skip to main content

hedge trimmer attachement versus gas hedge trimmer

16 years ago

I hate my BD hedgehog.

Want something that cuts bigger stuff and that doesn't have the cord hassle.

I have a craftsman 25cc string trimmer that takes attachments. Should i try an expand-it hedge attachement for it ($69) or shoudl I buy a weedeater 25cc gas trimmer for $139

Any suggestions?

I could use the extra reach of the attachemtn for the high stuff, but want somthing that cuts thicker stuff. Either would cut thicker branches than the electric, right?

-Ben

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

bambooo
16 years ago
I don't think you will find either choice to be adequate.
Look at Stihl, Tanaka, Red max for gas
Little wonder or AEG for electric
Or take lopping shears and remove the thicker woody parts and then use your hedge shears to remove the green soft parts.
adkinsca
16 years ago
I agree with bambooo here. If one of your main complaints against the electric trimmers you have is the diameter of branches it will cut, you would be disappointed with the low-end gas models.

I am not sure how the expand-it hedge trimmer attachment works, but to cut the thicker branches, you want to make sure that you have dual action cutting on the blades. The weedeater that you mentioned has one fixed blade, and one moving blade. This will limit the cutting thickness to a maximum of about 3/8". In other words, the Weedeater gas models will cut the same diameter branches that your current hedge-hogs will.

If you want the larger capacity, check out Echo, Tanaka, Stihl, Shindaiwa, etc. gas models. These models will however begin at around $250.

For what it is worth, I have a set of Homelite HT-22 (3/8" capacity variety) gas hedge trimmers. I really like the hand-held gas type for the ease of use and no electric cord. The 3/8" capacity is adequate for my use. The major down-side to the gas trimmers is they are significantly heavier than a set of electrics. Good luck.
Related Discussions
Gas Hedge Trimmers
Q
Comments (5)
I have the older version of the Echo you're considering, and I can vouch for it. As with string trimmers, I think any of the good commercial-grade brands will satisfy you. OTOH, I started out homeowner life with a Craftsman (not sure what brand it really was) that was much cheaper, and it just plain sucked. The blades wouldn't open up enough to let leaves in, so anything with bigger leaves than a Boxwood wouldn't cut well at all. I'd say whichever feels best as you hold it and lift it to shoulder height would likely be your best bet. In a hedge trimmer, I would agree with weed_cutter that lighter is a big benefit.
...See More
Hedge trimmer choices and seeking advice
Q
Comments (15)
I have used a Little Wonder hedge trimmer for many years. It is one of the best investments I ever made. I have a very large hedge, and burned up a few B&D inexpensive clippers. My problems ended with the Little Wonder. They cost more, but are worth it. Just be careful using it. It will nip off a finger without even making any noise. Charles Ranheim
...See More
Help with buying a good Gas Hedge Trimmer
Q
Comments (12)
Whether it cut like butter depend on the plants, some do, some don't. All the commercial brands that have true blades( cheap Craftsman and B&D don't) and they cutting ability is close enough. If you are willing to spend $450 I strongly suggest you to get the short reach hedge clipper. Here is one on ebay, new: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-KAWASAKI-POLE-65-ARTICU-GAS-HEDGE-TRIMMER-KCS525A_W0QQitemZ120326523051QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1c040508ab&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116 And other on ebay: http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m38.l1313&_nkw=kawasaki+hedge+trimmer&_sacat=See-All-Categories Kawasaki is usually cheaper and just as good quality. I have Shindaiwa M242 multi tool motor with short reach articulate hedge trimmer attachment. I absolutely love it. I don't use my regular hedge trimmer anymore. I can control it to do all the work a regular hedge trimmer do and I can reach up higher. Try hold a regular hedge trimmer over you head for a minute or two, you see what I mean. Redmax, Shindaiwa and Husqvarna all have short reach hedge trimmers for a little more than the Kawasaki. Don't worry too much about brands, they all close enough. If you insist on buying a regular hedge trimmer, get a 24" or 30". As I said, go double sided. I did read a lot of posts comparing that. All the pros cannot be that wrong. I can tell you from my experience, I need to swing in both direction to get a good cut because some grow in one direction and some the other, if you can only swing one direction, you don't cut as good in the other direction at all. Also two edge last twice as long as single side!!!! Also, Amazon sell Tanaka also. Home Depot stuff is not crap!!! They have Echo which is commercial grade.
...See More
Help with Gas Powered Hedge Trimmer - 4 stroke options?
Q
Comments (2)
Is the 4cycle or electric an environmental matter or the 2cycle mix? I used a 2cycle commercial grade Stihl once on my small yearly trimming. I never knew a job could be so much faster and safer. If your job was at a fixed location and less cord manipulation I would suggest a generator and a heavier Trimmer. The cord is a liability. Even though, I have cut 99% of my pre cut 4 cords of firewood the last 2-3 years Ã¢ÂÂat homeÃ¢ÂÂ with a 12Ã¢ÂÂ Electric chainsaw. I consider my Electric chainsaw work a fixed position. The wood is pre cut no longer than 6Ã¢ÂÂ X 4-6Ã¢ÂÂ dia and most to 16-18Ã¢ÂÂ X 8-12Ã¢ÂÂ dia length behind tree trimmers (left on the curbs). All the wood I need to cut is laid out or stacked Ã¢ÂÂat homeÃ¢ÂÂ for me to face and cut moving side-to-side vs any turning. Most trimmers will know to leave wood for lifting. To help them charge less by chipping the brush and cutting larger wood into manageable blocks. My goal is green Oak, Pecan and Ash with no signs of disease or insects. They are dominating old trees causing problems in our 1950s developed old section on small lots.
...See More
hydroharold
16 years ago
I hate my BD HedgeHog also but for a different reason. I cannot keep the extension cord plugged into the "socket" on the tool. Cheap SOB's left off the pigtail and the vibration works the plug out... but I digress...

I used to have the hedge trimmer attachment for my Ryobi for doing forsythia. It worked adequately but I found it bulky to use for any period of time. It did cut well but when it got some 3/8" woody branches it wimped out... That's when I bought the BD... I have to work off a ladder and I can "one hand" the BD so I guess it's duct tape and a bungee until I find a better designed replacement. I don't worry so much about cords, I work off my generator in the tractor cart, but creeping well into geezerhood I worry more about weight held out at arms length! :)>
jimtnc
16 years ago
LOL, "geezerhood". Well I'm not creeping into geezerhood, I have arrived! I've been looking at these different makes also, and I think I'm going with the Echo SRM211sp
trimmer w/saw attachment, unless someone can talk me out of it (other than my wife, of course).

Related Stories

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Lay of the Landscape: French Garden Style

By Marianne Lipanovich

Symmetry and geometry define this decorous landscape style, appropriate for both grand gardens and intimate spaces

FALL GARDENING 8 Must-Have Tools for Fall Backyard Prep

Autumn outdoor work feels overwhelming, but these handy tools can keep it under control

CURB APPEAL 7 Ways to Create a Neighborly Front Yard

By June Scott Design

Foster community spirit by setting up your front porch, paths and yard for social interaction

FALL GARDENING 5 Ways to Put Fall Leaves to Work in Your Garden

By Therese Ciesinski

Improve your soil and yard the organic way with a valuable garden booster that grows on trees

EARTH DAY The Case for Losing the Traditional Lawn

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Work less, help the environment and foster connections by just saying no to typical turf

EDIBLE GARDENS How to Add an Apple Tree to Your Edible Garden

By Marianne Lipanovich

Readily available, beautiful and fragrant, apple trees offer four-season interest along with crisp, juicy fruit

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES Garden for Wildlife to Reap Rich Rewards

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

When you plant with animals and insects in mind, you make gardening easier, the planet healthier and yourself more present

OUTBUILDINGS World of Design: 11 Inspiring Sheds From Santa Barbara to Stockholm

Outbuildings from around the world show how sheds and cottages set the scene for everything from baking in a sauna to beekeeping

HOUSEKEEPING What's That Sound? 9 Home Noises and How to Fix Them

By Mitchell Parker

Bumps and thumps might be driving you crazy, but they also might mean big trouble. We give you the lowdown and which pro to call for help

More Discussions

How Can I Create a Permanent Siphon Out of Container

44

What is this piece of "Solid Wood" Furniture?

1

Any Way to Make Bird's Nest Stand Above Soil Line?

4

Please Share Paver Experiences!

0

How to Secure a Paver Block Against Street Curb

16