If you are buying a mains powered electric hedge trimmer then it is likely that you have a large hedge so go for one with plenty of power and a long blade. More important is the quality of the blade since this is a machine that is going to take a lot of stick!

Don't be tempted by really  cheap hedge trimmers, you will most likely be wasting your money.

Best Heavy Duty Electric Hedge Trimmer

Probably the most impressive mains electric hedge trimmer I have tested is the Makita UH4850 from Japan.

This well made professional quality machine has precision ground  48cm blades and a 500w motor that cuts even thick stems with ease.

It is priced well above Bosch and Black&Decker models but if you do a lot of hedge trimming then it may be worth the money. This machine is really built to last and has been designed so you can easily change the motor brushes. Makita models have a long market life and spares are available for many years.

RRP £175 commonly discounted at around £100

  If this is a bit too much to spend then a good alternative is the excellent Bosch AHS 63 which does not have as much power but a stonking 63cm top quality blade and some really good customer reviews.

 Use the link below for a cheaper alternative from Bosch.

Gardengroom safety Hedge Trimmer

Trim, Vac and Shred in one go!

Many accidents happen with electric hedge trimmers, either by cutting fingers or electrocution from cutting the cable. About 7 year ago I met an Inventor called Graham Wilson who had a solution - he designed a hedge trimmer with a concealed rotary blade. Another advantage of this design is that the blade would cut and shred the clippings and then blow them into a bag.

Over the years my testing concluded that the Garden Groom is not the best hedge trimmer for everyone but as a specialist product it works very well. It is definitely the safest and the only one that collects and shreds the trimmings- thus saving you a lot of clear up time.

The Garden Groom works best on well maintained hedges that are not too wide. It is fairly heavy and the collecting box fills quickly. However it is now supplied in 2 sizes and  with a tube and large collecting bag which works well if you have space beside your hedge.

Mail me for more information

There is a new version now with wheels for cutting grass! and a small cordless version known as the Gardengroom Barber, watch this space!

This is the Garden Groom Midi, there is also a higher performance model known as the Garden Groom Pro

Inventor Graham Wilson showing me the original version 7 years ago

After testing most of the popular makes of electric trimmer I was very disappointed. Many were either uncomfortable to use or had ridiculously complicated nylon line dispensers that were very hard to replace. Most of the battery powered ones just don't have the umph required.

I know of at least 2 people who became so frustrated that they smashed their trimmers  against a wall and threw them away!

Another annoying thing about electric grass trimmers is the cable - that's why I much prefer the battery powered cordless grass trimmers.

The new cordless trimmers from Bosch have a wheel that supports the weight of the machine and the handles and shafts are adjustable in every way to make the tools easier to use.

The lightest cordless grass trimmer

Gtech ST05 with Lithium Ion battery

The Gtech ST05 is British designed and the lightest cordless trimmer I can find. It is the upgraded version of the excellent ST05 that used a separate 12v battery that you wear on a belt.

As with the ST04 it has a telescopic handle, rotating head, and uses plastic blades but they are larger and thicker than the Bosch ones, which improves cutting performance.

The in-built 14.4v Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery can be recharged in about 30 minutes and gives a run time of up to 40 minutes

Under testing

New Bosch 14.4v Lithium Ion grass trimmer

Also 18v model!

Like the Gtech trimmer these  models also have  telescopic handle, rotating head, and uses plastic blades. They are heavier and the small but powerful Li-Ion batteries have to be taken out to re-charge which gives you the option of longer running times if you get another battery.

A new development for Bosch is that the battery from these gardening products is also used in some DIY tools like drills. Previously Bosch garden and DIY used different batteries which annoyed me immensely.

 Bosch  Grass Trimmer Range

Pictured right is the Bosch ART 26 cordless trimmer. This is a well balanced and easy to use trimmer and has the all important swivelling head to enable you to trim the top and side edge of your lawn. This battery powered trimmer also has the advantage of using small plastic blades instead of a nylon spool.

Some people dislike the plastic blades as they tend to break easily on concrete but many prefer them as they are so easy to change. unlike most nylon line spools that are great when new but seize up with age as they gather crud.

The Bosch range of trimmers has been improved for 2009 and are now available with the lighter and more powerful Lithium Ion batteries that are set to change the whole cordless powertool market.

The 2 Bosch Cordless trimmers are called Accutrim whilst the 3 corded models are called Combitrim as they have a normal tap and go spool and an extra strong spool as well.

I really like the idea of plastic blades on grass trimmers and found that they perform well and are VERY easy to change when worn. A pack of 24 for the ART23 and ART 26 Accutrim grass trimmers costs around £4.99.

 buy the latest model with Li-ion battery

use link below for combitrim line

The plastic blades are not so good when cutting the edges against concrete or brick as they are liable to shatter.

If you want to trim this type of edge use a line trimmer or better still save the planet and use edging shears!

Plastic blades uses on the Bosch cordless trimmers -stored neatly in the handle

The ART 23 and ART 26 cordless trimmers use different size blades.

Flymo 24 volt cordless grass trimmer

Most battery powered grass trimmers lack power due to small batteries, or if they have large batteries they become heavy or unwieldy.

Flymo has tackled this problem by using a large 24v battery which you carry about your waist in a bag. This leaves the trimmer as light as possible and makes for a good alternative to a petrol trimmer for small to medium size areas.

As well as the decent battery the Flymo trimmer forms part of the Sabre system so you can use the handle and battery to power 3 other tools, which are,

Pole type light chainsaw

Hedgetrimmer

Leaf Blower

Click here to buy the Flymo 24v grass trimmer from a Fredshed recommended retailer

click here for largest range of Flymo spares online

The trimmer head can be easily turned to trim the edges

Use the link opposite to get the saw, hedge trimmer and grass trimmer kit

Black and Decker GL690 Grass Trimmer

One of the most  powerful electric trimmers available was the Black & Decker GL690 Strimmer,  which has a 630w motor. As with other higher spec machines it has full adjustment and can be used to trim the top or sides of your lawn.

An interesting feature with the GL690 is that is has two different and interchangeable cutting cassette systems. One conventional spool of nylon and then a "heavy duty" clip in blade like a big nylon cats whisker.

see more electric trimmers from a Fredshed recommended supplier

DID YOU NOW?

The word "Strimmer" belongs to Black and Decker. If you call any other make of grass trimmer a "strimmer" you could be sued!

When it comes to Strimmers B&D have gone through more models than Peter Stringfellow. So please don't ask me about spares or repairs as I just cant keep up with all the numbers!

Many retailers and websites want to sell you the Grass Trimmer - but can't be bothered to sell the line and spools you will need to continue using it.

 buy trimmer spool for Draper, Ryobi and Bosch Grass Trimmers

Wolf Garten Grass Trimmers

The Wolf Trimmer featured here is the Wolf GT845. it is mains powered and uses a twin line spool called a GTF8.

These German made trimmers are very good quality and a good option to the B&D ones if your budget allows.

My heavy old B&D Strimmer ( above)

Lighter 500w version below

Black & Decker Trimmer Spares

Black and Decker trimmers use 3 types of nylon cutting systems. Manual for the older and low spec models and reflex for later models.

The large machines like the GL680 GL685 and GL690 use the Reflex plus system which has the option of the heavy duty "cats whisker" type blade.

I quite like the cats whisker blades as they are easier to fit. Personally I hate nylon trimmer spools as I have wasted many hours trying to fit or fix them. I have also wasted many hours gazing at a rack of plastic in B&Q wondering which one to buy!

If you have a Black & Decker Strimmer the most likely spool you will need is the one below, click for specific model details.

Buy the cats Whisker heavy duty line for the Black & Decker GL680 GL685 and GL690 Trimmers

click here to buy nylon spool for the GL680/685/690 Trimmers

Alternative to Nylon Grass Trimmers

The Wolf BS 80 metal bladed grass and shrub shear

Personally I don't like electric trimmers that cut with Nylon cord. I find that the cord is likely to become brittle over time and break, fail to self feed and can be hard to replace or find replacement cord.

For small jobs I prefer an electric version of the sheep shear that has long lasting  metal blades and a 7.2volt lithium ion battery that can run for up to 125 minutes.

This type of tool has been around a long time and is well tested. The Wolf tools version is the most versatile as it can be fitted to a telescopic handle and have wheels attached.

You can also turn your Wolf grass trimmer into a hedge shear

With a few simple clicks you can  remove the grass shear blades and replace them with a small hedge trimming blade!

The complete kit , including 2 blades, telescopic handle and wheels cost approx £100 and all spares and parts are available.

or use the link below to compare price -

check recommended site for prices and info for Wolf Accu shear range

The Wolf cordless shrubber attachment 

New Product -  2 Tools in 1

as above but with Lithium Ion Battery!

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.

The Bosch Isio comes in 2 versions. The shrub cutting version and the grass cutting version. .

The best accessory I think is the telescopic handle which makes the Isio a joy to use on your lawn edges. The handle has wheels and also allows the Isio to be turned on its side to cut vertical edges.

Replacement blades are available for the Bosch Isio and I believe this tool and it's spares will be available for many years,  unlike the cheaper copies from discount chains and mail order catalogues.

Telescopic handle and wheels.

Coming Soon - Lamborghini version! 

Need More Power?

as above but with 18v Lithium Ion Battery!

Grass and shrub trimming!

For really long running time and a bit more power than the Wolf or Bosch Electric shears I use the Ryobi One+ cordless shear and shrubber.

This tool is part of a system that uses either Nicad or more expensive Li-Ion batteries so unless you already have other tools in the range it works out more expensive to start with. The link below will allow you to buy it "naked" . (without battery or charger).

It comes with the longer shrubber blade too and it is very easy to switch between the two.

Whilst the Ryobi shear has more power from its larger battery it does not have the very useful long handle extension that is an option with the Bosch and Wolf shears.

If you want help choosing the best grass shear for your needs mail me with your budget, location and requirements

at fred@fredshed.com

strictly UK enquiries only please

Decent pressure washers used to cost a fortune. They started off life as industrial machines and then were scaled down for mass market consumption

More recently bargain models have flooded the market. Many are complete rubbish and break down, usually by leaking from failed plastic parts. Another common problem is pumps that don't turn off when you let go of the trigger- this causes the motors to burn out.

I have found pressure washers, (along with garden vacs) to be the most fragile of all consumer electrical products and  suggest extra caution and research when making a purchase.

The tough hoses that come with pressure washers have to be one of the most annoying items ever made. If you can afford it do get a machine with on board hose storage as this will save you a lot of work, swearing and make storing the machine much easier.

Karcher - The brand leader in Pressure washers

As Karcher specialise in powered cleaning products you should get a well researched and reliable tool and not just a "me too copy from the far East .

Many of my readers use Karcher pressure washers and the feedback has been very good.

I have used Karcher pressure washers and have also tested 3 Bosch models extensively.

For cleaning patios both makes produce an enclosed "hovering cover" device that prevents splashback and speeds up cleaning. These devices only fit their own brand pressure washers. I have tested the Bosch model and don't recommend it as it is one of the very few products made by Bosch that is not durable enough to be recommended on Fredshed. My main reason for this is that the nozzle heads are not replaceable and I dont like products that cannot be easily serviced or repaired.

New Bosch Aquatak Clic 125

This top end model has some new features that make it easier to use and store. Primarily the on board hose storage and self rewinding electric cable.

The other good feature is that the spray lance has 5 settings that are accessed by twisting the end. Most other pressure washers require you to remove and replace each nozzle type which can be a real pain. Mail me for my latest test results and help choosing a pressure washer for your needs.

This is my patio after using the Bosch Aqautak 115plus. I was amazed to discover its real colour. The tool is very therapeutic to use (especially on  a hot sunny day). It comes with a  range of accessories and  a car washing brush. The Roto nozzle is the best for cleaning slabs and the work shown above took less than a minute.

This is my neighbour Annette with cleaning her land rover with a Karcher pressure washer. Karcher are a German company and the recognised brand leader in pressure washers - but are they really the best?

check price on the Bosch Aquatak 115 plus

They also work better on blow than suck as wet leaves stick to the ground. Contractors do use blowers and blow material onto a sheet in a corner. This is more practical and dedicated blowers are very simple and reliable machines.

I declare the electric garden shredder vac to be a triumph of marketing over practicality. However if you really want one please use the link below where you will see a range of them from a reliable fredshed recommended retailer

AL-KO Hurricane Blower Vac

One quality machine I tried was the AL-KO Hurricane 2400. It was the least annoying and most effective of the electric garden shredder vacs.

As with most other blower vacs it has a roller on the front to take the weight.

The AL-KO 2400 Hurricane shredder/vac has been in production for several years costs about £90 and is well backed up for spare parts.

click for prices of blowers and garden vacs

18v Cordless Leaf blowers

Cordless Sweepers

Some years back I tested the Black & Decker 18v cordless leaf blower and was very disappointed. Whilst the idea was good the product was a bit ahead of its time and let down by an poor Nicad battery.

Luckily technology has moved on and Makita of Japan have just launched this amazingly small but powerful leaf blower using its latest 18v Lithium-ion battery with its unbeatable 3 amp hour capacity.

Initial tests show a run time of about 20 minutes compared to about 5 from the old B&D GW180.

This vast improvement in performance comes at a price. The Makita blower costs around £50 but this does not include a battery or charger. The Makita BUB182Z forms part of a range of over 20 18v professional quality power tools and Makita assume this will be purchased by customers who already have the battery and charger from their drills, saws, and grinders etc.

If you are a gardener and want the best cordless powertools then there is the 18v cordless chainsaw that runs from the same battery too.

Fantastic Lightweight Leaf Rake

I have tried dozens of rakes over the last 15 years that I have been researching and testing gardening products.

This 65cm wide plastic rake is one of the best as it is so light and effective and is widely used by professional gardeners. It is made in the UK and has extra prongs to hold the leaves and debris in place.

The best feature of this rake is that it is self cleaning and you can lift and deposit debris into a wheelbarrow by just turning it sideways.

Price approx £23

Click to buy from a Fredshed recommended supplier

SAVE THE PLANET AND KEEP FIT

BUY A RAKE  - NOT A GARDEN VAC!

The humble lawn rake has been around for hundreds of years and using it will give you some healthy exercise without the noise and dust of a powered machine.