4 cycle trimmer recommendations

[Andy]

I am looking for recommendations for a 4 cycle trimmer.

Do the engines last much longer and less maintenance than the 2 cycle one?

Thanks.

[JimT]

Jim

[LSMFT]

4 cycle engines are double the weight for the same horsepower or something like that, maybe triple. That's why they use 2 cycle engines on hand held devices.

[A. Baum]

I don't recommend 4 stroke for any tool powered by a small engine. Supplied with a fresh oil/gas mix a 2 stroke life expectancy is measured in decades. I own Echo brand lawn tools some going back 15 or more years that have not had as much as a spark plug change. Oil and gas isn't hard to mix. I'm using a synthetic oil at 100:1 ratio for all my 2 stroke small engines regardless of their ratio requirements based on non- synthetic oil. They vary from 32:1 to 50:1. Most problems with small engine tools are carburetor oriented. If you keep the gas fresh and use a synthetic oil that contains a stabilizer like Stihl's, you won't have any problems if you buy a quality built tool like an Echo or a Stihl.

[krw]

More maintenance (you have to change the oil) but I wouldn't have 2-cycle tools anymore. I hated them when I did have them.

[Andy]

Thanks for the info.

With a 4 stroke having more parts to break and being heavier, I will go with a 2 stroke.

Andy

[clare]

I've been considering getting myself a new trimmer as my old one is getting harder to start by the year, and has been difficult since day one. The carb heas been rebuilt about every 2 years and I always use fresh gas.

The Ryobi 4 stroke really has my attention. 2 stroke engines and I do not have a good long-term relationship, while I have 4 strokes that are half as old as I am that just keep going, and going, and going.

[Bob-tx]

Well, you probably have advice both ways. I have had a small engine, mower, lawn equipment repair business for over 45 years. I certainly do NOT suggest a 4 stroke small engine. However, you must take care of a 2 cycle engine more carefully. Make sure you have the proper mixture of the right oil and the right gas. (The right gas means ZERO ethanol - thank obama for the 15 % crap).

It also depends on what engine you purchase. Most, or at least many trimmers and other equipment like blowers, etc, use bad engines. Most engines have only ONE main bearing. These brands include Weed Eater, Home-Lite, John Deer, and many others. The only dual bearing (a bearing at each end of the crank shaft) trimmers are ECHO and Stilll. All the rest have only one main bearing and have a warranty, which I have never seen honored, of 1000 hours. I am not in business in any way, but for my money, I buy Echo. I will NEVER buy a trimmer with a curved snout at the head. Look at the starter. In some equipment, the starter pull rope is below the engine. Look at how hard it is to change the starter mechanism, which is one of the main problems with trimmers. Then look at an ECHO. The starter is on the back of the engine and you can change it yourself if you have any moxie at all. Look at the carb, look at the bearings, and don't buy a throw-a-way trimmer with a curved shaft. Buy an Echo - best buy for your money.

Like I said, I don't make a cent off of lawn equipment anymore, I'm just giving you my best advice after years in the business.

Bob-tx

[Steve Barker]

Stihl. really the only choice. I've had dealings with 6 of them and own one myself. FS110. Will run twice as long on the same amount of fuel, and much quieter. Only a few ounces heavier.

[Steve Barker]

only a few ounces difference in the real world. As opposed to your fantasy land.

[Steve Barker]

the gas mixing is not an issue, because the 4strokes still use mixed fuel.

[Ralph Mowery]

Sometimes it is hard to tell if you are getting that crap mix. I think that in North Carolina they can mix in so much ethanol without telling at the pumps. Maybe 5 ot 10 percent.

[clare]

Thank OBAMA? That crap was in the ppeline long before Obama was on the national political scene, and I'm sure his influence in Chicago had nothing to do with it.

[clare]

How the heck do they have them set up? Do they run the intake through the crankcase before it gets to the intake valve?

[JimT]

Haven't you heard? Obama killed Jesus.

Jim

[Steve Barker]

exactly.

[Steve Barker]

more info here:

[Rick Brandt]

I have a Troy-Bilt four stroke trimmer and it has a separate oil container (no mixing).

It is quieter and smokes less, but the difference on noise is not that much (I still wear ear muffs when I operate it).

This is my first (and probably last) gas-trimmer so I can't make comparisons with two-stroke models. I can only say that I despise this unit. Heavy, loud, hard to control. I much prefered dealing with a cord frankly.

[Bob-tx]

Electric is fine for a small area, but I have over an acre and would have to have close to 300 feet of extension.

As far as a 4 stroke smoking less than a 2 stroke. A 2 stroke should not smoke if the ratio of oil to gas, and the correct oil is used.

Bob-tx

[A. Baum]

The new lithium powered cordless work well enough that a big area can be weeded with just one charge. My neighbor uses a Worx GT 2-in-1 and it does a great job. If I didn't have 2 Echo trimmers, one straight shaft and one bent shaft, I'd probably buy a Worx.

Using synthetic @ 100:1 mix none of my tools smoke. The old organic crap like Lawn Boy sells will smoke at a 32:1 mix. That's just one advantage of synthetic.