weed whacker thread

here we go again.

I'm talkin' about cutting weeds and lawns.
Electric string grass cutters stink IME.
I've needed a gas powered one for years. 4 cycle or 2 cycle... any pros/cons?

Online reviews appear totally bogus.

What are you guys using?

FWIW my Briggs and Stratton 4 cycle mower engines have worked FLAWLESSLY for 2 decades.
 
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I've enjoyed my 100$ craftsman for years. 2-stroke. Works like a champ and pretty low cost compared to other heftier ones.
 
4 cycle stihl for me... commercial grade unit.. this thing is 5 years old and is still a beast. Little pricey but its something that will definitely last for many years..
 
4 stroke you don't have to mix gas, but you do have to check/change oil. They are quieter, but also heavier so if you use it all day, you will feel the extra weight. You also should store the 4 stroke horizontal because the crank bearing can seize (as I've found out). I think the 4 stroke powers the other attachments available better as well.
 
I bought a 2 stroke Husqvarna last year after going through a couple of Homelites that lasted a couple years each. So far so good.

I've read that using ethanol free gas in the two stroke engines will extend their life.
 
4 stroke you don't have to mix gas, but you do have to check/change oil. They are quieter, but also heavier so if you use it all day, you will feel the extra weight. You also should store the 4 stroke horizontal because the crank bearing can seize (as I've found out). I think the 4 stroke powers the other attachments available better as well.

My stihl is a 4 stroke, no crankcase oil, 20.1 oil/fuel mixture.. light as a 2 cycle but tons more power.. also have the hedge trimmer attachment for it along with a brush blade..
 
Echo SRM-230 is a really nice trimmer, I use them commercially. Around $280 at the Home Depot, good amount of power and well made, IMO.
 
I bought a 2 stroke Husqvarna last year after going through a couple of Homelites that lasted a couple years each. So far so good.

I've read that using ethanol free gas in the two stroke engines will extend their life.

I highly recommend any kind of ethanol treatment for all small engines. The gas we have now is junk. FWIW, Delta sonic in West Seneca has 91 octane ethanol free gas!
 
I do lawn care for a living and have been using the same Shindaiwa T270 2 stroke since 1996 and it still runs great. It's the most powerful and reliable model available IMO.
 
^ I agree with the above post. I've had the same trimmer and leaf blower just as long and have only changed sparkplugs and air filters over the years. They're the best! I do like sthil chainsaws though


I've started running tool fuel over the years and recommend it if you don't run your tools continuously. It will save you headaches in the long run!
 
My stihl is a 4 stroke, no crankcase oil, 20.1 oil/fuel mixture.. light as a 2 cycle but tons more power.. also have the hedge trimmer attachment for it along with a brush blade..

This is new to me.. so it has the valve train of a 4 stroke but no oil to lubricate it? Sure its not just a big 2 stroke?
 
Yes its a 4 stroke, intake and exhausted valves are lubricated by the small amount of oil mixed in your fuel.. that's how you can operate it in every position as a 2 cycle and it keeps the weight down as well..
 
I read tons of online reviews and will only buy echo. I have a trimmer and a leaf blower and they are both incredible. first trimmer I've used in my life where the string feed actually works.
 
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