ECHO PAS-2620 vs. STIHL KM 94 R – Which Powerhead is Better?

Hey guys, it's Craig Clink at Yards. Thank you for tuning in to another video on the ECHO Means Business platform. If you’re checking us out on YouTube, make sure you hit the subscribe button. If you’re checking this out on the ECHO Means Business app, thank you for downloading it—and if you haven’t yet, jump into your app store and download it for free. Today we’re looking at the ECHO PAS-2620 and the Stihl KM94R. More importantly, we’re going to see how they compare when using a landscaper’s three most important attachments: the edger, the hedge trimmer, and of course, the trimmer attachment. Both of these units were purchased before I became a member of the ECHO Means Business User Advisory Group. I have not been paid to promote or sell ECHO products. As you can see, these units have seen plenty of action. I spend a lot of time on my trigger. My dad, who’s my partner, generally prefers to be seated on a zero-turn. I guess when we’re 75, we’ll probably prefer that too.

Let’s look at some basic power head specs. Starting with the Stihl KM94R—it’s seen a lot of action. My trimmers do. It has a 24.1cc engine, weighs 8.8 pounds, has a gas tank that holds 18.3 ounces, and sells for around $339. The big benefit? That 8.8 pounds. When you spend 4 to 6 hours a day on a trimmer, that lightweight design is awesome—very well balanced. The PAS-2620 has also seen a lot of action. It’s got a 25.4cc engine, weighs 9.9 pounds, has a 20.6-ounce gas tank, and sells for around $319. The benefits? A little stronger engine and over two extra ounces of fuel capacity. When you’re trimming for hours, that little bit adds up.

Let’s talk coupling systems. The Stihl uses what they call the “Quick Release” coupling. ECHO uses the “Quick Change Coupler.” Functionally, they’re just different coupling systems. I’ll show you both. With the Stihl, you unscrew, slide it out, slide the next attachment in, tighten—done. With the ECHO, you pull the button, slide the head in, lock the button, and tighten. So yes, the Stihl is a bit faster every single time. But the ECHO gives you more security. You don’t have to worry about attachments slipping down and losing power—it locks tight and stays there. So: Stihl’s faster, ECHO’s more secure.

When it comes to the hedge trimmers, the Stihl is about four inches longer overall, but the spacing on the ECHO teeth feels much larger. I feel like I can handle thicker limbs with the ECHO hedge trimmer. I really like that. Length isn’t a huge deal—I’m 6’3”—but the wider teeth mean I can move a lot faster with the ECHO.

As for the trimmer attachments, weight-wise these two are almost identical. I don’t trim with a headguard. My dad prefers the Edgit Pro on his unit, but I like to see everything that’s going on around the trimmer head. The major difference is simple: the ECHO trimmer head comes with the SpeedFeed 400. There isn’t a better trimmer head out there. The trimmer head that came on the Stihl was removed immediately and replaced with the AutoCut C26-2—the Stihl equivalent of the SpeedFeed. Bottom line: with the PAS-2620 trimmer attachment, you don’t have to purchase anything extra—you're ready to go.

Now to the curved shaft edger. The ECHO attachment is about a half-pound heavier, but I don’t feel it. What I love is the large wheel. It’s much larger than the Stihl’s wheel. It might feel cumbersome around tight corners, but for HOA pathways, around ponds, or housing areas, it’s nice to lay that wheel down and let the edger do the work.

Both of these are strong, versatile units. I’ve used and enjoyed both the Stihl KM94R and the ECHO PAS-2620. I like the Stihl because of its lightweight feel and easier coupling system, but I carry the ECHO PAS-2620s on my trailer because of the huge advantages each attachment gives me. I liked my 2620 so much I bought another—and more attachments. I can’t wait to use the pruner, and I’ve been having a whole lot of fun with this Pro Paddle. You guys have a great one—thanks for watching! Careful with the profile.