Choosing a hedge trimmer
Choosing a hedge trimmer
There was a time when trimming the hedge involved using garden shears. They’re the cheapest option, environmentally friendly, but involve hard work if you have a lot of hedge to trim!
For work on a larger scale, a powered hedge trimmer might be considered. These come into four categories:- electrical, battery, petrol and long reach (which will also come into one of the other three categories).
Petrol hedge trimmers are the most powerful and have the advantage of being able to be used away from your property. Their disadvantages are that they are heavier, noisier and can be more expensive. There are a wide range of petrol hedge trimmers to choose from. Double sided hedge trimmers are good for small hedges, though professionals tend to prefer single sided petrol hedge trimmers because they are lighter.
Electrical hedge trimmers are low on noise, maintenance and emissions. They are less powerful and have a limited range – limited by the length of the cable. They are light, relatively cheap and easy to use and are ideal for small scale domestic use. Care is, of course, needed to avoid cutting through the cord!
Battery powered hedge trimmers are gaining in popularity as the technology improves. They can now recharge in about one hour and don’t lose battery power when not in use. They tend to have double sided blades and are not noisy. They’re easy to use and quieter and lighter than petrol hedge trimmers, but not as powerful and batteries may run down and need recharging if they are used continuously for long periods of time.
Is there any difference between a hedge trimmer and a hedge cutter? Not really, the terms are interchangeable. But if a product is described as a hedge trimmer it is good for cutting branches that are no thicker than your thumb.
So what else should you consider when choosing a hedge trimmer?
Obviously there are differences in price.
The weight of the trimmer is important if you’re using it for long periods of time.
The spacing of the teeth may be important if the trimmer will be used to cut tougher or thicker branches.
The length of the blade should be considered. Consider a longer blade for more established hedges. Longer blades will add to the weight though.
You might also look for hand guards to protect your hands against the debris, tip protectors to protect the blade if you hit something hard.Some products have a rotating rear handle for flexibility.
Links
Hedge trimmers from Mow Direct
