Honda 4-Stroke Mower
If you are thinking of buying a mower, be it new or second-hand, there are certain things you must consider before buying. One of the more important decisions is the choice of engine type. Two-stroke engines require the fuel and oil to be mixed together (usually in a ratio of 25:1 or 40:1), and the oil is burnt with the fuel. Four-stroke engines have a separate oil reservoir, so the oil is not burnt or consumed but must be periodically changed. 2-stroke engines can operate upside-down, making them ideal for small hand-held tools like brush cutters. 4-stroke engines must remain level for the oil to properly lubricate the engine. Normally this is not a problem for lawnmowers, but if your yard is on a steep slope, you may be better off with a 2-stroke mower.
Other things you should also consider when buying a mower are expense, hassle, pollution and simplicity. The question isn’t what type of mower is better, the question is what type of mower is better for you.
However, 4 stroke mowers require more maintenance, are usually much heavier, are more expensive, and may have difficulty operating on steep slopes due to internal lubrication problems, unlike 2 stroke mowers.
So what type of mower is better for you?
Choose 2-Stroke if you:
- Are on a limited budget. 2-Stroke mowers are generally cheaper than 4-stroke equivalents.
- Prefer low-maintenance. 2-Stroke engines require a oil-fuel mixture, but otherwise don’t require oil levels to be checked.
- Have very sloping ground. 2-Stroke engines can actually operate upside-down.
- Prefer a light-weight mower.
Choose 4-stroke if you:
- Desire best fuel efficiency. Generally, 4-stroke engines are twice as efficient as a 2-stroke engine.
- Want less pollution and smell.
- Prefer less noise and quieter operation.
- Want the more reliable and longer lasting mower (assuming regular maintenance – particularly regular oil changes).
- Have a very large lawn. Most professional-grade mowers are 4-stroke.
So what is your experience with the relative advantages of 2 vs 4 stroke mowers?
February 15, 2010 at 10:25 pm
Well you might say just how good the four stroke is,
what begs questioning is the terrain and just how much rubbish your wonderful neighbours have dumped on the property before you find all those hidden underlying traps.
Likewise, reliabilty is an individual thing, as a fitter and turner tradesman one has an understanding when something is wrong. I was fortunate to buy a brand new “Tiger” a cheap victa, – same components and part numbers (surprise).
Being the owner of 2 allotments of property adjoining each other I would use the 2-stroke every 3 weeks for 3 hours a time for 18 years – now some 12 years later again the pull cord (replaced once and yes One spark plug later) cranks the mower into life – yep – first time.
Just by the way I consider you chasing “pie-in-the-sky” if you are looking for “Mower efficiency”.
You should be identifying to your readers just how to treat the engines – such as – turn the 2-stroke fuel off and let this run out, a few technical attributes rather than justifying your thoughts.
You would be a better to identify educational and positive aspects – of course that is if you have such experience.
I would consider in anyone’s ideals that 30 years out of one mower, let alone the harsh conditions I put this thing through, is exceptional for a 2-stroke mower. PS. 10 sets of blades.
May 14, 2010 at 12:19 pm
15 years ago, my father give me is old 20″ 2-stroke Lawn-Boy. i rework the engine the same week and work like a charm even since but i do use synthetic Amsoil on premium gas due to mild engine tweak. it take a little more gas than a 4-stroke but the ease of use pay itself! my terrain is very sloppy and this very light weight hi rev mower do the job in a flash. using it all this time and the engine still run like new, maybe is the use of high quality smoke less oil!
September 10, 2010 at 3:45 pm
what about the electrics – they need and deserve a wrap in this day and age. I had a diesel ride-on for a very large space and it was great. This is unfortunately a narrow view. sam ru canberra
April 11, 2011 at 9:30 am
I have a different view on the reliability of four stroke lawn mowers, the small rotary type. Having been in the mechanical business and worked on many brands, the most reliable four stroke would probably be the Honda engine and way behind, the more common Briggs and Stratten engine as used in most home lawnmower brands. They are quieter and usually easier to start than a two stroke, but they have more mechanical parts and wear out quicker. I have had 2 Victor two strokes and mowed a couple of weed infested half acre blocks for many years without any engine rebuilds or major problems. The engines are still running but the body’s are totally worn out. If you use the right oil mix and clean the spark plug and air cleaners occasionally they will run forever. If you don’t, they can be the most temperamental and frustrating machines on the planet.
October 5, 2011 at 12:21 pm
Trouble starting a 2-stroke will be minimised if, when finished with it, you leave it switched on but turn the fuel off and run the cylinder(s) dry. That keeps the spark plug(s) dry and ready for the next start. Thanks to Dieter Kahlert, diesel mechanic extraordinary, for that advice 30 years ago. I still have the same Victa mower.