Recommend me a new hedge trimmer

Hi,

The time has come to replace my old makita hedge trimmer after it stopped working this weekend, its done well over the past few years (and I bought them second hand), but they are hard to find spares for and I would like something new, can anyone recommend a hedge trimmer?

 

cheers

Chris

 

oh and this is my first post on here :)

Views: 1324

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion


PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Rich AGS on June 11, 2011 at 19:44
I currently use Echo hedge cutter the model i have is  Echo -HCR-171ES   very good machine  ,easy to start  stays sharp for a long time .     AG direct  - 08007317008  are one of the biggest echo dealers ,
Permalink Reply by Paul @ Ashgate Garden Care on June 11, 2011 at 19:47
Ditto.

A bob on piece of kit with a wide parts availability.

Paul @ PPCH Services said:

Stihl HS86 R. this is what I currently use  Well built, powerfull, easy spares availibility and low vibrations, can't fault it. Or the double sided equivalent.

 

 If your buying second hand  or happy to compromise on spares then an Echo Hc341 is about the best Ive used but keep in mind that spares for Echo are both VERY expensive and slow to obtain were Stihl spares are next day and relativly cheap.

Permalink Reply by Chris @ Tidy Garden Company on June 11, 2011 at 19:49

Does anyone have any experience with any of stihl's double sided trimmers?

 

or are single sided the way to go?


PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Gary Hedges on June 11, 2011 at 20:08

I just bought an HS 81 T double sided 30 inch this week  as my Tanaka 2540 packed up.

I borrowed my mates to see if I liked it and was impressed not cheap but good parts availability and reliability sold it to me.

Jez WardmanPermalink Reply by Jez Wardman on June 11, 2011 at 20:09

I prefer the flexibility of double sided, given the choice I would prefer to cut from left to right but there are situations where it is better to go the other way, also depends if you are cutting on the up or down stroke.  Others may disagree but it is a personal thing.  The advantage of single sided is less weight and ability to fit a deflector.

If you only have the one machine I would recommend the Stihl HS81R.  This is the version with lower revs more power and wider teeth so better for cutting back. The HS81T revs higher and has narrower teeth so is better for trimming fine hedges.  I have both and often use both together, mainly preference the HS81T as it gives a better finish but often using the HS81R if have to deal with any woody bits.

I would recommend getting the 30" blade rather than the 24".  The difference in weight is only a few grams but the balance is better and those extra inches often mean you can reach right over hedges without having to get the long reach out or move the platform round to the other side

 

 

Permalink Reply by Gary Atkins on June 11, 2011 at 20:54

Having used both, I personally much prefer the flexibility of a double sided hedge trimmer. I bought a Husqvarna 226HD75S last season and it's been great so far - the only fault I find is that the fuel line is a little too exposed and easy to snag.  Apart from that it's been up to evey task I've thrown at it (including some hedge reduction that really should have been done with a chain-saw!!).

 

 

Permalink Reply by Simon Smith on June 11, 2011 at 23:37
+1 for the single sided camp. I use an echo HC-331ES and find it very light and easy to use. The cutting deflector makes a difference and i'd highly recommend them. That said they are only 3 years old and i haven't needed any bits yet so can't comment on that side of things.
Permalink Reply by David Benson on June 11, 2011 at 23:59
my stihl 45 24" finally died after a few years of abuse (clutch) got offed £50 part ex on a new model 30" Kawasaki double sided twist Handel not used it much yet but seams OK less vibes

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Chris Auld on June 12, 2011 at 14:33
Wouldn't consider anything other than Stihl.

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Gardens4u.co.uk on June 12, 2011 at 19:55
81r      one on ebay for  £260  collect from herts .  £400 new though  - bargain
Permalink Reply by Chris @ Tidy Garden Company on June 12, 2011 at 20:00

Herts is rather far for me, but dont suppose you have a link?

 

cheers

Chris

Permalink Reply by Alasdair @ TheGardenService Ltd on June 13, 2011 at 13:34
Stihl all the way. HS81R 30" will go on forever if regularly serviced. An HL100 for the longer reach models. Cannot fault either.

▶ Reply to Discussion

RSS

What's hot this week? 

1 What a waste of money that was...

What a waste of money that was...
2 Tree sap stained Indian slate, Help needed.

Tree sap stained Indian slate, Help needed.
3 Warranted Tradesmen...another nail in the coffin of traditional associations?

Warranted Tradesmen...another nail in the coffin of traditional associations?
4 Profit or pot luck?

Profit or pot luck?
5 Best hand tools around - Not impressed with Joseph Bentley

Best hand tools around - Not impressed with Joseph Bentley

© 2013   Landscape Juice ® Limited - Registered in England 08356644

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Privacy Policy  |  Terms of Service