I have an Echo HC150 hedge trimmer with 21,2cc Power Boost Vortex engine. I found out that it has only one compression ringl. It is supposed to be a commercial engine and rated for 300 hours emmision complience.

Is this engine as good as the other Echo 2 rings Power Boost Tornado engine used in 230 and 260 trimmers?

Will they last as long?

My trimmer is very hard to start, I kept experimenting different ways to start. Seems like it is best to put full choke and pull untill it start and still have to have half choke for a little bit before I can open it all the way. Do I need to read into this or just leave it.