There was once a time when people used manual tools like shears and secateurs to trim shrubs and hedges, but those days are a part of our distant past, we’re in the modern world now, so we don’t rely on manual equipment, we believe in ‘mechanical’ tools.
The motorized alternatives of scissors for trimming shrubs are clearly hedge trimmers. They can be a really big asset for house owners, as they have no necessity to worry about extra vegetation on their yards anymore.
Because of the availability of a wide range of hedge trimmers manufactured by a zillion companies in the market, buyers often get confused on which one to buy and which one not to.
We have assembled the perfect guide for you to get suitable information on the best hedge trimmer for you to purchase depending on your conditions of usage and budget.
Contents
Electric Hedge Trimmers Vs Gas Hedge Trimmers
Based on the power source, hedge trimmers can be classified into two kinds, Electric hedge trimmers and gas hedge trimmers. Both have their pros and cons. Here is some basic info on them.
Characteristics of hedge trimmers
For trimming soft branches with small diameters, pruning and shaping hedges and shrubs, the hedge trimmer features:
- A blade or sword with two serrated knives mounted in parallel, which alternately advance and reverse to perform cutting tasks.
- A body or handle where the ignition and regulation controls are incorporated, as well as the grip system.
Fact: Depending on the model, the hedge trimmers can have a rotating frame to improve flexibility and ergonomics when cutting the sides of the hedges. They can also be equipped with an extension or extensible tube, ideal for cutting tall hedges without a ladder. The latter can orient the sword, to work faster and more easily reach the high and low hedges.
Technical characteristics
Hedge trimmers can use gas or electric motors. Depending on this, its power, speed and vibration vary as well as the level of emissions (noise, contamination) of the tool.
| Model | Features |
| Electric hedge trimmers | Power : Average 450 to 670 W (Watts). Speed : Average 1,600 CPM (runs per minute). Noise : Average 93 to 95 dB (decibels). Vibration : Average 4.4 to 6 m / s2 (meters per second squared). Weight : Average of 3 to 4.5 kg (kilos). |
| Gas hedge trimmers | Power : Average from 22 to 26 cc (cubic centimeters). Speed : Average 3,200 to 3,800 CPM (runs per minute). Noise : Average of 97 to 106 dB (decibels). Vibration : Average of 4.5 to 10 m / s2 (meters per second squared). Weight : Average of 4 to 6 kg (kilos). |
How to choose
According to the type of work to be carried out The models with more powerful motors allow to cut harder branches with a larger diameter.
- For thin branches: electric models up to 400 W.
- For medium branches: electric models from 400 to 600 W.
- For thick branches: gas models.
Lastly, the engine must have some emission control system, for the benefit of the user’s working environment and the environment.
According to the ergonomics of the tool
It is desirable that the handle of the hedge trimmer is adaptable, since this allows it to be mounted on the left or right side of the equipment, to offer greater working comfort and allow cutting even when close to obstacles, like walls or trees. In addition, the machine must have an effective vibration damping system to minimize vibrations in the parts in contact with the user. It is desirable that the hedge trimmer be the correct length of bar for the job you want to do.
Electric Hedge Trimmers:
We highly recommend these for domestic users because they are lightweight, affordable, and much quieter than gas hedge trimmers. They start easily and they are easier to maintain.
There are two kinds in electric hedge trimmers too, cordless and corded ones.
If you have an electricity outlet near the hedge where you want to work, corded ones are better because you need not worry about charging and stuff, but this creates troublesomeness, as you cannot use it beyond the range of the wires.
The cordless electric hedge trimmers can work without the electricity outlets, but you need to charge their batteries, pretty obvious right?
The only problem in electric hedge trimmers are that they are quite weak, and they lack the power to trim massive, gigantic hedges. So, if you are a houseowner with small to average sized hedges, electric hedge trimmers are the go-to options for you.
Gas Hedge Trimmers:
We highly suggest these for commercial users or users who have a bigger sized yard. They are very very powerful; they can cut through enormous hedges like it was not a problem at all.
They are very heavy, and it can get troublesome when you maneuver them. Another con is that they’re pretty expensive.
But the pros beat the cons, and the investment is really worth it, but only after a little practice to use them perfectly.
Key Factors to Note Before Buying Hedge Trimmer
Now, we’re clear on the topic of the kinds of trimmers, let’s take a look on the factors you want to look at before purchasing your product.
Budget:
Obviously, the more you pay the more you get. It’s true in case of hedge trimmers as well, the higher the cost is, higher the power, endurance and quality will be of the trimmer.
As we mentioned earlier electric hedge trimmers are cheaper than gas hedge ones. Also, we know there are two kinds in electric hedge trimmers too, corded and cordless ones.
The corded electric hedge trimmers are the most affordable hedge trimmers, and their cost starts from around 30 Dollars. But if you want unlimited range from the power source, then you’ve to get cordless ones, whose cost starts around 60 Dollars.
But if you are a domestic user who wants more power, and your requirement cannot be satisfied by electric hedge trimmers, or you’re a commercial user, you can get gas hedge trimmers, the price of whom starts from around 250 Dollars and can go all the way upto 600 Dollars.
These trimmers priced at the costlier side are specifically designed for commercial users. Research properly on the basis your usage on which kind do you need.
Noise:
You shouldn’t miss this factor, as if you or anyone in or around your house have any problem with big noises, then you shouldn’t definitely go for gas hedge trimmers as they’re noisier unless you want to use that extra investment for a silencer to reduce the noise.
Electric hedge trimmers are not that noisier as the gas head ones. So, if you don’t want to end up disturbing your neighbors, check the review section of the product to know whether the trimmer is very loud or not.
Length of the blades:
You have to check the length of the blades properly, as you don’t wan to end up having a trimmer of either too short or too long blades. For small to average hedges, 18-inch-long blades work perfectly.
But if you have a hedge larger than usual, then you may need blades with length up to 20 inches long.
Safety:
Whatever machine you use, safety is your utmost priority, you don not want to end up getting into an accident caused by choosing the wrong product.
The trimmers usually come with a manual regarding information on how to use the machine safely, the manufacturers have followed many ways like the tooth extension for increasing safety of their users, so read all the information carefully and use your trimmer safely.
Resilience:
When you make a large investment on a product, you must make sure it lasts at least for some years to go, so choose a product which is durable, check the reviews on the product and make sure the product lasts long enough and doesn’t wear out soon.
Make sure you have a warranty for a certain period of time, this assures that you can trust on the product and you won’t have serious issues while using it.
Hedge Trimmers Brands
These are all the things you don’t want to miss while buying your hedge trimmer. Now let’s take a look at some of the renowned and trusted brands out there in the market that manufacture good hedge trimmers.
Milwaukee:
This brand sells electric hedge trimmers, and reviewers say they are perfectly worth the money and they are powerful and they can be used effortlessly.
GreenWorks:
Reviewers say that the battery on this product lasts very long, and they are very powerful too.
Black & Decker:
The Black & Decker electric hedge trimmers are cheap and best and they have earned the trust of a large proportion of customers.
Dolmar:
If you want perfect safety, this is the go-to brand because the trimmers are designed very well keeping safety as the most important thing. They have a low number of online reviews, but the ones they have say a lot about their optimistic characteristics.
Efco:
Reviews say that the Efco trimmers are easy to start and effortless to use. But some users complain of breaking of the product or damaging of the product. But most of the reviews are positive, so it’s not that plausible that damaged product isn’t the cause of carelessness.
Husqvarna:
Husqvarna is a well-known brand regarding hedge trimmers, even though some users have reported less durability and less power, majority of the users are happy with it, so it’s not an issue, because its a trusted brand.
Tanaka:
The Tanaka gas hedge trimmers are lightweight, easy to use and has been trusted by a majority of it’s customers, it has a very big standing with regards to hedge trimmer manufacturing brands.
Ryobi electric hedge trimmers last a long time, have bigger batteries that last long. Overall the Ryobi hedge trimmers are handy while using.
Poulan Pro:
Poulan Pro manufactures gas hedge trimmers which are powerful, but a bit heavier than other gas hedge trimmers. The positive reviews are much more than the negative ones, but better look at the review to confirm whether it’s good for you or not.
Safety advice
- Wear gloves, hearing protection, glasses, mask and protective clothing that covers the entire body.
- When operating the machine, you must have the firm and secure support of both feet on the floor and hold it with both hands.
- Respect the time of continuous use indicated by the manufacturer. Using it for long periods can cause fatigue for the user.
Use tips
- Start working by gradually approaching the blades to the foliage, to size the cutting capacity of the tool.
- First cut the sides of the hedge, from the bottom up, describing an arc, then cut the top in a horizontal motion.
- The hedge trimmer should never be moved on.
Maintenance advice
Electric hedge trimmers:
- Check the condition of the cutting blades. If it presents severe damages they must be replaced.
- Wash and clean after each use, taking special care not to wet the motor. Solvents should not be used.
- Lubricate the guide rail and cutting blades.
- Periodically check the condition of the screws and retighten if they are loose.
- Clean the vents of the cooling air intakes.
- Check the condition of the power cord and plug; In case of damage, the tool must not be used.
- All maintenance and / or replacement of accessories must be carried out with the tool turned off and unplugged from the mains.
Gas hedge trimmers:
- n addition to the aforementioned care, the revision of the spark plug must be added, which must be replaced if it is black or has oil stains.
- Store the hedge trimmer without fuel in the tank, to avoid damage to the carburetor.
Conclusion:
A good hedge trimmer can make your job of trimming your hedges a lot easier. Before buying your hedge trimmer take a look at your options, consider the pros and cons of a particular product, read the customer reviews, check whether it matches with you method and condition of usage, and then consider buying it. Don’t buy the wrong product and then regret in the future for doing so. All the best, happy trimming!
