Are you looking to cut and trim the hedge or bushes in the backyard or lawn? Then a hedge trimmer is a right tool for your requirement. With its large and powerful cutting blades, it allows you to trim large bushes and overgrowth quite easily. It can help to groom & shape the yard and maintain proper shrubbery to keep the landscape look great and aesthetic. Hedge trimmers are available in different types and models. Choosing among them can be tricky task. So, while shopping for a hedge trimmer, you have to keep these main factors in mind. Power Source: There are mainly three power options available – gas, electric corded and battery-powered. Engine Power: It is the maximum force generated by the engine to drive the trimmer’s blades to cut through twigs, leaves, and small branches. However, it depends on the type of hedge trimmer.
Electric hedge trimmer is measured in amperage (amps) anitd its range will be 2.5 – 4.5 amps. The higher amps will make the engine more powerful by allowing a lot of energy to flow through the electric engine. A battery-powered trimmer is measured in voltage (volts) that is connected with power produced and stored by the battery. Its range will be 20 – 80 volts. The higher the volts, the more powerful the engine is. Gas hedge trimmers measured in cubic centimeters (CCs), refers to the amount of fuel and air displaced by the engine. Its range will be 21 – 25 CCs. Choose the higher CCs number for a powerful engine to work with.
Blade Length: Usually, the blades can be either single or double-sided and its size comes within a range of 13 – 40 inches. Make sure to choose the right blade size to make hedge trimming work quite easy. The longer blade will make even cut in a single pass yet is not good for small precision tasks. So, choose it wisely. There are so many things to consider for grabbing the hedge trimmer to maintain a tidy looking yard instantly, which are explained in the detailed “Buying Guide”. Also, we came up with a list of some best hedge trimmers in 2023 (as per the reviews and market analysis). Read on the guide and pick the right one from this list of products that suits perfectly for your requirement.
Best Hedge Trimmer List
9 Best Hedge Trimmers Reviews
1. Toro Hedge Trimmer
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Toro is an American-based company that designs, manufactures, and distributes a wide range of turn and lawn maintenance equipment. The brand sells its products in over 125 countries. Toro’s hedge trimmer is powered by a 4-amp motor to help you get the job done easier and faster. The 22-inch long cutting blade made of hardened steel along with the powerful motor allows you to cut through branches up to 9/16-inch thickness. This corded hedge trimmer is designed for small lawns that have an outlet close by to power it. It is equipped with a cord-lock system to prevent disruptive disconnects. The hedge trimmer features a dual action cutting blade that reduces vibration and allows for a smooth cutting experience. It measures 8 x 8 x 36 inches and has a weight of 6.35 pounds. The lightweight and compact size allows for easy handling of the equipment and can cut the hedges at any angle. The ergonomic design along with the work grip prevents hand fatigue and improves comfort while trimming. Toro backs this hedge trimmer with a 2-year manufacturer warranty from the original date of purchase. Best Features
4 amps electric motor power rating 22-inch cutting blade size Dual action cutting system Lightweight and compact size 2-year warranty
Pros
Cuts branches up to 9/16-inch thickness Provides comfort by reducing vibration Easy to hold and use
Cons
Lack of mobility due to corded design Poor build quality
2. Black+Decker Hedge Trimmer
Black Decker is a highly popular brand of power tools whose products generally have a high user rating because of the various features and options that they offer. This Black Decker BEHT100 hedge trimmer is present in the 2nd position in this article as it can be another great option if you are on a budget. It uses a 3 amp electric motor for offering up to 3800 strokes every minute. As a result, this power rating is more than enough for the given 16-inch blade size. Although, this blade size might be small for some users who want to use it for heavy-duty usage. A great thing about this smaller blade size is that this hedge trimmer is quite small and compact, which makes for a great portable option. Just like most other Black Decker power tools, this one also offers a 2-year long warranty. You even get a great build quality for the given price tag. Best Features:
Electric motor power rating of 3 amps Cutting blade size of 16 inches 2-year long warranty Decent build quality for the given price Small and compact form factor
Pros:
Offers decent performance from 3 amp electric motor Budget price tag for a high value for money Viable portable option with lightweight construction
Cons:
Small blade size is not ideal for heavy-duty usage
3. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools Hedge Trimmer
Scotts Outdoor Power Tools manufactures a wide range of tools and equipment for maintaining your lawn. The brand has also built its own smart app for simplifying your lawn care tasks. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools’ hedge trimmer runs on a 3.2 amps electric motor for trimming hedges and overgrown branches in your lawn. The motor generates enough power to deliver 3400 strokes per minute for an efficient cutting performance. With the 20-inch dual-action steel blade, you can achieve ⅝-inch clean cuts. As the equipment runs on electricity, there is no maintenance involved. The full length trigger allows you to turn on and turn off the tools conveniently. It also improves cutting precision as you can activate the trimmer only when it is necessary. It is equipped with an auxiliary handle that provides added support and helps for easy maneuverability. There is also a built-in cord retention hook for easy operation and maneuverability. On top of this, the hedge trimmer is lightweight with only 4.8 lbs. The blade has a protective covering that helps it to sharpen the hedge trimmers and integrity. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools backs this hedge trimmer with a 3-year manufacturer warranty from the original date of purchase. Best Features
3.2-amp electric motor 20-inch dual action steel blade Lightweight with 4.8 lbs Auxiliary handle and built-in cord retention hook 3-year manufacturer warranty
Pros
Cuts branches up to ⅝-inch thickness Blade is durable and retains sharpness even after long use Easy to maneuver
Cons
Safety trigger gets stuck sometimes Cord plug falls out of the trimmer
4. Greenworks Hedge Trimmer
Just per its name, Greenworks makes eco friendly and electric power tools that are mainly oriented towards various applications that get carried out in backyards. Greenworks’ 2200102 corded hedge trimmer is present in the 4th position in this article as it is a great option for users on a budget. While it is not the cheapest option out there, you certainly get a lot of features and options for the given price tag. Hence, this hedge trimmer offers a great value for money that is always great to have. Since this is a corded hedge trimmer, its power rating is given in amps as 4 amps. This power is quite high for powering the 22-inch cutting blade of this hedge trimmer that makes it one of the most powerful options out there. Even though it is a budget hedge trimmer, you get a 4-year long warranty with it that is always great to have. Best Features:
Electric motor power rating of 4 amps Cutting blade size of 22 inches 4-year long warranty Affordable price tag for users on a budget Lightweight and compact design
Pros:
Offers high performance for a high value for money Powerful 4 amp electric motor 22-inch cutting blade for cutting large bushes
Cons:
Power cord is a bit on the shorter side Build quality could have been slightly better
5. Craftsman Hedge Trimmer
Craftsman is a world-renowned manufacturer of power tools, hand tools, and other outdoor power equipment. The brand’s products are known for their powerful performance along with their robust build quality. Craftsman’s hedge trimmer runs on a powerful 4 amps motor for tackling tough trimming tasks. It is equipped with a 22 inches dual action blade that has a cutting capacity of ¾ inches. Furthermore, it can cut hedges and branches up to 1.5 inches. The hedge trimmer features a 2 button operation for increased safety. After starting the tool by pressing both the buttons, you have to keep pressing one button to operate it. This is one of the most lightweight options in our list with a weight of just 3.04 lbs. The dual action blade reduces vibration when you are operating the trimmer. The full bale handle offers maximum maneuverability and allows you to cut the hedges and branches at any angle. You can use an extension cord instead of the standard power cord for more flexibility. However, you have to buy the extension cord separately. This hedge trimmer is backed by a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty from the original date of purchase. Best Features
4-amp motor power rating 22-inch dual action blade ¾-inch cutting capacity 1 ½-inch cutting depth Extremely lightweight with only 3.04 lbs 3-year warranty
Pros
Powerful motor Easy to maneuver
Cons
Blade is dull Difficult to use for long hours Does not come with a power cord
6. Makita Hedge Trimmer
Makita is another popular brand that develops a wide range of woodworking and lawn maintenance equipment. The brand manufactures more than 275 products to meet the needs of commercial workers and DIY enthusiasts. Makita’s hedge trimmer uses a 4.8 amps motor to power through thick branches and hedges. It is equipped with a large 21-inch blade that has a cutting capacity of ⅝ inches to make short work of your hedge trimming tasks. The electric motor is designed to produce less noise and vibration. You can take care of your lawn maintenance without disturbing your neighbors. Even though the hedge trimmer measures 8.2 lbs, the ergonomic multi-grip handle provides balance and comfort while operating it. It features a 2-hand operation switch for safety. Furthermore, you have to hold the trimmer with 2 hands to operate it. If you remove one hand, it will turn off automatically. The hand guard is transparent so that you can view the branches when you are cutting them. To prevent blade-clock, the trimmer is equipped with a motor. There is also a blade tip to prevent kickbacks and protect gears. Although the warranty period is not explicitly mentioned on the product page, Makita backs all its hedge trimmers with a 3-year warranty from the original date of purchase. Best Features
4.8 amps motor power rating 21-inch blade ⅝-inch blade cutting capacity 2-hand operation 3-year warranty
Pros
Quiet operation Multiple safety features Prevents kickbacks and reduces vibrations
Cons
Heavy Poor quality control
7. Garcare Hedge Trimmer
Garcare is a professional company that designs a wide range of garden tools to help you maintain your garden efficiently and reliably. With more than 300 employees, the brand delivers over 600,000 products per year to meet the needs of garden enthusiasts. Garcare’s hedge trimmer runs on a powerful 4.8 amps motor for heavy duty cutting and trimming tasks. It features a large 24-inch dual action laser cut blade with a cutting capacity of ¾ inches. The laser cut blade allows you to cut the branches on the same place over and over again until it falls off. This not only increases precision but also makes you more efficient. Furthermore, the dual action system provides less vibration to increase precision and prevent hand fatigue. The hedge trimmer features an ergonomic design with a D-auxiliary handle and a rear rotary handle. The D-shaped design allows you to grab the auxiliary handle from any angle while the rear handle can be adjusted by 180-degrees. Using this, you can cut the branches underneath or the sides. Besides, it is equipped with a comfortable grip to prevent soreness. To improve your safety, the hedge trimmer has a 2-safety trigger switch. When you let go of the trigger, the tool will stop automatically. There is also a blade cover to protect the blade and retain its sharpness. Garcare backs this hedge trimmer with a 1-year warranty from the original date of purchase. Best Features
4.8-amp motor power rating 24-inch dual action blade ¾-inch blade cutting capacity Ergonomic design with a rotating handle 1-year warranty
Pros
Improves precision and accuracy Easy to use and maneuver Multiple safety features Value for money
Cons
Heavier than other options Warranty period could have been long
8. Worx Hedge Trimmer
Worx is another popular brand that manufactures a wide range of products including lawn maintenance equipment, power tools, automotive tools, and other innovative outdoor power equipment. Worx’s hedge trimmer is powered by a 4.5-amp motor for handling all your lawn maintenance needs. With the 24-inch large dual action blades, you can achieve clean and smooth cuts of up to ¾ inches. Besides, the dual action feature reduces vibrations and provides better control. The trimmer has extra length with a dimension of 43 x 8 x 8.5 inches to reach across hedges and shrubs. The hedge trimmer features a 90-degree rotating cut head that provides easy maneuverability and allows you to cut hedges underneath and the sides. It has a weight of 6.6 lbs for easy handling. When it comes to safety, the hedge trimmer is equipped with a lock-off safety switch to prevent you from accidentally turning on the equipment. Worx’s hedge trimmer is backed by a 3-year limited warranty period from the original date of purchase. Best Features
4.5 amps motor power rating 24-inch dual action blade ¾-inch blade cutting capacity Compact size with extra length 3-year warranty
Pros
Rotating head for maneuverability Lock-off safety switch Can reach across shrubs and hedges
Cons
Motor consumes too much power
9. Earthwise Hedge Trimmer
Earthwise is a planet-conscious brand that develops a wide range of products using sustainable technology. The brand is popularly known for its reusable grocery bags and storage boxes. Earthwise’s hedge trimmer runs on a 2.8 amps motor that delivers a decent power of 3700 strokes per minute. It is equipped with a 17-inch dual action blade that provides clean cuts without generating any vibration. The blade is made of hardened steel to make it durable and retain its sharpness even after using it for a long time. There is also a protective blade cover to maintain the blade’s integrity. With this trimmer, you can cut branches up to a maximum width of ⅝ inches. This is one of the most compact and lightweight options on our list with dimensions of 31 x 5 x 7 inches and a weight of 5 lbs. This allows you to handle and maneuver the trimmer effortlessly. It features a rubber over-molded handle for a comfortable grip while operating it. The blade is supported using aluminum to balance the weight when you are cutting the branches. For safety, there is a trigger switch to turn on the equipment. There is also a cord retention hook for easy and compact storage. This hedge trimmer is backed by a 2-year limited warranty from the original date of purchase. Best Features
2.8-amps motor power rating 3700 strokes per minute 17-inch dual action blade ⅝-inch blade cutting capacity 2-year warranty
Pros
Blade is durable and hard Lightweight and compact Trigger switch for safety
Cons
Motor power is less Blade size is small
How to Choose the Best Hedge Trimmers
There are various factors to take into consideration while choosing the best hedge trimmer for you. All these choices will make it difficult to decide. So, one should know what are the main factors to check out while shopping for a hedge trimmer.
1. Types of Hedge Trimmer
Single-sided, double-sided and long reach (or pole) hedge trimmers are three main types of hedge trimmers. You should know about all these types to decide which type is suitable for your requirement. Let’s know about them in detail.
Single-Sided Hedge Trimmers – As the name implies, the trimmer has teeth on single side of the cutting bar, in which its longer blade that let you cut even a larger area in only one sweep. Initially, they are meant to use for commercial lawns/gardens to trim straight sections of the hedge. But you can use them for medium-sized residential lawns as well. These single-sided trimmers are lighter in weight, and are ideal for long straight hedge mazes, hedgerows, and heavier and longer cutting jobs. Also, they can be fitted easily with longer cutters to trim large hedges by balancing the machine properly throughout the trimming process. Cutting only in one (single) direction is its main drawback. Plus, you have to always start from the beginning with each cutting stroke, which consumes a lot of time and energy while cutting.
Double-Sided Hedge Trimmers – It is the most common hedge trimmer type that is used for both trimming and shaping hedges for up to chest height. It allows you to cut in both directions to quickly finish any hedge trimming task. It is widely used for domestic use and topiary in formal gardens. It can easily and effectively manicure a hedge by allowing you to tailor the hedge from both sides/directions for accurate cutting. Also, it has an adjustable ergonomic rear handle that offers great flexibility while trimming the hedge sides or doing long and complex jobs. With this handle, you can quickly change the cutting direction, especially while trimming bushes (unusual shape) and useful for tight space. The two sides of reciprocating blades in this trimmer may cut the cord or nick clothing easily are its main drawback.
Long Reach (or) Expandable Pole Hedge Trimmers – A pole hedge trimmer is a third main type that is meant to use for trimming and cutting low and high hedges, covers hard to read areas or hedges with variable heights. You can angle the cutting bar easily to tackle large brush areas and grasp the top of high hedges without using unstable ladders. So, this long-reach trimmer has either an adjustable or a fixed shaft having cutting blade placed at their end. The cutting blade is tilted easily to cut the top or the side of the hedge. A few models offer optional tools such as pruner, and various long-reach alteration tools. Thus, choosing a pole-type trimmer will minimize your back and shoulder strain during the cutting process.
2. Power Source
There are two main power options available for hedge trimmers – Gas powered trimmer, electric powered (corded & cordless) trimmers. Select the one based on your yard size, portability, and how much power is needed.
Gas Powered Hedge Trimmers – This type of trimmer is quite powerful and can easily cut even thick branches or cover a larger area quickly and cleanly. It allows you to move around the yard freely without being worried about a cord or power supply. They need both gas and oil to properly run the trimmer, but you should precisely mix the oil and gas in the correct proportions. Its Drawbacks: They are slightly heavier (weighs more than 10 pounds) that make it a bit difficult to reach up and around tall hedging. They emit fumes and are a bit noisy, which makes them less eco-friendly. Also, they are expensive than other types of hedge trimmers. Electric Corded Hedge Trimmer – An electric corded trimmer offers features like ease to use, lighter, quiet operation, and low/no maintenance. There is no pull cord, exhaust fumes, or mess with oil & gas like a gas-powered trimmer. These are the most affordable trimmers compared to other trimmers. It is best for people to have smaller yards with shrubs and hedges and should have a nearby electrical outlet to supply enough power to cut and trim the hedges.
The main drawback of this trimmer is that limited range (less mobility) and it’s a must to use an extension cord to cover a bit more area. But these cords might be dangerous if they are cut accidentally. Most models won’t offer long extension cords, which can be an extra expense.
Electric Cordless Hedge Trimmer: The cordless hedge trimmer is increasing its popularity these days due to its portability. They run on powerful, long-lasting lithium-ion batteries. They allow you to move and cover around a small yard till the charging in the battery lasts. They won’t produce any exhaust fumes, easy to start and easy to operate, don’t need gas (or oil) or electricity to run.
In case, if you purchase the same type of battery (extra), then you can easily replace it to continue doing your cutting and trimming process uninterruptedly. Also, you can recharge the battery to use further. Verdict: All these three types of power sources will help you to perform your work quickly and easily, yet you should know which type is suitable for your work. Here is the final conclusion.
A gas-powered hedge trimmer is perfect for large lawns or commercial applications, which need a lot of heavy-duty trimming or tougher jobs. Electric corded hedge trimmer is the best for smaller yards with shrubs or hedges with a nearby electrical outlet. A cordless battery hedge trimmer is a good power source option for smaller – medium lawns due to its portability feature.
3. Engine Power
Generally, the engine produces some force to drive the hedge trimmer blades to cut through twigs, leaves, and small/thin branches, which is defined as engine power. Different types of hedge trimmers have different engine power ratings. So, you can measure the engine power depending on the type of trimmer’s power source.
Electric Corded Hedge Trimmers – It is measured in terms of amperage (amps) that are used to specify the amount of energy flow through the electric engine. The energy power range of electric hedge trimmers will be from 2.5 – 4.5 amps. Remember the higher the amperage of a trimmer, the more powerful the engine will work to complete your task. Battery Powered Hedge Trimmers – It is measured in voltage (volts) that is connected with the power produced and stored in the battery. The battery hedge trimmers will range from 20 – 80 volts. Gas Hedge Trimmers – The power of the engine is measured in cubic centimeters (CCs). It refers to the amount of fuel and air, which is displaced during the process. The engine power range of gas hedge trimmers will be 21 – 25 CCs. As said, the higher the CCs number, the more powerful and efficiently the engine works to finish the task.
4. Blade Size
The cutting blades can be either single or double-sided for hedge trimmers, and it comes in different sizes, that range from 13 – 40 inches in length. So, it is essential to pick the right blade size to make your hedge trimming work faster and much easier. Here is a table that let you know how to pick the right blade size suitable for your trimming work. Also, the user should consider the hand they are using the blade to cut the hedges. For instance, most people having left-hand usage will find it easier to use a double-sided blade hedge trimmer, while most right-handed people prefer to use single-sided blades. Plus, a longer blade will provide a more even cut, yet experience some trouble while doing small precision tasks. The longer blade will let you reach beyond the top of a deep hedge. Having a trimmer with a long blade will not suit basic detail trimming or smaller bushes. Also, they are overweight and make you unstable that may cause any injuries to the user.
5. Cutting Capacity
The cutting capacity of a hedge trimmer depends on the space/gap between blade teeth. This gap will let you know the maximum branch size (thickness) the machine can cut safely. So, it is essential to check the size of the gap (blade gap), in which the larger the gap between the blade’s teeth of a trimmer, the greater their cutting capacity will be. You can find hedge trimmers with a gap of 3/8 – 3/4 of an inch. Or those models offering a gap of 1-inch or higher. Generally, most residential trimmers come with a gap of 3/8 – 3/4 inches that suits for dealing with twigs, leaves, and small branches. While commercial-grade or professional trimmers have a blade gap wider than 1-inch that can easily take on oversize hedges and small trees. Gas trimmers can handle an inch thick branches with ease. Whereas, electric trimmers can tackle between 1/4 to 3/4 of an inch.
6. Fuel Capacity
It is an essential feature to consider while buying a gas-powered hedge trimmer. It denotes the amount of fuel a trimmer can hold in its fuel tank. It let you know how long the trimmer can be operated on a single tank of gas and its suitability to use in a particular yard. For instance, larger yards need a trimmer with a high fuel capacity to make them operate for a longer time to finish the required lawn maintenance. A gas-powered hedge trimmer has a tank capacity that ranges from 10 – 16 ounces. This tank will need to mix gas and oil at the right proportions of about 40:1 (or) 50:1. Ensure that you always refer to the manufacturer’s directions to get the proper fuel ratio. Based on various factors (like trimmer’s weight, engine’s size, and material to cut), the trimmer will operate in between 45 minutes to 2 hours. So, check out the fuel capacity of a gas trimmer before making its purchase.
7. Battery Life
One has to consider this feature while shopping for a cordless battery-powered hedge trimmer. It is one of the three main fuel sources to power the trimmer, and they use a long-lasting lithium-ion battery, which ranges from 20 – 80 volts. However, the trimmer’s battery life will differ greatly based on the age of the battery, the trimmer’s weight and the quantity of material a trimmer is cutting. Remember, a few cordless hedge trimmers models won’t come with a battery or a battery charger, which means the user has to buy them separately. In that case, we recommend you to get two batteries of the same model so that you can use one while the other is in charge without any interruption in your work.
8. Weight
The weight of hedge trimmers can differ greatly based on the fuel source used to power hedge trimmers. For instance, a battery-powered trimmer will weigh only 5 pounds, whereas a heavy gas-powered trimmer may weigh more than 20 pounds. Keep in mind that a well-balanced trimmer (in terms of weight) will offer better support and prevents muscle fatigue while working with it.
9. Ease of Use
Some features in the hedge trimmer will allow you to hold and control them easily and effectively. Those feature includes a padded front handle (enhance comfort and provide the user with a better grip on the trimmer) or telescoping poles (allows the trimmer to cut leaves and branches). This extendibility will allow the user not to have repeatedly stretching or climbing up & down on a ladder and thereby reduces muscle strain.
10. Safety Features
Since it is a power tool, you have to give the highest priority to your safety. While trimming your yard vegetation without concern about any injuries or hospital visits. So, keeping these in mind, the manufacturers offer several built-in safety features like safety switches, blade brakes, front handle shields, and padded front handles to make it a safe option to manage the yard. Now take a look at some of the safety features to check in the hedge trimmer while buying.
Blade Brakes – With this feature, you can stop the blade the moment when a trigger is released. It is quite useful in emergencies to stop the blade immediately rather than slowly stopping on its own. Padded Front Handles – It reduces the strain and muscle fatigue caused by the weight and vibration of the trimmer. It provides a better grip on the trimmer and allows you to work comfortably. Safety Switches – It stops the accidental activation of the trimmer. You need to be press down this safety switch before the trigger is used to turn on the trimmer. Front Handle Shields – It stops your hand from slipping off the handle into the blade. Thereby protects you from accidental slipping while operating the trimmer. Blade Sheaths – This feature will protect the user from cutting blades. Also, they help to protect the blades from dust, moisture, and other debris while operating. Tooth Extensions – This safety feature will deter your legs and other body parts from getting in contact with the teeth. Thereby minimizes the chance to get cut. Dual Switches – It has a two-handed operation for safer use and this hedger need both hands to activate it along with an on/off switch lock if you are distracted or having children around when working in the garden. Extendable Hedge Trimmers – This safety feature will provide better reach and prevent straining while operating the trimmer.
11. Extra Features
Irrespective of their power source or blade length, most hedge trimmer models have the same basic design. So, the extra features will differentiate and make the product fit perfectly for the specific requirements.
Pivoting Head – A trimmer with a pivoting head will allow you to adjust the trimmer to fit the hedge’s size. It is quite useful to trim along the top of a hedge and down the sides. Handle Design – The wrap around handles will let you switch the hand positions as required while rotating handles need you to turn the handle to have a comfortable cut either vertically or horizontally. Ensure to use ergonomic, soft-grip designs will improve manageability. Pigtail – It is a short length of cord situated close to the handle that let you connect the trimmer to an extension cord. Thus, it makes the trimmer a bit easy to plug and unplug the extension cord and thereby reduces the chance of any accidental disconnection. Hedge-Sweep Bar – It is a raised fin that is used to sweep the fallen trimmings off the top of hedges and is stuck in the bush during the cutting process. It is useful while having large, flat-topped hedges to trim and clear them out of the way. Vertical Edging – A trimmer with a wraparound front handle that comes with multiple switches that allow you to change the cutting direction easily from horizontal to vertical. This vertical edging will be made easy if the trimmer comes with a rotating head. Hand Guard – Every hedge trimmer come with a handguard that deters debris from throwing back towards you. Though they make the trimmer a little more awkward/bulky, yet they won’t be removed for any reason. So, don’t compromise on this safety device or else it may result in any serious accident/injury on your hands. High-Carbon Steel Blades – The steel blades are durable, sturdy, long-lasting and provide more effective cutting. Also, they can be sharpened to prolong their life. Dual Reciprocating Blades – Usually the trimmer blades will move to and fro on a metal plate. You might have a dual reciprocating blade if both the metal plates have to and fro motion. These blades will cut twice faster and are heavier and a bit expensive. So, check out this option if you are looking to do your work speedily and safely. Lock On – It is quite useful while handling long, difficult tasks, as this feature will minimize the fatigue that enables you to continue the cutting process without concerning any triggers. Wraparound Handle – This circular handle will let you move your hands around when pivoting the actual trimmer blades. While working with this handle, you experience less fatigue and have great control over the cutting blades when cutting along a vertical or horizontal axis. Translucent Fuel Tanks – Seen in gas-powered hedge trimmers, in which a model with these fuel tanks will allow you to monitor the fuel levels closely to ensure that unit won’t run out in the middle of the work. Kits – Apart from working as a hedge trimmer, a few kits will let you convert this unit into a patio broom, string trimmer, or other useful devices for extra versatility. Poles – Looking to trim hard-to-reach/tight areas in a top-level, then this pole extension will provide the essential length require to do your job (up to a certain height). Extra Battery Packs – Consider while choosing a cordless electric trimmer, these extra battery packs will help to extend the runtime of the unit and thereby aids in performing larger jobs/long cutting sessions. Shoulder Strap – A few trimmers offer a shoulder strap that helps a lot in relieving strain on your arms, especially while performing a long-time trimming process. Anti-Vibration Technology – Most trimmers have anti-vibration technology that offers a smooth and more manageable trimming experience without much strain on your hands. Laser Cut Blades – A few high-end models come with laser cut blades to make clean and straight cuts on every pass. But make sure to wear work gloves while trimming with these laser-cut blades.
12. Durability
It is always best to pick a model that can withstand the onslaughts (wear and tear) upon regular use. For this, check out renowned brands that offer a reasonable warranty on their product. Yet go through the customer reviews (and ratings) on the particular product to know about its quality, built construction, usage, durability and other issues. Also, you have to maintain the unit well to make sure it lasts for a long-time usage.
13. Noise
While discussing about the noise level of the trimmer, the quietest one will be electric corded and then electric cordless, yet the gas models are the loudest ones to make a lot of noise while operating. So, if you don’t want to disturb other family members or neighbors with a loud noise while trimming or don’t want to end up the trimming task with a headache, then prefer to use electric models. Also, make sure to read the product description and customer reviews to get a clear idea about its noise/decibel level. Make sure to wear safety gear like earplugs to protect your ears while trimming.
14. Lubrication
A hedge trimmer is lubrication intensive, in which the metal plates holding the teeth slide to & fro on each other. However, they are greased to move freely while manufacturing but it won’t last for a longer time. Thus, the plates will start to grind, heat up and gradually seize. Also, they may warp and start to break teeth if there is no lubrication routine. It is found mostly on trimmers with longer blades. Prefer to use a non-stick cooking spray on the blades or any commercial made canned spray to lubricate the trimmer teeth in an eco-friendly way. For best results, lube the blade every 15 minutes while operating (or) every month. Also, use grease like axle grease, white grease or bearing grease, in which all of these will work equally. All you need is to dip a brush in grease and paint a layer of it on the metal plates and blades. Here the grease lasts longer than the spray so, you can re-lube the blades every 15 – 30 minutes.
15. Cost
We notice plenty of hedge trimmer models available in the market with low to high price ranges. Here the power source and convenience to use the trimmer are two main things used to determine the cost of the hedge trimmer. Overall, one can grab a solid hedge trimmer for less than $100.
16. Warranty
Usually, after cutting a lot of shrubs and bushes with your hedge trimmer, it may experience a lot of wear and tear. So, in that case, a warranty offered by a hedge trimmer is highly essential to get it fixed the issues and make it work/use properly. Most trimmer units out there come with a 2 year or 3 years long warranty. But some more reliable and durable options offer a 5-year long warranty to the user. So, check out the warranty period on the product before making its purchase.
Best Uses of Hedge Trimmer
We all know that a hedge trimmer is used to cut and trim the hedges and garden, but there are some other uses of hedge trimmers. Let’s take a look to know what are those ways to use a hedge trimmer.
Cut, trim, and shape hedgerows, hard to reach, deep bushes, and medium-to-large bushes. Branches that fit in between the blade teeth of the trimmer. Larger branches that you are unable to cut with any outdoor power equipment (brush cutter or chainsaw) or larger blade attachments. Prune perennials, ground cover, and grasses. Cut large and overgrowth weeds, especially when they are dry. Yet, using a string trimmer is the most efficient way to cut this weed.
Conclusion
Maintaining your garden and lawn involved a lot of work and time. But with the right set of tools, it does not have to be difficult. The hedge trimmer is one such effective gardening equipment that can be used to cut hedges and large bushes easily. Their slim design with extra length allows you to reach across hedges and cut them from different angles.
If you are looking for a powerful option with a large blade size, then Makita Hedge Trimmer would be the ideal option. It is powered by a 4.8 amps motor and has a 21-inch blade for heavy-duty cutting tasks. If you want a lightweight option that can be handled using one-hand, then you can go with Craftsman Hedge Trimmer. The trimmer weighs only 3.04 lbs and can be maneuvered easily for trimming hedges from various angles. If you are on a tight budget, then you can check out Scotts Outdoor Power Tools Hedge Trimmer It is a budget friendly option with an affordable price tag of $39.99.
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