Long reach hedge trimmer recommendations please

[paultap]

Hi Guys
I am looking to buy a long reach hedge trimmer to trim some conifers and a privet hedge, It will be used to trim in my garden maybe a few times a year, it needs to extend to a good height (say 9 feet if possible)
I thought about maybe getting a Stihl long reach petrol trimmer until I noted the prices, well in excess of £400 new, depending on the model.

I currently use a normal sized electric hedge trimmer which is certainly powerful enough, although the power cable is a bit of an inconvenience, I could do with something a lot longer though. Cost wise I suspect a corded trimmer would be the least expensive but would welcome any recommendations, be it electric, battery or petrol powered.

Many thanks.

 

[Tom D]

We have a few pairs of the stihl ones and they are good, but pricey for a home user. Have you thought about some tripod ladders? They are very stable and being 3 legged they don’t rock on uneven ground. Cheaper than a new trimmer...

Hendon GMF Standard Tripod Ladders

The GMF Tripod Ladders are great all round performer making these tripod ladders from Hendon, ideal for use in all conditions by fruit pickers & orchard workers

www.northernarbsupplies.co.uk

 

[Wapinschaw]

Have a look at the Oregon Cordless system. I have a hedge trimmer and a pole saw, they are powerful, efficient and easy to use. I bought mine on line here: Radmore & Tucker. If you go this route get the 6.0 ah battery, the smaller ones won't run for very long.

 

[CarlW]

We have a few pairs of the stihl ones and they are good, but pricey for a home user. Have you thought about some tripod ladders? They are very stable and being 3 legged they don’t rock on uneven ground. Cheaper than a new trimmer...

Hendon GMF Standard Tripod Ladders

The GMF Tripod Ladders are great all round performer making these tripod ladders from Hendon, ideal for use in all conditions by fruit pickers & orchard workers

www.northernarbsupplies.co.uk

Really good advice.

You also get a neater job using a tripod ladder and a hand-held trimmer than you do with a long-reach. The other advantage of the tripod ladder is that the single leg can go inside the hedge, improving your reach.

 

[Outback]

I have efco DS 2400 long reach hedge cutters , they have both done very well and were a good option against Husqvarna equipment , the tripod ladders are very stable with three adjustable legs will work safely on uneven surfaces .
For the amount of use you might be as well to get someone with the gear to do the job for you as it not cheap gear .

 

[Grey_Owl]

Another one of those pay once cry once jobbies.
A petrol trimmer will cut thicker branches but if you are on top of the job a battery one will do fine.
I run both for different jobs.
The Stihl HL85 battery hedge cutter does a job nothing else can do from the ground as it extends to over 3m.
For me it saved buying additional working at height kit.
The petrol stihl is very robust and cuts stuff that's got out of control but equally will trim nicely.
Then consider quantities to mix and store 2 stroke fuel, service, initial cost (+£600 new at trade) etc.
If you pay someone several times a year that will quickly add up.
G

 

[paultap]

Many thanks for the replies guys, I agree that the cost of paying people to do the work will very quickly add up, prices for the same work vary enormously too!
I will do a bit more research before biting the bullet, there seems to be a lot of cheap new petrol engined stuff being offered but I'm sure the build quality will be pretty low.... some more research is required I think.