Abstract: A cutter bar assembly is suspended from an overhead arm carried by an operator mounted back pack structure. A flexible coupling carries the cutter bar assembly in a manner causing the assembly to assume a position inclined from the vertical for the trimming of Christmas trees. An engine and transmission are mounted on the cutter bar assembly with motion being imparted to the cutter blades by angular connector plates. A handlebar is attached to the cutter bar assembly in a manner offsetting the latter to one side of the operator for minimal operator contact with the vegetation being trimmed. A modified form includes an engine on the back pack with a flexible drive line to a transmission in place on the cutter bar assembly. Engine controls are in place on a drive shaft coupling.