"SteveB" wrote in message I would like to ask:

Which brand do you like and why?

Stihl. Reliable, starts easily, lasts a long time. #2 choice would be
Husquevarna My original Homelite did not make one year and went to the junk
yard worn out.

Which brand lasts the longest?
Which has the least downtime?
Does any have a problem with getting spare parts?

See above brands

Would you do the 16, 18, or 20 inch?

16 is plenty or my use.

Would you go for the bigger cc engine and why?

Bigger is heavier. I'm not cutting down the forrest and don't need more
power. I do need something that starts easily and runs well, thus the Stihl