argh nettles and stuff - do you top your own field/paddocks?

[Biscuit]

Hello,

I really need to top fields where my horses are to get rid of some nettles and thistles. Rather than paying a local farmer (he charges about £100) I thought of investing in one of those petrol driven bush/crass trimmers instead. My OH has kindly offered to help since they are quite heavy to carry around

I am not sure what specifications they need to be in order to be any good, or where is best to buy them from. Reckon this one is any good?

Spear and Jackson 28CC petrol brush cutter from Argos


Any ideas or experiences much appreciated.

 

[wizzi901]

LOL we have just done this exercise, not sure how near you are to henley, or indeed whether you are but Henley Plant Hire are cheapest to hire from for weekend around £25.00. We did 7 acres of nettles, bushes and other rogue plants in a weekend. Make sure you get metal blades as plastic of any kind will not work and will just blunt in a matter of minutes!!

We are going to buy one tho its around "£250 for metal blades...

 

[Faithkat]

Topping them won't kill the thistles or nettles, they'll just grow back. Spray or water (via watering can) with Depitox - brilliant stuff. Kills 'em stone dead within 24 hours. I spent hours and hours last autumn doing just that but it's paid off and they haven't come back this year, whoopee!

 

[BBH]

SBK is also really good. Have also arranged for my 4 acre field to be topped by local farmer, does anyone know what sort of price I should be paying?

 

[wonkey_donkey]

I pay £40 for 4 acres to be topped.

 

[jewel]

i pay £20 for 5 acres to be topped however some farmers do try it on last year i had one charge £70