Tighten up your belt with these trimmers

LCN HorsePower - August 2008
Click on the image or title below to find to more information about the Product

Trimming hedges not only enhances aesthetics, but can actually improve the health of the tree by stimulating production, removing dead limbs, and aiding in pest control. Trimming and edging tall grasses with a straight-shaft trimmer can complete the desired look for any space as well as control weeds, insects, and rodents. To make sure you can find an affordable one so you don't have to tighten up your belt, these trimmers have been arranged by cost.

Swisher Mower & Machine Company
Model No.: E4-HT4000 Articulating Hedge Trimmer, powered by Shindaiwa
Horsepower: 1.15 HP
Weight: 13.6 lbs.
Displacement: 1.5 cubic inches
Handle: Controls at your figure-tips
Special Features: 22-inch StaySharp double-sided reciprocating blade with aluminum blade guard; chrome-plated to stay sharp longer and resist rust; E4 Hybrid Technology provides high power-to-weight ratio and great throttle response while featuring high torque, low noise and 25 percent less fuel consumption compared to a 2-stroke engine.
Warranty: 1 year limited warranty for commercial use.
Cost: $510

Stihl
Model No.: HS 81 T & HS 81 R Hedge Trimmer
Horsepower: .94 HP
Weight: 11.5 lbs. with 24'' blade ; 11.9lbs with 30'' blade
Type of blades: 24'' or 30'' ; Double sided, reciprocating
Displacement: 22.7 cc Handle: Rear Swivel Handle
Accessories: Optional - HS Resin Remover and Blade Cleaner
Special Features: Standard - Lightweight and well balanced design with low vibration levels, Rear swivel handle for improved comfort at various speeds, 24'' or 30'' double-sided blade lengths, Exhaust emissions directed away from the operator, Tip protector
Warranty: 2-yr. Personal, family, or household use, 1-yr. professional use
Cost: $449.95

Nikko Tanaka
Model No.: TBC-280PF
Engine: 27 cc PureFire
Horsepower: 1.4 HP
Weight: 12.8 lbs.
Special Features: A 23.0 fl. oz., see-through fuel tank, padded ''D'' handle, 5'' semi-automatic cutting head, and a solid steel drive shaft.
Warranty: 2 year commercial / lifetime drive shaft warranty
Cost: $399.9

Honda Power Equipment
Model No.: HHT35SLTA
Engine: Honda GX35
Horsepower: 35.8 cc
Weight: 14.8 lbs.
Special Features: Among the strongest torsional strength in the industry; decreased operator fatigue and longer life through ability to absorb shock; easy disassembly for maintenance.
Warranty: Commercial 2 years engine and other components.
Cost: $379

Seago International
Model No.: Wheel Trimmer
Horsepower: 2.5 HP
Weight: 20 lbs.
Type of blade: String or metal swing blades
Displacement: 50cc
Handle: Two-section upright
Special Features: Removable front wheels
Cost: $370

Echo Inc.
Model No.: SRM-265T Weight: 12.7 lbs
Displacement: 25.4 cc Power Boost Vortex
Handle: Rubber over-mold
Special Features: .095'' diameter Cross-Fire Nylon Line; 30 percent reduction in starting effort with i-30 starting system; extra heavy-duty engine vibration reduction; commercial-grade felt air filtration.
Accessories: Optional blade kit available
Warranty: 1 Year Commercial; 90 Day Rental
Cost: $319.99

Husqvarna
Model No.: 123HD65 Horsepower: 0.8 HP
Weight: 11.7 lbs. Type of Blades: 24-inch cutting deck with double-ground blades that offer the power for cutting mature growth and - at 3,765 cuts per minute - generates the speed for a precision cut.
Displacement: 1.4 cu. in./22.5 cc
Handle: Rear handle of the 123HD65 can be adjusted to three positions to facilitate cutting on the sides or tops of hedges.
Special Features: The spring-assist starting reduces starting effort up to 40 percent, while Husqvarna?EUR??,,????'?????< Warranty: 1 year professional, 90 days rental
Cost: $319.95

Little Wonder
Model No.: (Gas) 2230S-00-01
Horsepower: 1 HP
Weight: 10 lbs.
Type of blades: Harden-thru carbon steel
Displacement: 2230S - 21.2 cc
Handle: Precision balanced comfort gripped
Special Features: Cuts new growth up to 1'' thick.
Warranty: 5 year - limited
Cost: $312

Shindaiwa Inc.
Model No.: T242 Trimmer
Horsepower: 1.1 HP at 8,000 RPM
Weight: 11.3 lbs.
Displacement: 23.9 cc
Handle: Loop
Special Features: Outstanding power-to-weight ratio
Accessories: Speed-Feed trimmer head
Warranty: 2 years consumer, 1 year commercial
Cost: $280.99

Metabo corp.
Model No.: Hs8365S
Horsepower: 2/3 HP
Weight: 8.5 lbs.
Type of blades: ''Instant stop'' blades, 30???????(R)???????+???????(R)??????oe? blade angle
Length: 32?EUR??,,????'?????< Warranty: 3 years if purchase is registered via web-site; 1 year unregistered
Cost: $199