I have a Honda HHT31SLTA that I bought last summer and absolutely love it. I wanted a 4 stroke because I hate having the seperate can as well as the high level of vibration. It works well at mid to high revs, but seems to not have the top end power I expected. If I don't use the choke it will start on the second or third pull, if I'm quick turning the choke off I can do it on one pull. It's been very reliable so far.

I changed the oil and it was a snap. Just warm it up then turn it upside down and let the oil drain out of the filler hole. I was afraid I'd make a mess but that didn't happen. Filling it took some time but luckily I have a very small funnel and filling the case was easy.

The only downside is the weight, at 14 pounds and change it's not light, but I knew I was making a trade off when I bought it. The included shoulder strap takes some of the burden off, especially when walking between spots to trim.

I don't really run mine upside down, and haven't seen anything in the manual about how long you can run it when it's not level. A lot of people are paranoid about this but I don't worry about it.

Hope that helps.

Go to www.hondapowerequipment.com and check out the manual for yourself. You'll also get an idea of the recommended maintenance.

I have a Stihl FS110 4 stroke trimmer that is on it's 3rd season. Personally I like the idea of using the same 2 cycle fuel mix in it that I use in my chainsaws. I never have to worry about oil change schedules, and the unit runs fine no matter how it's positioned. I use mine with a string head for trimming, metal blade for clearing heavier brush, and a prunner for trimming branches. Weighs about 12 pounds, very easy to start and will run/idle reliably. No maintenance or repair issues at this time.

I've been using a Cub Cadet 4-cycle from Depot this year and it works great. It starts easy and is a lot quiter then my old RYOBI 2-cycle. The weight is a little more then my old one but the balance makes the extra weight a non-issue. I also found out that the 4-cycles have much more torque or power then 2-cycles that really helped me when edging this spring. My old unit always bogged down for the first few edgings but not this one.

I have a Troy Bilt TB475 4 cycle trimmer, works good. Carb gone out ones but I attribute to my fault because I always let it sit for 2 months between use and I do not empty the gas out. The time it went out was the time I put very old gas in it.
I think it is a lot better for your health when you use it because it does not smell as bad. Heavy, I use it to weck tall weeds, it usually very hard on the unit because the stem can be thick. I just keep pushing it, let it grind, you can hear the engine get slow way down by the heavy load. It still alive. I don't think position matter on my TB475. I tried all position. I open the motor cover, there is a something link to the connecting rod that reach into the oil to splash the oil around.

I have an Echo 2-cycle, and no trouble at all. Other than the separate gas can for the oil mix, I can't see much difference in performance.

I would check out ebay. alot of 4 stroke and two stroke MTD's for a fraction of the cost new. I gave $6 bucks plus shipping for 25CC two stroke. Was a return for the rope broke. I got a 4 stroke MTD pro for 15 bucks plus 30 shipping. Was reconditioned (return probably) in the box just like new. I will never give full new price for trimmer again. Even got the high dollar brands on there for at least half the cost. But, you got to know what your buying (cost of new), shipping costs and sometimes so may need minor repairs. So general mechancial knowledge applies. I got convertiblies out the yenyan now and loads of parts. I also like straight shaft trimmers, easy on the back and more manuverable IMO.