The Hitachi CH62EA3 Petrol Hedgetrimmer is a powerful machine designed primarily for the home user with a good sized garden to keep under control although the manufacturer’s state that it would also be suitable for light commercial use.
As you would expect from Hitachi, there are some great features which make this machine a pleasure to own. As you may know, Tanaka became part of the Hitachi group quite recently and this machine was previously branded Tanaka.
As a female user of garden machinery, I was particularly pleased with the S start technology (or soft and smooth engine recoil starter) feature of this model which makes it much easier for those of us who are not so strong in the arms and shoulders to start without any trouble. The manufacturers say that it requires up to 50% less effort to start – I only know I can start it without a problem! The other thing I like is that the fuel tank is a sensible size at 350 cc which gives a good running time on a single tank of fuel on the 21.1 cc engine which delivers a maximum of 0.74 kW of power.
Customer review:-
“I bought this today and am already a fan. It has cut through some substantial branches (7-8mm) while trimming a rather nasty and distant hawthorn hedge. It was comfortable in use and fairly quiet. It was laughably easy to start as compared with my McCulloch blower and Stihl chainsaw. Highly recommended.”
Another feature which makes it particularly user friendly is the easy to use, quick twist adjustment of the handles enabling the working angle to be adjusted quickly and easily. The handle can be securely locked in a choice of five different operating positions (Left, Right, 0°, 45° and 90°) which makes vertical trimming much easier for all users – whether right or left handed. The adjustment is easy, you just need to push the lock button but you have to release the throttle lever first as you cannot push the lock button if the blades are in motion.
The machine is very quiet in operation making it more pleasant to use and more acceptable for suburban gardens where neighbours need to be considered. The 50:1 ratio of the fuel mixture also makes for cleaner exhaust fumes.
Extract from customer review:-
“Attractive price made the Hitachi a better bet than an electric hedgetrimmer. The weight is ok and compares favourably with an electric model dragging a cord behind it!”
This is a well balanced machine with double sided blades which give a cutting length of 24” making it a useful and versatile machine, maneuverable enough to cope with more delicate trimming and robust enough to cope with tougher jobs quickly! Not too heavy for a petrol machine either, weighing in at 7.3 kilos and coming complete with a manufacturer’s two year warranty for domestic use.
Amazon in the UK are offering this Hitachi CH62EA3 Petrol Hedgetrimmer at a great price (cheaper than Screwfix!), so if you need a hedge trimmer for tidying up the garden this autumn, this is a great time to buy.
