SHEARING??

[kutnkru]

I was just curious what you guys/gals find to be more productive. I see a pretty good mix of contractors who use gas powered hedge shears or electric shears run off of generators.

I was just curious what has worked best for you, and any pros and cons beside cutting of the cords??

Thanks for the input.
Kris

[syzer]

We use gas shindaiwa hedge trimmers and I would never give it up for a corded hedger. The gas hedger is awesome and tears through bushes like butter.

[russman]

I have used the electric hedge trimmers off a generator and it works great, especially if you have more than one person doing the trimming. With more than one person working it pays for the generator and is less expensive than two gas powered trimmers

[kutnkru]

I was wondering if anyone thought it might be cheaper. We have done it both ways, and I tend to agree with you Russ because with a four port generator you've got more than one machine running, etc.

The other thing that I like about the electric is that with the electric the guys can listen to tunes with their ear protection, and I noticed they didnt get as fatigued as quickly with the gas powered units.

I am also thinking that unlike when we are on a commercial site that the screaming engines are less than desireable, and with the electric they are much more tolerated. Usually this way all they do is see us out the window not get interference as well. I had a lady trying to give a seminar one day and they actually requested that we return at a later date because of the noise factor.

Kris

[lawnboy11]

I'm not sure I believe it when they say that using a gen. is cheaper. I believe whoever said it but, the cost for a full tank of gas/oil in a gas hedge trimmer can't be more than 50 cents. No generator to buy either. Plus no time dealing with PITA cords. Gas powered is a little heavier, yes, but I think the're more powerful and versatile than electric. I've used both and I love the Echo extended hedge trimmers. Get one or two. Strange to get used to at first and then it's great. Much less ladder work. I did like the Little Wonder electric, but I say go gas. Just my humble opinion.

[Edited by lawnboy11 on 02-27-2001 at 06:58 PM]

[geogunn]

Originally posted by russman
I have used the electric hedge trimmers off a generator and it works great, especially if you have more than one person doing the trimming. With more than one person working it pays for the generator and is less expensive than two gas powered trimmers

russ--I don't see how you make the math work on this. not to argue with you, I just don't see it. can you offer some numbers?

GEO

[MIDSOUTH]

if it ain't got a gas engine with stihl wrote on it(hedge trimmers), then I ain't gonna be using them.

[Mike Paulsen]

Electic works best for me . Do homes so there is a 110 outlets all the time. Less fatigue ,noise and no two-cycle smell. Like to do less though, the energy/money made ratio isn't as good as other things.

[kutnkru]

LawnBoy11/GeoI guess that if you figure that under heavy shearing conditions that a tank will run a trimmer for about 20 minutes full bore. Lets say fuel is 1.49/gl and 2 cycle oil is $.98/2.5gls. I figure about 24 tanks per 8/hr day and at 10/gls per day thats $18.82 or $2.35/hr for gas powered equipment. If you figure the right sized generator will give you up to 6 hrs on a tank of fuel and oil costs are even less, I would estimate $13.21 for an 8/hr day and thats $1.65/hr for a savings of $.70/hr.

Mike I beg to differ on the productivity rates of shearing services. I figure we avg around:
$42/hr per machine for mowing
$32/hr per unit for line trimming
$28/hr per hour for hand labor
and $60-75/hr for shearing.

I would say this is a pretty profitable service.
Kris

[cleancut]

I used to use electric but I just recently bought some gas hedge trimmers and I absolutely love them..They're more agile and easier to get in tough areas...I just love them...Derrick

[Mike Paulsen]

Kris, my rates are about the same as your except on the shearing. I can't seem to get that high. I can get more for spinkler blow-outs and it is alot less labor intense.

[kutnkru]

Good luck with your new investment Derrick.

Unfortunately Mike, we dont have that vast a numvber of irrigated lawns in our area including Commercial and Industrial. I know aht you mean about the quick fix though.

Kris

[Evan528]

I have been using little wander elctric trimmers with the 30 inch bar for about 4 years now. I like them alot... there very light and very quiet. This pring i plan to buy gas only because not every house has a convinient outdoor plug wich makes it difficult. Im sure my back will regret the purchase of the gas trimmer though!

[tomoaktree]

I ve used the husky hedge trimmer for 4 years.Great tool,lots of power. Will cut anything as thick as my thumb.I haven't found an electric trimmer that can do that yet.

[brandy]

Gas is much more convenient, but the electric ones cut nicer and give you a better final job! The gas ones are also much faster!!! And cut larger stuff!!

[Henry]

Used electric for more than 10 years. Bought one of those Echo exteneded trimmers 4-5 yrs ago when they first came outand loved it right from the start. Then I bought a small 20" or something like that because I liked the cutting power of the gas so much but I end up using the long trimmer on almost all shrubs big and small. Less bending for the little green meatballs. You get used to the weight after a day or two.