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Hedge Trimmers Reviews
Updated July 2006
We found three excellent hedge-trimmer reviews based on objective tests, comparing models of all three types. Hedge trimmers, also called hedge shears and hedge clippers, are handy power tools that help you trim shrubs and hedges into shape in a fraction of the time it would take with manual hedge clippers. Gas hedge trimmers are the most powerful, while electric hedge shears are quieter and easier to use. Cordless hedge trimmers are the least powerful but handiest for small jobs. Consumer Reports compares 17 hedge trimmers, ranking them within each type based on performance, ease of use and safety. The 2004 review at Popular Mechanics tests fewer models, but goes into more detail about each. An even older review from Australia's Choice magazine tests eight hedge trimmers, with two of the top choices available in the United States. All three reviews test each trimmer for cutting ability, handling and safety, with safety being crucial since hedge shears have sharp exposed blades that can slice through fingers as well as branches. Pole pruners (also called pole hedge trimmers and extended-reach hedge trimmers) get less coverage in these big comparative reviews, but they are important for trimming tall shrubbery, since it's dangerous to use a hedge trimmer from a ladder. We found reviews of pole hedge trimmers at AskToolTalk.com, the DIY Network and in user reviews published at Amazon.com, Epinions and similar sites. Since user reviews often evaluate hedge trimmers based on actual trimming use over months or years, they are especially useful in assessing durability. They also point out features users find especially desirable, such as a lock-on switch so you don't have to keep your fingers on the trigger the whole time you're trimming. This is one of the main
reasons users prefer the
Black and Decker TR1600
(*est. $35)
and
Black & Decker TR1700
(*est. $30)
electric hedge trimmers, ranking them higher than the more
expensive series. For example, users at Amazon.com
give the
Black & Decker HH2410
(*est. $80)
an average rating of only 2.5
stars out of a possible 5, compared with 4.5 for the TR1600 hedge trimmer.
Reviews there say that besides lacking a lock-on switch, the Black and Decker HH2410 doesn't cut cleanly, just chewing at branches instead. The similar
Black & Decker HS1010
Hedge Hog 20-inch electric hedge trimmers
(*est. $50)
and
HS1012
(*est. $70)
get similar complaints from users.
Among gas hedge trimmer
brands, Echo, Stihl and Little Wonder usually rank
highest in reviews, with Craftsman a bit lower, followed by less expensive
brands like Weed Eater, Ryobi and Troy-Bilt. Reviews
of electric hedge trimmers give highest ranking to Little Wonder, Makita and Metabo trimmers.
Craftsman is in the middle, outperforming Black & Decker and Remington
electric hedge trimmers, ranking higher than Black and Decker for cordless
hedge trimmers as well. Garden Groom hedge trimmers
have won several awards in the United Kingdom,
but they've received mixed reviews in the United States so far. They're
definitely safer than most hedge trimmers because the rotary blade is completely
enclosed, and they're also unique in that they shred and collect the trimmings,
ready for mulch or compost. But some users complain that to reach shrubbery
requires holding the weight at the end of your arms, a tiring proposition,
and there are some complaints about durability, as well. This is certainly
a design to watch -- we hope to see these hedge trimmers included in comparative
reviews soon.
... Continued
Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
In the chart above, [G] indicates gas hedge trimmers, [E] corded electric and [C] cordless. Although the Craftsman and Black & Decker electric hedge trimmers are well-recommended bargains, both professional and user reviews say the Little Wonder electric trimmers are worth the price if you can afford them. Among gas trimmers, the Stihl HS 45 gets top rating in one review, but the Echo HC150 or 151 gets slightly more recommendations. The Black and Decker NH518 is the most-recommended cordless hedge trimmer, but the 24-volt Craftsman 74802 gets higher ratings in one comparative review. Advertisement
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Hedge Trimmers Reviews |
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© 2008 ConsumerSearch, Inc. A service from 
, a part of The New York Times Company. All Rights Reserved.
ConsumerSearch and ConsumerSearch.com are registered trademarks of ConsumerSearch, Inc. Other trademarks or service marks on this site are the property of their respective owners. ConsumerSearch is not sponsored by any source reviewed, and we accept no consideration or payment for including, excluding, or ranking any reviews, products or services in our reports.
* Pricing information is approximate as of the time this report was written and is based on observed market selling prices and/or list prices. Actual selling prices may differ.
