On 03/08/2018 08:53, Jeff Layman wrote:
On 03/08/18 07:40, TheChief wrote:
Hi Fellow URGlers

Yes I know this stuff can be googled but am after real world opinion!

I have a mixed row of hedging comprising cotoneaster, escallonia,
Â* eleagnus, photinia and ceanothus.
The height is around 2.5m and length about 20m, more of a run of
Â* shrubs being treated as a hedge.

Our old mains Black and Decker corded trimmer is small and old and
Â* we are considering treating ourselves to a new machine.

What I think we need is:
A longer blade
Adjustable length
Angleable head
Probably a bit thicker branch capacity


The concerns:
Machine weight - neither myself or the Mrs are body building types.
Machine "balance" in use.
Cost - not so concerned but want vfm

I am thinking that the weight concern means we should be looking
Â* at corded models still.

Constructive comments and recommendations appreciated.

Phil

To do a hedge similar in size to yours I bought a Titan (Screwfix
own-brand) corded pole trimmer about 3 years ago. It works, but it is
heavy. Any pole trimmer will be heavy and no matter what they say will
be unbalanced as all the weight is at one end.

I have about 3x as much as you to cut and in the end settled on a Bosch
which has proved to be pretty much indestructible after wrecking a few
lesser brands in the past. The newer version of mine is this one:

https://www.bosch-garden.com/gb/en/g...603-199966.jsp

Don't even think about a rechargeable - after the first season the
battery will barely hold any charge and it may not last that long if
there are any thicker branches for the motor to stall and burn out on.

If you can, go round garden centres, sheds, specialist mower/trimmer
suppliers, etc and just try lifting those on display to give you an idea
of what you will experience when you use one.

Choosing one that feels well balanced in your hands is probably the most
important thing. I view the trailing flex as a nuisance but far
preferable to the dead weight of the batteries needed to power it and
finding that the thing forever needs recharging with just a fraction of
the job completed. Battery powered kit has improved a bit with the
latest generation but not by enough to be worthwhile in a handheld power
tool that is intended to do a serious amount of work.

I also have a pair of bolt cutter pruners for stems that are 1" across.

--
Regards,
Martin Brown