Comments on: Mowers – 2 stroke vs 4 stroke

By: Charles Oliver

Charles Oliver — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 01:21:58 +0000

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.

By: Joe

Joe — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 23:30:39 +0000

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.

By: Sam Ru

Sam Ru — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 05:45:59 +0000

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

By: Jimmy Poulin

Jimmy Poulin — Fri, 14 May 2010 02:19:41 +0000

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!

By: Warakila

Warakila — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:25:55 +0000

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.