Introduction
When choosing a lawn mower, there are different types available. Two-stroke and four-stroke mowers are some of the most common options. In this article, I’ll explain the differences between them to help you better understand and pick the mower that suits you best.
2 Stroke vs 4 Stroke Lawn Mower
Components
The main difference between two-stroke and four-stroke lawn mowers is in the engine. Four-stroke mowers have separate fuel and oil tanks. They only use gasoline, so you don’t need to mix oil with fuel. This helps prevent damage caused by incorrect fuel-oil ratios. Four-stroke engines also have their own built-in lubrication system.
A two-stroke lawn mower has only one fuel tank. Before refueling, you need to mix gasoline and oil in a 25:1 ratio and then pour the mixture into the tank.
How it Works
A lawn mower typically consists of an engine, a drive shaft, a working head, and either blades or a cutting line. The basic working principle is that the engine generates power, which drives the cutting head through the shaft. This makes the mower’s engine power very important. However, the power differs between four-stroke and two-stroke mowers.
The working principle of a two-stroke lawn mower is relatively simple. It completes a full engine cycle—including intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust—in just two piston strokes.
A four-stroke lawn mower completes a full engine cycle—intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust—through four piston strokes.
Performance
Two-stroke lawn mowers usually have higher power output because their engine generates power with every stroke. This makes them strong enough to handle tougher weeds and bushes.
Four-stroke lawn mowers have relatively lower power output because their engine produces power only once in a full cycle. However, they can still handle most mowing tasks and are suitable for softer grass and light bushes.
Durability
Two-stroke lawn mowers use a mixed lubrication system, where fuel and oil are combined to lubricate the engine. While this method is simple, it can lead to carbon buildup inside the engine, increase wear, and shorten the mower’s lifespan.
Four-stroke engines have a separate lubrication system, with oil and fuel stored in different tanks. This lubrication method is more efficient and helps reduce engine wear, extending the lifespan of the four-stroke lawn mower.
Fuel Consumption
Two-stroke lawn mowers have higher fuel consumption because the engine needs a fuel-oil mix for both lubrication and combustion in each cycle. This results in higher fuel usage. When both mowers run at the same speed, a two-stroke mower also produces more power, which requires more fuel.
Four-stroke lawn mowers have lower fuel consumption because the engine completes a work cycle in four separate strokes. This design allows the engine to use fuel more efficiently, which reduces fuel consumption.
Sound and Vibration
I’m discussing noise and vibration together because I believe these two factors affect your comfort while mowing.
In a four-stroke lawn mower, the engine burns fuel and works once per cycle. In comparison, a two-stroke engine burns fuel and works twice at the same time. As a result, the two-stroke engine creates stronger impacts, causing louder noise and more vibration. On the other hand, the four-stroke engine runs more smoothly, reducing both vibration and noise.
Weight
In a four-stroke lawn mower, the engine burns fuel and works once per cycle. In comparison, a two-stroke engine burns fuel and works twice at the same time. As a result, the two-stroke engine creates stronger impacts, causing louder noise and more vibration. On the other hand, the four-stroke engine runs more smoothly, reducing both vibration and noise.
Application
Two-stroke lawn mowers are lighter and more flexible, making them ideal for use on hilly or uneven terrain. They are also suitable for heavy mowing tasks. With higher power, they can handle thicker bush branches. Plus, since two-stroke mowers can run for longer periods, they are very convenient for outdoor work.
Four-stroke lawn mowers have less vibration and noise, so they cause less harm to the body. They have a smaller impact on both the user and people nearby, making them suitable for yard work. The low vibration of four-stroke mowers also makes it easier for you to work for long periods.
Maintenance
As I mentioned earlier, because two-stroke lawn mowers use a fuel-oil mix, the engine is more likely to build up carbon, causing wear. This means they have a higher chance of breaking down compared to four-stroke lawn mowers.
However, when it comes to repairs, two-stroke lawn mowers have a simpler design, making them easier to fix. In contrast, the many parts of a four-stroke mower make repairs more complex.
Conclusion
Now you know that choosing a lawn mower involves considering many factors and selecting based on your own needs. If you have any questions or want to buy a lawn mower, feel free to contact us at ANON. We believe our high-quality machines will perfectly meet your needs!
FAQ
What fuel do 4-stroke mowers use?
stroke engines are the most commonly used engines in petrol lawn mowers. The reason they are called 4-stroke engines is that their engine cycle consists of four strokes, resulting in the pistons making two full rotations for every four strokes.
Can I use regular gas in a 4-stroke?
The best fuel for 4 cycle engines is ethanol free. Even though ethanol-free fuel does not deteriorate carburetors like gas with ethanol, we strongly recommend, running the engine until the tank is out of gas, so only put into the tank the amount of gas you feel you will use.
How to tell if you have a 2-stroke or 4-stroke lawn mower?
A four-stroke will have an oil sump that must be filled. – You will see a cap on the engine that says oil. A two-stroke should have a gas fill cap that says oil + gas. The two-stroke gas will have a greenish tint from the oil in it (but not always). A two-stroke will be lighter.
