Sthil Commercial Line Trimmers with 4 Cycle engines (still require 50:1 fuel/oil mix) - any experience

[Spanky100]

Want to add a Commercial Line Trimmer and Blade Edger to my tool/toy list, so thinking about purchasing a Stihl Kombisystem where you can use one powerhead unit with a changeable line trimmer head and a blade edger head. With my yard, older retirees yards, and kids yards I maintain 5 yards one day a week during growing season. Thus I have about 90 minutes of line trimmer weekly runtime and some concrete blade edging once a month at the one location with the 4 yards that are together. Currently using 22 plus year old 2 cycle Redmax Commercial dedicated trimmer that works like new. Just adding trimmer/edger at the second location to avoid having to transport equipment. The new equipment will be used for the 4 yards that are together.

First started looking at the battery powered commercial power heads (KMA 135 R and KMA 200 R). They appear to have sufficient power but no longer considering due to high battery cost and runtime that would require (3) $300 batteries and charge time. I like operation of the battery systems, just not the cost and runtime. Someday if battery cost reduces and capacity increases.

So now looking at the Sthil 4 cycle commercial powerheads. While being 4 cycle they still require use of 50:1 gas oil mix for engine lube since these engines do not have a dedicated oil sump crankcase. Stihl used to call these 4 cycles "4 MIX" but no longer use that name now calling them 4 Cycle.

What I am wondering does anyone here use the recent commercial Sthil 4 cycle powerheads and what are your experiences good and bad. I typically only run the trimmer fast enough to cut the grass to avoid scattering grass clipping debris on landscaping and me. With a conventional 2 cycle like my Redmax unit. this results in spark plug oil loading and requires me to run the engine RPM up to clear plug every 10 minutes or so. Hoping the 4 cycle with gas oil mix does not load the pug up with extended low speed operation.

The Powerheads I am considering are Sthil KM94R, KM111R, or a KM131R (28, 31, 36 cc displacements).

Any thoughts good or bad for my intended use.

Best regards

 

[RjCorazza]

I use A KM131 as my primary trimmer for the last several years and I really like it. I kept my previous lower HP Kombi as a backup.
The power level is adequate. I also frequently spin at low rpm's while trimming fence wire, and haven't noticed any plug issues (original plug).
My typical usage is also similar to yours as far as attachments, although I occasionally carry along the blower attachment if I don't feel like lugging around the backpack blower.

 

[mjonesnh]

Have a FS-130R 4 mix purchased in 2014-15. Predecessor of today's 131. Zero problems with it since purchase. Mostly use a 10" brush blade but do keep a trimmer head loaded with .105 line. Would buy a 131 today if I needed a replacement

 

[5030]

I've read on various sites about them having issues with the hard plastic (nylon) valve actuation gear wearing out, but that is it. Don't own one but I do have an ancient Stihl FS66 that just keeps on going.

Not sure I like the fact they are a 4 stroke with no oil sump.

 

[dodge man]

I have a Stihl HT101 pole saw that is a 4 stroke. So far it’s been pretty solid for me other than it’s a little heavy.

 

[hodge]

I have an FS130 that I've worked hard for 14 years, no issues, just regular maintenance. I'd buy another one, no question.

 

[John0829]

I have two of those engines, one on a string trimmer and one on a Kombi switch head unit and both have been flawless.

And as ashamed as I am to admit it I did run the string trimmer one time with tank of plain gas several years ago and it did not seem to hurt it any.

 

[Jrasband]

I have a FS131 and it is great, would buy another in a minute.

 

[Rdrcr]

I have the KM131R and it has been fantastic! Zero issues and I’m extremely happy with the quality and performance.

Mike

 

[rontaki]

I have an FS 91 (not the R model), with the bike-style handlebar vs. the loop handle. It is a 4 mix type engine, and I always used Stihl's best oil, cheap insurance against problems. It's been a trouble-free beast that has seen many hours of use here, including light brush cutting. I was worried about the weight when I bought it, due to my bad back. Using the vest-type harness, I never felt it was too heavy. In fact, I would have bought a more powerful model had I known.

Batterys have to come down in price and up in capacity and reliability to really replace gas tools, for sure!

 

[KeithT]

FS 130 here purchased in 2009. Heavy use including brush cutting rhododendrons. Wife ran a tank of unmixed fuel through it 6-7 years ago and it’s still running strong

 

[Ortimber]

I've had 2 trimmers and 2 pole saws that saw heavy use. Never an issue, great engines...

 

[Spanky100]

Everyone I appreciate the many responses with respect to the Sthil 4 cycle (4 mix) power heads. Pleased to hear the positive experiences from this group using this series and the older variants.

So in summary, you each have empowered me to spend some money on the Sthil Kombisystem. I am planning to purchase the KM131R 36.3cc powerhead with a FSS-KM Line Head Trimmer attachment and a FCS-KM Straight Lawn Edger.

The one thing I am not pleased with the Sthil purchasing process is that the local Sthil dealers I go to is that they do not have any onsite demo tools that you can try before you buy. Possibly some dealers do let your try out first but none that I have seen.

Best regards and again much thanks for your information and experience.

 

[zzvyb6]

I have an FS-130, Starts on the first gentle pull. You'll have to get used to the sound of it. Burb instead of whine.

 

[Spanky100]

I've read on various sites about them having issues with the hard plastic (nylon) valve actuation gear wearing out, but that is it. Don't own one but I do have an ancient Stihl FS66 that just keeps on going.

Not sure I like the fact they are a 4 stroke with no oil sump.

5030

I also was not happy that Sthil 4 cycle hand trimmers engines require pre-mix gas and oil. I had hoped they had an oil sump for engine lube not requiring fuel oil pre-mix.

My "most liked" dedicated Line Trimmer is the Husqvarna 324L. The best feature is it has the Honda GX 25cc 4 cycle engine with a 2.7 ounce oil sump that does not require mixing of fuel oil. Easy oil change each 50 hours (once a season) and never had to add oil in between changes. The one we have is likely 4 years old now with estimated 200 hours total run time. Still works great but oldest son seems to be enjoying it at his house now instead of me. Sadly Husqvarna stopped making that model; I suspect since Honda is no longer making that engine.

Honda also made their own 4 stroke (25 and 35 cc) Power heads with interchangeable work heads. They were called VersAttach System with available line trimmer/edgers/pole saws/blowers. I first started to look at them before Sthil. Sadly since Honda stopped making gas engine lawn care equipment about a year ago, all they have is leftover pieces at dealers now. I was able to find the powerheads but I could not find a line trimmer attachment and dealer said they cannot order any more. I did find the edger attachment but it did not look to me to be as good (heaavy duty and durable) as the Sthil commercial equipment.

Take care

 

[Spanky100]

I have two of those engines, one on a string trimmer and one on a Kombi switch head unit and both have been flawless.

And as ashamed as I am to admit it I did run the string trimmer one time with tank of plain gas several years ago and it did not seem to hurt it any.

John0829 and Keith

Nice to know the Sthil 4 cycle (gas and oil pre-mix) can at least tolerate one tank of straight fuel and keep on running without destroying the engine. I worry about that when I have help sometimes. I do keep my fuel cans marked well.


Keith (just kidding you ) at least you were sharp enough to blame the wife for filling the tank with straight fuel.
John admitted it was himself.
It took me 10 years of marriage to stop blaming the wife for her mistakes. Now after finally getting wiser I just say "yes dear it was my fault whats for dinner".

Best regards

 

[Spanky100]

I have an FS-130, Starts on the first gentle pull. You'll have to get used to the sound of it. Burb instead of whine.

I do like the sound of a nice running 2 cycle engine (with earplugs of course). Especially my 75cc Redmax EBZ8000 large backpack blower.

Although I appreciate the less offensive 4 cycle quieter note when around others. The elderly retired lady sometimes calls me the noise maker if she is on her deck when I have the blower running.

A few years ago i was watching the neighbors landscaping contractor do heavy fall leaf cleanup. The contractor had 6 guys each running running a Redmax EBZ8560 large backpack blowers in a line, blowing a huge continuous pile of leaves to the road where their two leaf loader trucks were staged. 8 guys total working. It was loud but they were moving massive amount of leaves. Put my earplugs in and just watched in amazement at the road edge while inspecting their equipment. I was wondering what the bill was going to be. Just glad that I can blow my leaves into the woods on my property. If the pile gets to high for the blower, I use my small tractor (toy) with front end loader to push the pile into the woods. Just careful not to take the grass with it.
It does not take much to entertain me I guess.

 

[fishhead]

My 110R Kombi was made in april of 2003 (asked stihl for the date) all i've had to do is rebuild the carb once- seems to run as strong as new
I never got a string head for it- I have the blower, pole saw , brush head and hedge trimmer
I use the hedge trimmer instead of a string trimmer to cut weeds, small brush and some grass- largely works fantastic but isn't the best on thick grass. The advantage is it throws NOTHING so PPE consists of hearing and eye pro. and in the summer I can wear shorts and a t-shirt with no worries

 

[RjCorazza]

My 110R Kombi was made in april of 2003 (asked stihl for the date) all i've had to do is rebuild the carb once- seems to run as strong as new
I never got a string head for it- I have the blower, pole saw , brush head and hedge trimmer
I use the hedge trimmer instead of a string trimmer to cut weeds, small brush and some grass- largely works fantastic but isn't the best on thick grass. The advantage is it throws NOTHING so PPE consists of hearing and eye pro. and in the summer I can wear shorts and a t-shirt with no worries

I did the same with a long kombi hedge trimmer attachment... Forget what they actually call it. It was great on my stream bank before I got lazy and use a ditch bank flail.

 

[Jrasband]

The hedge trimmer works great, I use it on the FS131 because I like the handlebars on the trimmer.