Hedgetrimmers - handheld

Test Report

The weight of a petrol-powered hedge trimmer can really tell on your arms, shoulders and back.

One answer might be a backpack-mounted multi-system with a flexi-shaft driving a trimming head. Another solution would be to use an electric-powered hedge trimmer. Or you could opt for battery power.

The HSA 85 and the smaller HSA 65 are the latest battery-powered hedge trimmers from Stihl. They promise to be "cordless", not "toothless", and to redefine the performance of cordless outdoor power tools. These are the first professional-quality cordless hedge trimmers with lithium-ion technology.

Being from the Stihl stable, we expect the HSA 85 to be good. In fact, it's better. It delivers the same high standard of performance and build quality as the company's petrol-driven models.

Powered by a clean, long-lasting 36V lithium-ion battery pack, the HSA 85 has high-speed blades that ensure a swift and precise cut. It doesn't come with the weight associated with petrol-powered tools, yet it has that manoeuvrability. In fact, you can twist in all directions and use it at all angles without a splutter and there's no cable to keep an eye on.

As if that isn't benefit enough, the HSA is also low-noise. All you hear are the blades gliding over one another and the sound of the vegetation being cut. It is perfect for use in public and noise-sensitive environments.

Balance is superb due to the careful positioning of the battery pack. We also like the comfort-grip handles with integrated controls — it's a design configuration that should fit both leftand right-handed operators. Cutter speed is varied by the rear-handle control and vibration is just 2.2m/s2 a hv, eq.

But will it need charging every 30 minutes and will it take half a day to get to full charge? No. Lithium-ion battery technology has developed dramatically over the past few years. The 36V battery pack has a running time of up to 45 minutes — and that's trigger time.

You might think that's not long, but the 85 has a 62cm bar with diamond-ground teeth and a stroke rate of up 3,000 per minute. It is a fast cutter as well as a smooth cutter and it will cut material up to 22mm thick.

Recharging takes just 25 minutes to give 80 per cent capacity and the HSA 85 comes with a spare and a quick charger. The HSA 65 comes with one battery and a standard charger that requires twice the time to fully charge a battery. The good news is that these are smart batteries — there's no memory effect. The battery pack's 20 lithium-ion cells are characterised by a low self-discharge. They retain their entire performance capacity even if the battery is only partially discharged before recharging.

The testers fully appreciate Stihl's latest trimmers and are particularly impressed by their handling. "I'd be more than happy to carry on using it," says Alscot Park gardener David Williams as he returns the machine to its box. "How much would one cost?"

A sharp intake of breath follows the answer. "How much?" he gasps. "It's very good, but I might wait and see if the price comes down."

SPECIFICATIONS

Battery Lithium-ion 36V (with spare and quick charger)
Weight with battery 4.6kg
Bar length 62cm
Stroke rate 3,000/min
Tooth spacing 30mm
Max branch diameter 22mm
Running time 30-40mins with 80 per cent charge, 35-45mins with 100 per cent charge
Charging time 25mins to 80 per cent, 50mins to 100 per cent
Price ex VAT £465 with two batteries and a quick charger
Contact Stihl on 0800 137574

REVIEWERS

Lisa Topham, head gardener, Alscot Park, Warwickshire
David Williams, gardener, Alscot Park, Warwickshire