Does size matter?

Ok, let's get too it, is 30in too big? (no sniggering at the back there J.P)

I refer, of course, to the blade length on hedge trimmers...

Finally getting round to buying a new hedge trimmer and am going for the HS81 R.

But I'm not sure whether to go for the 30in blade or the 24in. Have handled the 30in one in the shop (I said no sniggering!) and the weight seems ok. It's a little unwieldy but the advantages are obvious.

Anyone have any preferences on length? Anyone have a 30in one?

Cheers

Andy

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Permalink Reply by GORDON on January 27, 2012 at 17:54

Hi Andy

I guess it depends on what or how much it will be used. But if you are trimming large ares of hedges then you need to use the longest blade that you can manage.

I use a single sided 40" Echo and to be honest now that I am use to it, any thing shorter would seem like a toy.


PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Chris Auld on January 27, 2012 at 17:59

I have an 81T and 81R, both 30", they might seem a bit heavy at first but you will soon get used to them.

Permalink Reply by Andy Lawrence on January 27, 2012 at 18:18

Cheers guys, reinforces what I've already been thinking.


PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Dan Frazer Gardening on January 27, 2012 at 18:29

I agree Andy, I have an 81r and couldn't imagine trying to use a 24 inch trimmer. You want to be able to reach across the full width of the top of a hedge in one run rather than doing 2 runs. The 30" doesn't quite make it at times and I think the 40" would be a better tool.

You're welcome to give my HS81r a try if you like, I'm about next week.

 


PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Nick @ NM Garden Services Ltd on January 27, 2012 at 18:30
30" blade also means that you don't need to bend down as far to reach the bottom of hedges!

Nick
Permalink Reply by Andy Lawrence on January 27, 2012 at 18:37

Yeah could maybe hook up later in the week once I've finished ripping the van apart!

Cheers

Andy

Dan Frazer Gardening said:

I agree Andy, I have an 81r and couldn't imagine trying to use a 24 inch trimmer. You want to be able to reach across the full width of the top of a hedge in one run rather than doing 2 runs. The 30" doesn't quite make it at times and I think the 40" would be a better tool.

You're welcome to give my HS81r a try if you like, I'm about next week.

 


PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Nick @ NM Garden Services Ltd on January 27, 2012 at 18:48
It should also be noted that the reach of a 40" single blade hedgecutter has more or less the same reach as a 30" double bladed hedgecutter due to the positioning of the handles.

For this reason I use a 30" double sided machine as it gives a bit of extra flexibility for not much extra weight.

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Nick @ NM Garden Services Ltd on January 27, 2012 at 19:20

I guess but probably puts extra strain on the handle not to mention H&S issues...I would never allow an employee to hold one like that and as such have to set an example myself!


Paul @ PPCH Services said:

Not if you hold it one handed on the trigger handle and slide across the already cut hedge in fronnt to reach what is just out of reach.

Nick @ NM Garden Services (NMGS) said:

It should also be noted that the reach of a 40" single blade hedgecutter has more or less the same reach as a 30" double bladed hedgecutter due to the positioning of the handles.

For this reason I use a 30" double sided machine as it gives a bit of extra flexibility for not much extra weight.
Permalink Reply by Andy Kenney on January 27, 2012 at 21:21

Ive got an HS81T - light enough v efficient - like it so much i will be getting an 81R in due course to compliment.

2p6qs98d2phidPermalink Reply by 2p6qs98d2phid on January 27, 2012 at 21:31

I would agree Paul especially if you use a deflector which helps it float. I find if I do that then go on to my pole saw with hedge cutter attachment there is not a strip miss.



Paul @ PPCH Services said:

The machine is suported by the top of the cut hedge and you pivot the machine on this, so no weight strain on the handle, no real safety issues eitheir, its not like a chainsaw with a kick back risk.

 Nick @ NM Garden Services (NMGS) said:


I guess but probably puts extra strain on the handle not to mention H&S issues...I would never allow an employee to hold one like that and as such have to set an example myself!


Paul @ PPCH Services said:

Not if you hold it one handed on the trigger handle and slide across the already cut hedge in fronnt to reach what is just out of reach.

Nick @ NM Garden Services (NMGS) said:

It should also be noted that the reach of a 40" single blade hedgecutter has more or less the same reach as a 30" double bladed hedgecutter due to the positioning of the handles.

For this reason I use a 30" double sided machine as it gives a bit of extra flexibility for not much extra weight.
Permalink Reply by Nic Johnson on January 27, 2012 at 23:15

ive got a hs81r 30 inch great bit of kit id never go smaller bigger is better if they brought out anything bigger id buy it the longer it is the less reaching stretching and bending you need to do which is the killer on big long hedges when your spending alot of time operating the machine

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