Milwaukee Fuel or Echo Gas Hedge Trimmer

[Kilgore Trout]

I have a question for the experts here. Looking to "cut the cord" on my hedge trimmer. I cut the extension cord last fall (just the insulation) and I'd rather not worry about that any more. I already have some Milwaukee cordless tools, so I am in that platform. However, I am leery about buying a trimmer (that I will probably have for 10-15 years) that could be on an expired battery platform.

Alternatively, I could pick up a gas powered Echo (20 or 24 inch). I have an echo string trimmer which always fires up every time, no issues at all in the last three years. I think this one would be repairable indefinitley.

Trimmer would get used to trim a whole bunch of hedges, ranging from juniper to boxwood, to azaelas. I usually use it 8-10 times per season for 1+ hours at a time.

Anybody with experience with either of these trimmers?

 

[Ty.]

I just ordered the string trimmer, blower, 9ah battery, and charger from Home Depot for 300 bucks. they also have a combo with the string trimmer and hedge trimmer for the same price. I have always been one to pick gas over battery or electric tools, but for the price I had to give it a try.

My stuff should be here monday so Im itching to try it out.

 

[Tom.C]

Do u have a link to that deal? In my hd they have the weed whacker alone for 300

 

[Tom.C]

Nvm found it lol

 

[chrisexv6]

Pretty sure the deal is in-store as well, if you wanted to go that route.

Family member of mine got the trimmer + blower deal, LOVES the trimmer but hasnt used the blower yet.

 

[white91formula]

i picked up the M18 trimmer as i already had the batteries. For the amount i use it, i rather not deal with gas and carbs and the maintenance that goes along with it. that was my deciding factor.

 

[Bdgjr215]

I have a question for the experts here. Looking to "cut the cord" on my hedge trimmer. I cut the extension cord last fall (just the insulation) and I'd rather not worry about that any more. I already have some Milwaukee cordless tools, so I am in that platform. However, I am leery about buying a trimmer (that I will probably have for 10-15 years) that could be on an expired battery platform.

Alternatively, I could pick up a gas powered Echo (20 or 24 inch). I have an echo string trimmer which always fires up every time, no issues at all in the last three years. I think this one would be repairable indefinitley.

Trimmer would get used to trim a whole bunch of hedges, ranging from juniper to boxwood, to azaelas. I usually use it 8-10 times per season for 1+ hours at a time.
Im a pro ,we have three pair of echos that are many seasons old ,no issues with any of them

 

[cajunfirehawk]

acme tool has same deal $299 w/freebie, assume others will follow.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

The HD deal is what has me considering the milwaukee trimmer as an option. I'd prefer a deal that would get me the hedge trimmer and a battery, as I don't actually need the string trimmer. I already have an echo string trimmer that works great. I guess I could try to sell the milwaukee string trimmer on craigslist.

Anybody actually use the milwaukee trimmer? Any thoughts on the benefits of the 20 vs 24 inch models of the echo trimmers? The 24 inch is another $100, but that might be worth it.

 

[bcradio]

The HD deal is what has me considering the milwaukee trimmer as an option. I'd prefer a deal that would get me the hedge trimmer and a battery, as I don't actually need the string trimmer. I already have an echo string trimmer that works great. I guess I could try to sell the milwaukee string trimmer on craigslist.

Anybody actually use the milwaukee trimmer? Any thoughts on the benefits of the 20 vs 24 inch models of the echo trimmers? The 24 inch is another $100, but that might be worth it.

Just sell the old echo and upgrade to all Milwaukee

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Just sell the old echo and upgrade to all Milwaukee

I thought about that, but I like my echo sting trimmer too much to part with it. Darn thing just fires up every time!

 

[kctyphoon]

I wouldn't let the idea of the battery platform "disappearing" in the next 20 years steer you away. Milwaukee is so heavily invested into that platform that they would need to support them for the next 20 years at least. Just like dewalt is still doing for their nicad stuff, and even makita does for their 9.6v stick packs. You can still walk into Home Depot and buy factory makita 9.6v packs, and those tools are basically dinosaurs now. Absolute WORST case, there will always be aftermarket options and rebuild services available.. for the home user, I don't think getting 10 years out of these batteries is a stretch at all..

All that said, echo makes great stuff too.. I have their string trimmer for years, and all I've had to do is replace fuel lines and filters. Maybe a new plug here and there.. I actually just needed to order the fuel tank grommet. I would absolutely buy the Milwaukee outdoor stuff if I could justify it..