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(More customer reviews)I took a chance on a reconditioned unit and this time it paid off. I bought the unit more out of curiosity since I liked the idea of a little 4 stroke engine with rocker arms, valves, and such. I have been fascinated with small engines since I was a child. This blower is manufactured by Dolmar which is now owned by Makita. Dolmar has a great reputation in the 2 stroke chainsaw market.
The only thing that looked used was the gas cap. It was a little chewed up on the outside. Upon receiving the unit I checked the oil and added about an ounce since it was low, added straight gas, turned the switch to "ON", applied the choke and it cranked on the first pull. After a few seconds I turned the choke off and went to work.
The unit is rated at 365 CFM and 145 MPH. I believe those specs are generous based on my experience with leaves on blacktop. These new 4 strokes still don't match the performance of 2 strokes - yet. The engine creates just as much vibration through the handle as 2 strokes but the frequency is a lot lower. The sound is still loud but again at a lower frequency (yes you will still need ear protection unless you want to be deaf during your golden years). The cruise control doesn't hold full throttle for long but I am going to see if there are any adjustments that can be made to change that. The unit does seem to sip gas though which could be a real savings in the long term.
There are some drawbacks to 4 strokes that you should be aware of. You will have to change the engine oil at some point and dispose of the waste oil properly. In this case Makita recommends checking the oil level every 10 hours and changing it in 20 hours the first time, every 50 hours subsequently. The unit does not have an oil filter so I would never go more than 10 or 15 hours between oil changes. 4 strokes cannot be turned upside down while running and this unit can only be turned on one side (recoil starter side up) or the engine oil will leak into the combustion chamber and cause exhaust smoke and oil consumption. 4 strokes also have to be stored in an upright position or the same problems as previously mentioned will occur. Also, almost all 4 strokes require periodic valve adjustments. Makita recommends this adjustment at 200 hours. What is strange though is that Makita also recommends a complete engine rebuild at 200 hours. For most homeowners, it would take 6 to 10 years to put this many hours on a leaf blower of this type. I called the Makita National Service Center just to find out what an engine rebuild would cost and much to my amazement the price was $400.00; so basically the unit is a doorstop after 200 hours if it needs major service. This little engine idles at 3500 RPM and maxes out at 7800 RPM and for a 4 stroke this is high performance (and fast wear). As stated previously though, it should last several years until the next generation 4 strokes enter the market. Just keep clean oil and fresh gas in it and it should last for quite some time.
Final Thoughts - If you have big jobs, 2 strokes or hybrid 4 strokes (Stihl 4 MIX) units are the only way to go at this time. This unit is good for blowing leaves and clippings off of driveways, sidewalks, and decks but not much more. Most homeowners in residential areas with a small lot and few trees will probably like this blower. The unit performs as advertised but the prospective buyer will have to realize its limitations. I am sure improvements in performance will take place when more 4 stroke equipment starts to enter the market in the future. I gave it four stars for ingenuity but really three stars for performance because the 4 stroke performance and longevity is just not quite there yet with comparable 2 stroke units.
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Factory-Reconditioned Makita BHX2500-R Blower - 24.5 ccThis is a factory reconditioned lawn and garden blower vac. Reconditioned generally means that the lawn and garden blower vac has been returned to the manufacturer, who brings the lawn and garden blower vac back to like new condition. Some lawn and garden blower vacs may contain cosmetic blemishes. Includes 24.5 cc Blower - BHX2500-R, Long Nozzle - 665-95009-00, Round End Nozzle - 665-95010-00, Tool Kit - 690-90590-00, Operating Manual
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