shadow745

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!

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! 

Had the same issue with an older Sears brushcutter. It was made in the early 90s and called for a 16:1 mix. I tried that with conventional 2-stroke oil and that thing smoked like no tomorrow. I found a great alternative.... a product called Opti-2. You mix 1.3 oz.  with 1 gallon of gasoline and it provides a multi-ratio mix that will work with anything 2-stroke, regardless of what ratio is recommended. Something to do with the lubricants in it enables it to run that way. I'm sure there are similar products, but it has been working well for me for 7-8 years now. That brushcutter gets used 1-2 hrs. at a time, maybe 50-60 hrs. yearly and has seen that much wear/tear since it was new (around 1992) and has needed nothing more than a spark plug change every year, a filter cleaning and the bearings and gears in the shaft end greased. IMO that's a pretty good testament to the newer multi-ratio mixes. Oh yeah the Opti-2 doesn't really produce any smoke and can increase performance quite a bit over basic 2-stroke oils. Just my honest opinion. And just to be on the safe side I do mix it a little stronger than is recommended. I add a bit more to the gas producing a ratio around 40:1. I only did that to protect my chainsaw and it works well in everything else.  

How strong is that backpack blower? Size? Later!