Honda UMK425
UMK425 Bike Handle, UMK425 Loop Handle · See All
64 reviews · Statistics
- Daily (4)
- Weekly (2)
- Occasionally (8)
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- Top Review
UMK425ULSTUT from Bunnings - RUBBISH.
UMK425 Loop HandleSo 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
- Top Review
Quality product
UMK425 Loop HandleI 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:
Great!
UMK425 Loop Handle* Easy to start
* Light weight (much lighter than gx35)
* Line replacement is easy (use a quality line)
* Plenty of power for the average Joe/Jane
* No smoke, low noise
Whilst some of the previous negative reviews are old, I'll respond to them. I've owned both gx35 for years and now a gx25 and they've been fantastic.
What the dealers were telling you is correct. Poor starting, low power, stalling or rough idling are more than likely related to a clogged carby.
Purchased in for $535.
- Product is used: Occasionally
- Grass Type: Short grass, Tall grass and Thick, heavy grass or weeds
An absolute failure.
UMK425 Loop HandleI’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
So far, I'm impressed
UMK425 Loop HandleHave been using an MTD Pro for nigh on 30 years, it's a 2 stroke and getting parts for it is becoming harder, also I have worked it very hard over that period and still have lots of scrub and trees to clear and the motor is still running well but starting to get tired and groans when the going is very heavy.
I decided to invest in a new machine and thought 4 stroke sounded pretty good and Honda is a well-known brand so I purchased the 425, I didn't buy the line head as I already have a couple of them and hardly ever use them anyway. I put a
Purchased in for $537.
- Product is used: Daily
- Grass Type: Thick, heavy grass or weeds
Low build quality falling apart after 6 hrs
UMK425 Bike HandleI 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
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Just buy one, you won't be sorry
UMK425 Loop HandleIts been raining for weeks up here on Tamborine Mountain, and I just finished snipping 1 acre of moderate edging after several weeks of growth. Because its brand new I didn't go past 1/2 throttle, and the 25cc motor did it effortlessly. I'm also not covered in grass, the simple but efficient grass deflector works a treat. The salesperson said the 23cc two stokes have more power but honestly you won't need it. I also did the whole lawn just holding the snipper. I don't feel pumped or tired from not using the shoulder strap, which is great as
... Read more it weight is only a smidge more than various 2 stokes of similar price and quality. A pleasure to put it down and walk away for a minute and return to still have it idling happily. No smoke, no mixing fuels, very low radiant heat, and low vibration; a far cry from my old two stroke. Furthermore something my son can't stuff from using the wrong fuel. I changed the standard head to one that was on the Shindiawa so can't comment more on that. But overall its just refined. If you have been in a boat with a two stroke motor, then a 4 stroke you will know what I mean. There really is no comparison. Very happy I took the leap and Honda have been doing it for years and years so feel confident with the future. All Have to do is empty that fuel and run it dry after every use and happy days.Purchased in .
- Product is used: Occasionally
- Grass Type: Thick, heavy grass or weeds
This 4-stroke Honda has never missed beat in 25 years.
UMK425 Bike HandleNever 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
I'm Sexy and I mow it.
UMK425 Bike HandleUse 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
Best thing I've ever bought!
UMK425 Loop HandleI have had many brush cutters, from cheap bunnings ones and even a stihl I wasn't happy with at all. I decided to spend the extra $$$ and buy a honda.
I have used it now 3 times and it is definitely worth the extra $$$!
So powerful, so quiet, less vibration then the 2 stroke and very easy to start.
No more hassle with mixing fuels and risking getting it wrong or leave it in storage too long. I think there are only a few bad reviews but thats totally related to bad fuel and fuel that has been stored too long. BP has the best fuel and whenever y
Purchased in for $499.
- Product is used: Occasionally
- Grass Type: Thick, heavy grass or weeds
Smoothest trimmer ever owned.
UMK425 Bike HandleBought 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
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Absolute crap
UMK425 Bike HandleMine 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
Hard to fault after 15 years
UMK425 Bike HandleAfter 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.
10 year review
UMK425 Bike HandleI 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
Find out how Honda UMK425 compares to other Petrol Whipper Snippers
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I must have been unlucky
UMK425 Bike HandleI have owned this unit for some years, purchased from Dubbo chainsaws and mowers. First few years were fine, then we developed starting issues, returned to the store for servicing, the unit is used infrequently meaning not every week or not every fortnight as we live in the central west of NSW and grass doesn't grow like lawn and it doesn't rain as much either. I have since replaced carbys, fuel lines, serviced etc, I might get 6 months or less of infrequent use and then it won't start again. Always run 95 or 98 fuel in it. Now we have moved I
... Read morehave had it to the local mower man twice and the local mechanic once in 18 months, it will start and not run, may run for 30 seconds, then die. I seem to always be replacing fuel lines, seals on fuel tanks, plus a service spark plug etc. It has always been stored properly in a locked shed, always off the ground, I just seem to always have trouble with it running / fuel and air issues. today I filled it, fuel is leaking a little around the opposite side of the fuel tank opening so I would say I now have an air issue again, this time perhaps its another line or a fuel tank deteriorating. Either way, I am sick of getting it out of the shed, fueling it and it won't run, then taking it to the mower shop, paying another $60 or $80, it runs perhaps four or five times over a period of a couple of months and then won't start again. I cannot afford this time. I am going to by a Husqvarna, don't care what it costs, I want it to start and run.Purchased in for $700.
- Product is used: Occasionally
- Grass Type: Short grass
Excellent for domestic work
UMK425 Bike HandleI 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
Questions & Answers
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
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.
Idles sometimes, but pulling full throttle then release, it cuts out?
On long grass, cuts sometimes but slowly dies after & during cutting?
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.
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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.
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Petrol Whipper Snippers | Petrol Whipper Snippers |
| Price (RRP) | $719 | $539 |
| Handle Type | Bike Handle | Loop Handle |
| Shaft Type | Straight | Straight |
| Power Source | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke | 4-Stroke |
| Engine Displacement | 25 cc | 25 cc |
| Power | 720 W | 720 W |
| Cutting Head Type | Line | Line |
| Features | Commercial Use | Commercial Use |
| Weight | 5.9 kg | 5.9 kg |
| Noise Level | 104 dB | 104 dB |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 550 mL | 550 mL |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 4 year(s) | 4 year(s) |
Extra Information
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