If you're looking for a weedwacker/brushcutter, I'd recommend you stay away from the consumer class gear (Stihl FS55 and below, Echo SRM210, Weedeater brand, etc). FWIW, here are my recommendations in no particular order:
- Stihl FS-80/85 or FS110
- Husq 322 or 326L
- Echo SRM-260S (the "S" model has the solid steel shaft. you'll need this if you ever want to attach a saw blade)
- Shindaiwa T260, T270 or T272
Any of these models will stand up to commercial use and will last the average homeowner a long, long time. In addition, most of these are blade-capable (except for the Stihl FS "Extreme" models...these have a lightweight flexible shaft that can't be used with a blade).
If you're not afraid to work on small engines, you can find these used at great prices. I picked up an FS85 for about $130. $25 in parts to fix the carburetor and throttle cable and it's good to go.