Replies to This Discussion

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Steve Sonic Grounds Maintenance on March 5, 2011 at 21:50

Good point

GORDON said:

Hi Steve

 

I am more or less in the same camp as Paul. As stated I have the Echo equivalent of the Stihl H model and unless I had  actually used it on fine work with its slower speed I would not have appreciated it, it just does the job. As I also said you may need to go a little slower on the final pass and I don't like working slow. But all in all it works as a multi purpose tool without compromise.
Steve Wilkinson said:

Got to disagree with you here paul.

R stands for rough cutter. (i think!!)

And T stands for trimmer.

The T version has more strokes per minute for a more defined sharper cut.

So if it is for a more defined, perfectly trimmed hedge i would go for the stihl 86, or 81 T.

Paul @ PPCH Services said:

No need the R is fine and more versatile...... If the r was not up to the  task  of a clean cut I would get a T model but no need...... IMO a gimick of stihl.

 

all the hedge pics in my photo page were done with an 86R.

• ▶ Reply

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Gary Hedges on March 6, 2011 at 11:02

Hi Geoff
The original question concerned small, precise trims.
Obviously for a large hedge I would use my stihl.
As ii said I only do a couple of these types and they are both very small.
I'm after a new cutter this year so I think I'll quiz my local stihl dealer on the differences


Geoff Norfolk said:

I'm amazed that Gary can get a better finish on a hedge using hand shears..... I find completely the opposite! Surely, you must get so many more cuts on an area using a cutter compared to shears, the final result must be better? The only time I find shears to be better is cutting "ball" shapes.

I've an HS86r and an 86t and both of them give a great finish to a hedge........ the 86t though has the disadvantage that it doesn't like going through thicker stuff so you're a bit limited to its use.

 

• ▶ Reply

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Martyn Howe on March 6, 2011 at 13:17

Although we have the HS 86r & t. For small fine cutting jobs we find the HS45 hard to beat for quality of finish. Cheap enough to buy as an as and when needed trimmer and very lightweight. We only use this for fine cut hedges and wouldnt suggest using it for anything else.

• ▶ Reply

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Dan Frazer Gardening on March 6, 2011 at 18:02

Bit of over-the-top thinking on this thread. I do all sorts of hedges, including prim and proper smaller box in both hedge and individual specimen format, and do them all with my HS81R, maybe tidy a few loose ends with the shears, but no need for a seperate set of trimmers for the work at all!

 

And who said the 'T' model was lighter than the 'R' model? A not-unexpected comment from some people.

• ▶ Reply

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Martyn Howe on March 6, 2011 at 18:27

I cant see where anyone has said the T model is lighter than the R model??

What do you mean a not unexpected comment from some people??

• ▶ Reply

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Dan Frazer Gardening on March 6, 2011 at 18:37

Ah I take it back, the 'T' is 0.3kg lighter :O)

• ▶ Reply

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Rich AGS on March 6, 2011 at 18:49

 

sorry to upset you guys, but i love Echo hedge cutters i have two models , HC 341ES  AND HCR171ES , I have had stihl hedge cutters in the past , and would never have another one i find the Echo starts better and gives better finsh with the blades staying sharper for longer, the problem i have had with stihl is starting problems

 

I hope this does not upset you stihl fans on here, 

 

 

 

• ▶ Reply

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Gary Hedges on March 6, 2011 at 20:15

What do you use ade?


ade doers said:

its all about the ergonimics and balance, stihl hedge trimmers have always been heavy and off balance compared to many. theyre not even any cheaper just sold by brand name alone usually to those with little experience of other machines

• ▶ Reply

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Gary Hedges on March 6, 2011 at 20:20

Ok, what do you use for general hedge cutting?


ade doers said:

depends on the job in hand, i have many tools something for everything really

• ▶ Reply

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Gary Hedges on March 6, 2011 at 20:31

Interesting, have been looking at kawasaki but hard to find feedback on them. My longreach is an echo, never misses a beat.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Gareth Davies on March 6, 2011 at 20:36

Got a Stihl HS 86 T for fine stuff and a Kawasaki for the rougher stuff. Kawasaki is a great hedge trimmer but the vibrations are high so try and use the Stihl whenever I can.

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page