Ahhh. Hedge trimming.

[Blakesmaster]

Had a customer's neighbor walk over the other day and want a quote on trimming many many yards of hedges. I hate that work so I put a high dollar on it and she said ok. I don't even own a set of hedge trimmers. So I'm looking at 2 diff models. I want a good set because I don't buy crap and need them to work. Both Stihls, 'cause those are the local dealers and I need them asap, the HS 45 and the HS 81 T. $300 for the former and $450 the latter. I know the 81 are pro but I'm confused as to why the weight is higher and the horsepower less on them. Same options on both models. Why pay more money for the pro model if it has less hp and weighs more? Any experience?

 

[serial killer]

I've never used any of the small Stihl trimmers, but I really kind of like the hedge trimmer head on the pole motors. I've used one with a pole pruner and a hedge trimmer head. It's like getting the second tool for a big discount, and the hedge trimmer makes for a pretty wicked weed whacker.

 

[JeffL]

I must say, we've got a few of the "lowly" HS 45's at work, and I think they are great. Plus have one of the pole shears as well, cant remember the model. Love it. Almost sounds like a 4 stroke, and seems to have a ton of grunt, doesnt slow down for anything.

 

[treemandan]

I must say, we've got a few of the "lowly" HS 45's at work, and I think they are great. Plus have one of the pole shears as well, cant remember the model. Love it. Almost sounds like a 4 stroke, and seems to have a ton of grunt, doesnt slow down for anything.

Again Yes, I ask if it was a 4 stroke when i first heard it.

 

[JeffL]

Again Yes, I ask if it was a 4 stroke when i first heard it.

Ok, so its not just me. I feel better now.

 

[treemandan]

Ok, so its not just me. I feel better now.

better than having the thing scream its head off at you while you try to work a long row of hedges.

 

[pistol pete]

I was in your position a few weeks ago, a job with no tool. My dealer had a HS45 in short shaft and long, so I opted for the short. The short is easier to maneuver when shaping and easier to handle for long periods of time. Since I bought the hedger, I have used it on almost every job. When I am walking around the house with the homeowner and see something that needs hedged I just ask if he wants it done. This little tool has paid for itself twice in two short weeks. Buy a good one and don't look back.

 

[Blakesmaster]

So I'm gathering that when it comes to hedge trimmers, pro doesn't mean better. I'd like my account $150 higher after tomorrow so I guess I'll get the 45's unless someone has some sort of glowing review on the 81. Thanks for the input, guys.

 

[Blakesmaster]

Hey Pete, any pics of the bid car? I bet that's a conversation starter with the right HO.

 

[treemandan]

Blakes, I know you never listen to me but I have to say that I feel you should not have the attitude of " I hate hedge trimming". Find a way to love it... or leave it.
Say " yup we do that" and be happy.

 

[Blakesmaster]

Blakes, I know you never listen to me but I have to say that I feel you should not have the attitude of " I hate hedge trimming". Find a way to love it... or leave it.
Say " yup we do that" and be happy.

You crack me up, Dan.

 

[treemandan]

You crack me up, Dan.

same here but I went with the 81, I think. heavier and less power means that piece of crap gonna last long time, I think.
But seriuosly, does hedge trimming really suck that bad? Sounds like you should be quite happy with this job. Good money, good work. what's to hate?

 

[treemandan]

You crack me up, Dan.

That's why they sent me.

 

[Blakesmaster]

same here but I went with the 81, I think. heavier and less power means that piece of crap gonna last long time, I think.
But seriuosly, does hedge trimming really suck that bad? Sounds like you should be quite happy with this job. Good money, good work. what's to hate?

I'll put it this way, Dan. The first 30 minutes behind the trimmers is just annoying, the next hour I can get into a zen-like state of peace and let my mind wander, but it's that last damn hour of trimming when I'm sweating my nutz off, my forearms are screaming for mercy and my mind is crying for some sort of challenge that really gets my goat. And DON'T get me started on the cleanup. Dern mulch beds...blah blah...raking this fluffy arborvitae crap...blah blah...blah

 

[Blakesmaster]

Boy, she is a cutie, Pete.

Nice interior. Simple. Love it.

 

[Pete M]

You DON'T want to get one of those stupid short ones. It is far quicker using the shaft trimmers as you cover a much bigger area with each movement up and down. You can also angle the trimmer attachment so you can walk along the hedge cutting as you go. I use Stihl KM100R combi unit with 0-135 degree adjustable trimmer head and workmate uses FS85R with same head. We use them virtually every single day, and they are vital for any hedge taller then about 3 feet! Also help a lot with shaping as you do it from a step or two back.

In all honesty though, hedge trimming can be massive visual impact, and should be left to the pros like us who can do it right every time and know the best equipment for the job, rather than being done by hack

 

[Blakesmaster]

You DON'T want to get one of those stupid short ones. It is far quicker using the shaft trimmers as you cover a much bigger area with each movement up and down. You can also angle the trimmer attachment so you can walk along the hedge cutting as you go. I use Stihl KM100R combi unit with 0-135 degree adjustable trimmer head and workmate uses FS85R with same head. We use them virtually every single day, and they are vital for any hedge taller then about 3 feet! Also help a lot with shaping as you do it from a step or two back.

In all honesty though, hedge trimming can be massive visual impact, and should be left to the pros like us who can do it right every time and know the best equipment for the job, rather than being done by hack

Yeah...uh...I don' like those kind.

 

[TimberMcPherson]

On Tueday we did a hedge job, nothing to tough. I have a multi head husky thing that you can put on a string trimmer or hedge head, as well as a hedge attachement on my echo power pruner.

2 of us using them, loppers and handsaw made 1800 in a day. I think we used 10 litres of fuel including chipper and truck. Sometimes I LOVE hedge trimming. Biggest hedge we do takes 4 days.

Go pro, buy it right once, and you wont have to put up with it junking out and having to buy a good one later.

 

[Pete M]

NZ$1800 in a day is nice. That's what, £700? I'm trying to convince workmate that we need to up rates - he's been charging too little for far too long. But we've got a problem round these parts with some franchise company that goes around bidding peanuts on the jobs that we've been doing for years.

 

[pistol pete]

In all honesty though, hedge trimming can be massive visual impact, and should be left to the pros like us who can do it right every time and know the best equipment for the job, rather than being done by hack

Is it really all that hard to shape a bush, I think he can handle it.

Nice interior. Simple. Love it.

Thank You, don't you just love German engineering and craftsmanship. They rarely turn out anything but the best, when it comes to things mechanical.