i have an FS90 at home but the 55 is just fine for about 90% of your typical homeowner duties. in three years at the shop i've worked at, i can about count the number i've seen come in blown up on one hand. most problems are ethanol related. if you leave the gas in it over the winter, you'll probably be buying a new carb come spring time(cheaper than a rebuild, they're $30). not just that model, just about anything gas powered is gonna do that with the fuel we're stuck with now.

redhook lost me when he recommended poulan...stay away from that junk. husqvarna too, for that matter, unless you buy a high-end machine(FYI, husky's low end machines are poulans painted orange, and their new high end units are made by red max -- the only thing they actually manufacture are some of their chainsaws).