New Garden Products

Tested and reviewed by Fred-in-the-shed

Updated 25th June 2009

(click here for new DIY products)

Breaking News - New Generation of Cordless Hedge Trimmers and Grass trimmers  Lithium Ion Batteries

Also the latest tool - Bosch CISO

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 cordless grass trimmers

-currently being tested

 

Cordless garden tools offer 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 Bosch and Gtech both launched new hedgtrimmers in 2008 using Li-in technology and I tested and compared both.. The Gtech HT05 has a small blade but long handle. Initial results are very impressive as the tool is so light yet cuts very well. The 14.4v battery is built in and recharges in about 30 minutes, ( a long tea break). The Gtech HTO5 is basically an uprated version of the excellent HT01 model that many of my readers have bought and raved about over the last 4 years. The HT01 originally used a heavy 12v lead acid battery worn on a belt but this has now been improved with a smaller lighter Ni- Cad battery. Whilst the HT01 is not as convenient to use as the new HT05 it is still a very good tool and represents excellent value for a truly tried and tested product.

The new GTECH HT 05 cordless hedge trimmer. Use the link below to buy the old version with separate battery for a bargain price.

If you want a cordless hedge trimmer for thicker, or less well kept hedges the new Bosch models are better and will cut up to 15mm thick stems. They are heavier than the Gtech but still very light compared to most cordless hedge trimmers. There are 2 18v versions, both with the incredibly light and powerful Li-ion batteries. The AHS 48 Li has a 48cm blade and weights a mere 2.2kg whilst the longer bladed AHS52 Li weighs 2.3kg and has a run time of approx 40 minutes depending on the thickness of the hedge you are cutting. This is enough time to get a fair amount of hedge trimmed. Recharge time 3 hours.

Bulldog launch new range of traditional tools in conjunction with Gardening legend Alan Titchmarsh Combining the best of Bulldog tradition with modern designs, the Bulldog "Titchmarsh range" encompasses   solid forged carbon steel forks and spades (shown right) and modern lightweight Aluminium and stainless steel tools. The solid forged forks and spades are 100% British whilst the stainless tools use parts from abroad but assembled in Wigan. The new dark brown finish to the metal parts will darken over time and the tools will take on the "black"  appearance of the old tools you might find in your granddads shed. see my page for Bulldog Tools

 

Hand Made Stainless Steel Garden Tools 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

Formula 1 Garden Loppers!

 

Best Garden Loppers? Carbon fibre handles & Swiss Engineering My favourite loppers for many years have been my Wolf telescopic ones. Now Felco of Switzerland have bought out these state of the art, carbon fibre handled, bypass loppers and I am very impressed. The blades are made from  precision ground, top quality steel and this tool has the sort of engineering usually seen in Formula One cars. The carbon fibre handles make these medium size (24 inches long) loppers extremely light but very strong. At around £90 you would expect superb cutting performance and this is what you get, plus a design statement too. If you can afford it and enjoy having the best then you wont be disappointed. Or if you want to buy a special gift for a a special gardener then these loppers have to be the ultimate gardening gift! click to buy from a Fredshed recommended retailer

Felco Model 210C Carbon fibre handles

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

Battery Powered Electric Grass Shears

For light trimming work on grass I much prefer these to nylon line trimmers as the blades last years and cut very accurately. Also you don't have to frequently buy any annoying spools or nylon line!

 

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 cheaper. The Isio is available in the standard hand version for about £38 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.

Isio battery powered grass shear Isio grass shears with optional telescopic handle. This is great for the top of lawn edges but not so good on the sides - (see wolf accu shears for this job)

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.   Isio spare blades are reasonably priced

2 Tools in 1 Convert your Isio to a Shrub trimmer!   As the Isio only has a 3.6v battery I would recommend looking at the more powerful Wolf ACCU 75 or 100 as featured below for trimming thicker shrubbery.

Heavier Duty Battery Grass Trimmer These Wolf trimmers have a wider cut and more powerful battery and offer a good alternative to the nylon line grass trimmers I have used one of these tools for the last 5 years and absolutely love it. There are 3 models, the ACCU 60, ACCU 75 and the ACCU 100 which has a 100mm wide blade. As with the smaller Bosch Isio these the Wolf trimmers can be used on a long handle with wheels to save you bending and also converted into a shrub trimming tool With a few simple clicks you can  remove the grass shear blades and replace them with a small hedge trimming blade!  USE LINK BELOW FOR THE ENTIRE RANGE AND NEW LITHIUM ION VERSIONS check recommended site for prices and info for Wolf Accu shear range The new Wolf ACCU 100 Li has a running time of up to 125 minutes!

NEW WORMERY - 3RD ONE TESTED BY FREDSHED To be blunt my original wormery was rubbish, (it was an adapted rubbish bin)  and a real pain to get the compost out of. Next came the Can of Worms, which was much better but had a habit of getting waterlogged due to the design of the air holes on the top. I also found the trays difficult to separate when accessing the worms. Now comes the Worm Works which makes better use of space by being square and is even easier to open up for access. It also has better feet so it is more stable and therefore can take more layers if you require them. After 6 months of  testing I would say that this is the best wormery I have tried.

This wormery produces rich compost and liquid feed Don't put in Onions or Citrus Fruits! Love your worms - don't let them get too hot or cold. Site out of sunlight Drain liquid regularly. Parts made in Ireland and USA

The Spork is back! Rob Todd Organic Tools A new , robust range of tools from this truly innovative British inventor and Golden Shed award winner. 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 This is an exclusive and effective tool that is a joy to use and will be cherished by gardeners for years to come.

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 £65

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 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 large, T handled digging Spork from Fred's recommended supplier     Nominated for a Golden Shed Award see my Spork page www.fredshed.co.uk/sporkgardentools.htm

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.

See the Sneeboer Stainless Steel Transplanting Spade see the Sneeboer Ladies Spade

Ground 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 offer that includes delivery, AND a free carbon steel fork head. Carbon Steel Spade £96 Stainless Spade £106 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

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 for testing and never got it back so we know this one is a winner! Another good product for moving waste (and a few tools) around your garden is the B-Tidy workstation. It takes a sackfull of rubbish and folds flat when required for easy storage.   This fold flat trolley can hold small tools and rubbish.	Price approx £26 click to buy a tubtruck - as used by Fred's Mum!
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. If you want to buy some new mail fred@fredshed.com for details	buy cheaper domestic plastic garden path
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

Shredder News - The Bosch AXT 2000HP to be discontinued! Rapid shredders will continue as will the superb AXT2200HP.	BOSCH SHREDDER NEWS NEW MODELS DELAYED AXT 25 TC, AXT 23 TC These now models have hit some production problems and despite being advertised and "sold " by large retailers are NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
Shredder 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   At £89.99 the 2000 is too cheap. Buy now if you see this price as it will not last.       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

Solar powered garden lighting

Tested and Reviewed by fred-in-the-shed

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THANKS

FRED-IN-THE-SHED

Cut and Hold Secateur from Felco

The ZERO Laser Lawnmower

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

p.s When I'm out of the shed I use this dinky little ASUS 901 Notebook and Mobile Broadband to keep in touch and an so impressed with this excellent piece of kit!

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