Excited to work on a landscaping project? We don’t blame you—there’s nothing quite like the feeling of accomplishment that comes with a job well done. But before you can sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour, there’s one more important task at hand: choosing the right tools for the job.
Enter the hedge trimmer. This versatile tool can be used for everything from shaping bushes to trimming lawn edges, making it an essential addition to any gardener’s toolkit. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which hedge trimmer is right for you?
How to Choose a Hedge Trimmer
In choosing the best hedge trimmer, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind:
- Consider the size and type of hedge you’ll be trimming. If you’re dealing with a smaller bush, you won’t need as much power or as many features as you would for a larger one.
- Think about the features you want. Some trimmers come with an interchangeable battery or rotating heads, while others have safety features that stop the blades if they come into contact with skin.
- Decide on and stick to a budget. Hedge trimmers can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand.
- Pick a model that’s comfortable for you to use. After all, you’ll be holding it for extended periods of time.
- Check your other power tools and garden tools. You might have a pruning saw or hedge cutter at the back of your tool shed just waiting to be used.
Types of Hedge Trimmers
After going over these items, it’s time to know a bit more about the power tool you’re about to buy. There are three main types of hedge trimmers: electric, petrol-powered, and battery-powered. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Electric hedge trimmers
Electric hedge trimmers are lightweight and easy to operate. The main downside of electric hedge trimmers is that they need to be plugged into an outlet, so you’ll need to have an extension cord handy. Another downside of corded electric hedge trimmers is the increased likelihood of accidental cable cutting.
Petrol hedge trimmers
Petrol-powered hedge trimmers are more powerful than electric models and can typically handle thick branches and larger hedges. However, they’re also heavier and more difficult to operate. Petrol models also produce fumes, so you’ll need to use them in well-ventilated areas.
Battery-powered hedge trimmers
Battery hedge trimmers are becoming more popular in recent years. They offer the same benefits as most other hedge trimmers — they’re lightweight and easy to operate — but with no need for a power cord. The downside of the battery-powered model is that they require frequent recharging, and a spare battery can be expensive.
Best Hedge Trimmer for Beginners
Cordless | 1.9kg | Up to 60 min run time | 45cm blade
Bosch’s EasyHedgeCut 12-45 is an excellent option for those looking for a lightweight and powerful cordless hedge trimmer. At just 1.9kg, it’s one of the lightest models on the market, making it easy to use for extended periods of time. It has a blade length of 45cm and 15mm tooth spacing, making quick work of even the most overgrown hedges.
With this cordless hedge trimmer, you can move freely around your garden for up to 60 minutes of run time. So, if you’re looking for a trimmer that’s easy to use and offers greater mobility, this cordless hedge trimmer may be the right choice for you.
Best Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Cordless | 3.3kg | Anti-vibration System | 1,350spm Blade Speed
At 3.3kg, the Makita DUH523Z is one of the lightest cordless hedge trimmers. But despite its compact size, this cordless trimmer packs a powerful punch, with a blade speed of 1,350 strokes per minute. The blade is double-sided for maximum cutting efficiency and can be quickly swapped out without disassembling the unit.
Its safety features include a built-in lock-off switch to prevent accidental start-ups and an electric brake. This hedge trimmer comes with an anti-vibration design composed of the motor-crank section and rubberised grip.
If you’re looking for a cordless hedge trimmer that won’t let you down, then this is the one you need.
Best Pole Hedge Trimmer
Telescopic Pole | 3.6kg | Battery-powered | Brushless motor
The Makita DUN500WZ Pole Hedge Trimmer is a versatile and powerful tool that is perfect for trimming tall hedges and bushes. At only 3.6kg, this lightweight hedge trimmer comes with a telescoping pole design – meaning that you can easily trim hedges without using a ladder.
The hedge trimmer is powered by an 18V slide-type battery. Its brushless motor provides constant speed control, so you can maintain a consistent cutting speed even as the blades wear down.
Best Battery Hedge Trimmer
Cordless | 5kg | Up to 60 min run time | 50cm blade
DeWalt’s 20V MAX XR Hedge Trimmer is a great choice for those who need a powerful and durable hedge trimmer that can stand up to heavy use. Its 20V lithium-ion battery gives you up to 60 minutes of run time, while the 50cm blade length has exceptional cutting power. Plus, at just 5kg, it’s surprisingly lightweight for such a heavy-duty trimmer.
With its superior cutting power and long run time, the DeWalt 20V MAX XR Hedge Trimmer is an ideal choice for those who need a reliable and sturdy hedge cutter.
Best Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Stihl Engine | 5kg | Anti-vibration System | 45cm blade
The Stihl HS 45 Petrol Hedge Trimmer is the best among the limited petrol hedge trimmers available in Australia. Coming in at 5kg, its lightweight design ensures the user’s comfort. It also has ergonomic features, such as the electronic ignition module and the Stihl anti-vibration system. Its 45cm dual action blades can quickly cover larger areas quickly, which provides fast, clean cuts.
Because they use a two-stroke engine, petrol hedge trimmers require a mix of engine oil and petrol to operate. This gives them more power than cordless models and allows them to run for longer periods of time.
Best Electric Hedge Trimmer
Stihl Engine | 3.9kg | 5-position rotary handle | 50cm blade
With its powerful motor and sharp blades, the lightweight Stihl HSE 61 is the best electric hedge trimmer for those looking to tackle thicker branches quickly. This corded hedge trimmer has an easy-to-use handle with five settings, so you can choose what angle best suits your needs.
It also features laser-cut, diamond-ground steel blades which slice through branches like butter. Corded hedge trimmers don’t require batteries either — meaning you won’t need to stop working until you’re done.
Cutting Hedge Technology
When it comes to keeping your yard looking neat and tidy, a good hedge trimmer can be worth its weight in gold. But let’s be real — hedge trimming is only half the battle. Depending on the size and type of your garden, you might also need to invest in garden shears, a leaf blower, or a lawn mower.
So, whether you’re a professional landscaper or a weekend warrior, the best hedge trimmer is the one you’ll actually use. And knowing how to use a hedge trimmer is the next step.
