A new STIHL FS 111 RX typically costs about $350-$450 before tax, with many buyers budgeting roughly $400 at an authorized dealer. The final price depends on dealer pricing, local tax, included cutting equipment, and whether the unit is new, used, or sold with accessories.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New FS 111 RX | $350 | $400 | $450 | Trimmer only; dealer pricing varies |
| Used FS 111 RX | $150 | $250 | $350 | Price depends on condition and maintenance |
| Replacement line head | $20 | $35 | $55 | Head and compatible line |
| Sales tax | $0 | $24 | $45 | Example on a $400 purchase, depending on local rate |
What a New STIHL FS 111 RX Usually Costs
A reasonable budget for a new FS 111 RX is $350-$450, with an average near $400 before sales tax. This is a commercial-grade gas trimmer with a 31.4 cc 4-MIX engine, straight shaft, and loop handle. Dealer inventory and local pricing matter because STIHL products are commonly sold through independent dealers rather than priced uniformly nationwide.
For a typical new unit, plan on about $400 before tax, or approximately $420-$435 after tax in many areas. Confirm whether the quoted price includes the cutting head, guard, and basic setup. A listing or quote may not include every accessory shown in product photos.
Assumptions: New trimmer, standard cutting head, ordinary dealer preparation, and no premium accessories.
How Dealer Quotes Split Between Trimmer and Setup
The machine itself makes up most of the purchase price. Dealers may include assembly or a basic operational check, while optional line, protective gear, or a replacement head can raise the total. Ask for an itemized quote so setup charges and accessories are not mistaken for the trimmer’s base price.
| Quote item | Typical price | What it covers | When it may apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trimmer | $350-$450 | FS 111 RX powerhead and standard equipment | New purchase |
| Dealer setup | $0-$40 | Assembly and basic inspection | May be included or itemized |
| Extra cutting line | $8-$25 | One or more line refills | For regular trimming |
| Replacement head | $20-$55 | Compatible bump-feed or replacement head | If not included or upgrading |
| Sales tax | $0-$45 | State and local tax on taxable items | Varies by location |
Comparing the same included equipment and setup is more useful than comparing sticker prices alone. Dealer labor, when separately charged, may run about $75-$125 per hour, but routine setup is often a flat fee or included with the sale.
Engine condition and included equipment shift used prices
Used FS 111 RX units commonly list around $150-$350. Lower-priced machines may need a carburetor service, fuel-line replacement, or cutting head; clean, running units with maintenance records can approach the upper end. A non-running trimmer may be worth far less because parts and diagnostic costs can consume the savings.
Check cold starting, idle stability, throttle response, shaft condition, guard, and signs of fuel leakage. Ask when the air filter, spark plug, and fuel lines were last serviced. A seller’s claim that the machine “only needs a tune-up” is not a reliable estimate of repair expense.
On a used unit, demonstrated operation and service history can justify a higher price than cosmetic condition. A shop diagnostic or minor service may add $50-$150, while major engine work can cost more than the value of an inexpensive used trimmer.
Do local dealers charge more than online listings
Dealer quotes can differ by roughly 5%-15% between markets, though there is no fixed regional premium. Urban areas with higher operating expenses may quote more, while rural dealers may have fewer units in stock and less price competition. Freight, local tax, and included setup can also explain apparent gaps between advertised and in-store prices.
Because dealer policies and availability change, compare written out-the-door quotes from nearby sellers rather than assuming an online price is a guaranteed local price. Ask whether delivery or pickup is included and whether the advertised unit is new, used, or a different FS model.
A $20-$40 difference may disappear once tax, setup, and accessories are included. A useful comparison lists the machine price, setup, tax, delivery, and included parts separately.
What ownership adds beyond the purchase price
Routine operating expenses are modest compared with the initial purchase, but line and maintenance supplies add up. A spool or refill of compatible line may cost $8-$25, while a replacement cutting head commonly falls around $20-$55. Protective eyewear, hearing protection, and other basic gear can add approximately $25-$100 if the operator does not already own them.
Fuel and two-stroke oil costs depend on use and local prices. The FS 111 RX’s 4-MIX engine uses a gasoline-and-oil fuel mixture, so buyers should follow the manual’s specified fuel and maintenance instructions rather than use straight gasoline. Annual service at a repair shop may cost roughly $75-$150 for inspection and routine work; repairs are additional.
Allow about $50-$150 for initial supplies and basic gear if none are already available. Actual yearly upkeep depends on hours, storage, fuel quality, and whether maintenance is handled by the owner or a shop.
Used FS 111 RX versus a new commercial trimmer
A used FS 111 RX at $200-$275 may be economical when it starts easily, runs smoothly, and includes a sound cutting head. A new unit at $350-$450 costs more upfront but reduces uncertainty about wear and prior maintenance. A repair estimate above $100 can make a low-priced used machine less attractive, especially if its engine history is unknown.
Compare the FS 111 RX with current trimmers in the same class by engine size, weight, handle style, warranty, and included equipment—not just brand or displacement. A lower-cost residential trimmer may suit occasional light yard work, but it is not necessarily an equal substitute for frequent commercial use.
For a used purchase, leave room in the budget for inspection and likely wear items. If the seller will not demonstrate a cold start or disclose service history, price the machine as a repair risk rather than as a ready-to-work tool.
Ways to lower the FS 111 RX purchase price
Get two or three itemized dealer quotes and ask whether setup, the standard head, and line are included. If the new price is near the high end, compare it with another dealer’s out-the-door quote before negotiating. Avoid paying extra for accessories that are not needed for the intended trimming work.
For a used machine, inspect and test it before payment, and subtract likely service costs from the seller’s asking price. Buying outside the busiest landscaping season may improve availability or produce a dealer promotion, but discounts are not guaranteed. Keep the purchase scope focused: trimmer, required safety gear, and only the cutting supplies needed to start work.
The most dependable savings come from comparing complete quotes and avoiding unnecessary add-ons. A lower sticker price is not a bargain if it excludes essential parts or leaves the buyer with immediate repairs.