need help with what oil/petrol mix i need for my kawasaki hedge tirimmer ?

I have a Kawasaki TF22 hedge trimmer which,though working,smoked a lot,leaving me wondering about the mixture as it says 25:1 on the lid.I have searched for an answer and found out that modern oils-it's an oldish machine-are such that-according to this person,mean that 50:1is more appropriate.50:1 is quite a common ratio re hedge trimmers.To be cautious,I used a ratio of 40:1-also quoted-and found that the trimmer worked,but still was a bit smokey.I'll try 50:1 next fill and keep an eye on it.

Adam
May 2023

Lee is soooooooooooooooo incorrect it defies belief. Now I know why I have so many seized 2-strokes in my workshop because of advice like that.

pleasant
October 2008

the mixture is standard 25 to 1 or 100mill of oil to 4 liters of fuel

lee
October 2008

Consult the recommended dilution ratio on the bottle of two stroke oil you are going to use. Always dilute at that ratio and you won't have any problems.

The manufacturer will recommend a ratio, but this is providing you are using the manufacturers own recommended oil- which could be 100:1 50:1 25:1 or even a 20:1 oil. Logically the engine doesn't have a clue what ratio you are putting in, so unless you are using the manufacturers recommended own oil, any ratio recommended by the manufacturer can be disreagarded.

The engine will run exactly the same even if you put neat petrol in, but obviously add too much oil and it will smoke and oil up, and too little oil and excessive engine wear leading to eventual seizing will occur.

If the oil you are deciding to use states 50:1 on the bottle, then dilute it at 50:1 and this will give your engine the correct protection.

A 100ml bottle of 50:1 2-stroke oil is perfect for adding to a 5 litre can of petrol- shake it up and it's mixed.

If you don't require 5 litres, then you can easily obtain a 2-stroke mixing bottle which is suitable for gauging the correct dilution ratio a litre at a time, which is a more suitable quantity for home owner use.

pleasant
October 2008

Sarah,
Not exactly sure about your model Kawasaki but my 22.6 cc Kawasaki hedge trimmer uses a 25:1 mix according to the starter cover decal. Tanaka also makes a multi purpose two cycle fuel that supposedly can be used for any mix ratio if mixed according to directions-sort of an all in one fuel for all two cycles. I have used the Tanaka stuff with good results and also use the stock 25:1 mix in the trimmer.
Tom

Tom
October 2008