Mowing .. - Page 42

**DFB FGXR6** · 03-10-2022, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danzvtil

Yep, I no longer loan my tools, despite giving specific instructions on how to operate, they invariably come back worse off. I’m not kennards hire with mechanics on staff to fix it ready to send out again.
Loaned one of my battery tools once, specific instructions-charge the batteries as soon as you finish using them. I was handed back a box of dead flat batteries

Yep, I don't lend tools either. I pay for tools with my own money, no reason why the person asking can't do the same. And if they can't afford to, then work harder!

What annoyed me about today was the guy didn't even ask to use it in the first place. If he was a real man, he would have paid for the repair, but I suspect his money goes into other certain dependencies.........

**FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0** · 05-10-2022, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Yep, I don't lend tools either. I pay for tools with my own money, no reason why the person asking can't do the same. And if they can't afford to, then work harder!

What annoyed me about today was the guy didn't even ask to use it in the first place. If he was a real man, he would have paid for the repair, but I suspect his money goes into other certain dependencies.........

Change the brand of the tools and this is the vision I have of what you look like, DFB. Oh, and the fact that he mentioned that swear word product name used to jazz up tyres

**DFB FGXR6** · 05-10-2022, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0

Change the brand of the tools and this is the vision I have of what you look like, DFB. Oh, and the fact that he mentioned that swear word product name used to jazz up tyres

100% me!

**FTE217** · 05-10-2022, 12:35 PM

Next up o wise ones, extendable brush trimmer.
I have used a hand me down elect Ryobi for years, yes its not the best but did the job.
I did the job as well amongst bushy plants working back I caught the extension lead :( yes the Ryobi fried lol......and blew the granny flat fuse

Whats your suggestions ?
I'm sure DFB will give me a good run down - say a budget to $500.
Is battery power more viable now to petrol ? for I sure not going to get another lead following one.
I do need a adjustable/tilt head for many places I cannot use a ladder for the high areas.
Is DeWalt/Makita good options from Bunnings ?

.:4:. · 05-10-2022, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FTE217

Next up o wise ones, extendable brush trimmer.
I have used a hand me down elect Ryobi for years, yes its not the best but did the job.
I did the job as well amongst bushy plants working back I caught the extension lead :( yes the Ryobi fried lol......and blew the granny flat fuse

Whats your suggestions ?
I'm sure DFB will give me a good run down - say a budget to $500.
Is battery power more viable now to petrol ? for I sure not going to get another lead following one.
I do need a adjustable/tilt head for many places I cannot use a ladder for the high areas.
Is DeWalt/Makita good options from Bunnings ?

Depends on how much you need to trim. But in general, battery powered will be much lighter and easier to use then petrol powered. Brushless tools perform better then brushed. Higher amp hour batteries last longer. If you only have 1 battery and more work then the run time, that can be annoying as you have to wait for it to charge, but if you have 2 batteries, swap them over and charge the other. The current lithium batteries take less time to charge then run out. 2 stroke, yeah, just fill the tank whenit runs out, but deffinately more weight motor side and more noise.

Vesper Martini · 05-10-2022, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FTE217

Next up o wise ones, extendable brush trimmer.
I have used a hand me down elect Ryobi for years, yes its not the best but did the job.
I did the job as well amongst bushy plants working back I caught the extension lead :( yes the Ryobi fried lol......and blew the granny flat fuse

Whats your suggestions ?
I'm sure DFB will give me a good run down - say a budget to $500.
Is battery power more viable now to petrol ? for I sure not going to get another lead following one.
I do need a adjustable/tilt head for many places I cannot use a ladder for the high areas.
Is DeWalt/Makita good options from Bunnings ?

whipper snipper of Hedge trimmer?

for the Wipper snipper IMO the battery ones are toys compare the the power you get from the 2 stroke.

They are not heavy and you hold them balanced midway or use a strap.

I use a $300 Ryobi a top of the line Honda is just over $500.

for the hedge trimmer I use a a power Ryobi, once again the battery ones just don't have the grunt, and for this application having lightweight is really important and the powered one seemed to be the lightest.

be prepared to cut a few cords though, everyone does it.

**FTE217** · 05-10-2022, 04:35 PM

yer not needing whipper snipper, got a stihl petrol one.
Hedge I need, you got me thinking bugger battery for they are not any stronger in power like my electric ryobi one.
I have cut leads/cords twice not wanting to go through that again for it rights off 2 items having to buy again, think I'll go to petrol, win win, power and no cords to cut BUT I don't see any with long poles (spouse you got to buy connecters).....DFB hopefully shows me the way

I'll keep surfing and check this out
https://www.catch.com.au/product/hyu...p=47&asp=&aqi=

https://www.catch.com.au/product/bla...p=52&asp=&aqi=

or should I stick by tried and proven brands.

Ryobi ?

**DFB FGXR6** · 05-10-2022, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FTE217

yer not needing whipper snipper, got a stihl petrol one.
Hedge I need, you got me thinking bugger battery for they are not any stronger in power like my electric ryobi one.
I have cut leads/cords twice not wanting to go through that again for it rights off 2 items having to buy again, think I'll go to petrol, win win, power and no cords to cut BUT I don't see any with long poles (spouse you got to buy connecters).....DFB hopefully shows me the way

I'll keep surfing and check this out
https://www.catch.com.au/product/hyu...p=47&asp=&aqi=

https://www.catch.com.au/product/bla...p=52&asp=&aqi=

or should I stick by tried and proven brands.

Ryobi ?

Firstly, the two linked petrol machines. I don't think you will find much better value than those. But........

-One of my boss's bought something similar a few years ago, build quality was poor and the engine very harsh to use.

-Depending on how fit you are, those machines are very heavy. I have a Stihl Combi power head with the hedge trimmer attachment. It was so heavy and poorly balanced that I dreaded using it. I have issues with my back, so I have sidelined it.

https://www.stihl.com.au/STIHL-Produ...M-56-RC-E.aspx
https://www.stihl.com.au/STIHL-Produ...e-Trimmer.aspx

I'm currently using the Stihl battery powered HLA 56, I love it as it's way more balanced and I can use it without feeling like crap afterwards. I also have a regular HSA 56.

https://www.stihl.com.au/STIHL-Produ...Skin-Only.aspx

https://www.stihl.com.au/STIHL-Produ...SA-56-Kit.aspx

The HLA 56 is only available as a skin, so you would have to buy the battery and charger as well, putting out of your budget. The HSA 56 is available in both skin and kit form.

For me, I would 100% go for a battery powered hedge trimmer, no question! The way these machines are used often means the engine is banging away at head level, blowing fumes all over your face. They are also heavier and more fatiguing. As for power, unless you are cutting very woody growth like Cupressus, then the battery gear is more than capable. I have never been left wanting for power with the battery hedge trimmers, and that is from a mad keen 2-stroke nut!

Couple of ways to go here -

-Considering you have a large garden, perhaps it would be good to invest in a battery system that will support a range of tools. Either look into the Stihl AK or AL system. Otherwise, the EGO range is powered by the best battery system in the world.

-If that is not appealing, then considering you already have the Ryobi battery system, then look into their range of hedge trimmers -
https://www.ryobi.com.au/garden-tool...hedge-trimmers

**FTE217** · 06-10-2022, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Firstly, the two linked petrol machines. I don't think you will find much better value than those. But........

-One of my boss's bought something similar a few years ago, build quality was poor and the engine very harsh to use.

-Depending on how fit you are, those machines are very heavy. I have a Stihl Combi power head with the hedge trimmer attachment. It was so heavy and poorly balanced that I dreaded using it. I have issues with my back, so I have sidelined it.

https://www.stihl.com.au/STIHL-Produ...M-56-RC-E.aspx
https://www.stihl.com.au/STIHL-Produ...e-Trimmer.aspx

image

I'm currently using the Stihl battery powered HLA 56, I love it as it's way more balanced and I can use it without feeling like crap afterwards. I also have a regular HSA 56.

https://www.stihl.com.au/STIHL-Produ...Skin-Only.aspx

https://www.stihl.com.au/STIHL-Produ...SA-56-Kit.aspx

image

image

image

The HLA 56 is only available as a skin, so you would have to buy the battery and charger as well, putting out of your budget. The HSA 56 is available in both skin and kit form.

For me, I would 100% go for a battery powered hedge trimmer, no question! The way these machines are used often means the engine is banging away at head level, blowing fumes all over your face. They are also heavier and more fatiguing. As for power, unless you are cutting very woody growth like Cupressus, then the battery gear is more than capable. I have never been left wanting for power with the battery hedge trimmers, and that is from a mad keen 2-stroke nut!

Couple of ways to go here -

-Considering you have a large garden, perhaps it would be good to invest in a battery system that will support a range of tools. Either look into the Stihl AK or AL system. Otherwise, the EGO range is powered by the best battery system in the world.

-If that is not appealing, then considering you already have the Ryobi battery system, then look into their range of hedge trimmers -
https://www.ryobi.com.au/garden-tool...hedge-trimmers

Great feedback as always DFB.
Thanks.
Yes agree battery is better for long use weight and overall good for the body for my garden is large as mentioned.
I’m fit enough but anything to make lighter work.
Those 2 no name ones not worth the risk by the sound of it plus I wasn’t that keen.

Correct I currently have the ryobi battery chargers and 3 batteries.
The easy purchase is going the ryobi hedge trimmer but damn I like the look of the EGO products !
Think I’ll go suss them out before I go ryobi at this stage.
Thanks again.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**DFB FGXR6** · 06-10-2022, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FTE217

Great feedback as always DFB.
Thanks.
Yes agree battery is better for long use weight and overall good for the body for my garden is large as mentioned.
I’m fit enough but anything to make lighter work.
Those 2 no name ones not worth the risk by the sound of it plus I wasn’t that keen.

Correct I currently have the ryobi battery chargers and 3 batteries.
The easy purchase is going the ryobi hedge trimmer but damn I like the look of the EGO products !
Think I’ll go suss them out before I go ryobi at this stage.
Thanks again.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The Ryobi would be the quick, easy and cost-effective solution here. For occasional domestic use, you will be absolutely fine.

With EGO, the money you pay is going into the batteries. If you plan to change or add equipment in the future, the EGO battery system is the best out there. I recently bought a LB 765 blower in a kit with two batteries and the rapid charger. The tools weigh virtually nothing, the 5.0 Ah battery is VERY heavy though and overall weight difference between a petrol Stihl and the EGO LB 765 is only grams.

I wanted to get into the EGO equipment for the battery technology, I also wanted to add the cooling fan that has just gone on sale.

A word of warning though - Like all American mowers, the EGO mowers are not ideally suited to Australian lawns. I know you are up for a mower in the future, but unless you are cutting the very tips off tall fescue, I think there are better mowers out there. That's not dissing the power units themselves, it's the chassis that is out of place here.

danzvtil · 12-10-2022, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Firstly, the two linked petrol machines. I don't think you will find much better value than those. But........

-One of my boss's bought something similar a few years ago, build quality was poor and the engine very harsh to use.

-Depending on how fit you are, those machines are very heavy. I have a Stihl Combi power head with the hedge trimmer attachment. It was so heavy and poorly balanced that I dreaded using it. I have issues with my back, so I have sidelined it.

https://www.stihl.com.au/STIHL-Produ...M-56-RC-E.aspx
https://www.stihl.com.au/STIHL-Produ...e-Trimmer.aspx

image

I'm currently using the Stihl battery powered HLA 56, I love it as it's way more balanced and I can use it without feeling like crap afterwards. I also have a regular HSA 56.

https://www.stihl.com.au/STIHL-Produ...Skin-Only.aspx

https://www.stihl.com.au/STIHL-Produ...SA-56-Kit.aspx

image

image

image

The HLA 56 is only available as a skin, so you would have to buy the battery and charger as well, putting out of your budget. The HSA 56 is available in both skin and kit form.

For me, I would 100% go for a battery powered hedge trimmer, no question! The way these machines are used often means the engine is banging away at head level, blowing fumes all over your face. They are also heavier and more fatiguing. As for power, unless you are cutting very woody growth like Cupressus, then the battery gear is more than capable. I have never been left wanting for power with the battery hedge trimmers, and that is from a mad keen 2-stroke nut!

Couple of ways to go here -

-Considering you have a large garden, perhaps it would be good to invest in a battery system that will support a range of tools. Either look into the Stihl AK or AL system. Otherwise, the EGO range is powered by the best battery system in the world.

-If that is not appealing, then considering you already have the Ryobi battery system, then look into their range of hedge trimmers -
https://www.ryobi.com.au/garden-tool...hedge-trimmers

I’m still waiting on getting my second HSA56 back from warranty repair (yes, almost a year!)the blame is on “parts”. The dealer called me at one stage saying stihl were querying my commercial use, as these units are more for residential use.
Anyway, my husqvarna hedger was in for warranty, and I went back to the stihl, it was nice to use such a light unit again.

Citroënbender · 13-10-2022, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danzvtil

I’m still waiting on getting my second HSA56 back from warranty repair (yes, almost a year!)the blame is on “parts”. The dealer called me at one stage saying stihl were querying my commercial use, as these units are more for residential use.

Seriously? What a bunch of fools. Even if it is domestically slanted, why not offer you a once-off trade up at a killer price? Instead of pushing a competent professional to be seen using other brands for a good result.

**DFB FGXR6** · 13-10-2022, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

Seriously? What a bunch of fools. Even if it is domestically slanted, why not offer you a once-off trade up at a killer price? Instead of pushing a competent professional to be seen using other brands for a good result.

Quote:

Originally Posted by danzvtil

I’m still waiting on getting my second HSA56 back from warranty repair (yes, almost a year!)the blame is on “parts”. The dealer called me at one stage saying stihl were querying my commercial use, as these units are more for residential use.
Anyway, my husqvarna hedger was in for warranty, and I went back to the stihl, it was nice to use such a light unit again.

What bullsh.t!

The manager of my Stihl store would have just replaced the unit for me. He understands that trade customers are worth keeping in the fold, **** them off and you can loose a lot of business.

Vesper Martini · 06-10-2022, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FTE217

yer not needing whipper snipper, got a stihl petrol one.
Hedge I need, you got me thinking bugger battery for they are not any stronger in power like my electric ryobi one.
I have cut leads/cords twice not wanting to go through that again for it rights off 2 items having to buy again, think I'll go to petrol, win win, power and no cords to cut BUT I don't see any with long poles (spouse you got to buy connecters).....DFB hopefully shows me the way

I'll keep surfing and check this out
https://www.catch.com.au/product/hyu...p=47&asp=&aqi=

https://www.catch.com.au/product/bla...p=52&asp=&aqi=

or should I stick by tried and proven brands.

Ryobi ?

Does your Stihl have a detachable pole as per DFB's very post?

The Genuine Stihl attachment is a bit radical at $450.

But you can get an aftermarket attachment to the fit the Stihl for $90 off ebay

hayseed · 06-10-2022, 12:50 AM

**FTE217** · 06-10-2022, 02:03 PM

Nah my whipper stihl is the FS38/45 range with the curved end to the head so I doubt any attach is designed for them....but good thinking.

I've checked up locally on the EGO ones.
Damn I like but double edged sword.
The kit with battery charger and battery not bad price at $800 odd.
Then you'd keep buying that brand be it mower or other appliances that I can run same similar batteries......
Much like going Ryobi being I have the blower and 3batteries atm.
Smart is keep going Ryobi being I have the charger and just keep adding.
I used to rate Ryobi back in the ol days for it was quality product and Made In Japan but like all the brands moving to China they all have cheapened their quality barring the few exceptions.
Becoming a Bunnings brand is the other - sure for the brand its good volume business but we all know why.

.:4:. · 06-10-2022, 02:50 PM

If you already have ryobi batteries, financially wise, picking up a ryobi skin makes sense. So for 2 reasons really. You dont have to pay for the battery and charger, and because you use the batteries in more then 1 thing they get used so therefore maintained. Regardless of if the tool is the best one out there, unless you use it everyday, sticking to your existing battery platform will probably be better off.

Vesper Martini · 06-10-2022, 03:37 PM

Ryobi seems to be ok, I have quite a few variations.

Bunnings Killed the likes of GMC with all the replacements they issued, so you have to have a reliable product to go into business with them.

**janddbone** · 10-10-2022, 06:30 PM

I still run castor oil, talk about distinct smell.

Citroënbender · 11-10-2022, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janddbone

I still run castor oil, talk about distinct smell.

Run it in what - a Sopwith Camel?

**janddbone** · 13-10-2022, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

Run it in what - a Sopwith Camel?

Everything two stroke.

Tonz · 11-10-2022, 07:06 PM

please don't ailinate me, but I've decided to do a major clean on the works John Deere ride on mower. I've got the things that allows hooking a hose to the deck ...
but.....
I guess I should scrap all the accumulated dead grass from under there first.
How does one raise a mower up high enough to see what your doing undrr there, iam not as young and supple as o pretend to be.

**DFB FGXR6** · 11-10-2022, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tonz

please don't ailinate me, but I've decided to do a major clean on the works John Deere ride on mower. I've got the things that allows hooking a hose to the deck ...
but.....
I guess I should scrap all the accumulated dead grass from under there first.
How does one raise a mower up high enough to see what your doing undrr there, iam not as young and supple as o pretend to be.

You can get specific ride-on pivot lifts -

Car ramps -

Trolley Jack -

Tonz · 11-10-2022, 09:58 PM

trolley jack drrrr why didnt I think of that, it I can afford, plus I have one in my uter all the time.
thankyou

.:4:. · 15-10-2022, 02:27 PM

Today, my whipper snipper gave me another reason to like it. So my old one didnt have a clutch in it. That was fine for me, give it revs and it did the job. My mate would often borrow it and would annoy me greatly with my old one. Id always say rev the guts out of it, but he'd leave it idleing and the line would more or less ask the grass politely if it could please fall down. So what would be 5 minutes reved to the moon would take an hour. So my mate borrowed my current snipper today. It has a clutch in it which forced him to break his habbit. No accelerometer input, no spin, so no cut. Whaddayaknow? The 5 minute job took him all of 5 minutes.
Added bonus my way, because of my mates increased productivity, he did my yard too.

danzvtil · 19-10-2022, 10:46 PM

Why do weirdos insist on catching over grown grass, we’re at max growth stage for grass and weeds in Adelaide, almost daily I see someone in knee high grass mowing, next to a green waste bin that will be full in 6 meters of mowing.
I whippered about 500sqm of CHEST height weeds today, the elderly lady was adamant that the clippings had to be raked up and disposed of, I’m like yep, you can get someone else to do that for you.

**mad2** · 19-10-2022, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danzvtil

Why do weirdos insist on catching over grown grass, we’re at max growth stage for grass and weeds in Adelaide, almost daily I see someone in knee high grass mowing, next to a green waste bin that will be full in 6 meters of mowing.
I whippered about 500sqm of CHEST height weeds today, the elderly lady was adamant that the clippings had to be raked up and disposed of, I’m like yep, you can get someone else to do that for you.

and why do people insist on blowing their grass cuttings ALL over the place ie gutters, road, other peoples property etc etc after mowing? [and yes i had a go at a neighbour ages ago when he mowed the neighbours front lawn next to us & left grass everywhere]. and i mowed not last weekend but the previous . . . . ..... and i will have to mow this ....... wet weekend

- damn grass ...... think i need some green concrete

**DFB FGXR6** · 19-10-2022, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mad2

and why do people insist on blowing their grass cuttings ALL over the place ie gutters, road, other peoples property etc etc after mowing? [and yes i had a go at a neighbour ages ago when he mowed the neighbours front lawn next to us & left grass everywhere]. and i mowed not last weekend but the previous . . . . ..... and i will have to mow this ....... wet weekend

- damn grass ...... think i need some green concrete

As a profession, that is completely lazy and poor technique.

As a neighbor or someone just mowing their own lawn, this is inconsiderate laziness.

In both cases, this is inefficient work. You should always trim the edges first, then blow all the clippings and other debris back off the paths and gutter onto the lawn. Then the lawn mower sucks it all up and, in some cases, you may not even need to get the blower out afterwards.

Citroënbender · 19-10-2022, 11:05 PM

I like to bin/bag my clippings, irrespective of the amount. It’s part of the gratification. (Call me a weirdo if you like.)

…And thanks to you, I now have a Radiohead earworm. I wish I was special!

**DFB FGXR6** · 19-10-2022, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danzvtil

Why do weirdos insist on catching over grown grass, we’re at max growth stage for grass and weeds in Adelaide, almost daily I see someone in knee high grass mowing, next to a green waste bin that will be full in 6 meters of mowing.
I whippered about 500sqm of CHEST height weeds today, the elderly lady was adamant that the clippings had to be raked up and disposed of, I’m like yep, you can get someone else to do that for you.

If said lady didn't want a mess left behind, then perhaps she should call you in a little more often so that the cutting is neater. Otherwise, the price is the normal charge plus time taken to do the raking at your normal hourly rate. For example, a base $50 cut would likely end up costing her $90 to $100. I'm guessing she would then choose the former and not have the grass raked.

The industry really needs to stop catering to the "let it grow as high as possible, then want it cut for the same price as a regular" crowd.

I have a client that I have decided to let go from now on. She only calls me in when it's above ankle height, so a 15 minute job that I quoted for turns into a 45 minute job that I don't make any money from.