Stihl Baby...

Pliablemoose

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
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New toy(s). Stihl m 85 R

Considered an Echo, but the Stihl dealer is 4 blocks from my house & they gave me ~$100 off for the multiple purchase. I called around & no one else was even willing to budge from retail on it.

Here's a pic of our patio Lg patio
 

DaiShan

Diamond Member
Jul 5, 2001
9,617
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Yeah dude stihl is awesome, we have a chainsaw from them that has never given us any problems, same with the edger, although when you go through heavy brush like border grass it some times gets clogged and you have to turn it off to get the dirt out. On the weed whacker though, the stihl isn't very balanced, we got a john deere after the stihl finally died and it was a world of difference, it will literally balance on your hand from the handle, and is much easier to start. Cool new toys tho :D
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
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Originally posted by: TechnoKid
2 stroke or four?

Most likely 2.

Interesting, reading Stihls site.. they do have a 4-stroke engine available, called the 4-Mix.

4-stroke cycle, with 2-stroke lubrication technology.

Kinda cool.

 

silverpig

Lifer
Jul 29, 2001
27,703
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Yeah, most stihls are 2-stroke. I've used a few of the higher end stihl weed eaters at the golf course I work at in the summers, and damn those things can take down small trees. Loud as hell though. The 4-stroke hondas are much nicer, quieter, and easier to start, but the have little power.
 

Pliablemoose

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
25,195
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I thought for a while about the new 4 mix system (Stihl's 4 stroke engine) all the landscapers have stayed with the 2 stroke engines, and it's fairly new, so I went with the tried & true 2 stroke engine.

I've used all the attachments this morning.

Yeah, the patios look boring, just finished them, won't buy the white cast aluminum bistro set till next summer, and will add some shrubs then too. Haven't decided what to plant, sage, arboretum vitae or whatever. We're just happy to have the palates of rocks off the front lawn.
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
8
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Originally posted by: silverpig
Yeah, most stihls are 2-stroke. I've used a few of the higher end stihl weed eaters at the golf course I work at in the summers, and damn those things can take down small trees. Loud as hell though. The 4-stroke hondas are much nicer, quieter, and easier to start, but the have little power.
Indeed.

Robin-Subaru has mini 4-cycle engines also, as does Echo..
 

TechnoKid

Diamond Member
Feb 12, 2001
5,575
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I have a 4 stroke Ryobi (the one with the quick disconnect thingy), works pretty well, has ample power.
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
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Originally posted by: TechnoKid
I have a 4 stroke Ryobi (the one with the quick disconnect thingy), works pretty well, has ample power.

Ahh, Ryobi is who I was thinking of when I said Robin-Subaru.. but they have mini 4-cycles, too. :)
 

Ornery

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
20,022
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Hey, where's the blower? That's my favorite tool! I bought the Stihl BG 75 a few years ago to replace my worn out Homlite POS. So much better! My brother liked it so much, he just picked up a BG 85. He owns a couple Stihl chainsaws, so he knows they aren't cheap, but the quality is worth it!
 

Pliablemoose

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
25,195
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4-mix

Popular Science liked the 4-mix engine, but I'm a little wary of new technology. The Stihl technician says they're pretty good, but they haven't sold a lot of them yet.

I'f I'd seen even a few on the local lawn contractor's racks, I would have bought one, but I haven't seen one yet.
 

Pliablemoose

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
25,195
0
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Originally posted by: Ornery
Hey, where's the blower? That's my favorite tool! I bought the Stihl BG 75 a few years ago to replace my worn out Homlite POS. So much better! My brother liked it so much, he just picked up a BG 85. He owns a couple Stihl chainsaws, so he knows they aren't cheap, but the quality is worth it!

I bought a refurb Poulon from LawnStation.com last year, starts great, etc so far, but first hint of trouble it's being replaced by an Echo or a Stihl. Prob a Stihl if the local dealer keeps me as happy with their prices as with this unit.

 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
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Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
4-mix

Popular Science liked the 4-mix engine, but I'm a little wary of new technology. The Stihl technician says they're pretty good, but they haven't sold a lot of them yet.

I'f I'd seen even a few on the local lawn contractor's racks, I would have bought one, but I haven't seen one yet.
I bet it's considerably less reliable than more conventional 4-strokes, though.

You just can't beat having a dedicated oil sump. Oil changes are necessary for an engine(at least if you want longevity), it's the only way to remove contaminants from the crankcase.