Sthil Commercial Line Trimmers with 4 Cycle engines (still require 50:1 fuel/oil mix) - any experience

[Spanky100]

Want to add a Commercial Line Trimmer and Blade Edger to my tool/toy list, so thinking about purchasing a Stihl Kombisystem where you can use one powerhead unit with a changeable line trimmer head and a blade edger head. With my yard, older retirees yards, and kids yards I maintain 5 yards one day a week during growing season. Thus I have about 90 minutes of line trimmer weekly runtime and some concrete blade edging once a month at the one location with the 4 yards that are together. Currently using 22 plus year old 2 cycle Redmax Commercial dedicated trimmer that works like new. Just adding trimmer/edger at the second location to avoid having to transport equipment. The new equipment will be used for the 4 yards that are together.

First started looking at the battery powered commercial power heads (KMA 135 R and KMA 200 R). They appear to have sufficient power but no longer considering due to high battery cost and runtime that would require (3) $300 batteries and charge time. I like operation of the battery systems, just not the cost and runtime. Someday if battery cost reduces and capacity increases.

So now looking at the Sthil 4 cycle commercial powerheads. While being 4 cycle they still require use of 50:1 gas oil mix for engine lube since these engines do not have a dedicated oil sump crankcase. Stihl used to call these 4 cycles "4 MIX" but no longer use that name now calling them 4 Cycle.

What I am wondering does anyone here use the recent commercial Sthil 4 cycle powerheads and what are your experiences good and bad. I typically only run the trimmer fast enough to cut the grass to avoid scattering grass clipping debris on landscaping and me. With a conventional 2 cycle like my Redmax unit. this results in spark plug oil loading and requires me to run the engine RPM up to clear plug every 10 minutes or so. Hoping the 4 cycle with gas oil mix does not load the pug up with extended low speed operation.

The Powerheads I am considering are Sthil KM94R, KM111R, or a KM131R (28, 31, 36 cc displacements).

Any thoughts good or bad for my intended use.

Best regards

 

[RjCorazza]

I use A KM131 as my primary trimmer for the last several years and I really like it. I kept my previous lower HP Kombi as a backup.
The power level is adequate. I also frequently spin at low rpm's while trimming fence wire, and haven't noticed any plug issues (original plug).
My typical usage is also similar to yours as far as attachments, although I occasionally carry along the blower attachment if I don't feel like lugging around the backpack blower.

 

[mjonesnh]

Have a FS-130R 4 mix purchased in 2014-15. Predecessor of today's 131. Zero problems with it since purchase. Mostly use a 10" brush blade but do keep a trimmer head loaded with .105 line. Would buy a 131 today if I needed a replacement

 

[5030]

I've read on various sites about them having issues with the hard plastic (nylon) valve actuation gear wearing out, but that is it. Don't own one but I do have an ancient Stihl FS66 that just keeps on going.

Not sure I like the fact they are a 4 stroke with no oil sump.

 

[dodge man]

I have a Stihl HT101 pole saw that is a 4 stroke. So far it’s been pretty solid for me other than it’s a little heavy.

 

[hodge]

I have an FS130 that I've worked hard for 14 years, no issues, just regular maintenance. I'd buy another one, no question.

 

[John0829]

I have two of those engines, one on a string trimmer and one on a Kombi switch head unit and both have been flawless.

And as ashamed as I am to admit it I did run the string trimmer one time with tank of plain gas several years ago and it did not seem to hurt it any.

 

[Jrasband]

I have a FS131 and it is great, would buy another in a minute.

 

[Rdrcr]

I have the KM131R and it has been fantastic! Zero issues and I’m extremely happy with the quality and performance.

Mike

 

[rontaki]

I have an FS 91 (not the R model), with the bike-style handlebar vs. the loop handle. It is a 4 mix type engine, and I always used Stihl's best oil, cheap insurance against problems. It's been a trouble-free beast that has seen many hours of use here, including light brush cutting. I was worried about the weight when I bought it, due to my bad back. Using the vest-type harness, I never felt it was too heavy. In fact, I would have bought a more powerful model had I known.

Batterys have to come down in price and up in capacity and reliability to really replace gas tools, for sure!