Perhaps this technology will be used on future snowmobiles?

[Frostbite]

I was reading "Popular Mechanics" the other day and they were doing a test on string trimmers (weed whackers). I was looking through the reviews and saw their comments on one of the weed whackers. The review says:

" This machine has power to spare, and it growls like a hot rod".

Then I looked at the engine type and it says "four cycle/two stroke hybrid"

To which I of course said............huh?

So I went to the website of the weed whacker manufacturer and read about this engine. It turns out it was first developed in Post Falls Idaho (30 miles from me) and now the technology is owned by the Shindaiwa corporation. I attached a link to the explanation of how this engine works. It sounds cool as heck and I have to wonder if it will ever reach the mainstream. Take a read and let me know what you think.

Here's a teaser of what it says:

This technology represents a springboard for a new level of market profile and profitability for all our customers. Sharing features in common with 2-cycle and 4-cycle, the C4 Technology® engine has the best of both worlds: Great throttle response, tremendous power, light weight, and multi-position capabilities – combined with low noise, better fuel economy, and significantly reduced exhaust gas emissions.

Here's the link:


http://www.shindaiwa.com/c4tech/index.html

Frostbite

 

[Yamahammer485]

Good read, some interesting info on there...

Im sure yamaha, one of the worlds leading engine manufactures must have came across this idea before right?

 

[pistons]

Neat stuff, but look at the date. 2001 Wonder what happened in the market place?

 

[alterhi]

24.5cc @ 1.15hp ?
Doesn't look like it is going anywhere fast.
Great idea for other applications or needs more $ in R&D.

 

[Swiss Sledder]

They would also have to solve engine emissions so that it was EPA compliant.

To be honest, the only 2-stroke attribute that I miss is power-to-weight ratio and I believe Yamaha is well on its way to addressing it.

 

[Frostbite]

I guess what shocked me into posting this information was the fact that there is a motor the goes both ways!
I guess somebody really did think outside of the box.

I'm curious to see if this technology has a future; somewhere.

Frosty

 

[Indy]

I have a Ryobi 4 stroke weed eater. Huge amounts of tork, goes forever on a quart of gas. I only seen this model offered one year at Lowes. I've had it since 01 or 02. Always starts on first pull and never has used a drop of oil. Very quiet too.

 

[Jack_Shaft]

Stihl also has this system, it's called 4-Mix and it sells very well on most all of their trimmers.

 

[AKrider]

Seems to me that it just makes a 2-stroke more complicated. They mentioned the incompatability of an oil slinger for different positions of use. If you utilize a pressurized oiling system, that issue is taken care of.

I'm all for new ideas but I guess I was underwhelmed when I read about this one.