Hedge Trimmers Reviews

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Hedge Trimmers Reviews Reviewed
Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Hedge Trimmers Ratings Comments on Reviews
1. Consumer Reports >> Details/Subscribe	Hedge Trimmers Editors of Consumer Reports June 2006		This review compares 17 hedge trimmers, including seven gas hedge trimmers, six electric, four cordless and one attachment to a string trimmer. Using objective tests, the review rates each hedge trimmer on specific factors. Based on summary ratings, the hedge trimmers are also ranked within each type. Editors recommend picking an electric hedge trimmer for their extra safety, lightweight comfort, lower maintenance, lesser emissions and cost. The top-rated electric hedge trimmers even perform better than most of the gas hedge trimmers reviewed here. One of the gas trimmers also serves as a pole trimmer or extended-reach trimmer, but it is heavy and harder to handle than the top-rated gas model.

Hedge Trimmers Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Hedge Trimmers Ratings Comments on Reviews

2. Popular Mechanics >> Details/Subscribe	Hedge Hoggers Joe Provey Aug. 2004		Popular Mechanics tests four electric hedge trimmers plus one cordless and one gas hedge trimmer, focusing on cutting power and quality, along with safety features and ergonomics. The Little Wonder 1920 electric hedge trimmer is the top choice, powerful enough to handle half-inch branches with ease. Although the blades are stamped, not forged, the editors like their quality, saying the reinforced high-carbon blades will last longer and require less sharpening than most. The Makita UH6350 comes in second. As a budget choice, editors prefer the Craftsman 79975 (now the Craftsman 79957) to the Black & Decker HS1010, which is noisier and vibrates more. The gas-powered Echo HC1500 (now the HC150 or HC151) hedge trimmer has lots of power, but the review criticizes its lack of anti-vibration features.

Hedge Trimmers Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Hedge Trimmers Ratings Comments on Reviews

3. Choice.com.au >> Details/Subscribe	Electric Hedge Trimmers Editors of Choice.com.au Oct. 2002		Reviewers test eight hedge trimmers for performance and ease of use on three types of hedge. Although not all the brands are available in the United States, the review does help to resolve conflicts between the findings of the Popular Mechanics' and Consumer Reports' reviews. The Makita UH 4850 and the Metabo HS 8345 S are in the top three -- both make clean cuts, but sometimes jam in leafy/woody hedges. Black & Decker, Ryobi and Viking (Stihl) models rank quite a bit lower. The Black & Decker hedge trimmers jammed on branches just under half an inch, and the motor shaft on the Hedgehog MX 510 K bent when the trimmer jammed on a branch -- a problem that can't be repaired. All the noise levels are higher than those reported in the Popular Mechanics review, perhaps because Popular Mechanics measured noise levels 20 feet away instead of where the user must stand.
4. USA Today Magazine	Spring Yard Work: Bring It On Editors of USA Today May 2005		This review covers the 18-volt Black and Decker Rechargeable Lawn Care Center, which includes the 22-inch NH518 hedge trimmer as well as a 12-inch string trimmer and a hard surface sweeper. Recommending the set for areas up to half an acre, the review praises the charging system, which recharges the NiCad batteries in about three hours without a memory effect (so they charge fully each time). The dual-action hedge trimmers can cut up to 1,2000 square feet on a single charge, handling branches up to 7/16-inch in diameter.
5. AskToolTalk.com >> Details/Subscribe	Little Wonder's Extended Hedge Trimmer Leon A. Frechette Apr. 2004		This in-depth review of the Little Wonder pole hedge trimmer, also called an extended reach hedge trimmer, reports on tests of both the 36-inch and 60-inch shafts, used with a 25-inch blade to trim ten-foot-high juniper bushes from the ground. The author uses the blade in "almost every position in a 180-degree rotation," finding the tool comfortable and effective. By adjusting the handles on the shaft, you can adjust the balance.
6. DIY Network	A Comparison of Hedge Trimmers David Thiel and Steve Ettlinger Not Dated		This summary of a TV program compares manual, cordless electric, corded electric and gas hedge trimmers, but only one model is discussed for each type. It's intended more as a buyer's guide than as a comparison review. The selected models include a Homelite cordless hedge trimmer (not covered in the Consumer Reports tests) and 20- to 22-inch Sears Craftsman corded electric hedge trimmers. Two Little Wonder gas hedge trimmers are also featured, including a 30-inch model, plus a 60-inch model with an adjustable head for cutting tall hedges and topiaries (the same pole trimmer reviewed above at AskToolTalk.com).

Hedge Trimmers Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Hedge Trimmers Ratings Comments on Reviews

7. Amazon.com	Hedge Trimmers Contributors to Amazon.com As of July 2006		Gas hedge trimmers aren't sold through Amazon.com, though accessories for them are, so the only hedge trimmer reviews and ratings here are from users of electric corded and cordless models. Among corded electric hedge trimmers, the Black and Decker TR series gets positive reviews, especially the lightweight 16-inch Black and Decker TR1600 hedge trimmer, The Black and Decker Hedge Hog series gets much lower ratings from users, many of whom complain that these hedge trimmers chew branches instead of cutting them cleanly. Users also prefer the TR series for its lock-on button, a feature lacking in the HH series. Even though it lacks a lock-on button, the 18-volt Black and Decker NHT518 cordless hedge trimmer gets a high average rating, as does the CCC3000 Cordless Lawn Care Center that includes this trimmer.
8. About.com	Black & Decker 16" Hedge Trimmers TR1600 David Beaulieu Not Dated		Landscaping expert David Beaulieu reviews the 16-inch Black & Decker TR1600 hedge clippers, He likes the double-edged cutting blades and auto-lock feature that locks the trigger to keep it in running mode, minimizing trigger-finger fatigue. He warns of letting any electric trimmer come in contact with water. This review includes a link to a similar review of the Black and Decker NHT518 cordless electric hedge trimmers, based on just three weeks of use. Unfortunately he doesn't compare the performance of these two models, but he does say he's satisfied with the charging and capability of the cordless hedge trimmers.
9. GardenWeb.com	Tool Shed Forum - Hedge Trimmers Contributors to GardenWeb.com As of July 2006		This forum for gardeners has accumulated quite a few discussions of hedge trimmers, including recommendations of specific models. One recent discussion recommends the Little Wonder electric hedge trimmers for women’s use, since Stihl, Echo and Tanaka gas hedge trimmers are quite a bit heavier. You can search the Tool Shed forum for additional discussions and reviews of hedge trimmers. The forum is also a good place to ask for recommendations for specific situations.
10. Epinions	Hedgers Contributors to Epinions As of July 2006		This is another site at which users post reviews and ratings of hedge trimmers based on their personal experiences. Though 69 models are listed, most have no reviews at all, and many have only one or two. Quite a few outdated models remain on the list. The Black and Decker TR1600 electric hedge trimmer is an exception, with an average rating of 4 stars (out of a possible 5) based on ten reviews. Most users are happy with this model, though one said he needed heavier-duty gas hedge trimmers to cut through old wood on his hedge. Unfortunately you can no longer sort the listings by average rating, though you can still search by brand or model.
11. HomeDepot.com	Hedge Trimmers Contributors to HomeDepot.com As of July 2006		Home Depot has begun publishing user reviews of tools sold there, summarizing the average ratings right on the product-details pages. Several Black and Decker hedge trimmers get a few reviews, including the TR1700. The Echo 150 and 151 gas hedge trimmers (the models without vibration-dampening) had't been reviewed at the time of this report, but two pole hedge trimmers (one called an extended-reach trimmer, another called a pole pruner) do have a few reviews.
12. Lowes.com	Hedge Trimmers Contributors to Lowes.com As of July 2006		Lowe's has also started publishing feedback from tool users. However, instead of publishing detailed reviews, Lowe’s posts overall ratings plus specific ratings of the hedge trimmer's features, value, design, quality and ease of use. As at Home Depot, only the specific hedge trimmers sold here get ratings. Unfortunately you can't tell if a hedge trimmer has accumulated any ratings without clicking on that tab, and not all models do. The Black and Decker 18-volt cordless hedge trimmer, model NH518, gets average ratings of 4.2 (out of a possible 5) here, slightly higher on quality and lower on features. The corded Black and Decker TR1700 gets especially high ratings for ease of use. The 22-inch Weedeater 25cc Excalibur Gas Hedge Trimmer gets slightly lower ratings.
13. Mrs. Greenfingers	Garden Groom: Safety Hedge Trimmer Editors of Mrs. Greenfingers Not Dated		This brief review describes the innovative Garden Groom Safety Hedge Trimmer available in the U.K. This two-handled model has a completely concealed rotary blade powered by a 500-watt motor. In addition to this safety feature, the trimmer shreds the clippings, reducing their volume by a ten to one ratio. A collection bag is also available. No actual tests or comparisons are reported.
14. ReviewCentre.com	Hedge Trimmers Contributors to ReviewCentre.com As of July 2006		This U.K. site posts users' reviews and ratings of hedge trimmers, but some of the models are only available in the U.K. (like the Bosch electric hedge trimmers), and few have more than one review. Still, it can be useful to check for reviews of specific models. For example, the Garden Groom gets a very negative review here from a user who says it broke down within a few hours.
15. Grounds Maintenance	Focus On Hedge Trimmers Editors of Grounds Maintenance May 2006		This article gives the main features of ten professional-level gas hedge trimmers, but no testing, ranking or ratings are included, so it appears that the information is just from the manufacturers. Still, it's useful to see the features of so many gas models compared in one place.
16. Yard and Garden >> Details/Subscribe	Buyers Guide: Trimmers, Edgers, Brush Cutters and Hedge Trimmers Editors of Yard and Garden Feb. 2006		This article offers a chart of specifications of gas hedge trimmers from Tanaka, Husqvarna, Honda, Little Wonder, Shindawa, John Deere, Echo, Cub Cadet, Kawasaki, Stihl and Redmax. No ratings or rankings are included, but the 2006 special features of each brand are noted, along with the specific models to which they apply.
17. Landscape Management	Tools of the Trade: Extend Yourself Editors of Landscape Management Apr. 2004		This brief review notes that the Shihl HL 100 extended-length gas hedge trimmers are powered by an emissions-compliant engine, the Stihl 4-MIX. These 24-inch hedge trimmers are available with either a fixed or an adjustable-angle cutting head, with either a 42-inch or 59-inch shaft. Unfortunately no testing is documented, so we can't rank this review higher.
18. Consumer Guide.com >> Details/Subscribe	Hedge Trimmers Editors and Contributors As of July 2006		Hedge trimmers get professional-sounding reviews and ratings here, but the basis of the reviews is never made clear. In addition to "best buy," "budget buy," or "recommended" ratings, each hedge trimmer gets specific ratings on a 10-point scale for overall value, performance, durability and ease of use. No reference to actual testing or use is made, and many hedge trimmers get the top recommendation of "best buy," so it's hard to give these ratings much weight.

Hedge Trimmers Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Hedge Trimmers Ratings Comments on Reviews

19. Garden Industry Manufacturers' Association	2005 GIMA Awards Editors of GIMA.org 2005		The Garden Groom hedge trimmers win an award from the Garden Industry Manufacturers' Association, but it's for "marketing for export," rather than for quality of the hedge trimmer itself.
20. MetaReview.com	Hedge Trimmers Contributors to Metareview.com As of July 2006		This review site claims to consolidate reviews from different sources, but the hedge trimmer reviews are just a collection of some of the reviews posted at Amazon.com, with the ratings transposed from a 5-point to a 10-point scale. You can't sort the listings by average rating, so it offers no advantages, and since not all of the Amazon.com reviews are taken into account, it could be misleading.