Hedge trimmer modification

[pop-pop]

I bought this hedge trimmer not realizing how awful its ergonomics were. The heavy motor is out by the tilting blades to avoid transmitting power through the swivel joint. The switch locks off but not on so one hand has to be on the switch all times when the motor is on. Thus, its hard to offset the motor weight with one hand extended holding the switch.

After some head scratching, I figured out a way to lock the switch so that the switch hand could be move closer to the motor weight with this block which also holds the lock button depressed:

Here is the OFF position:

And the ON position.

Not a perfect solution by any means, but still an improvement because your hands can be placed to get the best balance (which is still so-so).

 

[Strom]

I agree. This could use some redesign. For now, I'll try your switch block.

 

[HITCH-]

Don't you risk injury in that if it slips out of your hand the blade is still running?

 

[pop-pop]

Don't you risk injury in that if it slips out of your hand the blade is still running?

Theoretically, yes. However, the blades are several feet from my hands. I use a standard hedge trimmer where I can and that switch is momentary, thus safer.