Thread: Whipper Snipper

Sure 4 strokes have to hold oil in a sump, but they also have valves and cams and stuff which adds to the weight and cost. End result is a heavier but quieter and smoother unit with (usually) much easier starting and less fumes as well as longer life, no oil-mixing and better economy. 2-stroke is a fine choice for occasional use (I've got one!), but I now find I wish I'd spent the extra and got a Honda, or spent nothing and got a lawn-mowing man.

Originally Posted by allsport

Sure 4 strokes have to hold oil in a sump, but they also have valves and cams and stuff which adds to the weight and cost. End result is a heavier but quieter and smoother unit with (usually) much easier starting and less fumes as well as longer life, no oil-mixing and better economy. 2-stroke is a fine choice for occasional use (I've got one!), but I now find I wish I'd spent the extra and got a Honda, or spent nothing and got a lawn-mowing man.

I don't think that is 100% correct.

I think you'll find the Stihls are 4 stroke but instead of having a sump you use a 2 stroke mix with the oil in the fuel being used for lubrication but the motor operates as a 4 stroke.

This design overcomes overcomes the problems of pumping oil around a motor that is being constantly tilted back and forward plus it reduces the weight by eliminating oil pumps and a sump.

yer the stihls are 4 stroke but you still mix the fuel. there is no way for making suire a motor that is held at a million diferent angles had suficient oil to all parts contunuasly.

but teh fs105 is 20 years old and has done well over 2500 hours most of tehm in the last 3 years. and its still going strong. a cheep chineese 2 stroke might not last but good quality always prevails.

Originally Posted by weisyboy

yer the stihls are 4 stroke but you still mix the fuel.

It always leads to an interesting discussion when visitors see me filling my Stihl FS90 brushcutter with 2 stroke mix and being puzzled when I tell them it is a 4 stroke

Their thinking is that the difference between a 2 stroke and a 4 stroke is the type of fuel used rather than how the motor works. Some take a bit of convincing but I usually convince them.

honda 4 stroke..no more 2 strokes
cheers
conwood

Just got home with a Honda UMK425 Loop Handle. (4 stroke)

It started off well, but half way through the first tree, the nylon chord broke off inside the head, and it took a while to figure out how to get it apart to get more out
(Theres no instructions in the book for how to disassemble the head)

Seriously though, it seems to be a fine machine.

But I think I'll be in trouble when the missus gets home. I just may have got a bit carried away and whipped a few plants and snipped the odd non weed/grass thing here or there, but they have been totally decimated, so theres no evidence that they were once there

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You have got a big choice there,
If you have a small yard like a 1/4 acre block you could use a Black and deckar 18 volt Line trimmer it cuts like a real line trimmer it takes up the drops, bumps and falls just great and keps on working, it is reliable and works for quite a while without needing recharging.

On the other end of the spectrum for 3/4 acre and up, heavy duty brush cutting or just lite line trimming i would recomend the Efco range we have one and it cuts through thick grass with ease.
Our one has lasted over 14 years and keeps on chugging along as if it is brand new.
Hope this has helped.

Originally Posted by stevew

My old snipper has turned up its toes.Can anyone give me some tips or hints on what make or model of Whipper Snipper I should buy,you hear about all the ones that dont work well,has anyone got any recommendations for one that does work well.??
Looking forward to your replies.
Stevew

What did you end up getting?

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The only thing I havent upgraded to 4 stroke is the chainsaw. Dont know if anyone actually makes one.

As for the bushcutter straight shaft Honda UMK435 35 cc 4-stroke. Pricey, but I have wasted too much shed time stuffing around with el cheapos in the past. This baby starts easily and happily goes all day without fuss.

Thirty years ago when I was financial controller for a couple of very large forest companies I thought I would reduce costs by buying cheaper chainsaws than Stihl. The fellers grumbled for a couple of days then went on strike until I reversed my brilliant decision.

Ther's a moral in there.

Cheers

Graeme

We bought dad a Kawasaki 2 stroke straight shaft trimmer last year and it is a beautiful machine. made in japan bump head and really quiet. not the cheapest around $550 but money well spent- so far at least

How much did you pay for the Honda UMK425?

Originally Posted by Cin

How much did you pay for the Honda UMK425?

$550 - Cairns

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Originally Posted by Blocklayer

$550 - Cairns

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Best price I've heard of so far! The cheapest I found online is at Sydney City Motorcycles for $569.

Bunnings only stocks the GK25 (not 100% on the exact model number but something like that) and the dude at the Special Orders desk told me its not possible to order in the UMK425 because the distributor doesn't stock it.