Try it. The Echo HCA-265ES is a machine that you will either love or hate. We tested it at Alscot Park in Warwickshire two years ago and it got a distinct "thumbs down". Today, at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, we have a difference of opinion.
Like the Echo, the Husqvarna 327 HE4X is a straight-shaft, pole-type, long-reach hedge trimmer. The "4" denotes a 4m reach for an average height user. It is fitted with a 55cm double-sided blade - helping to give that extra bit of reach - so you might think that controlling this long pole would be difficult.
It looks peculiar but the handy, not-so-long long-reach Husqvarna 327 HDA65X wins praise from our testers. It is a hybrid between a long-reach and a conventional rear-handled unit.
A dedicated pole-type, long-reach hedge cutter, the Shindaiwa 242S has a cutting head that impresses. The 55cm Staysharp chrome blades are double-sided and double reciprocating. Cutting is speedy and neat.
Well known for their motorcycles, what we want to know is whether Kawasaki can cut hedges. The KCL525A is the longer of two extended hedge trimmers from the company, the other having a 1.64m overall length. The extra 40cm of reach on this machine adds a mere 300g to the weight.
The Solo 109LG multi-system gives the user many options from a single drive unit. Today we are cutting a hedge. Tomorrow we might be trimming grass, tilling soil, pruning branches or blowing debris in the picnic area.
STIHL makes dedicated long-reach hedge trimmers - the HL 95 and HL 100 plus the electric HLE 71. But here we are testing the STIHL KM 130 R - part of the renowned Kombi System.
Founded in 1993, GreenMech has a history of good ideas. The EcoCombi must be regarded as one of the best. It was one of the first machines from the Warwickshire-based company and it is as good today as it has always been. Being road-towable and easy to manoeuvre, the EcoCombi is ideal for mobile crews...
Having seen a big Bear Cat chipper in action, I was looking forward to testing this chipper/shredder. But nothing could have prepared us for the noise as it winds itself up ready for work. It is not excessively loud or particularly shrill, but the word "uncomfortable" comes to mind. Thankfully, it does...
We understand it is a popular brand and a much-liked machine on the continent and we reckon we should soon be seeing more over here. The Super Prem is powerful, efficient, simple to use and we love the price. Originally built by French firm Saelen as a multi-vegetation processor, the 30DR is now branded...
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