2 stroke for hedge trimmer

[oldbloke]

I am due to do some serious hedge cutting today with my 2 stroke hedge trimmer. I have just found that the only 2 stroke oil I have is for outboards. Is there any serious difference in oils , eg engine running temps, that would stop me using this?.

 

[PCUK]

It'll be fine. You can get motorbike 2stroke oil from your nearest garage if you're still worried.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Definite maybe. Outboards generally run cooler than gardening equipment, so the oil is formulated to work at lower temperatures.

 

[Boathook]

There was a thread on here a while back about the oils. There is now an oil that is suitable for both type of 2 strokes.

I seem to remember that a bit of light use with the wrong oil won't cause a problem but heavy use might cause problems.

 

[Ribtecer]

There was a thread on here a while back about the oils. There is now an oil that is suitable for both type of 2 strokes.

I seem to remember that a bit of light use with the wrong oil won't cause a problem but heavy use might cause problems.

In my outboard I only use decent TCW3 oil, not worth it in my garden equipment, unless it's all I had available.

 

[WoodyP]

Don't do it. I did on a Ryobi multi tool and seized the engine.

 

[afterpegassus]

Don't do it. I did on a Ryobi multi tool and seized the engine.

I have used the same oil in my outboards, strimmers and chainsaws without issue since forever.
I do run them at 50:1 though as opposed to 100:1.

 

[B27]

I have used the same oil in my outboards, strimmers and chainsaws without issue since forever.
I do run them at 50:1 though as opposed to 100:1.

My garden tools want 25:1, I don't think they are too fussy about the oil.
The handbook will probably tell you a minimum spec for the oil if it's a post tool like Stihl, the label on the oil will tell you if it meets that.
Mine are cheap Chinese things which have been run on leftover outboard fuel with extra oil, no problems, but they don't do the hours that pro's do.

Back when I was involved with two stroke motorbikes, you'd have fairly special oil for high performance aircooled motors.
Well the price was special anyway!

 

[oldbloke]

Thank you, it's a big hedge and a new machine so will leave it till I can get the proper stuff

 

[wonkywinch]

Run it dry after use, the tiny carbs are prone to gum up with any E in the petrol.

Alternatively use the expensive Stihl 2 stroke fuel.

 

[billskip]

I seem to remember that a bit of light use with the wrong oil won't cause a problem but heavy use might cause problems.

Yeah it melts the piston to the bore....don't ask how I know.......

 

[Refueler]

Don't do it. I did on a Ryobi multi tool and seized the engine.

I suggest something else caused the seizure.

 

[WoodyP]

The service centre suggested otherwise. Why have different specs and colours for the oil if there was no difference. I know you are an expert in fuel matters and don't want to start a battle but l can only speak from experience. The fact is l never had any problems after I reverted to the proper specification. You do what you want. I will do what I want.

 

[PetiteFleur]

I always use E5 petrol - Premium Petrol + Honda fuel additive. Never had a problem since with outboard, strimmer & lawnmower.

 

[ashtead]

If you don’t want to use the mercury 2 stroke outboard oil then my recollection is stihl supply small premeasured canisters so might be on Amazon and free delivery next day on basis you are in mainland of course. I tend to mix it with the super pricy e fuel in the blue canister but you can buy 2 stroke fuel in the blue cans also at some expense which is used by tree and garden contractors .

 

[Refueler]

The service centre suggested otherwise. Why have different specs and colours for the oil if there was no difference. I know you are an expert in fuel matters and don't want to start a battle but l can only speak from experience. The fact is l never had any problems after I reverted to the proper specification. You do what you want. I will do what I want.

If you go back - you will see I did differentiate what you could and should not use ...

 

[RunAgroundHard]

Thank you, it's a big hedge and a new machine so will leave it till I can get the proper stuff

Same situation as me. I bought Husqvarna Power 2 which is an Alkylate fuel premixed with 2 stroke oil, for my Husky Hedge Trimmer The main advantage is that there are no fumes of significance when working with the hedge trimmer. My hedge is tall and wielding the trimmer to cut the top and sides I do get close to the engine (to stay balanced) and I did not notice the fumes at all. This is my 3rd season using the trimmer and fuel.

The specification is 2%XP, complies with JAS0 F0/ISO EGD standards, whatever that means, maybe you can check against your machine. No doubt other Alkylate fuels are available. I would not go back to petrol mixed with 2 stroke oil.

Details Husqvarna Husqvarna XP Power 2T

All the best and I would recommend an Alkylate fuel pre mixed for 2 stroke.

 

[WoodyP]

If you go back - you will see I did differentiate what you could and should not use ...

You just suggested that something else was the reason for the seizure. I assume (always dangerous), that it was my choice of Ryobi was the mistake. I acknowledge it isn't a premium brand but then neither was the price, and it performed very well for many years despite being heavily used.

 

[oldbloke]

Same situation as me. I bought Husqvarna Power 2 which is an Alkylate fuel premixed with 2 stroke oil, for my Husky Hedge Trimmer The main advantage is that there are no fumes of significance when working with the hedge trimmer. My hedge is tall and wielding the trimmer to cut the top and sides I do get close to the engine (to stay balanced) and I did not notice the fumes at all. This is my 3rd season using the trimmer and fuel.

The specification is 2%XP, complies with JAS0 F0/ISO EGD standards, whatever that means, maybe you can check against your machine. No doubt other Alkylate fuels are available. I would not go back to petrol mixed with 2 stroke oil.

Details Husqvarna Husqvarna XP Power 2T

All the best and I would recommend an Alkylate fuel pre mixed for 2 stroke.

I am using the expensive petrol, the machine is a hyundai and annoyingly is 40:1 so mixing it myself. It's a lovely thing, £100 from the hyundai outlet, officially B grade but was unused but with a tatty box and no instructions

 

[Refueler]

You just suggested that something else was the reason for the seizure. I assume (always dangerous), that it was my choice of Ryobi was the mistake. I acknowledge it isn't a premium brand but then neither was the price, and it performed very well for many years despite being heavily used.

I had a reasonable McCulloch petrol strimmer that failed within warranty period ... dealer refused to honour warranty accusing me of not using recc'd oils etc.
Total bo*****s ...

What killed it was amount of use and the hard work it did ... but as I said to dealer - that is not an issue as the item did not have any limits stated on use etc.

I still have the item - but it was shoddily repaired by them and failed again shortly after ...

I replaced it with a cheaper but same power rated model of another brand - which has maintained excellent for years using exactloy same oils and fuel as the McCulloch.
I have chainsaws ... various strimmers ... cutters .... other 2T powered tools and all use the same ... no problem at all.