DEALER + PRODUCT TRENDS

This month , we look closely at the marketplace for line trimmers , both pro and consumer models . This is part of our ongoing analysis of data from Dealer +, the collaborative data program developed by Traqline and Ideal Computer Systems . This data comes from point-of-sale records of nearly 2,000 independent OPE dealers nationwide , representing every major brand . Plus , the effort looks at data from mass merchants including Home Depot , Lowe ’ s , Ace and more . Sales were recorded from February through April 2024 .

We don ’ t have volume sales numbers , but we do know that many homeowners and all pro contractors own and use line trimmers ; this is a large category in equipment sales and for the replacement line , both factory and aftermarket . From its dedicated trimmer-line manufacturing space in Virginia , Stihl extrudes nearly 200,000 miles worth a year , and that ’ s just one manufacturer .

Dealer + Data ( from independent OPE dealers )

Average line trimmer sale price Commercial models = $ 380 Residential models = $ 218 Overall average = $ 323

Total battery-powered sales Commercial models = 3 % Residential models = 28 % Total = 12 %

The relatively small gap in average pricing between “ commercial ” models and “ residential ” models means there is likely a lot of overlap , and a high percentage are “ prosumer ” buyers who move up and buy a commercial model .

We would have expected a higher percentage of battery powered trimmer sales to residential consumers ; battery-powered leaf blowers have a much higher percentage of sales to residential buyers . We are likely to see sales of cordless electric trimmers increase with higher production volumes and marketing , while prices moderate slightly downward .

Note : “ Residential ” – products marketed primarily to consumers . “ Commercial ” – products marketed primarily to professional users .

Top-selling commercial trimmer

FS91 – Introduced in 2016 , the Stihl FS91 comes with either the bicycle-type or the oval-shaped handle ( the R model , which is $ 30 less ). Stihl touts this as a low-priced pro-level trimmer that has ownerfriendly features for fleet managers . With this top-seller being nearly 10 years old , it seems the pro buyers prefer lower pricing over new battery power . It also tops the overall sales list . The 2nd and 3rd best commercial sellers are also Stihl models introduced in 2016 .

Top-selling residential-model trimmer

Stihl FS 56 – An even older Stihl trimmer , the FS 56 is the top-selling consumer model , and it ’ s the 2nd best seller overall . Stihl debuted this model in 2009 . A battery-powered trimmer , the Stihl FSA 57 model is next in line for residential sales . Both of these are priced at about $ 230 .

The Echo SRM-225 line trimmer leads the sales chart from the big-box store data . The $ 230 tool is gas-powered . Next in line for sales success from these mass merchants are two battery-powered trimmers , a $ 160 Ryobi and a $ 100 Craftsman . While Home Depot and Lowe ’ s are both working to increase pro-level sales , these giants are also publicly pitching sustainability goals of selling less products with internal combustion engines . Look for that gaspowered Echo to be replaced at the top of this list by an e-model soon .

Line Trimmer analysis , opportunity and obstacles

Buy a decent line trimmer , whether pro or residential model , and it will last a long time with just a little bit of maintenance . Effective use may be more about buying the right trimmer line and knowing how to quickly reload the spool .

The sales opportunity here seems to be in replacement line and spools . But also in battery-powered trimmers that are so much easier to use . Most weed whacking and even trimming of small brush is a job that does not require the high power or long run time of a gas-powered model .

Top battery-powered trimmer We already mentioned the overall top-selling battery-powered trimmer is the Stihl FSA 57 , priced at $ 230 or lower , depending on the battery . And the 2nd best seller under battery power is the pro-level Stihl FSA 135 which retails for $ 1,060 with a battery and charger . Even for the tool only , buyers spend $ 500 ; that ’ s $ 100 more than the top-selling pro trimmer . That gets affordable only if you ’ re a pro user with lots of other compatible batteries .

12 OPE + July 2024 www . OPE-Plus . com