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Thread: Whipper Snipper for tall dudes

  1. #1
    Member NSW Oli's Avatar
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    Default Whipper Snipper for tall dudes

    So guys as the title suggests im looking for a whipper snipper for tall dudes. I'm not huge but at 6ft2 I find normal straight whippers just a tiny bit too short. I have to slightly bend and can get pain in the lower back after alot of use.

    I used to use a tanaka that was perfect as it was really really stupidly light but still very revy.

    HOWEVER i know that Tanaka used to do a longer version of their commercial whipper snippers for taller people but I cant find it anymore.

    Anyways so what I am asking is.

    A) what do people recommend in a very lightweight commercial whippy? doesn't have to have torque so a small engine is ok so long as its commercially rated.

    B) Do you guys know any good lightweight models that are slightly longer?

    cheers guys

  2. #2
    Member Redeye's Avatar
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    Default Re: Whipper Snipper for tall dudes

    def be interested in that tanaka if it still exists......




    http://curraronggardening.com/

    "All sin is washed away in the Holy goodness of Beer"
    Book of Redeye, Psalm 69

  3. #3
    Senior Member Mow And Go's Avatar
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    Default Re: Whipper Snipper for tall dudes

    I'm between 6ft3 and 6ft4 and use a Shindaiwa t270. Seems comfortable to me imho
    I dont break things ...I just use them beyond their operational limitations
    www.mowandgogardening.com.au

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    Member Mick's Avatar
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    Default Re: Whipper Snipper for tall dudes

    I would be looking at trimmers with the least angle at the line head gear box. Greater the angle the lower you need to hold the engine to keep the line flat.

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    Member NSW Oli's Avatar
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    Default Re: Whipper Snipper for tall dudes

    Quote Originally Posted by Mow And Go View Post
    I'm between 6ft3 and 6ft4 and use a Shindaiwa t270. Seems comfortable to me imho
    Maybe Im too much of a newbe , need to work on my technique lol. however it seems that redeye has the same issue.

    Quote Originally Posted by Mick View Post
    I would be looking at trimmers with the least angle at the line head gear box. Greater the angle the lower you need to hold the engine to keep the line flat.
    Good point Mick as always, anyone brand that you can think of in particular?

  6. #6
    Member Mick's Avatar
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    Default Re: Whipper Snipper for tall dudes

    Quote Originally Posted by Oli View Post
    Good point Mick as always, anyone brand that you can think of in particular?
    Thanks mate but no idea!

  7. #7
    Senior Member simo's Avatar
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    Default Re: Whipper Snipper for tall dudes

    I use a tanaka and a Stihl used to have the same problem hunched over the wippy
    I now use some Kawasaki d handles on both which are taller and find it to be much less strain an the back and less hunched
    Used to have a kawa which died stole the handle of it and found another at the tip shop
    Maybe try a taller handle or maybe a kawa
    http://www.productreview.com.au/p/ka...5b-kbh45b.html
    Like the handle on these Kawasaki's ^^^
    ....Nothing like a good whipper....

  8. #8
    Member Redeye's Avatar
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    Default Re: Whipper Snipper for tall dudes

    my problem Oli, is l use alloy heads which are a much lower profile which changes the angle




    http://curraronggardening.com/

    "All sin is washed away in the Holy goodness of Beer"
    Book of Redeye, Psalm 69

  9. #9
    Member Macka's Avatar
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    Default Re: Whipper Snipper for tall dudes

    adjust your "D" handle so your standing upright. Is it all the way to the top already ?

  10. #10
    Member Mick's Avatar
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    Default Re: Whipper Snipper for tall dudes

    Quote Originally Posted by Macka View Post
    adjust your "D" handle so your standing upright. Is it all the way to the top already ?
    But then you lose leverage!

    Bend at the knees boys! lol

  11. #11
    Member Macka's Avatar
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    Default Re: Whipper Snipper for tall dudes

    Quote Originally Posted by Mick View Post
    But then you lose leverage!

    Bend at the knees boys! lol
    The D handle is only a guid you dont need to hold it tight anyway, its like the bottom hand of a golf club. i learnt that when i had a sore elbow. use a harness and only lightly hold the equipment.

  12. #12
    Member Mick's Avatar
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    Default Re: Whipper Snipper for tall dudes

    Quote Originally Posted by Macka View Post
    The D handle is only a guid you dont need to hold it tight anyway, its like the bottom hand of a golf club. i learnt that when i had a sore elbow. use a harness and only lightly hold the equipment.
    On a nice regular lawn I guess you could even trim one handed dragging the head around everywhere if you wanted but once you get into anything heavier, that requires more cut off, then you need leverage.
    But no one is going to move the handle up n down so we find a happy medium.
    Dont know about the harness either, seriously restricts reach and movement.
    None of that really helps tall people who want to trim flat though.

  13. #13
    Member NSW Oli's Avatar
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    Default Re: Whipper Snipper for tall dudes

    Quote Originally Posted by Redeye View Post
    my problem Oli, is l use alloy heads which are a much lower profile which changes the angle
    Fair enough redeye, i've always wondered as a die hard speed feed bump to advance dude whats they advantage of using alloyheads with precut strips?

    the only reason ive heard that made sense is they last longer than a plastic bump feed, but i dont see the saving as u spend less time mucking around with the strips.

  14. #14
    Member NSW Oli's Avatar
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    Default Re: Whipper Snipper for tall dudes

    Simo I think im going to have to pick up one of those old Kawasaki d loops as people keep raving about them.

    Also Macka my d loop is pretty high up any higher would be pretty uncomfortable i think leverage wise. that said i have been known to go one handed with a blower in the other at times when noone is looking looking and im rushing lol

  15. #15
    MEMBER Fred's mowing's Avatar
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    Default Re: Whipper Snipper for tall dudes

    Oli, for general trimming, not hardcore slashing, we ditched the D handle & use a 2m cam buckle loop strap.
    Its fully adjustable for height instantaneously, also you can rotate the motor & go from horizontal to vertical in a split second!
    When rotating the motor the shaft sits in the strap & rotates without effort.

    Thing is we use Shindaiwa multi tools & the strap sits just under the connection which insures it doesn't slip.
    Suppose if yours is just a one piece shaft, you could add something to keep the strap in place, yet still allow it to rotate.

    I think that good posture is of great importance to longevity in this game.
    Try it, you might like it!

    Cheers Fred.

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