Why are we still screwing around with....

[CBramble]

Why are we still screwing around with 2 cycle trimmers and other 2 cycle equipment? Is there an advantage of 2 cycle over 4 cycle? I bought a 4 cycle trimmer last year when my other one went up and its the best thing I've done! I feel bad for the rest of ya'll that still have to mix that gas...:drinkup:

[zak406]

In some instances 2 cycles are cheaper. Not to mention you save a bit of gas with 2 cycles. But thats just my opionon.

[Jay Ray]

Glad you are happy with the new stuff. When my 2-cycle sticks wear completely out, I'll buy 4-cycle. But not going to buy something just because it is new technology and it is a little inconvenient to make the mix.

[Willofalltrades]

I am a large fan of 2 stroke equipment. I have used the Honda 4 stroke. I didn't like it at all because it didn't feel like it had any balls. But its a matter of personal opinion. Also the handle position on the machine made my back soar so it put an even worse taiste in my mouth. Thats how I feel. Oh by the way .. Keep the four stroke right side up. don't want to turn it up side down now do ya.

[topsites]

Why are we still screwing around with 2 cycle trimmers and other 2 cycle equipment? Is there an advantage of 2 cycle over 4 cycle? I bought a 4 cycle trimmer last year when my other one went up and its the best thing I've done! I feel bad for the rest of ya'll that still have to mix that gas...:drinkup:

I'm not disagreeing in that both my 4-cycle trimmer and bp blower are awesome and I'll likely buy 4-cyclers from here on out...

But as for the gas, I still have to mix it, you don't?
Yes, both my fs-100 and the br-550 4-cycler use mixed fuel.

Keep the four stroke right side up. don't want to turn it up side down now do ya.

Huh?

[Splicer]

2 cycles are superior to 4 cycles...2 cycles fire on EVERY revolution vs. every other revolution for 4 strokes thus more power for a superior job...2 cycles have fewer parts meaning more lightweight and less maintenence which means better reliability.

As long as I can buy a 2 stroke over a 4 stroke for this type equipment I will.


Yes, both my fs-100 and the br-550 4-cycler use mixed fuel.

In 42 years I have NEVER heard of pre-mixing 2 cycle oil and gas for a 4 cycle motor (4 stroke oil is called 'motor' oil). IF you indeed need to mix the oil and gas then sir you have a 2 cycle motor NOT a 4 cycle...HUGE difference...

[Lazer_Z]

Splicer, It's called STIHL 4 mix. Go to Stihl's web site and read up about the 4 mix engines.

Rob

[PMLAWN]

In 42 years I have NEVER heard of pre-mixing 2 cycle oil and gas for a 4 cycle motor (4 stroke oil is called 'motor' oil). IF you indeed need to mix the oil and gas then sir you have a 2 cycle motor NOT a 4 cycle...HUGE difference...
Stilh makes a 4 cycle that uses Mixed gas-

Do they make 4 cycle that does not mix gas but have a sump-- I would be afraid to turn that over??

[PMLAWN]

Sorry Lazer-- I am a slow typer and see that you beat me to the answer:laugh:

[Splicer]

Splicer, It's called STIHL 4 mix. Go to Stihl's web site and read up about the 4 mix engines.

Rob
http://www.popsci.com/popsci/bown/2003/article/0,18881,537079,00.html

;) Even an old dog can learn new tricks:dancing: ...I stand corrected and thank Lazer Z for pointing this out:hammerhead: :laugh: I NEVER would have imagined but now that you mention it my buddy bought a Stihl pole saw brand new a couple months ago from the dealer and it is indeed a fuel mix motor...

[DLS1]

Why are we still screwing around with 2 cycle trimmers and other 2 cycle equipment? Is there an advantage of 2 cycle over 4 cycle? I bought a 4 cycle trimmer last year when my other one went up and its the best thing I've done! I feel bad for the rest of ya'll that still have to mix that gas...:drinkup:


Don't feel bad. All of my 2 cycle Stihl equipment works great so I don't need to spend money to buy new equipment. I feel bad your 2 cycle doesn't work anymore and you had to spend money to buy new equipment. :laugh: :laugh:

[29 Palms Property Management]

Why are we still screwing around with 2 cycle trimmers and other 2 cycle equipment? Is there an advantage of 2 cycle over 4 cycle? I bought a 4 cycle trimmer last year when my other one went up and its the best thing I've done! I feel bad for the rest of ya'll that still have to mix that gas...:drinkup:
When you are too lazy to mix oil/gas or feel bad that people still do, you need to hang it up.

[JCP Crafts]

On this same topic....will the 4 cycles get lubrication if the motors are not kept level,would they run upside down or would they seize?

[PMLAWN]

On this same topic....will the 4 cycles get lubrication if the motors are not kept level,would they run upside down or would they seize?That is the beautiful part of the Stihl 4 mix system- It does not use a sump but lubs thru the gas mix-- will work in any angle

[sildoc]

Honda has a trimmer with a sump for motor oil. You can run the engine upside down, left, right, however you feel and it will still lubricate the way it should. Husqvarna is having honda make a motor for their new four cycle trimmer. I admit it is nice not having to grab the mixed can but it will still be a while before I can get rid of the can completely.
The 4 stroke is great for every day use but for taking down large weeds and large areas I will stick to my 2 strokes.

[ITL]

CBrambel

What brand and model 4 cycle trimmer did you purchase and do you use this equipment commercially on a large scale. We usually purchase some type of hand held internal combustion equipment each year : line trimmers, blade edgers, blowers. This year we purchased a line string trimmer and looked to see what 4 cycle offerings were avaliable that did not require mixing of fuel and oil. The Honda and some lower end non-commercial line trimmers were all that we found. All were very heavy compared to commercial 2 cycle and Stihl 4 mix equipment. Honda had a commercial unit available that looked good except for the excessive weight. When we use quipment for long periods or short repetitive periods the extra weight is tiresome. We notice the difference when using heavy hand held equipment. IIRC the Honda Commercial unit was around 50 percent heaver then the Redmax 2600 with the emission compliant Stratocharged engine. The Stratocharged engine is key here as this technology allows the 2 cycle to get the fuel economy of the 4 cycle and 4 mix engines. So I do not need to fill as often for the same size tank, saves time. The fuel mixing is not a significant time drain as the oil comes in 50:1 size bottles set up for our 2.5 gallon 2 cycle container. As we are filling equipment on the trailer I am pouring the oil into our 2 cycle mixed container. Our 21 inch mower gets very little use and is either a 4 cycle with a 1 gallon tank or a 2 cycle with a quart tank. Thus we do not carry a non oil/gas mix gas can on the trailer. Our operators are trained to look at the fuel when filling 2 cycle equipment if the fuel does not have the blue or red dye in it to stop.

Another benefit is no crankcase oil changes to the 2 cycle or 4 mix. No oil level to require checking. This is a tradeoff with the extra cost of mix oil.

When the hand held 4 cycle equipment is available that does not need oil/gas mix is available without a weight penality we will start looking closer. The 2 cycle Stratocharged and 4 mix equipment seem to be the best choice for most commercial operators today.

Wayne

[JJLandscapes]

some people like 8 tracks, some people like records, some like cds u know how some people think "there way is the best "
thats why there will always be 2 and 4 cycle equipment for the old timers who wont change there ways no matter what any reports say

[AAELI]

The big use of the Honda mini-4 stroker came in California to beat the EPA restrictions. Yes, it is heavier than the same size engine of a 2 stroke. NO, it does not have problems being turned upside down. It atomizes the oil in the sump, according to the manufacturer, to allow for all atitude operation. It provided a 60% reduction in fuel consumption when compared to a same sized 2 stroke along with a oil usage of only 1 quart of 30W for every 500 hrs of operation. I passed one down to my daughter who really likes the ease of starting and the simple care it needs.

As a dealer I have sold over 600 of the four strokes since 1999. I have been selling the Robin 4 stroke model for the last two years and other than the weight it has performed well.

I forgot to mention, most of the users out here opt for the bicycle handlebars / brushcutter set up as the trimmer loop handles are too sissy for real men to be using when working on the lawn. It is a mind set that helps move equipment.
Because of very rocky ground that destroys mower crankshafts they like to mow entire 1/4 acre - 1/2 acre lawns with a brushcutter handlebar equipped machine using a fixed line head with the largest diameter line they can find. (Look out clutch shoes, bearings, heatttt)

Most people aim for growing yards with zoysia and keeping it low, low , low, dirt. Personally I like green to show.

[SLR]

mixing gas 'used' to be a pain..but at the expense of a few of those that may scoff at moi..i mix my 2stroke gas at approx 40:1..by eye,anyone else ever do such a thing,make it just the right shade of blue in the gas??been doing it since '98..

[GrassQuester]

The big use of the Honda mini-4 stroker came in California to beat the EPA restrictions. Yes, it is heavier than the same size engine of a 2 stroke. NO, it does not have problems being turned upside down. It atomizes the oil in the sump, according to the manufacturer, to allow for all atitude operation. It provided a 60% reduction in fuel consumption when compared to a same sized 2 stroke along with a oil usage of only 1 quart of 30W for every 500 hrs of operation. I passed one down to my daughter who really likes the ease of starting and the simple care it needs.

As a dealer I have sold over 600 of the four strokes since 1999. I have been selling the Robin 4 stroke model for the last two years and other than the weight it has performed well.

I forgot to mention, most of the users out here opt for the bicycle handlebars / brushcutter set up as the trimmer loop handles are too sissy for real men to be using when working on the lawn. It is a mind set that helps move equipment.
Because of very rocky ground that destroys mower crankshafts they like to mow entire 1/4 acre - 1/2 acre lawns with a brushcutter handlebar equipped machine using a fixed line head with the largest diameter line they can find. (Look out clutch shoes, bearings, heatttt)

Most people aim for growing yards with zoysia and keeping it low, low , low, dirt. Personally I like green to show.


Ya I saw those types of handles while I was in Peru!!

[PowerEquipmentWarehouse]

It's funny, people have their loyalties to 2 cycle or 4 cycle just like Ford or Chevy. The Honda 4 cycle's are heavier, but also much quieter and cleaner. You don't smell like 2 cycle exhaust when you are done using them. The Stihl 4 Mix has a very smooth sound, almost like a car. They all do the job well, and other than overfilling the Honda with oil, I have found my customers to be happy with whichever they chose....Mike

[topsites]

mixing gas 'used' to be a pain..but at the expense of a few of those that may scoff at moi..i mix my 2stroke gas at approx 40:1..by eye,anyone else ever do such a thing,make it just the right shade of blue in the gas??been doing it since '98..

No, I buy a flat of Stihl mix bottlets pre-measured for 2.5 gallons, I think there's 48 of them in a flat and it costs slightly less this way (around 75 dollars vs $2.odd each) and 48 bottles of 2.5 gallon mix lasts several years.

So then take a 2.5 gallon can, dump a bottle of mix in, fill it up with gas. What could be easier than not having to measure this when they already sell the bottles fit for the can?

[SLR]

a flat of Stihl mix bottlets pre-measured for 2.5 gallons,
--
i like it!gonna try it..

[PLM-1]

I like my Shindy C4's and 2-strokes. Different strokes for different folks i guess. I like it all. I run Opti is my lawnboys and shindy's. No regular gas for me in anything.

[fulano]

I have a honda UMK431 4 stroke trimmer/brush cutter. I bought it several years ago. I use it to cut brush so it has the honda harness and handle bars. IMO it is pretty gutless and overweight. It starts easy though. I haven't used it in a couple of years and started up fine the other day.