Hedge Trimmer Buying Guide
Hedge trimmers are ideal for the homeowner trying to maintain their property and for commercial companies clearing land. Hedge trimmers, sometimes called hedge shears or hedge clippers, are power tools designed to quickly trim and sculpt bushes. Though a simple concept, new technology in the field offers the potential buyer a slew of options. Pronto’s Hedge Trimmer Buying Guide will help you find an affordable, efficient model, whether you’re taming the backyard jungle or practicing topiary.
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the five
What are the five key points I need to look at?
Hedge trimmer styles
Cordless hedge trimmers are lightweight and portable but offer the least cutting power. Corded electric hedge trimmers are the most popular choice for home use, although they’re limited to the length of a 100-foot extension cord. Gas hedge trimmers offer the greatest cutting power and unlimited portability, but they’re the heaviest and most-polluting hedge trimmers.
Blades
The size of a hedge trimmer is measured by its blade length. Choose a single-bladed trimmer for light trimming and topiary or a double-bladed trimmer for tall bushes. Get a hedge trimmer with the smallest blade gap that will work with your bushes.
Handles
Your hedge trimmer should feel comfortable and balanced in your hands. Wraparound handles offer better control for awkward angles. Pivoting handles let you adjust the blade to different cutting positions.
Weight
Most hedge trimmers weigh between 10 and 15 pounds. The larger your blade, the heavier your hedge trimmer will be. Be sure to choose a weight that you can hold and maneuver comfortably for extended periods.
Safety features
Choose a hedge trimmer with front and rear hand guards that will keep your fingers from sliding into the blade. Look for a deadman’s switch that shuts off the engine when it’s released and a blade lock that lets the engine run without moving the blade.
pronto pick
What product do we recommend?
We like the Makita 25" Electric Hedge Trimmer - UH6350, a lightweight, double-bladed model that is well balanced and offers an ergonomic handle. A quiet motor will keep the neighbors from complaining, while its transparent hand guard and two-handed operation provide added safety and a clear view of what you’re cutting.
experts say
Popular Mechanics—“As you might expect from a company that specializes in landscaping equipment, the Little Wonder hedge trimmer is clearly the best-made machine of all the electric models we tested.” Source: PopularMechanics.com
About.com—“Like chain saws electric hedge trimmers should have a top handle (with safety shield) to guide them, and a rear handle where the trigger resides.” Source: About.com
Landscape Management—“The Stihl HL 100 series with STIHL 4-MIX technology provides faster acceleration, more power, more torque, and increased fuel efficiency. Each model offers a varying combination of either an adjustable or fixed-angle cutting head and either a 42- or 59-in. shaft length.” Source: Landscapemanagement.net
hot buzz
What's the latest in the world of hedge trimmers?
In April 2004, the Garden Groom Safety Hedge Trimmer was made available. This model’s blade creates a vacuum that sucks branches into an enclosed head, and once there, the blade cuts them off. Instead of leaving behind a trail of debris, this hedge trimmer includes its own clean-up system: after the branches are sliced up, the debris is then stored in a hopper beneath the handle. The sealed blades also provide an unparalleled measure of safety.
Wallet Impact
What can I expect in my price range?
| Price | Description | Good Pick (see all Hedge Trimmers) |
| $ | Basic hedge trimmers are small and lightweight with shorter blades. These hedge trimmers are a good choice for regular trimming and jobs that require good control, but they lack the power and blade gaps needed for thicker bushes. |
Compare prices at 3 stores $40 – $49 |
| $$ | In the midrange, you’ll find cordless hedge trimmers as well as corded trimmers with longer blades and quieter motors. Look for safety features such as front and rear hand guards and deadman’s switches. |
Compare prices at 3 stores $188 – $220 |
| $$$ | High-end hedge trimmers are powerful corded and gas models with longer blades and the widest blade gaps. Look for pivoting handles and carefully consider how much weight you can handle. | |
shop talk
What are the terms and definitions I need to know about?
Bar
A metal extension from the chassis of a hedge trimmer that holds the blade.
Blade gap
The space between the teeth of a hedge trimmer’s blades. Larger blade gaps enable you to cut thicker branches.
Blade lock
A feature that disengages a hedge trimmer’s blades, allowing the engine to start or idle without the blades moving.
Deadman’s switch
A button or mechanism that immediately stops the engine when it is released.
Double-bladed
A hedge trimmer with blades on both sides of its bar for faster cutting.
Hand guard
A plastic shield that prevents your hands from sliding into a hedge trimmer’s blade and protects them from flying debris.
Pivoting handle
A hedge-trimmer handle that locks the blade into different angles from 0 to 90 degrees for easier cutting.
Single-bladed
A hedge trimmer with a blade mounted on one side of the bar. This provides greater safety, but it also forces you to change positions more often while you trim.
guide tools
Research Central
We've compiled this group of information links to help you further your research
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