4 cycle string trimmers?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 1
From: Mercer County, OH
4 cycle string trimmers?
Is anyone here familiar with the 4 cycle string trimmers. I know Ryobi makes a couple that are sold under their name and also the Troybuilt name. Sears sells one but I'm not sure who makes it. I just wonder how they compare to the 2 cycle ones.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 780
Likes: 18
From: East Texas
I've got a Troy Bilt 4-cycle that I've had for two years. Previously I had Homelite and Ryobi 2-Cycle trimmers. So far, I like the Troy Bilt better than the 2-Cycle units. It doesn't need to be run wide open all the time to do the job. No oil smoke. Is is a bit heavier than comparable 2-Cycle units however.
So far I'm pleased - however, as always, individual results may vary.
So far I'm pleased - however, as always, individual results may vary.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 1
From: North of Boston MA
Guess we should get used to the idea of 4-cycle small engines. The two-stroke engine could be a thing of the past before long due to the smoke and noise they produce.
Can you even buy a two-cycle motor in California anymore? I read somewhere they either banned them or were considering a ban.
Can you even buy a two-cycle motor in California anymore? I read somewhere they either banned them or were considering a ban.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 931
Likes: 0
From: Cool, CA
Originally Posted by Nitramjr
Guess we should get used to the idea of 4-cycle small engines. The two-stroke engine could be a thing of the past before long due to the smoke and noise they produce.
Can you even buy a two-cycle motor in California anymore? I read somewhere they either banned them or were considering a ban.
Can you even buy a two-cycle motor in California anymore? I read somewhere they either banned them or were considering a ban.
Personally I hate the smell of dozens of 2 stroke engines on the water while I'm out there enjoying my day. BTW, if the environmentalists in this state had their way we'd all have to walk or ride bikes everywhere and there would be no electricity. This state is ALWAYS considering some kind of ban or other...
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Hampton, VA
I highly recommend STIHL also. I have a model 55, and I know it is not a 4-cycle, but it is one darn good trimmer. I liked it so much that there was no question what brand I was going to buy when it came time to getting a blower.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 1
From: North of Boston MA
I saw an ad for Home Depot today and one of the weed wackers in there (a Ryobi I think) said it had a Power Stroke motor.....
Now that's a weed wacker!
Now that's a weed wacker!
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 767
Likes: 1
From: Franklin, GA
About three years ago I had a Honda four stroke powered brush cutter/weed eater. It was a nice big commercial type unit. I loved it. It had the seven foot straight shaft with the wide handle bar style handles. Easilly maintained and more than enough power for even the toughest jobs. I highly recommend the Honda units. I'll never go back to the two strokes for this type of equipment. I wish I still had that one. I let it go with the other commercial equipment when I sold the business.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 0
From: Munroe falls, Ohio
i have the stihl fs110rx, its a commercial grade trimmer. its a 4mix type, a 2 cycle engine with valves. this thing goes through knee high brush with less than half throttle.
http://stihlusa.com/trimmers/FS110RX.html
http://stihlusa.com/trimmers/FS110RX.html
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 1
From: Edgerton, WI
Ive got a Honda trimmer. I like it. Its quiet, doesnt vibrate much and not having to mix gas/oil is nice.
Ive got the 25cc model and its really no heavier than the Echo 2-cycle trimmer I used to use.
However, the Honda was VERY expensive. It cost me over $300. For the money, I would buy either a Ryobi or Yard-Man 4-cycle trimmer (they are basically the same thing). You could get either of those for under $200, heck if you bought one towards the end of summer you could probably get one on sale for under $150.
Octane
Ive got the 25cc model and its really no heavier than the Echo 2-cycle trimmer I used to use.
However, the Honda was VERY expensive. It cost me over $300. For the money, I would buy either a Ryobi or Yard-Man 4-cycle trimmer (they are basically the same thing). You could get either of those for under $200, heck if you bought one towards the end of summer you could probably get one on sale for under $150.
Octane
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,412
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From: Munroe falls, Ohio
i believe i paid $329.95 and tax. if you get the poly head instead of the string it will cut small twig trees.
http://stihlusa.com/trimmers/blades.html
you can only use the string or poly cut head on the FS110RX, if you want to use a steel blade or any attachment you need to get a FS110R.
the FS110RX has a hollow shaft while the others have a solid shaft, but i believe that stihl has a lifetime warrenty on the shafts.
http://stihlusa.com/trimmers/blades.html
you can only use the string or poly cut head on the FS110RX, if you want to use a steel blade or any attachment you need to get a FS110R.
the FS110RX has a hollow shaft while the others have a solid shaft, but i believe that stihl has a lifetime warrenty on the shafts.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,550
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster County PA
If you like 2-stroke trimmers, maintain yours well and hang on to it because their days are numbered due to emissions regulations.
I personally don't mind if they do away with the 2-strokes. It is an extra pain to mix the oil and gas. The primary advantage of the 2-stroke was its power to weight ratio. With the advent of a cleaner, lighter 4-stroke engine, the 2-stroke's sole advantage is lost.
I am not an environmental fanatic by any stretch of the imagination, but it only makes sense that if you can do the same job in the same amount of time with the same (or less) effort, why not do it with as little environmental impact as possible?
I personally don't mind if they do away with the 2-strokes. It is an extra pain to mix the oil and gas. The primary advantage of the 2-stroke was its power to weight ratio. With the advent of a cleaner, lighter 4-stroke engine, the 2-stroke's sole advantage is lost.
I am not an environmental fanatic by any stretch of the imagination, but it only makes sense that if you can do the same job in the same amount of time with the same (or less) effort, why not do it with as little environmental impact as possible?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
I've had a few 2 stroke trimmers. They were major Pains In The ****. Hard to start, hard to keep running, and hard to keep tuned correctly. Mixing gas / oil was a hassle.
Then I got the Ryobi 4 cycle. Works great. Starts exceptionally easy, runs good, idles good, never dies. Plenty of power.
To 2 cycle I say "Good riddance!"
Then I got the Ryobi 4 cycle. Works great. Starts exceptionally easy, runs good, idles good, never dies. Plenty of power.
To 2 cycle I say "Good riddance!"