Long reach/pole hedge trimmers.

Phil3822

Hi all, I have over 400ft of privet hedge. Its about 6.5ft all round and rather deep aswell. I am fed up of climbing on a platform to cut the top so am considering one the of the long reach/pole hedge trimmers. I have never used one before so looking for people views.

Also I am not sure if I should get a new cheaper branded one like Gardencare or go for a second hand one like Stihl or Echo. Happy to spend about £250.

All and any advice would be great.

peter_the_piper

Is the cutting piece on the arm long enough to cut to the middle from both sides? Otherwise you will Stihl have to use a ladder. Do you live in the country, is it a possibility to get a farmer with a flail to do the outside and top?

Phil3822

Yes it will be long enough, There is no way a farmer could gain access as one side is shared and the other is a footpath with no road access. I do live in the country but thats a no go. I am happy to do it if the right equipment makes the job easier.

glasgowdan

Phil I would always get a used pro machine rather than a home DIY shop one. Kawasaki, Husqvarna and Echo are top of my list, Stihl are over rated and dealer service can be shoddy.

Also consider getting a backpack blower if you want to save a few hours on the clear-up afterwards! Blow the cuttings onto the lawn and get them next time you mow the grass.

lily117

Lidl were selling one on Thursday for £69.99, not sure if that would be any use to you if they have any left. Have similar amounts of privet to cut myself!

Phil3822

Thanks for the replies people. I am going to look for a pro one second hand. Echo or the like and hope it does the job.

ic

lily117 wrote: »

Lidl were selling one on Thursday for £69.99, not sure if that would be any use to you if they have any left. Have similar amounts of privet to cut myself!

I got one, within five minutes of use it jammed on a (thin) branch, immediately wore off its teeth internally (one hell of a grinding noise) and then tripped the electrics and distinctly smelled of burning. Don't bother. The motor is over powered compared to the rest of the unit. I had no trouble getting a refund from lidl.

Phil3822

I have purchased a used Echo one now. Just waiting for delivery. I know Echo to be a very good brand so hopefull it will be a good product and last. Thanks all.

glasgowdan

Good choice. I use an Echo brushcutter daily and in 2.5 years it has not let me down once. It was 2 years old when I bought it as well, and at £120 it has proven an incredibly cost-effective tool for my business! I have spent 10-15 times that on mowers that have let me down.

peter_the_piper

If it helps, My BIL runs a garden machinery repair service and has been on our site for just over a year. In all the machines that come in only 1,from memory, has been an echo.

Phil3822

Yes thanks guys, it came last night so I will try it out later today if the weather stays ok. Gotta find out what 2 stroke mix to use in it first as well as any other bits I need to know. Looking forward to playing with the new toy. Admit it is rather heavy though!