Hedge Trimmers | The best of 2022
Read also: Trimmers | The best of 2022 To avoid incurring these problems, the best solution is to have a hedge trimmer. As you will guess, there are different types of hedge trimmers, the same ones that we learned about during the drafting of the best lawnmowers and edge trimmers, i.e. models with internal combustion and electric engines, with the latter being divided into those powered by current and battery. . As we usually do, we will explain the differences and advantages of each in the second part of the article, leaving space first for the best models currently on the market.
The selection was made after a careful analysis of market, comparisons and opinions, so you will have some certainty of buying valid solutions, as long as you focus on one of the models below. That said, let's not waste any more time and find out which are the best hedge trimmers.
The best hedge trimmers
Alpina AHT 555 | Einhell petrol hedge trimmer 3403835 | Einhell GE-EH 6560 petrol hedge trimmer | Electric hedge trimmer Bosch Advanced HedgeCut 65 | Worx WG284E current hedge trimmer | Bosch AHS 55-20 LI cordless hedge trimmer | Battery hedge trimmerAlpina AHT 555 | Petrol hedge trimmer
If you are looking for a powerful hedge trimmer with a large blade, Alpina AHT 555 is one of the best you can buy. Its 22cc petrol engine is able to transmit enough power to the 35mm tines to cut through the thickest branches without difficulty, while the 70cm blade length will allow you to reach even the farthest points of the hedge. Not a feather in terms of weight, but it has a number of tricks so that you can use it comfortably, including the easy starting system and the ability to use it both horizontally and vertically, thanks to the rotating rear handle. It also boasts a double safety switch and an air filter that is accessible without the use of tools.SEE ON AMAZON SEE ON EBAY
Einhell 3403835 | Petrol hedge trimmer
If you have a small garden or with not too long and thin twigs, you could consider a hedge trimmer with a 55cm blade and, in this case, the model to focus on is the Einhell 3403835. Just like the previous ones, this is also a model with an internal combustion engine, so you will have all the power you need. The thickness of the cut, on the other hand, is 19mm and, as mentioned above, it is perfect for cutting small and medium-sized branches. Obviously, the various handles are designed to ensure a comfortable and, above all, reliable grip which, on this type of tools, should not be underestimated.SEE ON AMAZON SEE ON EBAY
Einhell GE-EH 6560 | Electric hedge trimmers
Einhell solutions stand out among the best electric hedge trimmers, with the GE-EH 6560 model which will be appreciated for its large 66 cm double-edged blade, one of the longest in terms of models electrical. The tooth spacing is 30mm which means it will be perfect for large hedges with thick branches. Power will not be a problem, as it has a 650W motor, more than enough to cut any type of twig in one go. Ease of handling is ensured by the additional handle and the main revolving handle.SEE ON AMAZON SEE ON EBAY
Bosch Advanced HedgeCut 65 | Electric hedge trimmer
Small but powerful, the Bosch Advanced HedgeCut 65 is the ideal hedge trimmer for medium to large hedges. The length of the blade, in fact, is 65cm, while that between one tooth and the other is 34 mm. These dimensions mean that even the branches of a certain thickness are cut easily, with a series of precautions so that the arms and back are stressed as little as possible. In this respect, this Bosch hedge trimmer has a transparent hand guard, useful for keeping an eye on the cutting area.SEE ON AMAZON SEE ON EBAY
Worx WG284E | Battery-powered hedge trimmers
Although battery-powered models tend to have lower power than those with internal combustion and current engines, the Worx WG284E is perhaps the only battery-powered hedge trimmer capable of approaching, in terms of performance, the types mentioned above. Unlike other models, in fact, the Worx solution works with 2 connected batteries, obviously included in the package, which will guarantee a power comparable to that of an internal combustion model, with the advantage of ease of use typical of battery solutions. . The length of the blade also reaches 60cm, while the cut is 27mm, perfect for medium and large branches.SEE ON AMAZON SEE ON EBAY
Bosch AHS 55-20 LI | Battery-powered hedge trimmers
We conclude our personalized list dedicated to the best hedge trimmers by suggesting that you also consider the Bosch AHS 55-20 LI, if you are looking for an excellent battery-powered model with a cutting length of 55cm and blade distance of 20mm, however, enough to cut branches with a diameter up to 25mm, thanks to its particular front teeth. Just like the previous models, this too will allow you to obtain precise and clean results, thanks to the laser cut and diamond ground blades.SEE ON AMAZON SEE ON EBAY
How to choose the hedge trimmer
And here we are finally at the conclusion of this article which, we are sure, will have been of great help to you . However, it is our intention to briefly explain how to choose a good hedge trimmer, advising you on the most important factors to take into consideration during the purchase, with the aim of helping you to understand for yourself whether a certain model may be valid or not.Power supply
If you have read our guides relating to lawn and edge trimmers, you will know that the choice of power supply is the first aspect to consider, since the operation of a hedge trimmer is very similar. In any case, we remind you that there are internal combustion and electric engine models which, in turn, are divided into current and battery ones. As it is easy to imagine, the former are those that enjoy great power, superior to other types, therefore suitable for large hedges full of thick branches. Our advice, therefore, is to consider a combustion-powered model, if you are sure that your garden is full of long and double branches, as well as being generous in size.If you want to avoid the use of fuel, as well as having a lighter solution, without sacrificing too much power, then we suggest you focus on a current model. In this case, however, you will need to make sure that the wattage is as close to 500W as possible, to avoid buying a model whose power could force you to take more than one pass to get the job done. Clearly, more Watts translates into more power, but the length of the blade must also be taken into consideration, an aspect that we will address shortly.
Finally, battery-powered models are the ones that should be considered by those who they have a small hedge and whose branches are not too thick to require a blade characterized by large teeth and, consequently, a powerful engine. Plus, the battery-powered models are perfect for those looking for a compact, lightweight and easy-to-handle solution. In this case, you have to make sure you choose a model whose battery has sufficient strength so that the twigs are cut at the first shot, and to achieve this it is good to evaluate only models that have a voltage of at least 18V which, at the same time, they are also those that guarantee a good autonomy.
Blade length
The length of the blade is a factor related to the power of the hedge trimmer, i.e. the more powerful the latter, the more the tool can handle a long blade, which is why petrol engine models are usually the ones that boast the longest blades. A 40cm blade, in fact, requires less power than a 70cm one, which is why you will hardly find battery hedge trimmers with long blades. However, our advice is to focus on models that have at least a 40 / 45cm blade, in order to be sure that they will fit most hedges.Weight
Hedge trimmers, especially the more powerful ones with petrol engines, can weigh around 10kg, which is why you should underestimate the weight factor when buying, especially if you have a body that does not allow you to lift certain weights easily. Maintaining and using a heavy hedge trimmer for long periods of time could therefore become very tiring, which is why you should eventually go for an electric model, which tends to be much lighter, with an average weight of 3-4kg.However, there are some tricks that, if present, can make it easier to control the hedge trimmer such as a padded handle, which is useful for allowing a better grip. Telescopic models are an excellent alternative for those who want to minimize muscle strain and allow you to cut branches at the highest points, otherwise reachable only with a ladder. Finally, it is also worth underlining the importance of a balanced weight of the instrument, which ensures that muscle fatigue is as light as possible.
Safety
As in all instruments similar, safety should be a priority, both from the point of view of the manufacturer and the end user. Modern hedge trimmers now all integrate various safety systems, but it is always advisable to make sure that the latter are really present and you can do this by taking a look at the product description. If you want to be sure that you are cutting hedges with a reliable and safe tool, you should check that the product you are about to buy has the following safety systems:Blade brake: it is a system that allows the blade of the hedge trimmer to lock immediately as soon as the trigger is released, without the rotation stopping due to inertia. A few seconds of advantage that could make the difference if the instrument slips from the hand; Safe starting: it is nothing more than the power button, designed to allow the engine of the instrument not to turn on if it is accidentally pressed. To start the engine, in fact, you will first need to turn a kind of crank or any other method; Protection on the front handle: the typical handle of the hedge trimmer could in some cases slip the hand, with the risk of touching the cutting plates while they are active, which is why it is important that there is a protection on the front handle of the tool.
Battery life of a hedge trimmer
The battery life of a hedge trimmer will depend on the type of battery that is used and how you use the tool. Since the average autonomy is about 30 minutes, our advice is to charge the hedge trimmer after each use, thus having the advantage of starting the next job with a full battery. However, you may be forced to reload during a mowing session if you have a large hedge with lots of foliage to cut down. In this case, we suggest you consider purchasing a spare battery, although often different manufacturers tend to include it in the price in their most advanced solutions. Likewise, cheaper models tend not to include the main battery either, so pay attention to the product description when purchasing. First of all say that these batteries are very similar to those of most power tools, which means that they are lithium-ion batteries. These usually boast between 300 and 500 charge cycles, which can be translated into two or three years. As with all batteries, keep in mind that their actual capacity will degrade over time.How to sharpen hedge trimmers
If you notice that your hedge trimmer is no longer able to cut smoothly, with the branches jamming between the teeth of the blade, it most likely means it's time to sharpen the blade. Although it is an operation that you can also do if you have a minimum of manual skills, the advice is to entrust the hedge trimmer to professionals in the sector, who will take care of the blade and make it as good as new.The corners of the A hedge trimmer blade can be quite difficult to sharpen and you may end up making them even more blunt, making the tool almost unusable. If you want to try to sharpen the blade yourself, we suggest you follow a dedicated video tutorial, after having clearly procured the necessary tools, including a flat file, a soft cloth, a resin solvent and safety equipment.
In any case, we reiterate that taking the tool to an expert in the sector is the easiest choice, also because in all probability you will have to purchase the necessary equipment to ensure that you can sharpen the blade. This operation should be done at least once a year and will undoubtedly be beneficial for the tool, which will thus be able to remain efficient with a very low maintenance cost.
