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Been researching trimmers. Noticed four cycle trimmers showing up as affordable option. Preference/opinions between four cycle and two cycle?

Vanousb said:

Been researching trimmers. Noticed four cycle trimmers showing up as affordable option. Preference/opinions between four cycle and two cycle?

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I have a small 4 stroke cultivator that has been great. I wonder about the weight difference for a trimmer? I need to look at RPMs & torque also.

I'm NOT going to talk about Ryobi/MTD 4 cycle trimmers as they're basically extremely overweight POC's. Currently theres 2 cycle, 4 cycle hybrid, and true 4 cycle. I've had experienced all 3 including the Ryobi's. Honda makes a nice true 4 cycle (separate sump/straight gas) GX25/GX35 trimmer and so does Husky (which uses the GX25). These run smooth, don't stink and are very reliable/durable. However, they're heavy for the power they make.

Stihl/Shindaiwa make hybrids which do run on 4 cycle, but need gas/oil mix. My beef with them is while they have great torque/power, they're also heavier than 2 strokes. Stihl makes a crazy powerful one, FC-130 that is the quintessential brush cutter . The problem with these is they also need more maintenance including valve adjustments. They're power/torque curve (more low rpm grunt) makes them also much better with edgers/attachments.

My current favorite trimmers are the Stihl FC94R and the Husky 223/323 trimmers. I usually just do lawns and not heavy brush cutting and the power/weight ratio is just insane with these three. They're also very well balanced. The FC94 is a brand new design and I just love the throttle lock on it as I don't have to feather the throttle anymore around beds/trees. The exhaust/cooling is also perfect and the parts of the motor that rub against my arm stays cool unlike the Huskys. Power wise it's about equal to the Honda GX25/FC90 4 stroke trimmers with less weight of course.

I'm only a homeowner and have had two 2 strokes. The first a Ryobi and now a lowly Sears weed wacker with the Ryobi engine dna. I do love the power of the 2 strokers (torque). They are simple and reliable, but you must mix your fueloil carefully or seize. I used Poulan straight synthetic but it has disappered now. Next, get a better plug replacement with the platinum center electrode for easier starting. The little gauze air cleaner must be kept CLEAN. Never owned a 4 stroker.

I have a Honda UMK431 with a GX35 engine which has a lot of torque along with low R.P.M is o.k. for line trimming but i don't like to use it with a blade on it, and yes a bit more servicing is required like changing the sump oil regularly (only around 100mls), Stihl 4-mix is a fantastic engine, the FS 110 is my favorite.

I like 2-stroke trimmers and just about 2-stroke everything because they are dependable.

As I always say, "If it ain't 2-stroke, it's a joke!"

I love the smell of two stroke in the morning. Smells like Victory.
It just goes hand in hand with fresh cut grass smell.

Ryobi and Troy 2 or 4 strke should not be discussed. Not worth your time.

Now, in terms of four stroke, Honda make a nice rig, but it's heavy. The one no one has mentioned that you need to check out is the Dolmar. They weigh the same as equivalent performing 2 strokes, and are great machines. No compression to fight, one pull start, low fuel use, quiet, no stink and torque out the yahoo. And the prices are great. Go look them up.

Parkmower said:

I love the smell of two stroke in the morning. Smells like Victory.
It just goes hand in hand with fresh cut grass smell.

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Gotta love it :thumbsup:

MRCo. said:

Ryobi and Troy 2 or 4 strke should not be discussed. Not worth your time.

Now, in terms of four stroke, Honda make a nice rig, but it's heavy. The one no one has mentioned that you need to check out is the Dolmar. They weigh the same as equivalent performing 2 strokes, and are great machines. No compression to fight, one pull start, low fuel use, quiet, no stink and torque out the yahoo. And the prices are great. Go look them up.

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I'm not a lawn professional , but I do have a lot of property, about 3 acres, that I keep in good shape. I don't do any of the steps involved in keeping my place trimmed in one day rather it is several days of moderately hard work. The last thing I do is use my string trimmer. I purchased a Troy Bilt 4 cycle about 10 years ago give or take a year or two and it has been the best trimmer I ever used. It does seem a little heavy, but it starts first pull every time year after year and has plenty of power for my needs. The only problem I have had is the kill button doesn't always work, not big deal considering how old it is and the many years of trouble free service it has given me. If it quit working I would not hesitate to buy another considering my good luck with my current one. I had the same feeling for my Kohler powered lawnmower, but the second one self destructed after just 46 hours of use. I see that your not the only one that feels the way you do about Troy Bilt 4 cycle trimmers. What has been your experience that makes you feel that way? I know you don't think it is worth the time to discuss so I won't reply if you'll just tell me your side of the story.

flowpo said:

I'm not a lawn professional , but I do have a lot of property, about 3 acres, that I keep in good shape. I don't do any of the steps involved in keeping my place trimmed in one day rather it is several days of moderately hard work. The last thing I do is use my string trimmer. I purchased a Troy Bilt 4 cycle about 10 years ago give or take a year or two and it has been the best trimmer I ever used. It does seem a little heavy, but it starts first pull every time year after year and has plenty of power for my needs. The only problem I have had is the kill button doesn't always work, not big deal considering how old it is and the many years of trouble free service it has given me. If it quit working I would not hesitate to buy another considering my good luck with my current one. I had the same feeling for my Kohler powered lawnmower, but the second one self destructed after just 46 hours of use. I see that your not the only one that feels the way you do about Troy Bilt 4 cycle trimmers. What has been your experience that makes you feel that way? I know you don't think it is worth the time to discuss so I won't reply if you'll just tell me your side of the story.

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You must have a rare one indeed as I went through no less than 3 Ryobi 4 cycles in about 3 years. Clutches wore out, carbs were hard to start, and worst of all it really aggravated the neuropathy in my hands as they run really rough. Pick up and try a good 2 stroke Husky/Stihl (the FS94R is probably the best lightweight 2 stroke out right now) or a 4 stroke Honda, you'll find they're lighter, easier to start, have much more power, and run much smoother...

I prefer the Stihl 4 Mix engines there a Single cylinder 4 stroke engine that runs a gas-oil lubrication. Weight wise your talking 10.8 to 13 lbs unless you decide to go with one of their big boys like the FS 250 or some such. Their engines are larger and run from 27.2 cc all the way up to their 40.2 cc and have all the torque and power you could ever want.