Best tools for outdoor work and garden landscaping

It’s been a tough winter for garden contractors in the UK, with so much wet and windy weather wreaking havoc on outdoor projects. Here at Fixings and Powertool Center, storms Ciara and Dennis have definitely made their mark, primarily in terms of chainsaw sales!

As the clear-up begins, gardeners and landscapers have their work cut out to ensure outdoor spaces are spruced up in time for spring. So it seems the ideal time for us to look at the essential tools of the gardener’s trade. Our product recommendations aren’t just for professionals - amateur gardeners who appreciate a decent bit of kit should also take note!

Blowers

Autumn may be a distant memory, but many borders and pathways are still strewn with leaves, not to mention all that debris washed in during torrential rainstorms. Hand-held blowers make light work of the clear-up process, with our bestselling petrol models offering superb quality and great value. For example, the Stihl BG56C-E petrol blower enables an effortless clean of paths, patios and driveways. As with many of our outdoor power tools, this model is multi-function - an adaptor kit is available to convert it into a vacuum shredder. For an even higher spec, this Stihl backpack blower offers outstanding engine performance and an anti-vibration system that will be appreciated by professionals working with power tools for large chunks of the day.

Brushcutters and strimmers

Brushcutters and grass trimmers (also known as strimmers) just love to get into those awkward corners or overgrown areas where a mower cannot venture. In general, a grass trimmer is a smaller, lighter machine that’s ideal for long grass around the edges of a fence or a tree trunk. Brushcutters are more powerful tools that can clear high grass, scrub or undergrowth, and even small trees. For professional work, petrol-powered rather than corded models are recommended. We offer a comprehensive selection, such as the Stihl FS55 petrol grass trimmer and the Stihl FS70C-E petrol brushcutter. The 4-Mix engine of the Stihl FS91 petrol brushcutter is at the higher end of the price scale, but offers amazing fuel economy, making it a great investment for garden maintenance teams and professional landscapers.

Hedge trimmers

These are a vital piece of kit in any garden contractor’s armoury - but we’d advise you to choose your hedge trimmer with care. The cheapest models available in some hardware stores are rarely built to last, and you could find yourself replacing or repairing equipment that simply isn’t designed for heavy-duty use. Our comprehensive range of hedge trimmers start in price at just below £100 for the Stihl compact cordless hedge trimmer with integrated battery, right up to the impressive Stihl HL94C-E Petrol Long-Reach hedge trimmer at £616.50 including VAT. In between there are plenty of mid-range choices to suit any budget.

Chainsaws

High winds and storms have taken a heavy toll on our trees and woodlands. Whether you need a chainsaw to cut up fallen branches and make a tree safe in a residential garden, or to carry out professional arboricultural work on multi-acre sites, we have a model to suit every requirement. Don’t forget - to use a chainsaw to fell trees professionally you must have a relevant certificate and wear the appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) workwear. We sell chainsaws from top brands including Dewalt, Milwaukee and Stihl. The Dewalt DCM575X1 is part of the FlexVolt range which provides cordless power tools with the same runtime and performance as corded tools, and is proving a popular choice for our customers.

Mowers

While there’s a definite environmental trend towards longer-cut grass, a neat lawn is still a key element of most gardens. Even longer lawns need plenty of tender loving care! Fortunately, we can offer all the love they need with our selection of magnificent mowers. The Stihl RM248 petrol lawnmower is ideal for medium-sized lawns up to 1200m and features foldable handle bars and a large 55-litre grass catcher box for fewer breaks. At the other end of the price scale, there’s the Stihl RM253T petrol lawnmower, featuring an extra-large cutting width and a single-speed drive that makes cutting a breeze even on very steep lawns. The height adjustment of this model features seven settings, so your lawn can be cut to the exact length required.

Whether you’re working outdoors or indoors, we’re the power tool experts you can trust. If you’d like any more advice or information, don’t hesitate to get in touchwith our Redhill store.