Four stroke brush cutters , Sthil or Honda ??

[rijidij]

I need a heavy duty brush cutter. I’d like to hear opinions on four stroke models, ideally from anyone who has directly compared and used the Sthil and Honda.
I know there are differences between them , for example, you still have to mix the fuel and oil for the Sthil, but the Honda has a ‘sump’ which means the oil gets changed at services.
I’ll be mainly using it for long grass which can’t be mowed, and also some scub and gorse. I prefer to use a blade rather than nylon string , hence the interest in a four stroke with a bit of torque.

Cheers Murray

[pop058]

I need a heavy duty brush cutter. I’d like to hear opinions on four stroke models, ideally from anyone who has directly compared and used the Sthil and Honda.
I know there are differences between them , for example, you still have to mix the fuel and oil for the Sthil, but the Honda has a ‘sump’ which means the oil gets changed at services.
I’ll be mainly using it for long grass which can’t be mowed, and also some scub and gorse. I prefer to use a blade rather than nylon string , hence the interest in a four stroke with a bit of torque.

Cheers Murray

??? :confused:

[trout1105]

If you have to premix the fuel for the sthil then it is a 2 stroke not a four stroke.
The 4 strokes will last longer that the 2 strokes so looks like the Honda is the pick here.[thumbsupbig]

[austastar]

Hi,
I have a Stihl 4 stroke (yep Otto cycle with inlet and exhaust valves in the head) that has no sump and runs on 50/1 petrol/oil. It is one of the combi-tools and I have the pole saw, hedge trimmer, blower, and weed wacker heads.
Very pleased with what it does and is quite economical on fuel.
The only gripe I have with it is it can be hard to start, but a tin of Startyabastard and a quick spray starts it third pull. I suspect this is tuning, as it was easier to start before last service - I will have words with the dealer next service.
I have noticed quite a few lawnies using them, and I doubt they have to use the spray to start, so I'm hopeful it will get fixed.
Cheers

[pop058]

Hi,
I have a Stihl 4 stroke (yep Otto cycle with inlet and exhaust valves in the head) that has no sump and runs on 50:1 petrol:oil. It is one of the combi-tools and I have the pole saw, hedge trimmer, blower, and weed wacker heads.
Very pleased with what it does and is quite economical on fuel.
The only gripe I have with it is it can be hard to start, but a tin of Startyabastard and a quick spray starts it third pull. I suspect this is tuning, as it was easier to start before last service - I will have words with the dealer next service.
I have noticed quite a few lawnies using them, and I doubt they have to use the spray to start, so I'm hopeful it will get fixed.
Cheers

How is the bottom end lubricated ?

[austastar]

Hi, the oil mix is inducted over the crankshaft/big end.

Shindaiwa Hybrid 4 Engine Technology Animation - YouTube (https://youtu.be/3DjiEyuZvys)

Based on the Shidaiwa motor.

Cheers

[pop058]

Hi, the oil mix is inducted over the crankshaft/big end.

Shindaiwa Hybrid 4 Engine Technology Animation - YouTube (https://youtu.be/3DjiEyuZvys)

Based on the Shidaiwa motor.

Cheers

Just googled the Stihl "4mix" engine. Bloody amazing.

[weeds]

Don't discount shidaiwa

It been a while since I used a straight shaft Honda, we used it to do maintenance under macadamia trees.......It worked all day for days on end at full noise.

I have a honda bent shaft for home these days....

I'm sure the cordless brigade will he along with there tips on which is best.

[bee utey]

I have a generic brush cutter powered by a Honda GX35 4 stroke engine. Always starts first time, never stalls, economical, well balanced, absolutely brilliant piece of kit. I'll be fuelling mine up shortly and attacking the front yard. [smilebigeye]

[Marty90]

When I was a lawny I had stihl 2 stroke everything. Brushcutters, blowers,hedgetrimmers,back/pack blowers pole trimmers. It's true they need tuning initially to start easily but any competent dealer/mechanic can fix it. Loved em and worked them hard everyday. Don't need to service them or check oil level. Honda's are great gear but for long periods of use I found them very heavy.

[DoubleChevron]

No, no, no ..... what is this crap about a 4stroke brushcutter. How can you ever expect to experience a "brushcutter" if it's 4stroke.

My version of using a brushcutter.

--curse like crazy and pull it down out of the roof
--mumble about brush cutters being pieces of **** ... that should all be destroyed...
--prime it with the bubble pump
--pull the string ... Yes it'll always kick.
--pull the string again .. .nothing
--pul the string again ... it sticks out ... bang on it ... agitate it until it'll go back in ..
--pull the string again ... fires and runs for a 1/2 second ...
--repeat for 5 minutes.
--scream abuse at it ..
--pull the sparkplug ... wet .. put an newie it
--repeat all of above again ...
--kick brushcutter .. hurt foot.
--throw expensive piece of **** back into the roof of the shed
--get out old Victa super 600 that hasn't been started in two years ... it starts as always on the 3rd pull of the string ... stinking of stale fuel. use it to cut what you were going to use the brushcutter for ( it has a cuttout in the deck to do around trees).

That is how you use one of those aggravating pieces of ****.

seeya,
Shane L.

[Vern]

I have a honda 4 stroke, bought it after i got sick of mucking around with my stihl 2 stroke.
Pulled the honda out yesterday after not using it for about 2 months, primed it, pulled the cord about 15 times and it started!
Don't think it matters what stroke they are, they are all out to **** you off!

[Homestar]

I have used both, and although I've always liked my Sthil chainsaws, I found the Honda brushcutter better to use.

I don't think you'd go too far wrong with either to be honest.

[bee utey]

I have a generic brush cutter powered by a Honda GX35 4 stroke engine. Always starts first time, never stalls, economical, well balanced, absolutely brilliant piece of kit. I'll be fuelling mine up shortly and attacking the front yard. [smilebigeye]

I am disappoint. 9 months since I started it last and it took two pulls, not one. Need some ghastly two stroke to build up my shoulder muscles. [biggrin] But anyway, it was good to hear that steady 4 stroke hum again, an hour and a half of greenery trimming on not quite one tank of fuel.

[rijidij]

If you have to premix the fuel for the sthil then it is a 2 stroke not a four stroke.
The 4 strokes will last longer that the 2 strokes so looks like the Honda is the pick here.[thumbsupbig]

The Sthil is a four stroke but runs on pre mixed fuel, no sump.

[rijidij]

Thanks for all the replies.
One main point I keep hearing is the Honda is easy to start.
The local mower shop has Sthil and an Australian brand ‘Bush Ranger’ which uses a Honda engine.

[trout1105]

The Sthil is a four stroke but runs on pre mixed fuel, no sump.

Yes I found that out which is interesting [thumbsupbig]
However pre mixing fuel and the storage of it is a PITA .

[Stuck]

Thanks for all the replies.
One main point I keep hearing is the Honda is easy to start.
The local mower shop has Sthil and an Australian brand ‘Bush Ranger’ which uses a Honda engine.

The Bush Ranger, now there's a good bit of gear. We used to have one of those at work until it got pinched. I never paid attention to what it was powered by but it was replaced with a Honda and I don't know if it's just me but the Honda doesn't seem to have the same grunt.

[bee utey]

The Bush Ranger, now there's a good bit of gear. We used to have one of those at work until it got pinched. I never paid attention to what it was powered by but it was replaced with a Honda and I don't know if it's just me but the Honda doesn't seem to have the same grunt.

There are two common Honda brushcutter engines, the GX25 and the GX35. The bigger one is the one to go for.

[Stuck]

I was thinking that there'd be more than 1 model of Honda engine in use both within and outside of the "Honda branded" range or given that it had a blue cowling, maybe our old Bushy was powered by something else.

[Stuck]

OK, forget what I just said. I messsaged the bloke that spent the most time on the Bushy to ask him what it was powered by and he wasn't sure but he did tell me that it was a 2 stroke. :oops2:

[rick130]

I've never used a Stihl 4-mix but you do need to use a really good two strike oil, at least a JASO FB/FC, preferably an FD and Stihl's Ultra 2 stroke full syn oil was developed for it as ordinary oils were coking the valves and causing massive issues in the early days.

I've used the Honda extensively, as well as Stihl's big pro two strokes and I loved the torque of the Honda.
It really surprised me.
It was the ex's choice as she used to use the brushcutter probably more than me and she didn't get on with the Stihl's at all.

[towe0609]

I have never touched a stihl ... so cannot compare.

I have GX25-based Honda brush cutter and blower.

The blower was becoming problematic ... rather than getting it serviced, I bought a $8 carby from ebay, you only have to undo 2 bolts to replace it, prime it up, and back in business. I was happy with the DIY simplicity of that. Perhaps the Stihl is just as simple ... if not it may be a consideration???

[rijidij]

I was thinking that there'd be more than 1 model of Honda engine in use both within and outside of the "Honda branded" range or given that it had a blue cowling, maybe our old Bushy was powered by something else.

The blue cowling is their 2 stroke range. The catalog says they’re made in Japan but I can’t see a mention of the engine manufacturer.

[rijidij]

I've never used a Stihl 4-mix but you do need to use a really good two strike oil, at least a JASO FB/FC, preferably an FD and Stihl's Ultra 2 stroke full syn oil was developed for it as ordinary oils were coking the valves and causing massive issues in the early days.

I've used the Honda extensively, as well as Stihl's big pro two strokes and I loved the torque of the Honda.
It really surprised me.
It was the ex's choice as she used to use the brushcutter probably more than me and she didn't get on with the Stihl's at all.

I use the Sthil 50:1 oil in my chainsaws.
Oil and fuel have changed a lot over the years. 9 times out of 10 if a 2 stroke won’t start it just needs some fresh fuel if it hasn’t been running for a while.

[rijidij]

Just found this one from DMC Mowers, it has the bigger 35cc Honda and it’s quite a bit cheaper than the Bushranger. Looks like a good option for $444 delivered.

DMC 4 STROKE BRUSHCUTTER TRIMMER WHIPPER SNIPPER Honda GX35 engine commercial | eBay (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0'mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fulk%2Fitm%2 F221158165626)

[workingonit]

Up here the order of tool preference is:
- spray pack with glyphosate; otherwise if you've been lazy/distracted with other jobs and the grass has gotten away then
- tractor slasher if you don't mind taking the trees out with the grass;
- to save the trees then the Victa 600 if the grass is not more than two feet tall;
- the Honda 4 stroke brush cutter with blade is brought in where the Victa 600 fails (or you're fagged out from pushing it) and the grass can be as tall and thick as you want.

My first Honda 4 stroke blew huge amounts of smoke when brand new. Took it back, with vendor comments about a bad batch of machines where some cylinder coating for break in failed (?). Replacement Honda has worked well. Wasps can block the exhaust outlet, so check that first if not starting.

Wear full face/neck protection if you can. I hit a start picket which took a tip off one of the blade teeth, hit me in the neck just mm from the jugular.

When really tall thick grass is cut with a brush cutter there is a tendency for it to fall over and engulf the cutting head giving the grass leverage advantage and making moving the cutter difficult.

Regardless of mechanical method chosen you then go back and fix all the damaged sprinklers...

It's really funny to watch people tackle a paddock of full grown spear grass with the garden ride on, takes for ever, one thin slice after another. Next season they're usually hiring a slasher or bought a bigger machine.

[trout1105]

A box of matches can do the job on the tall grass in a heartbeat [biggrin][bigwhistle]
You just have to be bloody careful and pick your day for the job. [thumbsupbig]

[bee utey]

Just found this one from DMC Mowers, it has the bigger 35cc Honda and it’s quite a bit cheaper than the Bushranger. Looks like a good option for $444 delivered.

DMC 4 STROKE BRUSHCUTTER TRIMMER WHIPPER SNIPPER Honda GX35 engine commercial | eBay (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0'mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fulk%2Fitm%2 F221158165626)

That looks like the one that I bought a couple of years ago. [bigsmile1]

[DoubleChevron]

Up here the order of tool preference is:
- spray pack with glyphosate; otherwise if you've been lazy/distracted with other jobs and the grass has gotten away then
- tractor slasher if you don't mind taking the trees out with the grass;
- to save the trees then the Victa 600 if the grass is not more than two feet tall;
- the Honda 4 stroke brush cutter with blade is brought in where the Victa 600 fails (or you're fagged out from pushing it) and the grass can be as tall and thick as you want.

My first Honda 4 stroke blew huge amounts of smoke when brand new. Took it back, with vendor comments about a bad batch of machines where some cylinder coating for break in failed (?). Replacement Honda has worked well. Wasps can block the exhaust outlet, so check that first if not starting.

Wear full face/neck protection if you can. I hit a start picket which took a tip off one of the blade teeth, hit me in the neck just mm from the jugular.

When really tall thick grass is cut with a brush cutter there is a tendency for it to fall over and engulf the cutting head giving the grass leverage advantage and making moving the cutter difficult.

Regardless of mechanical method chosen you then go back and fix all the damaged sprinklers...

It's really funny to watch people tackle a paddock of full grown spear grass with the garden ride on, takes for ever, one thin slice after another. Next season they're usually hiring a slasher or bought a bigger machine.

Have you been at my place ? Tractor with slasher (where slasher will fit) if not overgrown ... 2.25meter finishing flail instead of slasher.... and power/torque 2stroke super 600 ( cuts anythign you can push it onto). Last resort is that frustrating piece of **** Solo brushcutter ... Actually this has me thinking. I have my fathers big old 50cc monster sized brush cutter up in my roof. I might just chuck the Solo to the ****house and use that ( I can only use it for 10minutes before it gets too heavy for me ... but that should be plenty enough). It's big enough to turn a circular saw blade and cut down big gorse bushes in a single swipe.

seeya,
Shane L.

[Rextheute]

Kawasaki or marayama .

Had a lawnmowing business for almost 10 years - only brushcutters I would reccomend .
Still have the engine out the Kawasaki - mowed just on 10,000 lawns .

Would fire up now after a coupe of pulls

The marayama I use for my lawns at home it's 6 or 7 years old now , still works great

The Japanese engines esp 2 strokes are awesome and last .

4 stroke good , but heavier and only just as powerful

But you can't really go wrong with either of the choices , only would say . Buy from a shop , not and ebay or on line store . You will need to ask a question or order parts for it at some point .
Cheers

[whitey56]

x2 for Kawasaki i have the big 2 stroke brushcutter cost about $860 about 12years ago, have only replaced the plug and primer bulb in that time, I like buying Japanese and have Shindiawa saw and second hand Echo hedge trimmer [i had to buy s/h to get a made in Japan model]. I did buy a 2stroke Atom edger which i always regretted not buying the 4 stroker as it's just a PIA.

[kiwiventurer]

Hi. I am product specialist in outdoor power equipment until recently and I see a few confusing replies so here is the lowdown. First let me bust a couple of myths.
1. Honda. Comes in a couple of sizes 25/35cc both are good, slightly heavy and have pretty good engine life but they will not outlast a top quality 2 stroke.
They do have a sump and while will still run upside down they don't like it for long. Torquey and both models will run a blade but for scrub the 35 is better. A little pricier too.
2. Stihl. Also a four stroke and yes you still mix the fuel but it IS a 4 cycle engine. No sump so no oil changes. First done by Shindaiwa before Stihl but the Germans have done more with the idea. Lighter than a Honda and still torquey but not cheaper. On a promo they are not too bad a deal.
3. Makita. A few years ago Makita made a very clever purchase and bought Robin engines (a division of Fuji Heavy Industries who also make Subaru and the toughest stationary engines on the market Robin) up tp 100cc production lock stock n barrel. Top quality Japanese engines. The 2 strokes are great and imho the 4 strokes are better than Honda. They are tough and torquey, pretty good weight and generally well cheaper than both the other two.
There is a myth that 4 strokes have more torque. Bollocks. 2 strokes can out torque the 4 bangers but they do it at generally higher revs. Although 2 strokes can be tuned for lower rev torque too. That said you can't cut scrub and long grass effectively at low revs anyway, regardless of the machine. Also 4 stroke will not outlast a 2 stroke. This is more a quality issue. There is no machine out there that I have seen ( Ive sold them all) that can outlast a Shindaiwa 2 banger. Eg; T270/T260s are absolute ball tearers and will run all day everyday. Most municipality contracts are using Shindaiwa. But on 2 strokes most the Japanese gear is very good eg Echo, Tanaka, Makita, Shindaiwa, Shibaura etc.
In 4 strokes the 3 I've mentioned are all good and have plenty of servicing dealers. Go with your local servicing dealer and what brands they stock, you'll get better back up service.

[numpty]

I have a Honda 4 stroke which I bought new in 1999. It has "never" failed to start on the first pull and it doesn't get used all winter. It'll do me.

I have no experience with Stihl except for their chainsaws.

[rijidij]

I ended up buying the DMC. It’s ~$300 cheaper than the equivalent Honda or Bushranger from a mower shop. It has the Honda GX35 engine and the shaft etc is all made in Japan so I can’t see the overall quality being much different.
I gave it a good workout for a few hours and it’s awesome compared to the Chinese two stroke unit it replaced.

DMC 4 STROKE BRUSHCUTTER TRIMMER WHIPPER SNIPPER Honda GX35 engine commercial | eBay (https://m.ebay.com.au/itm/221158165626?_mwBanner=1&ul_ref=https%253A%252F%252Frover.ebay.com%252Frove r%252F0%252F0%252F0%253Fmpre%253Dhttps%25253A%2525 2F%25252Fwww.ebay.com.au%25252Fulk%25252Fitm%25252 F221158165626%2526rvr_id%253D0&ul_noapp=true)

[350RRC]

I ended up buying the DMC. It’s ~$300 cheaper than the equivalent Honda or Bushranger from a mower shop. It has the Honda GX35 engine and the shaft etc is all made in Japan so I can’t see the overall quality being much different.
I gave it a good workout for a few hours and it’s awesome compared to the Chinese two stroke unit it replaced. .................

You still having problems with gorse Murray?

I reckon I've had 2 grow from seed this year that didn't get any bigger [bigrolf], none of the poisoned ones have come back, re: old post of yours.

cheers, DL

[rijidij]

You still having problems with gorse Murray?

I reckon I've had 2 grow from seed this year that didn't get any bigger [bigrolf], re: old post of yours.

cheers, DL

Got it under control, once the main Forrest of gorse was removed and poisoned, now it’s easy to spot poison any sign of growth which is bugger all.
When I sprayed it originally, I used the recommended ‘woody’ poison which did a bloody good job. My neighbor said it took him 5 years to completely get rid of it, so I’m expecting to see the odd one pop up for a while.

[DoubleChevron]

Got it under control, once the main Forrest of gorse was removed and poisoned, now it’s easy to spot poison any sign of growth which is bugger all.
When I sprayed it originally, I used the recommended ‘woody’ poison which did a bloody good job. My neighbor said it took him 5 years to completely get rid of it, so I’m expecting to see the odd one pop up for a while.

You will never get rid of gorse in my area.... Not unless all the neighbours.... but mostly the bloody council don't get rid of all of theres. The council has many acres of gorse growing near us

seeya,
Shane L.

[rijidij]

Fortunately our neighbours have got rid of theirs. Our house was rented prior to us moving here so it wasn’t well cared for.

[mark2]

I ended up buying the DMC. It’s ~$300 cheaper than the equivalent Honda or Bushranger from a mower shop. It has the Honda GX35 engine and the shaft etc is all made in Japan so I can’t see the overall quality being much different.
I gave it a good workout for a few hours and it’s awesome compared to the Chinese two stroke unit it replaced.

DMC 4 STROKE BRUSHCUTTER TRIMMER WHIPPER SNIPPER Honda GX35 engine commercial | eBay (https://m.ebay.com.au/itm/221158165626?_mwBanner=1&ul_ref=https%253A%252F%252Frover.ebay.com%252Frove r%252F0%252F0%252F0%253Fmpre%253Dhttps%25253A%2525 2F%25252Fwww.ebay.com.au%25252Fulk%25252Fitm%25252 F221158165626%2526rvr_id%253D0&ul_noapp=true)

I bought the cheaper $220 one from DMC which is powered by what appears to be a copy of a genuine GX35. Came with the Japanese shaft etc. So far it starts and runs just like a real Honda but time will tell how long it lasts..
I really like using it compared to my previous Stihl FS45 (cheap two stroke) but its significantly heavier.