[Ironmower]

the four-stroke weedeaters?

As I've run several different brands. I'm REALLY disappointed so far.

CONS:

1st; weight. These things are heavy even compared to a 25 year old one.

2nd; string speed. They don't turn enough RPM to cut proper.

3rd; Quality. I'm not gonna "brand bash" but there's no carb adjustment, other than idle. Internal carb parts are plastic.

PROS:

1st; ease of fueling.

2nd; Quite running.

3rd: More enviromentally friendly.


There's a few other makes I'd like to test out. But as for what I've tried. There's alot of room for improvement. I'll stick with me 2-strokers for now.

What's you views on this?

 

[tractornut]

when i buy my next one i plan on getting a 2 stroke. but i am curious about the propane powered models and weater they are any good or if they are more expensive to run since the little tanks of propane are about 10 bucks for 2

 

[Kingwood990]

I had a 4-stroke Troybilt once. Never liked it. All way's to slow. Gave it to a guy to use on his johnboat.

 

[Ironmower]

when i buy my next one i plan on getting a 2 stroke. but i am curious about the propane powered models and weater they are any good or if they are more expensive to run since the little tanks of propane are about 10 bucks for 2

I forgot all about them! I haven't even heard from anyone that's tried them before.

 

[remarkb9vkq]

I have seen these four-stroke weed eaters in the local sears ads. IMO there are some thing you just don't do, like kick a sleeping bear in the teeth. It don't make much sense to me. Never heard of the propane powered ones but I bet the results are comparative to the four-stroke model in lacking power and rpm's. My dad ran propane on an old work truck yea it burns cleaner but it lacks power.

 

[Jim_WV]

Well was curious myself on the 4 strokes, stewed about getting one when I bought my Craftsman, but decided against it, glad I did now after reading some of this stuff on the 4 strokes .

I don't mind mixing oil once in a while, so will stick with that .

 

[Hoss304]

I got wrapped up in the hype over four strokes last year when my stihl was in need of repairs. I went for the husqvarna 224L. Honda engine - it is a great trimmer. It doesn't run as fast as a 2 cycle but it will get the job done with ease. I can speak highly of the one I own but I have heard bad stories about Troy bilt & cub cadet with the mtd engines. You can't go wrong with a Honda - husqvarna piece of equipment.

 

[Ironmower]

Welcome to PEF, Hoss!! I figured that if any company would make a RELIABLE small 4-stroker, it would be Honda. Hows the weight of that machine compared to a 2-stroke??

Thanks for your input and keep posting!!

 

[Hoss304]

A little heavier than what my two strokes are, but not backbreakingly heavy. A shoulder strap installed and I really can't tell that much difference. It's a tank of a trimmer. That redmax 2 stroke is the lightest one in my fleet. Right at 9.5 lbs I think. But I have the older homelite, it's 2 stroke and heavier than the husqvarna .

 

[89yt12]

yea i think 2 stroke is the best 4s cant rev high enough

 

[Parky]

My Dad has an old Toro four-stroke, it's good enough for the little bit of trimming he does but it starts hard and it does lack the power.
2-strokes seem to have more pep to em.

 

[Ironmower]

I hear ya Parky, And those litttle carbs have NO adjustment other than idle.. From what i've witnessed you either get a good one or you get a bad one...

Anyone try those propane powered trimmers yet???.. Shoot! I forgot to look yesterday at ACE and see if they was still carrying them. Don't remember the make.......

 

[89yt12]

lehr is i think the only propane ones around

 

[Hoss304]

I got a cub cadet in for a oil change & tune up. It's a 4 stroke , very heavy. Also noticed it's a non clutch trimmer. As big as it is I figured they would have a clutch .

 

[Ironmower]

Does Efco make them for Cub? I know their chainsaws are..

 

[Hoss304]

Cub cadet was bought out by MTD . As far as I can tell it's the same engine as a Troy bilt 4 stroke. Both of which are an mtd brand.

 

[Parky]

get me a stihl, get me an echo, get me a briggs, get me a tecumseh. Please.

 

[darcyh]

If the 4 strokes run slower, you would think the manufacturers would change the gear ratio where the shaft meets the cutting head to increase the rpm.

I have a 19 year old Echo SRM 1500 that's been absolutely trouble free. I have changed the spark plug and air filter once because I was feeling guilty. Can't beat an Echo as a trimmer.

Dave

 

[Ironmower]

If the 4 strokes run slower, you would think the manufacturers would change the gear ratio where the shaft meets the cutting head to increase the rpm.

I have a 19 year old Echo SRM 1500 that's been absolutely trouble free. I have changed the spark plug and air filter once because I was feeling guilty. Can't beat an Echo as a trimmer.

Dave

First off welcome to PEF!! And I too wondered the same about gearing-up the 4-stroke.. Makes sence.....I love my old echo 200ce trimmer, fits good, runs goood and don't weigh a ton...

 

[sluggomagoo]

Doesn't everyone want a weed eater that takes 5w30 and has a 5 speed? Anybody remember the two stroke Saab?