Looking for Hedge Trimmer Recommendation

[superskaterxes]

So im in the market for a gas powered hedge trimmer and i am looking for some experience from those out there. I have several Stihl and Redmax tools and both work well but IMO the stihl ones start easier (esp in the cold).

what are you guys using? things you would look out for or features you consider a must have?

 

[trekgod3]

All of my yard equipment is Echo. String trimmer, edger, blower/vac , chainsaw and hedge trimmer. My hedge trimmer is an older hc150 that I got on ebay. If I had to go buy a new one tomorrow, I'd get an hc152. My favorite part about using the Echo line of products is that everything is own (except the chainsaw) use the same $18 tuneup kit available 4 miles away at my local homedepot.

 

[Cf mtn]

i use all of the above and find my redmax equip never fails to do whats asked of it, same with the echo/stihl stuff. i do all my own service so getting parts for everything, except stihl, is easily tracked down. all good choices.

 

[Parrothead]

You can stay with Stihl but have you considered cordless? I think it's telling that many of the major players such as Stihl, Echo, and Husqvarna all offer battery powered hedge trimmers, string trimmers and blowers. I'm done with gas.

https://m.stihlusa.com/products/hedge-trimmers/battery-hedge-trimmers/

http://www.echocordless.com/products/hedge-trimmer/

http://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/battery/

 

[gdocktor3]

I have Shindaiwa trimmers that work awesome, an Echo PAS with trimmer attachment as well as an Ryobi gas powered PAS style setup with hedge trimmer. All get used part time professionally and work well. I think Echo is the best choice as it is professional quality at a very affordable price. The Echo PAS is nice because you can use it on low or tall hedges.

 

[superskaterxes]

You can stay with Stihl but have you considered cordless? I think it's telling that many of the major players such as Stihl, Echo, and Husqvarna all offer battery powered hedge trimmers, string trimmers and blowers. I'm done with gas.

https://m.stihlusa.com/products/hedge-trimmers/battery-hedge-trimmers/

http://www.echocordless.com/products/hedge-trimmer/

http://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/battery/

everything i own is gas. I have zero patience for dead batteries or running out of juice mid-job. Batteries have def come a long way but gas beats everything in the yardwork dept.

 

[Parrothead]

You can stay with Stihl but have you considered cordless? I think it's telling that many of the major players such as Stihl, Echo, and Husqvarna all offer battery powered hedge trimmers, string trimmers and blowers. I'm done with gas.

https://m.stihlusa.com/products/hedge-trimmers/battery-hedge-trimmers/

http://www.echocordless.com/products/hedge-trimmer/

http://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/battery/

everything i own is gas. I have zero patience for dead batteries or running out of juice mid-job. Batteries have def come a long way but gas beats everything in the yardwork dept.

Just pointing out alternatives that aren't the Black & Decker variety. Do what makes your life easier.

I just got tired of mixing fuel, tune up's, running out of gas, fouled plugs, tough starts, spilling fuel, winter storage, loud noise, leaky tanks, hot motors, ect. and it appears that even the traditional powers see a market for cordless.

Gas doesn't beat battery in yard work in my life, not close. Now, I live in a subdivision in the city, not my father in laws farm, so that does factor into the equation. If you're trimming drainage ditches on county road 100, well then I'd probably put up with gas too. However, it takes me about 15 seconds to get trimming each and every time for the last 3 years. I too hate running out of battery in the middle, so I bought an extra battery and a fast charger. I keep the extra battery in my pocket. Problem solved. I wouldn't take a gas trimmer of any kind, even if it was free.

All that, and I am interested in your decision as my FIL will probably need a new gas trimmer in the near future.

 

[engineer2]

I got rid of any shrubbery that needs a hedge trimmer. Saves me a lot of time.

 

[speedfreek1210]

I also need a gas powered hedge trimmer, so I'm interested to see what decision you make. I also agree, gas is far superior to batteries when it comes to lawn tools.


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[bcradio]

Just pointing out alternatives that aren't the Black & Decker variety. Do what makes your life easier.

I just got tired of mixing fuel, tune up's, running out of gas, fouled plugs, tough starts, spilling fuel, winter storage, loud noise, leaky tanks, hot motors, ect. and it appears that even the traditional powers see a market for cordless.

Gas doesn't beat battery in yard work in my life, not close. Now, I live in a subdivision in the city, not my father in laws farm, so that does factor into the equation. If you're trimming drainage ditches on county road 100, well then I'd probably put up with gas too. However, it takes me about 15 seconds to get trimming each and every time for the last 3 years. I too hate running out of battery in the middle, so I bought an extra battery and a fast charger. I keep the extra battery in my pocket. Problem solved. I wouldn't take a gas trimmer of any kind, even if it was free.

All that, and I am interested in your decision as my FIL will probably need a new gas trimmer in the near future.

Smart man here.

It sounds like a lot of people in here haven't tried the newer cordless yard tools yet or they would likely change their mind also.

 

[jhn9840]

I have had an Echo HC-152 for the past 3 or 4 years. Never given me a problem. All my yard work stuff is Echo. A few minor issues here and there but that's to be expected so I can't complain.

I'd like to start working in a few cordless tools to see how it goes. Maybe a leaf blower and a pole saw for starters.

jhn9840
John

 

[TNBurban]

I have the Dewalt 40v lineup. Chainsaw, string trimmer, hedge trimmer and blower. It's amazing how far battery power has evolved just in the last few years. My Stihl BR600 is only used for leaf season, and my Stihl FS94 will probably be donated to my brother.

 

[L.Cheapo]

When I worked in an OPE shop many moons ago, we sold 10 Little Wonder hedge trimmers for every Echo or Redmax we sold. The commercial guys loved them. Way overbuilt, simple, parts easy to get. Hopefully that hasn't changed.

Thanks for making me remember how many thousands of those little blades I sharpened so long ago!

 

[matt_m]

deleted

 

[bpjr]

Echo all the way. I just bought their 24" hedge trimmer. The commercial lawn guys around me in Florida all have Echo trimmers and the tree guys have Shihl chains saws. One of the deciding factors was its easier to find echo parts and service near me than Stihl. Echo has special promotions on their web site and list the dealers and dates of promotions...I was able to get 20% off at a local dealer. I'm pleased at this point but only used the new trimmer for two tank fulls.

 

[Milton Shaw]

What size hedges are you going to be trimming. The Echo one is have is part of the trimmer/edger/polesaw/weedeater attachment series. It works on large hedges and has about a 6 foot reach. I did not get the adjustable angle one and wish I had gotten it. I trim a hedge that is 6 foot high and it would be nice to have it angle to make it easier to trim tall hedges. Also the adjustable would make it easier to square the front/back of hedges without the powerhead being in the hedge itself. The gas ones have a lot less vibration back to the operator than the cheap electric ones. When you get through with it a good spray with WD 40, to keep lubricated and rust out.

 

[superskaterxes]

well i ended up getting the Stihl HS 56 C. Its super powerful and has a full 24" reach. I had alot more bushes in my yard then i originally remembered and it had no problem going through even some 3/8" size branches. Starting it was a breeze and used it for about 30 mins and only drained prob 1/2 a tank. Overall im pretty happy with it.