Poulan/Husqvarna/Weedeater/Craftsman(with 917 prefix) are all the same manf.

Really? You mean they are made at the same location? I know the other brands you mentioned do not make a trimmer with a Honda engine so perhaps the Husky is made at the facility the Honda trimmer is made? I really don't want anything to do with anything manufactured in concert with Poulan products. The main problem with that Poulan I had for a brief moment was the need for special tools to adjust the carb, it was unbelievable. Perhaps had I been able to lean/ritchen up the mix in that trimmer it would have been a decent tool.

I don't know where any of them are made.
I can't imagine Honda would make any other brand in their facility. Likely, AYP just buys engines from Honda, like many other Manfs. do, to use in their "other brand" lawn mowers etc.

Since the same engine is used in both products you mention, I'd expect servicing the engine would require the same tools.

Makes sense. Have you ever dealt with a machine that needed one of those special half smiley face/D, multi-tip star or any others? They are near impossible to adjust with out them. Its really dumb IMO.

I don't know much about the Husqvarna 224l. I do know that they give a 2 year guarantee and will offer a third year for a small fee.
The Honda uses ball bearings to support the crankshaft. I looked for a parts diagram for the Husqvarna 224l and I did not see one yet.
Not to hide it I like Honda.
Every time I think of Husqvarna I think of the Electrolux vacuum cleaner.

I have an electrolux vacuum, well its their commercial line called clean-team or something like that. It has been a great vacuum for over 8 years and I only just recently had to have the agitator (thing that spins to get the mulm from the surface that's being cleaned) replaced.

I might be selling/giving my johndeere s1400 to my brother so getting a new trimmer may actually be happening sooner than later.