A used Stihl FS 66 typically costs about $75-$250 in the U.S., with an average asking price near $150-$175 for a running machine in ordinary condition. Because this older model is generally found on the secondhand market, condition, included cutting equipment, local demand, and the cost of repairs matter more than a current new-retail price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Running FS 66 | $75 | $150-$175 | $250 | Used, tested, ordinary wear |
| Restored or unusually clean FS 66 | $200 | $300 | $450 | Price depends on service and proof of work |
| Nonrunning unit for parts | $20 | $50 | $100 | Value depends on usable components |
| Basic repair allowance | $30 | $100 | $250+ | Parts and shop labor vary widely |
What a used Stihl FS 66 usually sells for
The FS 66 is an older gas string trimmer, so buyers should treat advertised prices as used-market estimates rather than a current Stihl list price. A complete machine that starts cold, idles steadily, and cuts properly often falls between $100 and $200. A seller asking more should be able to show clean operation, a sound shaft and handle, and recent service or replacement parts.
A practical target is $125-$175 for a running, complete FS 66 with ordinary cosmetic wear. Units below $75 are more likely to need diagnosis, missing parts, or a repair that exceeds the purchase price. Excellent condition can push asking prices above $250, but a premium is difficult to justify without evidence that the engine and drive system have been checked.
There is no dependable nationwide per-unit retail price for this discontinued or uncommon used model. In a private sale, budget $75-$250 for the machine itself, then add any pickup, repair, or cutting-head expenses. Dealer availability and local listings can be limited, so a high advertised price does not necessarily indicate a completed sale at that amount.
Assumptions: U.S. private-party pricing, complete FS 66, ordinary access to replacement parts, and no major engine or shaft failure.
How engine, shaft, and cutting-head costs shape the quote
A seller’s price is only one part of the outlay. The table separates common purchase and repair components; actual parts compatibility should be confirmed by model and serial information before ordering, especially for an older machine.
| Cost component | Low | Typical | High | What changes the price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used trimmer purchase | $75 | $150-$175 | $250 | Starting, cutting, completeness, condition |
| String head or blade hardware | $15 | $25-$50 | $90 | Compatible head, guard, hardware included |
| Fuel and ignition service parts | $10 | $25-$60 | $120 | Plug, fuel line, filter, carburetor parts |
| Shop diagnosis and labor | $40 | $75-$150 | $250+ | Minimum fee, teardown, parts availability |
| Pickup or delivery | $0 | $10-$40 | $75+ | Distance and seller arrangement |
Repair shops commonly use a minimum diagnostic or service charge, so a minor fault can still produce a substantial bill. A carburetor clean or fuel-system refresh may be manageable, while low compression, a damaged drive shaft, or multiple unavailable components can make the machine uneconomical to restore.
For shop work, estimate labor as the shop’s billed hours multiplied by its posted hourly rate, plus parts and any minimum charge. Rates around $75-$125 per hour are a useful planning range, but small-engine shop pricing differs by area.
Which FS 66 condition and parts change value most
Engine condition is the largest price driver. A trimmer that starts cold and hot, responds cleanly to throttle, and holds an even idle is worth more than one that only starts after repeated attempts. Ask the seller to demonstrate it under load; a brief idle-only test does not establish that it can cut reliably.
Compression readings can help assess an older two-stroke engine, but interpretation depends on the gauge, test method, and engine condition. A reading below roughly 100 psi is a warning to investigate rather than a universal pass-or-fail rule. A test around 120 psi or higher is generally more reassuring, though it cannot replace a running test and inspection.
Completeness also matters. A missing guard, damaged handle, worn starter, cracked fuel tank, or incompatible cutting head can add $15-$90 per replacement item, and some model-specific parts may be difficult to source. Verify that the shaft, gearbox, throttle control, and safety components are intact before paying a premium.
A nonrunner priced under $75 is not automatically a bargain if the fault is unknown. If a shop finds a major engine or drive-system issue, repair costs can exceed the value of a sound used FS 66. Ask what was replaced, when it was serviced, and whether any parts or service receipts are included.
How FS 66 prices vary across U.S. markets
Used equipment prices reflect local supply as well as condition. In rural areas with active landscaping and farm use, a working trimmer may be easier to find, which can keep prices competitive. In smaller markets with few listings, a clean example can carry a higher asking price because buyers have fewer nearby alternatives.
As a planning adjustment, listings in high-cost metro areas may run about 10%-25% above a comparable rural sale, while a market with plentiful used equipment may be 5%-15% below a regional midpoint. These are comparison allowances, not fixed regional price rules. Shipping an older gas trimmer can erase a low online price through packing, freight, and the risk of receiving a machine with undisclosed faults.
Compare at least three nearby listings when possible, and compare the same condition category. A running unit with a usable cutting head should not be judged against a parts-only machine. Local repair-shop access also affects value: a lower-priced trimmer is less attractive if diagnosis requires a long trip or compatible parts are hard to obtain.
Use the local price of a working equivalent as a ceiling for a repair project. If a repaired FS 66 would cost as much as a newer used trimmer with easier parts support, the older unit may not be the economical choice.
How long a shop repair can add to the FS 66 bill
Simple service may take about 30-60 minutes of billed labor, while fuel-system diagnosis, carburetor work, or starter repair can take 1-2 hours. A deeper engine or drive-system repair can require more time, particularly if parts must be identified or sourced for an older model. Shop schedules and seasonal demand may extend calendar turnaround beyond the hands-on time.
Before authorizing work, request a written estimate that separates diagnosis, labor, parts, and any storage or pickup fee. Ask whether the diagnostic charge is credited toward approved repairs. If the shop cannot confirm parts availability before teardown, set a spending limit and ask for approval before work proceeds beyond diagnosis.
Owners handling basic maintenance can reduce labor charges, but should use parts and procedures appropriate to the model. Cleaning accessible areas and checking the fuel mix and cutting head are not substitutes for diagnosing poor compression, damaged wiring, or a worn clutch. Incorrect fuel or unsuitable parts can create additional repair costs.
For budgeting, allow $75-$150 for a typical modest shop visit and set a separate ceiling for major repairs. Obtain the shop’s actual hourly rate; the general estimate of $75-$125 per hour is not a quote.
Three realistic FS 66 purchase budgets
These examples show how condition and repairs affect the total rather than just the seller’s price. They are planning scenarios, not guaranteed quotes, and exclude sales tax where applicable.
| Scenario | Machine | Added expense | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working local pickup | $125-$175 | $10-$30 for line and basic service items | $135-$205 |
| Running but needs service | $75-$125 | $75-$150 shop labor and $15-$60 parts | $165-$335 |
| Clean, serviced example | $250-$350 | $0-$40 for small setup items | $250-$390 |
In the first case, the buyer gets a demonstrated runner and avoids a large repair exposure. In the second, an inexpensive purchase can become the costliest option if the fault is not limited to routine service. In the third, the higher price makes sense only when the condition and service claims are verifiable.
Compare the complete ready-to-use total, not the initial asking price. Include a cutting head or blade if needed, service parts, transport, and likely shop charges before deciding which listing is cheaper.
When an FS 66 repair costs more than a replacement
For a machine with a minor fuel, spark-plug, or starter issue, a repair may preserve a useful tool at a reasonable cost. A repair budget of $30-$120 can be sensible when the engine has good compression, the shaft and gearbox are sound, and compatible parts are available. Confirm the diagnosis before investing in a carburetor or other larger component.
When the estimate reaches $200-$300, compare it with the price of a newer used trimmer and a current entry-level professional model. New gas trimmers commonly cost several hundred dollars, with professional-grade units often higher; exact pricing depends on model and dealer. A new unit may include a warranty and easier parts access, while an older FS 66 may offer a lower purchase cost but less predictable support.
Do not compare a $50 nonrunner directly with the full price of a new machine. Add the purchase, diagnosis, repair, and time spent sourcing parts. If that total approaches the price of a tested newer unit, replacement generally provides a clearer cost and warranty picture.
How to lower the FS 66 price without buying a problem
Ask for a cold-start demonstration, a warm restart, and a short cutting test before negotiating. A seller who has not tested the machine may reasonably accept less, but the offer should reflect diagnosis risk. Avoid paying a restored-unit premium based only on a fresh coat of paint or a claim that it was recently serviced.
Check the included guard, handle, cutting head, starter, and fuel tank before agreeing on a price. Missing pieces can cost more than expected, especially when older-model compatibility is uncertain. If a needed item is absent, identify a confirmed compatible replacement and subtract its price from the offer rather than assuming a generic part will fit.
Get written estimates from two small-engine shops for any machine with a suspected major fault. Ask about diagnosis fees, parts lead time, and whether the estimate includes testing after repair. A private-party seller may accept a lower offer for a machine that has not run recently, but the buyer should cap the purchase price at a level that leaves room for a failed repair attempt.
The safest savings usually come from choosing a tested, complete unit and declining unsupported upgrades. Compare cash price and condition across local listings, negotiate based on specific faults, and pass on a project whose repair total is close to a better-supported replacement.