4 stroke brushcutter

[Saw-sick Steve]

Thinking of replacing my old Husky 240R with a new pro/semi pro model, and considering a Makita or Honda 4 stroke - anybody had any experience of either, or any 4 stroke brushcutter?

[Steve Bullman]

I had a Stihl 4 stroke which was basically a Honda rebadged. Good reliable machine, had it for about 12 years and recently sold it on. Depends what you are doing with it though, it doesn't have the speed of a 2 stroke thats for sure.

[Saw-sick Steve]

18 minutes ago, Steve Bullman said:

I had a Stihl 4 stroke which was basically a Honda rebadged. Good reliable machine, had it for about 12 years and recently sold it on. Depends what you are doing with it though, it doesn't have the speed of a 2 stroke thats for sure.

Home use really, but I've got a fair bit of ground to cover. I realise the power to weight ratio won't compare with a 2stroke, but like the idea of using of straight petrol, plus the vibrations are less, no? 

[Steve Bullman]

less vibrations and noise, lovely to start. You can put your hand over your head and start it with it mounted on your back its that easy.

 

Mine was for home use, although I did do a few commercial jobs with it. I don't think you'll be disappointed with one. Wish I hadn't sold mine really

[Saw-sick Steve]

Cheers, so any recommendations r.e models? Quite liking what I'm hearing about Makita tbh.

[Steve Bullman]

Only one I have used is the Honda(even though mine was Stihl branded). Can't comment on the Makita, but their general product range is good. Can't see theres much to go wrong with it. See where you can get the best deal is what i'd say

[Steve Bullman]

Ask @shavey if he can get a Dolmar version

[Steve Bullman]

Positive review on the Dolmar 4 stroke strimmer here 

 

My Dolmar 4 stroke 24.5cc trimmer review | LawnSite

WWW.LAWNSITE.COM

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I purchased this trimmer last week and it has preformed amazing. I bought the speed feed head with it and total with tax was $350. I have put about 8...

 

[Sawchip]

Both Makita/Dolmar  and Honda are ..True 4 stroke .. engines , in as much as they have a sump and only use straight petrol in the tank .

All Stihl 4 mix engines are not like that. They use the 4 stroke cycle but do not have a engine oil filled sump and you need 2 stroke mix as fuel. 

Have no fear as to the power to weight ratio with Makita /Dolmar or Honda 4 stroke motors ...they are more or less the same weight as the similar 2 stroke class . Best thing is the torque you get all the way through the rev range so offten full throttle is not required. The Honda range can be a bit more money than the Mak/Dol range .

Vibes are down to the design of the machine and the AV used .

I look after a few Honda GX 4 strokes new and older and looked after run sweet... This is a Dolmar that was supplied for moderate duty. 

 

Edited July 9, 2019 by Sawchip

[marne]

I run a Honda trimmer with a GX35 and one with a GX25 engine, my stihl kombi is a km130. While beeing the  heaviest, the gx35 is the smoothest to run with nice torque. The gx25 for some reason, seems more stressed and could use a little more grunt from time to time, but tada - it's lighter. Both are so quite, it's tempting to keep the ear muffs in the garage. 

The Stihl is terrrible loud and I don't want to use it longer than an hour because of the vibes it gives, but it has the most power and is by far the lightest. So it's got the most use as a blower. The Hondas start easier than the Stihl. 

I fitted the GX35 with a stihl kombi shaft, so I can use all the kombi attachments, which gives me the best of both worlds. 

If I had to pick one only, it would be the GX35 with a shoulder strap or harnish.