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Gas Hedge Trimmer Recommendations?

RedGas

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Need a light-duty (~3 hrs/year) gas hedge trimmer and don't want to spend a lot of $.

Been surviving on an electric B&D for several years, but it's a little overmatched. Would like to have gas so I can trim in very early morning here before bees become active (I usually get stung by bees making nests in bushes), but morning here along the coast always means HEAVY DEW, which I don't want to use with electric. I have enough trouble not cutting my cord (watch your eyes for the arc flash!)

Can anyone recommend anything? Thanks -

Jeff
 

Dub11

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I got one that goes on my trimmer. The extra reach is handy.

I know Makita makes one for their 18v line if you just so happen own some of their corded stuff.
 

FergusonTO35

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That particular one is really nice for the money. As I remember it does have a fully adjustable carb, takes splined tools I think.
 

Nutball

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I got a PP 23 on sale for like $170 or something. It has only a high speed needle, but there might be a way to adjust the low speed. It's a bit hard to start, but does the job. I find it gets hung up a lot likely due to the aluminum support rail having flat sides. I might try moulding a JB weld ramp along side it when I get around to it.
 

JB-PlantHeirloom

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For your light use, do not bother with gas. imho, It will be more hassle then it is worth. The Poulan, Ryobi, Homelite, etc. will go bad just sitting there. They are pieces of throw away junk and the carbs with no adjustment are the worse. I have repaired quite a few as a paying hobby.

My 4 cycle Cub Cadet has been okay, but, I use it at least once a month.

I recommend a Harbor Fright battery powered trimmer, as long as you are cool with the heads, because looking at it, you can not swap it out for a better head and the plate on the bottom seems suspect. Maybe DR Power?

A 4 cyl gas trimmer (higher quality) might be better, but, all the gas trimmers if you let them sit around with gas in them, will go bad. I suggest only using the canned gas and then running it dry when you are done, before storing the trimmer.

In the FWIW category, if you use a good quality OUTDOOR cord plugged into a GFCI outlet, you have little to worry about concerning getting zapped.
 

CR888

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The pro grade higher end hedge trimmers should have double sided reciprocating blades and open up about an inch (25-30mm). I have 30" blades & do not regret getting the larger blade length. For detailed work an articating pole style is best for high hedges and low shaped stuff. You can adjust the angle and either have long reach 3m+ or a 10" small extension that makes it short & maneuverable. I have Solo & Stihl but Shindaiwa, Echo & Husky make decent trimers too. Learning to maintain blades to keep them sharp is a bit like learning to sharpen chainsaw teeth, it takes a bit of practice & skill. Keep the blades lubricated with an aerosol lube. If your getting a standard dedicated trimmer make sure the handle can turn & be locked into different positions. When you narrow down what your looking to buy post up a pic and we'll critique it. They all kinda look the same but there is a big difference between the low end ones and the high end pro models.
 

RedGas

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Update: I ended up going with the Poulan I mentioned in my OP. Seems to work well. Cuts stuff up to 1" dia.

It's about 20X as strong and fast as my old 120V unit.
 

msellers

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Glad it worked out and affordable for you as well. 1" is pretty impressive as i understand it.
 

sanchezz32

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I really do like hedge trimmer Husqvarna 122HD45 , cause it's extremely lightweight and easy to use with kind of hedges. I found it here ( url: https://bestyardproducts.com/best-gas-hedge-trimmer/ ), and it had so many pros and some few cons, that I've tested it a little bit in the store, and bought it. It works perfectly in any conditions.
 
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