New Garden Products

Tested and reviewed by Fred-in-the-shed

Updated 14th May 2013

(click here for new DIY products)

Apple Wizard collector for fallen apples

Bosch Keo Cordless pruning saw

RainPerfect Solar powered water butt Pump

Fiskars weeder - as seen on TV!- new Telescopic Version!

New Hotbin Composter

Just in For Testing

Bosch Keo Cordless pruning saw

use for pruning

sawing logs

This superb little saw is lightweight yet surprisingly powerful thanks to its 10.8v Li-ion battery and clever gearing.

I have used it extensively to prune tress and to cut up old branches and building timber for my wood burning stove.

A range of blades are available for different materials and I am particularly impressed with the metal hacksaw blade.

There are a couple of things I don't like about it , firstly the battery is built in and secondly the connector to charge it is hard to insert.

If you can live with these 2 small issues then it is a very useful tool and one I will be using a lot myself even though I have larger, more powerful reciprocating saws.

18v cordless chainsaws

Click here to see my special page dedicated to cordless chainsaws

Click link below to see my new page on

Solar Garden Lights

 

New Lightweight tool for picking up apples without bending! If you have fallen apples and want a fast and easy way to collect them then this UK made tool is ideal. It works like magic and I just love using it. The flexible stainless steel cage just gently opens and the apples roll in. Makes a superb present for anyone with apple trees and will pay for itself if you can eat or store your apples faster. This is a top quality product and the UK manufacturer offers a repair service should you need it. Use the link opposite to purchase

Apple collecting tool - link below

Best Cordless Hedge trimmers -  New Bosch Models with Li-ion Batteries Bosch AHS 48 Li and AHS 52 Li 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 If you want a cordless hedge trimmer for thicker, or less well kept hedges the new Bosch models are best and will cut up to 15mm thick stems. 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 for the Li-ion battery is around 3 hours.   Latest Cordless Hedge trimmer  - Bosch AHS 54 -20 Li with 36v battery! This  hedge trimmer is the first of a new breed of garden tools powered by high powered batteries designed to offer a serious alternative to mains electric and even petrol machinery. As the laws on fuel immersions tighten up we will see more battery powered mowers, trimmers and chainsaws appearing. Bosch have made a head start in this with a range of all 3 of the above mentioned tools that are powered by one, interchangeable 36v Lithium ion battery. I have used this battery for around 4 years in a mower and it is impressive. This new hedgetrimmer has the usual top quality Bosch blades and combined with the innovative battery it really is a tool I rate highly. When used to cut my larger bay tree is actually cut through branches i would usually use secateurs or loppers on! With the battery fitted it is quite a large and heavy tool so this is not one for old ladies, feeble men and anyone with a back  problem etc, Sadly , although the Bosch aHS54-20 Li is an brilliant product Bosch refuse to sell it alone without batteries so anyone who already owns Bosch 36v kit will find this expensive to buy.     Check Price of Bosch 36v hedgetrimmer at Tooled Up click here for more details on the latest and best cordless electric hedge trimmers

(use links below for the longer Bosch 52 Li)  check price of Bosch AHS52Li at B&Q click here for more details on the latest and best cordless electric hedge trimmers The Bosch 36v cordless hedge trimmer cut through this branch on my Bay tree! This is a heavy duty hedge trimmer that will be able to replace petrol models for some people who have large hedges,   There are now 3 sizes of Bosch cordless hedge trimmer using Li-ion batteries from 10.8v to this 36v beast

CURRENTLY UNDER TESTING August 2011 18v Cordless hedge trimmer 18v cordless grass trimmer   both with Li-ion Batteries

sold individually with batteries, naked, or as a pair The CEL 18 v garden tools are all powered by a 1.2ah Li-ion battery that also powers the CEL Power 8 workstation as seen on the Dragons Den. sold individually with batteries, naked, (no batteries or charger) or as a pair with 1 battery and fast 1 hour charger From my initial tests the tools function well and I particularly like the lights on the battery that tell you how much charge you have left. (approximately) The grass trimmer has a wheel but unlike other grass trimmers with wheels this one can only be used when trimming edges. It uses a single nylon line on a spool so is more suitable for trimming up to walls than the plastic bladed trimmers

NEW PRODUCT FOR 2011 FISKARS MOMENTUM PUSH MOWER This new mower invented by my tools design Guru Marcus in Finland is the most advanced push mower yet. It has a wider cut than previous push (or reel mowers) and unlike all of those that have gone before it can cut right to the edge. The best feature of the Fiskars momentum is how easy it is too push and also that it can cut long grass! Another good feature is that the handles are height adjustable and also can be quickly removed for easy storage. I am currently testing the Fiskars Momentum for a second season and am very impressed. As it is quite a large mower it is more suitable for medium to large size lawns with a simple layout as it has a large turning circle. There is now grass box, available as an optional extra. The mower is quite expensive but is superb quality and will save you a fortune at the Gym! T

 

The RainPerfect Solar Powered Water Butt Pump This new invention arrived at my shed at the end of October and is undergoing tests in the Fredshed garden. From initial inspection it appears to be very well made with strong plastic mouldings, a large solar panel and excellent connectors. The unit containing the 12v rechargeable batteries sits on the top of your water barrel and a hose drops down inside. To install the RainPerfect all you need to do is cut a 2 inch hole in the lid of your barrel, screw down the unit and then fit the solar panel to a nearby sunny wall. The on/off button is located on top of the green unit which also houses the Hozelock style connector for your pipe.

The solar panel and 12v battery produced a good rate of flow through a standard hosepipe. It has an on/off switch and indicator lights to tell you the level of charge in the battery pack. The unit needs to be taken in and stored during the winter as freezing water would damage the pump.

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 £115 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   German Made Lowe Loppers Rolcut was a well known brand in the UK the tool design was from a German company called Lowe who had patented the first anvil pruner in 1923. My Dad's old Rolcut secateurs were very well used (and abused) but always provided good service. The all metal design and anvil blade made them the toughest pruner available and they were the choice of many professionals and enthusiasts. Well Lowe pruning tools are now back in the UK and I have been testing some of them with my team. All of the tools performed well and are a similar quality to Felco. Spare parts are stocked in the UK and easily available. Sadly the Lowe parts do not fit the old Rolcut tools and Rolcut as a company is no more. The Lowe loppers have polished oval shaped aluminium handles and are a total joy to use. The cutting power and quality is top class and priced at around £80- £90 they are better value than the Felco model shown above.   Bypass lopper Lowe 21.065  approx £84

Felco Model 210C Carbon fibre handles German Made Lowe Loppers Superb Quality Loppers

Haxnicks Soft Tie-  New Easy to use plant tie We all need to tie in our plants at some time but what we don't 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. The soft spongy coated wire is also gentle on your plants. Soft tie is available in a range of widths and lengths and in brown or green. click to buy Haxnicks soft tie

Gentle on plants - gentle on fingers. Available in green or brown, thick or thin. Re- use it again and again, !

 grass trimmers are not my favourite tools, I hate the spools and the cordless ones used to lack  power, this has been improved- with the new Lithium Ion Batteries

click here for my page on the latest and best cordless  grass trimmers

Latest model cordless grass trimmers

Bosch models - currently being tested

My preference for trimming grass is ....

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 and now obsolete 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. Use my links below to find the best deal, which is usually the 2 bladed kit with the handle included.

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!     However the new Isio has the unique anti stall electronics that now cut better than the more powerful and expensive Wolf shears.

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.     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.

The new large size digging Spork with 90cm ash shaft and T handle head size 247mm * 155mm wide guide price £65    Buy the large, T handled digging Spork from Fred's recommended supplier

Figo-  New easy way to connect canes for frames and wigwams. This new product from a lady inventor enables you to connect a wide range of  diameter of cane ( or branch) The soft and flexible rubber fits tightly to hold the canes together to save you time and effort, use again year after year. There are 2 models of Figo,  for 3 or 4 cane connection, available in packs of 10. There has been a similar product around that does the same job but its use was limited to canes of certain diameters.     New product and the cheaper old style for same size cane diameters

This is the flexible Figo connector for 3 canes The 4 cane version is designed to make square or rectangular frames.

If you found my site helpful or want to to buy tools or other products online please use the searchbox or links below as any purchases will create a small commission that helps fund my site and work. Thank you.

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 spade shown right is quite chunky tool 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

Recently Tested The Husqvarna Automower 220AC Over the last 10 years I have  used various Robomows and the Mowbot. In 2010 I will be testing and reviewing the British made Husqvarna Robot Mower. The Automower 220 AC is the entry level model and is a true robot mower as it returns to its charging station and comes out whenever you want it to.  click here for my page on cordless and robotic mowers Coming Soon - Bosch and Flymo Robot Lawnmowers
Lightweight Trolleys and 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! Sadly they are hard to find but you sometimes find them at shows such as gardeners world live. A alternative is  the Contico Easy Pull , which is Easy to Pull (strangely) but for my money is not as versatile as a trug and tubtruck.	My Mum with her trug and truck
Another New product to Kill Slugs and Snails Best way to kill slugs and snails? The Slugbell is an attractive little device that claims to make more effective use of your slug pellets by hiding them in a wire basket under a cone. This stops your slug pellets being degraded by the rain and weather and also prevents other animals eating them. However trials by myself and one of my readers did not go well and the slugs just seem to ignore the pellets and eat our lettuce! * Previous to this I experimented with copper barriers but found that my snails would climb over them for the best lettuce. I think copper barriers may work when they are new and shiny but not when they become weathered and oxidation sets in. So far I have not found a worthwhile gadget to prevent snails except slug pellets or physically removing them at night and killing them. Night time is the best time to hunt slugs and snails and after a while you get to know where they hide too. * I live in Oxford so perhaps I have extra clever snails!	Another device to prevent slug damage
Prevent Moss and Mould from Growing on Paths, Walls and Garden Furniture Never Green Invisible surface Protector - from Vitec Global Ltd This new product uses clever biology and environmentally friendly bacteria to coat surfaces and prevent mould from growing. The shady parts of my garden always go green and black after wet weather and it is a bit of a pain to pressure wash them all the time. This year I am testing Never Green Invisible surface protector and have cleaned up some areas to run a trial. So far so good, no mould has grown back and it was very easy to apply with a 5 litre sprayer. watch this space to see how long it lasts! Latest news - September 2012 - 7 months lots of rain - no sign of moss or mould!	Before After My drive and wall always go green due to shading from the large electric gate. My neighbours brickwork has gone black with mould so I have cleaned both in Feb 2012 and am running a trial of Never Green to see how long these surfaces stay clean. Latest news - September 2012 - 7 months lots of rain - no sign of moss or mould!

Shredder News - The Bosch AXT 2000HP and AXT2200HP. discontinued! Replaced by 4 new models AXT23TC, AXT25TC, AXT22D and AXT25D	BOSCH SHREDDER NEWS NEW MODELS AXT22D AXT25D AXT 25 TC, AXT 23 TC These new models are mow widely available  I have one under test - see my  shredder page for the latest news.
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       This improved Swiss made blade fits all Bosch rapid shredders!

Click link below to see my new page on

Collecting Leaves

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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 

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