RobertN
Super Member
I have 2-stroke and 4-stroke trimmer/brushers.
Unit #1 is a 10 year old Husky 225R 2stroke. It has the big handle bars, and works with a full shoulder harness. It uses standard mixed 2-stroke.
Unit #2 is a 2 year old Stihl FS83-T split shaft 2stroke. I have a string trimmer, edger, hedger, pole saw, and mini-tiller for it. It uses standard mixed 2-stroke.
Unit #3 is a month old Honda HHT31S 4stroke. It has the big handle bars, and works with a full shoulder harness. It uses unmixed gas. The engine has oil in the crankcase.
In all cases, I use fresh premium fuel, and Husky 2-stroke oil for the 2-strokers. I only mix a gallon at a time, so I use it quickly.
I use the Husky and Honda for bulk weedeating, and occasionally with a saw blade for brush. Both work very well for this, especially with the handle bars and full shoulder harnesses. Once they are hung on the harness, you can go for hours comfortably. We're on 5 acres,, plus we hire out for weedeating. I would not be without this style setup.
I use the Stihl for various tasks, although primarily for a detail trimmer(the units with the big handlebars don't edge ect very well, hard to flip them on thier side).
The 25cc Husky and 31cc Honda are about on par. The Honda is a bigger motor, and by the book does make a little more power(1.1hp/1.1kW vs 0.9kW for the Husky, which specs only kW not hp). In the grass, the Honda seems a bit more powerful. They both work really well though.
I bought the Honda to replace the Husky as my main unit. The Husky, after 10 years of use, finally had to have a new carb. Otherwise, it has worked perfectly. I got the Honda while the Husky was in the shop getting tune and carb.
I have about 20 hours on the Honda so far. It runs smooth as silk. It is quiet. It starts immediately, cold or warm. It goes forever on gas too. I'm usually ready for a break before it is... Seems like I get to 45 minutes or so running full throttle in moderate to thick grass/weeds.
The only thing I do not like about the Honda is the shoulder harness. It seems to be made for someone about 5'2"' and 120lbs. I'm 6'2" and 200lbs. It fits too small around the collar, and the rest of the straps are short for me. I use my Husky harness... It is made for 6'6" tall Swede's /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
The Stihl just plain cranks! It runs really well, although it does not start as easily as the Honda or old Husky. The carb had to be replaced at 1-1/2 years too; wore out... The carb was about $150, since it had to meet Calif CARB-II reqs. The Husky carb for pre-CARB requirements, was only $50...
I like the 4-stroke. It is quiet, clean, and runs smooth. As I upgrade equipment in the future, I will look at 4-strokes first. I do like the Honda setup; I'm not so keen on the 4-strokes that use mix gas. I understand the concept, but don't like the application...
fyi, I use a chainsaw for big brush. I use the blade on the Husky or Honda to brush cut up to 2" stuff.
Unit #1 is a 10 year old Husky 225R 2stroke. It has the big handle bars, and works with a full shoulder harness. It uses standard mixed 2-stroke.
Unit #2 is a 2 year old Stihl FS83-T split shaft 2stroke. I have a string trimmer, edger, hedger, pole saw, and mini-tiller for it. It uses standard mixed 2-stroke.
Unit #3 is a month old Honda HHT31S 4stroke. It has the big handle bars, and works with a full shoulder harness. It uses unmixed gas. The engine has oil in the crankcase.
In all cases, I use fresh premium fuel, and Husky 2-stroke oil for the 2-strokers. I only mix a gallon at a time, so I use it quickly.
I use the Husky and Honda for bulk weedeating, and occasionally with a saw blade for brush. Both work very well for this, especially with the handle bars and full shoulder harnesses. Once they are hung on the harness, you can go for hours comfortably. We're on 5 acres,, plus we hire out for weedeating. I would not be without this style setup.
I use the Stihl for various tasks, although primarily for a detail trimmer(the units with the big handlebars don't edge ect very well, hard to flip them on thier side).
The 25cc Husky and 31cc Honda are about on par. The Honda is a bigger motor, and by the book does make a little more power(1.1hp/1.1kW vs 0.9kW for the Husky, which specs only kW not hp). In the grass, the Honda seems a bit more powerful. They both work really well though.
I bought the Honda to replace the Husky as my main unit. The Husky, after 10 years of use, finally had to have a new carb. Otherwise, it has worked perfectly. I got the Honda while the Husky was in the shop getting tune and carb.
I have about 20 hours on the Honda so far. It runs smooth as silk. It is quiet. It starts immediately, cold or warm. It goes forever on gas too. I'm usually ready for a break before it is... Seems like I get to 45 minutes or so running full throttle in moderate to thick grass/weeds.
The only thing I do not like about the Honda is the shoulder harness. It seems to be made for someone about 5'2"' and 120lbs. I'm 6'2" and 200lbs. It fits too small around the collar, and the rest of the straps are short for me. I use my Husky harness... It is made for 6'6" tall Swede's /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
The Stihl just plain cranks! It runs really well, although it does not start as easily as the Honda or old Husky. The carb had to be replaced at 1-1/2 years too; wore out... The carb was about $150, since it had to meet Calif CARB-II reqs. The Husky carb for pre-CARB requirements, was only $50...
I like the 4-stroke. It is quiet, clean, and runs smooth. As I upgrade equipment in the future, I will look at 4-strokes first. I do like the Honda setup; I'm not so keen on the 4-strokes that use mix gas. I understand the concept, but don't like the application...
fyi, I use a chainsaw for big brush. I use the blade on the Husky or Honda to brush cut up to 2" stuff.
