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DFB5.0
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- #154
A little delivery arrived today, all the way from Podunk USA............................
Taryl Fixes All - YouTube
I love how Taryl levels the playing field when it comes to brands. There is no fan boy syndrome here, even fabled brands like Kawasaki, Honda, Snap-On or Stihl have their problems as well. So rather than worship these brands like a cult, he puts a little bit of humour behind them and reminds the viewer to lighten up, or in his words, "it's a lawn mower, not the space shuttle". My favourite of these is Kindasucki.................."it's not that they suck, they just kinda suck......"
The main reason for this order was the universal cable repair kits, which I couldn't find a suitable equivalent locally (story of my life). With Rover not selling replacement clutch cables anymore, and with no aftermarket alternative, this will allow me to repair a cable if needed in the future. While I was at it, I also grabbed a bottle of Gel-Lube, again the Valco Cincinnati brand is not sold here, and I couldn't find an exact alternative.
https://tarylfixesall.bigcartel.com/product/universal-cable-repair-kit
https://tarylfixesall.bigcartel.com...gine-assembly-general-purpose-spray-lubricant
I know some are put off by the silly teeth and hillbilly antics, but again, it's all about have a little fun rather than taking things too seriously. I've learnt so much watching these videos, and laughed a lot as well. And "there's your dinner!"
If you want to find out more about the legend that is Taryl, this article from 2019 gives the backstory. His real name is Tim Gross and the videos are made with his two sons who either work for him or his brother "Feral" (Bill).
Taryl Fixes All - YouTube
I love how Taryl levels the playing field when it comes to brands. There is no fan boy syndrome here, even fabled brands like Kawasaki, Honda, Snap-On or Stihl have their problems as well. So rather than worship these brands like a cult, he puts a little bit of humour behind them and reminds the viewer to lighten up, or in his words, "it's a lawn mower, not the space shuttle". My favourite of these is Kindasucki.................."it's not that they suck, they just kinda suck......"
The main reason for this order was the universal cable repair kits, which I couldn't find a suitable equivalent locally (story of my life). With Rover not selling replacement clutch cables anymore, and with no aftermarket alternative, this will allow me to repair a cable if needed in the future. While I was at it, I also grabbed a bottle of Gel-Lube, again the Valco Cincinnati brand is not sold here, and I couldn't find an exact alternative.
https://tarylfixesall.bigcartel.com/product/universal-cable-repair-kit
https://tarylfixesall.bigcartel.com...gine-assembly-general-purpose-spray-lubricant
I know some are put off by the silly teeth and hillbilly antics, but again, it's all about have a little fun rather than taking things too seriously. I've learnt so much watching these videos, and laughed a lot as well. And "there's your dinner!"
If you want to find out more about the legend that is Taryl, this article from 2019 gives the backstory. His real name is Tim Gross and the videos are made with his two sons who either work for him or his brother "Feral" (Bill).
https://www.greenindustrypros.com/mo...tube-sensation
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- #156
I've never been a fan of Australian native plants, they lack structure and softness for my liking. But then something like this catches my eye and makes me wonder.
Hakea 'Burrendong Beauty'..........
This variety is a cross between Hakea myrtoides and Hakea petiolaris.
Hakea -
Named after German horticulturalist Baron Christian Ludwig von Hake (1745–1818)
Myrtoides -
Myrt- (Latin myrtus or Greek myrtos) Referring to the myrtle plant.
oides - (Greek suffix -oeides) Meaning "resembling" or "like".
Petiolaris -
Latin meaning of having a petiole or petiole-bearing. The petiole is the stalk of the flower, in this case containing many of them.
For most of the year, this is a scraggy, low spreading shrub with sparse branch structure and small pointy leaves. In other words, it's an ugly mess. But then in late Autumn these delicate, intricately detailed flowers appear and change the whole narrative. And that describes a lot of native plants for me. Ugly until they are not, then back to ugly.
Native to Western Australia and discovered by Burrendong Arboretum, this Hakea became quite popular several years ago. We would stock it all year round, but it only really sold when in flower, when people were seeing vast groves of it planted at the local botanic gardens.
Hakea 'Burrendong Beauty'..........
This variety is a cross between Hakea myrtoides and Hakea petiolaris.
Hakea -
Named after German horticulturalist Baron Christian Ludwig von Hake (1745–1818)
Myrtoides -
Myrt- (Latin myrtus or Greek myrtos) Referring to the myrtle plant.
oides - (Greek suffix -oeides) Meaning "resembling" or "like".
Petiolaris -
Latin meaning of having a petiole or petiole-bearing. The petiole is the stalk of the flower, in this case containing many of them.
For most of the year, this is a scraggy, low spreading shrub with sparse branch structure and small pointy leaves. In other words, it's an ugly mess. But then in late Autumn these delicate, intricately detailed flowers appear and change the whole narrative. And that describes a lot of native plants for me. Ugly until they are not, then back to ugly.
Native to Western Australia and discovered by Burrendong Arboretum, this Hakea became quite popular several years ago. We would stock it all year round, but it only really sold when in flower, when people were seeing vast groves of it planted at the local botanic gardens.
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DFB5.0
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- #157
I planted two Crepe Myrtle "Zuni" in the front garden about 17-years ago. Planted diagonally from each other, they were intended to create a bit of height without growing into a mammoth down the track. The main drawcards being the mauve summer flowers and orange-red autumn foliage. I also love the smooth patterned trunk and branches. You'll have seen these trees in the background of my detailing photos.
Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei "Zuni" is a smaller growing Crepe Myrtle variety, reaching about 3- to 4-metres in height and 3-metres in width. I'd say mine were bang on those figures. "Were" being the key word....................
Apart from some early formative pruning, this variety's naturally slow growth rate and compact size meant I'd never needed to do much pruning of these two Crepe Myrtles. Until today.
There are three reasons I decided to go to town on these trees:
1. Over this past summer, I noticed they didn't flower very well. Pruning stimulates new growth, and new growth produces more flowers.
2. After shedding their foliage in autumn, Crepe Myrtles drop thousands of little black seeds everywhere, which then blow into the garage and make a mess of the driveway. Pruning now solves that problem, at least for this year.
3. A heavy prune like this also reshapes the tree. Since these trees aren't grown for shade, the goal is to push fresh growth and flowers lower down.
I also took the opportunity to remove any dead or crossing branches. This will improve airflow through the canopy and help reduce the likelihood of grey mildew developing during summer, something Crepe Myrtles are prone to.
Because of how hard and brittle Crepe Myrtle timber is, I needed some mechanical assistance today. Tools of choice being my Stihl ASA 20 battery-powered pruning shears and MSA 140C chainsaw.
All that's left now is to wait and see what spring and summer bring.
Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei "Zuni" is a smaller growing Crepe Myrtle variety, reaching about 3- to 4-metres in height and 3-metres in width. I'd say mine were bang on those figures. "Were" being the key word....................
Apart from some early formative pruning, this variety's naturally slow growth rate and compact size meant I'd never needed to do much pruning of these two Crepe Myrtles. Until today.
There are three reasons I decided to go to town on these trees:
1. Over this past summer, I noticed they didn't flower very well. Pruning stimulates new growth, and new growth produces more flowers.
2. After shedding their foliage in autumn, Crepe Myrtles drop thousands of little black seeds everywhere, which then blow into the garage and make a mess of the driveway. Pruning now solves that problem, at least for this year.
3. A heavy prune like this also reshapes the tree. Since these trees aren't grown for shade, the goal is to push fresh growth and flowers lower down.
I also took the opportunity to remove any dead or crossing branches. This will improve airflow through the canopy and help reduce the likelihood of grey mildew developing during summer, something Crepe Myrtles are prone to.
Because of how hard and brittle Crepe Myrtle timber is, I needed some mechanical assistance today. Tools of choice being my Stihl ASA 20 battery-powered pruning shears and MSA 140C chainsaw.
All that's left now is to wait and see what spring and summer bring.
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DFB5.0
Well-Known Member
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- #158
I bought this chipper shredder from one of my gardening clients today. I don't always have a need for one, but the price was too good to pass on. I've used this machine many times over the years, so I know the service and usage history. I actually changed the oil, spark plug and cleaned the air filter this time last year, so no need for a reset service that I normally do with secondhand small engines.
I'm not a massive Honda fanboy, primarily because you pay a price premium for engines that are often made in China or Thailand, even the commercial grade ones like this GX160. I also don't buy into them being head and shoulders above a Briggs or Kindasucki in terms of reliability.
This particular GX160 has the oil bath air filter. I know these technically filter better, but I hate the messiness of them. A shredder doesn't really kick up much dust, so I don't think you need a oil bath filter in this application. The other thing I hate about horizontal shaft Honda's, the quarter-turn fuel caps are a pain in the neck as the cap needs to clock exactly right to go back on. I also find Honda mufflers are too small, while they idle nicely, they make far too much high frequency noise at full speed.
But, I will acknowledge Honda's run smooth and are easy to work on because everything fits precisely. On a commercial GX or GXV, most of that added smoothness comes from replaceable ball bearings supporting the crankshaft rather than plain bushings on the non-commercial competitors.
I'm not a massive Honda fanboy, primarily because you pay a price premium for engines that are often made in China or Thailand, even the commercial grade ones like this GX160. I also don't buy into them being head and shoulders above a Briggs or Kindasucki in terms of reliability.
This particular GX160 has the oil bath air filter. I know these technically filter better, but I hate the messiness of them. A shredder doesn't really kick up much dust, so I don't think you need a oil bath filter in this application. The other thing I hate about horizontal shaft Honda's, the quarter-turn fuel caps are a pain in the neck as the cap needs to clock exactly right to go back on. I also find Honda mufflers are too small, while they idle nicely, they make far too much high frequency noise at full speed.
But, I will acknowledge Honda's run smooth and are easy to work on because everything fits precisely. On a commercial GX or GXV, most of that added smoothness comes from replaceable ball bearings supporting the crankshaft rather than plain bushings on the non-commercial competitors.
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- #161
I don't know the exact moment, but since I was a kid, I've been obsessed with small engines. Lawn mowers, leaf blowers, grass trimmers, chainsaws — if it's got a small engine, I'm in. Pinpointing my Stihl obsession is easier: I used to watch in awe as our neighbour cut firewood with his Stihl chainsaw, and ever since, I wanted one of my own.
As fate would have it, I eventually inherited that chainsaw..............two weeks after I had bought my first "real" chainsaw.
I started my own lawn mowing business at 15. My parents bought me a lawnmower and trimmer for consecutive birthdays. My dad bought me a leaf blower, which I worked off by mowing the lawns at his office — that leaf blower was my first Stihl product, and I still have it.
As the business grew, so did my collection of Stihl tools, out of necessity, but if I'm honest, buying tools was a dream come true. Apart from a couple of deviations, I've stayed a Stihl customer ever since: blowers, hedge trimmers, multi-tools, grass trimmers, shears, pole saws, and best of all, my own Stihl chainsaws — four of them, actually. Some don't even have a small engine, but I'm happy to compromise where it makes sense.
In 2026, Stihl celebrates 100 years in business, and they've been running several promotions to mark it. The most visible is the Centennial Edition MS 500i chainsaw — a special edition with bespoke finishes, unique graphics and limited availability. To get one, you had to enter a ballot and be prepared to fork out $3,500 for a chainsaw you'd realistically never cut wood with (the fact it comes with a custom display stand says it all). I want one.
Stihl also ran a promotion called Australia's Biggest STIHL Fan:
"We're looking for Australia's biggest STIHL fan on INSTAGRAM! Think you're STIHL's #1 supporter? Now's your chance to prove it. Share your STIHL story, your favourite tool, your tattoos, or show us your STIHL collection for a chance to be featured as part of our 100-year celebrations."
I'm decent at telling a story and run a reasonable Instagram account, so I threw my hat in the ring. First prize was the Centennial MS 500i, second was a bundle of AP pro-grade battery tools, third a selection of AK battery tools, and fourth an assortment of AS battery tools. The global prize was a trip to Germany (thanks, but no thanks).
Knowing my level of Stihl obsession is modest compared to some, I entered the competition with zero expectations. I had actually forgotten about it. Then last Friday, I spotted on Instagram that I'd won 4th place! Not the Centennial chainsaw I had been hoping for, but I’m not complaining.
The fourth prize was called the Camping & Home Bundle, which included the BGA 30 Blower (kit), PS1 Power Bank, RCA 20 Pressure Washer (skin), KOA 20 inflator (kit), and SEA 20 vacuum (skin). All up, $1015 worth of tools.
To quote a successful businessman – “support the businesses that helps support yours”. I buy tools out of both need and want. I buy Stihl because they make great products that have helped build my business and allowed me to make an income from it. Over the years, I would plug the brand on social media, recommend their products to others, gave them plenty of free advertising. I never asked nor expected anything out of that. So, as much as anything, I’m just happy to have caught Stihl’s attention.
Collection of the prize is being organized by my local Stihl dealer, which I have a great relationship with. I’ll be sure to do my usual thing with these newtoys tools.
As fate would have it, I eventually inherited that chainsaw..............two weeks after I had bought my first "real" chainsaw.
I started my own lawn mowing business at 15. My parents bought me a lawnmower and trimmer for consecutive birthdays. My dad bought me a leaf blower, which I worked off by mowing the lawns at his office — that leaf blower was my first Stihl product, and I still have it.
As the business grew, so did my collection of Stihl tools, out of necessity, but if I'm honest, buying tools was a dream come true. Apart from a couple of deviations, I've stayed a Stihl customer ever since: blowers, hedge trimmers, multi-tools, grass trimmers, shears, pole saws, and best of all, my own Stihl chainsaws — four of them, actually. Some don't even have a small engine, but I'm happy to compromise where it makes sense.
In 2026, Stihl celebrates 100 years in business, and they've been running several promotions to mark it. The most visible is the Centennial Edition MS 500i chainsaw — a special edition with bespoke finishes, unique graphics and limited availability. To get one, you had to enter a ballot and be prepared to fork out $3,500 for a chainsaw you'd realistically never cut wood with (the fact it comes with a custom display stand says it all). I want one.
Stihl also ran a promotion called Australia's Biggest STIHL Fan:
"We're looking for Australia's biggest STIHL fan on INSTAGRAM! Think you're STIHL's #1 supporter? Now's your chance to prove it. Share your STIHL story, your favourite tool, your tattoos, or show us your STIHL collection for a chance to be featured as part of our 100-year celebrations."
I'm decent at telling a story and run a reasonable Instagram account, so I threw my hat in the ring. First prize was the Centennial MS 500i, second was a bundle of AP pro-grade battery tools, third a selection of AK battery tools, and fourth an assortment of AS battery tools. The global prize was a trip to Germany (thanks, but no thanks).
Knowing my level of Stihl obsession is modest compared to some, I entered the competition with zero expectations. I had actually forgotten about it. Then last Friday, I spotted on Instagram that I'd won 4th place! Not the Centennial chainsaw I had been hoping for, but I’m not complaining.
The fourth prize was called the Camping & Home Bundle, which included the BGA 30 Blower (kit), PS1 Power Bank, RCA 20 Pressure Washer (skin), KOA 20 inflator (kit), and SEA 20 vacuum (skin). All up, $1015 worth of tools.
To quote a successful businessman – “support the businesses that helps support yours”. I buy tools out of both need and want. I buy Stihl because they make great products that have helped build my business and allowed me to make an income from it. Over the years, I would plug the brand on social media, recommend their products to others, gave them plenty of free advertising. I never asked nor expected anything out of that. So, as much as anything, I’m just happy to have caught Stihl’s attention.
Collection of the prize is being organized by my local Stihl dealer, which I have a great relationship with. I’ll be sure to do my usual thing with these new
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DFB5.0
Well-Known Member
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- #162
Picked up a new garden client at the end of May. No mowing, just general gardening work. It's a large sweeping garden that backs onto bushland and the river, which I worry about come spring and summer as the snake population wakes up. There is also a large flowing creek bed and pond, of which the surrounding garden had been smothered in weeds and took two visits to get on top of. I also cut back three overgrown Yucca's.
This week, the client wanted a heavy reduction on an overgrown Oleander. Well-established, this specimen was at least 5-metres in height and had a lot of thick branches, some approaching 4- to 5-inches in diameter. Overall, I brought it back down to about 2-metres, the idea to stimulate fresh growth and have it flowering where the customer could see it.
I'm so glad I bought a pole saw last year, it makes jobs like this so much easier and safer (I hate ladders).
Now that I've gotten on top of the big stuff, it should just be a matter of maintaining it. To give you an idea of how much work the garden has required, I've taken away 10 heavily stacked loads of green waste to the tip at $25 a pop.
Who needs a trailer........................
This week, the client wanted a heavy reduction on an overgrown Oleander. Well-established, this specimen was at least 5-metres in height and had a lot of thick branches, some approaching 4- to 5-inches in diameter. Overall, I brought it back down to about 2-metres, the idea to stimulate fresh growth and have it flowering where the customer could see it.
I'm so glad I bought a pole saw last year, it makes jobs like this so much easier and safer (I hate ladders).
Now that I've gotten on top of the big stuff, it should just be a matter of maintaining it. To give you an idea of how much work the garden has required, I've taken away 10 heavily stacked loads of green waste to the tip at $25 a pop.
Who needs a trailer........................
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DFB5.0
Well-Known Member
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- #164
Oooooo, be careful where you say that, a certain group of people get REALLY annoyed when you question the usability of overpriced pickup trucks made in Thailand. Useless as tits on a bull.Anyone with a dual cab ute
Nah, I was in drag for the photoshoot.Congratulations on the Stihl win mate well done. Unfortunately the experience appears to have aged you
GT 550
Well-Known Member
Well to be fair I wasn't specific about the brand. I own a Thailand XLT and suspect they're all actually a bit less useful than tits on a bull.
Ahhhh gotcha...Kylie?
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