Easily one of the most beneficial and time-saving tools, a hedge trimmer is a must-have for anyone who wants a beautiful, well maintained lawn. Whether you’re looking to trim a few shrubs or clean up some unruly branches. A hedge trimmer is an essential tool in every gardener’s toolkit, and something you want to be informed on before locking in on a purchase.
Selecting a hedge trimmer starts with understanding your exact requirements and yard area. Plant nature and diversity is also a crucial factor. small yards can make do with a lighter and smaller capacity model, larger yards may require higher performing model with a larger blade diameter. With the market offering everything from gas-powered to cordless professional hedge trimmers, the choice can be challenging.
Here’s a comprehensive list of the best hedge trimmers on the market to make it easier on you to decide exactly which one is the best for you. Let’s take a look.
DEWALT DCHT820P1 20 V Max Hedge Trimmer with 5AH Pack
Lighter than the most gas-powered models, this Dewalt model is ready to work, the moment you take it out from its box.Itslong and laser-sharp blades promise to get to the highest up and unruly shrubs and work like a pro. People who use this model once, promise to be its lifelong loyalists due to its topnotch features.
With a 3-year warranty and one year zero cost service, you cannot go wrong with this one. I just love its functionality of a better balance which works more aggressively on the hard to cut shrubs. Smooth and precise edges and uniquely designed blades eliminate unintentional cutting.
Dependable and durable, this is a remarkably high-quality tool from the Dewalt stable. It is good to go for an entire day’s use with full battery charge taking just one hour.
Things We Like:
- 22-inch laser cut blades
- Lightweight and compact weighing 7.5 pounds
- Easy to use
- 5.0Ah high-capacity lithium-ion battery for long lasting life
- Incredibly durable and extremely accurate
Things We Don’t Like:
- Trigger may take some getting used to
ECHO HC-152
One of the finest models in this category, Echo hedge trimmer has many amazing, best-in-class benefits. With its 21.2 cc engine, it is a powerhouse which can deliver any trimming job which you may choose to do.
Mixing the fuel is a job which needs to be regularly done to get this hedge trimmer started. It comes with a 15.6-fluid-ounce and a transparent gas tank which lets you see the fuel capacity. It has an in-built muffler to dampen the engine’s sound and redirect the exhaust’s fumes from you as the trimmer is used.
Go ahead and use this trimmer on the most difficult and thick branches as its laser-sharp blade gets to work quickly. Got a large yard trimming to do? No worries. With Echo’s ergonomically designed back handle, which makes it comfortable to use for long hours.
I need to take a few points away from this trimmer for the lack of presence of a shoulder harness and nothing to control its vibrations.
Things We Like:
- 21.2 cc powerful engine
- Laser-cut blades make sharp and clean cuts
- Ergonomic back handle
- Large gas tank with a capacity of 15.6 ounces
Things We Don’t Like:
- Mixing fuel is required
- More expensive than other models
GreenWorks 22102
An affordable model from the Green Works stable, this hedge trimmer is fantastic value for money. Perfect for occasional and light use, it is great to keep as a backup if you have a small yard which needs occasional trimming.
The small engine which is only 2.7 amps, it’s a light-weight model with sharp and robust 18-inch, dual-action blades for clean cuts. Don’t decide to take on thick or unruly branches with this engine, as it may not be able to perform at the optimum level. Being a corded hedge trimmer, it has minimal vibration with its technology.
If you want a small, easy to use model, then this might be the tool you were looking for. Keep an extension cord handy as its wire may be short for average yards or larger spaces.
Things We Like:
- Plug and go once it’s corded
- Lightweight model
- Affordable price
- Easy to use and cost-effective over time, eliminating the need for gas
Things We Don’t Like:
- Less durable, seeing as it’s cheap
- Not ideal for large yards or heavy trimming jobs
Poulan Pro 40V Dual Steel Hedge Trimmer
This hedge trimmer model from Poulan comes with 40 volts and a substantial lithium-ion battery. Though battery powered, this Pro model has the reliable performance and durability of gas-powered hedge trimmers without the need of regular maintenance. No need to store and keep mixing fuels once you use the Poulan Pro. You can also escape the nasty fumes and emissions.
It comes with a user-friendly start button which is soothingly quiet and makes it perfect for use around institutional locations like schools or churches.
Another great feature is the ergonomically designed machine which is super easy to use right out of the box! You cannot go wrong with this one with its 4-year warranty and super fast charging speed of one hour for a full charge. Warranty on the battery and the charger is for two years. Go ahead and smoothly use it on wild shrubs and ornamental grass without causing any trouble.
Reliable performance and super easy usage define this popular model which is excellent for professional quality hedge trimming.
Things We Like:
- 4-year warranty
- Ergonomically designed hedge trimmer
- Powerful 40-volt lithium-ion rechargeable battery
- Quiet operation
- 24-inch dual-action blades have even cutting results
Things We Don’t Like:
- Pricier, seeing as it’s battery powered
- Doesn’t carry as much power as a gas-powered model
Makita 18V XHU02M1 LXT Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Considered by many to be among the top hedge trimmers in the market today, Makita 18V Cordless model doesn’t fail to surprise you. It features a 22-inch blade for superior cutting capacity and a unique battery recharge mechanism which indicates low charge with a light.
Preferred by professional gardeners and contractors, this is a sturdy and robust alternative for the corded outdoor hedge trimmers. Low noise and minimum maintenance make this model your best partner if you have natural heavy-duty hedge trimming jobs to do.
One outstanding safety feature of this model is the mandatory two-hand operation. This model starts up once both the handles-top and switchare used simultaneously. In case one of your hands slips out, the machine automatically shuts down. Laser sharp blades come with a plastic protective covering which is an excellent safety move.
Things We Like:
- Lowest battery setting gives 2 hours of run time
- Fast and sharp cutting speed of 1350SPM
- Built-in anti-vibration technology
- Three years warranty on the power tool, charger and battery
- Preferred by professionals in many settings
Things We Don’t Like:
- Requires constant charging, won’t run for a long time
- A bit heavier than other models
BLACK+DECKER LHT2436 40-Volt High-Performance Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Powered by 40 volts, this one is one of the most popular cordless hedge trimmers in the market today. Preferred by professionals due to it’s light weight, zero noise, top-quality and sharp shearing blade, it is perfect for use in medium and high capacity hedge trimming jobs.
Its wrap-around front handle makes this model very comfortable for regular use. This battery powered hedge trimmer is a real powerhouse performer with fewer vibrations as compared to other gas-powered models. I like the fact that charging this tool takes about one to five hours only.
So, you can bid your goodbyes to the extension cord. The best feature has to be the three small lights highlighting the battery charge levels. Save time with the massive 40-volt lithium-ion rechargeable battery with a long run time equalling hedges trimmed over an approximately 6000 square-feet area.
Things We Like:
- Quiet operation
- Functions flawlessly as a lightweight, powerful hedge trimmer.
- Dynamic -40-volt lithium-ion rechargeable battery
- Dual-action 24″ blade vibrates significantly less
Things We Don’t Like:
- Doesn’t last as long as other models, uses more energy
- Not ideal for long term use
Features to Consider
Choosing the Right Type of Hedge Trimmer
When determining what type of trimmer you’re going to go with, if you’re not going to be looking into a corded option, you’re going to want to make the choice between a cordless electric or a gas-powered trimmer. Let’s take a look at the differences between these two.
Cordless Electric Hedge Trimmers
Cordless electric hedge trimmers are heavier than their corded counterparts weighing between six to eighteen pounds. Sturdy and durable, they are long-lasting and can go on for hours at their job without being fully charged.
Not having the cord makes them a less noisy and safer tool to use in professional institutional locations like hospitals, churches, schools. Be ready to spend more time to charge if you pick up a cordless electric one.
Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmers
Durable and sturdy, these gas-powered hedge trimmers are leaders of their category. They stand out with their powerhouse performance and excellent battery life. Free yourself from the safety issues of a cord and get down to getting your job done.
Weighing between eleven and seventeen pounds, gas powered hedge trimmers are perfect for a heavy-duty hedge trimming job and preferred by professionals.The drawback is that you may need to spend more time on maintenance. Use a mask as it releases emissions when in use. Take care of the noise levels too as these machines can be ear-splitting.
Blade Length
You can cut hedges faster with longer blades. Being heavy with less flexibility, they are not suited for small areas. Regular blade lengths are in the range of 13” to 30” inches. (33-76cm)
Trimmer Weight
Trimmer weight is most important when you have longer trimming jobs,and it may need more physical exertion to use. The trimmer weight is also more in case of longer blade length. Standard trimmers range from 6 to 11 lbs. (2.7-5 kg).
Teeth Spacing
Thicker branch cutting becomes easy if the teeth spacing is wide. Narrow teeth spacing is suitable for delicate and tight cuts. Regular teeth spacing ranges from 1/2″ to 1-1/2″ (1.25-3.8 cm).
Single vs Double Blade
Trimmer blades can be single or double blade. The single blade has only one edge moving while two blades move in the double blade option. The dual blade option has lower vibration levels and higher efficiency. However, the matter of safety is also present whenever using a double bladed tool, as well as price becoming a factor.
Lithium-Ion Power vs Nickel-Cadmium
Much lighter than nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries, Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries can be good at maintaining consistent power throughout usage of the tool. They also offer up to three times of the life-cycle charges compared to NiCad batteries.
Safety
Be sure to wear protective clothing at all time when using the hedge trimmer irrespective of the weather. Long pants with boots and safety eyeglasses are mandatory to stay safe.
Take care to use the hedge trimmer only for the cutting diameter as recommended by the manufacturer of the specific product. If not correctly followed, it can end up causing damage to the blades. Any branches stuck on the trimmer should be removed only once the hedge trimmer power button has been switched off.
Wrap Up
Your perfect hedge trimmer is going to be able to get the job done in a timely and precise manner. Skimping out on your hedge trimming purchase could lead to a shabby, poorly manicured lawn. That wouldn’t compliment that perfectly trimmed yard very well now would it? Try explaining that one to the spouse.
When it comes to selecting your trimmer, you have plenty of choices, from gas-powered, corded, or cordless, so be sure to keep yourself as informed as possible while perusing your different options. Some trimmers are more ideal for larger yards, other for smaller. Some are good for commercial, others residential. Keep your needs in mind. Remember, safety is always the number one concern.
Whether you select a corded, cordless or a gas-powered hedge trimmer, each one of them will be good for you as per the nature of the job you are looking to get done. As for our pick for the best hedge trimmer, we humbly believe that the Dewalt Max Hedge Trimmer can pretty much do it all.
