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

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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 |

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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
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Isio battery powered grass shear

Isio grass shears with optional telescopic handle
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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)
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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
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| 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
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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.
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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
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Spork Inventor Robert Todd (right) with Dutch manufacturer Sietse
Dewit
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The new large size digging Spork
with 90cm ash shaft and T handle
head size 247mm * 155mm wide
guide price £60
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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
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Sneeboer Tools from Holland
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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.
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See
the new Sneeboer Stainless Steel Digging Fork
See the Sneeboer Stainless Steel Transplanting Spade
see the Sneeboer Ladies Spade |
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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!
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These are my micro-herbs, grown indoors using my envirolites, and
not a slug in sight!
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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
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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
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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 |

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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
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Winner of the 2007 Golden Shed
Award |
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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!
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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.

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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
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Sack wheels and alternatives -Move Pots and tubs easily
(Also boxes)
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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
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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! |


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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
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buy cheaper domestic plastic garden path |
Solar powered garden lighting
Tested and Reviewed by fred-in-the-shed
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The idea of getting free energy from the sun to romantically light
your garden is very appealing. The reality for most people is a dent
in your wallet and a few sad looking "glow in the dark" way markers
that last one summer.
Like these ones on the right that cost about £4 each.
For £4 you can't expect a lot and if you have enough of these way
markers they can look cute. However they will NOT light up your garden
so you can see where you are going, more like point the way to go.
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Advances in solar panels, batteries and LED bulbs have led to a new
generation of genuine solar garden lights that will actually light
your patio or driveway. - Well maybe not in winter.
I have tested many of these lights and found that some of
the cheaper ones were as good as the expensive ones.
The large one with the fluorescent bulb gave out more light but was
unreliable and very expensive. I think fluorescent bulbs are not ideal
in solar lighting as they require a jump start of electricity and this
may not happen if the day was cloudy, your panel is dirty or your
batteries are on the way out.
One of the best solar powered lights I have come across is this wall
mounted solar welcome light that comes on when it detects a person
approaching. It has a large solar panel LED bulbs and 3 batteries. As
it only comes on when you needed it can give out a lot of light and I
have above my front door.
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Best Solar Powered Garden SpotLights
After testing dozens of solar powered garden
lights over many years I have now found one that actualy has the
power to light a path of illuminate a tree.
This all metal
solar lamp has 5 LEDs, 3 AA Batteries and larger than average PV
solar panel. It does cost £39.99 but when you
consider the cost of using a qualified electrician to install
outdoor lighting a few of these offers a cheap option.
If you would like to buy a quality long lasting solar garden light
please mail me for details.
or click this link for my recommended supplier
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New Garden Cart as seen on Dragons Den
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Garden Cart for tools and plants
The Garden Gopher cart is a new British Innovation
that enables you to move your tools, plants and sundries around
your garden with ease.
The Garden Gopher was invented by a very
talented lady and featured on the TV - The Dragons Den.
I am testing this new product and so far am
quite impressed with it. It certainly can carry some weight and
hold a lot of tools. After a year of use I am very pleased with it
and am happy to keep it featured on my website. See wide range of wheelbarrows and garden carts |

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Other Options and alternatives to wheelbarrows

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This fold flat trolley can hold small tools and rubbish. |
Cut and Hold
Secateur from Felco
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Felco secateurs are the classic tool used by more
professionals than any other secateur. The tried and tested design
has been around for years and has also been copied more than any
other tool. It is the HIGHEST quality product and all parts can be
replaced if necessary. The classic 100 secateur has now been
improved with the addition of a cut and hold mechanism that is
especially useful when stretching to deadhead or for general
pruning. Needless to say this mechanism is also indispensable if for
any reason you only have the use of one hand.
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Price approx £45 - Made in
Switzerland
There is a large range to suit your plants and hand size.
Including left handed secateurs
buy
Felco secateurs online from garden4less
(this site has good discounts)
check prices with another Fredshed partner
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The ZERO Laser Lawnmower
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I saw this prototype in September 2000, no sign of it in the shops
yet! I asked Wolf for a demo but so far they have not turned up at
my house to cut my lawn! Call me a cynic but I'll believe it
when I see it! unlike robotic lawnmowers that I have tested and used
for over 5 years with great results. |
The Zero is a prototype lawnmower
that Wolf Garden of Germany claim actually works.
The vehicle is a Mercedes "Smart" car convertible with a laser cutting lawnmower
attachment. The story goes......
"With
the laser the speed is restricted to15kmh. The "Siltidry"
laser is totally silent and even dries the cutting before redistributing them in
tiny pieces onto your lawn to act as a nourishing Mulch.
A laser lawnmower makes no noise and has no blades to wear. Also the cut is controlled
by a cctv camera linked to an onboard computer"
This imaginative project
has been undertaken by Wolf Garden Tools of Germany.
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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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