One of the biggest announcements from Makita at this year’s World of Concrete show was their new 4 Stroke gas 14” cut-off saw EK7651H ($1199, Ohio Power Tool), slated to launch this summer. This is pretty big news as it is the first production model 4 stroke from anyone, including Stihl or Husqvarna. The obvious advantage moving away from the 2 stroke is no oil to mix or separate gas cans to keep track of. The 4 stroke engines also use less gas, run quieter, produce less fume exhaust and overall cleaner running equipment. You don’t have to be a psychic to see the EPA writing on the walls, as regulations get tighter and tighter it is not hard to imagine that soon none of the 2 stroke engines will be able to meet requirements.
The Makita MM4 (Makita Mini 4 Stroke) technology used for this saw isn’t just some off the shelf 4 stroke engine slapped on a cut-off saw. The Dolmar outdoor equipment company (a Makita subsidiary) has been working on this technology for some time with other improvements such as reduced flooding with a new pressure compensated carburetor, vented choke plate and clear primer bulb. Automatic decompression reduces pull-start force by 40% and the 5 stage air filtration ensures it will run clean in any environment. Overall the engine is well optimized to take the abuse typical for a construction jobsite.
The only downside on the 4 stroke saw, we can see, is that you end up with a slightly heavier unit when compared to other 4.1HP units in 2 stroke. We will see how these units hold up over time but one thing that definitely isn’t going to cause you any more problems is improper fuel/oil mixing. As the industry shifts from 2 to 4 stroke engines the playing field will be leveled and whomever can manufacture the best performing 4 stroke saw will have a real opportunity to gain some market share.
This saw is available for Pre-Order from Ohio Power Tool under Makita Gas Saws. In the meantime, more information on this saw is available in the full Makita Press Release below.
La Mirada, Calif. – Makita, a worldwide manufacturer of technologically advanced power tools that are more compact with less weight yet deliver industrial strength power and results, is releasing the world’s first 4-stroke power cutter, the 14” 76 cc 4-Stroke Power Cutter (model EK7651H). The EK7651H, scheduled for release in summer 2013, is the latest innovation in Makita’s extensive range of concrete solutions.
“Engine seizure due to improper fuel/oil mixing is one of the most common failures of 2-stroke commercial power cutters,” said Adam Livingston, Product Manager, Commercial Products. “Once again, Makita has delivered the solution with the development of the world’s first 4-stroke power cutter. This new 4-stroke power cutter runs quieter, idles smoother and is more fuel efficient. It also has several innovative features including automatic decompression which reduces pull-starting force by 40%, and an integrated wheel kit that retracts when not in use. This latest innovation from Makita goes beyond exceptional tool performance, as users will now need only one gas can for all their power equipment.”
Makita 4-Stroke Advantage
The new 4-stroke EK7651H delivers several advantages over 2-stroke:
• No oil mixing offers simplified operation and prevents engine failure due to improper mix
• Eliminates the need for separate mixed oil/fuel can
• Lower noise at 106.5dB(A) and smoother idle for continuous operation
• Lower fuel consumption at .45 gallons per hour
• Reduced exhaust and intake carbon build-up for long cylinder life
• Three-ring piston for improved commercial engine durability
Improved Performance
The new EK7651H has a 4.6 cu.in. (76 cc) engine with 4.1 HP (maximum horsepower) and a no load speed of 9,350 RPM to take on the most demanding applications. The automatic engine decompression valve is engineered into the cam gear to reduce pull start force by 40%. In addition, the EK7651H has a five-stage foam-paper-nylon filtration system with Advance Direction Air Flow to provide cleaner air for improved engine durability.
The power and performance features of the EK7651H make it a best-in-class 14” power cutter for a range of professional concrete cutting applications and is ideal for landscapers, road construction crews, railroad crews, rescue crews, general steel contractors, masons, and welders.
Specifications: EK7651H
Engine displacement: 4.6 cu.in. (76 cc)
Max power 4.1 HP / 3.0kW
No Load Speed 9,350 RPM
Fuel: Unleaded gasoline
Fuel tank capacity 37.2 oz.
Wheel: max spindle speed 4,300 RPM
Wheel diameter 14”
Arbor 20mm 1” adapter
Dry Weight 28.4 lbs.
Includes: Tool, tool kit, oil bottle, water supply kit, adapter ring, pre-filter set
