Shindaiwa C4 Technology® is Here

High Performance - Low Emissions:
The revolutionary C4 technology provides the best of both worlds.  This U.S. patented engine retains the 2-stroke model's technical foundation, high power-to-weight ratio, high torque and great throttle response while featuring the low noise and fuel economy of a 4-stroke engine.  C4 engines beat current emission standards by 20%, ensuring that the product complies with CE regulations, not just today, but for years down the road.  It's one more way Shindaiwa reassures users that they are in it for the long haul.

Power and Efficiency:
The patented Power Boost Chamber is the key to outstanding performance.  By properly lubricating engine parts and creating positive crankcase pressure, the Power Boost Chamber supercharges each C4 engine with more horsepower and torque to take on the toughest jobs.

All Position Operation:
The C4's rotary valve Carburetor allows products to operate at all positions, thanks to its exceptional throttle response and greater torque over a broader RPM range.

Fuels like a 2-stroke:
Each C4 engine uses a 50:1 mix, elminiating the need for a seperate oil sump and dipstick and saving valuable time.

Lasts Longer:  
The C4's two-ring pistons and a chrome-plated cylinder create tremendous durability and a long engine life.

Fuel Efficient:
C4 engines run up to 33% longer than comparable 2-stroke engines on a single tank of petrol.

Background of the C4 Patented Technology:
After several years of intensive development, Shindaiwa are pleased to introduce their exciting new C4 Technology®.

Historically, commercial hand-held outdoor equipment has been powered by two-stroke engines. This is because of their excellent power-to-weight, outstanding throttle response, multi-position capability, simple maintenance, and durability.

Over the years products have become even lighter and more powerful. Shindaiwa, in particular, established a leading market position as users became familiar with its equipment. Shindaiwa products are well known and preferred for their high levels of performance and long-term durability. Second to none, they are bought again and again by satisfied commercial users.

Environmentally sensitive, Shindaiwa are committed to dramatically reduce exhaust emission levels of internal combustion engines.  The result of this commitment is the new Shindaiwa C4 hybrid engine.

The Right Technology: C4 Technology®
Shindaiwa moved ahead with development of a unique new engine design featuring use of a supercharger element to increase crankcase pressure. This "Power Boost Chamber" element not only provides for increased power and torque, it also enables the use of standard mixed fuel for engine lubrication. The end result is an engine with the outstanding performance, reduced noise and fuel consumption and extremely low levels of exhaust emission.

More importantly it means users can enjoy light weight multi-positional equipment with excellent performance and no change in fuel or usage patterns.

The Right Application
The focus of Shindaiwa's work has been on commercial applications. Unlike other manufacturers who have certified many of their so-called commercial units to the easier 50-hour consumer emission standard, the high-performance C4 Technology® engines fully comply with the tougher 300-hour commercial standard.

Tomorrows Products Today
Through the years, landscaping equipment has traditionally been the 2-stroke engine because of its excellent power-to-weight ratio and multi-position capability. Now, the revolutionary C4 Technology® is venturing to change the landscape of handheld outdoor power equipment. Shindaiwa C4 Technology®, a unique cross between 2-stroke and 4-stroke, combines the best of both technologies: Light weight, excellent torque, great throttle response, with all day, all position operation. And now, include Eco-friendly exhaust gas emissions, low noise, and better fuel economy to the equation. C4 Technology® is truly tomorrows products today.

So why the new technology? And, how does it work?
To help answer these and other questions, Shindaiwa is providing this information about this new and exciting technology. In addition, we hope to provide you, our valued customer, a peek into the inner-workings of the 2-stroke/4-stroke hybrid engine itself. First, lets briefly look at the recent history of this important technology.

History of the 2-Stroke/4-Stroke Hybrid Engine
First developed in the 1980’s by an inventor in Post Falls, Idaho, the 2-stroke/4-stroke hybrid engine uses proprietary technology that has many mechanical advantages over its 2-stroke cousin. And, because of its many mechanical advantages, the hybrid engine eventually drew the attention of the U.S. Military.

In powering their twin cylinder, ultra-light reconnaissance aircraft, the U.S. Military typically used larger 2-stroke engines simply because of their excellent power-to-weight ratios. However, large 2-stroke engines, with their high fuel consumption, had a non-compatible powerband and proved ineffective for their direct drive, propeller-driven aircraft. For this reason, the Military often modified the 2-stroke engine with complicated gear reducing equipment adding considerable weight and cost to the engine assembly.

Fueled with just standard 2-stroke mix, the twin cylinder, 2-stroke/4-stroke hybrid design provided the Military with an engine producing a more conducive powerband for their small aircraft - eliminating the need to add expensive, heavy gear reduction equipment.

Moving up to the Major Leagues

Call it C4 Technology®
C4 Technology® (Compression-Charged Clean Combustion) uses patented technology controlled by Shindaiwa. Shindaiwa engineers have successfully isolated 1/2 of the twin cylinder hybrid technology and miniaturized it for optimum performance and weight. Shindaiwa C4 Technology® combines the best features of the 2-stroke engine (compactness, power-to-weight ratio, minimum-moving parts), and the 4-stroke engine (precise metering of combustion gases).

With its cylinder ports to transfer fuel/oil mix, the typical 2-stroke engine performs with a power stroke with every two strokes (one revolution of the crankshaft) of the piston. On the other hand, the 4-stroke C4 Technology® engine, with its overhead intake and exhaust valves, uses four strokes of the piston (two revolutions of the crankshaft) for each power stroke. But, without the complexity of a separate lubricating system, which must be frequently checked and monitored to avoid serious engine failure. With Shindaiwa C4 Technology®, its business as usual with a standard 50:1 mix flowing fresh lubricant throughout the engine. No dipstick required!

Shindaiwa's C4 Technology® features a unique patented feature called the Power Boost Chamber. This supercharging element helps the engine develop more horsepower and torque compared to traditional 4-stroke engines that do not have the Power Boost Chamber. In multi-position use, an oil pump slinger is ineffective in properly lubricating critical engine parts. In addition, the mechanical slinger tends to reduce overall output and will diminish an engines performance. Again, Shindaiwa C4 Technology® has just a single container for the petrol and oil fuel mix no need for an oil pump slinger, separate oil sump, and dipstick!