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Foreign bulk markets allow it due to low manufacturing costs, these machines will be going out all over the world under different names.
No idea how low the prices can feasibly go, but when profits and costs are driven as low as they can this type of thing becomes possible.
Would it last a season? Perhaps in a domestic garden where they cut the hedge once a year, but for us it'd be hopeless I guess.
I think the multi purpose tool would be a great buy for someone just starting up with a limited budget and a small client base - providing it works reasonably well in the first place that is!
The bigger question hiding behind this is; Customer perceptions. Many a conversation has been had about costs of equipment with clients (commercial as well as domestic) about 'well, all you need is £150 mower....see them regularly in B&Q......what do you mean 'THAT' costs over £1200.. Pointing to a Pro grade mower... '.
Heard many contractors state they have to end up pricing 'Labour only' as clients do not entertain any markup on gear as trade prices are there for all to see. He simply says to client : either I mark up items needed, select and go get, or you Mr client can spend your time going down electrical contractors and hopefully get what is needed. Some do...some don't.
Last year I bought a Titan breaker based on good reviews I'd read online - didn't cost a fortune but performs well enough for breaking up old fence post concrete footings and the odd brick wall. Not sure where they're made but they may last longer than you think. I expect the vibes are likely to be higher than the likes of Stihl etc. but for occasional use it may be fine.
In my experience cheap tools don't always mean they are useless..
When I very first started out a few years ago I brought an Argos own brand (challenge extreme) strimmer for £59.99!! I peeled all the tacky labels off and I used it most days for prolonged periods of time, sometimes all day, no attempt at upkeep and not very accurate with fuel mix and on on a few occasions without oil at all and it lasted a year and a half before become unreliable.
On the other hand I got through 3 of their hedge trimmers (same brand) in a week, so it depends on the tool.
Obviously since then things have changed and I have brought proper tools but for someone on a budget they can stil be great and do the job
Where can i buy one?
UPDATE..
I have been deliberating buying a hedge trimmer attachment for my Tanaka brush-cutter for a few weeks but have been reluctant as it doesn't seem like you get a lot for over £200!! I mean you already have the engine and shaft!!
So after seeing this I have just brought the 4in1 multi tool + screwfix sent me a 10% voucher the other day so £135 and you don't have the faff of swapping tools over (I only plan to use the hedge trimmer attachment and maybe the pruner occasionally)
It may be a false economy but we will see and if its useless there is a 12 month guarantee and screwfix are well know for great customer service
Anyway I will let you know what its like..
when i had a ryobi multi change from screwfix (i can hear you all shaking your heads already)
it died fairly quickly - it was weakly built, poorly built and not well designed compared to even a good domestic brand.
took it back for my refund and got chatting to the guy behind the counter - he reckoned the margin was so good on those tools that returns were an accepted part of the costings for the product line 'we've had loads of these back' was his first comment.
if they are flogging it for £149.99, who wants to make a bet they're buying them in for less than £50?
What does this imply of the cost of professional grade machines we mostly use ?
Are we paying too much of a premium ?
In today's world, where employees are involved you have to ensure HAVS compliancy otherwise it may come back to bite you 10 - 15 yrs down the line with a claim.
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