Hedge Trimmers
Are you spending hours in your garden and the hedges still look untidy? Hedges are the first thing that people notice about your garden. A tidy hedge is always beautiful and acts as a frame to your garden. Trimming and shearing hedges can seem unpleasant, but only if you don’t have the right tools. With the right tools, hedge trimming can become an easy task requiring less time and energy to accomplish your goals. According to the best hedge trimmer consumer reports and our own research, we give you the top 6 products to choose from.
Best Hedge Trimmer Consumer Reports
What to Look for in a Hedge Trimmer?
The first thing that you must do is look at your garden and hedges carefully. You must observe and understand these things fully
BLACK DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer via Amazon.com
Factors to Keep in Mind
When you decide to select a hedge trimmer, some factors are essential to keep in mind. Look carefully at what different products have to offer before you make the decision.
Power
How much power a trimmer has will depend on its power source. Gas-powered trimmers are more powerful than an electric or cordless one. Even in electric trimmers, there is a lot of variety, depending on the voltage. What you need will depend on the types of hedges and their size as well as cost.
Cost
You will pay a higher price for tools with more power, but they will make the task more convenient. So, it is crucial to see how much you can spend and then try to find the best option in that amount. The price can range from the most basic models at 50 dollars to very powerful gas-powered ones selling at 500 dollars.
Blades
With blades, length and sharpness are the main factors. It would be best if you also looked at the blade teeth and how far apart they are. Some blades are single, while others are double-sided. For most trimming jobs, a length of 18 inches is enough. Longer blades can give you more access, but only if you have space to maneuver.
Length
The length of a trimmer will depend mainly on the blade length. Longer blades are excellent for specific work but difficult to use in tighter space. It is better to start with a shorter trimmer and after gaining experience moving on to bigger ones.
Weight
Heavy trimmers are harder to work with for a longer time. They are more powerful, but your arms and shoulders will be sore soon. Lighter trimmers are easy to work with for long hours. You must take into account your own weight and height to see what is right for you.
Maintenance
Whichever trimmer you choose, to ensure a long life, you must maintain it correctly. Gas trimmers will require more work, and you will have to check the fuel, spark plug, etc. and keep it clean. Blades are essential, and keeping them sharp is crucial for the tool’s effectiveness.
Easy to Use
How easy a tool is to use will depend on its weight and power source mainly as tools are harder to control than electric or cordless trimmers. Some features can make a trimmer easier to use, like a safety lock, comfortable handles, pivoting head, etc. The tool should be easy to use if you regularly use it.
Safety
Hedge trimmers are powerful tools with sharp blades, so safety is a top concern. If you are a beginner, then start with a less powerful model having excellent safety features. Some trimmers have automatic cutoffs, safety switch, handle shields, etc. for more protection.
Types of Hedge Trimmers
There are so many varieties of hedge trimmers available in the market that it can be a little confusing and challenging to choose the right one. Let us take a look at the broad categories they can be put into. Watch this video to see how different trimmers can be used.
Husqvarna 122HD60 21.7cc Gas 23.7-in Dual Action Hedge Trimmer via Amazon.com
Finding the Best Hedge Trimmer
If you have made up your mind to get a hedge trimmer or want to replace an old one, here is a list of 6 of the best hedge trimmers with all information about the trimmer. Finding the right one for your needs will be easy.
1. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Overview
If cutting and trimming hedges seems like an unpleasant task, then this Black + Decker tool will make it really fun and easy. It is very effective and trims without any problems. Comes with a powerful 20 Volt lithium-ion 2.5 AH battery, which can last for more than an hour after a full charge. It has a compact shape and is light in weight.
You can easily carry it around and will not feel tired after working for long hours. Its handle is ergonomically designed to maximize comfort and safety. This tool has a 22 inches long dual-action blade that makes it easy to cut branches up to ¾ inches in diameter. Dual-action blades help in minimizing vibrations.
Pros
Cons
You just have to start this trimmer by pressing a button, and then it will do the rest for you. With its ease of use and great features, hedge trimming will no longer be an unpleasant chore.
2. DEWALT DCHT820B Hedge Trimmer
Overview
A very powerful laser-cut hedge trimmer that has a high output motor with cutting strokes of 2800 strokes per minute. Assembled as a cordless and compact tool that works on 20 V batteries. The weight of this tool is only 8.8 pounds and makes it easy to carry it around.
The hardened blade is about 22 inches long and can handle tall branches easily. Once fully charged, it can work for one hour or even more. You can use it to cut and trim tough bushes and thick grass even up to ¾ inches thick. Styled with an ergonomic design the tool comprises an easy-grip handle. It is possible to trim in all directions without any difficulty.
Pros
Cons
This tool is ideal for trimming tough hedges with its comfortable handle and compact design. It is light in weight, and you will not feel tired after using it for a long time.
3. Greenworks 22-Inch 4-Amp Corded Hedge Trimmer
Overview
Greenworks hedge trimmer is a corded one and does its job very effectively. There is a 22-inch dual-action steel blade for exceptional performance. This tool's cutting capacity is 9/16 inches, which is perfect for bushes, shrubs, and hedges. The 4 amp motor works efficiently without any hassles. It is a lightweight and compact trimmer and very convenient to use.
One of these tool's best features is its cord lock system, which is a good safety feature. It ensures that there is no accidental unplugging and prevents mishaps. You will be able to finish your work fast with this excellent cutting power tool and easy to carry convenience.
Pros
Cons
A lightweight yet powerful option for taking care of your hedges! It works efficiently and is very convenient to use. It has good safety features like a cord lock system to keep you safe.
4. Poulan Pro PR2322
Overview
One of the best gas hedge trimmers in the market, Poulan Pro, has a 23 cc 2 cycle full crank engine. Its durable dual-action stainless steel blades can cut branches and limbs, which are quite thick. Blades are very sharp and will not rust. Though it is very powerful, it is still light in weight at only 11.1 pounds. Its rotating handles have a comfortable grip and advanced anti-vibration feature for better ease and less fatigue.
Unlike many other gas-powered trimmers, it is easy to start and use this product. It is excellent for all kinds of shrubs and hedges. Unlike other gas-powered trimmers, it is within the affordable price range. A home gardener with extensive hedges can choose this.
Pros
Cons
One of the best trimmers with good features and is powerful enough for most hedge trimming work. Blades are dual-action and 22 inches long for easy access to tall branches.
5. Makita Xhu02z 18v Lxt Lithium-Ion Cordless 22″ Hedge Trimmer
Overview
This is a cordless hedge trimmer and operates on 18 V batteries. One unique feature of this product is the presence of 5 cushions within the motor housing. It minimizes the vibration while using it. Less vibration means less fatigue in the hands and arms. It also has Star safeguard Computer controllers for protection against overburdening, over-performing, as well as over-heating.
You will get precision cutting with its 22-inch twin-action dual-sided trim blade. There is a warning system that lets you know when the battery needs recharging and spontaneously stops the motor. While using this tool, you will also notice that its noise level is very low. It is a plus point when you are in a residential area and don't want to disturb neighbors.
Pros
Cons
For most home gardeners with a medium-sized yard, this cordless hedge trimmer is a good option. It has some unique features which make it easy to use and very efficient as well.
6. Husqvarna 122HD60 21.7cc Gas 23.7-in Dual Action Hedge Trimmer
Overview
This is ranked among the best gas hedge trimmers and is a product from the well known and reputed brand Husqvarna. It is powered by a 21.7 cc engine, which is fuel-efficient. Its Smart Start engine and starter have been designed for a quick start with minimum effort. There is a carburetor air purge system that removes air to help in the easy beginning.
As soon as the machine is turned off, its stop switch automatically returns to the start position for easier starting. You can adjust the rear handle and then cut the sides and top of the hedges as well. It has anti-vibration dampeners, which make it more comfortable for the arms and hands.
Pros
Cons
This is a fantastic hedge trimmer, and even professionals love to use it. It is a powerful yet low maintenance tool and worth its cost. With the right care, it will last for a long time and remain effective.
Conclusion
You understand that a good hedge trimmer can make looking after the garden much easier, but finding the right model is not easy. There is such a wide variety of trimmers available in the market that it is easy to confuse.
We have mentioned the essential factors that you should look at while making the decision. You must spend some time first understanding your needs and then looking at the various options. Matching your needs with the best option will give you a trimmer that is perfect for you.
We think that the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer is the best as far as home gardeners are concerned. It is priced reasonably and has some great features which make it effective and safe. It comes from a reputed brand with excellent customer service. Hedge trimming will no longer remain a boring or tedious job if you start using this hedge trimmer.
