Chainsaw/hedgetrimmer

thelawnet

Any recommendations, I am looking for something to trim a leylandii hedge and that can also chop up tree trunks into firewood.

I really have no idea about power tools, so I'm not sure what kind of thing I want to buy...

societys_child

You need one of each really.
A hedgetrimmer won't cut logs and a chainsaw ain't much use for trimming leylandii.

Poppycat

Why not hire one if its a one off

Gloomendoom

thelawnet wrote: »

I really have no idea about power tools,

Then a chainsaw is probably something best avoided.

Lorian

Electric hedge timmer (bosch are ok)
Residual Current device to plug it in to
Rough toothed hand saw for the logs
Tough gloves to use with both
hat/cap (bump caps are good) and protective glasses (bolle are good)

Hintza

A pair of loppers and a pair of hedge clippers would in most cases be the most cost effective solution. A chain saw and leylandii doesn't really work (I have tried).

macman

Don't even think about using a chainsaw on a hedge!
I can picture it now, scene involving a wonky set of steps and standing on one leg to stretch over...
Two different jobs requires two different tools.

Browntoa

petrol chainsaw if you get one........electric are useless

Ebe_Scrooge

Browntoa wrote: »

petrol chainsaw if you get one........electric are useless

Wholeheartedly agree with this - and with what others have said, hedge trimmer for the hedge, chainsaw for the logs.

But - please please PLEASE be careful with a chainsaw. I'm not saying a DIY-er should never use one - I use one myself. But be very aware of what can go wrong. Not just the obvious things like slipping and chopping your leg off. But things like kickback, or branches falling on top of you, or logs flying up and smashing you in the face. At the very least, make sure you are wearing appropriate safety gear, and make sure someone is around, and able to come and check on you every 5 minutes or so to make sure you're not lying there in a pool of blood.

Sorry if this sounds a bit melodramatic. As I say, I use a chainsaw myself regularly, it's a wonderful tool, but one mistake, slip or unforeseen accident and it's a nasty beast to tangle with. Even the pro's make mistakes.

Gloomendoom

Browntoa wrote: »

petrol chainsaw if you get one........electric are useless

Not all electric chainsaws are useless.

I own (and use) Husqvarna petrol pro chainsaws but I also have a Makita electric chainsaw that is excellent, cheap to run and, most importantly, quiet.

Husqvarna and Stihl also make excellent electric chainsaws. I have never used one but have heard good reviews of the cordless versions, though they are very expensive.

Again, I would advise that a chainsaw is probably the last tool I would recommend to someone with no knowledge of power tools.

tired_dad

If this is going to be an annual event, I would go petrol. Stihl or husq...

I like the stihl Komi system myself.

All petrol garden tools are potentially dangerous. You will need some protective gear ( googles, headgear with ear defenders and visor etc), common sense and a mini tutorial from the seller.