Which hedgtrimmer?

It is already clear there is a lot of divided opinion.

But just for one moment examine the reasons for investing in a 30" trimmer. I would say the main criteria is to speed up the trimming process and to also provides greater reach.

The weight of a double sided 30" trimmer is about 5.2 Kilos. Only one side is being used at any given time so for the main you are swinging about unnecessary weight. If for instance you were to invest in a 40" single sided trimmer the weight is almost the same but there is 25% more cutting potential and 25% more reach. Plus as Paul advised the single sided cutters are fitted with a sweeper to clear the clippings which makes for a tidy finish.

It is true that single sided cutters are strange to handle at first with a 40" version seeming quite cumbersome. But like most things , if you persist and get to master it the then benefits IMO are there to be had.

If you are happy with a 30" version then as you have said the single sided is lighter with no difference in versatility once you have got used to it. IMO of course.

Yes,

I can see the benefits of having a longer reach and also the catcher plate, but I already have the combi long handled hedge trimmer which I find to be a brilliant bit of kit which helps on the reach front.

Already have a little Danarm TH23 but thinking of getting the Stihl trimming version as hopefully it will give a better finish (although the combi is already very good on this front).

Just trying to weigh up the weight advantage against the ability to cut both ways. Also, I'm presuming there is no difference in the finish between the two?

GORDON said:

It is already clear there is a lot of divided opinion.

But just for one moment examine the reasons for investing in a 30" trimmer. I would say the main criteria is to speed up the trimming process and to also provides greater reach.

The weight of a double sided 30" trimmer is about 5.2 Kilos. Only one side is being used at any given time so for the main you are swinging about unnecessary weight. If for instance you were to invest in a 40" single sided trimmer the weight is almost the same but there is 25% more cutting potential and 25% more reach. Plus as Paul advised the single sided cutters are fitted with a sweeper to clear the clippings which makes for a tidy finish.

It is true that single sided cutters are strange to handle at first with a 40" version seeming quite cumbersome. But like most things , if you persist and get to master it the then benefits IMO are there to be had.

If you are happy with a 30" version then as you have said the single sided is lighter with no difference in versatility once you have got used to it. IMO of course.

Replies

PRO

Nick @ NM Garden Services Ltd March 24, 2011 at 7:57pm

I disagree - I much prefer double sided machines and I have owned both!

-Nick
Andy Lawrence March 24, 2011 at 8:01pm

Right, well that's that sorted then!
Nic Johnson March 24, 2011 at 8:06pm

lol i always prefer double sided i find it more versatile and cut in all directions swapping arms giving each one a rest, for doing alot of hedgecutting i wouldn't buy a single sided machine but thats just my opinion and see what suits you best and go with it...
Chris Auld March 24, 2011 at 8:59pm

In my opinion the single sided ones are crap, i only use double sided ones, much more flexible.
GORDON March 24, 2011 at 9:08pm

It is already clear there is a lot of divided opinion.

But just for one moment examine the reasons for investing in a 30" trimmer. I would say the main criteria is to speed up the trimming process and to also provides greater reach.

The weight of a double sided 30" trimmer is about 5.2 Kilos. Only one side is being used at any given time so for the main you are swinging about unnecessary weight. If for instance you were to invest in a 40" single sided trimmer the weight is almost the same but there is 25% more cutting potential and 25% more reach. Plus as Paul advised the single sided cutters are fitted with a sweeper to clear the clippings which makes for a tidy finish.

It is true that single sided cutters are strange to handle at first with a 40" version seeming quite cumbersome. But like most things , if you persist and get to master it the then benefits IMO are there to be had.

If you are happy with a 30" version then as you have said the single sided is lighter with no difference in versatility once you have got used to it. IMO of course.
Jonesie @ frjonesandson.co.uk March 24, 2011 at 9:10pm

It's very much a personal preference, pop in to you local dealer and check them out. If your local to us we keep every version of every Stihl in stock so you can have a play if you need.
Andy Lawrence March 24, 2011 at 9:17pm

Unfortunately I'm not mate, I'm in Glasgow

The two Stihl dealers near me only have the double-sided versions, in which I'm used to anyway, so that's my quandary really.

Arrghh! Still undecided guys

Justin Jones said:

It's very much a personal preference, pop in to you local dealer and check them out. If your local to us we keep every version of every Stihl in stock so you can have a play if you need.
Andy Lawrence March 24, 2011 at 9:28pm

Yes,

I can see the benefits of having a longer reach and also the catcher plate, but I already have the combi long handled hedge trimmer which I find to be a brilliant bit of kit which helps on the reach front.

Already have a little Danarm TH23 but thinking of getting the Stihl trimming version as hopefully it will give a better finish (although the combi is already very good on this front).

Just trying to weigh up the weight advantage against the ability to cut both ways. Also, I'm presuming there is no difference in the finish between the two?

GORDON said:

It is already clear there is a lot of divided opinion.

But just for one moment examine the reasons for investing in a 30" trimmer. I would say the main criteria is to speed up the trimming process and to also provides greater reach.

The weight of a double sided 30" trimmer is about 5.2 Kilos. Only one side is being used at any given time so for the main you are swinging about unnecessary weight. If for instance you were to invest in a 40" single sided trimmer the weight is almost the same but there is 25% more cutting potential and 25% more reach. Plus as Paul advised the single sided cutters are fitted with a sweeper to clear the clippings which makes for a tidy finish.

It is true that single sided cutters are strange to handle at first with a 40" version seeming quite cumbersome. But like most things , if you persist and get to master it the then benefits IMO are there to be had.

If you are happy with a 30" version then as you have said the single sided is lighter with no difference in versatility once you have got used to it. IMO of course.
Nic Johnson March 24, 2011 at 9:35pm

hardly any difference in weight if any single sided T is 0.2kg heavier thats all
Phillip Nicholls March 24, 2011 at 9:36pm

Double-sided for me, i've always used a stihl combi long reach machine its a great unit.