Owned one of these I bought new in 2005. Heavy with massive shoulder strap. Strong, capable machine, but drank oil in its final years. Retired it after 19 years.
Years ago I began using non-ethanol fuel in all my small engines with the exception of my zero turn Toro, it's greatly simplified maintenance and headaches.
I bought one, brand new, set it up via instructions, used it for two days but then oil started filling up the piston cylinder. You could drain all of the oil out of it by removing the plug and tilt it. It now rests in my graveyard of lawn equipment past
That’s a pretty crazy design they had at one point. I’ve never seen one like that, but I always find that kind of stuff interesting. Thank you for sharing. I think a mud motor would be pretty good with that.
You and me both! thank you Freedom mowers, and keep up the uploads. The first year I started my channel, the first 1k subs, took over a year of constant work.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I really do appreciate the kind words and encouragement. I’m just trying my best to get better at editing and narrating what I am doing. Your channel is great and I enjoy all the uploads.
I bought one of those carbs and the throttle side of the carb wasn't cast properly and it was sucking air. Ran fine at idle but would bog at high throttle. Glad to see yours worked okay.
Briggs bought the name & assets of Murray after the latter went under in '04. Thus, I wouldn't be surprised if that rare "Briggs" trimmer was assembled as a mix of a Briggs engine & Murray components. Just a guess, but Sears name is on the air filter housing. Wonder what that's all about? In any case, it was a fascinating video on a truly unique piece of lawn equipment.
I was told by Zama carburetor technician to soak the pump part of carburetor in gas overnight to hopefully bring back check valves that are sticking and not allowing fuel to prime.
Awesome video, IHG! Thank you for sharing. I've never seen a trimmer like this one before. To be totally honest, i'm NOT a fan of the 4 cycle trimmers. I had a Stihl KM-130r Kombi unit, and holy hell is that thing heavy! They have REALLY nice power and can tear through anything you throw at them, but I still prefer the lighter, higher revving 2 stroke trimmers. If you have any large amount of trimming to do, a 4 cycle trimmer will destroy ur arm and back after about an hour, wherewith a 2 stroke, they're much lighter, and allow a bit easier time of trimmer due to their lightweight! Edit: It looks like that B&S trimmer has a Poulan/Craftsman lower shaft. So maybe MTD had a hand in making that one? i've seen that shaft before on others.
Mate, if you think a 4 mix is heavy, you'd be shocked by the weight of some of these true 4 stroke machines! (By true 4 stroke, I mean ones with an oil sump) I've got a Honda GX35 multi tool and a FS130R split shaft and the Stihl feels like a feather by comparison! Great power and torque from the Honda, but just not practical for extended use due to the weight.
Funny though, I never knew they made 4-stroke timmers until my neighbor let me use his when I was younger and I went to edge the sidewalk, smoke everywhere lol
Is that combi unit, i only ask that cause it had a. Knob for the middle of the shaft. Also does Briggs and Stratton till make yard machines, or did they move to just making engines for mowers
From 2004 to 2009 they made the gold model from 2008 to 2009. They made the platinum model the gold model starting at for the curve shaft $399 and the platinum model for the curve shaft starting at $499 and the straight shaft gold model was $449 and the straight shaft. Platinum model was $549. and then they discontinued both of them in 2009 because they discontinued the Briggs quantum engine they still used them on craftsman mowers until 2013 and 2014 and then right after that, they started making the Briggs engines, with the plastic carburetors.
Never saw a Briggs setup like this but it seems Homelite made a brush cutter but it was 2-cycle but looked about the same. I'd law it off on someone else because it's way to heavy for me to mess with. I had a handlebar Stihl that I used a 12 inch carbide table saw blade on and it was more dangerous than an atomic bomb. Thanks and BLESSINGS 2 U!
I would leave it as is,45°F (7°C) is very cold for during the day over here in Australia at least in my area ,the coldest it has got is 55°F (11°C) during the day for the last few winters,45°F is about our average night time temperature over winter time. The coldest temperature that I have experienced during the day was 1°C (34°F) which was over 20 years ago!
This is a first for me also I never knew Briggs & Stratton had a trimmer like that I'm just wondering if it was a commercial branded somehow thanks for sharing this video
That flathead design is really nothing I’ve ever seen before, but hey at least this thing might be more reliable compared to the Ryobi 4 stroke trimmer.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I might still have it. I know the starter assembly broke and was not available at the time. I primarily use my John Deere t105s, since it was so heavy.
Those actually 4 cycle engine s are heavy as you mentioned but that weed eater has more than enough torque to get the job done they on the other hand lack the RPM,s glad you got it going again
I found a Kaaz straight shaft trimmer with a Honda GX 25 motor on the side of the road and have had no success getting it to run after adjusting the valves. It still feels like there's no compression when you pull the rope slowly whereas my neighbour's identical engine has plenty of resistance felt when you pull on that. I think it's simply worn out. Possibly the timing on the cam belt is at fault but the machine shows plenty of evidence of being very heavily used, so I think I'll attempt to transfer a spare 26cc operating two stroke motor I have, although I haven't tested it for near on five years so it may need a carb kit and may not fit on the machine, although the mounting bolts appear to be the same pattern.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE despite feeling a clear difference with an identical operating engine and that ether spray doesn't get a peep out of it even though it has spark?
If you could retrofit a tiller head on it now that be something. 34cc should be strong plus the extra weight will help the tilling right? I thought about bicycle but the regular kits will be better overall.
I have the 40cc Briggs and Stratton trimmer black version. I dont use it anymore too heavy and the trimmer too powerful keeps throwing debris hard at my legs shield does not help.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Because it has sentimental value I would keep it together and use it occasionally even though it’s not very practical which is probably why Briggs & Stratton discontinued them
hi i have stihl ms 391 chainsaw and it is veary hard to start and it misfire. When it starts it revs up and dies i bought new carb kit and spark plug and it didn´t help. i think the problem is ignition i´ve measured it and resistance is low only 2k ohms and it should be minimum 2.5k according other modules. I was checked flywheel key and spark arrestor should i check something else or should i buy new ignition? and sorry for my english . Thank you for response
I could definetly use a monster trimer like that, my current one is a bit underepowered, i have a heavyer one but im heavind some issues getting it running after it sat for years
I bought this in 2005 it was called the craftsman convertible. Came as a line trimmer but they sold different attachments. Edger, blower, brush cutter, 4 spline tiller, pole mine chain saw. Just stopped working in July. Replaced carb but still won't start . Has spark. Used thumb over spark plug hole seems to have decent compression but can't get it to even pop using ether. Any clue? Valve issue maybe? I'm stumped!
Just to clarify, they made a red and a black version of that trimmer the black version which being platinum had 40 cc and the red one which being gold had 34cc platinum model number black 40 cc 021132 model number for gold red model 34 cc021032
They were sold at Sears, branded in craftsman and a couple other brands, including Briggs & Stratton snapper and sanda and a couple other brands. They were very pricey, but they were also built very good.
No wonder it’s so heavy and big, it’s a 4 cycle unit. I’m not a huge fan of 4 cycle units, you never seem to get the full RPM’s out of it. I would just leave it as it is.
No way in hell I would have spent money to replace that walbro for a cheap knock off carb. If the choice is there always stick with the walbro. Price the two brands to see the difference.
You are the chrisfix of small engines. Love your content, great flow and easy to understand information.
Thank you very much! that means a lot to me.
He is just being himself
Owned one of these I bought new in 2005. Heavy with massive shoulder strap. Strong, capable machine, but drank oil in its final years. Retired it after 19 years.
wow that's a long time
My neighbor had one of these a while ago. I thought is was so cool that I had to buy my own when I could find a used one. Very unique design.
yes you are absolutely correct. thank you lawnmowerdude.
First Briggs line trimmer I've seen. A good engine for a big R/C car.
It sure is, thank you Christopher Marshall.
Years ago I began using non-ethanol fuel in all my small engines with the exception of my zero turn Toro, it's greatly simplified maintenance and headaches.
you are absolutely right about that, thank you David G.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I use Tru-fuel but I don't need much now! Just for blowers and a saw.
I had no idea Briggs and Strattton made weed trimmer engines!
I know right!
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE They made some dandy I/C 2-cycle 6 horse motors for Snapper walk behinds. Cast iron sleeves and the works.
I bought one, brand new, set it up via instructions, used it for two days but then oil started filling up the piston cylinder. You could drain all of the oil out of it by removing the plug and tilt it. It now rests in my graveyard of lawn equipment past
that's a shame
Great video, nice work on that trimmer, pretty interesting it has a tiny Briggs flat head engine!
thank you WildeFox, I was quite surprised too.
That’s a pretty crazy design they had at one point. I’ve never seen one like that, but I always find that kind of stuff interesting. Thank you for sharing. I think a mud motor would be pretty good with that.
You and me both! thank you Freedom mowers, and keep up the uploads. The first year I started my channel, the first 1k subs, took over a year of constant work.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I really do appreciate the kind words and encouragement. I’m just trying my best to get better at editing and narrating what I am doing. Your channel is great and I enjoy all the uploads.
anytime, and I also appreciate it.
I bought one of those carbs and the throttle side of the carb wasn't cast properly and it was sucking air. Ran fine at idle but would bog at high throttle. Glad to see yours worked okay.
thanks, and yes, quality seems to be questionable on these aftermarket parts.
Great vid mate, The beast. I've never come across one. Thanx for the heads up. Monster trimmer display, for a mancave. cheers.
you said that right, thank you Aussie nebula
Great fix. Interesting piece of equipment.
It sure is, thank you S Arnold.
Sounds like a Honda 4-cycle moped. If it is really rare, I would keep it and start a lawn care/tool museum, HAHA.
that would be interesting but there would be little no interest .
In my shop I would hang it on the wall as an antique curiosity with some heavy hooks LOL
lol, just make sure the hooks are in studs, otherwise, it will take down the drywall.
Briggs bought the name & assets of Murray after the latter went under in '04. Thus, I wouldn't be surprised if that rare "Briggs" trimmer was assembled as a mix of a Briggs engine & Murray components. Just a guess, but Sears name is on the air filter housing. Wonder what that's all about? In any case, it was a fascinating video on a truly unique piece of lawn equipment.
I really appreciate your insight on this Trimmer, and yes, more than likely it's probably a mixture of different parts from the both of them.
I want one now that's really cool. Wish you tool the plastic off to show us that miniature flathead.
aw man, you're right, I should have done that. I'll do it the next time I get . thank you Gavman's Workshop
I was told by Zama carburetor technician to soak the pump part of carburetor in gas overnight to hopefully bring back check valves that are sticking and not allowing fuel to prime.
yes it should work but the damaged gasket isn't going to be fixed in that way, only a new gasket would fix it.
Awesome video, IHG! Thank you for sharing. I've never seen a trimmer like this one before. To be totally honest, i'm NOT a fan of the 4 cycle trimmers. I had a Stihl KM-130r Kombi unit, and holy hell is that thing heavy! They have REALLY nice power and can tear through anything you throw at them, but I still prefer the lighter, higher revving 2 stroke trimmers. If you have any large amount of trimming to do, a 4 cycle trimmer will destroy ur arm and back after about an hour, wherewith a 2 stroke, they're much lighter, and allow a bit easier time of trimmer due to their lightweight!
Edit: It looks like that B&S trimmer has a Poulan/Craftsman lower shaft. So maybe MTD had a hand in making that one? i've seen that shaft before on others.
really? I'll have to take a look at the shaft, But it makes sense
Mate, if you think a 4 mix is heavy, you'd be shocked by the weight of some of these true 4 stroke machines! (By true 4 stroke, I mean ones with an oil sump) I've got a Honda GX35 multi tool and a FS130R split shaft and the Stihl feels like a feather by comparison! Great power and torque from the Honda, but just not practical for extended use due to the weight.
Standup scooter?? I’m a huge Goped enthusiast, I would love to see you work on one a sport or something!
yes! that's a great idea. Thank you RabbitFootedKitty.
Very neat trimmer, love Briggs. For it being such a big 4 stroke trimmer though, it should’ve been built with the bike handle bars
I think you're right!
I would use it as a Bush cutter magic video and thanks for the information
thank you Andrew Johnston.
Funny though, I never knew they made 4-stroke timmers until my neighbor let me use his when I was younger and I went to edge the sidewalk, smoke everywhere lol
I'm sure the same thing probably happened to a lot of people
Just use it as a trimmer. Kinda cool to see one of these. From my knowledge they were made only in the uk…. Very interesting design tho
thank you Cole Steffens.
Wow! Great find and video. 👍🏻
Thanks 👍
Is that combi unit, i only ask that cause it had a. Knob for the middle of the shaft. Also does Briggs and Stratton till make yard machines, or did they move to just making engines for mowers
you're exactly right, it does take attachments! didn't even look at that part of the trimmer. As for the briggs question I don't know.
From 2004 to 2009 they made the gold model from 2008 to 2009. They made the platinum model the gold model starting at for the curve shaft $399 and the platinum model for the curve shaft starting at $499 and the straight shaft gold model was $449 and the straight shaft. Platinum model was $549. and then they discontinued both of them in 2009 because they discontinued the Briggs quantum engine they still used them on craftsman mowers until 2013 and 2014 and then right after that, they started making the Briggs engines, with the plastic carburetors.
Never saw a Briggs setup like this but it seems Homelite made a brush cutter but it was 2-cycle but looked about the same. I'd law it off on someone else because it's way to heavy for me to mess with. I had a handlebar Stihl that I used a 12 inch carbide table saw blade on and it was more dangerous than an atomic bomb. Thanks and BLESSINGS 2 U!
thank you Lewie McNeely
Good job HG. Certainly different. How does the oil stay in the crankcase while using this contraption?
Good video man.. 👍
thanks Steven Chandler, the oil cap has on O ring, and it should be just like a briggs lawnmower engine using splash oil.
I have an 32cc Craftsman no mix, heavy as hell. Pretty good to clear tall brush.
very nice, glad to see these still working.
I would leave it as is,45°F (7°C) is very cold for during the day over here in Australia at least in my area ,the coldest it has got is 55°F (11°C) during the day for the last few winters,45°F is about our average night time temperature over winter time.
The coldest temperature that I have experienced during the day was 1°C (34°F) which was over 20 years ago!
wow, what part of Australia are you located again? I didn't think I got the cold there.
Thank you for another great video sir!
My pleasure, and thank you for your Time
This is a first for me also I never knew Briggs & Stratton had a trimmer like that I'm just wondering if it was a commercial branded somehow thanks for sharing this video
From my research, I wasn't able to tell if it's a commercial product.
I wud use it with a saw blade for grass trimmers to clear very big brush.
That was my choice as well, thank you Animation moon.
That flathead design is really nothing I’ve ever seen before, but hey at least this thing might be more reliable compared to the Ryobi 4 stroke trimmer.
lol... You had me rolling with that comment, and yes, much more reliable .
I found a Ryobi 4 stroke in local metal dump and it works perfect, starts on 2nd pull
I had the 40cc version of it. It was a beast!
wow, very nice. What happened to it?
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I might still have it. I know the starter assembly broke and was not available at the time. I primarily use my John Deere t105s, since it was so heavy.
wow nice John Deere.
Man you know bether that most litle engine mehanic today 😁😁👨🔧👨🔧
thank you
Those actually 4 cycle engine s are heavy as you mentioned but that weed eater has more than enough torque to get the job done they on the other hand lack the RPM,s glad you got it going again
thank you Robert Mailhos, and yes it has more than enough torque for any job.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE plus I had to get a Troy bulit 4 cycle straight shaft weed eater back in running condition it was not fun but I got it done 🤣
excellent work, sounds like it gave you hell.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE it was a little hard to get it done but I didn't give up on it
I found a Kaaz straight shaft trimmer with a Honda GX 25 motor on the side of the road and have had no success getting it to run after adjusting the valves.
It still feels like there's no compression when you pull the rope slowly whereas my neighbour's identical engine has plenty of resistance felt when you pull on that.
I think it's simply worn out.
Possibly the timing on the cam belt is at fault but the machine shows plenty of evidence of being very heavily used, so I think I'll attempt to transfer a spare 26cc operating two stroke motor I have, although I haven't tested it for near on five years so it may need a carb kit and may not fit on the machine, although the mounting bolts appear to be the same pattern.
On 4 cycle engines, the slow pull method doesn't work as well, I would suggest a compression tester.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE despite feeling a clear difference with an identical operating engine and that ether spray doesn't get a peep out of it even though it has spark?
please perform a compression test.
I remember the 4 stroke trimmer craze. Terrible idea in retrospect.
it was definitely not a good as they thought it would be.
If you could retrofit a tiller head on it now that be something. 34cc should be strong plus the extra weight will help the tilling right? I thought about bicycle but the regular kits will be better overall.
Yes you're right about the kit.
That's nice!! The code I the year it was made in 2004
thank you for letting me know I appreciate it .
I just got mine to run!
nice!
I have never seen one of those. It would probably be a good bicycle engine.
that's what I was thinking.
I have the 40cc Briggs and Stratton trimmer black version.
I dont use it anymore too heavy and the trimmer too powerful keeps throwing debris hard at my legs shield does not help.
yes that would seem to be an unfortunate problem with them
I had one of these come through my hands once. Sadly I was unable to fix it and had to part it out
that's a shame.
Don’t forget a new air filter😀
most definitely
I have pretty much the same trimmer, mine is a weed boss and is a straight shaft
nice, I'll have to look it up. Did you have it in one of your videos?
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE yes it's in the video where I change the oil in a 4 cycle trimmer.
I'll take another look, I must have missed that one.
Monster trimmer
you're right about that. Thank you Leo's
I've never see a trimmer like that before
me too, thank you Warrens Outdoors.
An air filter may make it run much better. If you don't trim a big lawn, use it as is.
I think you're right, thank you Waterman one.
Very cool
to be honest once I realized what it was, it is very cool.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Because it has sentimental value I would keep it together and use it occasionally even though it’s not very practical which is probably why Briggs & Stratton discontinued them
that makes total sense. thank you haneyoakie14
My dad has a very similar looking trimmer, but not the same brand. :)
very cool, these are a real beast when it comes to cutting down brush. thank you Nicholas Lab.
And I had a question I’m curious have you ever came across the craftsman Lehr propane, powered weedeater
I saw one in marketplace about 2 years ago, but they wanted too much money for it. Besides, I've heard starting them can be a bit tricky.
hi i have stihl ms 391 chainsaw and it is veary hard to start and it misfire. When it starts it revs up and dies i bought new carb kit and spark plug and it didn´t help. i think the problem is ignition i´ve measured it and resistance is low only 2k ohms and it should be minimum 2.5k according other modules. I was checked flywheel key and spark arrestor should i check something else or should i buy new ignition? and sorry for my english . Thank you for response
from the information you given me, I would replace the coil, but I have to say, most coil problems, are they either work, or they don't work.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE thank you i will try it
I wonder if they added that handle or if it came with it - trash picked up a homelite that has a handle like that.
I think it came that way, just a feeling though.
I just found 3 trimmers in the scrap today
very nice haul
i would love to have that trimmer and use it as is.
I know right, it's pretty unique
do you know where the low and high adjust bolts on this type of carb? i think my homelite use the same one but can't figure out where those are
there would be only one, and it would be in the middle of the brass section on top of the carb.
4 cycle carburetors don' t have adjusting screws like 2 cycle counterparts
@@samuelvelez1643 stihls 4 mix engines do
@@alexstromberg7696 didn't knew about it; thanx
I could definetly use a monster trimer like that, my current one is a bit underepowered, i have a heavyer one but im heavind some issues getting it running after it sat for years
good luck on it, hopefully you can sort it out.
Never seen anything like that before. Did you find what year it was made ??
yes I believe it's a 2004 model
I have one of these I'm needing a carb for where did you get the new carb at can't find one myself will you comment the link to the carburetor please
I found it on amazn
I bought this in 2005 it was called the craftsman convertible.
Came as a line trimmer but they sold different attachments.
Edger, blower, brush cutter, 4 spline tiller, pole mine chain saw.
Just stopped working in July. Replaced carb but still won't start . Has spark. Used thumb over spark plug hole seems to have decent compression but can't get it to even pop using ether. Any clue?
Valve issue maybe?
I'm stumped!
well for me i,d use it with a harness/shoulder strap and trimming grass or weeds or even brush etc.
most definitely, It should have came with one.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE strewth mate and never hard to get one etc.
Was a great concept but having to tilt the unit to say... Edge a driveway would starve the engine of oil sometime.
yes it could. I would only use this thing for brush clearing.
I bet the torque is unreal!
its's the most I've felt in a while
As is personally, also, I kinda need a heavier duty trimmer to so if it us till have it by now, how much would u want for it?
not mine to sell.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE darn
In tht case, how much would they want. If they are wanting to sell it tht is.
i had a 4 stroke weed from stihl they’ll last for a long time
yes, as you as you take care of the Stihl, it will take care of you.
as husqavra and homelite and echo
For anyone that doesn’t get the Briggs and Stratton joke at the beginning is like saying your bicycle has a hemi on it
thank you Copperhead Designs.
Just to clarify, they made a red and a black version of that trimmer the black version which being platinum had 40 cc and the red one which being gold had 34cc platinum model number black 40 cc 021132 model number for gold red model 34 cc021032
The platinum one is extremely rare. I’ve only seen two examples of it on marketplace ever even at garage sales. I’ve only seen the red ones or gold.
They were sold at Sears, branded in craftsman and a couple other brands, including Briggs & Stratton snapper and sanda and a couple other brands. They were very pricey, but they were also built very good.
thanks for clarifying
Love your videos keep it up i always want them with my girlfriend
Thanks! Will do!
I would take the trimmer shaft off the engine and add the engine to my briggs and stratton engine collection.
that's an idea.
They are rare and very cool
How do you take the head off this trimmer?
I didn't have to one this one so I'm not sure.
What about the air filter?
we can always get it later.
A big RC car or truck
that makes sense to me.
Didn’t know Briggs & Stratton made a Trimmer nor a Four Stroke either...
That was a cheap carburettor 😀🇦🇺
very cheap which is great for them.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE think it’s a 2002 model or 2008 unsure, if you know please share.
I’m sure there not in Australia
I do believe it's a 2004 by the code number
Put a pull saw on it or brush cutter disk / blade and get ready for the zombie apocalypse
yep, that's my choice too. Thank D Fields.
Where are you located?
midwest or southwest, it's still in contention
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE so what do you mean…?
the state I live in can be classified as either region.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE oh ok, so your on the opposite side of the country im in the north east area
Sounds like the muffler/exhaust is a little plugged to me.
that's always a possibility .
Please store any 4Stoke trimmer Horizontally...
absolutely , hopefully they know to do that.
No wonder it’s so heavy and big, it’s a 4 cycle unit. I’m not a huge fan of 4 cycle units, you never seem to get the full RPM’s out of it. I would just leave it as it is.
I agree with you, it's too heavy to use. thank you William Snow..
I've never seen a briggs trimmer
I know right, it's just strange to see
No way in hell I would have spent money to replace that walbro for a cheap knock off carb. If the choice is there always stick with the walbro. Price the two brands to see the difference.
I hear what you're saying. I might take a second look at that carb.
Seems to me it's kinda heavy
very, I wouldn't use it for very long.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE unless you can use a shoulder strap otherwise is a painful job
very true.
I would of put it on an rc car
yes that would be a great idea.
rare one guy never knew it existed ,looks like it was built to last ,dont make em like that anymore
thank you Anwar Khan, and yes definitely built to last.
I destroyed my Ryobi
Piece of junk in my opinion, but you made the right call by replacing the carb,
it's quite the hulk of a trimmer, thank you Alan Lake.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE It still sounded like the carb needed adjusting, and that can be a bit of a pain on those types of carbs
yes it did But it was too cold to make adjustments on it. More than likely it was going to be used during the summer, so I'll wait till then to do it.
Rc car XD
YES!!!