Hi Ironbark
Haven't done much with these motors as I hate them with a vengeance after fighting one to start and ripping my finger open on a poorly finished plastic guard.
The stihl range has fallen significantly in my opinion - fs38 being among the worst trimmer I have ever used.
My theory is if you are going to make a 4 stroke, use a sump with oil - don't stihl (pun intended) need users to mix oil. Also don't like plastic cam gears on commercial machines running 8000+rpm. These are known for cam wear issues when run hard in thick grass. That stuffs with the valve lash and everything.
Only one lob controlling both valves too so 2x the wear.
They do go well though - would love to compare one side by side with my old FS81 - amazing machine
As much as I don't personally like honda gx25 due to weight, I can see their benefits. I still have a ryobi 4 stroke trimmer from the late 90s and it is really nice to use because its light, easy start and has enough power but no top end.
100% agree on the stihl oil - hates part throttle operation. I have a bottle of stihl ultra I bought for $5 when stratco cleared out stihl. I won't use it as a lot of my use is part throttle.
