Brushcutter or hedge trimmer?

Help please!We've been going as a business for 3 years now and have been using a Makita multi- function for strimming, hedge trimming and pruning. It has done us proud but as we expand (fingers crossed!) we're finding more and more that if we had more tools and stronger tools that we could be more efficient and spend less time changing the attachments.I've been looking at getting a dedicated brushcutter and a hedge trimmer. We seem to get quite a lot of work where a heavy duty cutter would make mincemeat of the nettles etc but there are also jobs where 2 hedge trimmers would be a huge bonus. The idea with the brushcutter as well is that I'm always fighting with the line in the trimmer! Does anyone else have this problem?Basically I'd really appreciate any advice on models and which one to go for as stretching for both at the moment isn't viable or wise I think. I know Stihl are seen as the best but there are so many models to choose from. I've seen Echo as well and Husquvarna and am totally lost.Ay help would be much appreciated - I'm a long time lurker but a newish poster

Replies

David Cox July 2, 2013 at 10:08pm

Welcome!

Echo are the best make by far for Vibrations.
Other makes to consider are Honda, Tanaka, Hitachi and efco, all produce pro grade tools with good spec.

Your best bet would be to go down to a dealer and have a feel for a few that you like the weight etc of, then find others who run similar ones.
I will recommend the Honda 4 stroke brush cutter and hedge cutters, they are very fuel efficient and powerful.
Paul McNulty July 2, 2013 at 10:17pm

Go to the best local repairer, and ask him what he would recomend. Down time on tools waiting for repair is the biggest cost you can have, often equalling the price of a new one.

My repairer recently closed down, and the new guy prefers Hayter mowers over Honda types. As he carries all the parts, and is able to repair them blindfold, that's my next mower decision made for me. I might prefer one manufacturer over another, but when it's tools you need every day you have to go with what you can keep maintained fastest IMO.
PRO

Robbie July 2, 2013 at 10:27pm

Hedge trimmer has the greater potential to provide more income IMO
That's where I would be spending out of the 2
MicB July 2, 2013 at 10:29pm

What a great angle to look at machinery! Now I just need to find a good repairer. The one we were advised on has been having some problems and so we need to find someone else.

With regards to Echo are there any recommended model numbers to look at?
MicB July 2, 2013 at 10:46pm

I'm really torn. As you say there can be more income with the hedge trimmer but only at certain times of the year. The brushcutter however would be used all the time so would make its money in saving time, energy and weight on our backs if its quicker!

I was wondering about second hand brushcutters and then getting a new hedge trimmer. What brand and model do you use if you don't mind me asking?

Many thanks to all for your input
PRO

Robbie July 3, 2013 at 9:03am

I bought the Echo HCR-171ES this year, must say it's a beast. Hasn't missed a beat.

Before I only used a Shindaiwa AH242 (Multi tool). Seems I can cut a hedge in half the time with the Echo.
Dan Frazer Gardening July 3, 2013 at 9:09am

I have an echo srm4000 that I bought in my first few months of trading. That would make it about 3.5 years old, and it was second hand when I bought it! No repairs required at all in that time and it gets used daily. I paid £120 for it back then; THAT'S what I call a machine providing value for money.
Matthew@Westend Landscapes July 3, 2013 at 2:25pm

The best two buys of mine have been Kawasaki hedge cutter double sided and a loop handled strimmer.
Both have tackled large and small jobs for the last 13 years with minimal maintenance.
Both cost around £350 each.
MicB July 3, 2013 at 6:42pm

Cheers so much for providing model numbers. I am going to do some serious research on these Echo machines!
PRO

Gary RK July 3, 2013 at 6:49pm

my tuppence worth...(and clearly subjective)....

We have a couple of Echo Cowhorn strimmers. V robust, good (ie low) vibes.

One is permanently set-up with a metal clearance blade.

Easy starting compared to equivalent Stihl 2 stroke models around the time.

Nicer (!) engine note than Stihl if using for long time

Can't compare with Stihl 4Mix Cowhorns, as the we use Stihl 4Mix KM 90/130 D Handle Combi systems for the rest.

We run all our stuff on Stihl Pro (green) oil. Better running and not as smelly, but is dearer unless you buy in 5L containers.