Last fall I was looking for a modular string trimmer, pole saw, hedge trimmer and looked at Stihl and Echo. I really didn't need the string trimmer, I just wanted the pole saw and the extended hedge trimmer functions. I also wanted a 4 cycle engine.
The Stihl and Echo units were very expensive and I didn't figure I would use it too much. Also they did not have adjustable angle hedge trimmers on their extended reach units except on the most expensive models.
So I found a Troy Bilt unit and while Troy Bilt USED to have a good reputation, it has slipped considerably in my mind since being aquired by MTD a few years ago. I was very skeptical but the price was right, I picked up the trimmer and both of the attachments for less than the cost of a Stihl or Echo unit. Actually about $100 less! One nice thing is that the Troy Bilt unit has an adjustable head on the hedge trimmer!
In actual use, the TB475ss started up on the first pull each time I used it.
With the pole saw attached, I found the front grab handle to be too far back and the well behind the balance point making the unit front heavy. It can be adjusted forward, but only with tools, so it is not a quick adjust system. A weak armed person will tire quickly using the pole saw.
The engine is reasonably quiet and runs reasonably smooth for a small engine. There is plenty of vibration, and as I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, I found the vibration to be a minor problem. I can run my Stihl and Echo equipment for longer periods of time because they seem to have better vibration dampeners. It would probably help if the Troy Bilt unit had a padded handle?
Overall, given the price, I think this is a great value for a good tool. I was pleasantly surprised by its power, even when cutting hard wood trees. I have not tried the hedge trimmer yet so I can't speak to that function. But the pole saw function is very good. As I bought at the end of last season, I got the pole saw for $50 and the hedge trimmer for $50, the normal price for each is $99! The unit itself lists for about $180 and I can't remember what I paid, but I think it was about $129.00?
The Stihl and Echo units were very expensive and I didn't figure I would use it too much. Also they did not have adjustable angle hedge trimmers on their extended reach units except on the most expensive models.
So I found a Troy Bilt unit and while Troy Bilt USED to have a good reputation, it has slipped considerably in my mind since being aquired by MTD a few years ago. I was very skeptical but the price was right, I picked up the trimmer and both of the attachments for less than the cost of a Stihl or Echo unit. Actually about $100 less! One nice thing is that the Troy Bilt unit has an adjustable head on the hedge trimmer!
In actual use, the TB475ss started up on the first pull each time I used it.
With the pole saw attached, I found the front grab handle to be too far back and the well behind the balance point making the unit front heavy. It can be adjusted forward, but only with tools, so it is not a quick adjust system. A weak armed person will tire quickly using the pole saw.
The engine is reasonably quiet and runs reasonably smooth for a small engine. There is plenty of vibration, and as I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, I found the vibration to be a minor problem. I can run my Stihl and Echo equipment for longer periods of time because they seem to have better vibration dampeners. It would probably help if the Troy Bilt unit had a padded handle?
Overall, given the price, I think this is a great value for a good tool. I was pleasantly surprised by its power, even when cutting hard wood trees. I have not tried the hedge trimmer yet so I can't speak to that function. But the pole saw function is very good. As I bought at the end of last season, I got the pole saw for $50 and the hedge trimmer for $50, the normal price for each is $99! The unit itself lists for about $180 and I can't remember what I paid, but I think it was about $129.00?
