EmailTypes of hedge trimmers
Hedge trimmers come with blade lengths ranging from about 13 inches to as long as 40 inches. Some allow you to switch blades to suit the job, but critics warn that this tends to affect balance. Steve Ettlinger, writing for Horticulture magazine, recommends 16-inch blades for most gardens, though longer blades make it easier to trim wide hedges evenly. Expert reviewers recommend getting the shortest blade you need, to minimize weight and make the trimmer easier to control. Blades made of high-carbon steel are a plus, because they keep a sharper edge.
A few hedge trimmers still use a single blade, with one or both edges sharp for cutting, but most now use dual-action or double-reciprocating blades that move past each other, cutting branches between them. Editors at both ConsumerReports.org and Popular Mechanics favor dual-action hedge trimmers for faster cutting.
Tradeoffs between safety, speed and comfort run through all hedge trimmer reviews. Models that require using both hands, shutting off automatically if either hand is taken off the handle, are safest because they eliminate all risk of a moving blade touching your hand. However, users reviewing hedge trimmers at sites like Amazon.com clearly prefer hedge trimmers with a lock-on switch, because this makes the tool easier to maneuver and less tiring to use. Gas hedge trimmers get the job done fastest, but their vibration can be tiring and they're heavier. Pole hedge trimmers -- available as electric, cordless, and gas-powered models -- have long shanks that let you trim tall shrubbery without the danger of getting on a ladder. Expert reviews say it's much safer to groom tall shrubs using pole hedge trimmers, which are also known as extended-reach hedge trimmers or pole pruners.
Electric hedge trimmers are the most popular type. Reviews say they're powerful enough for most trimming jobs, with the best models capable of handling branches up to 1/2 of an inch in diameter, even when said branches are old and tough. Electric hedge trimmers are also the lightest, least expensive and quietest. Because they don't use gas or oil, they're more environmentally friendly too, but you can only use them in dry conditions, within 100 feet of an electrical outlet.
Cordless, battery-powered hedge trimmers are relatively light, quiet and environmentally friendly. However, cordless models are the least powerful trimmer type, so they tend to bog down on thick hedges. Battery runtime is limited to about 45 minutes, though if you have extras on hand, you can swap batteries to keep going.
Gas hedge trimmers offer power and portability (no electric cord to drag along behind you), but they are noisier, more expensive, heavier and less environmentally friendly than electric models. Their exhaust fumes can also be a health hazard. Gas-powered hedge trimmers are best for large jobs or thicker, tough branches.
Reviews suggest considering the following when choosing hedge trimmers:
- The safest tools are designed so they must be turned on with two switches, and they include a lock-off button. Most people, however, prefer hedge trimmers with a lock-on switch to prevent trigger-finger fatigue, even though this decreases overall safety.
- Consider other safety features, including blades that stop almost instantly, a safety clutch to prevent kickback, and a shield or blade guard between the handle and blade to help protect your hands. Several owners at Amazon.com report hurting themselves by grabbing the shield because it looks too much like a front handle.
- The maximum opening between the blades should be no more than 3/4 of an inch, which reduces the chance of injury. Some commercial models, however, have larger openings for easier trimming of thicker branches.
- Balance, a comfortable handle and a comfortable trigger are essential for safety and maneuverability. A wrap-around front handle adds maneuverability; all of ConsumerSearch's Best Reviewed hedge trimmers have this feature.
For gas-powered hedge trimmers:
- Blades should stop when the engine idles. Without this feature, you should turn the hedge trimmer off when moving to another work area.
- Vibration dampening is important for sessions lasting more than about 20 minutes.
- Look for a gas-powered hedge trimmer that complies with Tier 1 federal and California emissions requirements. Since 1997, gas-powered tools have been required to comply with federal mandates that reduce emissions by 35 percent.
- A translucent fuel tank makes it easy to see when it's time to refuel.
For electric-powered hedge trimmers:
- Look for a double-insulated motor and two-prong plug. Underwriters Laboratories recommends a three-prong plug to insure proper grounding if the motor is not double insulated (i.e. double-grounded internally).
- Experts recommend at least a 2.8-amp motor.
- On corded models, look for a cord clip and a pigtail cord. A pigtail is a short cord that connects to the extension cord, instead of just a female socket on the machine. The pigtail makes it easier to unplug and re-plug the cord when you move from one area to another. It also makes it harder to accidentally disconnect the cord by pulling on it. The cord clip helps to keep the cord well away from the blades, because cutting the cord accidentally is one of the biggest safety hazards.