Issues with long reach hedge trimmers

Discussion in 'Tools And Equipment' started by jolly, Oct 9, 2013.

  1. jolly

    jolly Apprentice Gardener

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2013
    Messages:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
    Ratings:
    +1
    Hi,

    I was just wondering if anyone else has problems with using a long reach hedge trimmer for a long period of time. I find them very heavy and have to take regluar breaks. Does anyone have a solution for this? Are there any lightweight petrol trimmers or good back harness to use?
     
    jolly, Oct 9, 2013
    #1 Quote in Conversation
  2. Loofah

    Loofah Admin Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2008
    Messages:
    14,627
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Guildford
    Ratings:
    +25,646
    Learn to use the harness at the correct length (I still haven't), do more of it to build your arms up (I still haven't done that either!) or just do it in smaller batches.

    There are lighter petrol trimmers but due to the length of kit etc they will all weigh heavily after a while
     
    Loofah, Oct 10, 2013
    #2 Quote in Conversation
  3. Kristen

    Kristen Under gardener

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2006
    Messages:
    17,534
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Suffolk, UK
    Ratings:
    +12,669
    Stilts (like drop-ceiling contractors use) and a lightweight trimmer?

    Or a lightweight trimmer and a ladder such as made by Henchman
    www.henchman.co.uk
     
    Kristen, Oct 10, 2013
    #3 Quote in Conversation
  4. jolly

    jolly Apprentice Gardener

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2013
    Messages:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
    Ratings:
    +1
    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
     
    jolly, Oct 10, 2013
    #4 Quote in Conversation
  5. Kristen

    Kristen Under gardener

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2006
    Messages:
    17,534
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Suffolk, UK
    Ratings:
    +12,669
    I'd like to have a metal rail (like a railway track) on either side of my hedges, and then a jig with a long cutter bar that I can just walk along the hedge and Bingo! job done.

    Or could have "sockets" in the ground, for the rails, and a contractor bring the rails and cutter to do the job for me.
     
    Kristen, Oct 10, 2013
    #5 Quote in Conversation
  6. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2008
    Messages:
    33,058
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Surrey
    Ratings:
    +51,739
    You can already buy the back pack version:

    http://www.mysmartbuy.com/p-497-Eck...ck-Power-Unit--with-Easy-Fit-Attachments.html

    I've never used one but should imagine they are much less tiring.

    I wonder about finding the lightest possible powerpack, the one I linked to above is 42.7cc. I reckon a much smaller but more efficient unit would still do the job and reduce weight (but would cost more of course). Maybe an electrically powered unit with as much as possible in the backback (batteries)?
     
    JWK, Oct 10, 2013
    #6 Quote in Conversation
  7. Jiffy

    Jiffy The Match is on Fire

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2011
    Messages:
    11,937
    Occupation:
    Pyro
    Location:
    Retired Next To The Bonfire in UK
    Ratings:
    +35,253
    JWK, first seen a machine just like them back in the 80's, think they were called Knicker Kacker Napsack Mower or some thing like that, had one on demo, nice machine but didn't buy one because of penny's
     
    Jiffy, Oct 10, 2013
    #7 Quote in Conversation
  8. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2008
    Messages:
    33,058
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Surrey
    Ratings:
    +51,739
    Great name Jiffy :)
     
    JWK, Oct 10, 2013
    #8 Quote in Conversation
  9. Lolimac

    Lolimac Guest

    Ratings:
    +0
    I found they feel too heavy after a while...tried all the staps and palarva but can't get on with them....So when 'trimming' my plum trees all was going well but after time i was getting lower and lower through aching arms so now i've got two nice 'little' plum trees:oops:
     
    Lolimac, Oct 10, 2013
    #9 Quote in Conversation
  10. shiney

    shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2006
    Messages:
    64,861
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired - Last Century!!!
    Location:
    Herts/Essex border. Zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +127,022
    Eye watering price!
     
    shiney, Oct 10, 2013
    #10 Quote in Conversation
  11. shiney

    shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2006
    Messages:
    64,861
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired - Last Century!!!
    Location:
    Herts/Essex border. Zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +127,022
    I borrowed a petrol powered professional extendable hedge trimmer with back harness. I still found it too heavy because the motor was on the handle and not the back pack.

    So I bought myself an electric one but didn't take sufficient notice that the motor, much small than the petrol one, was not near my hands but on the end of the pole by the cutter :doh:

    So, although it's a lot lighter than the petrol, it has the weight towards the far end and excerts a lot of leverage. Result, arms aching!

    It seems to me that the electric version could easily be made with the motor at the bottom of the pole instead of the top. They could run the cables through the inside of the pole. Then it would be easier to use.

    You could work on this design.

    http://reviews.diy.com/2191-en_gb/10377691/reviews.htm
     
    shiney, Oct 10, 2013
    #11 Quote in Conversation
  12. Kristen

    Kristen Under gardener

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2006
    Messages:
    17,534
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Suffolk, UK
    Ratings:
    +12,669
    'Fraid so, its what the Pro's use, so might not be justifable just for a small garden. I like the fact that it is stable enough and has a rail that you can put your full weight against to lean right out over the hedge ... means moving it fewer times.

    They come up second hand, at much more affordable prices, now and again
     
    Kristen, Oct 10, 2013
    #12 Quote in Conversation
Loading...
Similar Threads - Issues long reach
  1. hniy

    Robinson Greenhouse Glass Issues

    hniy, Feb 2, 2025, in forum: Greenhouse Growing
    Replies:
    33
    Views:
    1,637
    KT53
    Feb 11, 2025
  2. Sargan

    Tomato issues

    Sargan, Sep 22, 2024, in forum: Edible Gardening
    Replies:
    8
    Views:
    518
    Goldenlily26
    Sep 23, 2024
  3. Joel Bailey

    Snow Storm Calla Lillies - issues

    Joel Bailey, Aug 14, 2024, in forum: Container Gardening
    Replies:
    11
    Views:
    749
    Pete8
    Aug 15, 2024
  4. silexa

    Wisteria Alba issues

    silexa, Aug 3, 2024, in forum: General Gardening Discussion
    Replies:
    6
    Views:
    490
    pete
    Aug 30, 2024
  5. hi2u_uk

    Blueberry plant issues

    hi2u_uk, Apr 30, 2024, in forum: Container Gardening
    Replies:
    35
    Views:
    2,955
    RowlandsCastle
    Jun 10, 2024

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...
    Dismiss Notice