4-stroke vs. 2-stroke for landscaping {VLOG}

4-stroke vs. 2-stroke for landscaping {VLOG}

In today’s NJroute22.com VLOG – we’re going to chime in on the debate between 4-stroke and 2-stroke small engine equipment used for landscaping.

Started out preferring 4-stroke

Back when we moved out to our homestead – we had to acquire an entire household of landscaping equipment to manage our property.

What a learning experience (we first stupidly tried electric – what a disaster.)

But after researching – we decided that we wanted 4-stroke across the board. For all engines – not just what usually need them like tractors or lawn mowers.

Also including the super-small engines like blowers, weed-whackers, chainsaws, hedge-trimmers, and everything else.

So everything in our arsenal is 4-stroke – except one (our Echo multi-power head).

What made us decide on 4-stroke?

Well, we chose 4-stroke because of two primary characteristics:

No fuel-mixing. We found this to be a bit of a hassle in our minds. To constantly have on hand oil, several different kinds of gas, and so on.
Less noise and exhaust. From what we understood – 4-stroke engines run cleaner and don’t make as much noise.

And we have to say – that is certainly true. Fewer fumes and less noise indeed.

Are we getting close to changing our minds back to 2-stroke?

One thing for certain is that the majority of the market for these consumer-level landscaping tools is absolutely 2-stroke. 90% at least.

And the one single 2-stroke machine we have (an Echo powerhead plus an echo hedge-trimmer attachment) has worked FLAWLESSLY in the past 8 years.

While changing the oil once or twice a year is not a big deal for us – NEVER changing oil sounds very compelling as well. Especially considering that the only piece of equipment we have that HAS NOT given us trouble was 2-stroke.

Also – the fuel does NOT go bad when you mix it. The can we have in the garage is almost 3 years old – and still fuels the Echo perfectly.

Time will tell if we stick with 4-stroke

Some of the 4-stroke machines we have cost an arm and a leg (especially the Honda trimmer).

Our Dolmar (Makita) powerhead has also been (nearly) flawless.

The first thing we’ll consider changing is our 4-stroke backpack blower. It’s giving us a ton of trouble.

Either way – we can easily live with both – and will make the determination when the time comes – out of necessity.

It’s good to know that we’re not stuck in a rigid mindset. We can happily live with both.

What do you prefer? 4-stroke or 2-stroke?

Have a great day!