A hedge trimmer is a critical landscaping tool used in taming the bushes and shrubs growing in your backyard. Besides trimming the over growth, a hedge trimmer also helps you polish the looks of your ornamental trees and shrubs to enhance your garden’s cosmetic value.
Types of Hedge Trimmers
The many hedge trimmers sold in stores can be classified into three primary categories that include, cordless, electric, and gas trimmers, and each class has its unique set of advantages and disadvantages.
On that account, we have scrutinized the features, pros, and cons of each category with a view to helping you pick a type that fits your budget and landscaping needs.
Electric Hedge trimmers
As the name implies, an electric hedge trimmer utilizes electricity as a source of fuel. Usually, this hedge trimmer comes equipped with a reasonably sized cable that you plug into the mains before you start trimming.
An electric hedge trimmer is powerful enough to let you complete small to medium sized residential projects within a short time. Furthermore, the trimmer’s lightweight saves you from the unnecessary hand strain and fatigue associated with the use of heavy hand trimmers.
However, this trimmer will limit you to areas that are closer to your mains, and you cannot use it if you stay off the grid.
Cordless hedge trimmer
A cordless hedge trimmer is an upgraded version of the electrical hedge trimmers. Instead of using a long cord plugged into the mains, this type is powered by a rechargeable battery. This means that, you can use it to trim a hedge that is far away from your house.
Similar to the electric trimmer, a cordless hedge trimmer is ideal for small to medium tasks, it delivers accurate cuts, and it is environmentally friendly since its motor runs silently. It also does not release harmful emissions.
In as much as the cordless hedge trimmer seems like an excellent investment for residential trimming projects, the trimmer has downsides that you would want to take into account before purchasing it.
First, some cordless models come with a weak rechargeable battery that can hardly survive for two hours before it drains. As such, you would have to interrupt your working sessions to recharge the battery.
Secondly, most cordless hedge trimmers are heavier than the corded electrical counterparts. Hence, they might not be a good option for those who are looking for a lightweight hedge trimmer. But still, the cordless trimmers are lighter than gas hedge trimmers.
Gas Hedge trimmers
Gas hedge trimmers have a powerful engine powered by petroleum. Different from the electric and cordless models, a gas hedge trimmer is powerful enough to handle medium-large size projects that involve cutting thicker branches.
Besides the powerful engine, a gas hedge trimmer is also portable enough to let you work anywhere, and it is easy- to- refuel gas tank saves you from interrupting your work schedule for long hours.
Even so, these hedge trimmers release toxic emissions, and they are noisier than an electric or cordless hedge trimmer. Moreover, the gas-powered hedge trimmers’ heavyweight might fatigue you.
The Best Hedge Trimmer Reviews
Black+ Decker LHT2436 Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Black Decker’s best-rated hedge trimmer comes with a powerful 40-volt rechargeable battery that can help you trim an average surface area of 6000 square feet in a single charge.
In addition to the powerful battery, the cordless hedge trimmer utilizes a 24- inch dual action blade that helps you trim your hedge and ornamental shrubs within a short time.
Another great feature that makes up this Black Decker’s cordless hedge trimmer is the ergonomic handle whose soft rubber grip provides the comfort you need to carry on with your trimming tasks. Furthermore, the handle is spacious enough to support the use of gloves.
Pros
- Comes with a user manual that helps you operate the hedge trimmer as intended
- Its 24- inch dual action blades can cut ¾ inch branches
- Black Decker’s hedge trimmer produces fewer vibrations.
Cons
- It is not ideal for large projects
GreenWorks 2200102 Corded Hedge Trimmer
If you are looking for a lightweight hedge trimmer that you can comfortably use for extended working sessions, the GreenWorks’ corded hedge trimmer will be an option to consider.
This corded hedge trimmer uses a 4-amp motor that provides sufficient trimming power and a 22-inch dual action blade that can cut branches and twigs with a diameter of 9/16 inches. The two features make it an excellent option for small to medium residential projects.
Pros
- GreenWorks corded hedge trimmer has a four-year manufacturer warranty
- Its compact design improves your efficiency by minimizing hand strain
- GreenWorks has a cord lock system that prevents accidental unplugging
- It is affordable
Cons
- The corded hedge trimmer restricts your mobility
- It is not ideal for large projects
- Not for off-grid use
DEWALT DCHT860M1 Lithium-Ion Hedge Trimmer
DEWALT lithium Ion hedge trimmer is constructed from a durable Xenoy housing to last long. Besides being sturdy, the frame weighs 11. 9 lbs., a lightweight that lets you use the landscaping tool for extended working sessions.
In regards to performance, DEWALT lithium ion trimmer comes with a powerful 40- volt battery that can run up to two hours. Moreover, the hedge trimmer uses a 22-inch laser cut dual action blade that cuts quickly through branches that are as thick as n ¾ inches thick.
Pros
- A three-year warranty and a 90-day return policy covers the Cordless hedge trimmer
- It is less noisy
- The cordless hedge trimmer is maintenance free
- It starts and stops easily
Cons
- It is quite expensive
- It requires regular charging
- It is not intended for large projects
Tanaka TCH22ECP2 Gas Hedge Trimmer
Tanaka’s gas hedge trimmer brags of a commercial grade 21cc engine that provides sufficient power to trim medium to large sized edges. In addition to the powerful two-cycle engine, this best hedge trimmer features a 30 inch, three-sided, dual reciprocating hedge trimmers that cut quickly.
Unlike some gas hedge trimmers that are quite hard to start, this model comes integrated with an S- start and a purge bulb that lets you start or stop your gas-powered hedge trimmer effortlessly.
Pros
- A two-year commercial warranty and seven- year consumer warranty backs the hedge trimmer.
- It can cut through ¾ inch thick branches
- Its 10.1-ounce fuel tank minimizes the need for frequent refueling
- The hedge trimmer has a comfortable handle
Cons
- It is expensive
- Some people complain that its construction is cheap.
Poulan Pro PP2822 Gas Powered Hedge Trimmer
This gas- powered hedge trimmer boasts of a 28cc engine that produces reasonable power to handle medium- large size projects trimming. In addition to the 28cc engine, this gas-powered hedge utilizes 22-inch dual sided blades that cut effortlessly.
Poulan Pro PP2822’s two-gallon fuel tank saves you from the hassle of frequent re-fuelling that can consume much of your work time. In fact, a full tank can last for thirty working hours.
Pros
- Its ergonomic handle delivers a comfortable and secure grip
- It is light in weight
- It produces low vibrations
- The hedge trimmer is CARB compliant
Cons
- It starts noisily
- Its exhaust is located on the left-hand side. As such, the hedge trimmer would not be ideal for right-handed users.
- It releases harmful emissions.
