What's In DFB's Cabinet?

[kilobravo]

So does that mean I'm a joke?

I presume you were joking old buddy as nothing could be further from the truth, your experience and advice is priceless!

Added to my cabinet. A Wooly wormit.

I hadn't seen that "brush" before but I will be interested to learn how well it does on the barrels. I've tried at least three different versions and settled on this one from OG. I'm on my second one of these and have been happy with it.

Sponsored

 

[skinnyb]

I presume you were joking old buddy as nothing could be further from the truth, your experience and advice is priceless!

Man I totally agree I have learned so much, maybe TOO much LOL... But very valuable info and as much as I have bought WAY too much, I have refrained from buying several things after hearing the review and realizing it wasn't for me. That has saved me money as well.

 

[S550_GTCS]

Anyone know if there is a 1" (or 2") backing plate for the Torq X polisher? I can't seem to find one anywhere. Don't really want to buy a mini if I can get a 1" or even a 2" backing plate for my current polisher. Previous owner of the car didn't take too much care with the door jambs and I need to correct them. I can get a 3" but I'm not sure it would work well in that small of an area. Any suggestions?

 

[DFB5.0]

As some will know, Larry Kosilla teamed up with an Australian company to distribute his AMMO product line in this country. This led to Larry making a trip to Australia, but also his Australian counterpart making the trip over to the USA. Most of the video is on running a business, which is interesting from the filtering out the fluff customers point of view, but the start of the video has some back and forth on the differences between our two countries. For the record, we don't all talk in slang all the time.



And yes, it did cost above and beyond $200 to ship AMMO products to Australia.

 

[DFB5.0]

Despite the evil winter weather outside today, I had two cars to do and new products to test, so the show had to go on!

With the exception of the truly wonderful OG Drying Aid and NV Onyx, the above is all new to me. It's been a while since I went on a mass shopping spree for new products, in recent months I have focused on burning through some of my backlog of stock.

The main reason for these two orders from Waxit and Detailing Shed was to try out some of the modern wash-and-coat style soaps on the market, which will ultimately be added to my soap review thread once I get through with testing. These soaps have never really been on my radar, mostly because they are largely redundant in my style of detailing. But I do see where and when these can be useful, and after being quite impressed with P&S Radiance, I wanted to explore the concept further.

First up was Ethos Ceramic Shampoo.

https://detailingshed.com.au/products/ethos-ceramic-shampoo?_pos=6&_sid=0b7a55321&_ss=r

The "cucumber-melon" scent of Ceramic Shampoo is quite subdued compared to other Ethos products, and has a medium consistency when pouring. Unlike other "ceramic" shampoos I have tried, this product actually foams.........................

So, having it properly foam immediately made it a winner for me. I ended up using Ceramic Shampoo to wash the wheels and the paint, its slick and rinses freely. Because the Jaguar is coated with Gyeon Pure EVO, it was always going to be difficult to tell how much it left behind. The following line printed on the label provides a clue......................

.....You will notice gloss, shine and water repellency increase with each use. Hydrophobic effects increase with every wash, water beading effect does not appear instantaneously upon first use.

That is something noted in a couple of videos I watched prior to ordering this soap. So, if you buying this soap thinking it will instantly transform bare paint, look elsewhere. But I really liked using this soap, the fact it foams is its best feature compared to competitor soaps. Speaking of which..................

Carpro Hydr02 Foam takes their successful Hydr02 spray and rinse sealant and mixes it with a pH neutral soap. Like Reset, this product is a clear, runny liquid. Unlike Reset and despite the name, Hydr02 Foam doesn't actually foam.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/carpro-hydrofoam-500ml-1l?_pos=5&_sid=c86ba7b2d&_ss=r

Compared to Ethos Ceramic Shampoo, Hydr02 Foam is said to last up to 3-months, Carpro clearly choosing longevity over foamability here. The above shot was taken seconds after application, the foam generated is super thin and simply does not cling to the surface of the vehicle. I actually aborted using this soap to clean the wheels, grabbing Brake Buster instead.

Hydr02 Foam(ish) is decently slick, but overall, I just couldn't get past the lack of foam on the surfaces I was cleaning. I think I will reserve this soap for neglected customer cars as a final step instead of maintenance washing my own coated vehicles.

Onto another Carpro product, their new Darkside Brush.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/c...e-rim-brush?_pos=2&_psq=darkside&_ss=e&_v=1.0

This is an ultra-soft, ultra dense brush for applying dressing to tyres and trim. Carpro have branded this as a companion to their solvent based Darkside tyre sealant, which is ultra sticky and requires a effort to properly apply. I didn't actually use it with Darkside today, instead grabbing KCx Plast Star, the density of bristles and how they hold their form makes it ideal for getting into that ledge between the wheel and edge of the tyre.

This brush is hardly unique to Carpro though, so if you aren't the brand snob I am, you can often get this brush cheaper from Amazon, eBay and Temu. Although having said that, its not like Carpro are asking that much for this brush.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Filiverco...rds=tire+dressing+brush&qid=1721111291&sr=8-5
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/3558609...jmGH0EvUu8SHy9I6irYZnsig==|tkp:Bk9SR-SM46OXZA
https://www.temu.com/au/high-densit...&refer_page_id=10009_1721111556741_kvy0th5g8e

And finally, 3D SiO2 Ceramic Matte Tire dressing.

https://detailingshed.com.au/produc...eramic-matte-tire?_pos=2&_sid=b6ec60069&_ss=r

This is hardly a unique concept, there are now plenty of "ceramic" tyre dressings on the market including Carpro Perl and Darkside, OG Tire Dressing, Gyeon Tire, even Meguiar's has one now. For the most part, the addition of Si02 improves durability and increases the darkening effect. What drew my attention was the promise of a matte finish, which as you can see, was not really achieved on the Ranger's Michelin Agilis, but that's a common theme with those tyres. I did however love how easily this creme-like product applies and spreads, and the heady fragrance a real treat, the same used in 3D Bead it Up. They also make a high gloss version if that is more your style..............

https://detailingshed.com.au/products/3d-glw-series-sio2-ceramic-tire-gloss

The GLW series from 3D is relatively new to the market, a range focused on the enthusiast market instead of the bulk-focused professional user. In addition to the tyre dressing, I also decided to try the Ceramic Wash and Ultimate Wash shampoos.

 

[DFB5.0]

Anyone know if there is a 1" (or 2") backing plate for the Torq X polisher? I can't seem to find one anywhere. Don't really want to buy a mini if I can get a 1" or even a 2" backing plate for my current polisher. Previous owner of the car didn't take too much care with the door jambs and I need to correct them. I can get a 3" but I'm not sure it would work well in that small of an area. Any suggestions?

Even if you can find a backing plate, I think you would have issues with the physical size of the machine when dealing with the more intricate areas you want to address.

If you are on a budget, then take a look at the SPTA or the other similar units on Amazon.

Amazon.com: SPTA Cordless Mini Car Polisher, 12V Micro Cordless Scratches Killer Car Polisher RO/DA Mini Car Polisher for polishing, Sanding and Cleaning : Automotive
Amazon.com: RAYBAO Mini Polisher, 2/1.5 inch Cordless Mini Polisher with 2pcs 2.0Ah Batteries, Works as DA & RO Polisher, Small Polisher with 6 Speeds, 53 Accessories, Mini Polisher for Car Detailing, Polishing : Automotive
Amazon.com: LULYDAY Mini Cordless Buffer Polisher, 1.5 & 2 inch Car Buffer Polisher with 12mm Random Orbital, w/ 2 X 2.0Ah Batteries 6 Variable Speed Dual Action Buffer Polisher for Car Detailing/Waxing/Polishing : Automotive

If you are happy to spend a little more, the Adams SK Pro looks nice and is reasonably priced -

Adam's SK Pro Micro Cordless Swirl Killer Polisher 2.0 (adamspolishes.com)

But..................................

I know its way more than the others, but the ShineMate EB210 would be money well spent. Not only can this machine do 1.25", 2", 2.5" and 3" backing plates, it can be used in Dual Action or rotary modes, changed without tools via quick connect fittings. This means you could leave your current polisher with the 5-inch backing plate, then use this machine for quick and convenient swapping between pad sizes.

ShineMate EB210 Mini Cordless Polisher – Parks Car Care

In any case, having a mini polisher is well worth the spend.

 

[skinnyb]

Despite the evil winter weather outside today, I had two cars to do and new products to test, so the show had to go on!

With the exception of the truly wonderful OG Drying Aid and NV Onyx, the above is all new to me. It's been a while since I went on a mass shopping spree for new products, in recent months I have focused on burning through some of my backlog of stock.

The main reason for these two orders from Waxit and Detailing Shed was to try out some of the modern wash-and-coat style soaps on the market, which will ultimately be added to my soap review thread once I get through with testing. These soaps have never really been on my radar, mostly because they are largely redundant in my style of detailing. But I do see where and when these can be useful, and after being quite impressed with P&S Radiance, I wanted to explore the concept further.

First up was Ethos Ceramic Shampoo.

https://detailingshed.com.au/products/ethos-ceramic-shampoo?_pos=6&_sid=0b7a55321&_ss=r

The "cucumber-melon" scent of Ceramic Shampoo is quite subdued compared to other Ethos products, and has a medium consistency when pouring. Unlike other "ceramic" shampoos I have tried, this product actually foams.........................

So, having it properly foam immediately made it a winner for me. I ended up using Ceramic Shampoo to wash the wheels and the paint, its slick and rinses freely. Because the Jaguar is coated with Gyeon Pure EVO, it was always going to be difficult to tell how much it left behind. The following line printed on the label provides a clue......................



That is something noted in a couple of videos I watched prior to ordering this soap. So, if you buying this soap thinking it will instantly transform bare paint, look elsewhere. But I really liked using this soap, the fact it foams is its best feature compared to competitor soaps. Speaking of which..................

Carpro Hydr02 Foam takes their successful Hydr02 spray and rinse sealant and mixes it with a pH neutral soap. Like Reset, this product is a clear, runny liquid. Unlike Reset and despite the name, Hydr02 Foam doesn't actually foam.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/carpro-hydrofoam-500ml-1l?_pos=5&_sid=c86ba7b2d&_ss=r

Compared to Ethos Ceramic Shampoo, Hydr02 Foam is said to last up to 3-months, Carpro clearly choosing longevity over foamability here. The above shot was taken seconds after application, the foam generated is super thin and simply does not cling to the surface of the vehicle. I actually aborted using this soap to clean the wheels, grabbing Brake Buster instead.

Hydr02 Foam(ish) is decently slick, but overall, I just couldn't get past the lack of foam on the surfaces I was cleaning. I think I will reserve this soap for neglected customer cars as a final step instead of maintenance washing my own coated vehicles.

Onto another Carpro product, their new Darkside Brush.

https://www.waxit.com.au/products/c...e-rim-brush?_pos=2&_psq=darkside&_ss=e&_v=1.0

This is an ultra-soft, ultra dense brush for applying dressing to tyres and trim. Carpro have branded this as a companion to their solvent based Darkside tyre sealant, which is ultra sticky and requires a effort to properly apply. I didn't actually use it with Darkside today, instead grabbing KCx Plast Star, the density of bristles and how they hold their form makes it ideal for getting into that ledge between the wheel and edge of the tyre.

This brush is hardly unique to Carpro though, so if you aren't the brand snob I am, you can often get this brush cheaper from Amazon, eBay and Temu. Although having said that, its not like Carpro are asking that much for this brush.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Filiverco...rds=tire+dressing+brush&qid=1721111291&sr=8-5
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/355860938748?itmmeta=01J2X3RRSDGME18XSKSYX65SZV&hash=item52daf6fffc:g:5ugAAOSwPtlmj5zp&itmprp=enc:AQAJAAAA8Jt6QQArkXmbVqXR8K68VeVxWDXn4jaiK2HyQQYgZZ7xTHF+6ms8bloflfIKN95TID3Q86wKTorBdYNbTg2m+vK5ORtTfsnNwTGJ5rPnyNvf3MSZwP+vUBChG/71WX8EMIY96OodyyuGjI2l2NQPSwDa6auFXpKzaTNiYxtM5YwW8n8mCNnA+Djka7fvCqtugCIKZZLHSbuYjAOWaWi1m7tPQTXi00CXpHqDpGsVrt0jes+nM0+kRKTXo9XHmtPsn1bxHSy3BacDuk3EdN+f+p8ThxtDGExcog5/EkghQDjmGH0EvUu8SHy9I6irYZnsig==|tkp:Bk9SR-SM46OXZA
https://www.temu.com/au/high-density-portable-car-cleaning-brush-set-with-soft-detailing-sealed-cover-design-for-tire-dust-removal-nylon-bristles-g-601099590879092.html?_oak_mp_inf=EPSO27ym1ogBGiAyODE4YjdjNzk5MDY0ZTYxYWExMjFiZmIwYzExNDJkYSDE5/jRizI=&top_gallery_url=https://img.kwcdn.com/product/fancy/a8581f54-4336-4696-b1e3-3cd298af37df.jpg&spec_gallery_id=2212558953&refer_page_sn=10009&refer_source=0&freesia_scene=2&_oak_freesia_scene=2&_oak_rec_ext_1=NzMw&_oak_gallery_order=1435070631,1825581070,1792701459,574575245,189667025&search_key=High Density Portable Car Brush&refer_page_el_sn=200049&_x_vst_scene=adg&_x_ads_sub_channel=search&_x_ads_channel=google&_x_ads_account=4294326039&_x_ads_set=20021128980&_x_ads_id=153549230372&_x_ads_creative_id=656089010083&_x_ns_source=g&_x_ns_gclid=EAIaIQobChMI56aIhviqhwMVSSmDAx35ggQXEAAYASAAEgJ2vPD_BwE&_x_ns_placement=&_x_ns_match_type=e&_x_ns_ad_position=&_x_ns_product_id=&_x_ns_target=&_x_ns_devicemodel=&_x_ns_wbraid=Cj8KCQjwkdO0BhDhARIuAMCk-HeOlD4ReksADomhtiA01LeFe4yaT85OBR3llSPjwP7CiGrYZSmqRz1VYxoCu8o&_x_ns_gbraid=0AAAAAo4mICHH4Dp4HR_8_VeR3ezRkOIhe&_x_ns_keyword=temu&_x_ns_targetid=kwd-4583699489&_x_ns_extensionid=&_x_sessn_id=ts2avdpb98&refer_page_name=search_result&refer_page_id=10009_1721111556741_kvy0th5g8e

And finally, 3D SiO2 Ceramic Matte Tire dressing.

https://detailingshed.com.au/produc...eramic-matte-tire?_pos=2&_sid=b6ec60069&_ss=r

This is hardly a unique concept, there are now plenty of "ceramic" tyre dressings on the market including Carpro Perl and Darkside, OG Tire Dressing, Gyeon Tire, even Meguiar's has one now. For the most part, the addition of Si02 improves durability and increases the darkening effect. What drew my attention was the promise of a matte finish, which as you can see, was not really achieved on the Ranger's Michelin Agilis, but that's a common theme with those tyres. I did however love how easily this creme-like product applies and spreads, and the heady fragrance a real treat, the same used in 3D Bead it Up. They also make a high gloss version if that is more your style..............

https://detailingshed.com.au/products/3d-glw-series-sio2-ceramic-tire-gloss

The GLW series from 3D is relatively new to the market, a range focused on the enthusiast market instead of the bulk-focused professional user. In addition to the tyre dressing, I also decided to try the Ceramic Wash and Ultimate Wash shampoos.

I definitely concur on the Hydr02 foam. It doesn't make hardly any foam. I have used both it and Bathe+ and they behave exactly the same way. I always do a proper wash and then use the foaming soap as a final LSP type of application. Sometimes I simply spray on and rinse, sometimes I will wipe in with a mit before rinsing. It definitely isn't a one step product for me but rather an add on afterward. I was wanting to try KCx NMS, BUT I already have their Protector Wax and S0.03 on hand so its pretty much redundant for me..

 

[skinnyb]

Tried a new product this weekend on my daily driver. After the wash I used the Armour Detail Supply Tire+ dressing. It is in a sprayer format but a bit thick however sprays pretty nicely. I used my standard application method, a microfiber covered sponge and it went on extremely smooth and looks pretty good to me. Dried up nice, leaves a bit of a sheen, almost too shiny for me but I like it. Kinda reminds me of Adams Graphene Tire Dressing. Has a strong Banana scent which is kinda cool... I am on vacation this week so I won't be able to test the longevity for a bit but I like it so far..

 

[DFB5.0]

I definitely concur on the Hydr02 foam. It doesn't make hardly any foam. I have used both it and Bathe+ and they behave exactly the same way. I always do a proper wash and then use the foaming soap as a final LSP type of application. Sometimes I simply spray on and rinse, sometimes I will wipe in with a mit before rinsing. It definitely isn't a one step product for me but rather an add on afterward. I was wanting to try KCx NMS, BUT I already have their Protector Wax and S0.03 on hand so its pretty much redundant for me..

The Ranger was only dusty, so I didn't need a lot of cleaning power today. If it was in need of a proper clean, I would follow the path you mention above.

I bought a bottle of Nano Magic from the KCx "blue bottle" line.

Nano Magic is certainly a thin and runny foam, but compared to Hydr02 Foam, it actually clings to the paint. In use, the soap is decently slick, but again, not to GSF levels. The scent is that very distinctive and pleasant KCx aroma. Afterwards on a completely bare paint, I found it produced a water sheeting effect rather than beading.

 

[kilobravo]

And yes, it did cost above and beyond $200 to ship AMMO products to Australia.

HS, why so much more than others in the US?!

..so the show had to go on!

That put a big grin on my face amigo, very witty.

Onto another Carpro product, their new Darkside Brush.

They probably filled both our orders on the same day because mine showed up yesterday! <grin>

Howsomever, I was more than a little surprised at its size! From the previous photo that I think you posted, (and I'm too lazy to find it, <laughing>) I thought it was much larger. Examining the bristles however was a good surprise and I could immediately see how well this brush would work for "tyre" dressing. <big, warm, Texas smile>

..the density of bristles and how they hold their form makes it ideal for getting into that ledge between the wheel and edge of the tyre.

But geeze it's tiny and I thought it might take twice as long to do a tire with it so I went out to the garage and did a simulation without dressing. Right away I could see that the size (at least for a low profile,) was more than adequate and you are so correct, those bristles coupled with the diameter of the brush, are perfect for getting into the bead.

As it happens, Sarah is still clean from the wash she got a week ago and I didn't get around to doing a topcoat or the rubber so I may just get out there today and try the little guy out.

Had three shipments show up yesterday with the other two being the correct 6mm weighted filters <laughing at myself again,>

..and, <drum roll please...>

My new Echo straight shaft edger!

After spending a couple weeks dicking around with my old Echo edger (new carb, tubing, filter, and grommet,) I took it to my "go to guy" and he told me the engine was kaputski. I think I mentioned that I recently picked up my first electric trimmer, a Milwaukee, with their Quik-Loc feature and I have been using it for the turf at each end of the pool area and it does just fine.

Then the edger problems started and I decided to order the edger attachment. It came last week and much to my surprise, it uses the same standard edger blades and while not as powerful as the Echo, it does the job, you just have to move a bit more slowly. Been using it around the pool area as well for a couple weeks and like the trimmer, it gets it done, even on the low RPM setting.

But, I bought another gas model to do the majority of the edging which is mostly the driveway and I still have my old Echo trimmer that now with a new carb and ignition coil, works as advertised so I have both tools available to me for the occasional time when my weekly trimming crew can't make it. Yeah, I could probably do all the trimming and edging electrically with the two 8AH batteries I have but it would take about twice as long.

In any case, having a mini polisher is well worth the spend.

Even if you can find a backing plate, I think you would have issues with the physical size of the machine when dealing with the more intricate areas you want to address.

Completely agree with D's assessment and suggestion, Shawn. My motto is, "Buy cheap, buy twice."

..almost too shiny for me but I like it.

I know we all have the perfect dressing look in our brains Alex but, that is way too glossy for mine.

 

[skinnyb]

I know we all have the perfect dressing look in our brains Alex but, that is way too glossy for mine.

Yeah I took the Pic right after I applied and it was a bit wet. It calmed down a bit once it dried. PSS is still my all time favorite.

 

[skinnyb]

Got my tire dressing applicator brush today from Scamazon as well and I concur with @kilobravo this thing is tiny. But should work amazing on my 30 series tires. And the bristles while soft are still stiff at the same time. Can't wait to try it next wash.

Did a brake fluid flush today and I had the tires off. Man I forget how meaty they look since they are always tucked under the fender. .

 

[DFB5.0]

My new Echo straight shaft edger!

Then the edger problems started and I decided to order the edger attachment. It came last week and much to my surprise, it uses the same standard edger blades and while not as powerful as the Echo, it does the job, you just have to move a bit more slowly. Been using it around the pool area as well for a couple weeks and like the trimmer, it gets it done, even on the low RPM setting.

But, I bought another gas model to do the majority of the edging which is mostly the driveway and I still have my old Echo trimmer that now with a new carb and ignition coil, works as advertised so I have both tools available to me for the occasional time when my weekly trimming crew can't make it. Yeah, I could probably do all the trimming and edging electrically with the two 8AH batteries I have but it would take about twice as long.

Very nice, I've never bough Echo myself, but they make some great stuff, I would suspect their engines are better than what Stihl do these days. Battery gear is good, but I think with a property as big as yours and with so much lawn, gas power still has a place.

I've trialed battery powered leaf blowers commercially before, but they tend to suck battery power quite quickly, so the stamina of a gas powered Stihl is my go-to. However, I've been 100% battery power with hedge trimmers for many years now, they are lighter and less taxing on my body, they also don't blow smoke or scream in your face for hours on end like a gas powered one does. For smaller pruning jobs, my battery powered chainsaw is so handy.

##OFF-TOPIC WARNING##

In recent years, I have scaled back my gardening service to a core group of customers who are not making me lose sleep over. This hasn't stopped me buying new machines though, so its lucky I can write off these purchases as "business expenses" when in fact I just wanted it. So, take the following with a grain of salt, some of this is for running my business, so of it is for my own pleasure.

Lawn Mowers - I have no need or want for a rider or zero turn....................but I do currently have 11 different push mowers. They all do something a little differently, or so I tell myself and others. A couple of them are for sentimental reasons, some of them because I simply wanted one, some actually work hard for a living. This pic is a few years old now, so a couple are missing from the shot.

This was my 15th birthday present, again it started my business. I made a LOT of money out of that thing. She's smoker now, I basically wore it out, but I would like to rebuild it one day.

My grandfathers 1970's Victa, he gave it to me and I've kept it for obvious reasons.

Blowers -

Stihl BG-55 - I worked this off at the age of 15, it basically helped me start my business and I run it into the ground. I kept it for sentimental reasons but it hasn't run in years now.)

Stihl BG-86 x 3 - 1 is basically worn out, I've kept it for parts. 1 is set up as a vacuum, 1 is basically new and is my main unit. They are the best gas blower on the market.

Husqvarna 525BX - I bought this to replace my worn out Stihl. I hate this thing, its hard to start, doesn't have as much power, overall, a dud. I ended up just buying another Stihl like I should have done in the first place. I still have it as a backup, I just can't be bothered selling the thing.

Stihl BG-600 Magnum - I'm not going to lie, the Magnum name sounds cool. This was a "want" purchase rather than a "need". This has the 4-mix engine, basically a two stroke with overhead valves instead of transfer ports, which makes it a very responsive engine.

Stihl BGA-56 - I bought this after investing in the Stihl battery system, a natural addition I thought. But the airflow is too lean and it sucks battery power very quickly. Sits un-used.

EGO LB-765 - technically, this is a "business purchase", but I only use it for detailing.

Trimmers -
You guys call these "weed whackers", we call them "whipper snipper". I have two Stihl FS 45's that I started with, one snapped the shaft and was replaced by another. Neither see use now.

Husqvarna 522L - this is by far the best line trimmer I have ever had. I chose this because it is the lightest straight shaft trimmer on the market, which is important when using a tool all day. It's got more than enough grunt for the work I do, and it's been nothing but reliable, I've only put one spark plug and one air filter in it during the 6 years I've run it.

Stihl KM-56 Combi Power Head - I bought this to run a pole hedger attachment, but also ran with a trimmer shaft as well. For this sort of work, it was just too heavy. Actually, it was too heavy as a hedger as well.

Hedge Trimmers -

Stihl HS-45 - this was an earlier purchase and served me well for many years. But I got sick of how gas powered hedge trimmers blow smoke in your face and how loud they are. Its been mothballed for many years now.

Stihl HSA-56 - this was the first battery powered tool I bought, for the reasons outlined above. Battery life is brilliant on this unit, originally I carried my gas-powered unit "just in case" but never needed it. Brilliant machine.

Stihl HSA-26 - I bought this as a novelty really, its handy but I never use it.

Stihl HLA-56 - I love this thing, its so light and easy to use, it replaced the heavy gas powered combi unit. Again, great battery consumption on this machine.

Chainsaws

I didn't intend on having 4 chainsaws, it sort of just happened.

Stihl 009L - my father bought this for firewood collection, the 40.8cc engine is relatively for its physical size, so it actually has plenty of punch.

Stihl MSA-140c - again, I bought this as an addition to the battery system I already had. I love this for smaller pruning jobs.

Stihl MS-271 - I bought this because I wanted a bigger saw, the 50.2cc engine has plenty of grunt.

Stihl 028 AV Super - I was given this AFTER I had gone and bought the MS-271, so I now have two 50cc saws. This saw has sentimental value, I rescued and brought it back into service. It would be about 38 years old and is such a mean machine. I love it!

Atom Edge Trimmer

I'm not sure if you guys have something like this in the States, but this is another take on bladed edge trimmer. Mine is powered by the Honda GX25, such a lovely little engine. I bought this second hand off my neighbor.

I think that's all of them...................................

 

[WD Pro]

I've been 100% battery power with hedge trimmers for many years now, they are lighter and less taxing on my body, they also don't blow smoke or scream in your face for hours on end like a gas powered one does.

That's interesting.

I have the bushes (12 x berberis) and hedge (1 x buxus) cut around the front of the house every two or three years. On the last but one cycle (2021), the guys were on battery power (which surprised me), and when I asked them about it, they raved about it and were very complimentary / enthusiastic.

Roll on to this year, and the same team were all back on gas - No, I didn't ask ...

For info, the team that comes are predominately tree surgeons with local council contracts etc i.e. my job is about as small as they go, both in size of the job and £ value etc (I suspect I'm a cash in hand gap filler lol).

My grandfathers 1970's Victa, he gave it to me and I've kept it for obvious reasons.

A lime green Mustang - what's not to like ... ?

WD

 

[DFB5.0]

Roll on to this year, and the same team were all back on gas - No, I didn't ask ...

A lime green Mustang - what's not to like ... ?

WD

I would guess that the more extreme duty cycles seen by a team like that would speed up the decline of the batteries, which in turn mean having to replace batteries more often at considerable expense. I guess that would add up very quickly. Not to mention needing in enough batteries to power multiple machines, and a power source to recharge batteries on the job. For someone like me, I would only be doing one hedge a day at most, so battery consumption and replacement is not an issue.

As for the lime green Mustang, she's a screamer...................................

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