Press Releases

Fuel Efficient Honda Brushcutters Reduce Whole Of Life Cost

27 February 2009 - With financial uncertainty comes the desire to curb expenditure along with an increased consideration of factors such as long-term cost savings, reliability and efficiency, during consumer purchasing decisions.

In the field of power equipment, Honda's advanced four-stroke technology is leading the way, with recent testing by RMIT University (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) highlighting the huge running cost savings of up to $425 a year achieved by Honda's UMK brushcutter range, compared to competing two-stroke models.

According to Honda Power Equipment Manager, Ray Briffa, there are inherent advantages in Honda's four-stroke technology, both environmental and financial, compared to more antiquated two-stroke equipment.

"In testing conducted by RMIT, Honda's UMK range along with competing two-stroke variants were operated for three hours a day, five days per week," Mr Briffa said.

"Over the course of 45 weeks, the running costs for a Honda four-stroke brushcutter were almost half that of comparable two-stroke products, meaning that for every one to two years of use, the Honda brushcutter will save enough money on fuel and oil to be able to be repurchased.

"Four-stroke technology eliminates the need to mix oil into the fuel for lubrication purposes, again aiding fuel cost savings as well as significantly reducing exhaust and noise emissions compared to two-stroke engines.

"In the comparative tests, the Honda GX 25cc Generation II mini four-stroke engine used in the UMK425 brushcutter returned fuel savings of between $250 and $425 when compared with two competing two-stroke products on the market.

"When the same test was conducted on the larger 35cc engine used in the Honda UMK 435 brushcutter, fuel savings amounted to between $224 and $390 compared to the competing models tested."

According to Mr Briffa, the impressive results achieved during RMIT's testing are indicative of the cost savings that can be made by using Honda Power Equipment, especially when evaluating whole-of-life-costing.

"Too often during the purchasing process, consumers only consider the cheaper price tag and fail to take into account the long-term costs of running, maintaining and ultimately repurchasing the products with a shorter life-span," he said.

"The extensive fuel saving costs offered by the Honda four-stroke brushcutter compared to the more cheaply priced two-stroke models tested is only one advantage.  In addition to a reduction in overall fuel expenditure, Honda power products are extremely tough and reliable and offer a longer life cycle, therefore delaying product replacement in the future."

Complementing the extensive fuel savings achieved by Honda is a host of other safety and usability features.

The Honda brushcutter range begins with the UMS425 powered by the GX25 Generation II mini four-stroke engine and is ideal for domestic usage to access grassed areas where lawn mowers can't reach.

The lightweight UMS425 is extremely versatile and features an easy-to-grip loop handle and bent shaft, while the anti-vibration engine mount provides excellent operator comfort and reduces fatigue.

For commercial use, Honda brushcutters are available in four variants. The UMK425 loop handle model is powered by the same engine as its domestic UMS425 counterpart and features a straight shaft and a tap-and-go nylon line head or optional four-tooth metal blades - the ideal fit for light commercial operations.

The UMK425 is also available as a bike handle variant (UMK425U) for even greater comfort and control particularly useful in long-hour applications.

For additional performance, the UMK435 models, powered by the larger 35cc Generation II GX35 mini four-stroke engine are ideal for heavy-duty commercial operations.  The UMK435 is available in either loop handle (UMK435L) or bike handle (UMK435U) configuration.

All brushcutters across Honda's domestic and commercial ranges feature 360 degree-inclinable engines for continuous power on difficult angles and slopes, making them ideal for use on varied terrain.

Honda's impressive fuel savings and environmental credentials extend beyond its brushcutters to the entire  advanced four-stroke product range which includes lawnmowers, generators, tillers, pumps and the world's first four-stroke hedgecutter and leaf blower.