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Replies

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  Adrian Thorne June 12, 2012 at 5:52pm

  Hi,

  I've been using the Stihl battery system for about 18 months now and have been generally really pleased with it - currently got the blower and strimmer both with the AP160 batteries.

  In terms of power, the strimmer has slightly less power than my petrol stihl - but not enough to worry me. The convenience is brilliant and much nicer to use for smaller jobs. Two downsides: for some reason Stihl didn't put a loop for a harness so you have to hold it, and you can't change the head to a metal blade.

  I would say that you'll need at least two batteries, even with the fast charger. I reckon I get 30 mins per battery (this goes down considerably colder weather) - and you can't be standing around looking bored waiting for a battery to charge. The fast charger will get an empty more or less full by the time you've discharged a full one.

  If you need any more info - do ask!
• 

  Dan Frazer Gardening June 12, 2012 at 5:54pm

  Someone will come on in a minute and suggest Pellenc, but you need to outlay something like £3000-4000 to get fully kitted out with their stuff I believe, and the batteries won't last a full day with the use I give my tools but they might be suitable for a smaller round.
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  David Cox June 12, 2012 at 6:23pm

  I raised a topic on this back in 2010;

  http://www.landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/electric-power-to...

  I did look into it, but you are narrowed down to Stihl and Pellenc - there are no other choices out there I can find. You also want a single battery pack - that limits you to Pellenc and Stihl again. The domestic battery tools such as Bosch et al will not last more than a week or maybe 2 in regular use. They are made for maybe 30 mins to an hours use once or twice a year for a domestic owner, not Day in Day out use.

  Perhaps Start with petrol and buy bits of Battery kit as you can justify, otherwise, your Looking at at least 2k outlay.
• 

  John Cooke June 12, 2012 at 6:24pm

  You're dead right Dan: I saw the Pellenc kit at Creating Landscapes last year.  I thought, in the main, it was very good: lightweight battery back pack and good tools. They claim the batteries last all day, but that must depend on your definition of 'all day' 

    I didn't buy for two reasons: I had recently bought Stihl petrol stuff and, secondly, I thought the long handle hedge trimmer slightly unbalanced as all the working bits are up one end. 

  Battery must be the future, but, that said, 30 years ago I thought we'd all be wearing jet packs by now... 

  Talk to Pellenc, they are nice guys, no pressure sell and they have demo kit.
• 

  Thermo June 12, 2012 at 6:55pm

  although the jet pack does make high level pruning a lot easier
• 

  David Channon June 12, 2012 at 7:58pm

  Whatever battery system you buy will have a limited life. You cannot recharge indefinitely so work out the lifetime cost and factor it in to your charges.

  The battery packs weigh a fair bit and can damage the tools if you drop them.

  I think I would go for small 2 stroke petrol versions if it were me. Very much cheaper and easier to replace.
• 

  Debbie Merryweather June 12, 2012 at 11:36pm

  Hiya

  Like you I am a small garden maintenance business. I started in August 2010. I had quite a few hand tools but none of the bigger power tools. I use my ford mondeo to go from job to job and managed to get a petrol Hayter lawn mower that folds down to fit in the boot.

  I like you wanted light but durable power tools. So I also bought a cordless Worx strimmer and cordless Big Bear hedge trimmer. Both work well but the battery life is not good enough. About half an hour for each tool at a time. 

  Funnily enough I looked at the Stihl cordless range today and even their battery life is only 45 mins for a standard battery and up to an hour for their super fast charging one. So I decided to go for their petrol versions and managed to buy a Stihl Strimmer for £157.50 and Hedgecutter for £215.85.

  Not sure if this helps but if you are on your bike they might be a bit too heavy.

  Cheers

  Debbie
• 

  Paulette Singer June 13, 2012 at 12:25pm

  Thanks for everyones suggestions so far.  I probably should have made it clear from the start that my decision to go cordless is greatly to do with environmental impact, hence I am the pushbike gardener.  I therefore don't want to use petrol or generators even though I am aware that i can get a more powerful tool I am happy to make that small sacrifice.
• 

  Paulette Singer June 13, 2012 at 12:26pm

  Thanks Adrian, really useful to know that about the Stihl

  
  
  Cedar Garden Services said:

  Viking do a battery powered mower, the MA 339 which I believe uses the same battery an AP 160.
  
  
  
  Adrian Thorne said:

  Hi,

  I've been using the Stihl battery system for about 18 months now and have been generally really pleased with it - currently got the blower and strimmer both with the AP160 batteries.

  In terms of power, the strimmer has slightly less power than my petrol stihl - but not enough to worry me. The convenience is brilliant and much nicer to use for smaller jobs. Two downsides: for some reason Stihl didn't put a loop for a harness so you have to hold it, and you can't change the head to a metal blade.

  I would say that you'll need at least two batteries, even with the fast charger. I reckon I get 30 mins per battery (this goes down considerably colder weather) - and you can't be standing around looking bored waiting for a battery to charge. The fast charger will get an empty more or less full by the time you've discharged a full one.

  If you need any more info - do ask!
• 

  Paulette Singer June 13, 2012 at 12:27pm

  Thanks John, hadn't even heard of Pellenc so will check them out.
  
  John Cooke said:

  You're dead right Dan: I saw the Pellenc kit at Creating Landscapes last year.  I thought, in the main, it was very good: lightweight battery back pack and good tools. They claim the batteries last all day, but that must depend on your definition of 'all day' 

    I didn't buy for two reasons: I had recently bought Stihl petrol stuff and, secondly, I thought the long handle hedge trimmer slightly unbalanced as all the working bits are up one end. 

  Battery must be the future, but, that said, 30 years ago I thought we'd all be wearing jet packs by now... 

  Talk to Pellenc, they are nice guys, no pressure sell and they have demo kit.