Bosch Isio Shape & Edging Li-Ion Shear

Bought this with the matching telescopic handle. Lightweight, easy to handle and small enough to get into awkward corners. Can cope with small patches of long, tough grass, edges quite neatly and is quiet in use. Comes in an attractive metal box. A good product at a reasonable price.

Bought this in preference to a strimmer - glad I did. It makes edging my lawn a pleasure, and can do 200 feet of edging in about 20 minutes. Good for a bit of light pruning, too. Haven't used the hedge trimmer attachment yet (my wife has forbidden topiary), but I'm working up to it.......

We have a few box balls (i.e. box shaped into spheres) and I always detest trimming them. I put off buying an Isio for a year because I only have to trim them a few times a year - does that justify another tool?

Oh yes. The Isio makes a job I loathe so much easier.

1. Shrub shear attachment (the long blade): This trims well. It won't cut into heavy growth, which is a disadvantage for some but an advantage for me - it'll cut the excess shoots but won't cut into the main body. As trimming too far is something I want to avoid, that's great - when the blade hits the body of the box rather than the shoots I am trying to cut off, it bounces off it (bear in mind that I am cutting at a tangent to the ball, not into it at an acute angle - do the latter and maybe it'll cut into it).

The Isio is to hedge trimmers what the Black & Decker Mouse is to sanders - it's for fine work. If you want to trim a hedge, buy a hedge trimmer. If you want to trim a cone/spiral/ball-shaped box plant, it's ideal.

2. Edging blade attachment: I didn't want this but am so pleased I got it. It's not just for edging the lawn - I used to hate trimming round the trees on our lawn. I used to hold the grass in one hand, shears between my knees & cut one-handed - a pain in the neck. Now I just walk around the tree - it takes three seconds.

The edging blade is an accident waiting to happen - it is far sharper than I had expected. I reckon it'd take your fingertip off without any difficulty. That's not a problem.

There are (apparently) two versions of the Isio - one with silver blades, and one with black & silver blades. The former appears to be an older model and is cheaper (well, on Amazon it is currently more expensive, but it is cheaper elsewhere).

There is a long handle accessory, for using the edging blade without having to kneel. It works with both models. I nearly bought it but am pleased I didn't - I'm young and have no problem using the Isio while kneeling. If your garden is large or if you are elderly you might want to buy the handle. If in doubt, I suggest you don't buy it and see how you go.

Battery: the instructions state that it takes 5 hours to charge, and will run for 40 minutes.

Note:
- This is the older model of the two Isios (as far as I can tell). I believe the newer version is slightly lighter and charges faster (but then I'm suspicious of fast chargers - not good for the battery(?)).
- Be aware that some cheaper versions of the Isio are cheaper because they only contain one of the two tools.

One thing I like - I'd finished, packed up & then noticed a bit I'd missed. You don't need to get the extension lead out again - just grab the Isio & trim. I found myself looking for things to trim.

OK, kids, time for a haircut!

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