Styhl 4-mix 4-stroke engine

Alan L. · Jul 30, 2007

Anybody have any experience with these? I recommended my Stihl FS85 brush cutter to a friend who now says Stihl has a 4-cycle engine that does not have a separate crankcase (thus no oil changes) and you mix the oil with gas 50:1 just like a 2-cycle.

clarksvilleal · Jul 30, 2007

I have one on a Stihl BR600 backpack blower. I have had it for about a year and a half. Seems to work fine, is quiet compared to 2-cycle engines. It also seems to be pretty economical in terms of fuel consumption. Only problem I had - idiot me - is I ran it once for a few minutes on straight gasoline

, until it started acting strange. So I probably did some damage, but I haven't noticed anything unusual since then, and I've used it a number of times since I did that.

Al

jeffmazz · Jul 30, 2007

Alan,

I have the 4Mix engine on my Combi-tool that has been heavily used and abused for the last two seasons with no problems. It still runs like new and starts easily. I'd recommend it if you're looking to buy.

Jeff

RSKY · Jul 30, 2007

I have one on my pole saw. Had a coil go bad this spring. Other than that no problems. The one big advantage I see over a 2-stroke is that the 4-mix will sit and idle for an hour without loading up and quitting. This is a big advantage on the pole saw when you have to set it down and clean up under a tree. On a trimmer or blower it would not be that big of an advantage. And it does use quite a bit less fuel.

Saxman · Jul 31, 2007

I have a Stihl HT-131 pole saw and a FS-130 weed eater, both have the 4-mix engine. I think they are great, lots of low end power, totally different from a conventional 2 stroke engine. I would recommend giving the 4 mix consideration when looking for a new trimmer.

ovrszd · Jul 31, 2007

Saxman said:
I have a Stihl HT-131 pole saw and a FS-130 weed eater, both have the 4-mix engine. I think they are great, lots of low end power, totally different from a conventional 2 stroke engine. I would recommend giving the 4 mix consideration when looking for a new trimmer.

Well said. I love my trimmer with 4-mix engine.

InlineDieselFan · Jul 31, 2007

I have only had my Stihl FS 130 weed cutter, for a few months so far I am very happy. With the plastic .105 line it can cut through a lot of stuff. If I put a blade on it, the one I bought is called the 'Eager Beaver' it has a chain saw blade that goes around the round metal disc. That can reall cut the 3 three inch and smaller items.

Compared to my old FS 85 this is way better.

steve

RWEST · Aug 1, 2007

It seems the world is moving away from 2-stroke engines. Wonder if Stihl will begin using the 4-mix on chainsaws?

MessickFarmEqu · Aug 1, 2007

RWEST said:
It seems the world is moving away from 2-stroke engines. Wonder if Stihl will begin using the 4-mix on chainsaws?

Its all based on emmissions requirements. Everyone else has had to go 4-stroke. Stihl found a way to continue using 2-stroke by adding valves. I would not be surprised to see this technology in the saws, its been added to everything else.