Maintaining a beautifully manicured garden requires outdoor garden power tools, one of which is a hedge trimmer. This essential piece of gardening equipment makes shaping and trimming hedges and bushes effortless and precise. With various types available, each suited to different landscaping needs, selecting the right hedge trimmer can greatly enhance your gardening experience. This guide will help you understand the different types of hedge trimmers and what features to consider to ensure you make the best purchase.
What are the different types of Hedge Trimmers?
Cordless Hedge Trimmers: For big gardens or for those who prefer not to deal with a cord, Cordless hedge trimmers are an excellent choice. They offer the freedom to move around unrestricted. These trimmers are powered by rechargeable batteries, and their efficiency depends significantly on battery life, which can vary widely between models.
Recommended Cordless Battery powered Hedge Trimmers
Milwaukee M18FHET60 M18 Fuel 60cm Hedge Trimmer
This Milwaukee M18FHET60 M18 Fuel 60cm Hedge Trimmer features a double-sharpened blade for clean cuts and removal of thicker material, with the power to cut 20 mm branches. Its 60 cm blade trims more material in a single pass, boosting reach and productivity. It provides up to 2 hours of run time with an M18™ HIGH OUTPUT™ 8.0 Ah battery pack and maintains power under load without bogging down. The all-metal gear case fully protects the gear drive system, and a blade tip guard prevents accidental damage to fences or other objects.
| BLADE LENGTH (CM): | 60 |
| CUTTING CAPACITY (MM): | 20 |
| STROKE RATE (SPM): | 3400 |
| SUPPLIED IN: | No kitbox or bag supplied |
| TOOTH SPACING (MM): | 20 |
| SOUND POWER LEVEL (LWA)(DB(A)): | 89.7 |
| SOUND POWER LEVEL UNCERTAINTY (DB(A)): | 3 |
| SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL (LPA)(DB(A)): | 81.7 |
| SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL UNCERTAINTY: (DB(A)) | 3 |
| VIBRATION LEVEL (M/S²): | 2.35 |
| VIBRATION UNCERTAINTY (M/S²): | 1.5 |
DeWalt DCM563PB-XJ 18v XR Cordless Hedge Trimmer
This DeWalt DCM563PB-XJ 18v XR Cordless Hedge Trimmer features a 55cm dual-action, laser-cut blade with a 19mm cutting gap, made of hardened steel for longer life and lasting sharpness. It offers up to 75 minutes of extended run time per charge and a 120-minute charge time. Weighing 2.9 kg, it provides a comfortable grip in multiple orientations for ease of use. This 18v cordless trimmer ensures efficient and precise trimming, making it perfect for maintaining your garden effortlessly.
| Voltage: | 18v |
| Blade Length: | 55cm |
| Cutting Capacity: | 19mm |
| Run Time: | 75 Minutes approx |
| Weight: | 2.9Kg |
Makita DUH751 18v Brushless 75cm Hedge Trimmer
This Makita DUH751 18v Brushless 75cm Hedge Trimmer features triple-edged cutting teeth that effectively catch and hold branches, while curved blades reduce friction for longer run time. Its brushless motor, variable speed control (3-speed + trigger), and constant speed control ensure optimal performance. With an electric brake, soft start, ergonomic soft grip, and a 5-position rotating rear handle, it offers superior control and comfort. It handles branches up to 21.5 mm in diameter, with speeds up to 4,400 spm. Weighing 3.8 – 4.5 kg, it operates quietly at 84 dB(A) with low vibration.
| Voltage: | 18v |
| Blade Length: | 750 mm Double Sided |
| Max Branch Diameter: | 21.5 mm |
| Strokes per Minute: | 0 – 2,000 / 0 – 3,600 / 0 -4,400 spm |
| Net weight: | 3.8 – 4.5 kg |
| Noise sound pressure: | 84 dB(A) |
| Noise sound power: | 97 dB(A) |
| Noise K factor: | 3 dB(A) |
| Vibration no load: | 2.5 m/sec² |
| Vibration K factor: | 1.5 m/sec² |
Einhell 3410683 18v Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Need a hedge trimmer to keep your hedges, brushes and shrubs tidy around your home? This is quality Einhell GC-CH 1846 18v cordless hedge trimmer is ideal for you. It 46cm blade length and teeth gap of 15mm is suitable for small to medium size hedging. Its lightweight design and soft trip handle makes it easy to operate and helps reduce any user fatigue. Its diamond-ground steel blades allow for precise cutting.
| Cutting Length | 46 cm |
| Motor Type | Brush Motor |
| Motor Voltage | 18v |
| Number of Batteries Included | 1 pcs |
| Number of Charges Included | 1 pcs |
| Sword Length | 46 cm |
| Teeth Spacing | 15mm |
| Transmission Material | Metal |
| Product Weight | 2.3kg |
Petrol Hedge Trimmers: When it comes to power and run-time, gas-powered hedge trimmers are top of the line. Perfect for large properties or commercial use, these trimmers can handle thick branches and dense foliage. However, they are heavier, noisier, and require more maintenance than their electric counterparts.
Recommended Petrol Hedge Trimmers
Draper 32319 Petrol 22.5cc Hedge Trimmer
This Draper Petrol Hedge Trimmer, featuring a 500mm blade, is designed for powerful and efficient garden maintenance. Equipped with a 22.5cc two-stroke engine and delivering a 750W output, this trimmer ensures robust performance with a maximum speed of 7000r/min. It includes an easy-start priming bulb and a 180-degree three-position rotating back handle for enhanced user comfort. The double-sided dual reciprocating blade maximizes cutting efficiency, capable of handling branches up to 30mm in diameter.
| Engine Capacity: | 22.5cc – 2 stroke |
| Engine Output: | 750W |
| Cutting Blade Length: | 500mm |
| Max. cutting diameter: | up to 30mm |
| Speed: | 7000r/min |
| Fuel tank Capacity: | 0.6L |
| Dimensions: | 1070 x 230 x 240mm |
| Weight (dry): | 5.5kg |
Corded Electric Hedge Trimmers: Corded electric hedge trimmers are ideal for those with smaller gardens. They are lightweight, easy to handle, and provide a consistent power supply, ensuring that you can work as long as needed without interruption. The limitation, however, is the cord; it restricts mobility and requires access to an electrical outlet.
Important features when selecting your Hedge Trimmer?
- Blade Type and Length: Blades typically range from 13 to 24 inches. Longer blades can trim larger areas more quickly but may be cumbersome and difficult to control. Double-sided blades are great for shaping, while single-sided blades are best for straight-line cutting.
- Power and Performance: Consider the trimmer’s power source and motor. Electric models should have enough amps to handle your garden’s demands, while battery-powered models should have a long-enough battery life to complete your tasks on a single charge.
- Weight and Ergonomics: A lighter trimmer reduces fatigue, so look for one that you can handle comfortably for extended periods. Ergonomic designs can significantly improve user comfort and control.
- Safety Features: Safety cannot be overlooked. Features like a front hand guard to protect your hands from flying debris, and a safety switch to prevent accidental starts, are must-haves.
- Maintenance and Durability: Opt for trimmers that are easy to maintain and constructed from high-quality materials. Check the ease of accessing blades for cleaning and the robustness of the handle and blade assembly.
- Price and Warranty: Finally, consider the price and the warranty offered. A more extended warranty can be a good indicator of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product.
Best Hedge Trimmer for Large Hedges?
If you have large hedges to cut then you should be looking at investing in a pole hedge trimmer. Pole hedge trimmers will give you that extra reach for cutting the tops and awkward bits of hedges.
- Extended Reach: The most significant advantage of a pole hedge trimmer is its long reach. This feature is incredibly beneficial for trimming tall hedges without the need for a ladder. It allows you to safely trim the tops and far sides of large hedges while keeping both feet firmly on the ground.
- Improved Safety: By eliminating the need for a ladder, pole hedge trimmers reduce the risk of falls and injuries associated with balancing on unstable surfaces. This is particularly important when working on uneven ground or over extended periods.
- Greater Precision: The extended reach and often adjustable angles of the cutting head on pole trimmers allow for more precise cutting. You can adjust the angle of the trimmer head to ensure that you are cutting the hedge evenly and achieving the desired shape, even in hard-to-reach areas.
- Increased Efficiency: Pole hedge trimmers can significantly speed up the process of trimming large hedges. By allowing you to reach further and move less, you can complete the job quicker than using standard hedge trimmers.
- Versatility: Many pole hedge trimmers come with adjustable telescoping poles that can be extended or shortened depending on the task at hand. This adaptability makes them versatile tools that can be used for a variety of hedge sizes and other trimming tasks around the garden.
- Reduced Fatigue: Handling a pole trimmer can be less physically demanding in terms of lifting and stretching compared to using a standard hedge trimmer with a ladder. The design of pole trimmers distributes the weight differently, which can help reduce operator fatigue over prolonged use.
Recommended Pole Hedge Trimmers
Makita DUN500WZ Professional 18v 50cm Pole Hedge Trimmer
The Makita DUN500WZ Professional 18v 50cm Pole Hedge Trimmer provides exceptional long-reach hedge trimming using Makita’s LXT 18v battery range. It features a robust 50cm double-sided blade with triple-edge cutting teeth for efficient and clean cuts. The curved blade design reduces friction, enhancing run times. Weighing just 3.9kg, it offers excellent balance for two-handed operation. The cutter blade adjusts through 13 stages up to 135° and folds for easy storage. With three speed settings, a reverse switch, and an automatic power-off feature, it ensures safe, low-noise operation ideal for residential areas.
| Battery Voltage | 18 V |
| Brushless Motor | Yes |
| Voltage LXT | Yes |
| Impacts per Minute (IPM) | 2000 – 4400 min⁻¹ |
| Max Cutting Capacity | 23,5 mm |
| Continuous Use 18V / 6.0 Ah Battery | 60 min |
| Length Of Blade | 500 mm |
| Sound Power Level (LWA) | 92,5 dB(A) |
| Sound Pressure Level (LpA) | 81,5 dB(A) |
| Noise Uncertainty (K Factor) | 3 dB(A) |
| Vibration Level (3 axes) at Front Handle | 4,7 m/s² |
| Vibration Level (3 axes) at Rear Handle | 2,5 m/s² |
| Vibration Uncertainty (K Factor) | 1,5 m/s² |
| Tool weight with battery (EPTA) | 3,9 – 4,3 kg |
| Product Dimensions (L x W x H): | 2115 x 97 x 137 mm |
| Angle range vertical | 115 º |
| Net Weight | 3,6 kg |
DeWalt DCMPH566N-XJ 18v XR Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer
The DeWalt DCMPH566N-XJ 18v XR Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer is perfect for trimming tall hedges with its 3.35m extended reach. Featuring a 55cm blade with a 25mm blade gap and an innovative 7-position articulating head, this trimmer ensures efficient and precise cuts. It operates at a speed of 2800spm and delivers up to 75 minutes of runtime on a 5.0Ah battery. Designed for maximum efficiency, it offers a quick charge time of 1.15 hours and a total pole length of 3.35 meters, making it ideal for extensive gardening tasks.
| Voltage: | 18v |
| Blade Length: | 550 mm |
| Cutting Speed: | 2800 |
| Runtime (No Load): | 75 Minutes |
| Charge Time: | 1.15 hours |
| Blade Gap: | 25mm |
| Total Length of Pole: | 3.35 Metres |
| Maximum Working Width: | 550mm |
| Sound Power Uncertainty: | 81.6 dB(A) |
| Weight: | 3.6 kg |
Makita DUN461W 18V 46cm Pole Hedge Trimmer
The Makita DUN461W 18V 46cm Pole Hedge Trimmer is a versatile and efficient tool for maintaining hedges. Featuring an angle-adjustable head with 10 settings, it allows a tilt range from 60° up to 75° down. The telescopic shaft can be adjusted without tools for optimal reach and comfort. High cutting speeds and low noise and vibration ensure smooth, efficient operation. With a maximum cutting capacity of 18mm, the trimmer is powered by an 18V brushless motor, offering up to 60 minutes of continuous use on a 3.0Ah battery. The reverse rotation system helps clear jams quickly.
| Nominal Battery Voltage: | 18 V |
| Brushless Motor: | Yes |
| Voltage LXT: | Yes |
| Max Cutting Capacity: | 18 mm |
| Continuous Use 18V / 3.0 Ah Battery: | 60 min |
| Length Of Blade: | 460 mm |
| Sound Power Level (LWA): | 85 dB(A) |
| Sound Pressure Level (LpA): | 73 dB(A) |
| Noise Uncertainty (K Factor): | 3 dB(A) |
| Vibration Level (3 axes) at Front Handle: | ≤ 2,5 m/s² |
| Vibration Level (3 axes) at Rear Handle: | ≤ 2,5 m/s² |
| Vibration Uncertainty (K Factor): | 1,5 m/s² |
| Tool weight with battery (EPTA): | 3,0 – 3,3 kg |
| Product Dimensions (L x W x H): | 1889 – 2511 x 87 x 134 mm |
| Strokes per Minute (SPM): | 3600 min⁻¹ |
| Angle range vertical: | 135 º |
| Product net weight: | 2,6 kg |
Milwaukee Quik lok Hedge Trimmer with Attachments
The Milwaukee Quik Lok system is Milwaukee gardening multi tool with many impressive attachments including two hedge trimmer attachments, one being slight shorter than the other. Both of these provide precision cutting and due to its brushless motor power head makes work for the user very efficient. Another attachment for the Quik-Lok system is an extension pole. This pole provides an extra 91cm in reach meaning your hedge trimmer can be used as a pole hedge trimmer for cutting the tops of hedges. This is a very cost effective way of building out your cordless garden power tool collection.
| BLADE LENGTH (MM) | 508 |
| CUTTING CAPACITY (MM) | 25 |
| LENGTH (CM) | 152.4 |
| NO LOAD SPEED GEAR 1 (RPM) | 0 – 2800 |
| NO LOAD SPEED GEAR 2 (RPM) | 0 – 3500 |
| STANDARD EQUIPMENT | Blade Guard |
| STROKE RATE (SPM) | 0 – 3500 |
Einhell 3410866 18v High Reach 450mm Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Looking for a Telescopic hedge trimmer that will help you reach those high branches and the top of your hedges? Then you should check out this very impressive retractable extension hedge trimmer. The head of the hedge cutter has 7 tilt setting will the handle has a 4 settings for tilt to help make the hedge trimmer comfortable to use during use. The hedge trimmers can retract to an extra 94cm to help with those high awkward parts of the hedge. Its laser-cut and diamond grinded steel provide a clean cut finish.
| Cutting Length | 40cm |
| Motor Type | Brush Motor |
| Motor Voltage | 18v |
| Number of Batteries Included | None |
| Number of Chargers Included | None |
| Sword Length | 45 cm |
| Teeth Spacing | 16 mm |
| Transmission Material | Metal |
| Product Weight | 4.28kg |
Overall, pole hedge trimmers are particularly suited for maintaining large hedges because it combines safety with convenience, enabling efficient and effective hedge maintenance without the physical strain and risk associated with traditional methods.
Shop our full range of high-quality Hedge Trimmers at Toolforce.ie!
