Cheap Trimmer and Attachments

[Hedgemaster]

Last month I was asking about 4 cycle trimmers, as I wanted to get some sort of backup trimmer in case my Stihl should ever crap out on me. I figured I'd pick up something with a split shaft so I could then buy attachments for occasional use. At this stage in my business, I can't justify the expense of some of the commercial grade tools, so these should "get me by" until I can upgrade. I can then sell these off, or keep them as backups. Here's the thread I started regarding 4 cycle trimmers. I ended up getting a 26cc Yard Man Select straight shaft (split) trimmer that was on clearance at W-mart for $140.(reg $190) While I was there, I picked up a pole pruner attachment as well, and figured I'd wait for the other attachments to go on clearance before buying them. With pole pruner attachment... and with extension... A few shots with my Stihl FS90R for comparison... Note that the hedge trimmer attachment for the Stihl was absolutely worth the money - very well built and has been extremely useful. I highly recommend it. Also note my forward "dork handle". LOL! It looks retarded like that, but it weighs next to nothing, isn't in the way, and comes in handy when using the hedge trimmer attchment. Close up of the pole pruner... Craftsman 18' saw for comparison... And the rest of the attachments... (Pole Pruner, Hedge Trimmer, Edger, Cultivator) I was in W-mart last night and saw that the attachments are now on clearance so I picked them up. (prices noted are clearance prices) Pole Pruner - $75 (I paid $92 - going back for a price adjustment!) Hedge Trimmer - $45 Edger - (I got my edger at Lowes with a coupon - paid $60. The ones in W-mart are now $45) Cultivator - $75 The only one I've actually used so far is the edger. Since I've never used one before I couldn't tell you if it's any good. I mean, it worked, so woo-hoo! Hope the rest come in handy. They may be "garbage" compared to commercial grade units, but they are better than not having them at all, and until I can justify the added expense of commercial equipment, they will have to do.

[monoshock]

Lawn care business tips

I've been using the same power head with a curved shaft trimmer all summer and realy like it. Cold starts 2 pulls,warm starts 1 pull and it running. I need to get one of those edger attachments.

[Hedgemaster]

Originally Posted by monoshock

I've been using the same power head with a curved shaft trimmer all summer and realy like it. Cold starts 2 pulls,warm starts 1 pull and it running. I need to get one of those edger attachments.

I think you mentioned that in the other thread.
Honestly, it doesn't hold a candle to my Stihl. When using the string trimmer, it bogs down easily unless running full speed. It is what it is though. I understood that going into this purchase, so I can't complain. At least it solved several of my "problems" and met most of my "needs".

Like I said, W-mart has the Poulan Pro stuff on clearance. Get 'em while they are cheap!

[Steve]

It will be great to hear the review of the equipment as you use it in the field.

All those attachments look very functional.

[Hedgemaster]

I can do one better. How about a review FROM the field?

I just used the pole pruner!
Had to cut a few feet off a row of Forsythia and a lot of it was too thick for my hedge trimmer to cut. It worked great and the chain never loosened or popped off.

I'm on my phone, or I'd post pics.

[Hedgemaster]

Nothing spectacular and I forgot to take closeups, but here's what I cut today using a combination of my Stihl with the hedge trimmer attachment and the new 4 cycle trimmer with the pole pruner (chainsaw) attachment...
(the row of forsythia at the corner)

Before




After




slightly different angle showing truck for scale...






If I didn't have that pole pruner attachment, I would have been up on a ladder using loppers to cut off each trunk. Worked pretty well and didn't ooze/spray bar and chain oil like my craftsman saw does!

I also shaped those two sets of shrubs, but I did those last week when I was there to mow the grass. This is one of my biweekly accounts. I mow all the grass you see in the photo as well as the two strips down the sides. There is no grass to mow behind the building. $25 job - easy. Then I walk across the street and do one that's even smaller for $20.

[Steve]

That's really good! It shows the functionality of the tool!

How long did it take to work on the shrubs with it and how long do you think it would take if you didn't have it?

[Hedgemaster]

Originally Posted by Steve

That's really good! It shows the functionality of the tool!

How long did it take to work on the shrubs with it and how long do you think it would take if you didn't have it?

I forgot to note the time in my log book, but I recall that I wasn't in a hurry because that day my schedule was already screwed up, and rushing wasn't going to help. I just know that standing on the ground with a small chain saw on a pole is a lot less work than working on a ladder with hand tools.

[Hedgemaster]

I also used the hedge trimmer attachment the other day. It's nowhere near as nice as my Stihl hedge trimmer attachment, but for the money, I can't complain.

I used it to cut back some overgrown ivy on the ground and I'm glad I had it - I wouldn't have wanted to risk damaging my expensive Stihl attachment doing what I was doing. As a matter of fact, I may pick up ANOTHER one as a spare. For $45 you can't go wrong.

It articulates, but not as easily as my Stihl - the blade is shorter too.
That said, it cuts through average hedges with ease and makes a nice addition to my growing arsenal of tools. It gives me a little added reach over my standard gas hedge trimmer and since I can add the 3' extension pole from the pole pruner to it, I can reach even further.

On top of that, I had picked up a second pole pruner on clearance, intending to return the first one I paid full price for, but I'm thinking of keeping it as a spare, AND it gives me ONE MORE 3' extension pole I can add to either the pole pruner OR the hedge trimmer for REALLY long reach if needed.

I realize that some people may scoff at the purchase of such "inferior" equipment, but I honestly don't care because this "crap" has already (a) allowed me to make money I otherwise would not have made, and (b) has made my job EASIER, and FASTER.

Thus far, I do not regret buying any of it and I now carry the "powerhead" and all the attachments (except the cultivator) in the truck at all times.

[Steve]

As you look ahead, is there any hedge trimming equipment you would like but haven't purchased yet?