Commercial Battery Hedge Trimmer Comparison, Stihl, Ego and Husqvarna

[@stevelanghorn1407]

Really great review...good straightforward format. Very clear & practical...(and no irritating musak!) I'm a self employed gardener in Lancaster UK & I've been really happy with my Stihl 86 but that new pro stihl looks great. It's just the backpack & the price that make me hestitate.

[@lovelawns]

Hey Steve, you can get away with a couple of AP300 batteries and the belt holster with the hedger, that will keep the price down a bit with plenty of run time.

[@Christian.....]

I am glad that you be honest and told us about your accu addiction. On the other hand I am angry that it is too late for me. I am not a commercial user and owned recently a Husky 142i Mower. Some weeks later I got a Husky 325ilk after watching your video! Now I be addicted too and looking for a Hedge Trimmer as next, maybe the 522iHD60. Anyway, my hedge is only 10 meters long. I could resist and purchased a cheap 18V hedger (2200 cuts/min). This should be enough for me...at least this year 😛 The next Husky will be the blower 325iB (I guess not a 525iB) I really like the silence and the performance of 36V products.

[@lovelawns]

Haha, yes sounds like we both have a problem lol 😆 thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@tgsgardenmaintenance4627]

I personally do as much hedge cutting, as I do hedge trimming. I can probably replace my current hedge trimmers fairly easily, but the hedge cutters, not so easily! I currently have a Stihl HS81R, and a Husqvarna 522HDR75X, both of which will chomp through a 2 inch branch when necessary! Any recommendations are welcome!

[@lovelawns]

Hi mate, you’d probably be looking at the new HSA 130 R then I reckon for the thicker hedge cutting 👍

[@CA34562]

I've got the Stihl HSA hedge trimmer and originally had the ar3000 (backpack battery) that it comes with. Also had the KMA130r multi tool powerhead. Ended up selling the the stihl ar3000 and the KMA130r in about a month. It's just not comfortable having a backpack on, whether its for 30 minutes or all day, just the lack of air flow on your back gets to you real quick. I can deal with wearing my Br700 blower for as long as needed, but not for anything else. I did what you did and just got the pocket battery for the HSA hedge trimmer. Works a treat. I run both Stihl and Ego. (Stihl for pretty much everything except mowers) and ego for their hand blower and their swivel handle hedge trimmer. The ego hedge trimmer is pretty weak compared to the stihl HSA corded hedge trimmer.. But its useful for when you just need to do a 2 second trim and dont want to worry about being tethered. Ego's battery blowers are the best you can get. Definitely get your hands on one of those. Stihl battery blowers are pretty rubbish in comparison to what ego has.

[@lovelawns]

Hey mate, yeah backpacks are just not great to work in for extended periods. Like you say The blower is ok as you are just walking about with it not bending over and twisting like you do when hedging and trimming etc. I’ve been very pleased with the commercial hedgers from Husqvarna lately. We use the Ego handheld blowers an they are the best. The new one will be even better. I’m the same a you and use a combination of tools to get it done most efficiently. Would be great to just invest in one brand ideally but we aren’t there yet.

[@CA34562]

Lovelawns yep agreed. I keep checking the website waiting for the new ego handheld blower. As soon as it comes out ill be retiring my current one for the garage blow out tool. Lol im currently using the stihl bga85 for that, but honestly i hate even looking at it. Its always a good reminder that i got scammed into overpaying for glorified hair dryer. If i ever run into a lawnie i dont like, ill wrap it up in a bow and give it to him lol.

[@lovelawns]

The Stihl BGA 85 really is rubbish hey! I think the Dyson hair dryer actually does have more power lol. Keen to try out the new select cut ego mower too when it comes out. Looks interesting with the two blades.

[@alexanderkitchin2775]

I found this really useful. I am moving over to battery and have been using my Stihl HLA 66 all day and my old trusty (and noisy) Kawasaki hedge cutter. I want to buy a cordless hedge trimmer and have come round to the idea of a Stihl HSA 130R. Most of the hedges I cut are woody so the pruner makes sense, with a belt and holster; no way am I wearing a hot back pack all day, even in England. Very tempted by the Husqvarna, that motor sounds great, but the lighter weight of the Stihl appeals - my arms start to give up after five or six hours.

[@lovelawns]

I’d suggest going with the newer 135 generation Stihl gear as it doesn’t require the holster or to be tethered to the battery. You can put lightweight batteries in the tool such as the AP200. Much better than having a wire hanging out. After 6 hours of hedging you’ll be tired with any machine. The small weight saving of the 130r won’t matter. Thanks for the watching

[@mw5755]

Thank you for the review. Really helpful! I was pretty much set to buy the HSA86 until I saw your review and now considering if I need to pay the extra for the HSA 94T . We have a number of Hornbeam hedges in our garden. One of them is 50m long and 2m high. We've been using a Black & Decker trimmer but it has ben pretty useless, especially for the thicker vertical growth from the top of the hedge. Do you think that the HSA 86 would be sufficient for this work? Thanks.

[@lovelawns]

Hi there, thanks for watching. Yes the HSA86 will be great for what you have. Don’t think you need the 94T to be honest, probably my a bit overkill. Cheers 👍🏻

[@77magicbus]

Good video. what is best for home owner ?

[@lovelawns]

Thanks. I’d suggest the Stihl HSA66 or 56 depending on how many hedges you’ve got. Cheers

[@jules2cv]

Hey man, very good review. I myself use the new makita hedge trimmer, the duh751z. I was a bit skeptical because it only uses an 18 volt 5 ah. but it's a beast. the battery is charged faster than I can prune. it takes 45 minutes to charge 2 batteries. and I can prune at least one hour with 1 battery. with the 75 cm bar, and a cutting speed of 4400 bpm, I work faster and am less tired than with my petrol hedge trimmer. the anti-vibration system is also good, and the handle is rotatable. and I also have their 2x18v leaf blower and their 18v ​​tophandle chainsaw. which I am also very satisfied with. I myself hate the backpack battery, because of the extra weight, the heat, and the cord. especially if you use a ladder you want the hedge trimmer easy to put away. hope it will help you, greetings from the Netherlands

[@lovelawns]

Hi mate, I wasn’t aware of that Makita model. Having just watched a few videos about it, it does look very good. Do you find 18v to be powerful enough? I agree when you’re up a ladder, having a backpack and cable attached to the tool is a nightmare, to be honest I don’t like the backpack much either, for the same reasons you mentioned. It’s bloody hot here in the summer and having a backpack battery or (portable heater) on your back is horrible. Looks like I’m making a trip down to my local Makita dealer 🙂 thanks for the heads up 👍🏻

[@jules2cv]

@@lovelawns I have worked with the stihl hsa 86 and the hsa94t. the makita has more power than the 86 and almost as much as the 94. the big advantage is that the makita with battery weighs as much as the 94 without battery. The disadvantage of this is of course that the runtime is less. if I cut at the fastest setting, with the longest blade (75 cm) I can cut non-stop for an hour with the 5 ah battery. I use the duo charger and then I have 2 full batteries in 45 minutes. the hsa 94 is a very good hedge trimmer, but personally I didn't like working with the cord and the backpack battery, as you already indicated

[@lovegardeningplants]

What is the stihl model that you are saying is the best in this video

[@lovelawns]

Probably the Stihl HSA 94T if you don’t mind the cord being attached. 👍🏻

[@michaelmerrifield5914]

Would it be possible to use a 36v Ebike battery either on a belt or backpack to run these Stihl garden tools?

[@lovelawns]

No idea to be honest. I would personally just stick to the manufacturers batteries. Cheers

[@thelondongardenerlawncare7946]

Fantastic review mate very helpful 👍

[@lovelawns]

Thanks mate 👍🏻

[@zarrow50]

Nice to see then actually trimming a bush / hedge

[@lovelawns]

I totally agree, this was one of the first videos I did and it definitely had some room for improvement. Plenty of other videos I've done since with them in use though. Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@patriciawilson3311]

Thanks fi\or this bit of info on Hedge cutters . I have a HS 45. Too bad not covered

[@lovelawns]

Hi, thanks for watching. I haven’t tried the HSA 45 as it’s not a commercial unit. Do you like it? I can see how it would potentially be good for the smaller topiary stuff we trim.

[@808stateofmind2]

Would you consider the Milwaukee/DeWalt/Makita hedge trimmers to not hold up?

[@lovelawns]

hey Evan, I've not tried any of those those can't comment. Id like to try the Makita hedgers, they look good. Cheers.

[@blitzedituk6491]

Best blades? Already have the ego. Thanks

[@lovelawns]

All double sided, similar lengths, much the same really. Cheers

[@blitzedituk6491]

@@lovelawns thank you. Do you find petrol hedge trimmers still out perform the battery alternatives? I have ego 6500 battery myself

[@lovelawns]

No not anymore. The top of the range battery hedgers from each brand are brilliant. I haven’t used a petrol hedger for years now. Even the super overgrown stuff I tackle with a battery chainsaw and battery hedgers 💪🏻

[@chip7646]

Have you used the hsa 94 off a ladder? Looking at getting one but worried about the difficulties of moving a ladder with a backpack, trimmer and cord.

[@lovelawns]

Hey Tim, yes I have mate. The cord does get annoying. I just pull it out to put the hedger down to move things like a ladder then plug it back in. It’s not ideal but the hedger itself is the best battery hedger on the market if you can manage the cable. Cheers

[@chip7646]

Perfect. Thank you for your information.

[@chip7646]

@@lovelawns which trimmer do you like to use most/ you feel does a better job? Husqvarna 520ihd60 or Stihl 94t. Do you find the Stihl battery belt cumbersome?

[@lovelawns]

Hey Tim, I prefer to use the Husky most of the time only because of the cable on the Stihl. The Husky has slightly different ergonomics as well, not better but different. I’d use the Stihl a lot more if the cable didn’t annoy me so much. It’s lighter and faster. Both good hedgers tho, depends what brand you want to go with or are already invested in really. Cheers 🤙🏻

[@chip7646]

@@lovelawns I'm just trying to figure out with one I want to go with. I know the 4000 cuts per minute should be more than sufficient for hedges and shrubs. But part of me wants the higher cuts per min. I'm worried about the cable and the weight of the battery on my hip and disconnecting everytime I climb a ladder with the Stihl. Once I pick one I'm sticking with them.

[@ramon408]

Im Really interested in seeing the hsa 94 in action. cant really find anything on youtube aside from slow motion promotional videos

[@lovelawns]

Ramon Mendoza thanks for the comment mate. I’ll upload some footage when I can 👍🏻

[@stuartbrowne3358]

ok video, would have been good to get some background on run times of batteries, was almost a comercial for the ego back pack trimmer

[@lovelawns]

I hear ya mate. This one one of the first videos I did. Hopefully they have improved a bit since then. Should probably do an updated one with better info. Cheers for stopping by.

[@markr8380]

Great videos - have you ever tried any of the newer Makita 18v machines. I find it interesting that Makita used to sell twin 18v battery - 36v machines and now have single 18v machines. I wonder if they are underpowered?

[@lovelawns]

Thanks mate. No never tried Makita gear. Bit sceptical as to how good it can actually be to be honest, although a few friends say they are good. Wouldn’t mind trying them out though.

[@zarrow50]

Have a makita strimmer, 18v good for edging lawns and lighter strimming.

[@saxonwatkins4270]

Just a note The Stihl cuts great but the battery cable keeps getting in the way I've ended up cutting that cable a couple of times already and at $200 Aus a pop to replace won't be usung that again. Battery is the way to go these days last eaily 3 times longer than my petrol units.. I use the husky 520i He3 brilliant. Might give the 520i hD60 a go.

[@lovelawns]

Fully agree. I don’t like the cable. The Husky is great. 👍🏻

[@domada4090]

Sticking with petrol for my main handhelds I think. But excited about getting some husky long reach trimmer and saw kit tomorrow for the sake of my back. Subbed from sw England 👍

[@lovelawns]

Thanks for the sub mate 👍🏻 you’ll love the Husky battery gear. I’d recommend the handheld hedger too. So much nicer to use than the petrol versions. Keep your petrol hedger for the rough stuff then. 🤙🏻

[@derekgrimes6544]

thanks for the info Kai(?), I'm starting out and looking into getting one of these to do more hedge trimming for clients. I like the look of the stihl with shoulder pack but the price with battery is way out there. Do you know if can you use the same handbag battery for various devices.. ? For maybe half a days work.. ? All the best from France, Derek

[@lovelawns]

Hey Derek, yes you can use the AP300 batteries with any of the battery tools, you don’t need to invest in the backpack battery, you will need the battery adapter with the lead that plugs into the hedger. You’ll just get much less runtime, although the hedger offers the best runtime out of all the tools so I find the AP300 works well with the hedger and you should get around half a days work from the AP300s battery. I’d recommend the backpack for use with the blower and line trimmer as these use way more power. Salut and happy trimming 🙂

[@derekgrimes6544]

Thanks for the prompt reply. I might go with a budget petrol blower till next year cos I mostly just do hedges

[@lovelawns]

The BG86 is a good blower. Cheers. Ki

[@carl8035]

Great video. I have the husky. With the lightest battery-i80 I believe. Makes such a difference in weight using a the lightest battery in compared to the heaviest. Obviously want last as long but i have 2 and also a inverter in the van. Great piece of kit...could never go back to a petrol set up.

[@lovelawns]

Thanks mate, yeah we only use the petrol tools now for the super overgrown and rough stuff we occasionally have to sort out. Everything else is done with battery tools. So nice not stinking of exhaust fumes and petrol all day 👍🏻

[@carl8035]

The first bit of battery equipment i bought was a husqvarna. Obviously then i had 2 batteries so it made sense for me to buy from the husqvarna range again, seeing as i have the batteries for them now! Overall which company in your opinion produces the best battery equipment?

[@lovelawns]

They all have good tools, I personally prefer the Husky range for overall use, ergonomics and design. However I also use the Ego blower which is far more powerful than the Husky blower but not as nice to hold and use due to the ergonomics and heavy batteries and few select battery tools from Stihl such as the HSA94T hedger and FSA130r line trimmer when I’m feeling like carrying a battery lol. I just think Husqvarna are on the right path with the tools they create and have the user in mind when they create them. Some tools could do with a version 2 in my opinion but overall they are the tools I enjoy using the most and give great results.

[@oharacare]

I just bought echoes 58v line up, im kinda late to the party but will atleast get to enjoy it whilst i aquire the new wcho 56 v ljne up. Iv been investing in stihls for the most part.

[@oharacare]

I love my 135 r

[@dkooyman906]

Commercially Husqvarna is the best option it is light weight powerful and you can put a battery in it or go with the back pack battery anything else isn’t even an option. IMO STIHL and others made a huge mistake by forcing a cable to use there equipment Great job Husqvarna!

[@lovelawns]

Totally agree 👍🏻

[@timkeen619]

I have brought virtualy all husqvarna battery gear but most of it failed within months of use and was replaced under warranty but some other things broke just after warranty and I had to re purchase them again One pole pruner only did about 20 hrs but broke just after warranty and cost me a fortune Not very pleased with husqvarna 😕

[@lovelawns]

Hey Tim, that sounds a bit unfortunate mate. We haven’t heard too many stories like that. Are you still using the tools now or did you switch to a different brand? The few problems we have had, and have heard about have always been sorted out really quickly under warranty and even some were done for us when they were out of warranty. In our experience the customer service from Husqvarna has always been excellent. Still frustrating having tools break and needing them fixed but they do get used a lot. Hope you have a better experience going forwards. Let me know which tools you have had the issues with and I will pass your feedback on to the Husqvarna team. Cheers. 👍🏻

[@timkeen619]

@@lovelawns It’s more than unfortunate as I also brought a £20,000 husqvarna rider that was brand new from same dealer and it’s been blowing main fuses and they can’t sort it out , they say they have fixed it and it blows again and leaves the machine stuck in the field where it’s broken down Second thing is that the husqvarna dealer near me Dm chainsaws made no attempt whatsoever to come out and fix it -I had to get another out of are dealer to come and get it going and get it on a trailer and take it back to where I brought it, as we speak they have the machine again and some of my battery gear they have had for six months or more and not even repaired yet Not happy at all Hopefully not all husqvarna dealers are like it

[@oharacare]

I like to buy landscape gear, especially bat tree stuff.

[@tecsonics]

A reasonable review, mostly about noise, speed and weight. Would love to have heard at least something about cutting power, clogging and reliability. Also dissapointing to see you demonstrating dangerous equipment... in bare feet! Not a good look.

[@lovelawns]

Thanks mate, plenty of other videos Ive done with those details. This was my first video, hopefully I’ve improved a bit since then. Bare feet is the great Australian way. I wear safety boots when I’m actually working. 🤙🏻

[@domada4090]

He wasn’t risking trimming his toenails mate 🤷‍♂️

[@jamestastic70]

Just picked up a second hand hsa 86 for £50. Sounds so slow to ur bigger machines 😬

[@lovelawns]

It is slow lol. Still nicer to use than the petrol ones tho 👍🏻

[@drnh4444]

Ego have failed here i reckon. A hedge trimmer with any lead is a pain in the ass.... Some of these units are so overpriced though. There really is no reason for the HSA94T to be nearly £2000

[@lovelawns]

Hi mate, the HSA94T is £462 in the UK, which is on par with the petrol equivalent from Stihl. The backpack battery is pretty pricey but you don't need that for the hedgers, they are quite efficient with battery usage. Just grab a couple AP300s batteries, an AL500 charger and a battery belt and off you go. Obviously you have to factor in the batteries too but overall I think the price is similar over the course of its life. When you factor fuel in as well, you actually end up saving money after the initial outlay, especially if you have solar at your home for free charging 👍🏻 I'm generally happy to pay a bit more upfront for a much more enjoyable experience using the tools day in and day out. Particularly with hedgers, it's so much nicer to use than the petrol hedgers, both handheld and pole hedgers. Thanks for watching

[@moderskeppets]

Its pronounced Huskvarna in one word, not huski-vana :) Thanks for a good review! / Swede hehe

[@lovelawns]

Thank you for the correction 👍🏻

[@42swissmocha]

Its actually Hoosk-varna

[@lovelawns]

One day I’ll get it right lol 😀