Anybody ever used a 4 stroke weed trimmer?

[NetWareHead]

I was in Home Depot the other day casually browsing for a new weed trimmer and was surprised that 4 stroke models are offered. It was always 2 stroke when I was growing up... I admit, the convenience of the 4 stroke and not having to keep a gas can of pre-mixed is great, plus avoiding the stink of two stroke operation is making me consider this.

However a 2 stroke will have more power than a 4 stroke due to more power strokes per revolution than a 4 stroke. There really is no way to test it out without buying one. Reviews so far of 2 stroke vs 4 stroke trimmers are a mixed bag.

Anybody ever try a 4 stroke string trimmer before? Comparison to a 2 stroke?


Sorry to lock the thread, but it was bumped by a 1st post new registration. Most necroed threads are locked. (This'll also keep him from adding his spam in a couple of days.) -DrPizza

 

[Mxylplyx]

I've owned one for years. It does everything I need it to do. It's performance has never been a problem. I change the oil every season, and it takes all of two minutes. And yes, not having to maintain the oil/fuel mix in a separate tank is indeed convenient.

 

[Scarpozzi]

I had one a few years back. It was a troybilt. I owned it for a year and couldn't get it started after it sat over the winter. I took it back to Lowes and they exchanged it for a new one rather than sending it off for repair. I noticed the new one had a better choke system on it and it was much easier to start because it had a gas bulb, plus full choke/half choke/run settings.... It was stolen a few years after that, so I can't comment on how long they last. Typically, if I can get 3-4 years out of a weedeater, I'm happy with it. They tend to be crap motors in those things.

I went to replace it and ended up getting a 2-cycle Ryobi from HD because I had a gift card to cover the cost.

2 stroke is cheaper to buy ($139 vs $199 for the 4 stroke). The difference in price is a lot of 2 cycle oil....more than the cost difference before it will likely need replacement. I've been happy with the Ryobi and it starts with 1-2 pulls every time.

All of those engines are cheaply made and last only as long as they stay dry and don't get a bad mix of gas. If you don't have the 50:1 ratio right, you can easily screw up a 2 cycle.... Having said that, 4 cycle engines take oil too...if you have it a while, be sure to check the level.

 

[LookBehindYou]

I've had a 4 stroke troy bilt for two years now, no issues at all. It is nice not having two separate gas cans.

 

[NetWareHead]

How is the power on the 4 strokes? Usually 2 strokes feel like stump pullers and can power their way out from under most loads.

What about noise levels? I'd think a 4 stroke would be quieter...

Fuel consumption?

 

[LookBehindYou]

How is the power on the 4 strokes? Usually 2 strokes feel like stump pullers and can power their way out from under most loads.

What about noise levels? I'd think a 4 stroke would be quieter...

Fuel consumption?

Honestly I haven't noticed a differnce in power between the two, same for gas and noise, maybe noise is slightly quieter.

I figure if I can't notice a difference between the two then it's not enough to worry about imo.

 

[Jimzz]

I thought the 4 strokes were supposed to be stronger? Maybe they just had bigger motors then the 2cyl ones at the store.

 

[PricklyPete]

My thoughts have always been that the 4 stroke adds a lot of complexity to a relatively cheap device. Just seems like asking for more problems/less reliability.

Of course that is completely out of my ass and is likely dead wrong.

 

[microAmp]

Been using a Troy Bilt 4 stroke since Summer of 2006, only had two issues with it. One not starting right but took off a metal piece where gas runs through (not carburetor but near it) , cleaned it, which had a filter too and been running fine since. Other is rotting gas line from tank to said input of metal piece.

Years later when at Autozone I noticed a fuel filter just like the one I had, bought it for maintenance.

 

[DesiPower]

2-stroke's are lighter too... all my yard tools are 4-stroke so i really do not know the inconvenience of 2-stroke but I am satisfied with mine.

As far as power is concerned it depends on the cylinder capacity, if the capacity is same then 2-stroke will have more power. The 4-stroke ones have same power as 2 stroke trimmer, they compensate by using bigger block.

 

[d4a2n0k]

4 stroke = more torque

 

[silverpig]

I worked on a golf course on the grounds crew for a few summers and became intimately familiar with weed eaters. We had 2-stroke Stihls and 4-stroke Hondas.

The 4-strokes were quieter, nicer to operate, and easier to start. They use straight gas and have a separate oil reservoir. The ones we had 10 years ago had some seal problems and they'd burn oil, so they were in the shop more often, but I'm sure they would have fixed that by now.

The 2-strokes were loud and powerful, and after they had been around for a few years, they'd be difficult to start. Once you got them going though, they were tanks.

All of us preferred the 4-strokes because they were just a lot nicer to use. They were good even in long grass, and would be plenty for 99% of yard work. The 2-strokes were better when you had to clear a ditch of 2-foot long grass and small shrubs.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I've owned one for years. It does everything I need it to do. It's performance has never been a problem. I change the oil every season, and it takes all of two minutes. And yes, not having to maintain the oil/fuel mix in a separate tank is indeed convenient.

This. After years of crappy electric trimmers that seem to last a year or two and dragging extension cords around to trim my lawn I said fuck it and bought a gas trimmer. Law states that all new mowers and trimmers must be 4 stroke in CA. Been this way for a number of years now.

Anyway, I've never had any trouble with mine. It runs great, has plenty of power and it hasn't had any issues in the 6 years I've owned it. I've never done anything to it other than check the oil. Probably should change it one of these days.

 

[Fritzo]

Is this it?

 

[DaTT]

I just bought the Ryobi 4 stroke from Home Depot, the one with interchangeable "heads". I have the weed trimmer, and the hedge trimmer attachments. I have yet to use it.

 

[xBiffx]

I used to use 2 strokes, now I'm convinced 4 is the way to go.

 

[NetWareHead]

I just bought the Ryobi 4 stroke from Home Depot, the one with interchangeable "heads". I have the weed trimmer, and the hedge trimmer attachments. I have yet to use it.

This is the one I saw as well. I know Ryobi makes other things like drills, tools etc... but I have never used a Ryobi trimmer. I like the modular concept where the head can be swapped out for different tools. Please update on how you like it?

 

[NetWareHead]

Is this it?

Lol a big block chevy powered trimmer...

 

[Vdubchaos]

Echo is the choice of most professionals......it's what I've been using for many years.

 

[MisterJackson]

I've had a Ryobi 4 stroke with the interchangeable heads for about 10 years. Love that damn thing. I got the tiller attachment for it (actually has 4 tines) and it does a great job tilling up flower and small vegetable beds.

 

[adairusmc]

I have a Honda 4 stroke trimmer, and it has been completely reliable, and cuts through anything.


Just like with snowmobiles, 4 strokes are far superior to 2jokes.

 

[Quakester]

Motorized trimmers are a thing of the past these days. Black and decker (I know, I know used to hate them myself) has lithium ion battery trimmers, lawnmowers, chainsaws, tillers, etc that are just plain great. I got the 36v trimmer and blower/vac that are terrific.
But don't take my word for it, check them out.

 

[Zario]

I have had a Troybilt 4stroke for about 6 years. Changing the pull cord is a pain, and I have replaced the fuel lines, and ignition unit. I maintain two houses with about 1 1/4 acres. lots of trees and edges. I also have pole saw attachment, and hedge trimmer attachment. I am just about to replace it, as the string head got caught in some wire, and wrecked the clutch I think. Power has never been a problem, except with the hedge trimmer. I live in Bermuda, so it gets year round use.

New craftsman units have a different start system which looks good.

 

[BUTCH1]

Motorized trimmers are a thing of the past these days. Black and decker (I know, I know used to hate them myself) has lithium ion battery trimmers, lawnmowers, chainsaws, tillers, etc that are just plain great. I got the 36v trimmer and blower/vac that are terrific.
But don't take my word for it, check them out.

Yea, I bought the B+D kit that has the the trimmer, blower, and 2 lithium batts for around $120, I can almost finish my trimming with one batt then use the second to finish it off and then slap it on the blower to sweep the driveway. Not as much power as a gas model but if you keep your yard mowed (and trimmed) on a regular basis they work fine. Only downside is the 8 hour recharge time for each battery.

 

[lxskllr]

My thoughts have always been that the 4 stroke adds a lot of complexity to a relatively cheap device. Just seems like asking for more problems/less reliability.

That's how I see it too. I mix the oil a little rich to keep it cooler in heavy use, and the 2 cycles have worked fine for me. Aside from that. I like the smell. I might feel differently if I did it professionally, but I enjoy the the time I spend with 2 cycle engines.