Cheap Power Multitools

I know that the saying is “buy cheap, buy twice” but does this apply to garden multi-tools?

Garden multi-tools are very useful, and usually consist of an engine unit, pole pruner, hedge trimmer, brush cutter and strimmer.  Some are supplied with an extension pole.

Prices vary from just over £100 to around £1000 for a branded machine.  There are also cordless electric versions on the market from about £200.

My only need a multi-tool for occasional use.  There are only so many trees and hedges I can find to destroy in my garden.  However, every other year I need to trim all the hedges around my vegetable plot and cut back several fast- growing trees.  I also have a large bay hedge that needs twice yearly trimming and several “wild” areas that need occasional scrub clearance.

Whilst I felt a branded (expensive) machine would last longer, I am too tight to lash out £1000 on a machine I would only use occasionally, so I plumped for the cheaper end of the market.  So are the cheap machines any good?

My experience has been varied.  I have owned three multi-tools over the last 10 years.  My logic being that whilst they are unlikely to last as long as the expensive versions, they are so cheap you simply buy another one when they break.  Admittedly, that’s not very environmentally friendly.

The first and second multi-tools I bought lasted about 3 years each.  These machines were non-branded (or at least a brand that no one has heard of).   The third I bought in 2020 and, whilst being the cheapest, is the best of the bunch.

Multi-tool with pole chainsaw attachment

All of them cope with fairly thick trees; I have used the pole chainsaw to cut through trees up to 30 cm in diameter.  One significant benefit of the pole chainsaw is safety; the chainsaw is a long way from the operator compared to a normal chainsaw.  Another thing to note when buying is the weight of the machine.  My first and third purchases were light and easy(ish) to use.  The second purchase was heavy and I struggled; if you have back problems etc, it would be unusable.

Pole chainsaw easily copes with small trees

The main downside to the cheaper machines is that once they break (and they will) it is very difficult to get spare parts.  However, the most recent purchase was from Parker Brand.  £120 will get you a multi-tool, including engine unit, pole chainsaw, hedge trimmer, strimmer, brush cutter, extension pole, harness and small tool kit.  This was by far better made than my previous purchases and comes with a major advantage, good technical help and availability of spare parts, all via their website.  The slight downside is that the spare parts are proportionally more expensive than the initial purchase. 

I purchased the Parker Brand machine in 2020 and it is still going strong, thanks to the availability of the spares.  It also starts easily, even after being stored for long periods.

I have learnt the hard way not to use regular petrol in small garden machinery.  The ethanol content causes problems with the carburetors, which leads to much swearing when you can’t get them started!  Aspen fuel (available at Walfins at Greatfield), whilst expensive, solves this problem.  I have also learnt to replace the chainsaw chains with branded parts (usually Oregon) and to regularly sharpen the chains (every time you add fuel is a good guide).  There are plenty of guides on YouTube explaining the process.

I also have a small electric handheld chainsaw, and have been surprised at how good it is, easily cutting through branches 6-8cm in diameter, and maintaining its charge for a decent amount of time.  Perhaps when the Parker Brand tool bites the dust, I might get an electric version?

The end result – very satisfying!