Long reach hedgetrimmer

I know this is a widely discussed subject but I am really not sure which direction to go in,

I am in the market for a long reach hedgetrimmer as my entry level titan is not really good enough, but did a great job, until I got up and running for about 4 years.

I have looked at many forum discussions on here but cannot settle on anything. I have 2 stihl strimmers and blowers so dont really need a kombi and dont have that many large hedges to do but am struggling with the titam.

My mate (also a gardener has a kombi with the long reach attachment and it is great) we work together to help each other out on our individual jobs and he recommends the kombi.

I am after a used (preferably) or new long reach. what are your thoughts on 2 sroke or 4 mix or battery ( I used to laugh these off at toys but after reading reviews and watching you tube I am tempted to go for the stihl hla85. I realise this would be very heavy at full extent but could keep short with it being teloscopic and have the scope to use at full length at the oddI have been offered the stihl hl75 for 300 quid with delivery in good condition and am tempted with that.

Any recommendations are greatly appreciated as I am going round in circles, there is a stihl dealer 2 miles away from me so would probably want to go with them but huskys, echo etc. dealers are not far away.

I know this is a 'how long is a piece of string comment' butI appreciate any help

Replies

Paul Doyle August 17, 2018 at 10:21pm

Hi Paul,

Hard to advise but from what you have said the combi sounds a sensible choice. If you dont have the work for a fixed long reach then it hardly makes sense for it to be lying up. I have the Echo pal265es and would rate it very highly. You can also get a 1m extension for that, which has been a gosend at time. Throw on the chainsaw attachment and you can see where im going..

Goodluck
Oliver clarkson August 17, 2018 at 10:27pm

I use stihl kombi (km 94) I never have a problem, but I've noticed the blade build on the new version don't look great, whatever you choose make sure you get the version so you can change the angle, I've used the fixed version and it can be more awkward than useful sometimes.
- paul watson > Oliver clarkson August 18, 2018 at 4:38am
  
  Thanks guys, I would want the articulating head as even with my titan it is so much easier,The trouble is from the likes of the titan up to the stihl and echoes there is nothing mid range price that seems any good.
  
  Buying something decent would make some jobs quicker and neater and I wouldnt have to turn away some work, (mind I am 53 and these tall wide hedges dont get any easier which Is why I am tempted with a lighter battery stihl.
  
  I also hve a pruner attachment for the titan which is great so just think the kombi is unneccessary.
Graham Taylor August 18, 2018 at 11:22am

If you've already got a Stihl strimmer and it's got a straight shaft, you could just get the hedgecutting attachment that you can swap over with the strimming head. I've an FS94..... not a high-powered machine.......... but operates the hedgecutting attachment with no problems.
- Ben Jakes > Graham Taylor August 18, 2018 at 12:32pm
  
  This! All Stihl kit with 1" shafts (so everything up to the FS310) is mix and match. You can swap shafts, implements and engines at will. Takes just twenty seconds with a torx driver once you get the hang of it.
  - paul watson > Ben Jakes August 20, 2018 at 5:48am
    
    Unfortunately my strimmers are fs40s so have the curved shaft.These are more than adequate for the many small gardens I do, so I didnt need a bigger, straight shaft.
    
    With hindsight I should maybe have went for the kombi with strimmer attachment instead of buying the 2nd fs40.I had to buy one as the first was in for a repair to the carb and my ancient b and q back up had packed in a few weeks earlier.This would have made the decision easy to just go out and buy the hedge attachment.
    
    I think I might go for the used hl75 I have seen but 300 quid including postage sounds a bit steep as I think they area quite old model.
    
    Thanks for the replies
    - Graham Taylor > paul watson August 20, 2018 at 6:13pm
      
      I'd be very wary about buying any secondhand stuff............... it's usually had an absolute hammering with commercial use (quite likely soomeone on here selling it:) ) or isn't very good. If you can't find something that's just had light domestic use, it's worth finding the extra cash for a new one. If the blades on a secondhand hedgecutter are worn, a new set will set you back any money you "saved" on the secondhand item.
      - Ben Pritchard > Graham Taylor August 28, 2018 at 5:55pm
        
        I've noticed that the build quality and general robustness of the new Stihl kombi attachments is, frankly, shocking. I would buy a new engine and second hand attachments, then repair replace parts as needed
Paul Chapman August 20, 2018 at 3:45pm

Have a look at this review for the Sthil battery stuff, he's done a couple of others if you search his vids

Sthil Battery HLA65
- paul watson > Paul Chapman August 20, 2018 at 6:10pm
  
  cheers Paul, this is the video that is making be want to go battery, I saw this myself and am very tempted but like him I am sceptical, probably pop into dealers and discuss even though 'apparently they told a mate of mine not to bother with them.