Which hedge cutter for thicker stuff?

[Rebel_Commando]

Hi,

I'm looking to buy a hedge cutter capable of cutting back gnarly overgrown farm type hedges (Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Dog rose etc and probably some brambles too).

 

I'm just researching at the moment to see which one has the best specs for what I need.

At the moment the Stihl HS 86R is the only one on paper that seems to have the right specs, bigger cutting capacity and lower stroke rate. (But possibly have blades made from plasticine?!)

 

I've ruled out Husky because all the ones I checked out didn't have a very good cut capactiy.

I've read that Echo are highly rated. But only for fine trimming it seems?

 

I've not been able to find the specs yet for some of the other makes, (Tanaka & Kawasaki) The Kawasakis look like they produce a bit more HP than others, but pricier!

 

So can anyone recommend a robust hedge cutter up to the job in mind?

 

Thanks in advance

Brian

[[email protected]]

hi Brian,

We run a Husqvarna.......... hs something or other. lol

Anyway its a single sided cutter 1m bar and its ace for heavy thick thorn, overgrown woody stuff.

Don't go off the specs, they can be deceiving !

We have had ours probably 5years and hasn't let us down, also does a reasonable job in finer conifer etc.

Research the single sided ones from husq ,you wont be disappointed

Andi

[Stubby]

Mistake ruling out the Husqvarna . I have tried all sorts Stihl, Makita , Kawasaki . The 2 Huskys I have out cut em all . Double sided long reach and single sided short one . The short one sounds like a saw from a distance , it revs faster than any other hedge cutter .

[C.J]

I went for a 30" HS 81R as it can be used left or right handed

[rgsltd]

We have the hs86r that good I brought one for myself (I think there good anyway ) good tough ideal for that kinda work

[TreeswingerPerth]

I've got a Stihl hs80 , it's awesome for heavy stuff . I think the newer model is hs81 , a bit rough for neat hedges though .

TS

[Matthew Arnold]

We've got a HS75 which we use for the really meaty stuff. We have put it through 2 inch stuff in the past. It takes a bit of wiggling but it goes through it in the end. It is 14 years old and has been abused a little bit.

[littlerob]

oh i had an echo hc1500 i was tiny but ace i cut trough a 3 inch buddleia with is its out performed my stihl hs86 wished the **** never stole it echo blades are quite thick heavy duty steel blades

[Dorset Hedgelayer]

HS80 this way been brilliant for 10+ yrs...(blimey that long wheres time gone)

[Rebel_Commando]

Thanks for the suggestions fellas

 

Still not sure which one to go for as yet lol

 

I'll go back to the drawing board and look at some more models and see if I can find what I want