That's the hands-on kind of input I was hoping for -- thanks, Karl.  I
note at least a couple of other votes for it as well.

Being as there are no outlets around, one has to have pretty good input
or have had the opportunity to see/use one elsewhere for any of those
specifics--that's how I got burned on the Hitachi--it looked good value
on the web but you can't tell the "gotcha's" until it's in hand.

It's well-built, powerful, balanced well but has the quirks that just
kill all the good points...starting w/ the base is just far too bulky
and lacks a large enough opening in the casting to justify a 3+ hp
rating--a bit of the size to justify the heft can't fit in the opening
and adjust height... :(

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