Honda UMK 425 vs Makita EM2651UH: 25 cc four-stroke duel
Both skip two-stroke mixing with a small four-stroke in the 25 cc class. The differences are the handle, vibration, weight and the kit in the box.
In short:The Honda UMK 425 LE has Honda's 25 cc GX25 four-stroke (0.81 kW), a D-loop handle with a barrier bar, a 5.9 kg dry weight, and comes with a nylon head and a 3-tooth blade; Honda declares 3.1–8.9 m/s² vibration. The Makita EM2651UH has a 25.4 cc MM4 four-stroke (0.77 kW), a cow-horn bike handle, a shoulder strap and a 5.6 kg weight, with 2.4–2.5 m/s² vibration; Makita lists a 230 mm 3-tooth blade for it. Both run on unmixed petrol.
The Honda UMK 425 and Makita EM2651UH are both 25 cc-class four-stroke brush cutters that run on unmixed petrol. Power is nearly identical; the choice comes down to handle, comfort and kit.
At a glance
| Honda UMK 425 LE | Makita EM2651UH | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Honda GX25, 25 cc, 4-stroke | 25.4 cc MM4, 4-stroke |
| Power | 0.81 kW | 0.77 kW (1.1 hp) |
| Weight | 5.9 kg dry | 5.6 kg |
| Handle | D-loop with barrier bar | Cow-horn (bike) |
| Vibration | 3.1–8.9 m/s² | 2.4–2.5 m/s² |
| Supplied | Nylon head + 3-tooth blade | Shoulder strap; 230 mm blade listed by Makita |
| Amazon.co.uk (Oct 2026) | Check dealers | Unavailable |
| Rating | 8.2 / 10 | 8.0 / 10 |
Engines: nearly a tie
Honda’s GX25 gives 0.81 kW; Makita’s MM4 gives 0.77 kW. Both are small four-strokes with an oil sump — no mixing, but oil to check — and both can be tilted while working (Honda’s rotary-slinger lubrication makes the GX25 360° inclinable; Makita’s MM4 uses multi-position lubrication). Neither is a bramble-clearing engine.
Comfort and handling
The Makita is a little lighter at 5.6 kg and declares much lower vibration, 2.4–2.5 m/s². Its cow-horn handle gives two-handed control for long passes and blade work. The Honda’s D-loop handle is nimbler in tight spaces; keep blade work light with it.
What’s in the box
The Honda comes ready for light brush with a nylon head and a 3-tooth blade. Makita lists a 230 mm 3-tooth blade for the EM2651UH; check whether the package you’re buying includes it.
Choose the Honda UMK 425 if…
- You want a blade in the box
- You work around obstacles where a loop handle helps
- Honda’s dealer network and engine record appeal
Choose the Makita EM2651UH if…
- Low vibration and low weight matter for long sessions
- You prefer a bike handle for open ground
Which should you buy?
For the most comfortable long sessions, the Makita EM2651UH. For a complete kit and nimble handling, the Honda UMK 425. For brambles, step up to the 35 cc Honda UMK 435 or 43 cc Makita EM4351UH.
Full specifications
| Honda UMK 425 LE | Makita EM2651UH | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine / power | 25 cc · GX25 4-stroke | 25.4 cc · 4-stroke MM4 |
| Engine | Honda GX25, 25 cc, 4-stroke | 25.4 cc, 4-stroke (MM4) |
| Power | 0.81 kW (1.0 hp) at 7,000 rpm | 0.77 kW (1.1 hp) |
| Handle | D-loop with barrier bar | Cow-horn (bike), shoulder strap |
| Tanks | 0.55 L fuel / 0.08 L oil | — |
| Weight | 5.9 kg dry | 5.6 kg (Makita datasheet) |
| Noise / vibration | 110 dB(A) / 3.1–8.9 m/s² | — |
| Included | Nylon spool head + 3-tooth blade | — |
| Vibration | — | 2.4–2.5 m/s² (Makita) |
| Fuel | — | Pure petrol (no mixing) |
| Best for | Homeowners who want a quiet, clean, ultra-reliable petrol machine for regular maintenance. | Regular maintenance of grass and light growth without the hassle of 2-stroke mixing. |
| Our rating | 8.2 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
Strengths and drawbacks
Honda UMK 425 LE
- + Honda GX25 mini four-stroke, built for durability
- + No fuel mixing — runs on unleaded petrol
- + Blade and nylon head both supplied
- − Modest 25 cc power for heavy brush
- − Premium price for the displacement
- − Loop handle, not a bike handle, for blade work
Makita EM2651UH
- + No fuel mixing — pure petrol convenience
- + Low handle vibration (2.4–2.5 m/s²)
- + Cow-horn handle for controlled sweeps
- − Modest power for dense brush
- − Slightly heavier than a 2-stroke equivalent
- − Separate engine oil to maintain
Frequently asked questions
Which is more powerful?
They're almost level: Honda quotes 0.81 kW for the GX25, Makita 0.77 kW for the MM4. Both are for grass and light growth, not dense brambles.
Which is lighter and smoother?
The Makita: 5.6 kg against 5.9 kg dry for the Honda, and Makita declares 2.4–2.5 m/s² handle vibration against 3.1–8.9 m/s² for the Honda. Lower vibration means longer comfortable working time — see brush cutter vibration and HAVS.
Which handle should I choose?
The Makita's cow-horn bike handle suits long sweeps across open grass and blade work. The Honda's D-loop is quicker around trees, beds and fences.