New Garden Products

Tested and reviewed by Fred-in-the-shed

Updated 14th August 2008

(click here for new DIY products)

Breaking News - New Generation of Cordless Hedge Trimmers launched by Bosch with Lithium Ion Batteries

Cordless hedge trimmers are great tools and have significant safety and convenience advantages over corded tools. However hedge-trimmers "take a lot of stick" and need a lot of power, which is hard to supply from a small battery - until now - with the new Lithium Ion Batteries

click here for more details on the latest and best cordless electric hedge trimmers

Latest model -currently being tested

 

Breaking News - The obsolete Wolf Terrex Autospade has a replacement from a new company and has been improved! After many years absence the incredible autospade has been revived and is available now for UK delivery The new version  is available with carbon steel or stainless steel spade head and has stronger springs. mail me for details of the special launch offers that includes delivery, AND a free carbon steel fork head. Stainless Spade £109.99 Carbon Steel Spade £99.99 Spares also available for this and the old original wolf terrex autospade see my alternative digging tools page for more info and to buy the new autospade.

All spares and parts available for this and the old wolf Terrex autospade -mail me for details

Breaking News - Bulldog launch new range of Stainless Steel Tools Although I personally prefer simple carbon steel tools for strength I know there are circumstances where stainless steel is suitable and I am pleased to announce that the new Bulldog Pedigree range is assembled in the Wigan factory from well sourced components. If you would like to buy these tools please mail me with numbers and I will give you a price UK enquiries only please. Coming Soon New Alan Titchmarsh range of Bulldog Garden Tools

 

LATEST TOOLS UNDER TESTING This new longer handled trowel compliments the tried and tested  hand fork from Sneeboer tools of Holland. Sneeboer tools have been around for generations but have only recently found there way to these shores as quality garden tools get harder to find. The fork and trowel shown right are hand crafted from a special type of stainless steel and have seasoned Ash handles. I will also be testing many other Sneeboer tools including Mattocks and large digging tools. Using hand crafted quality garden tools is a revelation and helps make your whole gardening experience more enjoyable. The tines of the fork are extra strong and the flat profile helps lift more soil. The Ultimate trowel is longer and thinner than normal and just what you need to dig small planting holes with ease and less bending.

see the Sneeboer Ultimate Flowerbed Trowel see the Sneeboer Stainless Steel hand fork Special offer - get £5 off any order of 3 Sneeboer Tools. just quote "Fredshed" at the checkout.

 

Black & Decker 18V Cordless Chainsaws This excellent new tool from Black and Decker is the latest tool to join their range of cordless garden tools. As it is battery powered and the chain is relatively slow running it is much safer to use than petrol or mains powered chainsaws and is ideal for smaller jobs like pruning and sawing up logs. The saw requires some self assembly but nothing complicated. The 18v battery can also be used in drills and DIY tools as well as Black & Decker strimmers, hedge trimmers, blowers and pole pruners. price guide £89- £99 Also available The 18v battery is also used in many other  Black & Decker garden power tools and will last 20-30 minutes which is enough to get a fair amount of work done. The same size chain is used in this powered pole pruner with a handle that can extend to 2m and screws together easily with no wires involved.  best price on the 18v cordless chainsaw   COMING SOON! Makita 18v cordless chainsaw with Lithium Ion Battery Due in September 2008 this will be the ultimate cordless chainsaw - but ! It will be very expensive, £400 I expect so dont get too excited!

cuts up to about 6 inches diameter

Soft Tie-  New Easy to use plant tie We all need to tie in our plants at some time but what we dont need on a cold day is fiddling around with a skinny bit of plastic coated wire. This new plant tie is a strong wire coated in a thick but flexible rubbery material that makes it easy to manipulate and also protects delicate plants. Also as the tie is larger and more durable you are more likely to use it again - and again.  I really like this product which will be especially useful for gardeners with arthritis and people with fingers like sausages. Soft tie is available in a range of widths and lengths and in brown or green. click to buy Haxnicks soft tie

 

A new breakthrough in powered garden tools, this lightweight grass shear and shrub trimmer has Lithium Ion batteries for power and durability. Lithium ion batteries are also more environmentally friendly than Nicads or Nimh batteries. The Bosch ISIO is similar to the Award winning Wolf trimmer but it is smaller, lighter and has a better battery. (It is also much cheaper ) The Isio is available in the standard hand version for about £35 but can also be converted to a shrub cutter and or be extended with a telescopic handle. The telescopic handle (with wheels) makes the Isio a fantastic tools for trimming lawn edges and can be used flat or on its side.   currently the link above to Amazon has the best price as it includes delivery. If you want to check and compare with another supplier use the link below latest price on Bosch ISIO battery grass shears

Isio battery powered grass shear Isio grass shears with optional telescopic handle

2 Tools in 1 Grass and shrub trimming! The Bosch ISIO can be converted from a grass shear to a small shrub trimmer in seconds and is surprisingly efficient. I also like the drop in charger base and metal tin that the tool comes in. Running time is very good thanks to the Li-ion batteries and I get 20 minutes use which included some woody shrub material. The softer the material you cut the longer the battery will last between re-charges. Watch this space for more details as testing proceeds  price of Bosch ISIO cordless shrub shears  best price on Bosch ISIO shape and edge kit ( this includes both cutting blades)

Best Cordless Mower Breakthrough in battery technology! The Bosch Rotak Li is new for 2007 and is the best battery powered mower I have ever seen. Over the years I have tested many cordless mowers and although I love the concept of "no cable -no petrol" , none of the mowers are machines I would want as my main machine. The Bosch Rotak Li is the exception due to its lightweight but very powerful 36v Lithium Ion rechargeable battery

The Bosch Rotak range of mowers has been around 3 or 4 years and are the mowers I recommend most because they cut so well and have extra durable Bosch motors. The Rotak Li comes in 2 sizes, 37cm cut and 43cm cut. Both have easy height adjustment and sturdy wheels with a little rear roller for that stripy effect. The 36v battery is the same as the ones used in Bosch Professional Power tools like Builders drills so it is well tried and tested. The smaller Rotak Li 37 comes with one battery and is available from around £250, the larger 43cm model comes with 2 batteries for cutting up to 600sqm. click for latest price of the Rotak Li 37cm model click for latest price on Rotak Li 43cm model use link below to compare prices from another fredshed recommended supplier  more info on Bosch Rotak Li

This 36v battery is the same one used in the Bosch GSB36V Li cordless combi drill and the awesome Bosch GBH36V Li rotary hammer drill. The charger for this battery uses a fan to air cool the batteries before charging for maximum lifespan.

The Spork is back! Rob Todd Organic Tools A new , robust range of tools from this truly innovative British inventor of the Golden Shed winning Spork. The new Spork range has wooden handles and a more rustic finish than the original stainless steel Sporks. They are now hand made in Holland by my friend Derek Dewit and can be ordered directly from fredshed. This is an exclusive and effective tool that is a joy to use and will be cherished by gardeners for years to come. mail me for advanced orders and delivery times.   Nominated for a 2007 Golden Shed Award see my Spork page www.fredshed.co.uk/sporkgardentools.htm

Spork Inventor Robert Todd (right) with Dutch manufacturer Sietse Dewit

The new large size digging Spork with 90cm ash shaft and T handle head size 247mm * 155mm wide guide price £60

The Spork garden tool is a hybrid  that successfully combines many of the benefits of a fork and spade. The Spork  has been extensively tried and tested and has a large following amongst keen gardeners. The new range of Spork garden tools are stronger and are hand made in Holland by the DeWit family. The range is more extensive and now known as Robert Todd Organic tools. There are 6 tools in the range which will be fully featured here shortly. The superb hand spork shown left. The large size, hand made garden spork has a European style T handle and makes a superb present for the serious gardener. In 2003 I gave Robert Todd a coveted Golden Shed award for his Spork Invention. The new range are even better and handmade by the worlds finest garden tool makers.   Buy the special YD handled UK version

Sneeboer Tools from Holland

 

Craftsman made Stainless Steel Digging Tools As the British garden tool manufacturers have dwindled down and disappeared the Chinese manufacturers have taken over and sold us lots of shiny tools that look good but just don't last.( There are a few exceptions) These new tools from an old Dutch manufacturer called Sneeboer fill the gap as they are made from the finest steel and wood by a family of craftsmen with tools in their blood. When you pick up  Sneeboer tool you know this is the real Mcoy and will treasure it and take pride in the work you do with. Sneeboer tools are now available in the UK and the range is enormous, there is a tool for every job. Jaap Sneeboer even made one for me some years back! These tools are not cheap, but neither is a Bentley and they are real enthusiasts and professionals tools. They also make wonderful presents. The fork and spade shown right are quite chunky tools but Sneeboer also have smaller and lightweight ladies forks, spades and hoes.   Special offer - get £5 off any order of 3 Sneeboer Tools. just quote "Fredshed" at the checkout.	See the new Sneeboer Stainless Steel Digging Fork See the Sneeboer Stainless Steel Transplanting Spade see the Sneeboer Ladies Spade
Horticultural Grow Lights Envirolites  -New Low Energy Bulbs for indoor plant growing Horticultural Grow lights have a habit of using a lot of energy and creating too much heat, which can scorch seedlings (and arms) These new bulbs under testing at Fredshed use special low energy fluorescent bulbs that give out the correct spectrum of light for growing plants. The immediate difference is that you can actually touch these briefly without getting burned! So far I have only used the 2 lamp reflector (shown right) to perk up my house plants but I will be trying other plants soon and report my findings Using Growlights at Le Manoir  Raymond Blanc's Head Gardener from the famous Le Manoir Aux Quat Saissons uses horticultural growlights to grow organic micro-veg for the stunning menus served in the award winning restaurant. Anne Marie has tested many products for Fredshed and is now using the new low energy light bulbs featured here. Meanwhile I have copied Le Manoir and grown my own micro herbs under lights and use them in my own gourmet cooking - watch out Mr Blanc - the fredshed restaurant is on its way!	These are my micro-herbs, grown indoors using my envirolites, and not a slug in sight!
UNDER TESTING Hydroponic Propagator for faster Propogation I am currently testing this little propagator from Greenhouse sensation in my shed to see if it is easier than using soil. After a few days my parsley seeds sprouted and my shrub cuttings followed a couple of weeks later. Personally speaking I am happy to grow in soil but was impressed at the speed the cuttings took. Watch this space for more info

Fantastic Lightweight Border Rake I have tried dozens of rakes over the last 15 years that I have been researching and testing gardening products. This narrow border size leaf rake is one of the best as it is so light and effective and its small size ( 8inches wide) means it is easier to store in your shed. The design advantages of this new tool are that it has an oval shaped aluminium handle which gives maximum strength but minimum weight. Also the flexible nyglass* tines flick out the leaves from lawns and off soil. Nyglass is an advanced mix of plastic and fibreglass that is more durable than most plastic used in garden tool. Price approx £20 Click to buy from a Fredshed recommended supplier	8 inches wide - super light- super strong
Lightweight Trolley for Tubtrugs The fredshed recommended and approved Tubtrugs have been a boon to many gardeners and now their use can be enhanced by this superb little truck to enable you to easily move material and turn your Tubtrug into a lightweight alternative to a wheelbarrow. I gave this sample to my Mum and never got it back so we know this one is a winner! Price approx £26   click to buy a tubtruck - as used by Fred's Mum!  See wide range of wheelbarrows and garden carts
New smaller size forks and spades from Bulldog tools Designed to suit shorter, elderly and female gardeners Once upon a time someone made a smaller lighter spade and called it the "Ladies Spade" Although it sold well it was dropped and considered politically incorrect. Since then many ladies and short men have asked me for the "ladies spade" . I wouldn't dare call this shorter tool a "ladies spade" but you can -if you wish and just mail me if you want one,  made in the traditional way, direct from the UK factory. fred@fredshed.com and I can order them for you or find the best supplier	Winner of the 2007 Golden Shed Award

Breaking News - the Bosch AXT180 and AXT200 have been upgraded to NEW BOSCH AXT2000 RAPID and AXT2200 RAPID WITH MORE POWER  AND IMPROVED SWISS MADE BLADE Winner of the 2007 Golden Shed Award       This improved Swiss made blade fits all Bosch rapid shredders!

Black & Decker Alligator Pruner This amazing new tool from Black and Decker combines the features of a small chainsaw with the action of loppers. The result is a very effective pruning tool that is easy to use and most importantly very SAFE. The Alligator is light enough for me to use from my wheelchair and the clamping jaws and double safety switches make it much safer than any other powered pruning tool.

The Black and Decker Alligator has a 550w motor and weights about 4KG. It will easily cut branches up to 100mm Initial test results are very good and I will give this tool some heavy use this summer and report results here    use link below to compare prices  check Alligator price from Fredshed recommended supplier

Sack wheels and alternatives -Move Pots and tubs easily

(Also boxes)

 

Fort Potmover This fantastic new invention makes moving pots and tubs a doddle. It uses the leverage principle and can be used with one hand. I am a wheelchair user and even I can move heavy tubs now! You simply slide the top handle down over the rim of the tub and lean the trolley back to lift the pot. This well made (Holland) piece of equipment can lift pots up to 50kg and really does work a treat. It can also be used to move heavy boxes! use the link below to buy  See wide range of wheelbarrows and garden carts

Draper Folding Sack Wheels Sack Wheels are one of the most useful and time tested pieces of equipment that you could possibly have in your garage or workshop.  Normal  sack wheels are heavy and difficult to store . Draper have come up with a solution to both problems with this excellent new product. Despite being lightweight, this product is strong and well made. It can carry up to 90kg and has a non-slip die cast aluminium plate and a soft-grip handle. Buy  the Draper folding sack-wheels from Amazon.co.uk or if you want a similar product with 6 wheels to cope with steps click the link below  See wide range of wheelbarrows and garden carts THE SACKTRACK AND POTMOVER FEATURED HERE ARE ABOUT THE SAME PRICE BUT  MORE CONVENIENT THAN A TRIP TO THE CHIROPRACTOR!

Ground Reinforcing Material This is a new system of plastic tiles that is used to produce a strong stable surface on lawns or areas of soil. The system is more versatile than others I have seen and is incredibly strong Once the system in is place a car can be driven over it. the system is also suitable for creating access for wheelchair users. Once installed grass can grow between the tiles and even be mowed to create a natural looking surface. mail fred@fredshed.com for details

buy cheaper domestic plastic garden path

Solar powered garden lighting

Tested and Reviewed by fred-in-the-shed

New Garden Cart as seen on Dragons Den

Cut and Hold Secateur from Felco

The ZERO Laser Lawnmower

  Still can't find the tool you are looking for?

For free expert advice - on buying tools, (on and off-line) mail me at
fred@fredshed.com 

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