HELP! - Honda HHT25S or Dolmar MS 245.4C??

[Ope_Freak]

Need help deciding between the two? Its going to be used residentially, but I'm looking for something to last 10-15 years. Anyone have any real world exprience with both/either. There are VERY few user reviews of the Dolmar, but thats because the Honda is more popular and Dolmar is somewhat new. I dont care about price.

Dolmar MS 245.4C
Pro's
*Uses Robin-Subaru EH025 engine design - Chrome cylinder, metal cam, push rod, forged crank, needle bearings on the connecting rod, etc
*Engine is good, but is rest of machine well built?
*Not as heavy ~ 11 lbs

Con's
*Can be tilted, but 360 is not option.
*Not as many local dealers, support for parts, etc.


Honda HHT25S

Pro's
*Proven design, GX engine
*Lots of dealer support and parts
*Very balanced, entire trimmer well built
*Oil mist, use 360 Degrees

Con's
*OHC w/ rubber T-belt (not worried about running a lot of hours, but cracking due to age
*Heavier - ~13 lbs
*Flex Shaft (some would argue not as durable).

Help.

 

[jhellwig]

Dolmar has been around a long time and makes very good equipment. It just isn't a big name brand. They make equipment for a big name brand though. Makita ope is the same as dollar except for the color.

 

[PhilsSmallEngine]

If I had to pick, I would go with the Honda simply due to its ability to maintain the full motion necessary for a trimmer. If I had a choice, I would be more inclined to get one of these if I was in the market for a power head with options:

Kawasaki KMS27A

It's a true commercial machine and will serve you forever if you take care of it. The balance is great and it's also lighter at under 9lbs. I understand the desire of having a 4 stroke micro engine, but the technology still isn't at the level of a well made 2 cycle Kawasaki, Dolmar, Tanaka, Stihl and so on...

 

[Ope_Freak]

Thanks guys. I actually do own a Kawasaki KTFR27 2 cycle trimmer. Its a great unit, I just need another excuse to change oil in something. I'm also trying to get away from mixing gas. I agree a good 2 cycle its ahead of 4 cycle technology and simplicity for a trimmer application.

Jhellwig, i'm north of you in Cedar Rapids btw...

 

[jhellwig]

Cool. I didnt even notice where you hailed from.

If needing to run it at any angle is important then you only have one choice.

 

[Hokiefyd]

I really wanted to like the Honda 4-cycle trimmer, but in the end, went back to Echo when I bought a new one last year. If you don't like mixing gas, just run TruFuel. The 4-cycles are heavier and more complex than is really necessary for a hand-held application.

I wouldn't worry about the rubber belt in the Honda. I own a GCV160 with a rubber belt and it's 11 years old. Honda appears to have put very high quality belts in these engines.