Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Hi Guys,
A friend of mine is looking for an electric hedge trimmer.
She isnt intending on any major heavy duty trimming...just some trained forsythias that she would like too keep under control.
She asked my opinion on a Little Wonder model 1920   but I know absolutely nothing about these matters.
Durability is her prime concern, and the weight being another.
Is there a quality brand electric on the market? Does anyone own one that they are happy with?
Thanks guys.

Mr 'Lint...

Why don't you recommend the brand you shave with ?        

Dave...

They look very nice.

I like my Sears models very much but no way I would recommend my Craftsman's over the Little Wonders you linked.

From PM

LITTLE WONDER 1920
As you might expect from a company that specializes in landscaping equipment, the Little Wonder hedge trimmer is clearly the best-made machine of all the electric models we tested. You'd also expect such quality from the price tag--more than twice the average of our other corded electric trimmers and on a par with our heavy-duty Echo gas-powered entry.

But while the tool's cost is high, our tests indicate that it delivers a lot of value. Most importantly, it can handle 1/2-in.-dia. branches with ease--and that covers new growth and tough, hard old branches as well.

Next, it has a double reciprocating blade (two blade halves that move in opposite directions) that cuts on both strokes with a shearing action. Our other electric trimmers have a single reciprocating blade that cuts in one direction only. The Little Wonder blade is also superior in that the components are stamped from through-hardened, high-carbon tool steel and reinforced with a solid steel bar. Consequently, it lasts longer and requires less sharpening than the blades typically found on the lower-priced homeowner-grade trimmers.

The Little Wonder is also a very safe tool. Dual switches, one at each grip, ensure that both hands are away from the blade when the tool is running. And, the direct current (DC) motor stops the blade almost instantly (less than one-half second) upon release of either handle.

On the downside, this trimmer is heavy despite its short, 19-in. blade. And, we found the balance weighted too far to the rear, perhaps because this unit is often sold with a 24-in. blade (Model 2420) or 30-in. blade (Model 3010). With a longer blade, balance would be better.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_improvement/gardening/1273831.html?page=2&c=y

Dave,
I will not recommend the brand that I shave with!!!
The brand that I shave with has been destroyed in a terrible fire.


Thanks Rob.

Is Little Wonder considered a better brand than others in this area?
Black and Decker once made some decent aluminum body models....are the newer plastic things even worth looking at anymore?

I have a Makita electric trimmer that I am very happy with.  I purchased it from AMazon.com

I have a Black and Decker that works fine.  I like it because it's long and gives a good reach.  It does however, have trouble with thicker branches.

I can't imagine ANYTHING from Little Wonder not being a well built, well performing machine.

LL

What did she get, lint?

Rob,
She went with the Little Wonder 1920.
I am sure Mrs. 'lint will borrow it and give it a good test run.
We have 200' of privots and I have tried too hook her up all of the gas powered trimmers that I have access too.
The Stihl products are all too heavy. The little Homelite and Poulon's are light enough...but they dont seem too hold up very well. (At least the ones I see coming thru the shop.)
Although Mrs. 'lint is perfectly happy with manual trimmers....she is starting too develope huge Popeye arms and she accidently crushes my beer cans whenever I ask her too fetch me one.
Electric trimmers seems too be the way too go.
Thanks for your help guys.

B-Lint'...

Crushin' beer cans ? Bad deal... !

May be time to go to crush-proof 1/4 kegs ! 

Dave...

Lint,
I think if people really gave them a close look, they might sell a bunch of them. But the price probably scares about 90% of prospective buyers away. One thing I did expect was the unconditional money back guarantee like the Mantis stuff. The Little Wonder was repair or replace. Did I miss something?

Holy crap Rob !!!
You are right.....I never checked out the price on one of those things. ...$200 plus!
90% of our customers would cardiac at that price for an electric hedge trimmer.
We are selling Snapper self propelled mulchers with Honda 5.5 motors for not much more than that. (Cant even give em away.)
Man....I got to get a job in a better neighborhood.

buttlint wrote:

Lint

Be glad that she has the beer cans to crush ...

In 1992 I looked at the Lil Wonder and was not impressed with the construction of the motor casing so I bought a Bosch 3221L

for $160.00. No problems to date. I do not use it for commercial use though I believe it would easily hold up.