Makita EM2651UH vs Einhell GC-BC 25/1: four-stroke or budget two-stroke?
Same displacement, different engines: Makita's low-vibration MM4 four-stroke against Einhell's budget two-stroke with a full kit.
In short:The Makita EM2651UH has a 25.4 cc MM4 four-stroke (0.77 kW) on unmixed petrol, a cow-horn bike handle, a shoulder strap, a 5.6 kg weight and 2.4–2.5 m/s² handle vibration; Makita lists a 230 mm 3-tooth blade for it. The Einhell GC-BC 25/1 I AS has a 25.4 cc, 600 W two-stroke, a bike handle, a 42 cm line cut, a 23 cm 3-tooth blade and a harness, at about 6.4 kg. Makita is lighter, smoother and mix-free; Einhell is cheaper and complete.
The Makita EM2651UH and Einhell GC-BC 25/1 share a 25.4 cc displacement but little else: a refined four-stroke against a budget two-stroke.
At a glance
| Makita EM2651UH | Einhell GC-BC 25/1 I AS | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 25.4 cc MM4, 4-stroke | 25.4 cc, 2-stroke |
| Power | 0.77 kW | 600 W |
| Fuel | Unmixed petrol | Petrol/oil mix |
| Weight | 5.6 kg | About 6.4 kg |
| Vibration | 2.4–2.5 m/s² | — |
| Handle | Cow-horn (bike) | Bike |
| Supplied | Shoulder strap; 230 mm blade listed | Line head, 3-tooth blade, harness |
| Amazon.co.uk (Oct 2026) | Unavailable | Unavailable |
| Rating | 8.0 / 10 | 7.4 / 10 |
Engine and comfort
Makita’s MM4 four-stroke avoids fuel mixing and works at any angle thanks to multi-position lubrication. It’s also lighter and declares very low vibration, which matters for anyone who trims often (vibration and HAVS).
Value
The Einhell costs far less and arrives complete with a 3-tooth blade, a 42 cm line spool and a harness. For occasional use, that’s hard to beat.
Which should you buy?
For regular use and comfort, the Makita EM2651UH. For occasional jobs on a tight budget, the Einhell GC-BC 25/1. Neither was buyable on Amazon.co.uk in October 2026, so check dealers.
Full specifications
| Makita EM2651UH | Einhell GC-BC 25/1 I AS | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine / power | 25.4 cc · 4-stroke MM4 | 25.4 cc · 2-stroke |
| Engine | 25.4 cc, 4-stroke (MM4) | 25.4 cc, 2-stroke |
| Power | 0.77 kW (1.1 hp) | 600 W |
| Handle | Cow-horn (bike), shoulder strap | Bike handle, aluminium shaft |
| Vibration | 2.4–2.5 m/s² (Makita) | — |
| Weight | 5.6 kg (Makita datasheet) | 6.4 kg (listing) |
| Fuel | Pure petrol (no mixing) | — |
| Cut | — | 42 cm line / 23 cm blade |
| Included | — | Line + 3-tooth blade + harness |
| Best for | Regular maintenance of grass and light growth without the hassle of 2-stroke mixing. | A budget first petrol machine for grass and light growth on a small-to-medium plot. |
| Our rating | 8 / 10 | 7.4 / 10 |
Strengths and drawbacks
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
Einhell GC-BC 25/1 I AS
- + Very affordable entry into petrol
- + Relatively light and beginner-friendly
- + Blade and harness included
- − Modest power for dense growth
- − Budget-grade build and refinement
- − 2-stroke fuel mixing required
Frequently asked questions
Which needs fuel mixing?
Only the Einhell, a two-stroke. The Makita's MM4 four-stroke runs on unmixed petrol, with engine oil in a sump to check.
Which is more comfortable?
The Makita: 5.6 kg against about 6.4 kg, and very low declared handle vibration of 2.4–2.5 m/s².
Which comes with more kit?
The Einhell includes a double-line spool, a 3-tooth blade and a harness. The Makita comes with a shoulder strap; Makita lists a 230 mm 3-tooth blade for it — check the package you buy.