Chainsaw Repair

Husqvarna - Stihl - Poulan - Jonsered - Dolmar chainsaws and more => Chainsaws not listed - Gas OPE => Topic started by: 660magnum on August 28, 2015, 10:00:57 am

Title: Stihl authorized Chinese made FS38 from dealer
Post by: 660magnum on August 28, 2015, 10:00:57 am
I recently came across a Newer Stihl  FS38 curved shaft weed whacker. It says made in China.

Close part for part comparison with a older Stihl USA FS45 powerhead, there just isn't any difference.
Title: Re: Stihl authorized Chinese made FS38 from dealer
Post by: RoyM on August 28, 2015, 12:06:52 pm
Doesn't surprise me. The only difference I could see between the FS38 and FS45 were the line heads.
Title: Re: Stihl authorized Chinese made FS38 from dealer
Post by: Old Iron Logging on August 28, 2015, 05:44:17 pm
FS 38 has been our main entry level trimmer since 2000. We sell 250-300 per year. FS45 was an upscale model with slightly more power on paper. We have had the Chinese version for 2 years. Seems to be a greater number of issues with them than the U.S made 38's. Had a small run of them 5-6 years ago.

My favourite curved shaft is the FS50 long shaft.
Title: Re: Stihl authorized Chinese made FS38 from dealer
Post by: pete on August 29, 2015, 07:35:57 am
I have the fs38  It's a pita to start and once started needs the choke on a small amount to keep running this thing has less than 25 hours run time today couldn't start it at all, I have a powerhead from an older 38 think I will switch out the carbs I was given the powerhead when the old fellow that owned it couldnt reassemble the pull start and it was cheaper to buy a new one than pay for the dealer to fix it.
Title: Re: Stihl authorized Chinese made FS38 from dealer
Post by: Old Iron Logging on August 29, 2015, 12:05:39 pm
The 38 is one of the easier trimmers to start. Switch on, lock throttle, set choke, 3 pulls on the cord, push choke to open, two more pulls away it goes.

You may be thinking of a 36 as the recoil assembly on a 38 is no different than a saw starter unless it is Easy2Start version. Still not complicated.
Title: Re: Stihl authorized Chinese made FS38 from dealer
Post by: 660magnum on August 29, 2015, 01:06:29 pm
The 36 power head is made by Ryobi
Title: Re: Stihl authorized Chinese made FS38 from dealer
Post by: RoyM on August 30, 2015, 10:50:09 pm
Ryobi was Chinese built MTD until 2005 when it was taken over by Homelite. Those FS36's were horrible, I hated selling them. The FS38 is a very decent trimmer for less than $200.