Ryobi hedge trimmer RPT184520C

Morning all,

The neighbours have a hedge that they do nothing about regards reducing the height so I'm going to see what I can do from my side. I have seen the Ryobi hedge cutter RPT184520C has an extension pole that takes it beyond 4 metres in length and am sure to need all of that. Initial thoughts were that would be ideal however I see that it weighs over 4kg which is pretty substantial to be working any length of time at that height. I should add that the garden is not only long but on a slope so working off a ladder is not an option ( I did hire a platform back in the spring but don't want to be doing that every time it needs a cut) Anyway back to the Ryobi, does anyone own one and if so what are your thoughts on it please? Thanks very much

 

I have the Ryobi battery hedge cutter OPT1845. It comes on one long pole (not removable) with the extension. I don't normally use the extension as it's long enough, but when I do, I try using the harness they provide with the brush cutter. It gives some support. I think they provided a simpler strap for the hedge trimmer. There are 2 loops - one on the battery base, and one half way up the main pole, so you can clip onto whatever works best for your task. It is very awkward otherwise and tiring. Also note that the head, although it can vary in angle, does not go perfectly horizontal. I guess it's because they think you'll always be a way out from the base of the hedge.

 

Many thanks for your reply Caroline, I think having read your comments and seeing a review on another site saying it was pretty heavy (4.5kg) I'll stick with what I have which is the STIHL HLA56, it's nowhere near long enough to reach the top from ground level so I'll have to continue to hire a platform

 

Oh I don't think it's impossible! I'm a 68 yr old female 1.7m tall, and I can do it! It just needs a bit of a break every so often. (My excuse for a cuppa!) Why don't you try hiring a long pole hedge trimmer once, and see how you get on with it? Weigh it (if it's a different model) and check the lengths of the poles. Then you can decide if it's worth buying one - hiring a platform a few times every year could add up!