Tag Archives: Honda trimmers

Servicing Your Honda Trimmer

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honda trimmersIs your trimmer due for a tune-up? Not sure how to work on the Mini 4 Stroke engine? Here’s what you need to do to keep your Honda string trimmer or brushcutter in top condition.

Maintenance Schedule

The first month or 10 hours: Change the oil.
Every 3 months or 25 hours: Clean the air filter.
Every 6 months or 50 hours: Change the oil, check the drive cable, check cooling fins
Every year or 100 hours: Check spark plug, spark arrester, fuel filter and fuel tank
Every two years or 300 hours: Replace spark plug
Every two years: Check fuel and oil lines, replacing as needed

Honda recommends getting a professional service every year or 100 hours. The technician will check the engine’s idle speed, valve clearance, and clutch shoes as well as lubricate the gear case.

Engine Oil

Used oil can be poured out of the filler neck, then added through the same opening. Using a syringe will make it easy to add the small amount of oil these engines need to stay lubricated. The 25 cc engine holds 2.7 fl. oz. (80 ccs) of oil, while the 35 cc engine holds 3.4 fl. oz. (100 ccs.) Honda recommends using 10W30 oil that meets API service category SJ or later.

Air Filter

To access the filter, close the choke to keep debris from entering the engine, then squeeze tabs on top of the cover and swing the cover down.

To clean the filter, wash it in soapy water. Once dry, place the filter in a plastic bag with about an ounce of clean engine oil. Knead the bag to distribute the oil, then squeeze out the filter to remove any excess oil. Wipe out the air cleaner box before reinstalling the filter.

Removing the Fan Shroud

The fan shroud is held on using a single bolt top-mounted bolt. It can be removed using either a 4 mm or 5/32 inch hex wrench. The shroud needs to be out of the way to access the spark plug, spark arrester and cooling fins.

Spark Plug

The plug can be removed with a 5/8 inch plug wrench. The electrode gap should be between 0.024 and 0.028 inches (0.60-0.70 mm). Replace the plug if it’s fouled or has signs of electrode or insulator damage. If you’re reinstalling a used plug, turn the plug 1/8-1/4 turn once seated. If you’re installing a new plug, turn ½ turn or torque the plug to 8.8 ft-lbs. (12 Nm) to seal the crush washer against the engine.

Cooling Fins

The surface of the engine block should be cleaned occasionally to remove dirt that can reduce heat transfer. Use a brush or cloth to wipe down the fins.

Spark Arrester

The arrester is built into the opening of the muffler and is held in place with two 6 mm screws. Once removed, scrub off any carbon deposits on the underside of the arrester with a wire brush. If the arrester mesh is cracked or has holes, it needs to be replaced.

Throttle Cable

Check the condition of the cable and the action of the throttle lever. If the lever doesn’t move smoothly or there is visible damage to the cable, the cable should be replaced.

There should be between 1/16 and 1/8 inch of free play when moving the throttle lever. If the cable is too loose, adjust the throttle cable tension using the adjuster next to the carburetor. Loosen the 10 mm lock nut, which is the nut closest to the carburetor. Turn the adjusting nut, located on a clamp opposite of the lock nut, to adjust the free play. Once the throttle play is correct, tighten the lock nut.

Fuel Tank and Filter

To clean these parts, remove the fuel filler cap and pour the gasoline into a fuel can. Use a piece of hooked wire to snag the fuel tube and pull it out of the tank. Inspect the fuel filter on the end of this hose. If it’s dirty, clean it with a non-flammable solvent. Replace the filter if it’s damaged or excessively dirty. To clean the tank, rinse it out with a non-flammable solvent. Once everything is clean and dry, push the filter and tube back into the tank.

Get the Parts You Need for Your Honda Delivered to Your Door

Hondalawnparts.com is a certified dealer for Honda Power Equipment and Honda Engines, letting us ship the OEM parts and accessories you need for your trimmer. Browse our string trimmer section, or select your model using our search engine to see parts information specific to your trimmer. We ship to any address in the U.S. or Canada.

HHT35SUKAT Brushcutter

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Honda_HHT35SUKAT

Sometimes you need a brushcutter, but it doesn’t make sense to have a separate piece of equipment. With Honda’s HHT35SUKA, you can have a single machine that is built for brushcutting and can be fitted with a trimmer head, making it an all-in-one machine. To fit these dual roles, it comes with a durable flex shaft and an efficient, high torque engine to give it the strength for serious cutting while still being small and light enough for frequent use.

Control

While Honda’s trimmers use a loop handle and a single strap harness, this brushcutter comes with a bike handle and a dual strap harness. This puts the weight of the machine on the operator’s shoulders, balancing the shaft so it takes minimal effort to swing the head back and forth when mowing.
Since the throttle is located on the right grip, the operator can stand in a natural position. Together with a weight of just 16.1 lbs, this brushcutter is comfortable enough for all-day use.

Engine

The HHT35SUKA is powered by Honda’s GX35 Mini 4-stroke. This brings several benefits over a two-stroke other than improved emissions and the ability to use straight gasoline.

Two-strokes only make power near the top of their RPM range, while this engine’s torque curve is almost flat. This lets it power out of situations that would stall a two-stroke engine.

Two-strokes push in fresh air and fuel while pushing out exhaust gases at the same time using the crankshaft. Inevitably, some fuel gets pushed out of the engine before it can be burned, resulting in high emissions and fuel consumption. The GX35’s intake is sealed when pushing out exhaust gases, resulting in emissions low enough to meet regulations across the U.S. while reducing fuel consumption by as much as 50%. This design also significantly reduces noise.

This engine shares much of its design with Honda’s GC series. It uses an overhead cam driven by an internal timing belt built to last the lifetime of the engine. Ball bearings support the crankshaft, while the connecting rod rides on a roller bearing, reducing friction and vibration. There’s even an automatic decompression system, so it takes almost no effort to get the engine started. Best of all, the crankcase’s baffle system keeps the oil in place no matter what position the engine is in, and the rotary slinger keeps oil circulating as the engine is tilted. This means the UKA can be stored and used at any angle, just like a two-stroke powered brushcutter.

Cutting

This model comes with a blade barrier kit pre-installed to shield the operator from debris, set of safety glasses and a 10 inch, 80 tooth saw blade for cutting brush and wood. Honda also offers three, four and 8 tooth blades for lighter grass and weed cutting.

Trimming

The UKA comes with a Kwik Loader head. Instead of using a reel that can get tangled, this head takes pre-cut lengths of line that lock into the head automatically. The version used in this model is designed for Ultra Quiet line. Together with the four-stroke engine, this makes this trimmer one of the quietest on the market. This head cuts a 17-inch swath.

Honda also offers OEM alternatives to fit your preferred cutting style. The Pro-tap head has a button on the bottom that can be bumped against the ground to release more line. It’s designed to index one or two lines and can hold up to 20 feet of line on the spool. The Prolux Semi-matic spool is the standard head on Honda’s other trimmers. It has both an automatic and bump feed mechanism. The unused line can be removed by turning the center of the head. Like the Pro-tap it holds up to 20 feet of line. Other options including Prolux manual heads are also available.

Warranty

The HHT35SUKA and its engine are guaranteed for one year of commercial use or two years of residential use. The flex shaft is guaranteed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Getting Parts for the HHT35SUKA

Need to fix your Honda brushcutter? Looking to get a different trimmer head or a new blade? Visit www.hondalawnparts.com. We’re a certified Honda Power Equipment and Honda Engines dealer, letting us offer the full range of OEM parts from Honda and their manufacturing partners. Need help finding the right part? Once you select your model and serial number, our site can show you information direct from the factory including parts descriptions and exploded parts diagrams. We can ship whatever you need to any address in the U.S. or Canada.

Honda Trimmers

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honda trimmers

String trimmers have to be small and light, forcing manufacturers to make compromises on usability and reliability. However, Honda has managed to address those issues with their own trimmers. Built around their compact four stroke engines, these trimmers have operator-friendly features and a long list of accessories to take the frustration out of yard work.

Mini 4 Stroke Engine

Tightening emissions laws mean the two-stroke’s days are numbered, but there are plenty of reasons to choose Honda’s Mini 4 Stroke over a two-stroke aside from its low pollution design. A clever oil baffle system keeps the engine lubricated in any position, so they can be used and stored like a two-stroke. Since it still has an oil sump, straight fuel can be used to power the engine instead of oil and fuel mixtures.

The valves seal the combustion chamber when the air and fuel ignite, making the engine much quieter.
Intake and exhaust cycles are also separated, so fresh fuel doesn’t flow straight out of the engine. This improves fuel efficiency up to 50%. This also helps the engine is getting the exact mix of air and fuel it needs, making it easier to start. Torque is produced over a wider RPM range, so these trimmers don’t bog down as easily as two-stroke models.

Trimmers

Honda’s trimmer models use a loop handle that lets the operator switch hand positions for less fatigue. A single strap harness and safety glasses are included. The HHT25STLA comes with a 25 cc engine, weights 13.1 lbs. and uses a Semi-Matic bump head to cut a 17-inch swath. The HHT35STLA is similarly equipped, but it uses a 35 cc engine and weighs 14.8 lbs.

Brushcutter

The HHT35SUKA comes from the factory with everything you need for brushcutting, including a double harness, a debris barrier, and a 10-inch saw blade. A Kwik Loader head is also included for string trimming, cutting the same 17-inch swath as the standard trimmers. This model also uses a wide bicycle-style handle makes the brushcutter easy to control while minimizing kickback. The UKA is powered by a 35 cc engine and weighs just over 16 lbs. with the cutting head installed.

VersAttach

There are plenty of landscaping jobs that can benefit from motorized power, but it doesn’t make much sense to have a piece of equipment that will only be used a couple times a year. With Honda’s VersAttach system, several tools can be attached to a single power unit, reducing cost and maintenance. Compatible tools include an edger, trimmer, pruner, hedge trimmer, cultivator, and blower. Extensions are also available to increase the unit’s reach.

Most buyers will find they get the most use out of the trimmer attachment. It comes with a bump head and cuts a 16.5-inch swath. Safety glasses and single harness are included. Honda offers a three tooth grass blade for light brush, but there’s no provision for larger blades, nor can these units be fitted with a double harness.

Power units include the 25 cc UMC425 and the 35 cc UMC435. All VersAttach tools are compatible with both models.

Accessories

Honda offers three, four and 8 tooth grass/weed blades in 9 and 10-inch sizes as well as a 24 tooth brush blade for the HHT25 and an 80 tooth brush blade for the HHT35. These blades are also compatible with the HHT35UKA brushcutter. When using a metal blade on a trimmer, a barrier kit should be installed to deflect debris, while a double sling is recommended to give the operator better control of the trimmer’s position.

The heads on these units are compatible with several trimmer heads including the Kwik-Loader and Prolux’s manual and semi-manual heads.

Warranty

Honda guarantees their trimmers and Mini 4 Stroke engines for two years residential or one year of commercial use. The flex shaft, which transfers power from the engine to the head, has a limited lifetime warranty.

Get the Parts and Accessories You Need Straight from Your Browser

As a certified Honda Power Equipment and Honda Engines dealer, www.hondalawnparts.com is able to offer the full range of OEM parts and accessories for these trimmers. Our site has built-in factory parts diagrams and descriptions, and you can search for parts based on your equipment’s engine and serial number. We ship across the U.S. and Canada.

Trimming Tips

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honda trimmersWith models ranging from the compact VersAttach to professional models powered by their own unique four stroke engine, Honda’s brushcutters and string trimmers are able to deliver impressive performance for homeowners and landscape professionals. However, there’s more to using this equipment than just firing up the engine and pointing the head at some tall grass. These tips will help you use your trimmer safely and effectively.

Safety

Unlike a mower, the head of a trimmer isn’t surrounded by a shroud, which means whatever is hit by the string or blade can be flung away at high speed, turning pebbles, plants and other objects into dangerous projectiles. When you use a trimmer, you should have full protection for your eyes, legs and feet, and you should always wear non-slip shoes or boots. People and animals should be kept away from where you’re working to keep them from being hit.

Ear protection is also a necessity due to the high level of noise generated by the cutting head and the engine. Even though Honda’s mini four strokes are far quieter than two-stroke engines, they can still cause hearing damage after prolonged use.

Always inspect the area for obstacles that could damage the trimmer or pose a safety hazard. Fence wire, chain, and electrical cables are particularly dangerous because they can wrap around the head. Once they tighten and jam the trimmer, it will kick back violently, causing serious injury.

Cutting Technique

The trimmer is designed to be used with the head parallel to the ground, floating just a couple inches from the surface. In some circumstances, the head may need to be used at an angle to get into crevices.

If you’re looking at the trimmer head from the top of the device, the head spins counter-clockwise. When trimming, the head should sweep right across the area being cut. This lets the string or blade slice into the plants and toss them against the debris shield, reducing the chance of turning these bits of growth or any objects hiding beneath them into projectiles. Once you’ve turned all the way to the right, swing back to the left before cutting again.

When cutting next to obstacles like walls and fences, tip the head slightly to the right. This will force ricocheting debris toward the ground.

Adjusting Harnesses and Handles

If you have a model that attaches to a shoulder harness, the proper adjustment will keep the trimmer in a comfortable position while maintaining the head position where you need it. The harness should be adjusted so that the quick release latch is resting on your hip. When the trimmer is attached, it should balance at an angle that places the head a few inched above the ground.

Whether or not your trimmer comes with a harness, the handle should be adjusted so that you can hold the trimmer in the correct position while your arms and shoulders are relaxed.

Getting More Line Out of the Head

To get more line out of a manual feed head, shut off the engine, then pull up on the head and twist it counter-clockwise.

Semi-matic and Pro-tap heads use a bump feed system. To get more line out, bump the head against the ground while the head is spinning. Always bump the head against soft ground: contact with pavement will grind off the surface of the head.

Using a Brushcutter Blade

String is great for cutting through young, green plants, but it will just slap the sides of woody plants. A brushcutter blade has the opposite problem: it goes through woody stems with ease, but it will just chew through young grass and weeds.

The basic technique for using a blade is the same as using the string head on your trimmer. However, it’s a good idea to check the area before cutting for unseen obstacles including rocks, branches, and other debris. While these will only wear down line, they can do serious damage to a blade.

On some models, Honda includes two debris shields. The shield with the cutoff knife should be used with trimmer line: this blade cuts off excess line as it passes by. The other shield is designed for use with the brushcutter blade. It’s shaped and supported to protect the operator from hardier grass.

When switching between the blade head and the line head, remember that everything on the shaft is reverse threaded so it won’t loosen during operation. Bolts and heads need to be turned left to tighten and right to loosen.

Keep Your Honda String Trimmer in Top Condition

Whether you need a brushcutter blade, a replacement harness or some engine parts, you can find everything you need for your Honda at www.hondalawnparts.com. We’re a certified dealer for Honda Small Engine equipment, and we can ship OEM parts to any address in the U.S. and Canada.