Let me know in the comments below if you have used the Stihl HS 45 gas powered hedge trimmer in your lawn care business, and what you liked or disliked about it?
Great review. I used a wood stove to heat my house in the Rockies for 17 years. The Stihl MS270C I saved up for in 2003 is still running like brand new. Now that we live in the Northeast, I have bushes growing 8 inches a week, and need a solution to cut back the jungle. I looked at Stihl first, and was reaffirmed by this review. Thanks!
RAFFA F I like stihl as long as you stick to their true 2 stroke machines like this one. I have not had the same luck with their 4 mix design engines though. Thanks for watching.
Biggest problem I have with it is fuel tank is too small. Especially on big hedge jobs. I’ve had to fill it up about 15 times before on a job. It’s too small
i kinda doubt it's actually the heat of the exhaust causing the coloring on the hedge but rather a reaction to being trimmed. If it were actually the heat i think you would see a specific pattern based on where the machine was.
@@LawnCareBusinessSuccess I'LL TAKE THE POWER DURABILITY AND NOISE BUT WEAR HEARING PROTECTION AS WILL MOST FOLKS.; UNLESS YOUR DOING SMALL OR RESIDENTIAL JOBS.
Yeah that exhaust design is definitely a no go for me. I have not used this trimmer in a few years now because of it. I switched to battery powered hedge trimmers now. Thanks for watching.
Helpful information recently purchased this unit and it’s great. What I would say is after every use purchase the stihl resin spray to keep the blade in tip top condition. Avoid WD40 it sticks to the cutter and chemicals in the WD can cause issues to shrubs hedges and bushes. I would say battery powered is for smaller hedge work due to the small battery life roughly 40 mins, always look into the cost of alternative batteries also as they are very expensive.
Good tips. I will admit I have used WD-40 before but usually only in a pinch when the Teflon based product my dealer sells for hedge trimmers has run out on a job. Thanks for watching.
Yes I guess we all try to find alternatives at times, stihl resin spray does come at a cost but if used sparingly worth it in the long run. Your points are spot on I also seem to get a fair bit of vibration off the unit also.
Nice. If you do end up trying a battery hedge trimmer. I would suggest the Milwaukee unit. I love it. The battery life on it is rated at 2 hours use for the 9amp hour battery that comes in the kit. I also like that the battery is not proprietary to just the hedge trimmer but will work in all the M18 tools.
I have the Stihl kombi system currently with articulating hedge trimmer attachment and a extension piece. ECHO also makes a attachment series called the PAS system. Their articulating hedge trimmer is super easy to adjust one handed vs the stihl one I own. The echo is also a true 2 stroke so no valves to adjust like the stihl 4 mix stuff. Either way I would get a attachment capable machine. More versatile being able to add other attachments you can use instead of just a hedge trimmer that is used sparingly. Also with a attachment capable machine you can get a extension pole piece to go in between the machine head and the hedge trimmer attachment and reach even higher.
Technically a homeowner model but great professionally for finer shrubs. Never had an issue with it! For the big stuff my HS81R is the dog's bollocks!!!
I have that one. It finally went out. So I went to echo pas 266 with the articulating head. So far love the echo..only down call I had with the stihl is it went down.lol. And didn't want to put it back in the shop.
It’s a good little unit. Has done well for me over the years. The pas or kombi systems are great with all the attachments available. I have the stihl kombi with the articulating hedge trimmer attachment as well. Thanks for watching. 👍
Interesting. I’m sure they have made changes to them over the years. I’ve also heard from people that the newer ones have smaller blade lengths. Thanks for watching.
@@LawnCareBusinessSuccess In Germany you can get blades with a length of 45cm or 60cm. My old Stihl HSE 71 has a 60cm blade, so i bought the HS 45 with a 60cm blade. I'll try to contact Stihl, an ask, why this disengagement to release the blade is no more available. Greetings from Germany Piet
@@LawnCareBusinessSuccess May be, that your version of the HS 45 in Germany never was available.. It's a version only for the USA, so my STIHL dealer told me. Greetings from Grmany Piet
Is this powerful enough to cut through vegetation in an alleyway? I'm just curious to know up to how thick in inches diameter this can cut through. I don't want to spend tons on a new trimmer but I also will never make the mistake of buying a Ryobi battery trimmer again. The one I have broke down after only a few uses.
No problem. Glad you enjoyed the video. They are good machines mostly. I don’t like their 4mix engines though. Way too much maintenance required adjusting valves constantly to keep them running properly. This unit uses a standard style 2 stroke engine so no valves to adjust. Thanks for watching.
I just bought this trimmer off craigslist for $150. It came with the 24" bar and blades but I was thinking of putting on 18" bar and blade because I already have the articulating attachment for my kombi that I use on big shrubs. 18" blades seems like they'd be lighter weight and easier to maneuver in tight places, does blade size make much of a difference? Would it be worth it to get 6" smaller blades in terms of weight saving and maneuverability?
Sounds like you got a good deal. 18” blades would definitely make it more maneuverable and probably a bit lighter. Mine that is show in the video is also a 24” blade. I know the specs on the new units show they now come as 18”. Not sure what year they made the switch from it being a 24” bar to 18”. Just be sure to be mindful of that exhaust port. Thanks for watching. 👍
Thanks for this video I really appreciate the review. You say you're considering the battery operated units, do you think they'd be under powered compared to the HS45?
Not really. But I guess it depends on what your doing. I’ve been using the Milwaukee M18 unit and it’s been awesome for most of the maintenance stuff I do. I would maybe use the gas for times when your doing a big hedge reduction through lots of woody material, but I don’t do a lot of that so my electric has almost completely replaced the gas now. Thanks for watching.
I think their are lots of brands that are better and in most cases lines of tools that what brand may exceed at over others for example a company may make excellent blowers but not have the greatest line trimmers or chainsaws.
@@LawnCareBusinessSuccess that is true. I do consider the top 3 to be Husqvarna, Stihl, and Echo though. Red Max is up there too which is owned by Husqvarna now. Stihl is good stuff for sure but in my town all we really have are Stihl dealers. No true Husky or Echo dealer just Home Depot's and TSC's where you're not gonna get their top end stuff. So, for that reason most people think Stihl is superior around here. There is actually a video on here where a guy is comparing a cheaper Husqvarna homeowner (128ld) trimmer to a Stihl fs 91 which is commercial end. And he goes out of his way to trash Husky saying it's made it China and all this and that. Not dogging Stihl or other brands but a 525LST Husky can't be beat when it comes to line trimmers. Just a cheap shot on that guys part or he just doesn't understand the difference between pro and homeowner grade. Sad thing is there was all kind of people agreeing with the video. Either way they all make great equipment. Stihl makes some pretty crappy homeowner stuff as well. To be honest I'm leaning more toward Echo these days.
Let me know in the comments below if you have used the Stihl HS 45 gas powered hedge trimmer in your lawn care business, and what you liked or disliked about it?
Great review. I used a wood stove to heat my house in the Rockies for 17 years. The Stihl MS270C I saved up for in 2003 is still running like brand new.
Now that we live in the Northeast, I have bushes growing 8 inches a week, and need a solution to cut back the jungle. I looked at Stihl first, and was reaffirmed by this review.
Thanks!
RAFFA F I like stihl as long as you stick to their true 2 stroke machines like this one. I have not had the same luck with their 4 mix design engines though. Thanks for watching.
@@LawnCareBusinessSuccess thanks!
Biggest problem I have with it is fuel tank is too small. Especially on big hedge jobs. I’ve had to fill it up about 15 times before on a job. It’s too small
I’ve been using it for 2 and a half years
i kinda doubt it's actually the heat of the exhaust causing the coloring on the hedge but rather a reaction to being trimmed. If it were actually the heat i think you would see a specific pattern based on where the machine was.
GREAT UNIT RAN IT TODAY FOR 4 HOURS NON STOP EXCEPT FOR GAS RUNS LIKE A BEAR!! CUT AND TRIMMED 1/2 MILE OF BRUSH.
Yes nice unit. Just extremely loud. Best of luck with it. Thanks for watching.
@@LawnCareBusinessSuccess I'LL TAKE THE POWER DURABILITY AND NOISE BUT WEAR HEARING PROTECTION AS WILL MOST FOLKS.; UNLESS YOUR DOING SMALL OR RESIDENTIAL JOBS.
was about to buy it. the heat killing plants big deal breaker for me. thnx!
Yeah that exhaust design is definitely a no go for me. I have not used this trimmer in a few years now because of it. I switched to battery powered hedge trimmers now. Thanks for watching.
Just bought it today and really like over the Kombi system. A lot lighter and 😮 the exhaust slightly forward now.
I am concidering accuisition of this particular model, your review is very helpful giving me all the information I need. Thanks!
Glad you found value in the video. Thanks for watching.
Happy for you with 13 years of a reliable use of hs45, i cannot say the same... cheers, a landscaper from Portugal.
Thanks for watching. Where in Portugal are you from? Both my wife and I are of Portuguese decent.
Im from Porto! Nice to know you all have portuguese blood 😋 honest and hardworking 😁
Nice. Both of my parents are from the Azores (Sao Miguel) my wife’s family is from Viseu on the mainland.
Viseu its a great city know well i have friends there, Azores is the only place in Portugal i never had the chance to visit 😔
Thinking of buying one. Good informative review, thnx...
I'm looking at buying one of these. Thank you for the review, it covered all the questions I had about the unit.
No problem. Glad you found value in the video. Thanks for watching.
Helpful information recently purchased this unit and it’s great. What I would say is after every use purchase the stihl resin spray to keep the blade in tip top condition. Avoid WD40 it sticks to the cutter and chemicals in the WD can cause issues to shrubs hedges and bushes. I would say battery powered is for smaller hedge work due to the small battery life roughly 40 mins, always look into the cost of alternative batteries also as they are very expensive.
Good tips. I will admit I have used WD-40 before but usually only in a pinch when the Teflon based product my dealer sells for hedge trimmers has run out on a job. Thanks for watching.
Yes I guess we all try to find alternatives at times, stihl resin spray does come at a cost but if used sparingly worth it in the long run. Your points are spot on I also seem to get a fair bit of vibration off the unit also.
Nice. If you do end up trying a battery hedge trimmer. I would suggest the Milwaukee unit. I love it. The battery life on it is rated at 2 hours use for the 9amp hour battery that comes in the kit. I also like that the battery is not proprietary to just the hedge trimmer but will work in all the M18 tools.
Looking for long hedge trimmer for working purposes. Which would you recommend ? Could second hand be an option ?
I have the Stihl kombi system currently with articulating hedge trimmer attachment and a extension piece. ECHO also makes a attachment series called the PAS system. Their articulating hedge trimmer is super easy to adjust one handed vs the stihl one I own. The echo is also a true 2 stroke so no valves to adjust like the stihl 4 mix stuff. Either way I would get a attachment capable machine. More versatile being able to add other attachments you can use instead of just a hedge trimmer that is used sparingly. Also with a attachment capable machine you can get a extension pole piece to go in between the machine head and the hedge trimmer attachment and reach even higher.
Very good video - well done! Planning to buy this model & your video sealed the deal.
Congratulations on your decision and good luck with your new machine. Thanks for watching.
Great review, Thank You.
No problem. I appreciate the feedback. Thanks for watching.
Technically a homeowner model but great professionally for finer shrubs. Never had an issue with it! For the big stuff my HS81R is the dog's bollocks!!!
Yes a homeowner unit. But as you said, never had an issue with it. Thanks for watching.
I have that one. It finally went out. So I went to echo pas 266 with the articulating head. So far love the echo..only down call I had with the stihl is it went down.lol. And didn't want to put it back in the shop.
It’s a good little unit. Has done well for me over the years. The pas or kombi systems are great with all the attachments available. I have the stihl kombi with the articulating hedge trimmer attachment as well. Thanks for watching. 👍
I just bought the HS 45. This one does not have the disengagement to releas the blade.
Greetings from Germany
Piet
Interesting. I’m sure they have made changes to them over the years. I’ve also heard from people that the newer ones have smaller blade lengths. Thanks for watching.
@@LawnCareBusinessSuccess In Germany you can get blades with a length of 45cm or 60cm.
My old Stihl HSE 71 has a 60cm blade, so i bought the HS 45 with a 60cm blade.
I'll try to contact Stihl, an ask, why this disengagement to release the blade is no more available.
Greetings from Germany
Piet
@@LawnCareBusinessSuccess May be, that your version of the HS 45 in Germany never was available..
It's a version only for the USA, so my STIHL dealer told me.
Greetings from Grmany
Piet
Is this powerful enough to cut through vegetation in an alleyway? I'm just curious to know up to how thick in inches diameter this can cut through. I don't want to spend tons on a new trimmer but I also will never make the mistake of buying a Ryobi battery trimmer again. The one I have broke down after only a few uses.
I've had this same one for about 10 years and love it but it's on its last leg so off to buy another one.
Nice 👍 Thanks for watching.
Thanks .enjoyed your very informative video .I'm getting one for my garden business.good brand they are I buy them or honda mostly good engines.
No problem. Glad you enjoyed the video. They are good machines mostly. I don’t like their 4mix engines though. Way too much maintenance required adjusting valves constantly to keep them running properly. This unit uses a standard style 2 stroke engine so no valves to adjust. Thanks for watching.
Excellent review,👍
Thanks for watching. 👍
I have mine 3years have to have the carb replaced ! Not happy about that
Nice review. Is there any other gas powered hedger you would use with better exhaust?
Yes. I would look at the ECHO models like the one I showed in the video. The exhaust is above the blade pointed forward. Thanks for watching.
I just bought this trimmer off craigslist for $150. It came with the 24" bar and blades but I was thinking of putting on 18" bar and blade because I already have the articulating attachment for my kombi that I use on big shrubs.
18" blades seems like they'd be lighter weight and easier to maneuver in tight places, does blade size make much of a difference? Would it be worth it to get 6" smaller blades in terms of weight saving and maneuverability?
Sounds like you got a good deal. 18” blades would definitely make it more maneuverable and probably a bit lighter. Mine that is show in the video is also a 24” blade. I know the specs on the new units show they now come as 18”. Not sure what year they made the switch from it being a 24” bar to 18”. Just be sure to be mindful of that exhaust port. Thanks for watching. 👍
Thanks for this video I really appreciate the review. You say you're considering the battery operated units, do you think they'd be under powered compared to the HS45?
Not really. But I guess it depends on what your doing. I’ve been using the Milwaukee M18 unit and it’s been awesome for most of the maintenance stuff I do. I would maybe use the gas for times when your doing a big hedge reduction through lots of woody material, but I don’t do a lot of that so my electric has almost completely replaced the gas now. Thanks for watching.
My hs45's blades move at idle, Including while pull starting it.
Is there a clutch that is sticking?
Sorry I don’t know. Thanks for watching.
Adjust the throttle screw by the carburetor
Tienws el tornillo del relenti del carburador muy ajustado, aflojalo para bajar Saludos
how to order gasoline hedge trimmer?
I was going to purchase this unit . But seeing the exhaust location, I'm going to pass.
Double check with the new ones. They may have changed the exhaust location. Thanks for watching.
Lol imagine using an old 034av or a 661c all day
Don’t think I’ve ever seen one of those. Thanks for watching.
Today’s battery-operated lawn appliances, tomorrow’s landfill…
Same as gas equipment. Or anything else for that matter. Thanks for watching
NEVER trim a box or a Japanese Maple with a hedge trimmer. That's gardening sacrilege.
Too heavy, too loud, breath exhaust, sucks gas quick. I'm selling mine. Stick with electric.
I agree. It’s a good trimmer but I prefer battery powered as well. Thanks for watching.
Husqvarna commercial line is better. People who buy Stihl just don't know any better.
I think their are lots of brands that are better and in most cases lines of tools that what brand may exceed at over others for example a company may make excellent blowers but not have the greatest line trimmers or chainsaws.
@@LawnCareBusinessSuccess that is true. I do consider the top 3 to be Husqvarna, Stihl, and Echo though. Red Max is up there too which is owned by Husqvarna now. Stihl is good stuff for sure but in my town all we really have are Stihl dealers. No true Husky or Echo dealer just Home Depot's and TSC's where you're not gonna get their top end stuff. So, for that reason most people think Stihl is superior around here. There is actually a video on here where a guy is comparing a cheaper Husqvarna homeowner (128ld) trimmer to a Stihl fs 91 which is commercial end. And he goes out of his way to trash Husky saying it's made it China and all this and that. Not dogging Stihl or other brands but a 525LST Husky can't be beat when it comes to line trimmers. Just a cheap shot on that guys part or he just doesn't understand the difference between pro and homeowner grade. Sad thing is there was all kind of people agreeing with the video. Either way they all make great equipment. Stihl makes some pretty crappy homeowner stuff as well. To be honest I'm leaning more toward Echo these days.