hedge trimmers

[Alex]

Hi,
I know shearing hedges is not a glamerous topic in arboriculture and that it's often done by landscapers. But I also know that arborists at many tree companies around the country do put in a few hours with the shears occasionally. I've never paid too much critical attention to the kind of shears I've used but now I'm about to buy a pair and have been researching the product a little, only to find out that there is a lot of mixed info, and even technicians for some major manufacturers kind of seemed to be improvising answers to some of my questions. So I came here, thinking I should try asking the people who use them. Before I ramble on with a bunch of hedge shear questions, does anyone mind if I discuss hedge shears on a tree climbing site? Alex

 

[Colin]

Here's a start.

 

[tockmal]

Here's the set I use, single sided Kawasaki hedgecutters.

Don't do much hedgetrimming, but when I do I find the single sided ones easier to use, not sure about the ergonomics though(speak to Lazarus2 re this issue).

The only problem with these is if there is no breeze to blow the fumes away - you get blasted with 2stroke fumes when cutting the face of the hedge.

 

[Alex]

Thanks for the link. I found a little info. My main question is, why is Stihl's homeowner model (HS45 with 27cc) more powerful than the pro models HS81 and HS86 (both have just under 23cc)? A technician at Stihl could not answer that question. Also wondering if there is any advantage to trimmers with cutting teeth on just one side? I was told by the technician it is preference only. Someone at a company that does a lot of shearing said they have less problems with their one-side-cutting shears. Any thoughts?

 

[Peter McS]

With the proffesional ones, the rotating rear handle saves alot of pain in the wrists and elbows, & allowing you to walk eitherway cutting a hedge cutting up or down. A massive advantage over single sided cutters

 

[tockmal]

Alex, don't know how much hedgetrimming you do but the Stihl range are a lot heavier to use than the Jap ones.

The Stihls will last longer, but they don't stay as sharp for as long as the Japanese trimmers, the Kawasaki engine will last forever but you will probably need to buy spare parts more frequently than the Stihls.

But if you are going to buy the pole trimmers then go for Husqvarna.

 

[tockmal]

[ QUOTE ]
With the proffesional ones, the rotating rear handle saves alot of pain in the wrists and elbows, & allowing you to walk eitherway cutting a hedge cutting up or down. A massive advantage over single sided cutters

[/ QUOTE ]

Very true pete, but the cutters are shorter. Meaning more cutting.

 

[Tree_Frog]

I got the 326HE4 and love them. Very little ladder time, no stooping, and great reach if you use a lift.

http://www.usa.husqvarna.com/

 

[rentachimp]

2 sided trimmers have terrible vibration ratings. They've banned their use in our workplace.

 

[stevebullman]

id stay away from the stihl hedgecutters...the engineering is second to none as you'd expect but they are let down badly by cutting quality. go for robin if you have those there.

 

[KTS]

Redmax.

 

[Oxman]

Howdy,

I've got the Stihl HL 100K 0 Degrees model.

Stihl Hedge Trimmer

Zero degrees means that the head does not rotate, saving the weight of the heavy 135 Degree gearbox not being out on the end of the shaft. It's not needed, since changing the angle only puts the cutting action out of view of the operator.

This heavy duty unit is resistant to dings, which are inevitable. I'd rather have it last through the tossing & riding around in the back of the truck. The lighter units get bent up. I paid 10% less than the US $449 list price.

Can one of our friends across the Atlantic, Pacific post the price in other currency units, please?

This photo actually shows the articulating head, but its th only pic available on the Stihl USA website.

 

[Alex]

Thanks everyone, for the input. I'll look into my options on the local market. This was my first participation in the buzz board and I really appreciate having access to so many different opinions. That's great. I'll be back. Alex

 

[Tom_Scheller]

I went with an Echo. Hedges are few and far between for me so the 2 year commercial warranty was what sold me. Something else to consider.

TS

 

[Stumper]

I have the Stihl HS45. I chose that model over the HS80 because not only is it cheaper but, moreimportantly to me the HS 45 is onehandable. (I bet that will get someone's knickers knotted). I do a lot of tall juniper shearing ops nand the ability to swing the shears with one hand and control them really well with two was moreimportant to me than the ability to swivel the rear handel.
My Dad has a set of Echo shears that are quite good. Redmax shears ARE a nice product. I also have a set of Craftsman(Poulan/Weadeater)shears.-Just homeowner grade stuff with much less capacity than heavy duty shears but not useless by any means.

 

[okietreedude1]

Ive got echo. two edge cutting.