Flymo XLT3000 Multitool Brushcutter / Strimmer 32cc

I bought the Flymo XLT3000 from Ideal World TV in Spring 2008...!

From the beginning I had starting problems, then in spring 2009 after only one seasons use I couldn't get my XLT. 3000 Started at all and I was told it had had its days..... it was worn out..!!

Not satisfied with this answer I then made extensive enquiries about this power unit with the people who are in the know about these things "The service engineers and repair mechanics that repair & rebuild them...!!" and discovered the Flymo XLT3000 is a "Half Crank" machine.

What does "Half Crank" mean..??
Well in simple terms it means the crank shaft is only supported by one bearing, not two..!! Hence the terminology "Half"

It doesnt take a Rocket Scientist to understand what stresses there are on just one bearing..... swing a heavy weight on the end of some string around your head and you'll get to know what stresses a half crank engine goes through.... One can certainly feel a high level of vibration while in use, enough to cause screws to become unscrewed & make one feel unsafe using it....

You can also feel the crank shaft wobble when you gently pull the starting "pull cord" on a worn machine...!

What i understand is... the imbalance of only being supported on one side causes extra stress and wobble wear affect on the one bearing until it allows air into the crank case, (remembering this is a two stroke engine), thus weakening the fuel air mixture until no amount of fuel enrichment adjustment on the carburetor is enough to start the engine.

In my opinion and that of people I have spoken to... Half Crank engines are not suitable for heavy use such as hedge cutting... but are only suitable for light strimming work.

Its a real shame because all the tools that came with my machine (Hedge Cutter, Line Strimmer, Brush Cutter, etc) work very well indeed... and I currently use them to good affect with a Mowerland Full Crank Engine which I am delighted with.
I have several two stroke power units... Why-o-why do manufacturers only provide PETROL-OIL MIXER BOTTLES that are only configered for "LEFT HANDED PEOPLE...???".