Gas Hedge Trimmers

[mcwlandscaping]

i am in the market for one of these, i really like the design of the stihl HS80 but want some outside opinion as i have never bought one of these before, please if you have something that you really like, please share what it is, i have stihl, redmax, husqvarna, and shindy available to me to let you know right up front,thanks

[lawnmaniac883]

I have a stihl HS-80 myself and it will literally cut through friggin TV cables that just happened to be draped in the shrubs :rolleyes: not sure if this is a good thing or bad thing hehe. I like the handle design how it adjusts 90 degrees in each direction. It will prune a regular shrub to perfection in no time! Only drawback is it is one heavy sob if used more than 20 minutes straight.

[blakeg314]

i have the redmax chtz2500... awesome machine love it.. just make sure you keep greasing them or yuo find out the hardway

[BCSteel]

40" shindaiwa single sided hedge trimmers here. Slap on a custom debris scoop and the world of shrubs is at your mercy.

[Viseras lawn service]

any pics of this debris scoop?

[Roger]

I share lawnmaniac's assessment of the HS80. I've used mine for 4-5 seasons -- good service, reliable, handle rotation a great feature. I disassemble the bar for cleanup, greasing of the transmission, and blade sharpening.

Oh yes, it is heavy. But, after much experience I've learned better how to use it for long periods of time, how to cut left-handed as well as right-handed, etc. I'm almost 65, so don't have the strength and stamina of you young guys -- I'm sure I don't get as much work out of it as some of the rest of you might.

[Tvov]

We have been using Echo trimmers for years. I am not sure which type of trimmers you've looked at, but have you looked at the extended trimmers? Basically a grass string trimmer with the string head replaced with hedge trimmer blades? We have found that hedge trimming goes smoothest and quickest using both a "normal" trimmer and an extended trimmer. One of our Echo string trimmers is a "split boom" with replaceable heads, so we have grass trimmer, hedge trimmer, and blade edger heads for it. With the extended trimmers the great majority of trimming can be done without a ladder.

[mcwlandscaping]

Tvov, thanks, i see what you mean by what you are saying and i will look into that....any of you guys know about how much the HS80 goes for $$ wise, i won't be able to make it to my stihl dealer today so i figured ide just ask you guys for an appoximate cost
thanks
mike

[BCSteel]

any pics of this debris scoop?

On the bottom of the second page it shows a pic of one on the trimmers. I make mine out of aluminum siding because its cheaper.

http://www.shindaiwa.com/PDF/catalog/2005/hedge_trimmers.pdf

[lowballer17]

I have the echo gas trimmer. After 3 jobs, your arms get a workout.

[Mike's Lawn & Snow]

redmax trimmers are the best i've used, i used to have echo trimmers till i thought i'd try redmax since everything i own is redmax the quality of cut is uncomparable to that of a echo and they are lighter too.

[6'7 330]

We have HS-80's along with echo chainsaw type bush trimmers; they only get used for tight spots. The workers complain that the HS-80 causes them pre mature fatigue. The core of our bush trimming is done with HL-100'S HL-45’s and HL-75’S extended shaft trimmers. I recommend getting an extended shaft HL-100,using it will result in much less fatigue, and is much easier on the back, due to less bending chain saw type bush trimmers require.

[lawnmaniac883]

MCW, check your PM's.

[Dweezil]

Little Wonder 30" single side. Just can't kill it.

[MMLawn]

I'll be totally honest with you MCW, I have both Stihl and Husky and don't really like either one. They are both heavy and trying to use.

[lawnspecialties]

I love my RedMax and have the permanent V-shaped scar on my right leg to prove it.:laugh:

[Roger]

I love my RedMax and have the permanent V-shaped scar on my right leg to prove it.:laugh:

Hmmmm. Funny thing how those things put V-shaped scars on one's leg, isn't it? Yea, I have one too! Mine came from my Stihl in the first couple hours of use. I suppose that is the good news - I came to respect those blades after that point, and still remember vividly the time when I cut my knee with those things. I have never had a problem since. Message: If anybody buys a new hedge clipper, BE CAREFUL!

[Talon1189]

Hmmmm. Funny thing how those things put V-shaped scars on one's leg, isn't it? Yea, I have one too! Mine came from my Stihl in the first couple hours of use. I suppose that is the good news - I came to respect those blades after that point, and still remember vividly the time when I cut my knee with those things. I have never had a problem since. Message: If anybody buys a new hedge clipper, BE CAREFUL! I just bought a new Stihl HS 81T hedge trimmer :) It has a blade guard on 12" of the 24" double sided blade so cutting your leg is all but eliminated I hope :) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Talon