Stihl 4 mix vs Echo 2 stroke

[coobie]

I will add another trimmer into the mix Dolmar CS-246.4 C bc.Great straight shaft trimmer.$299

 

[JRobyn]

I have the Stihl 4-mix engine in a Magnum 600 blower. Wife loves it! Easier to start than an equivalent power 2-stroke, significantly quieter, and I think, lower vibration.

 

[4570Man]

I can get my 2 stroke blower and and 2 stroke string trimmer to start on the first or second pull. My chainsaws require quite a few pulls. My blower is a Red Max and vibrates at idle, but runs smooth as silk at anything faster. My trimmer is a Shindaiwa and runs smooth as silk at any rpm. And it makes the Stihl KM90 feel like a real turd. The superior power to weight ratio of 2 stroke is enough for me.

 

[TomSeller]

I have the Stihl 4-mix engine in a Magnum 600 blower. Wife loves it! Easier to start than an equivalent power 2-stroke, significantly quieter, and I think, lower vibration.

I have the same 4 mix Stihl blower and it is fantastic. I also have a Stihl 130 combi and it is a workhorse. I have no reservations with the 4 mix Stihl engines.

 

[tcartwri]

I have a FS130R (4 mix) and an older FS45 two stroke. The older machine is the one I use. The fs130 only gets used for the heavier jobs. It's easily twice the weight, it's louder and it vibrates. It also hates anything but stihl oil. One of my most disappointing purchases.

 

[sawtooth]

I'v heard Stihl maybe leaving the 4mix going to stratus charged 2 stroke like most their competitors. I personally think they will. Higher Rpms, less weight, less maintenance. Seems like a no brainer to me. 7000 rpms vs 11000 is really a big difference and is why you will never see a Stihl 4mix chainsaw. Interestingly enough their pole saws are 4 mix but some complain of slow performance.

 

[RSKY]

I have found out the hard way that the secret to longevity in a small engine is to use alcohol free gas. I have had Echo products and I have had Stihl products. Both perform up to expectations. I have been told that the smaller Echos sold at Home Depot and other places do not have as good an engine as the ones sold at dealers. But I have no actual experience to back this up. My main requirement would be a local dealer who stands behind what he sells and who has been in business a while and likely to stay in business a while.

After all that is said I do prefer Stihl products because that is what I now own and they have been trouble free except for the usual maintenance things. The one exception was a chain saw that welded the piston to the cylinder. Dealer said that it was my fault because the alcohol had separated from the gas and oil will not mix with the alcohol and that was what burned it up. He is a friend and the saw was many years out of warranty when this happened. He also told me that one station in our town had tested 20% alcohol in their mix. This was the station I had bought the gas at.

 

[TomSeller]

. He also told me that one station in our town had tested 20% alcohol in their mix. This was the station I had bought the gas at.

YIKES !

 

[sawtooth]

Yes I use only 100% gas in all my mowers and small engine power tools. Atv's also. Add little fuel stabilizer and you will never have issues up to 1 year of sitting.

Look up the APP called "Pure Gas". It will show you dealers in your area. The demand for this fuel is growing because of the water issues derived from ethanol based fuels. The dealer network is growing too.

 

[s219]

I have been told that the smaller Echos sold at Home Depot and other places do not have as good an engine as the ones sold at dealers. But I have no actual experience to back this up. My main requirement would be a local dealer who stands behind what he sells and who has been in business a while and likely to stay in business a while.

I don't believe that is true, at least according to the parts manuals -- all the same numbers.

What is interesting is that Echo makes a higher-rated motor than other brands at the same price points. If you take a look at the emissions tag, you'll see many of their saws rated for 300 hours whereas competitors will have 50 hour ratings. That is the amount of time they certify the saw will meet emissions regs, and gives an idea of the longevity of the internal parts (cylinder, piston, rings mainly). Stihl's consumer saws are 50 hour saws, and you don't get into the 300 hour rating until moving into the pro lineup. When I first started paying attention to this, I was impressed that my $300 Home Depot Echo was right up there with my $1200 Stihl.

 

[sawtooth]

I use to be the project manager for a parts supplier to Homelite. 50 hours is the required design lifespan for consumer products but I'm surprised that Stihl consumer stuff has same rating as the cheap stuff. So Echo doesn't have a consumer line?

This is surprising as nothing Stihl makes is cheap so I would expect more for their entry line of products.

 

[fried1765]

Yes I use only 100% gas in all my mowers and small engine power tools. Atv's also. Add little fuel stabilizer and you will never have issues up to 1 year of sitting.

Look up the APP called "Pure Gas". It will show you dealers in your area. The demand for this fuel is growing because of the water issues derived from ethanol based fuels. The dealer network is growing too.

If you live in the Democratic Peoples Republic of Massachusetts (sometimes called "Taxachusetts", or the "Pocahontas" state) you CANNOT BUY ethanol free gas!
There are no such "dealers"! It is against the law to sell it!
The fix: Go to your local airport, and buy 100LL (low lead) aviation gas.
My nearest small airport is about 15 miles away, so when I am near there, I usually pick up a few gallons.
I use ONLY 100LL in my 8N, my 3400 Ford (gas), my 2 mowers, 2 chain saws, and 2 trimmers, and 6500W Honda generator.
100LL is very expensive, but I probably don't use more than 25 gallons each year.
Small price for peace of mind!
Only problem is how to use it up when I drain old fuel and replace.
Can't put the old 100LL in a car with a catalytic converter.

 

[sawtooth]

Why in mass is pure gas outlawed? Too good on equipment? To much energy in it? Lol

I I never could understand why we went to ethanol-based fuels when it has a lower energy content and is much harder on fuel systems. Go figure.

It's cheaper in price but you have to use more of it to accomplish the same amount of work so at the end you haven't gained anything. But that's our government at work.....

 

[3930dave]

Why in mass is pure gas outlawed? Too good on equipment? To much energy in it? Lol

I I never could understand why we went to ethanol-based fuels when it has a lower energy content and is much harder on fuel systems. Go figure.

It's cheaper in price but you have to use more of it to accomplish the same amount of work so at the end you haven't gained anything. But that's our government at work.....

Same here..... just Follow the Money........

More ethanol in fuel means you have to buy more fuel, to do the same work. Tax revenue increases.

Stations exceed posted ethanol limits often enough.... equipment breaks down..... more repairs are needed. Tax revenue increases.

Next verse, same as the first.....

On topic... interesting to see others take on the 4Mix re. operating rpm.... I prefer how it is set up, but it would be a boring world if we all like the same things....

Rgds, D.

 

[mjonesnh]

I'v heard Stihl maybe leaving the 4mix going to stratus charged 2 stroke like most their competitors. I personally think they will. Higher Rpms, less weight, less maintenance. Seems like a no brainer to me. 7000 rpms vs 11000 is really a big difference and is why you will never see a Stihl 4mix chainsaw. Interestingly enough their pole saws are 4 mix but some complain of slow performance.

Not sure of all 4mix engines but the one on my FS130 is rated for 10,200 rpm before ignition coil limiter kicks in.

 

[sawtooth]

Wow that's pretty high. So why doesn't Stihl use them in chainsaws if they are that high and have more torque. Seems like a no brainer to me.


By the way just bought this 4mix pole saw last night. Was used one time and the owner said was too heavy for him. He was a very small man. Less than 5' tall and couldn't been over 100lbs. so I can see why. Had original receipt for when purchased last month for close to $700 but sold it to me for $450. Will try it out this weekend.

 

[sawtooth]

It really sounds cool running as it has a deep tone to it. The Schwarzenegger of pole saws. Lol

 

[two_bit_score]

Wow that's pretty high. So why doesn't Stihl use them in chainsaws if they are that high and have more torque. Seems like a no brainer to me.


By the way just bought this 4mix pole saw last night. Was used one time and the owner said was too heavy for him. He was a very small man. Less than 5' tall and couldn't been over 100lbs. so I can see why. Had original receipt for when purchased last month for close to $700 but sold it to me for $450. Will try it out this weekend.

View attachment 498057

You will like that saw. I have one just like it. That's a great deal you go on it too.


TBS

 

[9973720wb19]

I had an Echo 2 stroke and now upgraded to a more powerful 4 stroke Stihl. I have to say...I miss the engine control i got from 2 stroke engine. there's a response delay with 4S and it's 100% all out not much control or usability at less than full trigger. the 2S was better with delicate areas and i feel i could save string by not being all out all the time. if i had a re-do, i would have gotten a light weight 2S.

 

[sawtooth]

Just used it this evening. Dang..... that sucker goes through limbs like a knife through hot butter.