2Honda UMK425

Honda UMK425

UMK425 Bike Handle, UMK425 Loop Handle · See All

4.5

64 reviews · Statistics

PositiveNegative
86% · 557 · 11%
Product is used
  • Daily (4)
  • Weekly (2)
  • Occasionally (8)
Build Quality
4.3 (14)
Value for Money
3.5 (15)
Ease of Use
3.9 (15)
Cleaning & Maintenance
4.4 (14)
Noise Level
3.9 (15)
Safety
4.0 (14)
Long lasting
High power output
Relatively quiet
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Reviews

TheOneAndDroney
TheOneAndDroney · 43 posts
 · Verified
  • Top Review

UMK425ULSTUT from Bunnings - RUBBISH.

UMK425 Loop Handle

So I picked this up after reading the reviews on how good they were and how much better than two-stroke ones.

First off, it does not start “first pull every time” or second, or third - and if it’s hot, you can forget it. The Honda brochures all say these things start easy - decompression blah blah blah.

I regret buying this overpriced junk. Aside from it not starting any easier than a two-stroke, the power is just not there. It bogs down in longish grass, wet grass, thick grass - man it sucks. Super under-powered with zero umph.

Funnily enough, the issue I had today (dying when trying to bring to half/full throttle) went away if I held it upside down?? Turn it back over (with the trigger still pressed) and it cuts out. You’d imagine it would be the other way around?

I’m going to give this one more day of use (this is day two of extremely annoying underpowered, bogging down, cutting out rubbish) then it’s going back. 4 strokes suck big time so far.

Definitely not worth the overpriced dollars I paid for this PITA machine.

Purchased in at Bunnings Warehouse for $404.

  • Product is used: Daily
  • Grass Type: Short grass, Tall grass and Thick, heavy grass or weeds
Build Quality
Value for Money
Ease of Use
Cleaning & Maintenance
Noise Level
Safety
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Ben
Ben South East Queensland, QLD · 16 posts
  • Top Review

Quality product

UMK425 Loop Handle

I bought one for $468 from Bunnings as my Ryobi was getting old, the plastics had perished and it leaked fuel plus I had a 4 stroke mower so I considered upgrading to a 4 stroke brush cutter.

It comes full assembled in the box, a bit unwieldy in the store (excuse me, sorry, pardon me, yeah its a longer box, sorry etc etc) but makes unboxing and using as simple as it gets. Dont forget to buy the oil, I just used the Honda oil as recommended.

A drawstring bag comes with it in the box. containing the shoulder strap, instructions and handy safety glasses, Nice.

You need to add 80mL of oil, the oil filler is clearly marked as is the warning of No Oil. Then, its add straight petrol its not a two stroke, dont add mixed fuel !!!

It took some pulls of the starter and choke application to get the fuel where it needed to be, then just brooooom..... and burbled away nicely with the choke off.

The difference is remarkable, no harsh two stroke ring, just a steady rumble and zero smoke.

The hardest part wasnt revving it like a 2 stroke. Just add enough trigger to get even revs and apply the cutter head accordingly. Smooth, easy torque that handles quite thick grass easily.

It seems small, but is perfectly capable for the house yard and probably some larger applications.

The thing that struck me the most was the smooth engine, very high quality Honda construction and the ease of use. Excellent buy, even for the higher price, zero regrets.

  • Date Purchased:
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Peter
Peter

Great!

UMK425 Loop Handle

Purchased in for $535.

  • Product is used: Occasionally
  • Grass Type: Short grass, Tall grass and Thick, heavy grass or weeds
Build Quality
Value for Money
Ease of Use
Cleaning & Maintenance
Noise Level
Safety
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Chris Parks
Chris Parks · 2 posts

An absolute failure.

UMK425 Loop Handle

I’ve had the same problem I see many others have had. Minimal power. Constant stalling after a minute or two and no improvement after 8 visits for the machine to be repaired. Even pretty much immediately on getting it back cleaned out and with fresh fuel. An absolute failure. It would definitely the worst piece of gear I’ve ever owned. At least now I know it’s not just me.

Purchased at Local Husqvarna otherwise good dealer.

  • Grass Type: Tall grass
Value for Money
Ease of Use
Noise Level
Safety
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Rod
Rod Great Southern, WA · 9 posts
 · Verified

So far, I'm impressed

UMK425 Loop Handle

Purchased in for $537.

  • Product is used: Daily
  • Grass Type: Thick, heavy grass or weeds
Build Quality
Value for Money
Ease of Use
Cleaning & Maintenance
Noise Level
Safety
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Mal in Maleny
Mal in Maleny South East Queensland, QLD · 15 posts

Low build quality falling apart after 6 hrs

UMK425 Bike Handle

I bought the 25 cc bike handle model. Plus points good harness and balance. Easy start. But low power and the cutter head falls apart constantly about every 30 mins made of floppy cheap plastic. Line cutter fell off after five hours. I am so disappointed Honda used to be a good make. May as well get a Ryobi for 250 now

Purchased in at Maleny Mowers for $719.

  • Product is used: Daily
  • Grass Type: Thick, heavy grass or weeds
Build Quality
Value for Money
Ease of Use
Cleaning & Maintenance
Noise Level
Safety
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Jason W.
Jason W. South East Queensland, QLD
 · Verified

Just buy one, you won't be sorry

UMK425 Loop Handle

Purchased in .

  • Product is used: Occasionally
  • Grass Type: Thick, heavy grass or weeds
Build Quality
Value for Money
Ease of Use
Cleaning & Maintenance
Noise Level
Safety
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Keith B.
Keith B. Sunshine Coast · 5 posts

This 4-stroke Honda has never missed beat in 25 years.

UMK425 Bike Handle

Never been at the mower shop. Started every time. Has done some very heavy work. I'm just about to replace it after a quarter of a century.Hope they are still as good as 25 years ago.

Purchased in for $850.

  • Product is used: Weekly
  • Grass Type: Thick, heavy grass or weeds
Build Quality
Value for Money
Ease of Use
Cleaning & Maintenance
Noise Level
Safety
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Chris H
Chris H Metropolitan Adelaide, SA · 10 posts

I'm Sexy and I mow it.

UMK425 Bike Handle

Use the shoulder strap as its heavier than a 2 stroke.. I use it up to an hour or more straight every day. Speed feed line head. DONT overload it with line, it crosses over & breaks inside the head case. It must be stored with petrol cap up. The cap leaks fuel badly. I have two and both the same. Reliability and performance 10/10. I service every ft night. Very important to do that. Dont complain if you don't. It takes 10 minutes and cheap. Oil (100ml.) and carby air filter. easy.
Plastic cowling isnt that strong.

Purchased in .

  • Product is used: Daily
  • Grass Type: Thick, heavy grass or weeds
Build Quality
Value for Money
Ease of Use
Cleaning & Maintenance
Noise Level
Safety
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Jacko
Jacko Southern and Hills, SA · 4 posts

Best thing I've ever bought!

UMK425 Loop Handle

Purchased in for $499.

  • Product is used: Occasionally
  • Grass Type: Thick, heavy grass or weeds
Build Quality
Value for Money
Ease of Use
Cleaning & Maintenance
Noise Level
Safety
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X M.
X M. Greater Melbourne (Outer), VIC · 9 posts

Smoothest trimmer ever owned.

UMK425 Bike Handle

Bought this brand new and used for about an hour and already in love. It’s much quieter and smoother than my 2 stroke Husqvarna 525RS, with only less power, but enough for me. Would recommend for domestic use.

Purchased in for $320.

  • Product is used: Occasionally
  • Grass Type: Short grass
Build Quality
Value for Money
Ease of Use
Cleaning & Maintenance
Noise Level
Safety
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Ian
Ian Queensland · 3 posts

Absolute crap

UMK425 Bike Handle

Mine is now out of warranty continues to stall after short periods of use . Just tried to the house yard and a bit extra stopped 9 times have to wait every time for it to cool down. I have take it back to the place of purchase with this fault never comes back fixed has cost me heaps for no result. If I could afford to I would dump it and by another machine definitely no a HONDA.

Purchased in for $540.

  • Product is used: Occasionally
  • Grass Type: Short grass and Tall grass
Build Quality
Value for Money
Ease of Use
Cleaning & Maintenance
Noise Level
Safety
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Tony
Tony Far North Queensland, QLD · 24 posts

Hard to fault after 15 years

UMK425 Bike Handle

After going cheap with a ryobi and the fuel lines perished after 2 years decided a honda might be worth the extra $. With the honda only replaced primer after 10 years and still has original fuel line. Easy to service yourself and have replaced air filter and spark plug as needed. Like the fact it uses the same fuel as the mower. If you need full power all the time a 2stroke might be better and lighter. For me the throttle control of the 4stroke for varied conditions is another plus. Most issues people have would be fuel related (stale).

Purchased for $650.

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Darren
Darren Mid North Coast, NSW · 2 posts

10 year review

UMK425 Bike Handle

I purchased one about 10 years ago. I have never had a problem with it until now and to be honest I couldn't have been happier. It still starts straight away. I haven't been easy on it. If I put it in to be fixed I am sure it would not take long however I am about to upgrade and will be purchasing the same one to replace the old one. I cannot fault the Honda!

Purchased in for $499.

  • Product is used: Weekly
  • Grass Type: Short grass and Tall grass
Build Quality
Value for Money
Ease of Use
Cleaning & Maintenance
Noise Level
Safety
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A G.
A G. North Western Region, NSW · 2 posts

I must have been unlucky

UMK425 Bike Handle

Purchased in for $700.

  • Product is used: Occasionally
  • Grass Type: Short grass
Build Quality
Value for Money
Ease of Use
Cleaning & Maintenance
Noise Level
Safety
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MDD
MDD Melbourne · 14 posts

Excellent for domestic work

UMK425 Bike Handle

I bought this about 2 years ago because my new property is too steep for a lawnmower. The whipper snipper has a bit of weight to it, but the balance is pretty good so you don't notice too much.

4 stroke is handy if you don't have any other 2 stroke machines. Doesn't often start first pull, but that may be due to stale petrol. That said, it usually only takes 2-3 goes to start.

It's pretty quiet for a whipper snipper, but ear protection is still recommended, especially at full throttle. It says 80dBA on the shaft.

I find I can cut thick long grass without any hassles, and so far it's been reliable. That said I only have it for domestic use.

Overall, it's expensive, but worth it if you value performance and no hassles.

Purchased in .

  • Product is used: Occasionally
  • Grass Type: Tall grass and Thick, heavy grass or weeds
Build Quality
Value for Money
Ease of Use
Cleaning & Maintenance
Noise Level
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Questions & Answers

Arthur S.
Arthur S. ·  · UMK425

If my 4stroke whipper snippet stored on its side oil runs out the carny and won’t start information says this way shouldn’t Matter what now

Rod
Rod · 

I'm not a motor mechanic and I've not had this problem with my machine. I don't normally store it on its side but have had it roll around in the trailer at times without problem. I can't see how the oil would get to the carby as the fuel & oil systems are separate. Could oil have been put into the fuel tank by mistake? Could the oil be leaking from somewhere other than the carby?
Sorry I can't be of much help here, you mkay have to take it back to a dealer. I treat mine rather harshly but it hasn't missed a beat.

Guest
Jeff
Jeff ·  · UMK425 Loop Handle

Can you put an edger gear head on one of these line trimmers? I have a spare umk425 that I wanted to turn into a dedicated stick edger.

Chris Parks
Chris Parks · 

Really would not know. Best ask a dealer. I just lost more hair trying to keep it running while trying to cut grass.

Guest
JTSilbery
JTSilbery ·  · UMK425 Loop Handle

Idles sometimes, but pulling full throttle then release, it cuts out?

On long grass, cuts sometimes but slowly dies after & during cutting?

Rod
Rod · 

I haven't had this problem at all, I have given it a pretty solid workout and it has plenty of power. I do use the higher octane petrol, not standard though.

Guest

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Honda UMK425

Details

The Honda UMK425 is available in two options, with the difference between the models being in their handle design.

  • UMK425 Loop Handle: Suitable for neatening up garden beds, driveways and brush cutting.
  • UMK425 Bike Handle: Design allows you to get a solid grip while you focus on areas that require more power, such as brush cutting scrub.

This whipper snipper is powered by unleaded petrol. It’s designed with a mini 4-stroke engine that consumes less petrol than 2-stroke snippers, and a one-pull start system designed to start the power tool easily and quickly. Along with their choice of two handles, this line trimmer is designed to be ergonomically friendly.

Honda attributes this user-friendliness to the Honda UMK425’s lightweight design, electronic ignition, anti-vibration extension mount, anti-flood primer system, and 360-degree inclinable operation. The Honda UML425 also comes with a new pair of safety goggles and a single harness (loop handle model), or a full operator harness (bike handle option).

Points of praise for the Honda UMK425:

  • Many reviewers professed to having bought their lion’s share of line trimmers in the past, and when they splashed out on this Honda UMK425, did not regret it. One review was entitled, ‘The last brush cutter you need to buy!’
  • The durability and overall effectiveness of this line trimmer were praised – it was often described as powerful yet quiet. Some reviewers said that they’d had their Honda trimmer for up to 10 years, and were going to replace it with the exact same model when their Honda UMK425 finally bit the dust.

Other comments:

  • A few reviewers commented that using fresh, good quality petrol is paramount, and that issues with the trimmer could be caused by using stale fuel.
  • While an ergonomically sound design is put front and centre, some reviewers pointed out that the Honda became quite heavy to handle, especially when full of petrol.
Compare all Honda UMK425 listings
Honda UMK425 Bike Handle
  • Award Winner 2023
Honda UMK425 Bike Handle4.6
(23)
Honda UMK425 Loop Handle
  • Award Winner 2023
Honda UMK425 Loop Handle4.4
(17)
CategoryPetrol Whipper SnippersPetrol Whipper Snippers
Price (RRP) $719$539
Handle TypeBike HandleLoop Handle
Shaft TypeStraightStraight
Power SourcePetrolPetrol
Engine Type4-Stroke4-Stroke
Engine Displacement25 cc25 cc
Power720 W720 W
Cutting Head TypeLineLine
FeaturesCommercial UseCommercial Use
Weight5.9 kg5.9 kg
Noise Level 104 dB104 dB
Fuel Tank Capacity550 mL550 mL
Manufacturer Warranty4 year(s)4 year(s)
Compare all Honda UMK425 listings
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