EPM

I think the combination of pole trimmers and long reach ones might be the thing to do as we will have hedges to trim where access is restricted around the sides of apartment blocks etc

If I am honest the TCG22 EAS is the entry level machine from Tanaka, and although it does punch well above its weight it is only intended for the domestic market. It carries a 2 yr domestic warranty, but only 90 days for commercial users unlike some other Tanaka models which carry 5yr domestic and 2 year Pro User warranties.

 

You can fit a TPH200 hedge trimmer attachment to it, but don't expect it to last like the more expensive offerings from Tanaka do.

 

The Tanaka brand is seldom given consideration on Arbtalk threads, but in reality is extremely competent and reliable kit. I have sold Tanaka for nearly 30 years during which time I have sold thousands yet only submitted a few dozen warranty claims. It really is incredibly good and I would not sell any other brand in preference.

 

But, as with all brands, there are many models and its important to match the machine to the task rather than just buy on price.

I got both of these machines on ebay, and they turned out to be exactly the same model. One of them was a year old and I got it for £45. The original owner left the receipt in the tool bag and it was £230 when new. I thought that was an absolute steal. The owner also gave me and Oregon face shield and ear defenders and two petrol containers, free of charge as well.

I find it amazing that companies like Hitachi put another brand name on their products. Everybody knows Hitachi electronics and you can see their construction machinery on a lot of building sites. The untrained eye thinks that Tanaka is just another cheap Chinese brand name that will break in 5 minutes, but it isn't. Perhaps that is why Tanaka products are a bargain second hand

What model are your Tanakas .

They're both TCG22EAS (SLP)

Thanks for the info everyone. It doesn't look like I've got the right model of Tanaka strimmer to allow attachment of the hedgetrimmer fitting. Will just buy an Echo or Stihl pole trimmer second hand off ebay, and see how I get on with it

Thanks for the info guys. Looks like its an Echo or a Stihl long reach then. Are Tanaka hedgetrimmers any good? I've got a couple of Tanaka strimmers and I think they're great. Echo and Stihl seem to be the preferred brands with the pros. Stihl gear seems to be very expensive though, even second hand on ebay. Is Stihl machinery worth the extra?

Hi

I run a company called EPM and we have been asked by a managing agent to quote for the trimming of a few hedges at some apartment blocks where we do the communal cleaning.

We normally just do the regular grass cutting at these places, but I want to start doing more of the general garden maintenance

The tops of the hedges in question are just reachable with a step ladder, and are about 4 feet wide. I need to buy just one hedgetrimmer that will not only do this, but will trim most hedges I might encounter.

I'm wondering whether a pole trimmer might be the best type to get. I've also seen hedgetrimmers with the throttle at the rear and a handle half way up the blade.

Which size and type would be the best all rounder to buy?

Any advice is welcome. Cheers