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We used to use multi heads when we started the business many years ago and we bought a shindaiwa unit/tools, many of them are still working today, I'd not recommend getting one not because they are rubbish but in getting the spare parts! We now moved on to separate tools and used petrol now as some of our sites would need a lot of cable to use electric on and I find the separate tool option easier.
I bought a ryobi combi set - engine, trimmer, hedge trimmer and an interesting hover mower attachment. Sorry to say I had no end of trouble with it - had three repairs/replacements from ryobi (sending it back each time and being without a machine) and in the end got a refund.
I think the idea is great if you're working on your own and you only need on engine - maybe the stihl kit is worth looking at? I've moved to stihl battery and petrol kit, and have never looked back.
Your own tools almost certainly will not fit.
You probably need a chainsaw ticket to use the chainsaw head....
Steer clear of the Stihl Kombi tools as the vibrations are too high for lots of use.
ive got the stihl kombi engine km100 r the strimmer cultivator and hedge cutter all going well after 6 years allthough the engine is getting a little tired its good for me because it saves a bit of space in the van
It's always rotten starting out, as you have that eternal battle between affording decent gear, but being unable to work fast and efficiently with poor gear so you aren't earning enough.
The advice is always going to be buy the best, and avoid anything that's aimed at the domestic market. Unfortunately, a decent set-up, perhaps hedgecutter, blower and combi with strimmer and long-reach hedge cutter attachments, is going to be well over £1K.
One thing to do is always keep an eye on ebay locally, and get things when they pop up; I got an Etesia for £100 recently which is a great little bargain, but you need to be very careful with used pro gear as most people don't sell it whilst it's working well!
Also, find a decent local trade supplier and get freindly with them. It's surprising how much cheaper things can be trade, and you need to have a relationship with them so they prioritise you when you need a repair. That's my reason for rarely buying the cheapest deal online; it's always got a warrenty, but you'll be at the back of the queue if you didn't buy it from the local supplier and it breaks. Most importantly, he will have equipment coming in used and will be able to offer good deals, and it'll be checked and serviced. Again, you have to buy used when it's available, not expect there to be a bargain waiting when your old one breaks.
When I did my CS 30/31last year I asked about pole pruners and was told that you don't need a cert as you are far enough away from the saw. Stihl vibration levels are a lot lower than Mitox....
Nick @ NM Garden Services Ltd said:
You probably need a chainsaw ticket to use the chainsaw head....
Steer clear of the Stihl Kombi tools as the vibrations are too high for lots of use.
Dave,
I have bought Stihl Independence tools, they come with an Ergo start which makes them very reliable and easy to start.
There are times when I have the hedge cutter, blower and strimmer out at the same time as I'm going from one tool to another and to keep swapping heads over would take time. Having said that I do remember that it was as much as I could afford to get these tools, but they're still going strong after 8 years with little maintenance, and I wouldn't change them only collect more.
You can get re-chargeable tools but you would be forever charging batteries, I laughed when a friend of mine started up and she brought her re-chargeable hedge cutter, we have done several jobs together and that little hedge cutter really saves the day when your arms have had enough or you want just to tidy something quickly, so much so that I'm thinking of getting one!
Avoid second hand, as they are either old tech of knackered, If you see the Council maintenance groundsmen they are all or mostly using Stihl tools, as you say you get what you pay for!
Sue
I've got a little Qualcast rechargeable hedge trimmer. Other half laughed when I bought it but I caught him using it the other day. It is so light and easy to use and I got 2 hours out of one charge the other day which I was happy with.
We have a stihl combi but I wish we'd bought separate because when there was an engine problem last week we had to use back up tools for everything. Fortunately fixed it for £25.
Sue/Bayleaf's Traditional said:
Why not? Its what its what they were designed for!
John www.acegardenservices.co.uk said:
I use ECHO combi tools, don't have a problem with vibrations
but bear in mind with pole pruners, how heavy they are, because of the head where the weight is, being away from your body, it can really make your left arm ache/hurt if you are right handed & vice versa.
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