Recommend me a stri...
 

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[Closed] Recommend me a strimmer and a hedge trimmer?

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Is better to go petrol or electric?
This is for unruly gardens, with bramble and weeds. Hedge is box, and needs trimming twice a year.

So this multi thing - is it worth it or will it be a load of crap?

https://www.sgs-engineering.com/garden-tools/strimmers/sct501-52cc-five-in-one-multi-tool


 
Posted : 20/11/2017 11:42 am
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A) there's never a question. Always petrol 😀

B) imho the 'all in one'things are very much 'Jack of all trades, master of none'.

Can't help on the hedge trimmer as I have a crap electric Bosch one. Strimmer, however, I have a Stihl fs40, and it's great. Only issue is the auto line feed is ****.


 
Posted : 20/11/2017 11:53 am
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Stihl make a multi use job, but its mega money.


 
Posted : 20/11/2017 12:41 pm
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bramble and weeds.

IME - four years from jungle to lawn(ish) - if you get on top of brambles for a couple of years the need for lots of strimming becomes less. I bought cheapest Stihl strimmer, its been worth its weight and now is used a lot less than before.


 
Posted : 20/11/2017 12:48 pm
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yeah this my plan to get it to lawn...


 
Posted : 20/11/2017 1:15 pm
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I've got the Ryobi equivalent - not as nice as a Stihl or Husquavarna but fine for garden and clearing local trails use.


 
Posted : 20/11/2017 4:09 pm
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I have a petrol Stihl long reach hedge trimmer and it's made a job that absolutely hated [when using a normal electric trimmer] into one that's not bad at all.
So much quicker and easier.


 
Posted : 20/11/2017 4:12 pm
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Don't buy cheap tools. That will break after little use or just not start next year.

I use this lightweight echo petrol strimmer nearly every day (mainly just trimming grass edges)
https://www.forestandarb.com/iqs/dbitemid.324/ldicdb16ops.%5B13%5D/sfa.view/Strimmers_Brushcutters.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAl8rQBRDrARIsAEW_To9rZAMICvlPNdHoUjvxEAQl6tlONIc1uovGNgrBC03iXHr9ik-uI0AaAnaSEALw_wcB

And also have a few echo hedge cutters which have been faultless (All echo stuff comes with a 5 year domestic warranty)

I'd be tempted to buy a strimmer and hire a hedge trimmer for a weekend to see how you get on doing it.. it's quite hard-work if you've never spent the day using one).

Don't forget decent eye and ear PPE


 
Posted : 20/11/2017 4:19 pm
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petrol strimmer defo.... Ive had two cheapish mculloch ones that have been very reliable.

For the box and other bits, I have a B & Q Mcallister lithium battery hedge trimmer and its surprising good. Cuts through some pretty chunky stuff and no cable to cut through either, which is a bonus.


 
Posted : 20/11/2017 4:21 pm
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I have a Ryobi petrol strimmer which has seen a good few years use but after replacing the crankcase gasket has never been the same.

I bought one of those 5-in-1 things. Strimmer Ok but tried the chainsaw and it stripped the gear in the head after 20 minutes use, Vibration from the engine means I can only use for about 1/2 hour before having to stop.

I also have a Draper strimmer which has been the best for about 3 years. Recently just stopped for no apparent reason. I discussed with their service department and they repaired under warranty despite the age (although I suspect this was down to the service engineer) and now it's good to go again.


 
Posted : 20/11/2017 4:22 pm
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I bought a Stihl HS45 hedge trimmer years ago to tame several hundred metres of 12' high conifer. It's still a hateful job involving many trips to the tip but at least the trimmer doesn't make it any worse. It's been totally dependable in ~15 years and mostly just gets the odd sharpen with a file.

I also bought a Husquavana 525RX brushcutter recently to take out to France. It replaces a ~20 year old Sovereign catalogue jobbie that's been OK if not a bit frustrating as the bump feed never worked well and the machine always ran a bit temperamentaly. I can't personally vouch for the Husqy yet as it still adorns the hall though they get decent reviews.

I wouldn't piss about with battery unless it's a tiddly job as you're always waiting for it to charge and I definitely wouldn't go mains powered due to the cable restrictions.


 
Posted : 20/11/2017 4:26 pm
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For brushcutter go for the blade not line. Stihl auto line jobs have been launched in to the undergrowth in a fit of frustration too many times. The blades are lethal though!


 
Posted : 20/11/2017 4:26 pm
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Stihl.


 
Posted : 20/11/2017 4:26 pm
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I'm properly 'casual' when it comes to safety, but i wouldn't advise a bladed brush cutter unless
A) you reeeally need one
B) you've had a smidge of training
C) you have the proper PPE, ie appropriate reinforced boots, trousers, etc. They are absolutely brutal, and can do a serious amount of damage. Think chainsaw levels of maiming.


 
Posted : 20/11/2017 4:54 pm
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I have a stihl brushcutter and hitachi hedgetrimmer, both petrol. Much abused, several parts fitted ovef the years. Saves loads of time, avoid electric omes you l just ut the wire.

Re protective clothing, its a must. Brushcutter flicks up stones that really hurt your shins, facemask has been hit a few times too. You should get the starter kit of ear defenders, face mask etc.


 
Posted : 20/11/2017 5:11 pm
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Stihl for strimmers and hedgetrimmers and you'll only ever have to buy once.


 
Posted : 20/11/2017 6:09 pm
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I bought a used Stihl fs450 about five years ago, Ive cleared and maintained a long driveway and woodland undergrowth with it. For brambles you really need a three pointed blade. I've not had any of the bumpfeed issues other have with the Stihl autocut head. Get yourself a big drum of cord, it will last years.

With a bigger machine you really need a harness and PPE. The first day I used mine a stone flicked up, flew the width of the drive and was still flying at head height for a cars width when it smashed the rear window of my DIscovery.

Our hedges are topiariazed and we still do that by hand. Forearms like Popeye are guaranteed


 
Posted : 20/11/2017 6:25 pm
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Local garden place has the stihl stuff. I am going shopping tomorrow.


 
Posted : 20/11/2017 6:28 pm

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