Stihl HLA 85.. The future IS electric

[Hodge]

I just took the plunge and bought a set of Battery hedge cutters, 2 battery's and a quick charger. I had been given tips on how to use them and get the most out of a battery and was excited to have a go. First up the weight is strange but once you get used to not having a lot of weight in your hands it's great, easy to move around and you get a great cut. I was trimming my 2 years growth of a conny hedge, easy. Long fronds of conny on the top thick as your finger, easy. It's great not having the noise too. I run aspen so fumes arnt really an issue but there is a big difference in vibrations. Hardly any vibrations which is great. I did the hedge face and bits of the top from the ground and step ladder and it used one light segment of power, so not much. You need to put wd40 on every 10-15 mins depending what you cut to reduce friction and get the most from the charge, 2hours I've been told. I can really recommend them if you like me do lots of hedges they really are worth the money.

[dan494]

Looks interesting, will be good to see how it holds up after a few months work in regards to battery life

[jamesd]

Yes will be interesting to see how long the whole machine lasts in comparison to petrol versions.

I tend to swap mine every two years.. I do a lot of hedge cutting so this could be a good investment depending on how they last etc..

[Parker]

I'm looking at buying a new hedgecutter to use for just formal hedgecutting and have been considering the electric options so will be monitoring this thread closely

[jamesd]

Out of interest how much did the hedgecutter, battery and charger set you back all together?

[Hodge]

£608 plus vat but I get that back so £608. Lol. Well worth it.

[dan494]

Sounds a bit on the pricey side when you could get a km94 engine and hedgecutting attachment for around £500 including the vat. I think the price will have to drop a bit before I'd consider switching

[IVECOKID]

Fantastic kit , I run the Top handle saw, hedge trimmer and telescopic hedge trimmer now and my poor shoulders/elbows have benefitted from using these.

Only issue is you must spray the cutter bar after each use with a PTFE or oil has I found they can cabbage a lot of battery power if left over night

To dry out with hedge residue.

Hodge ....if you have not already take the bottom cover off and take a look at the gearbox.....its not sealed so watch out with damp or wet conifers, clean out with airline and I use White Marin grease ,no problems yet after one season .

 

 

Ste

Edited October 6, 2015 by IVECOKID

[IVECOKID]

Ps ... Don't over grease them either .......that can kill the battery power when starting up .

 

 

Ste

[gmeneaud]

I have been using the stihl HSA 85 hedge cutter and the MSA 200 chain saw for more than a year and i think they are fantastic tools. we have the fast charger and two batteries and can cut more or less non stop.Especially with the hedge cutter which is probably the most convenient power tool I have used.

just got the BGA 85 blower.it is clean and quiet but quite big and bulky.Biggest problem is maximum blowing time of 10 minutes on a full battery.