Hedgetrimmer & Hedgecutter Buying Guide

Whether you are a serious topiarist, or just want to keep you hedges neat and tidy, it shouldn't prove too difficult to choose a suitable hedgetrimmer from the vast array available in the UK today. Some manufacturers refer to their machines as 'hedgetrimmers' (for shaping) and 'hedgecutters' (for cutting-back). However, most do not, and the terms are generally interchangeable. Most hedgetrimmers are equipped with equipped with a double-sided blade, which allows you to cut in both directions. Professional users tend to prefer single-sided machines, as their significantly reduced weight makes them ideal for extended periods of operation. Also, look out for tooth-spacing when choosing a hedge trimmer - the wider it is, the thicker the growth you'll be able to deal with.


Battery-powered Shrub-shears

Ideal for shaping small hedges and shrubs, battery-powered shrub-shears, such as the popular Bosch 'Isio', use the same scissor-action as larger hedgetrimmers, but can be used with one hand. The traditional drawbacks of battery-driven machines - lack of power, short run-time and long charge-time - are a thing of the past, thanks to recent advances in Lithium-Ion cell technology. These compact tools have the advantage of being lightweight and easy to handle, but are not suitable for larger-scale use.


Electric Hedgetrimmers / Hedgecutters

Electric hedgetrimmers are convenient and easy to use; however, given the nature of the job, the mains cable can prove to be a distinct irritation. Still, there is a range of excellent electric trimmers out there, from the unbelievably low-priced Al-Ko and Flymo models, through to the powerful and highly-robust machines by Stihl, Little Wonder and Viking. Little Wonder also produces an ultra-lightweight single-sided electric hedgetrimmer which is unique. Bosch hedgetrimmers incorporate a special clutch system which prevents the motor from being overworked, and significantly extending its service-life.


Petrol Hedgetrimmers / Hedgecutters

Petrol hedgetrimmers are more powerful than electric versions and often have a longer blade, so you can get the job done more quickly and efficiently. At the cheaper end of the market, machines by Mowerland, McCulloch and Ryobi offer good performance and decent build quality; while models by Kawasaki and Tanaka fit the bill if you are looking to spend a bit more money for a ultra reliable hedgetrimmer. For ease of use, some models by brands such as the Kawasaki and Tanaka, feature a multi-position rotating handle, which allows you to work at the most convenient angle for the task in hand. These twist-handles come into their own when creating more exotic forms. Safety features to look out for include a mechanical blade-brake; and a front blade-guard.


Professional Hedgetrimmers / Hedgecutters

Usually priced above the £250 mark, professional hedgetrimmers by manufacturers like Tanaka, Echo and Kawasaki are not to be taken lightly. Look out for commercial-grade air-filters; reinforced gearboxes; two-ring pistons and diecast cylinders - features that guarantee a lifetime of unwavering performance in the hands of the domestic user. The blade-quality of these machines is exceptional, allowing you to work quickly and accurately, without fear of damaging the plant. Professional units are often subject to radical weight-reduction measures, which combat the effects of their heavy-duty construction; while their very high-performance engines mean that comprehensive vibration-damping is a must. Honda offers a range of superb 4-stroke machines, which have a number of advantages over two-stroke units, including reduced noise and fuel-consumption; fewer harmful emissions; and, of course, there is no need to mix fuel and oil.


Long-reach Hedgetrimmers / Hedgecutters

Designed to facilitate the trimming of high hedges without the need for ladders, long-reach hedgetrimmers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Affordable electric and battery-powered machines from Gtech and Gardena have telescopic-shafts, which make them easy to store and transport; while top-quality petrol-driven machines, such as those from MTD, Efco and Kawasaki are equipped with highly robust fixed-shafts. Long-reach hedgetrimmers have adjustable cutter-bars, which allow you to trim the tops of high-hedges, as well as making it easier to tackle ground work.


Battery-powered Hedgetrimmers

As with cordless shrub-shears, battery-powered hedgetrimmers have benefited greatly from the recent improvements in Lithium-ion and Ni-cad technology, and they now match electric machines in terms of power output. Models such as the Qualcast 41 'Accu' and the Bosch AHS41 have a run time of up to 55 minutes on a single charge; while more expensive units, like the Bosch AHS52 offers a phenomenal 110-minute run-time, enough to cut up to 50-metres of hedge. Obviously the major plus-point of these machines is the absence of a power-cord, which not only enhances operator-safety, but also makes the job a lot less awkward. If you have particularly high hedges to deal with, you may want to consider the excellent Flymo 'Sabre Cut' extendable hedge-trimmer, which gives you an overall reach of 3.2m.