The time difference between now and my original review makes my opinion moot.
I was sent a replacement fuel cap so that a vacuum would not be created in the fuel tank during use of the machine.
However, I have not had reason to use the machine in the last few years, neither am I sure I am physically capable of using it any more.
Assuming the fuel cap has solved the choking problem, it is a very useful brush cutter.
My apologies to Honda for taking such a long time to respond.

Spool and bottom line housing cover are both non-durable. Expect to spend ~$25 replacing either sporadically, timing depends on a user's technique. Even the professionals need to replace these parts eventually because friction is needed to feed the line and friction is what erodes the plastic and metal. Based on price the use of non-genuine parts is suggested but they also have their own pros and cons. If you do change of to non-genuine never thrown out the genuine product - those 2 small metal parts that guide the trimmer line out of the bottom line housing cover cost about ~$25!

The combination of a loop handle, no harness and two strong arms allows the professional to quickly adjust their position when trimming residential lawn edges.

I got tired of my stihl 2 stroke's constant issues and looked at buying a new one until I saw their prices. The Honda is cheaper and after my first day's use I would say far superior. Effortless power. Super quiet operation. Starts first time every time. Awesome machine very happy

I purchased my Honda UMK 435 bike handle a week ago! I have used Husqvarna, Eco and Tanaka Brushcutters in the past and haven't been able to fault them but I needed something with more grunt for my 2 acres. It lives up to it's hype. Powerful and starts first time every time. It's only been a week but I am very satisfied so far. Only negative was the dealer and their lack of information and demonstration. They were only interested in getting my money and seeing me out the door. This almost caused me to take my business elsewhere.

This is my second year in doing gardening work, all my tools are honda, and overall review is that honda is nothing but the best!! I love all my honda specially whipper snippers and lawn mower, but i think the company should work harder on making a bigger line up of tools and keep on innovating more and more new products (example 4 stroke chainsaw) i suggest everyone to not hesitate of getting any honda tool even if its used coz its long lasting and less maintenance

This is the unit we use for maintenance of local government parks and reserves in the FNQ tropics. Operators prefer the bike handles over the loop, and we use desert hawk heads which last much longer than standard heads. These Honda's go flat out all wet season with few problems, and the workshop mechanics prefer working on them too anything else.

I have a mowing business and use to use the Honda umk425 and then bought the more powerful honda option the gx35 for the more serious stuff. What a machine I love it, have since purchased another one and no longer use the older smaller Hondas as they just don't have the power I need. Learnt never to buy eBay versions not because of the engine there the same but because of the [censored word removed] shafts and attachment they sell with them are cheap and lasted no more then a week.
Great power and use for everything.
Little heavy when your working with it all day 4-5 hrs straight

I have the UMK435L and use it daily on feral yards. The machine just will not quit. It is slightly heavy if you are a muppet armed individual, but for the average aussie it isnt a problem. I once used this brushcutter at a garden maintenance business that never serviced their equipment(not recommended) and this brushcutter would not die. For over a year I was there this brushcutter was flogged day in- day out. Thats why I chose to buy one for my own mowing business.
Very Reliable Powerful
The heads wear out to quickly (you can fix the center of the head with epoxy but not the edges). Slightly heavy for some people.

Hi,
Love it when it is going, but after 10 minutes, if the machine encounters a load (, it doesn't have the power to push through and keep going. If I pulse the throttle, it will keep going. If I didn't do this, the machine would cut out.
Other forums are unable to suggest a fix for this fault.
Hard to get past the above, but I have used a mates 435 and it went hard all day
I've seen this problem on other forums, so there is possibly something which needs re-engineering

The Honda has bad ergonomic design, not suitable for a slightly built man or even a big woman to use for any length of time as shoulder strain and cramp sets in the right hand when holding the throttle mechanism for only a short time, there must be a better way of designing a strimmer that is easy to use I would have thought.
good engine.
had to buy new petrol filler cap as the one on mine was warped? cost $17.50. The straight shafted model is very difficult to control with not much accuracy when doing lawn edges also very fatiguing after only short usage, I wouldn't like to have to rely on one of these to earn a living with. Don't know what the curved shaft model is like, but I hope it's better than the one I've got.