On 2008-06-18 12:40:16 +0100, Rob said:

Is there a substantial difference between Aldi/Lidl hedge trimmers and
those made by Bosch and, next up in price-quality I suppose, Viking/
Stihl ?

I have had a Lidl for three years and each year end up doing the job
with hand shears.
It seems powerful enough, the blades are self-sharpening(?), it is not
too heavy but
it just seems to push the leaves and twigs away instead of cutting
them.

Before I invest in a better one I would like to know that it really is
better at cutting.
(I am less concerned about other qualities, like long-lasting.)

Advice please !
Rob

That's because it's a hedge trimmer (of sorts) and not a hedge cutter.
I have an assortment of hedges of different species and have had a
B&D hedge trimmer for I suppose 10 years or more. It has done the
intended job but suffers from the same problems that you describe. It
was taking me well over an hour to trim one particular section.

I recently bought a Tanaka petrol hedge cutter. It does a proper job
and cuts rather than mangles this particular hedge. Last time it
took me around 15-20 mins to cut neatly the same expanse of hedge.

Therefore it will have paid for itself in a very few months. I am
not expecting to need to buy anything else for many years.