Bosch AHS 550-24 ST Hedge Trimmer

Bought this item a year ago, paid extra believing all the rubbish about Bosch being better quality etc.. After the third use the machine stopped suddenly and started smoking. It was just out of warranty so I decided to take it to pieces to see what had happened, the insides were made of plastic and the main spindle had literally disintegrated (being a cheap grade of plastic). Sent an email to Bosch technical complaining and making them aware of the fault, which they ignored... I'll never buy German again, Black and Decker next time, I've never had a problem with their products.

I would recommend anybody think of buying a Bosch garden product to think twice.My experience with their warranty service is not a happy one.

I purchased a Bosch hedge trimmer on the 24.01.2012 and used it on three occasions the last time that I used it ,it stopped working so as it was still under warranty I sent it back for a repair ,but I was astounded to be telephoned by their repair dept who said that they would repair it because the power cord had been repaired.I then got an quote by mail saying that the reason that the clutch and armature had failed because the lead had been repaired and they wanted 37.80 to replace the lead which I could have replaced myself for five pounds.I am a qualified mechanical and electrical engineer and I have never heard as much rubbish or have encountered such an obvious attempt at extortion in my life.

B J LEE