Echo Hedge trimmers?

[HighGrass]

I am thinking about getting my first gas powered hedgetrimmer. I don't do alot of shrubs...until lately, but up to this point, it's been by hand. I'm thinking of the Echo HC-150 for my first purchase. Anyone have any input?
http://www.echo-usa.com/images/products/hc-150sm.gif

[AviatorTOm]

I have an 150 echo and it is an excellent trimmer that will power through tough jobs quickly .

Someone else might have other styles they like better but I have been very happy with mine...

Note: some models were recalled(including mine) which only needed fuel line replacement as the oem line was not durable....

[Diablo]

I used those hedge trimmers for a couple of years with no problems. There may be better stuff out there but you won't go wrong with that decision.

[HighGrass]

Thanks for the input. I have three echo items (not hedge trimmers) and have been happy...except for some cold start issues on one trimmer...but other than that, it all runs great.

AviatorTOmThanks for the heads up on the fuel line.:clapping:

[kc2006]

I have them also, only used them a few times. I wanted a light weight unit, and the only thing I found compairable was shind's homeowner model, but it seemed cheap. They've been good for me, they vibrate alot more then the redmax or shind unit though, which using them for hours at a time will wear you out more.

Other then that, I think they're great, I paid around 250 or 260 for them only, so they're good priced too.

[justanotherlawnguy]

I have the 150 and they plow through pretty much anything. I love them, they are a serious money maker.

I also have a Shindiawa AH-230 for the tall stuff. It is awesome too.

ON the small stuff, the 150 is a very nice hedge trimmer.

[lqmustang]

I have the HC-150 and the HCA-260. Both excellent machines. Would recommend both depending on your needs.

[Trinity Lawn Care, LLC]

We have 2 of the 150's and love'm. They work great. Lightweight as someone else stated. Not ideal for every job, but can do a lot with them.

[dKoester]

They run great!

[DSLND]

My vote goes to my new STIHL HS45. Its a great machine and has plenty of power. I have neaver tried ECHO but i hear there great machines. Good Luck! -Mitch-

[Coumbe]

go with stihl. it took me some time to learn to stay away from echo. i have had far better luck with stihl.

[HighGrass]

go with stihl. it took me some time to learn to stay away from echo. i have had far better luck with stihl.

Too late. Got a HC-150 yesterday. Awesome machine! I whipped out a bunch of hedges today and some cleaned up the vegetation hanging over a clients driveway. More power than I could ask for, starts great and is well balanced. I'm a happy camper.

I thought about the Stihl, but the local dealer disappeared overnight. Guess that decision was easy. Anyway, I have 3 Echo trimmers/proseries, 2 Echo blowers, and now the HC. The only complaint I've to date is with my SRM 230. It's a bear to start when cold. Takes about 12 pulls...but hey...it's good exercise!:weightlifter:

[Oxmow]

I have had an HC 150 for more than 10 years. Well, a couple of them over 16 years. Just today i replaced the clutch housing on it and what a fun job. Saved myself probably 100.00 in mechanic fees though. Part was 90 bucks or so. Price of doing business. Coudn't say how many 100's of hours are on the unit. 1000's maybe. After putting it back together took two pulls to start it. Have been told that its the lightest some have seen. Can't compare it to any other units though.

[tallimeca]

You'll love it. The HC150 was more of a consumer unit. But with so many commercial guys buying them, Echo beefed up the gearbox a few years back. We sell a ton and the guys love them. Not bad either for a 20" double sided trimmer at 260 bucks.

Just remember, hedge clippers are designed to cut about 3/8 of an inch or less. And stay away from chain link fences!!!