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Replies

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  Dan Frazer Gardening October 13, 2010 at 7:31am

  I also use the HS81R, in 30inch length. It's so easy to use and I'm hooked on this model.
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  Greenlawns October 13, 2010 at 7:46am

  Definetly Stihl , i have 2, HS 80 and HS45, the 80 or 81 is a better machine but if moneys tight the 45 will do you, I wouldnt buy a single sided blade personally,
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  Geoff Norfolk October 13, 2010 at 8:09am

  I'll second that...... great machine that does everything. Goes through really thick stuff and still gives a lovely finish on "fine" hedges. Never actually tried the 86t "trimming" version..... I'm not rich either!
  
  
  
  Paul Williams said:

  I would definitely recommend the Stihl HS86R, it's a cracking machine & vibration levels are practically non existent for a hedge trimmer. What type of hedge do you cut most of? The trimmer version cuts conifers etc very nicely but you would be better of with the regular version if you cutting rough hedges as well. I use the cutting version for rough stuff & a Husqvarna 325HS99x for formal stuff, but I wouldn't recommend Husqy unless you want to wait forever for spares (& then get the wrong part)! To be honest, I end up using the long reach Stihl most of the time.
  
  Tanaka hedge trimmers are good despite what people may say to the contrary & I've never had a problem with spares but it can take longer than Stihl to be fair.
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  AndyCharles-EnborneGardeningCo October 13, 2010 at 10:29am

  Thanks all.
  
  I do both rough hedges and formal, so I guess getting the tougher cutting model would seem sensible as it will do more? As long as it can do a good job on formal I should be OK.
  
  As general point, what is the difference in use between single and double sided? I've yet to see this explained (apart from the obvious "it goes up as well as down")).
  
  And on Tanaka, I use a long reach trimmer of theirs which cuts OK, but the balance is rubbish and it vibrates a lot - oh, and the trigger is nasty, plastic, loose, and won't lock. But it was cheap... Boy, do I regret not getting a Kombi (but why spell it with a "K"? Does it Kut Kwicker?)
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  Dan Frazer Gardening October 13, 2010 at 5:44pm

  
  
  Andy Charles said:

  Thanks all.
  
  I do both rough hedges and formal, so I guess getting the tougher cutting model would seem sensible as it will do more? As long as it can do a good job on formal I should be OK.
  
  As general point, what is the difference in use between single and double sided? I've yet to see this explained (apart from the obvious "it goes up as well as down")).
  
  And on Tanaka, I use a long reach trimmer of theirs which cuts OK, but the balance is rubbish and it vibrates a lot - oh, and the trigger is nasty, plastic, loose, and won't lock. But it was cheap... Boy, do I regret not getting a Kombi (but why spell it with a "K"? Does it Kut Kwicker?)

  
  Single sided machines are lighter for their length, plus you can fit a deflector to throw the cuttings back a bit. I don't use one as I find the double sided machine more flexible when cutting nooks and crannies and gives you more options to relieve tired arms.
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  Kieran Ray October 13, 2010 at 7:50pm

  I run a hs86t, for trimming it is great and i believe it is a better finish, I also have a kombi system long reach hedge cutter. this is the only reason i decided on the t in stead of the r. we also have an older stihl hs85, i think it is, this is older than the new r or t type hedge cutters and does a good job on all hedges.
  
  If I didnt have a decent hedge cutter I wouldn't bother with the trimmer.
  
  Also as Paul has said the single sided machines are a little quicker and are lighter and easier to use.
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  Lawncare-4u.co.uk October 13, 2010 at 10:30pm

  hs81r long blade . trims just as well as my trimmer stihl hs45? / better !
  
  excellent hedgecutter and v. low vibes .... priceless try f.r.jones &son online to compare prices
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  Lawncare-4u.co.uk October 13, 2010 at 10:34pm

  ergonomics / spares / weight / ??? maybe good engines ,but what about overall ?
  
  colin said:

  the kwaki engines are better than stihl imo
  
  The Garden Co said:

  andy if money is a concern , go on ebay , theres some great bargains at the moment , you dont have to buy sthil , a bonus if you can , the whole world seems to revolve around sthil machines lol,sthil want silly money for there machines . alot of people cannot afford them anymore ! i got a great kawasaki tf22 pro machine last year of ebay , in an auction £38 ,