Concerning walk behind trimmers...

[NationalMatch]

DR is highly recommended, but the models I reviewed have a Briggs and Stratton engine.

On the other hand, the Craftsman brand (on Lowes website) has the Kubota engine.

Difference?

Briggs and Stratton is just the Harry Homeowner brand, and I need a pretty serious trimmer for fencing on rural acreage.

 

[Aries]

I've had a couple of mowers with Kohler engines and they've held up well. The first one outlasted the rest of the mower. Still using the second, so hard to say but have had it several years. Have had to fix other minor issues, but no problems with the engine.

 

[TinkerTanker]

That new Professional Series B&S engine seems to be well made. They redesigned it in 2019 or so. I wouldn't own a standard B&S, but the pro series I wouldn't balk at at all.
That said, a lot of DR Power's stuff is underpowered or poorly made. I've used their leaf vacs, trimmers, and chippers. All aren't meant for heavy duty use, regardless of what they say.

 

[Chaparral]

My FIL bought one DR trimmer. It worked for a ye or two. I had to fix it, others had to fix it several times a year. Bought new one. Rinse, repeat. I have been sitting on the last one for three years. Got it running just fine. Take it to cut and it dies. Spin in the air, can do it forever. Hate them. Get a good heavy duty Stihl or Echo or Yokohama and cry once, those machines keep working.

 

[NationalMatch]

My FIL bought one DR trimmer. It worked for a ye or two. I had to fix it, others had to fix it several times a year. Bought new one. Rinse, repeat. I have been sitting on the last one for three years. Got it running just fine. Take it to cut and it dies. Spin in the air, can do it forever. Hate them. Get a good heavy duty Stihl or Echo or Yokohama and cry once, those machines keep working.

I just read where Generac bought them out. The search goes on.