STIHL KM 56 RC-E KombiMotor

[DuckRyder]

So it came down to a new trimmer (Blower, edger too) today, was between Echo and Stihl - I was already liking the Stihl but the Echo dealer sealed the deal by not being very accommodating to my wife over the last week trying to get parts for the old one.

Anyway, it came down between the 55 and 56 and the easy start system and slightly quieter running swayed me to the 56.

Thing is pretty awesome so far - nice to have a quality piece.

 

[DuckRyder]

Hmmm...

In talking with the sales lady she thought that the 56 was a 4-mix engine. Although the 55 and 56 are the same cc the hp is slightly higher on the 56 and the spark plug location is clearly not the same.

Sthil only says it is their "low emissions" engine and I can't find any thing specific about what exactly makes it low emissions and very slightly more powerful.

Can anyone shed any additional light?

 

[DuckRyder]

Hmmm again:

"strato charged two stroke"

I actually think I like that even better...

 

[SOHCman]

If it has a tiny valve cover on top, its the 4-mix. They are supposed to be a very clean running engine due to the valves. I don't really want one because thats around 9 moving parts extra compared to a regular 2 stroke, but people do seem to like them.

 

[DuckRyder]

Yep, as you confirmed in the other thread no little valve cover. Also the instruction manual list it as "2 stroke".

 

[DuckRyder]

Went to blow the porch off last night (think I am going to have to ambush some medium sized critter) and the stater handle came off in my hand...

Up to the dealer this morning and they replaced it, said they had had a "few machines about the same age" whose cord broke in the same spot.

Hopefully this is the only hickup...