Even though you might think it’s a fairly simple ordeal, choosing a cordless hedge trimmer can be a difficult thing. If you were to read a few cordless hedge trimmer reviews here and there, you will find that there is no such thing as the “best hedge trimmer”. Or is there? Well, depending on your exact needs or requirements, the answer varies.
What doesn’t vary is the fact that there are some cordless hedge trimmers that are better than the others. Regardless of whether it’s a battery operated hedge trimmer, or a gas powered hedge trimmer, they stand out. They have various features, such as the Ego hedge trimmer with its weatherproof construction, or the Milwaukee Hedge with its fast acceleration.
If you’re looking at electric hedge trimmers, we’re here to help. We have already solved the problem of finding the best electric string trimmer, now we’re onto hedges. The choice will ultimately be yours, but we’ll present you with some options. We’ll also make sure that you make an informed buying decision. You’ll be using it fairly often, so you don’t want to regret your decision. Below you will find a couple of cordless trimmer reviews. Note that all of them are actually great options, and there isn’t a bad choice. We’re simply giving you options to make sure you can easily get what you need for your specific requirements. Without wasting any more of your time, let’s begin with our list.
Our List of the Best Hedge Trimmers
BEST HEDGE TRIMMERS | QUALITY | PRICE | OUR RATING |
---|---|---|---|
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hedge Trimmer [ Amazon Link ] | A+ | $$$ | |
Ryobi 40V Trimmer [ Amazon Link ] | A+ | $$ | |
Greenworks Hedge Trimmer 40V [ Amazon Link ] | A+ | $ | |
Ryobi 18V Trimmer [ Amazon Link ] | B | $ | |
Ego Hedge Trimmer Review [ Amazon Link ] | B | $$ | |
Worx 40V Trimmer Review [ Amazon Link ] | B | $ | |
Black and Decker 20V Trimmer Review [ Amazon Link ] | A | $$$ | |
Honda VersAttach [ Amazon Link ] | B | $ |
1. Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hedge Trimmer – the Ultimate Landscaping Tool
Even though titled as a fuel hedge trimmer, this is actually a battery powered tool. Milwaukee offers it as a supplement to gas-powered tools. Even though it is a bit pricey, it is actually the ultimate landscaping tool for just about anyone. We’ll take a better look in our Milwaukee Hedge Trimmer review, so let’s begin.
Kicking things off with the key features, we have the “fuel”. Why am I putting this in quotes? Because the “fuel” is actually Milwaukee’s M18 battery platform. This means two things. First of all, you have a 9.0 amp hour battery. This will last you for a good while, more than you would expect, which is excellent. Second, this guarantees compatibility with just about any Milwaukee battery. From a compact, to a high capacity one, you can use it if needed. It is recommended that you use the battery you get with the M18 hedge trimmer, but in a pinch, any Milwaukee one will work.
Like in many of the Pro level trimmers, the Milwaukee Hedge Trimmer tool comes with two speed settings. You have low, with up to 4600 RPM, and high, with up to 5800 RPM. There is actually a variable speed trigger that lets you control this. However, a potential downside is that you can’t change speeds on the fly. This is nitpicking though, and removing your hand from the trigger, changing the speed, and activating it again isn’t nearly as difficult as you may think it is.
The Milwaukee Hedge Trimmer Means Business
At the head, you can use either a 0.080” or a 0.095” trimmer line. As far as what comes with it, it’s the smaller variant, a 0.080” twist line. This being a bump feed system, Milwaukee made sure there are a few features that will improve durability overall. One such feature is the metal ring you’ll find that keeps the bump action from wearing down parts. If this was a plastic-only head, it wouldn’t last nearly as much. The cutting diameter can either be 14 or 16 inches, and you set this with a cutter on the guard. The cutter screws go into metal anchor points, so you won’t ruin the guard. You will find some pros that just remove the guard for a wider cutting swath, but we wouldn’t recommend it. It is excellent as it is.
The model does come with some adjustments, but you’ll need tools for them. For example, you’ll need a Torx wrench for the line cutter, and a hex wrench for the handle adjustment. Unless you’re carrying your tools around, make sure you have these dialed in before you head out. If you’ve ever used one of Milwaukee’s battery-powered trimmers, you might find a difference in the grip here. There’s the standard tool overmold, which gives you a very good grip. The support handle is actually softer than most, resulting in more comfort, but you won’t find foam underneath.
So, how did we like it? We didn’t just like it – we loved it. It has all the performance you need, and then some. You get long battery life and great compatibility with spare batteries. And it’s very comfortable, so you won’t feel fatigued after using it for a while. All in all, it is absolutely worth the investment!
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Powerful trimmer with two speed adjustments
Long battery life and compatibility with other batteries Made to last a good while |
You have to remove your finger from the trigger to change the speed
Not attachment ready |
2. Ryobi 40v Trimmer – the Budget Pick
Ryobi’s 40V hedge trimmer, as you’ll see in our Ryobi 40V Trimmer review, is the bigger brother of the 18V trimmer we’ll touch on below. It’s also bigger and meaner than the highly appraised 24V option they offer, and comes a year after it. Did they manage to improve the tiny imperfections, or did they mess it up? Well, our Ryobi cordless pole saw review concludes that it’s actually even better, and usable for a longer period of time. But you don’t have to take our word for it – read through the entire Ryobi hedge trimmer review, and see for yourself.
You might not know, but most of Ryobi’s products, the 40V hedge trimmer included, are made by Homelite. You’ll recognize them by the bright lime color that is often associated with the name Ryobi – you can find it in many of their other tools. Let’s see what they’ve improved on.
First of all, there’s the battery. With the earlier models, you were somewhat limited to under an hour of usage. But with the Ryobi 40V trimmer, this is much improved. You no longer have to run to your charger, or buy spare batteries. If you go hard with it, you can expect around 90 minutes of run time before you need to charge it, or switch the battery. The batteries are also a bit heavier, but that doesn’t make much of a difference. Why? Because of the better weight distribution. The Ryobi 40V hedge trimmer without battery is light, but even when you put the battery, the length of the whole thing makes sure the weight is distributed well. And second, you’ll find that the battery holster is the perfect place to rest your elbow – a bit more rest for you!
Enough About Looks and Weight, How’s the Performance of the Hedge Trimmer?
Well, if you’ve used a 2 cycle trimmer, you’ll know that they’re good for small jobs, but lack some power for some bigger things. Compared to a quality Ryobi petrol hedge trimmer, which is commonly a 4 cycle hedge trimmer, this one is a close competitor. You get a lot of the performance, but more durability. You also get a lighter and quieter package, which is environmentally more friendly too.
Taking care of your entire lawn and garden is a piece of cake. As mentioned, you have about 90 minutes of runtime, and you won’t find it lacking in power. Using it is very comfortable, with the weight distribution being just about perfect, and the trimmer being overall very good to hold. All things considered, if you want a decent option but can’t spring up for the Milwaukee M18, it’s a good alternative.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
40V battery guarantees long run time
Weight distribution makes sure you’re comfortable while you’re using it Quieter than many other trimmers on the market |
Shoulder strap isn’t included, even though there’s an attachment spot
Battery compatibility is questionable, many users found that other Ryobi batteries don’t work that well |
3. Greenworks Hedge Trimmer 40v – a Budget Option for the Home DIYer
When getting a hedge trimmer, there are usually two kinds of people. One require a high end trimmer that has quite a few features and options, and don’t mind paying a bit extra. The second type want a no-frills hedge trimmer that gets the job done, no questions asked, and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. If you’re in the second category, we’ve got a feeling you’re going to love our Greenworks hedge trimmer review. We’ll be focusing on the Greenworks trimmer 40V model, which is a great all-rounder for any homeowner.
The trimmer has a 2 amp hour battery with a charger that you can wall mount if you don’t have a lot of counter space. There’s a button on the battery that lets you check how much charge you have left, with four lights. What you can expect from this battery is an approximated 50 minutes of runtime. This should be plenty for small to medium sized yards. Considering you’ll need to stop regularly, and clear away cut material, this is plenty. The actual functional run time is much longer as well.
When that battery runs out, you have two choices. Replace it with another one (it fits over 25 other Greenworks products, so if you have one of them, you have a replacement battery already), or charge it. If you opt to charge it, know that it takes around an hour to charge according to Greenworks. We’ve found that it’s sometimes even shorter, often finding it fully charged after 40 minutes. Just the right amount of time to have a cup of ice tea and make a break.
How Does the Greenworks Hedge Trimmer Perform?
Pretty well, if you set your expectations realistically. What we concluded from our Greenworks trimmer review is that this is a fairly basic product. It doesn’t come with a lot of bells and whistles, yet it’s a specialized tool that does its job well. That being said, it’s a lightweight machine that won’t cause any fatigue, even after extended use. This is great if you’re a person who doesn’t want to spend the rest of their day resting after taking care of their hedges and lawn.
It’s not only the weight, it’s also the noise it makes. Well, the noise it doesn’t make, to be exact. It’s specced at 78 dB at 5 feet, which compares to something like a blender. It’s not silent, but it’s far from loud, and we’re sure your neighbors won’t think differently.
All things considered, if this kind of tool is what you need, it’s hard to beat. If you have a huge lawn and need three days to take care of the entire thing, it’s not for you – get something more powerful, heavier and louder. But for the basic homeowner, it offers quite a punch, and at a really unbeatable price.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Extremely lightweight and very quiet
Stellar battery life and fairly quick charging Cheaper than many competitors that don’t really measure up |
Due to the colors, it’s easy for a child to underestimate how dangerous it is. Keep it out of their reach!
Maintenance can be a bit tricky, and it’s required fairly often |
4. Ryobi 18v Trimmer – the Perfect Companion for Moderate-sized Jobs
We already spoke about Ryobi, and their big bad 40V trimmer. Well, this is somewhat different, being a Ryobi One Plus tools review instead. The Ryobi Cordless Line Trimmer 18V is the smaller tool in the lineup, and belongs to the One+ line of tools. Well, specifically, to the One+ battery platform. With this platform, you can easily use any One+ battery with this tool – something that’s bound to appeal to people that are already on that platform, or intend to get into it. If you’re a weekend warrior who just wants to have their lawn done, read on for our full Ryobi 18V trimmer review – you’ll love it!
The first thing you’ll notice when you get it is that you’ll actually need to assemble it somewhat. First of all, you’ll need to install the guard. This is easy enough – just slip it over the metal protrusion, and use that winged bold to tighten it, no need for tools. Next, you’ll want to connect the shaft. This requires a hex wrench, and is easier than it looks. You might think that lining up the holes will be an issue, but it actually slips into position just before you tighten it down.
You can then adjust the support handle. It doesn’t move up and down the shaft, but rather rotates. Getting a comfortable position that suits you isn’t that difficult. Another adjustment you get is the cutting swath. It comes preinstalled at 11”, but you can choose between that and 13”. This might be a bit short for an advanced user, but keep in mind the target market – it’s actually ideal.
How Does the Ryobi 18v Hedge Trimmer Perform?
At this price point, you wouldn’t expect it to be this good. For starters, you have high and low speed modes, something we only saw with our top contender. We don’t have exact RPM’s, but it does make a difference. It’s also fairly lightweight, especially when compared to other battery hedge trimmer options. Operating it is incredibly easy – there’s a trigger safety that you can defeat by putting your hand on top, to press it down, and pulling on the trigger.
There’s one thing we must mention – the power isn’t nearly where the Milwaukee’s is. But you’re looking at an 18V battery system, made for a homeowner, and not commercial uses. It absolutely does get the job done well, you don’t have to worry about that. But if you’ve used something that’s significantly more powerful, you may find this lacking. There’s also the fact that you’ll find a lot of vibration in the trimmer. If you’re used to a gas-powered cordless line trimmer, this won’t be anything new. But since we’re talking batteries, you’ll feel more of it than with competitors’ products.
All things considered, this is a lightweight trimmer made to handle most of what a homeowner would throw at it. If you’re one of the tens of millions of users that are on the One+ 18V battery system, you’ll love it too. And if budget is your priority, it’s definitely worth considering, despite its downsides.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Very lightweight and comfortable
The One+ battery system is compatible with quite a few products Very cheap if you already have a battery and charger |
The vibrations are too much for a battery powered trimmer with this amount of power
If you’ve ever used a more powerful battery trimmer, or gas one, you’ll feel the lack of power |
5. Ego Hedge Trimmer Review – Amazing Battery Life at a Decent Price
When you’re getting a cordless hedge trimmer, you often need to make a compromise. You either get a long battery life with a heavy trimmer, or a lightweight trimmer that isn’t that powerful, or a heavy trimmer that is powerful, but lacks battery life. However, Ego Trimmers, or specifically their Ego Hedge Trimmer 56V, aim to provide the best combination of the aforementioned. As with anything else, there’s one thing that needs to excel, and with the Ego trimmer line, it’s the battery life. Let’s take a better look.
The Ego hedge trimmer kit is powered by a 56V Lithium-Ion battery. According to the manufacturer, batteries don’t get more powerful than this, which is great. Battery life is actually upwards of an hour of continuous use. As mentioned above in one of the other reviews, this results in multiple hours of work. But it’s not just the battery life that’s impressive. It’s also the battery charging time. With a battery that lasts this much, you’d expect to need hours to charge it. With the Ego, though, it’s fully charged in 40 minutes.
Enough About the Battery Life – is It Usable and Worth It?
When you take battery life out of the equation, the Ego hedge trimmer is actually not a big deal. You get respectable power from the 24” hardened steel blade. The 3000 strokes per minute will let you easily cut through branches that are up to ¾” thick, which is fairly decent. You also get an electronic brake, which stops the blade immediately when you release the blade. Performance is about what you’d expect. For a homeowner that wants to take care of his own lawn and bushes, it does the job. But there’s just no “wow” factor. There isn’t something that will make you go out and buy it no matter what. It’s just a hedge trimmer with a really long battery life.
That being said, the battery life is a fairly important aspect of any hedge trimmer. It’s something that we take for granted once we get used to high quality products, but we should actually pay more attention to. If this is an important aspect of hedge trimmers, the Ego is definitely worth your attention. At its asking price it won’t break the bank either. Absolutely give it a shot.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Very good battery life and short charging times
An electronic brake that stops the blade immediately when the trigger is released Somewhat of a budget offering that doesn’t break the bank |
Just a regular hedge trimmer once you take battery life out of the equation
The features it offers can be found in cheaper trimmers, so not really a value proposition |
6. Worx 40v Trimmer Review – an Adjustable Worx Trimmer Made for the Masses
The Worx Trimmer line is an interesting proposition. As you’ll see in our Worx 40V trimmer review, this specific tool is a great one that lets you do a couple of things, and does them well. It certainly won’t replace your entire tool arsenal, but its not meant to, either. It is meant to be only one of the tools you have if you’re a person who tends to take care of their own landscaping. Let’s take a better look at the Worx 40V Trimmer WG180.
Powered by a 40V Share Volt battery, it’s obvious that Worx put in quite a bit of thought into this trimmer battery. The GT 3.0 hedge trimmer is very efficient, improving on the 20V battery of the WG163. Getting a Worx trimmer battery replacement is also incredibly easy – it works with many other Worx power tools. You also get a charger that doesn’t take a lot of time to give you a bit of juice for your battery.
There is one interesting thing with the Worx trimmer – the Command Feed spool system. With a regular spool system, you’ll need to bump it once in a while to advance the line. This is not the case with the Worx 40V trimmer, as the Command Feed system has instant line feeding. Another thing you won’t find with many other competitive products is the height adjustment. Many brands consider this to be unnecessary weight, but that’s not an issue with the Worx trimmer. With seven locking presets, you can tune it to your liking, and it still weighs a mere 5.3 lbs.
Does the Light Weight and Adjustable Height Have a Major Impact on Performance?
Well, yes, actually. A lightweight trimmer is much easier to use and operate. It doesn’t lead to muscle fatigue, and you don’t have to take longer breaks to continue working. However, it doesn’t quite match up to some heavyweight powerhouses in terms of trimming and cutting ability. The Worx trimmer is therefore suitable for trimming and edging, but not really for branches.
The adjustable height is a thinking point for some. More moving and adjustable parts often mean more things to go wrong. For example, you don’t want your trimmer to extend by itself while you’re using it. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about it here, because it’s actually really well made.
All things considered, if you’re looking for a lightweight all-round trimmer, it’s a great choice. Lightweight, doesn’t cost a lot, adjustable, and works very well. What else could you ask for from a hedge trimmer for everyday use?
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Adjustable length lets you trim things that are higher up with ease, and without the need of a ladder
Worx Power Share battery is interchangeable with many other Worx power tools The Command Feed spool system won’t require bumping to advance the line |
Power leaves a lot to be desired
You can’t really use it for branches or more heavy-duty situations |
7. Black and Decker 20v Trimmer Review – a Premium Offering From a Reputable Brand
In case you were looking, you will find many Black and Decker 20V trimmer reviews online. Some refer to the LST420 model, while others focus on the LST220 one, the one we’ll be talking about here. Black and Decker are a very reputable brand, almost a household name in the power tools industry. They don’t only make trimmers, but you’ll find a variety of products under their name. The Black and Decker 20V trimmer is one of their most popular products. Let’s take a look at what is so good about it, and why people buy it.
When you first get it, you’ll notice that it does require some assembly. However, this is the case with just about any trimmer and edger, or trimmer and blower for that matter. The whole thing weights a tad over 5 lbs, pretty impressive for something this powerful. It’s a drag to carry a trimmer around the yard, and the weight, or lack thereof, is welcome. The included Black and Decker trimmer 20V battery reminds us of the DeWalt 20V Max battery system. Considering both brands are a part of the same company, this isn’t much of a surprise. The battery life is more than sufficient, and in case you run out of juice, there’s a second battery included in the set. The more you know, the more you’ll find the premium asking price to be worth it.
A Few Black and Decker Trimmer Specific Features
There are a couple of things that stand out with the LST220. First of all is the price, but we won’t be talking too much about that. Yes, it’s expensive, but so is the Milwaukee M18, and we couldn’t recommend that one enough. You have Black and Decker’s PowerDrive transmission, which is optimized to deliver the highest amount of power possible from the motor to the cutting spring. The 12” cutting swath, combined with this, should provide plenty of horsepower for any job.
There’s also the Automatic Feed Spool feature. Unlike many other budget options, this one makes sure that the string is kept at an optimal length. And this is done automatically and continuously, without any user input required. When you want to switch up between trimming and edging, you can easily do that with a quick turn of the shaft. Excellent, isn’t it? All in all, if you’re willing to get a premium offering, but the Milwaukee M18 doesn’t suit you for some reason, this is a decent alternative. Don’t let its position on our list fool you – we would wholeheartedly recommend it!
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Price is very much worth it when you consider performance and features
PowerDrive Transmission ensures enough power at all times Automatic Feed Spool keeps the string working great at all times Two batteries included |
The price, even though worth it, is high for some
Battery life leaves a bit to be desired |
8. Honda Versattach – the Gas-powered Powerhouse
Don’t let the fact that this Honda trimmer head is last on our list fool you. It’s the only gas-powered option, and is an absolute powerhouse. We’ll touch on the gas vs electric debate a bit later, let’s indulge in our Honda trimmer review now, and see whether you should even be looking at it.
This is, honestly, an excellent first purchase. The VersAttach system lets you expand the head with quite a few Honda trimmer attachments. This makes it very versatile, and you can turn it into just about any landscaping tool you need at any given time.
The Honda trimmer 4 stroke engine means that you won’t need to mix fuel. Just put the suitable type of gas, and you’re good to go. This also means that you don’t have to worry about battery life. Simply filling it up again lets you use it as much as you want. There are also no batteries to carry with you, further making things easy and convenient. It starts at a single pull, and you won’t need to pull over and over again. This has been the case with other products from the Honda trimmer line, but not with the VersAttach. And the engine has a lot of power, when you attach the trimmer, you can do just about anything with it.
Is It Worth It Over a Battery-powered Option?
Well, that depends on your requirements. The VersAttach system is excellent, letting you combine engines and accessories exactly like you need them. If you’re after versatility, this is one of the best investments you can make as far as landscaping tools go. There’s also the convenience of not worrying about battery life, which is crucial for some.
However, downsides must be mentioned. Being gas powered, this is a noisy tool that has a lot of emissions. In certain neighborhoods, it just won’t be welcome, and you might have issues with it. If you don’t think this will be an issue, there isn’t much of a reason not to get it.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Absolute powerhouse in terms of performance
The trimmer is priced very competitively Extremely versatile in terms of accessories and attachments |
As a gas powered system, it is very noisy
It’s heavier than competitive battery-powered options |
Which One Would We Pick?
It’s obvious, since it’s at the top of our list. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hedge Trimmer would be our choice. It’s suitable for just about any task. Regardless of whether you’re a pro, looking to add another tool to your arsenal, or a person who just cares about their hedges and garden, it is a great option.
You get long battery life, for starters. And if you run out of juice, just put a spare battery – any Milwaukee one will work. Next, you have two adjustable speeds. The lower one won’t put too much strain on your battery life. However, it is absolutely usable in a variety of scenarios. On the other hand, the higher speed limit is amazing when you need that extra oomph. Seeing as it’s a battery powered trimmer, noise is severely reduced, and so are emissions. This might be a requirement in your neighborhood now, or in a few years, so better be safe than sorry.
Performance is stellar. You can do just about anything with it, and you can do it comfortably. It is compatible with two trimmer line widths, and swapping the line out is really easy. It may not be tool free, but having a small Torx wrench in your back pocket shouldn’t be an issue. If you’re going to be changing the line, that is. If not, you need no tools whatsoever.
The bottom line here is that you’re paying a bit of a premium, but it is very well worth it. You get more performance than you need, a reputable brand behind the product, and comfort during usage. What else could you ask for?
Buying a Hedge Trimmer – a Buyer’s Guide
We can’t exclude the chances that you saw your options, but still don’t really know what to buy. No worries, we’ll help with that, too. There are a few questions that you’ll want answered, so let’s take a look at them, one by one. Hopefully by the end, you will know exactly what you’re looking for, so you can go back to the list and choose accordingly.
Battery Powered Hedge Trimmer Vs Gas Powered Hedge Trimmer
This is the first dilemma the you’ll want to solve. In the list above generally focuses on cordless, battery powered ones, although the Honda at the end is a gas option. They’re both great options, so depending on your needs and requirements, you can get either. However, both have some distinct advantages over the other option, so let’s take a look.
A Cordless Hedge Trimmer is Excellent if You Take Care of It
A battery hedge trimmer is commonly known as a “cordless” one. It starts immediately, even if you’ve left it unused for a while. It’s an excellent choice if you live in an area where regulations concerning noise or emission are strict. They usually range between 14V for the cheaper devices, to around 36V or 40V for some high-end options. The more powerful ones are actually the gas hedge trimmers’ competition. Batteries usually go between 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the model. And recharging one might take from an hour to three or four. This depends on what kind of charger and battery the manufacturer has supplied. A common practice is to have a spare battery. That way you can use one, while the second one is charging.
There are a few downsides with even the best battery powered trimmer options. For example, batteries are sometimes found to be unreliable. To counter this, you should get a model that has a good warranty, and follow whatever recommendations the manufacturer gave you for charging and storing the battery. When you’re calculating how much that trimmer will cost you in the long run, you should factor in the price of a replacement battery.
A Gas Powered Hedge Trimmer is Powerful, but Noisy
When compared to a cordless trimmer, both the worst and the best gas hedge trimmer will be more powerful. You can use it for trimming jobs of varying sizes, especially for thicker branches. It won’t have any issues cutting through them. There is no battery to recharge, unlike with a cordless trimmer. This is exactly why you’ll find plenty of commercial operators resorting to gas trimmers.
However, you can’t deny that they’re loud and heavy. They’re much less comfortable to operate too, so they’re commonly best used for heavy duty applications, ones where you can’t do with an underpowered cordless one. The gas engine does cause a lot of vibrations, and there are also the unavoidable exhaust emissions. You might not be bothered by this, but your surroundings might be. Keep this in mind when buying.
You will also find that some budget versions often opt for 2-stroke engines. This makes you mix fuel and oil in specific quantities if you want it to function. A newer, or higher end model will often come with a 4-stroke engine. This only requires gas, and checking the oil level once in a while, meaning it’s much more practical. And one last thing to note – a gasoline hedge trimmer will always require more maintenance than an electric one.
Do You Need an Extended Hedge Trimmer?
An extended reach hedge trimmer, or long-reach trimmer, will let you cut a high hedge without the need of a ladder. If not all of your hedges are within easy reach, this is a much safer option. With a typical long-reach trimmer you can easily cut a 12 feet high hedge. They’re often available in corded, cordless or gasoline options, so choose accordingly. They also usually have an extendable shaft – this lets you set the height to whatever you need at any specific moment.
You should be aware of the weight, though. Any extended option, even the best hedge trimmer with a longer reach, will require additional parts, which mean extra weight. And since all the weight is at the end of the shaft, this will often lead to fatigue. And that fatigue comes much sooner than it would with a regular trimmer. It’s also a bit more difficult to maneuver, and you can’t always see what you’re cutting. If you have an extremely high, or wide hedge, a ladder platform might be a better bet.
What Kind of Hedge Do You Have?
Choosing the best hedge trimmer to suit your needs often depends on the size and extend of whatever you’ll be trimming. And this is a thing that not many cordless hedge trimmer reviews will tell you, so keep it in mind.
If you have a small or short hedge, you might not need anything special. You most likely have a very small amount of trimming you need to do, and you can get away with something light and less powerful. A mini trimmer comes to mind, and is certainly an option.
For a long, or large hedge, you’ll need a longer blade. With a longer blade, you’ll also be done faster. And if you need to go too far from a power outlet, definitely consider a cordless or a gas hedge trimmer. We already spoke about the pros and cons of both types, so choose according to your needs. However, if you think you’ll need more than an hour of working, get either a gas powered one, or the best battery trimmer you can afford plus an extra battery for it.
For high hedges, an extended reach hedge trimmer is the best option. Sure, you could use a regular one on a stepladder, but this is far from safe, and far from recommended. If you really need to use a regular trimmer, make sure you get a scaffold platform.
What Features Do You Want Most?
The blade is the first thing to consider. A longer blade will do two things. First, it’ll get the job done faster. Second, it will lead to more weight and fatigue, and make you tired sooner than you’d think. What you’ll need to do is make a trade-off, and see what length you realistically need, and what you can handle. You will often find a double-sided blade, which makes for a versatile trimmer. Tooth spacing should also be considered, because a trimmer only cuts as thick of a branch as it can fit between its teeth.
Next, consider the weight. This is especially crucial if you have a long trimming job, or you’re working at height. With a heavier trimmer, you’ll easily get tired. Before you buy, check the weight and whether you can handle it. However, if you really need a more powerful model, you will need to compromise and get a heavier one.
Last but not least, consider comfort and noise. As far as comfort goes, look for something with two handles, and preferably multiple power switches. This lets you use the trimmer in different orientations. Opt for dual-action blades if given a choice, they cause less vibration than a single-action one. And keep in mind that a gasoline trimmer will always cause more vibration and be louder. A typical cordless trimmer also produces around half the noise level of a gasoline one, but hearing protection is recommended regardless of which one you opt for.
Final Thoughts on Buying the Best Hedge Trimmer
When you take everything into consideration, choosing the best hedge trimmer isn’t an easy job. You should take a look at numerous cordless hedge trimmer reviews, then some gasoline ones, then make a decision. You will need to know exactly what you need, why you need it, and where you will use it. If you don’t have all things sorted out before you buy, you will regret it. You might get something that’s too heavy for you, or something that simply doesn’t have enough power.
However, if you read through our list and buying guide carefully, you won’t have issues recognizing which is the best hedge trimmer for you. Just be realistic, consider your needs and requirements, as well as your budget, then pull the trigger. It’s as easy as that, and making an informed purchase decision has never been easier.