds the power switch, throttle trigger, and throttle lockout. Since string trimmers are a two-handed tool, both handles must be stable and comfortable. Like with most other string trimmers, the secondary rubber over-molded secondary handle attaches to the shaft and is comfortable during use.
Furthermore, the two-stage air filtration system increases the cleaning capability while allowing for longer maintenance intervals. Finally, the chrome cylinder plating helps minimize wear and tear, especially during harsh environmental or storage conditions.
Weight
At 12.5-pounds, the 2620T is on the lighter weight side of the industry standard but is still heavier than the Husqvarna 525LS at 10.14-pounds. The Stihl FS91R also weighs slightly less than the 2620T at 12.1-pounds.
Pros and Cons
Before purchasing the 2620T, it is important to consider the following pros and cons:
Pros
- Can access the air filter without disassembly.
- Ease of use.
- High capacity fuel tank.
- Lightweight.
- Well-balanced design, even with continuous use.
- 2:1 gear ratio for excellent efficiency.
Cons
- The physical power button is inconvenient because it is an actual switch.
- Slightly more expensive than other similar
Warranty
Echo offers a two-year commercial and five-year consumer warranty on all their models. In comparison, Stihl offers a two-year commercial and two-year consumer warranty. Husqvarna offers a one-year commercial and two-year consumer warranty. Therefore, Echo offers a consistent commercial warranty but an excellent consumer warranty.
Our Rating
| Performance: |  (4.5 / 5) |
| Weight: |  (4.3 / 5) |
| Durability: | (4.5 / 5) |
| Comfort: | (4.3 / 5) |
| Price: |  (4.0 / 5) |
| Overall: | (4.3 / 5) |
Price
The price of the Echo SRM2620T is $359.99.
Wrapping it up
In places where weeds and grass grow fast, it can be difficult to keep up with the growth, even when maintaining a schedule. Therefore, the requirement for having a high-torque trimmer like the Echo SRM2620T is high. While some downsides should be addressed in future models, the pros heavily outweigh the cons.
Also, while the price point is higher than most other similar trimmers, the extra horsepower, and 2:1 gear ratio is certainly a tradeoff for a few extra 10-spots. Most lawn care professionals and homeowners would recommend this fine piece of equipment.
What Do You Think?
Do you own an Echo SRM2620T? How is it so far? Let us know in the comments!
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Images are from Echo.
