The modern day landscape contractor has to be a master of everything. From a plumber and expert digger driver through to specialist carpenter and mason.
On of the major sources of tools because of the fantastic customer services is Screwfixdirect. We test drove three small hand tools and below is our appraisal.
First of all we have to applaud Screwfix direct for their amazing delivery. We ordered from Screwfix Direct before 5pm on a Monday afternoon and the tools were delivered by 10 am the following day. Truly mind boggling logistics.
The first tool we chose was a Karcher 110 Bar Pressure Washer>.
Many landscapers clean patios as a side service but more importantly now they like to look after their mixers and hand tools they have used during the working day. Time is money so cleaning faster and efficiently is a essential.
The machine is described as ideal for quick, easy cleaning of patios, decks, drives and paths. Mobile design and accessory storage. Now supplied with free T100 T-Racer patio cleaner attachment worth £49.95.
The specification is:
- 1.7kW Induction Motor
- 380Ltr/hr Flow Rate
- Auto Stop / Start
- 6m High Pressure Hose, Trigger Gun, Vario Spray Lance
- Patio Cleaner Attachment
We used the machine for two hours plus and even taped the trigger in the open position whilst we had a cup of tea.
The machine didn't flinch and the pressure never dropped once. The 1.7k inductor motor eased the water through and all the attachments were easy to connect and disconnect. Overall a goos sound machine.
The patio cleaning attachment worth £49.95 we found to be an irritation and quite frankly not worth the effort. In our opinion the average landscaper is a rugged bloke who is happy to use the machine in its raw state.
Worth the money? - yes
Need the patio cleaner? - No
Next we tried the Belle Mini Mix 150 Concrete Mixer 110V.
A real favourite amongst small builders and landscapers. Experience tells us from previous use that the Belle Mini Mix 150 Concrete Mixer 110V is easy to assemble as a one man operation. Health and safety is important and obviously the law so this feature is both attractive for comfort and essential to satisfy the regulations.
The spec's say :
- 136Ltr Drum Capacity
- 90Ltr Mix Capacity
- Can be Hose Cleaned
- Patented Barrow Height Mixing & Tipping Design
We feel that the wider three legs are essential for stability and the mechanism is a slight finger trap but mainly and perversely when two men try to assemble it without using the clip.
If you want you can unscrew the drum and for long term use its worth doing. Use the Karcher 110v pressure washer to clean at the end of the day and you will maintain this machine at its best.
At just under £280.00 its not cheap but considering every good contractor needs one the expense is soon wiped out.
Our rating - a very good buy by a well known make.
Visit the Screwfix site to see the Belle Mini Mix 150 Concrete Mixer 110V.
Lastly we gave some real stick to the Makita PD491 Post-Hole Borer.
Lastly we gave some real stick to the Makita PD491 Post-Hole Borer.
An easy machine to use and really light but whatever they might say when you hit a stone it wrenches. We would say a two man operation is preferred but you have to try it yourself.
The spec's:
- 1-Man Operation
- 49cc, 2hp 2-Stroke Engine
- Augers Sold Separately
- Lightweight
- Safety Clutch
- Soft Handle Grip
- Uses Unleaded Fuel
We dont care who you are but after a day this 'lightweight' machine will tax you. However it is a different machine to the Stihl 2o years a go when the clutch was non existent and two big guys could do a 360 degree twirl.
A good machine but there are others. Our advice - shop around.
Worth the £300 price, yes, but like anything you need enough jobs to write the cost off..
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