4 Cycle Vs. 2 Cycle Gas Trimmers
Recently, trimmer manufacturers have begun to produce trimmers that use four-cycle engines like those in your lawn mowers and snow blowers. Two-cycle engines have been around since the earliest days of trimming and small engines. The advantages of these operating systems will depend upon your power and trimming needs.
Contenido
- Power to weight
- Fuels
- Video: stihl fs 250 vs fs 130 - two stroke vs four stroke
- Costs
- Maintenance
- Video: choosing the right brushcutter/line trimmer as reviewed by one of gyc`s expert staff.
- Video: stihl fs 94r vs. fs 90r 2 stroke vs 4 stroke
Power to Weight
Most four-cycle engines will generate more power than a two-cycle, simply because they have two pistons as opposed to only one. This added power will help cut the thickest, heaviest weeds, but most average trimmer users will find that a two-cycle engine has more than enough power to meet most trimming needs. Since four-cycles generate more power, they are also larger- with the extra size comes added weight, up to four pounds more than most two-cycle engines. And if you`re using the trimmer all day, this extra weight will really start adding up.
Fuels
Video: Stihl FS 250 vs FS 130 - Two stroke vs Four Stroke
The two-cycle engines have no oil pump to distribute oil to the crankcase and piston. So, you need to use a mixed fuel to lubricate the engine. Four-cycles do away with messy mixes as they`ll run on the same gas as your lawn mower or snow blower. The two-cycle engines also don`t burn as cleanly as the four-cycles, as most four-cycles use a catalytic converter. But you`ll need to manually lubricate the crankcase on a regular basis with the four-cycles to keep them running properly. This can be troublesome and cost more money.
Costs
Four-cycles, because they have more power, more parts and a competitive advantage over the two-cycles, will cost more to purchase than most two-cycle engines. Repair costs for these engines will also run higher, because there are more parts that can break down. Two-cycles do require that mixed fuel, which can add to the cost of a two-cycle trimmer.
Maintenance
Video: Choosing the right Brushcutter/Line trimmer as reviewed by one of GYC`s expert staff.
Video: Stihl FS 94r vs. FS 90r 2 stroke vs 4 stroke
Basic maintenance will vary little from two-cycle to four-cycle. But repairs will cost more and be more difficult on a four-cycle engine. Two-cycles were designed to keep parts at a minimum, and accessible with only a few simple tools, which any determined homeowner can find and use. While the four-cycles operate on the same principles, repairs will be slightly more complicated, so they may require a professional.