Hedge Trimmers

Types

If you have any shrubs or hedges on your property you probably use a hedge trimmer  to prune them so that they stay looking neat and clean. Some people like using them to make designs. There are two main types, either electric or gas.

• Non-powered hedge trimmers,  also known as hedge clippers,  are used at home and by professional gardeners for small jobs that need very exact trimming. They are precise, safe, lightweight, and require little maintenance. On the other hand, they are simply not meant for major trimming, either on large jobs or on hedges with thick branches.
• Electric models  are usually preferred by consumers who do a lot of trimming and who have thicker branches to deal with.
• Gasoline powered trimmers  are typically geared towards professionals and commercial trimming.

Recommendations

These models were recommended by ConsumerSearch as top picks among reviewers.

Corded Electric Little Wonder 2420	Cordless Electric Black & Decker NHT518	Gas Powered Echo HC160

• Other Manufacturers: Husqvarna,  Poulan,  Craftsman,  Makita,  Weed Eater 

Electric Hedge Trimmers

• Pros
• Lightweight, quiet, easy to start and maintain.
• They don't produce any exhaust, which is better for the environment and your health.
• They are also less expensive than gas models.
• Consistent power source -- you don't have to worry about charging or refueling.
• Cons
• The main drawback is limited mobility because your range is restricted by the length of the cord.

• Solution
• There are less powerful (but equally expensive) electric battery-powered  trimmers that eliminate the cord.
• They aren't able to cut branches more than 1/4" thick though, and the power will cut off after a determined time.
• Fine if you are doing the occasional touch up.
• Keep in mind that the battery will usually need anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes to charge and won't get that much done per charge.
• Price
• $20-$150

Gasoline-Powered Hedge Trimmers

• Pros
• Can reach anywhere without a cord.
• Much more powerful than electric models.
• Can handle sawing through thicker branches and foliage.
• Cons
• Louder, heavier, and produce fumes.
• Require more maintenance, including the mixing of gas and oil.
• Harder to start.
• More expensive.
• Price
• $50-$400

Features To Look For In Powered Trimmers

• Blade length -- what you need depends on what size plants you are trimming.
• For small 3-5 foots shrubs, keep the blade length shorter (under 20 inches), otherwise it will be difficult to maneuver.
• For commercial jobs and anything larger than 6 feet, choose a longer blade, up to 30 inches long.
• Hedges from 10-15 ft. may need something 30-40 inches long.
• Blade gaps should be as large as possible to make cutting through smaller branches easier and to increase the trimmer's capacity for slicing through stronger, thick branches. This is especially important for commercial trimmers.
• Double-sided blades are more convenient than single-sided blades because they cut from both directions and they are usually longer so they cover a larger area.
• That means that if you are on a ladder you can cut in any direction you want without having to climb down, move the ladder, and climb back up.
• The only downside to this technically more effective feature, is that it increases your chances of injuring yourself because it doesn't restrict you from cutting away from your body like a single-sided blade model would.
• Choose a double-sided blade if you plan to be trimming 10-15 foot hedges.
• For maximum safety at home on smaller shrubs, stick to a single-sided blade.
• Dual-action blades will reduce the vibration emitted from the trimmer for a smoother, more stable cut. Single-action blades only vibrate from the top, making for a shaky trimming process.
• The best handle design depends on what you prefer: comfort and mobility or safety.
• If you want the ability to move around in odd angles, opt for a wrap-around front handle which will give you optimum mobility in different holding positions.
• If you prefer to protect your hands, go for a design with a front-handle shield.

Safety & Maintenance

Hedge trimmers aren't exactly the safest tool around (they are sharp even when turned off) so you should always take the necessary precautions to make sure you stay safe.

• Look for the UL label (Underwriters Laboratory) to confirm that the trimmer has the required safety features.
• Always wear protective work gloves,  eye protection,  and good shoes.
• If you are using a gas-powered trimmer, make sure to have hearing protection. 
• Always verify the stability of your ladder  if you are using one.
• Make sure that the cord flows away from the trimmer at all times.
• Anti-vibration features may help improve a user's control over the trimmer, making it safer. It will also reduce arm fatigue.
• A lock on the throttle switch keeps the trimmer from accidentally being turned on.
• Kill switches are an invaluable safety feature, but not always found on all models.
• Look for blade locks that keep them from moving while the engine idles.

Trimmers, made primarily with metal, are prone to rusting. Store them somewhere protected from the elements.

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External Links

• ConsumerSearch -- meta-review of hedge trimmers.