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Promised this review to several people a while ago, its just been sometime getting here!

I bought this earlier this year as a replacement for my much loved but very worn Echo HC210 cutter that finally gave up and became too 'asthmatic' to be reliable (I am sure anyone that has used a 'well worn' two stroke knows what I mean).

Good points:

Faster blade speed than a lot of cutters out there mean it effortlessly sweeps across leylandii hedges or any other 'fine', leaving a perfect cut.

Comes with a deflector plate as standard - never realized how much this speeds the job up - clippings no longer drop onto the top of the hedge but can be 'flicked' to the floor - takes a bit of practice if you have never used one before though. Easily removable if not required.

Heavy duty reinforced gear case - pressure grease points for fast maintenance.

Two year professional, five year domestic warranty.

Starts easily, runs very well - blades get up to speed quickly.

Clear fuel tank - easy to see the fuel level - unlike my other Tanaka equipment that has orange tanks.

Blades hold an edge for a LONG time.

'Noise reduction' system works well - deadening the sound - useful in residential areas. (obviously ear defenders are still recommended to be used) 

Seems well balanced for a 30" trimmer - better than the Echo it replaced which was 'engine heavy' 

Reasonable price for a pro hedge trimmer at around £400 (prices may vary locally)

Good back up from my local dealer when I have needed parts for other Tanaka equipment - my THT 2530 came less than 7 days after ordering it.

Bad points

Fuel tank is quite small and seems to empty quite quickly, which can become a little annoying on larger jobs.

Single sided cutters are not for everyone (its all I have ever used so all I know)

Relatively heavy (5.4KG) - but what pro machine isn't?

Aluminium deflector can get bent out of shape easily if roughly handled - minor niggle really. 

Obviously not really suitable for rough, tough cutting - eg hedge reductions etc.