problems with hedge trimmers

[Matthew Storrs]

Yes, the easy lift is the best thing out there, but it doesn't take away from the fact that I find hedge trimming the most physically draining work I do. I'd sooner be shifting big rings all day over trimming tall and wide hedges.

Nice little 6ft hedges are easy enough, but when it comes to balancing 10ft up a ladder trying to reach over an 8ft wide hedge - its bloody agony if you have any distance to goand the easy lift can't help with this.

[Rich2484]

jeeze, take note people....

[Ray1]

 

I also have just bought a fr back pack engine unit which I thought would help as some of the weight goes through your back but in reality the 135 degrees head weighs a bit and has not the engine to counter balance it so feels awkward. For the back pack ones to be good stihl should make a head minus the extension pole. Then it would be well useful. The back pack using the extension then the hedge cutter on top would be tricky to use as it's then very front heavy.

Colin

 

Stihl used to make (dont know if they do now) a 8 inch extension tube that allowed the hedgecutter head to be mounted right next too the coupling on the combi engines that made them easier to handle, this would be ideal on the back pack engines.

[StephF]

I use a Husky long reach 325 hedgetrimmer, (I am a woman, does that make a difference?) and do not find it a heavy machine to use, it is well balanced, the only problem I sometimes have is neck ache when reaching up for a long time.

[theflyingscotsman]

jeeze, take note people....

 

Haha really... Tell me when was the last time you did three or four weeks straight ?!?!

[hedgesparrow]

they are all heavy no matter what model. its a killer on your upper arms and shoulders

[Paul Jenks]

If all they were ever used for was cutting fine re-growth, I'm sure the manufacturers would be able to build a lightweight machine the required less effort to wield. Alas, as we all know, except for the rare exception, these machines are used for all sorts and by all sorts so they have to be built more robustly. Added to this, we don't want to pay for the potentially lighter titanium and carbon alternative materials as the cost would be astronomical.

Stihl, (I have no experience with Husky hedgetrimmers), should put more effort into the balance of the machine and the AV systems.

On big hedge jobs I've always found a loose grip and keeping my shoulders back helps. I would also reiterate GTR's quote.

[Hodge]

Thanks for your response colin, very helpful.

 

I am currently completing a design and make project at university and want to come up with a solution to this problem of tiring when hedge cutting. I feel the two possible design solutions when be to create a back harness that would support the weight of the machine but still allow the user complete control of the machine and use it however they wish. Or a have the engine mounted on your back and have this connected to the trimming arm but still make the trimmer as light as possible (use aluminium or carbon fibre).

 

do you feel these could be possible solutions?

Thanks

 

Both have been done.

[RobRainford]

I seem to have a weaker back than I should, spinal issues where the mid section doesn't bend as much as it should. A day and a half cutting mainly waist height hedges and It knocked the wind out of me to walk. Not good. That was with hs81r cutters with the 30" cut. Used some hs41(?) Iirc and it helped but took a bit longer to cut everything. It meant I could carry on though.

 

 

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