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IanQueensland
Absolute crap
Mine 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 September 2021 for A$540.00.
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TonyFar North Queensland, QLD
- 5 reviews
- 1 like
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 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 A$650.00.
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DarrenMid North Coast, NSW
- 2 reviews
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!
Purchased in January 2021 for A$499.00.
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A G.North Western Region, NSW
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 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 more
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.Purchased in December 2021 for A$700.00.
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MDDMelbourne
- 7 reviews
- 4 likes
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 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 June 2021.
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YvalPalmeston
- 14 reviews
- UMK425 Bike Handle
- Verified purchase
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 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.
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ChrisMelbourne
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.
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noochdogSouth East Queensland, QLD
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....
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RobboNorth Queensland, QLD
- 9 reviews
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.
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PCJBAustralia
- 11 reviews
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 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.
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OrvisSydney
- 20 reviews
- 17 likes
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.
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DannyHobart, TAS
- 6 reviews
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.
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FishUmina
- 5 reviews
- 2 likes
Very reliable
I bought this machine about 6 years ago used and not running. I replaced the carby, fuel lines and spark plug. I use it every day for my mowing business and it runs perfectly every time. A the only things I have done to it since purchasing it are oil change, 1 air filter and 1 fuel filter. The gx25 engine doesn't rev as hard as a 2 stroke but it more than makes up for it with so much torque and fuel efficiency.
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JonnoSouth East Queensland, QLD
- 5 reviews
A very competent machine that performs as well as a very good 2 stroke.
We have 1.5 acres of ex cattle farm so all lawn related machines earn their keep. The UMK425 had a baptism of fire straight after purchase by doing 3 hours heavy use on long grass, weeds, woody weeds etc on a large domestic block. Next day it was used on my block for the usual tasks and I thought did the job with ease. The torque of the motor meant I do not need to use constant full throttle and as a result much quieter over long duration use. The slightly additional weight penalty (over similar 2 strokes) of the 4 stroke Honda was not that not...Read more
iceable to me. The tap and go line head on the Honda is excellent in use and makes for uninterrupted progress. Servicing: I changed the oil on Honda's after the first use and I cannot recommend that enough. Very simple procedure indeed. The oil was quite discoloured on first change, but on later use was nice and gold. As it holds only .08L oil is not a big deal and I will do as it slightly discolours in future. Starting procedure simple and air cleaner and spark access very simple. I cannot recommend the Honda enough and my much earlier doubts about power and weight penalty over 2 strokes have proved unfounded. The Honda has particular relevance on domestic blocks where screaming 2 strokes tend to spoil the tranquility during the weekend. Cost wise - I paid $499 for the machine from a Honda small engine dealer - yes, not the cheapest - but you get what you pay for. Longevity: I have a 19 year old Honda Buffalo mower that has needed nothing other than 2 spark plugs and air filters plus regular oil changes over that time. It is still in excellent condition and justified its price in the long term. I see no reason why the UMK425 will not give similar service.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
BaxtersinNorthern Region, NSW
- 25 reviews
Whip it good!
Waited a year to write this review because reactionary sprays when something brainlessly minor happens aren't much use to anyone. You have to live with it for a while.
After buying three of these for the local landcare group I bought one for me because they are so damn good. The commercial grade is a no-brainer for northern NSW properties where if you go away for a week in summer you're flat out finding your house when you get back.
The Honda starts first time unless it's a really cold day, has enough grunt to put a small truck in the sh...Read more
ade and will clear just about anything. It takes a variety of heads and can be used on any angle. Miserly on fuel as a multinational corporation is on workers' rights. The harness is well designed and the machine is dead easy to use. The brushcutter head that comes with it is a sharp piece of design. Its only flaw is if you aren't careful with how you load up the cutter filament, the auto feed jams. About 2m is heaps, any more becomes self defeating because you have to stop and reload the spool. Hint - if you're out in the paddock take the roll and side cutters with the fuel can. The upside - you can reload the head in a minute - great design.1 comment
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AndysFarmHobart, TAS
- 25 reviews
Great highly recommended brushcutter
My old 35 year old Stihl FS80 had finally died and time to look for a new replacement. I had narrowed this down to the Stihl FS85R and the Honda UMK425. The Stihl was one of the German made ones and it was certainly built to last and a great machine, but parts are not too had to come by for something this old. After reading reviews and looking at the Honda and Stihl side by side I settled on the Honda and am glad I did. Slightly cheaper than the Stihl and slightly heavier with the 4 stroke motor but I felt a better machine and nicer balance. I ...Read more
have now done 10 hours with this and am very happy with the purchase. The motor is a delight to start, two easy pulls every time. Quieter than my old Stihl and has more grunt. I went for the loop hanndle this time as most of the work is around edges, rocks and steep banks. Much easier to manouver in these areas than the bike handle I had before and a bit of getting used to. I would still recommend the bike handle for flat areas of large area mowing. I have done the first oil change which very easy. The fuel capacity will allow for well over an hour before refilling. The bump feed head is very easy to respool although I do go through a lot of line, probably due to cutting around rocks. The head also doesnt tangle in reeds like the old manual feed on the Stihl. What I really like is the greater power at low revs. For light work you dont have to rev it hard and it cuts well withough the motor bogging down. With all my power tools I prefer quality and something that is reliable and will last rather than cheap junk. The UMK425 with its 25CC engine is more than enough for anything I will throw at it and no need to go for the larger engine unless a commercial contractor doing a lot of heavy stuff. I have also noticed that after an hour of work I dont get the tingly fingers like I used to get from the old Stihl and it is less tiring to use. Overall a well built and designed brushcutter and easy to use. The little 4 stroke is a lovely engine, fairly quiet, plenty of low down power and very responsive to the throttle.1 comment
James H.Honda
Thanks AndysFarm for taking the time to review this product. It is fantastic to hear that this is exceeding your prior experiences with other brands. Many thanks, Sarah
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paulc1051South Australia, 5039
- 16 reviews
Easy Start, Powerful Clean Running - Highly Recommend
I have owned several cheaper brand brush cutters that required excessive effort to start and lacked reliable performance. I decided it was time to treat myself to a good quality brand.
I did the research and decided on the Honda UMK425C.
The Honda starts with the first pull every time, even when cold, unless I’ve forgotten to turn the ‘stop’ switch on!! Yes, I’ve done that a few times.
The Honda runs clean, as it’s a 4 stroke and doesn’t require that smelly oil mixture. The Honda has very efficient fuel consumption.
The automatic bump cord...Read more
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Best line trimmer I've bought
Brilliant buy. Starts 2nd pull when cold, 1st when warm. Powerful engine works hard and very efficient on fuel. Love the 4 stroke, no blue fumes getting up my nose! I change the oil and check it over in the winter and it's good for the spring/summer season. I'm moving everything over to Honda 4 stroke engines after this experience. So far: leaf blower, fire pump, chipper. Next lawn mower.
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humphrisclanAU
- 2 reviews
Excellent
Had a UMK422 for over 12 years with virtually no problems prior to purchasing this unit. Have recommended them to friends and family over the years without hesitation. Use a high quality synthetic engine oil and change it frequently.
Easy to start, light and powerful
If you need major engine parts they can be very expensive making them an almost throw away item when things go badly wrong.
1 comment
James H.Honda
Hi humphrisclan, my name's Dylan and I work at Honda head office. Glad to hear that you have been loving your UMK425. Are you still using it? How's it going for you?
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Questions & Answers
Lorraine H.asked
Does my brush cutter have a fuse to start the motor or just the spark plug
No answers
hchyasked
Where is the idle screw on a honda brush cutter?
No answers
Samasked
Choke keeps dropping. Any ideas?
2 answers
Hi Sam, can you clarify what you mean? If you are talking about the choke lever, it has a detent position when it is raised so it "clicks" in place. If the lever is flopping down from the raised position then something is loose on the choke shaft inside the cowling and am sure your Honda dealer can sort it quickly or somebody mechanically inclined.
Thank you
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James H.Honda
Thanks Baxtersin for your review. It is great to see that you have well and truly experienced the product, and know all of its idiosyncrasies. -Sarah