Tanaka OPE

[Ausfahrt]

I have been in the market for a gas hedge trimmer for several months. I normally buy new and love the Stihl lineup but my local Stihl dealer wanted around $400 for a new hedge trimmer. I started watching CL and it seemed like everything was priced sky high or just flat worn out. Then I ran across an ad for a Tanaka. I have heard of them but I have never had one. They seem to have a good reputation and I bought this one for $80 and it runs great but needs a new gas tank. I have already trimmed the foliage around our front porch! Any info or insights about what I have just acquired would be appreciated. Here are a few pics...

 

[The motor guy]

Don't cut your thighs. I named a pair of shorts one time because it cut my shorts and not my leg. Lol

 

[Ausfahrt]

What did you name them?

 

[The motor guy]

My lucky pair of shorts. Haha.

 

[spasm3]

i have a Hitachi( Tanaka) leaf blower. I love it runs great, and seems to be very good quality.

 

[HerrStig]

Does it have an air bag?

 

[boraticus]

Tanaka make excellent two cycle equipment. You've likely got a better used Tanaka than a new Stihl. If I had a choice, I'd take the used Tanaka any day over a Stihl. Other excellent less well known two cycle engines are Zenoah Komatsu/Redmax and Shindaiwa. Anything made by them is a good bet used provided it's been taken care of.

 

[Merkava_4]

It's commonly known that all the Tanaka equipment manufactured prior to the Hitachi takeover is good stuff. After Hitachi took over, it's now home owner grade.

 

[Linctex]

Originally Posted By: Merkava_4

It's commonly known that all the Tanaka equipment manufactured prior to the Hitachi takeover is good stuff. After Hitachi took over, it's now home owner grade.

I wonder what date that occurred?!? All of my experience with Tanaka is with chainsaws, all more than 10 years old - - They are VERY well made and will last 20-30 years with care, easily.

 

[JTK]

I've got a small Tanaka top handled chain saw that's been great. I bought it around 2010 IIRC. I don't think I've ever heard a complaint in regards to Tanaka OPE. The only one I've ever worked on is mine. Basic maintenance stuff.

 

[ironman_gq]

Originally Posted By: HerrStig

Does it have an air bag?

That's Takata, close but no soup for you

 

[jeepman3071]

Originally Posted By: ironman_gq

Originally Posted By: HerrStig

Does it have an air bag?

That's Takata, close but no soup for you

 

[Ausfahrt]

Thanks for the feedback fellas. It sounds like it is a quality piece and it runs fine but I'm pretty sure that it's got some age on it. As I mentioned, it needs a fuel tank as the original one is crazed and has hairline cracks but as far as I can tell the fuel tank is no longer available. You guys continue to surprise me so maybe one of you has a secret source for parts. The model number is THT-200 and the fuel tank part number is 5910639W201.

 

[JTK]

Maybe the fuel tank for the string trimmer version of that engine will fit and bolt up for you.

 

[spasm3]

I looked around, and could not find a tank for you, used or new. You may have to do some hack repair to your tank, or cobble some other tank to fit. If you find a broken unit, the THT-200, THT-212, and THT-230 use the same tank.

 

[Ausfahrt]

Originally Posted By: JTK

Maybe the fuel tank for the string trimmer version of that engine will fit and bolt up for you.

Good idea, I'll look into that.

 

[Ausfahrt]

Originally Posted By: spasm3

I looked around, and could not find a tank for you, used or new. You may have to do some hack repair to your tank, or cobble some other tank to fit. If you find a broken unit, the THT-200, THT-212, and THT-230 use the same tank.

Thanks for looking, I'll figure something out!

 

[Ausfahrt]

I was using some JB Weld two part epoxy on another project and had more than enough left over to attempt a half baked repair of the gas tank. It seemed to seal and I have used the trimmer twice since the repair. It's not pretty but so far so good.

 

[bubbatime]

Nice unit. Probably nicer than a new $400 Stihl as well.

 

[JTK]

Given the leak isn't on a seam, that repair may be a fix! If the tank is brittle, maybe not so much. See how it goes. With light residential use, it could last as long as you need it to.