Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Can anyone recommend a gas trimmer?  I've given up waiting for my electric to die, and i want the freedom of gas.  Looking for 4 stroke.

Thanks!

I can't comment much on 4-strokes as I've only used 2-strokes. I will go on to say I was at a Sears recently and took a good look at their Professional line of yard equipment. They had a really nice 4-stroke trimmer/brushcutter that was really well built and priced OK for the size/quality.

My all-time favorite trimmer is an older Sears 38cc brushcutter given to me by my dad. It's a bit large and heavy compared to today's models, but can cut right with anything I've seen and as long as it runs I'll be using it. Never had to buy a trimmer because of its durability and dependability. Later! 

Stihl. One thing to remember, however, that was told to me by a golf course superintendent...He said always use the equipment manufacture's 2-cycle oil. if you buy a Stihl then use Stihl 2-cycle oil. If you buy a Homelite, then use Homelite 2-cycle oil. Personally I have owned my Stihl string trimmer for 12 years now and it runs like a top. Of course I have used Stihl oil though. I like to buy the "One Shot" small bottles...one bottle per gallon of gas so there is no measuring invovled. Hope this helps.

Not sure it I'd recommend  a four stroke.  You get considerably more power and a lighter weight machine with two stroke.  The new two stroke machines are very clean burning and fuel efficient now.  They have catalytic converters and better carburetion.  I own a Stihl and an Echo.  Both are good brands.  However, the Sthil cost more than double the price of the Echo and, in my opinion, isn't any better.  I use the Stihl at camp and have owned it for quite a few years.  The Echo sees more service because I use it at home where grass trimming is done every four days rather than every two weeks as it gets done at camp.   If I were to own just one machine, It would be an Echo. 

Regarding oil, there's now way I'll pay dealer prices for brand name oil.  That's a scam.  I've been using Canadian Tire (Imperial Oil) two stroke oil in all of my machines for thirty years.  Never had a machine fail in all of that time.  Any good quality two stroke oil designed for air cooled engines (not outboard oil), will do the job and a fraction of the cost.  Because I run old, restored vintage two stroke Yamaha motorcycles, I buy two stroke oil by the gallon.  Works out to be considerably less expensive.   I love my old bikes and wouldn't compromise their mechanical safety running less than suitable oil.   CTC oil is as good as any out there. 

Pay me now or pay me later. Stihl FS45 2-stroke for about $140.00  You can't go wrong for the price and the machine will last you four times as long compared to any you will find at "bargain" prices. And a One Shot bottle of Stihl 2-cycle oil for a whopping $2.00 added to a gallon of gasoline will more than likely last you a trimming season.

"....And a One Shot bottle of Stihl 2-cycle oil for a whopping $2.00 added to a gallon of gasoline will more than likely last you a trimming season."

And what would we all do about the rest of the yard?   One gallon will get around the fence line (on the outside)..

Friiy

OK here we go...I don't know what you are doing with your gallon of fuel...maybe drinking it???? I am telling it like it is...I have an acre and a half and my Stihl trimmer with a gallon of gas that lasts me the season. And I use it around the entire yard once every two weeks. Oh, wait a minute, I'm sorry. You may have twice as much land and $4.00 may be more than you can handle.

Two bucks for four ounces?  Add another buck and a half,  you can get 16 oz.  Sounds like a no brainer to me. 

I'm surprised you can get a Stihl for $140.00.   Smacks of China????   Where are they built now?  The last Echo I bought was built in the U.S.A. with Japanese components.  Price was around $150.00 USD. 

For God's sake men. It's just for the CONVENIENCE! If you guys want to measure and pour all your different formulas and put a couple bucks in your piggy banks, then have at it.

I agree that any of the modern multi-ratio oil mixes will cover all the bases regardless of what a manufacturer recommends. Mix it at 40:1 and use in everything you have with just the 1 container. Later!

stihl or husqvarna 2 stroke is better for trimmers 4 stroke trimmers are wayyy to heavy