Echo HC-150

*Est. $280
Reviewed
October 2011
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Echo HC150

Gas hedge trimmer

Pros
  • Double-sided, double-reciprocating blade
  • Meets clean-air standards
  • Echo engines known for reliability
  • Five-year warranty
Cons
  • Heavy
  • Noisy
  • Exhaust fumes
 
 
Where to Buy
 
 
 
 

The Echo HC-150 hedge trimmer has a 20-inch, double-sided, double-reciprocating blade like top-rated corded electric trimmers. It features a commercial-grade air-filtration system that meets federal clean-air standards using a fuel-efficient two-cycle gasoline engine. As with any other gas-powered lawn tool, the Echo HC-150 hedge trimmer is noisier, heavier and more polluting than similar corded or battery-operated electric trimmers. Owners will appreciate the five-year warranty that comes with Echo hedge trimmers. If you want a quiet electric model, the Black & Decker HH2455 (*Est. $70) is the best option.

One older review from Popular Mechanics magazine doesn't compare a wide variety of models, but it does a good job of weighing the pros and cons of gas-powered hedge trimmers, and it provides a detailed report on the Echo HC-150's predecessor, the HC-1500. We found owner ratings at HomeDepot.com, where the Echo HC-150 has been well received by customers posting reviews.

Our Sources

1. PopularMechanics.com

Editors of Popular Mechanics magazine test six hedge trimmers, including the Echo HC-150's direct predecessor, the HC-1500, in this older report. They note that "Echo has a great reputation for its engines and this one didn't disappoint." The Echo hedge trimmer is recommended for homeowners who need its power and can handle its weight. This review from Popular Mechanics magazine is now archived at Highbeam.com.

Review: Hedge Hoggers: We Test Six Hedge Trimmers for Power, Convenience and Safety, Joe Provey, Aug. 1, 2004

2. HomeDepot.com

The Echo HC-150 receives a very high average rating, 4.7 out of 5, from the 10 owners who have posted reviews at HomeDepot.com. Owners agree it's powerful and maintenance costs are low; one writes, "Great product and well worth the cost." A couple of people say it's a little heavy and might not be suitable for someone who's not in fairly good shape.

Review: ECHO 20 In. 21.2 cc Gas Hedge Trimmer, Contributors to HomeDepot.com

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Black & Decker TR016 2.6 amp 16-Inch Electric Hedge Trimmer
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