Looking for a decent 4-cycle gas string trimmer

[Cobra6]

I am looking for a decent 4-cycle (so I don't have to keep up with an oil-mixture of gas) string trimmer.
I missed all the deals late in the summer, and HD and Lowes are restocking.
SWMBO was going to get me a 4-cycle TroyBuilt this next payday, but i read the reviews last night from the Lowes web site and they are terrible. (And so are the reviews on the TroyBuilt pressure washers if anyone is looking)
Are all 4-cycles like this? Or do I need to spend more than $175 - $200 to get a decent one.

Thanks -

 

[Packard V8]

FWIW, most string trimmers are two-cycle because the engines are so much simpler and lighter for the same power than a four-cycle. I've never actually seen a four-cycle weed whacker. I know the nutso CARB regulations are trying to chase all two-cycles out of the market, but c'mon, how much air pollution is coming from yard maintenance?

Political correctness instead of going after the real problems is just another version of bread and circus. Second point is most of those regulations have a bias against gasoline powered equipment and personal recreational vehicles. From the way they're written, one could infer the intent is to stamp out the activity, not lessen air pollution.

jack vines

 

[eddyyy302]

There are many issues with the 4 cycle trimmers and I am sure the reviews you read give you some insight. There isn't one 4 cycle trimmer that I would recommend. What I would recommend is an Echo Straight shaft trimmer from a dealer. Good warranty, good machine, most last 10 years or more, some in a commercial environment.

HTH
Dan

 

[TN_GARAGE]

My gut tells me to go with Stihl or Echo.

 

[Joe B.]

I know the nutso CARB regulations are trying to chase all two-cycles out of the market, but c'mon, how much air pollution is coming from yard maintenance?

For line trimmers there are no CARB specific models.

 

[cheap bastard]

I have a Troy 4 cycle unit. The engine is powerful, but not quite as strong as my garage sale $10 Ryobi. The balance is good, the spool works poorly and long thin stuf like vines or long grass get tangled in the gap between the guard and the spool. The electric start option with that little motor and the sprag engagement was the reason it was purchased so she could use it easier. It starts so well that we have never used that function. I wish I had bought the Echo that I first desired. Oh, I use the cheap used Ryobi unit when it's my turn to trim the yard. It's also a 4 cycle.

 

[Joe B.]

4-Cycles are by their nature more complicated and heavier than 2-cycles. As a result, you don't see many mid-grade 4 cycle trimmers.

I think there are a few Craftsman Pro models that are 4 cycle. (Granted, I would consider these high-end consumer products and not quite pro-grade.)

Everyone on this board will tell you go go out and buy the most expensive version on earth because it is best. While an Echo or Sthil may be a great trimmer, they will also be overkill and a waste of money for many people. A lot depends on the side of your lawn and how much you will use the trimmer. If you are pulling the trimmer out and actually using a few hours a week, I would upgrade to a pro model. If you are just using it once a month or less, I would save your money.

 

[street131]

my dad bought the 4 cycle craftsman trimmer and the thing is absolutely junk. I used week wackers on a pro level where they are being used 12-14 hours a day and these would not hold up. Not only that, but the lines arent "bump" fed out, you have to cut the line and stick it in the head, and then 2 minutes later when the string is gone, you have to cut another piece, the 2 minutes later, the same thinga. The head also spins the reverse way that the pro models spin, so it mays trimming a pain in the ***.

 

[ToddyB]

My Cub Cadet lasted 1 season. Lots of power when it ran. I have gone back to the 2 cycle ryobi quick link heads. They are cheap and last a few years.

 

[427]

I have a Ryobi 4-cycle weedeater thats at least 8yrs old. I dont have any complaints with it other than its cold natured. It always starts easily after setting all winter and uses very little gas. Four cycles are a bit heavier though.Brian.

 

[Sancho]

I picked up a honda 4cylcle string trimmer last year, it runs like every piece honda of yard equipment I have ever seen...very very well. It is heavy though.

 

[Skin]

LEHR trimmers are 4 stroke. They run off propane canisters. Cant speak for longjevity as i only fiddled with one and i think they only came out a year ago but one thing i noticed that was very cool is the exhaust is nearly odorless.

 

[shoot summ]

I decided to jump on the 4 stroke trimmer band wagon when I bought a like new Ryobi at the local Pawn shop. It was pretty good, powerful, and sounded great, then it just died. I tracked it to no spark and decided that I didn't have enough invested in it to justify keeping it. Then I picked up a like new Stihl 4 mix, it is a beast, best trimmer I have ever owned, and well worth the $$'s. It does require premix though as there is no crankcase oil.

I looked at the propane powered trimmers, reviews for them aren't good.

 

[BADSIX]

Honda

 

[5-0stank]

If anything I would say Honda. I have no experience, but most Honda small engines are quality.

I have a Stihl FS 110R (4mix) and I love it. Plenty of power for wacking and brushcutting.

Edit: Coming up on 5 or 6 years of ownership, and the only thing that ever went on it was some ignition piece that was replaced under warranty.

 

[honcho]

Only one 4-stroke brand worth buying is Honda. I have a UMK-422 that is amazingly reliable but it is heavy and it was expensive. My son is using it at his new house now.

I happen to like 2 strokes and have three different ryobi and toro 31cc interchangeable tool 2 stroke models. I think the engines are all the same but they work, require more maintenance than the Honda but I usually have t least two of them working at any given time. I don't think I've ever actually wore one out but I buy better ones at Yard sales for $5-10 and cross-level parts to keep at least two working and scrap the carcasses. Old fuel lines are a major pain on these cheap trimmers.

My brother had a ryobi 4 stroke that took constant tending of the engine to remain in usable condition.

Good luck

 

[nikonica]

I used to be a professional brushcutter/tree removal contractor. Experience taught me (early on) that even for occasional use, a professional two-stroke power tool by Echo, Tanaka, RedMax, Robin, Husqvarna, Efco (Italy), or Stihl is by far the best value. I have an Echo SRM-2100 that I've used since 1998 and that has at least 650 hours on it (I stopped keeping track when I left the business). The box-store trimmers really are terrible, and they get terrible reviews because of it. The pro machines are more expensive, but will last so much longer that you will save money, probably after the first season when the box-store trimmer would require replacement. And you will be able to get parts and service for a quality machine if and when you need them.

If you must have a gasoline-only four-stroke, then Honda and Robin (Makita) are your only choices. Shindaiwa, Stihl, and RedMax make miniature four-strokes, but they still require 50:1 gas-oil mix. The Honda and the Robin are the only mini four-stroke engines that have a separate oil sump and will run on straight gasoline. And they are EXCELLENT machines, only expensive and somewhat heavy. But they will last you a lifetime, don't doubt that for a minute.

Remember that any new trimmer you choose, whether it's a $59 WeedEater or a $250 Echo, will be set lean from the factory for emissions compliance purposes and will need to be richened up for long life.

Gasoline-powered equipment is not like hand tools, where the occasional user can get by just fine with Craftsman or Stanley, and Snap-On and Proto are only really necessary for daily users. A string trimmer doesn't care who is at the throttle, homeowner or professional landscaper. The cheap ones are designed to last for only a short time, which is really wasteful.

Of course, the number one thing that kills small engines (regardless of the manufacturer) is old gas, or allowing gas to sit in the carburetor. Even the crappiest engines would last significantly longer if they weren't allowed to sit with gas in them over the winter.

And, last but not least, don't forget your PPE when using a string trimmer - earplugs, long pants, and safety glasses. I once had a rock thrown at my safety glasses that otherwise would have sent me to the hospital for eye surgery.

Have fun with it, whatever you choose!

 

[Cobra6]

great advice - I know what to look for now!

Thanks everyone!

 

[Aspen RT]

I had a Troy built 4 cycle and loved it, always started in 1 pull, never choked it, had all the power I ever needed.... then one day.......it turned to s***. Primer bulb, fuel lines rotted and split, and the ignition module took a dump.

I went with a Tanaka 2 cycle. So far it's been excellent. (as far as a string trimmer goes). Kind of expensive, about $275. I cant remember how log the warranty is , it was either 2 or 3 years.

 

[MW1975]

I have a Stihl FS90R love it Plenty of power. Has a straight shaft.Have never had a problem with a Stihl product.

 

[hguerrero]

i got a honda...no issues...heavy...