richyrich236

I have around 20 billhooks that i use for hedge laying, most of these i inherited from my grandfather. I recently bought a stihl one, it's a nice weight and a leather grip, i find it very comfortable to use, though i tend to use a Husqvarna hatchet when laying hedges. A good site for a selection of older billhooks is: Timeless tools Billhooks 1 Have fun.

I was taught Hoopers Hypothesis in college when ageing hedges, the basic rule is: Age of the hedge in years = number of woody plant species x 100. This is obviously only an indicative ageing process that will give you some idea as to the age of it. To be more accurate, digging a little deeper is required, old maps, plans etc.

At the end of the day, there is always going to be people that say 'don't touch one of those, problems with 4X4 and gearbox', it's the same as with every single motor on the road, ask someone about Toyota Hilux and they will say 'dont buy one of those, problems with.......' people will experience problems with any motor on the road, else there would be a lot mechanics on the dole. My 57 plate, had it since new, only problems i've had is the mrs running into things, as someone mentioned, you dont buy a 4x4 for great fuel economy. With regards to towing ability, i live in South Wales, so there is a few hills around here, i get up each and every one, some faster than others, towing ability is down to the driver in my opinion, gettin the gears right at the right time i suppose.

Hi Callum. I've currently got a L200 Diamond on a 57 plate from brand new, a good all round vehicle, I use my off road quite a bit for work and shooting etc, the 4X4 range can be selected while on the move upto 60mph, which is handy as you dont need to stop and select etc etc. Reliabilty wise, very good, never had a problem with starting, engine problems etc, the only problems that i've had are general re-calls. Running costs, Expensive in my opinion, though the service schedule has been extended to 12500 miles, if your considering a brand new one, take the 3 year service deal that they offer. 1st service cost was £250 ish 2nd service £550 3rd service £250. They were at the main dealers though. Tyres, your looking at around £500 for a full set of decent tyres, i paid £520 for 4 dunlops. MPG i'm getting around 20 - 25 nipping here and there, motorway sat at 75ish around 37 - 40. Like i said, a good all round truck...hope this helps.

Hi guys. I appreciate you guys must get unindated with requests such as these, I'm currently studying arboriculture at college and hope one day to have as much knowledge as you guys. I surveyed several trees on the weekend for an assisgnment, was wondering if you could take a look at the pic and help me out a little. It looks to me like it has suffered from mechanical damage, the idiot that flies around on the forklift springs to mind...what do you guys think? I've got plenty more pics if anyone is bored and wants to give their expert opinion to help me out a little...lol Thanks for taking a look. Rich.