There are many occasions on which the term ‘semi-professional’ might be considered dispiriting. You should never, for example, go to a ‘semi-professional’ dentist, and if someone describes your haircut as looking like it was performed by a ‘semi-professional’ it is probably not a compliment. In the case of Efco’s DS 3500 T, however, the reverse is true, as this is a ‘semi-professional’ brushcutter in the best possible sense, guaranteeing all the power, performance and toughness of a commercial grade machine with the convenience and user-friendliness of a tool designed specifically for domestic use.

With power supplied via a superbly efficient 36.3cc two-stroke petrol engine featuring Efco’s innovative ‘Burn Right’ technology, the DS 3500 T is reassuringly clean running as well as splendidly powerful. This system works by improving the combustion process, thus simultaneously reducing harmful particle emissions, lowering running costs and increasing service life by preventing build-ups of carbon deposits left by unburned fuel. A longer service life is further ensured by the high build quality of the machine as a whole, with tough aluminium engine casing and an effective air filter each offering added protection and incredible reliability. For even greater convenience, the DS 3500 T also features digital coil ignition and an ‘Easy On’ system, both of which work to ensure quick and hassle-free starting time after time.

In terms of cutting power, the DS 3500 T offers two distinct cutting options in the form of a versatile dual nylon line trimmer head and a tough metal brushcutter blade. The trimmer head is precise enough to be used for tidying edges, borders and other areas of lawn which you cannot reach with a conventional lawnmower, but can also be used for cutting larger patches of long grass with an efficient ‘Tap & Go’ system saving time and effort by allowing you to advance the cutting line with a simple tap of the cutting head against the ground. Moreover, the trimmer head also features a clever ‘Load & Go’ system which enables reloading of the cutting line in under twenty seconds without any need for additional tools, making the DS 3500 T a perfect low-maintenance machine for less experienced users.

When faced with tougher cutting jobs, however, such as clearing dense undergrowth or taming patches of thick weeds, the brushcutter blade will prove pleasingly potent. Both cutting modes also benefit from the inclusion of a tough protective blade guard, while the new design of the bevel gear in the cutting system is intended to facilitate quick and hassle-free switching between trimmer head and blade.

This convenience is complemented by the inclusion of an ergonomically designed dual-handlebar featuring comfortable handle grips and easy access to all controls. As well as improving handling, the design of this handlebar places the cutting head at the centre of the user’s body for complete freedom of movement and an optimal working position, so the DS 3500 T will even boost productivity and prevent strain over extended periods of use!