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Long Reach Hedge Trimmers

17 years ago

I have a hedge that is about 100 feet long and 12 feet high. I have been trimming it for years with a Little Wonder electric hedge trimmer. I use a little giant ladder to reach the upper sections. Now that I am getting older, I was thinking of getting a gasoline powered " Long reaching trimmer" so I can reach higher. I would appreciate any suggestions you might have. Are they difficult to use because of the weight when not standing directly below? I have only looked at them on the internet. The three brands I looked at were STIHL, ECHO, and Shindaiwa. I will probably shy away from the STIHL because they are using the new 4Mix engine. Thanks for your comments, experiences, or suggestions. Charles Ranheim

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Comments (8)

tkendr01
17 years ago
You're going to pay a bit more for a pole trimmer, so get a pole version that articulates.
cranheim
Original Author
17 years ago
It looks like Shindaiwa is also using the new engine design. They call it the 4C engine. The dealer I went to see suggested either the STIHL HL 100 articulating extended reach trimmer or go with the KM 110R Multi task Power Head with the HL Trimmer attachment. They both use the new 4Mix engine. He said the small 4Mix engines have been in use for about 4 years, where the 4Mix in the BR Backback blowers have only been around for a year. The difference in price between the one piece trimmer and the one using the seperate power head and attachment is $50.00. I don't know if it is worth the extra $50 to allow using other attachments. Has anyone had any experience with these units? Charles Ranheim
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I'm a small engine mechanic and out here in California the extended hedgetrimmers are hugely popular. They do a great job trimming and as far as I am concerned anything that keeps you off a ladder is good. Most are easy enough to handle but go down to your local shop and get one in your hands first as it may take some getting used to, the weight of the gearbox and blades makes it a little heavy towards the business end. I would not reccomend the one you mentioned in your posting for a couple of reasons, one it has a short shaft and second the gearbox is fixed. I think it's worth shelling out the extra bucks and upgrading to the HL-100 with a 0-130 degree rotating blades. This, I find, makes the units much more versital and easy to use, plus it's commercial quality. Also Echo makes a good extended trimmer too, model HCA-260 but the gearbox on the Stihl seems to hold up a little better. But be prepared to spend some money, the good ones go for about $500 but it's worth it in the long run. Good luck Will
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cbs24
17 years ago
You might want to check out the linebacker platform to get more trimming work done - It is light and simple - very innovative
http://www.safeplatforms.com

Here is a link that might be useful: Platform
canguy
17 years ago
Like it or not, the hybrid engines are here to stay thanks to the EPA. They are working well for the most part and develop good power without added weight. The stick hedge trimmers are a bit awkward as the weight is over the operators head but save a lot of time.
tjhenry
16 years ago
I own the electric 30" Little wonder hedge trimmer, which is great....BUT: they have discontinued my Model SE3000 with the side handle which is the part that I need to replace. Anyone out there know where I could fine the side handle for this model...I have already checked with the little wonder people and alto they have some parts they dont have that part.. My Email is: htjisok@Hotmail.com Thank you...
cranheim
Original Author
16 years ago
After reading updates to my original post, I realized I never got back with how I solved my probem. I bought the STIHL KM110R with the hedge trimmer attachment. I also purchased the extra extension shaft. It worked great. Now I can at least do the sides while standing on the ground. I still have to go up on a ladder to do the top. However, I can better reach across the top with the new trimmer. This outfit worked so well, I added a pruner (chain saw) to my attachments. The KM110R has enough power to drive what I have. and at a reasonable weight. The 4-Mix engine starts easy and runs great. I use the STIHL Ultra fully synthetic 2-cycle oil to reduce carbon buildup.
Sorry I could not be of any help to the person looking for a Little Wonder part. Charles Ranheim
canguy
16 years ago
Good choice. We sell a large number of them, hedges are very popular here. I am glad my yard has a fence, a lot easier to maintain LOL.
charlieinneedham
16 years ago
Consider the Black and Decker 18-Volt Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer, though it will only trim to 10 feet before you have to get up on a ladder. I just finishished trimming 21 twenty feet tall pine trees along the side and front of my house with it, and was very impressed. The battery really keeps a charge, is much more convenient than having an electric cord, and is quieter, and probably lighter than a gas engine. You can buy extra batteries and a 90 minute recharger, and the same batteries fit a variety of other Black and Decker tools that I own and recommend: regualer length hedge trimmer,cordless pole chainsaw, trimmer and blower.

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