There are many different models of hedge trimmers on the market, which differ in many ways. The first macroscopic classification is by engine type and we can distinguish between internal combustion engine hedge trimmers and electric tools, which in turn are divided into cord or battery. Other differences can be in the type of handle, in the length of the blade, in the power and obviously in the price.
As well as having the right hedge trimmer, you also need to know how to use it correctly and safely, but we’ve already covered that. Below I would like to give you some tips to guide your choice when making your purchase.
Those who choose which hedge trimmer to buy are faced with a series of proposals, to be oriented you must first be clear about the use you intend to make of the tool. Obviously a professional gardener has completely different needs than someone who only trims a small hedge in the garden twice a year, for those who don’t have a lot of experience some advice on the different types of trimming -hedges can be useful.
Contents [Ocultar]
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A few questions to ask yourself before buying
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Types of hedge trimmers
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Power and length of the bar
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Hedge trimmer with telescopic rod
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Other selection criteria
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Handle and ergonomics
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Single or double sided blade
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Tool weight
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Manufacturer quality and reliability
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Contents
A few questions to ask yourself before buying
The choice of hedge trimmer should be guided by two elements: the budget you have and the search for the most suitable tool for the work to be done. Let’s see what are the most important questions to ask yourself before deciding.
- How often should I use the tool? Of course those who use the hedge trimmer often will be willing to pay a little more for a tool that offers excellent performance, on the contrary those who use it sporadically can put up with a lower quality machine, perhaps a little “heavy”. ” and noisy, you will prefer to save on the price.
- How long should I use the hedge trimmer? A poor quality tool cannot withstand prolonged use, causing overheating. For this reason, if you plan to work long hours trimming hedges, it is better to choose a good tool. The weight must also be taken into account when working for a long time without a break to avoid overstraining the arms.
- What is the average diameter of the branches to be cut? A small hedge trimmer is enough to trim a small hedge that is often trimmed, the larger the diameter of the branches to be cut, the more powerful the motor of the tool must be.
- What is the height of the hedges that will be cut? When the work is demanding, having a tool with a long blade helps. To avoid climbing the ladder, you can choose a hedge trimmer with a telescopic pole, which allows you to work from the ground.
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Do the neighbors complain about the noise? This last question may seem silly, but by choosing a quiet, cordless hedge trimmer, you avoid complaints from neighbors, so you can work around the clock.
Types of hedge trimmers
The electric hedge trimmer it is only recommended for those who have very small hedges near the house. Working with it is inconvenient, especially if you have to worry about passing the electrical cable, especially if you also climb a ladder. In addition, the corded tool is generally very weak, unsuitable for cutting medium and large branches.
petrol hedge trimmer it can have a lot of power depending on the displacement and is also suitable for professional use. Until a few years ago the internal combustion engine was the preferred type of hedge trimmer for professional gardeners, but now very good battery-powered models have been developed to replace internal combustion hedge trimmers. The defects of this type of machine are four in number: noise, exhaust fumes, weight and pollution (or fuel consumption if one prefers to consider the economic aspect).
cordless hedge trimmers they are a recommended option due to their low weight and the fact that they produce no smoke or noise. Technology has advanced in battery life and cutting power, resulting in performance comparable to gasoline models. Important companies such as STIHL have opted for battery-powered tools, developing surprising models. The fact that they use no fuel and require less maintenance makes this type of shear the most cost effective way to buy in the long run and it is also more environmentally friendly.
Power and length of the bar
engine power is an important factor in choosing the hedge trimmer. Choosing a powerful model allows you to work faster, even when cutting larger diameter branches.
However, it is not recommended to take an oversized model, because the more the displacement (or the power of the engine) increases, the more the price and the weight of the machine increase.
Blade length is another factor to take into account: a tool with a long blade makes it possible to cut the hedge faster, but it is less maneuverable. For the inexperienced it is advisable not to exaggerate with the size of the cutter bar, it will be easier to use a small model.
Edge cutter with telescopic rod
The telescopic pole hedge trimmer is an excellent solution for reaching the highest parts of bushes without using ladders or scaffolding. When the hedges are in areas with steep terrain where it is not easy to place a ladder safely, this type of tool becomes almost indispensable.
However, compared to the classic model, the telescopic pole means more weight and less maneuverability, so using an extendable hedge trimmer to do the whole hedge is not ideal, it would be better to also have a traditional model to do the most comfortable parts. . Therefore, it is worth considering whether it is worth having a double team.
Other selection criteria
Handling and ergonomics
The handle is very important: the hedge trimmer is a tool that can be used at different angles depending on where you are cutting and requires a different position between the top cut and the side cut. Some hedge trimmers have a rotating handle, so they can be adapted to different styles of work and can be adjusted depending on the type of cut to be made. You should try to hold the tool when you buy it and get a feel for the ergonomics of the handle in the different positions you are working in.
Single or double sided blade
The choice between a single blade or a blade capable of cutting on both sides is above all a matter of habit. Generally, when cutting on the side of the hedge, the dual blade tool provides faster cutting, while on the top side it is more convenient to have a single blade tool, especially if you are climbing a bridle to drop the blades to one side.
equipment weight
The hedge trimmer is a tool that is used entirely with the arms, the weight rests entirely on the muscles, without straps or supports, the reflex work even tires the shoulders and the back. For this reason, it is very important to choose a model that is not too heavy, especially if you plan to use the hedge trimmer often and continuously for a long time.
Cordless hedge trimmers are generally lighter than gas-powered hedge trimmers because they don’t have all the mechanical engine parts and don’t have a full tank of fuel to add weight. There are also models that have a back pack so that most of the weight is carried by the shoulder straps, but this makes the tool less maneuverable and should therefore be considered carefully.
Manufacturer quality and reliability
As in all motorized tools, the quality of the mechanics is fundamental in the hedge trimmer, on which the durability and performance of the tool depend. To choose a good hedge trimmer, you can rely on the advice of the dealer, if it is deemed reliable, or look for a tool from a major brand, which can be a guarantee of quality. Of course, it is not excluded that hedge trimmers from unknown companies are good tools, but there is always the risk of bringing home a trash can.