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K&L Landscaping · #1 02-18-2012, 07:20 AM

With the price of STIHL HP Ultra oil continuing to rise I'm starting to consider true 4-stroke trimmers and blowers. Specifically, the new Dolmar/Makita units. The big backpack blowers look like they are right on par with the others. The trimmers might be a different story though with the largest being a 25cc with loop handle.

So, does anyone have any experience with these units?

Richard Martin · #2 02-18-2012, 07:42 AM

Stihls are true 4 strokes. They just have a different oiling system. That would be like saying that an engine with a dry sump oiling system isn't a true 4 stroke because most 4 strokes use a wet sump oiling system...

It doesn't matter how the oiling is accomplished. To be a true 4 stroke an engine only needs to have 4 strokes in a power cycle which the Stihl engines do.

That said...

When did Dolmar come out with a new design. I know they have had a 4 stroke design for a while now.

K&L Landscaping · #3 02-18-2012, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Martin

Stihls are true 4 strokes. They just have a different oiling system. That would be like saying that an engine with a dry sump oiling system isn't a true 4 stroke because most 4 strokes use a wet sump oiling system...

It doesn't matter how the oiling is accomplished. To be a true 4 stroke an engine only needs to have 4 strokes in a power cycle which the Stihl engines do.

That said...

When did Dolmar come out with a new design. I know they have had a 4 stroke design for a while now.

I agree Richard, I suppose I should have worded it differently. I'm wanting to avoid mixing fuel as much as possible. With the price of my favorite oil being so high and considering the amount of mixed fuel I burn in a week, it would be waayy cheaper in the long run to transition to non-mix units. Not to mention, it seems like one of my guys will straight gas a trimmer or blower about once a year.

Richard Martin · #4 02-18-2012, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K&L Landscaping

I agree Richard, I suppose I should have worded it differently.

Don't mind me. I'm just bored.

The biggest hinderance to any of those types of 4 strokes is the weight. Stihl has the weight down close to a 2 strokes weight and trimmers from Honda and others are just pigs compared to the Stihl trimmers.

Dolmar still has 2 stroke trimmers? Why are you concerned with the 4 stroke stuff?

OneLineAtATime · #5 02-18-2012, 09:16 AM

I ran a Honda four stroke trimmer, till somone put 2 stroke mix in it.. hard to run 2 and 4 stroke with guys on the truck. My buddy has a 2 stroke dolmar climbing saw and loves it
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crazyflyboy30 · #6 01-10-2013, 09:43 PM

I thinking of going with a Dolmar PB-7601.4 blower you can get one for $350 and free shipping on ebay.

Richard Martin · #7 01-11-2013, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyflyboy30

I thinking of going with a Dolmar PB-7601.4 blower you can get one for $350 and free shipping on ebay.

What are you going to do if you need parts or to have warranty work done?

sehitchman · #8 01-11-2013, 10:20 AM

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=248227

Good thread read from a couple years ago on this backpack.

Darryl G · #9 01-11-2013, 10:34 AM

Just keep in mind that the weight given on the Dolmar is without tubes and their cfm rating of 720 is also without the tubes. Who the hell runs their blowers without tubes?????

naturescape · #10 01-11-2013, 11:10 AM

I have a Makita 4 stroke handheld blower (same thing, different badge). It's incredible. Absolutely fantastic! 3 yrs old, no problems at all.

Also have a Makita 4 stroke trimmer. Very light, but the balance is terrible and I never use it. I need to fabricate an Edgit to fit (didn't get around to doing that yet). Once I have the Edgit on it I THINK it will be great. But it will be a bit of work to do that.

But the handheld blower is awesome.