Honda UMK425

Quality product – 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.

Just buy one, you won't be sorry – Its 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… Read more

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 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.

I must have been unlucky – I 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… Read more

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 have 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.

We had long very thick grass and the brush cutter worked well around our three-acre property. The noise was no different than any other whipper snipper. Using the strap made it easier to use. Changing or replacing the line is easy. Overall, we are pleased with our two brush cutters. Show details

Fantastic workhourse – I have no idea what certain people are complaining about with the honda umk425. "Would not start, would not run fast "Blaa, blaa blaa. It appears to me that it is the operators that have the problem. We have owned one of these machines for 18 years and never had the slightest issue. Prime the fuel with 5 squeezes, one pull on full choke, take off… Read more

the choke, pull,starts first and every time. I change the oil every 4th use and use fresh fuel. Our yard is 3/4 acre with lots of heavy buffle grass( 3 - 4 hrs) work. It has done a lot of heavy work, it is a superb machine. My wife is a small and petite 74 years old and has no problem starting it either, she bought the machine for reasons of easy starting.(two stroke, no thanks). Michael Boulton qld.

Best ever made! – Honda is the best four stroke grass trimmer in the global market today Its the ultimate and the most reliable machine for heavy commercial use without the uneven two stroke vibrations Pollution and noise and its the only environment friendly Show details

An absolute failure – 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. Show details

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

Best thing I've ever bought! – I 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… Read more

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 you decide to use it, get it fresh.. Old fuel can ruin the little thing. I love the Honda reliability and when you need a part, its always available. I will never buy a 2 stroke again! I just wish they made chainsaws!

Smoothest trimmer ever owned – 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. Show details

Hard to fault after 15 years – 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… Read more

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).

10 year review – 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! Show details

Excellent for domestic work – 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… Read more

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.

Sturdy tool, great motor – This is so far the best (and the heaviest) whipper snipper we've ever had. Quite heavy- and tall- especially if the head is full of fuel. This machine is very quiet, agile and the built is really, really sturdy. Since this one is new it is quite easy to start. We have about 600m2, and a lot of edges to trim. only use it for domestic purpose, maybe… Read more

fortnightly. we clean it after every use, I hope this expensive machine will last long (it does come with a long warranty). pro: good built, quite cons: heavy

Edit: sometimes the fuel leaks, maybe because the way we place it. But this should not happen at the first place.

9 years of work – Hi i have mine for 9 years,a great machine,use it professionally. Replace oil my self and ones a year new sparkplug! She is getting old will buy the same one again! Iam a private user. Just here to help  Show details

The last brush cutter you need to buy! – Very easy to start, no need to choke unless it's super cold, just prime and pull. Relatively quiet at idle, but at full stick your neighbor isn't gonna care! The bump feed system is a little bulky/medieval but definitely does the job. A much better machine to use after installing a blade or alloy head. A little heavier than the 2 stroke… Read more

competition, which gets quite noticeable after a days brush cutting. Kill switch is also easily bumped when in use. Oil service takes about the same amount of time as mixing a batch of 2 stroke would. Only regret is not buying the handlebar version!

Terrible design, not worth the money – Brushcutter is not easy to start, and it's unbalanced to hold when starting. Difficult to use cleanly, other people who are experienced using brushcutters have had trouble using it too. Doesn't do a big area before I need more line. Line extremely difficult to replace, even the mower/chainsaw/similar equipment specialty sales place where I bought… Read more

it new had difficulty replacing the line. Doesn't bump as it should to release more line. The manual doesn't contain information on how to replace the line, annoying as the head design is not intuitive and is different from at least some other brushcutters. I bought what I thought was a top quality brushcutter but have been very very disappointed.

The absolute best – This was as the most expensive machine at Bunnings and to be honest i wondered if it was worth the extra. I'm super impressed with the build quality and just the way this thing runs. You hardly ever have to use full throttle and the unit runs smoothly and cuts well. I did remove the guard as I find it hard to edge with it installed but I think that's common with a lot of machines. I would 100% recommend this.  Show details

when it brakes!!!! – Broke my kill switch and made a note on purchasing a new one ..was told at a mower supplier in the sunshine coast that i would have to buy the whole complete throttle handle...on closer inspection of the broken kill switch i noticed it is held on by a 3 mm plastic connection......so now i use it without the kill switch a little bit of masking tape here and there ...i might add it has had had little use... Apart from that i like it....  Show details

Great stuff – Just bought this its power is above the rest .use less fuel economy. Its very heavy but the power compensate that.Easy tap base.had a cheaper brand only lasted up to 12 months. Should have bought this one first.great for domestic and commercial. Very happy and will recomend for the yardman.  Show details

Very Good – The Mower shop owner recommended this model when purchasing my mower for a 1/2 acre block. He said its the one he owned he he had the choice of many different brands and models. Does what a whipper snipper should. Starts first time and can hold enough line to last many months around my block. Cuts through grass without revving high. I now… Read more

own a hedge trimmer attachment that fits this model so that I can trim some large hedges. Taking it off an on is a bit clunky but cheaper that running and servicing two machines.

A quiet powerhouse – I have only used the Honda once since purchasing, but so far am impressed! Starting is a breeze, and it is so quiet compared to the old Echo 2-stroke. Balance is pretty good and I can probably tweak that a bit once I get the harness in the right position. It was used for about an hour on VERY long, wet grass and weeds and didn't look like… Read more

stalling. Pretty straight forward to refill the line and holds a good capacity to save frequent fills. It comes with a 4 year domestic warranty which is pretty amazing (though the dealer said I won't be needing the warranty - hope he is right). A free service thrown into the deal makes me happy. Oh - and I am a lightweight 60+ year old female !!!

Never going back to 2 stroke after this – Honda motors are legendary for a reason. Effortless starting fires up every time. 4 stroke power and torque cuts the grass without revving it full throttle. No smoke and endless starting problems like on a noisy and dirty 2 stroke. Brilliant bit of kit and has never let me down.  Show details

Excellent Brushcutter – I have had this brush cutter for just over a year and I am very pleased with the way it cuts and the way it starts so easily. Very easy to maintain and any one can do a oil change.I bought the steel blade as well and this is easy and quick to fit.Very quiet being four stroke and good on fuel.  Show details

Quality product that does what is advertised – I bought the product on the advise of a friend who owns a lawn-mowing business. I live on a small acreage with many steep sections with tough grass that initially was a metre plus high. I had been trying to use a UKON 52cc 5 in 1 machine that was incredibly difficult to start and ran for about 20 minutes each time before cutting out with loosened… Read more

screws all over the product. The Honda is super easy to start hot or cold. I have used it 6 or 7 times for about an hour each time of solid slog with a blade cutter. It has not missed a beat. Instruction manual is clear. Product bought from a Honda dealer who was very professional. Dealer thought I would need the UMK435U but this product to date has handled some pretty touch conditions for long periods without any trouble. Have changed from trimmer to blade quite easily, including changing the guard, but I have also used the blade with the guard for the trimmer without problems. It is better on a slope to use the correct guard when using the blade.