Which hedge trimmers/cutters are the best and how many types are required.

I am thinking of adding/replacing my hedge cutting /trimming tools .For the long reach cutters I own and have only ever used a Shindaiwa AH230. I find them very useful, versatile and reliable. But I have wondered how they compare to a Stihl HS 100 or 75. Are the Stihl better, will they tackle thicker hedge growth? The gearbox looks bigger on photos so I am thinking they may withstand the impact better but am not sure if they are actually any more powerful .The other trimmer I own is a Stihl HS 86R for rough cutting, operating speed 3000 rpmLike most everybody else, I wish to do the best job in the quickest possible time and apart from the skill factor the right tools for the job is what makes it possible.So should I invest in something like a Stihl HS 86T with 30” blades which provides a fine cut due to an operating speed of 5000 rpm and/or long reach HS100 or 75, not sure of the operating speed.Or just stick to what I have got which has served me well so far.Any advise would be appreciated.

Pro Gard

thanks for the info, it has endorsed the way I thought I should be going about the business of hedge cutting.
How effective is the sweeper attachment on the Echo or do you just accept it is there because it comes ready fitted. What sort of thickness do you tackle with this machine or do you only really use it for light-ish trimming. If you had to replace the HT75 would you go for the HT100 as it seems to be the same machine but with more power due to the 4 mix engine.
Also what do you use when cutting into growth of say half inch plus.

Thanks for your advice

Pro Gard said:

I use 3 machines,
For cutting sides and the first bit of top a Echo HC341ES (40" single sided blade)
A Stihl HT75 for cutting the tops were the Echo cant reach

Lastly a Stihl HT75 pole saw with hedge cutter blades on anything really really wide or tall, and awkward stuff like steep wildflower banks.

This combination will cut anything, some of the hedges I do are 25" high and 15' wide!

I dislike both the stihl; and husquvarna single sided machines and have owned both, all had issues after 12 months of heavy use, the Echo is into its second season and working perfectly, the vibrations are low and its a really nice machine, lots of plus points over the current stihls or husqys.

I'm always amazed at the over reliance on pole hedge trimmers, I consider them usefull tools but would never cut the side of a hedge with them other than very tall stuff, they are heavy and awkward compared to a single sided machine and the 20" blade sucks.

TBH I wouldn't consider anything less than a 40" blade, farr easier to cut straight and quick. The stihl single sided machines now only have plastic side handles, imo uncomfortable in terms of vibrations and slippery when wet IMO very poor indeed.

Replies

Graeme @ BGS June 6, 2009 at 7:47pm

I love the Shindaiwa - nice and light long reach hedge cutter and does most of the jobs - given me years of reliable service and starts first pull - very handy when up a ladder but does lack that little bit of extra power! However for the really heavy hedge works I use the STIHL HL100.

Best buy I got was a Mountfield HT55 (double sided 55cm) hedger cutter in B&Q for £20 - Brand new but missing the fuel cap. Great for knocking out the small hedges.

Key to doing any hedge work is keeping the blades sharp.
GORDON June 6, 2009 at 9:05pm

Pro Gard

thanks for the info, it has endorsed the way I thought I should be going about the business of hedge cutting.
How effective is the sweeper attachment on the Echo or do you just accept it is there because it comes ready fitted. What sort of thickness do you tackle with this machine or do you only really use it for light-ish trimming. If you had to replace the HT75 would you go for the HT100 as it seems to be the same machine but with more power due to the 4 mix engine.
Also what do you use when cutting into growth of say half inch plus.

Thanks for your advice

Pro Gard said:
I use 3 machines,
For cutting sides and the first bit of top a Echo HC341ES (40" single sided blade)
A Stihl HT75 for cutting the tops were the Echo cant reach

Lastly a Stihl HT75 pole saw with hedge cutter blades on anything really really wide or tall, and awkward stuff like steep wildflower banks.

This combination will cut anything, some of the hedges I do are 25" high and 15' wide!

I dislike both the stihl; and husquvarna single sided machines and have owned both, all had issues after 12 months of heavy use, the Echo is into its second season and working perfectly, the vibrations are low and its a really nice machine, lots of plus points over the current stihls or husqys.

I'm always amazed at the over reliance on pole hedge trimmers, I consider them usefull tools but would never cut the side of a hedge with them other than very tall stuff, they are heavy and awkward compared to a single sided machine and the 20" blade sucks.

TBH I wouldn't consider anything less than a 40" blade, farr easier to cut straight and quick. The stihl single sided machines now only have plastic side handles, imo uncomfortable in terms of vibrations and slippery when wet IMO very poor indeed.