4 cycle trimmers

RPM · Jan 14, 2002

I'm looking for trimmer #3 for the spring. Trimmer #1 was electric (lived in town), trimmer #2 was a cheap nasty 2 cycle. Both are now dead - well, trimmer #2 is actually bleeding oil and coughing nastily every time I try to use it.

What do you guys think of the 4 cycle trimmers on the market? Anyone have any experience with them?

(I did a search and only found a couple of comments on <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=oil&Number=5383&page=&view=&sb=&o=&fpart=all&vc=1>this thread</A>.)

Patrick

JATO_RaT · Jan 14, 2002

I think the 4 cyles are dynamite. Quieter and clean burning. I have only tried the Honda but more are surfacing. One of my dealers that sells Husqvarna, Echo, Sthil, Shindawa and Honda says he prefers the Honda over all the others simply because it is quieter and runs very well. It is a little heavier however, but that goes pretty much for any 4 cycle. My next string trimmer will probably be a Honda, Rat...

butzkeg · Jan 14, 2002

I own a Ryobi, while it may not be in the same league as a Honda, it has been great. It is very quiet in comparison to the 2 cycle's, and you don't have to mix the fuel. I've had it for almost 4 years, with no problems at all.

I have a small cultivator and tree pruner that interchange with the engine. They both work fairly well too. I use them only a few hours a season, so it was easy to justify $120 for the covenience rather than someting more expensive or manual.

BHarrison · Jan 14, 2002

I have a Ryobi 1079r. (apx $200) I love it. I've had it 3 years now, and it is still like new. Tons of power, and very quiet. 4 stroke is the only way to go.
...until they make a diesel one.

yaouk · Jan 15, 2002

Don't write off 2 strokes too quickly.
My view is that in a good brushcutter power is paramount; and a 2 stroke puts out more outright power than a 4 stroke. These days new brushcutters have sealed gearboxes and vibration dampers so are more reliable and smooth than older ones.
I have a Husky 235r; at AUS$725 its expensive. However I am amazed at how easily it starts even after months of no use and has power to slice thru 75mm saplings and masses of tussock grass.
I wish my Stihl Farm Boss would start as easy!

(Only Arnold Swarz. would be strong enough to use a diesel engined brushcutter!)

DocHeb · Jan 15, 2002

I also have the Ryobi, plus most of the attachments (blower, vac, tree trimmer, edger). They work well for a homeowner, but I don't know how they would stand up to daily commercial use. I'm just glad I don't have to take a shower each time I use it. Those two strokes stink. I know some of the manufacturers are starting to put catalytic converters in the mufflers - this may decrease the smell of burning oil.

My wife has always kidded me about the multiple attachments for the Ryobi. Lately she's been finding me at the computer perusing this site. I think she's beginning to suspect the development of "tractor fever", along with a touch of the "3-point flu" and "attachment syndrome". Unlike the Ryobi line, the possiblilities are endless!

billboe · Jan 16, 2002

I too have the Ryobi... I chose it for the reasons mentioned by the other as well as perhaps a bit less pollution. I'm pretty happy with the unit, although, it doesn't always run the smoothest. Also, the quick attach feature is fragile. One of the screws came loose and stripped after only a couple of uses. Ryobi fixed it under warrantee...

BHarrison · Jan 16, 2002

Darn, I hate to hear about the quick attach on your trimmer. What model do you have? They offer a couple of 4 stroke models. Mine is the 1079r. I haven't had any problem with the quit connect, and I use it quite a bit. Mainly, the trimmer and blower. I also have the edger, and the cultivator. I can't say enough about this unit. A very, very wise purchase

RPM · Jan 17, 2002

Thanks to all for the comments. Looks like the 4 cycle is the way to go for me.

Yaouk - are you sure you meant 75mm saplings? That's 3 inches?? I'd never considered attacking anything that size with a brushcutter.

Patrick

yaouk · Jan 17, 2002

Oh yes. The Husky 235r is a big and powerful machine.
Most straight shaft brushcutters can be fitted with a disc blade like circular saws have. I think its about 200 to 230 mm diametre. They can really cut through scrub. By cutting round the circumference you can get right through the trunk. Sometimes its easier to use the brushcutter rather than use the tractor to push small stuff over.
I actually only went to the dealer to buy a small brushcutter but when I saw all the new shiny machines, well I kinda lost control.