Buying guide to hedge trimmers

Blade length

The longer the blade, the quicker you will get your hedge cut. Here are the blade lengths you'll need for specific hedge sizes:

• Small hedges - 46cm or less
• Medium hedges - 47cm to 56cm
• Large hedges - 57cm or longer

Blade width

The blade width indicates the size of the gap between teeth and gives you an idea of the maximum diameter of cut a hedge cutter can make. So a 20mm blade width, for example, can cut through stems and branches 20mm thick.

Hedge trimmers can be powered in one of three ways:

• Rechargeable battery
• Petrol
• Mains electricity

Rechargeable battery power

Advantages

• Cordless hedge trimmers are convenient - you can use them anywhere.
• Having no lead to cut through makes them safer than electric hedge trimmers.
• They don't make much noise.

Disadvantages

• You have to plan ahead with a cordless hedge trimmer and charge the batteries before use.
• Batteries must be recharged for five to seven hours to give around 30 minutes' running time.
• Two batteries are needed to ensure continuous power.

Petrol

Advantages

• Petrol hedge trimmers are convenient - you can use them anywhere.
• Having no lead to cut through makes them safer than electric hedge trimmers.

Disadvantages

• Petrol hedge trimmers tend to be heavier and bulkier so they're more difficult to handle.
• They can be a challenge to use when you're working from the top of a ladder.
• You need to have a supply of petrol to keep the machine going.
• Petrol hedge trimmers are noisy and can be smoky.

Mains electricity

Advantages

• Electric hedge trimmers are convenient.
• They're generally lighter than petrol models.

Disadvantages

• Electric hedge trimmers need a power source.
• That's not ideal if a hedge is far away from your house.
• There's always the danger of cutting the cord by mistake. You'll need to use an RCD power adapter.

Hedge clippings collector

Some models come with an optional attachment that collects clippings into a tray fixed to one side of the blade. This is very helpful when you're cutting across the top because it stops clippings falling into the hedge where they'll die and look unsightly.

Double position trimmers

With a double position trimmer, you won't need to climb a ladder for taller hedges. The handle can be adjusted to form a right angle to the blades, so you can achieve a level cut along the top of your hedge from a standing position. Easy!

Automatic brake

Make sure your hedge trimmer has a blade brake so the blades will stop almost immediately when you release the trigger.

Hand guard

For extra safety, a hand guard protects against flying debris and against the blades when they're in action.

• Protect eyes from flying debris with safety goggles.
• Protect feet with heavy-duty footwear (steel-capped boots are perfect).
• Keep children and animals away from the area.
• If you're using an electric hedge trimmer, check the socket outlet has RCD protection and that the RCD is working.
• Position the cord away from the cutting direction.
• Don't use an electric hedge trimmer in wet weather.
• Keep both hands on the trimmer handles.
• Make sure your hedge trimmer is switched off and the blades have stopped before you remove jammed foliage.
• Read and make sure you understand the manufacturer's instructions before using your hedge trimmer.