A neatly cut hedge is a pleasure for every garden owner. For an optimal result, you also need a powerful hedge trimmer. The choice in retail is enormous with petrol, electric or battery models. We compare pros and cons.
In the beginning every hedge is still small. A manual hedge trimmer is often sufficient here to shorten the still tender shoots. However, with each passing year, the amount of work involved in trimming this hedge increases and it also requires significantly more experience to achieve an even cut.
With a motorized hedge trimmer, the solution is obvious. But here you are spoiled for choice. What does my hedge trimmer have to do and at what price?
Numerous manufacturers lure with prices that suggest cheap products of unknown production. Brand manufacturers are usually more expensive, but fare significantly better in relevant comparisons such as Stiftung Warentest. As with any other tool, quality is often associated with a higher price. In terms of cutting properties, long-term use with large hedges and the stability of the machine over many years, this additional price is definitely worth it.
You still have the choice between an electric hedge trimmer with a cable connection, one with a battery or a petrol-powered hedge trimmer. Each machine in these ranges has its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages and disadvantages of different hedge trimmers
The hedge trimmer you choose is mainly based on the area you need to trim.
Gasoline Hedge Trimmers
Hedge trimmers with petrol have the great advantage that they can be used anywhere. You only need the necessary fuel. However, this is not always completely unproblematic. Petrol hedge trimmers are equipped with a two-stroke petrol engine that requires a precise mixture of petrol and oil. It cannot be bought at all gas stations and mixing it yourself takes a lot of effort. Some manufacturers of petrol hedge trimmers offer you a ready-made mixture, but this is very expensive.
Gasoline hedge trimmers are aheadespecially suitable for commercial use. Janitorial services, community workers or green space owners often cut larger areas. Thus, the high acquisition costs pay off at some point. A petrol-powered hedge trimmer cuts with very high power, so that even a thick branch is no problem.
The heavy weight of the petrol-powered hedge trimmers is a disadvantage. When buying, consider that you will also need to be able to stand on a ladder and use the hedge trimmer when cutting the hedge. The noise level of a petrol hedge trimmer should also not be ignored.
Battery Hedge Trimmers
With a battery-powered hedge trimmer, you have the same freedom of movement as with a petrol-powered hedge trimmer. You can work flexibly and don't have to worry about a hanging cable. Unfortunately, the period of use is somewhat limited. When the hedge trimmer runs out of battery, working on the hedge is over. But you can also buy a second battery to be perfectly prepared. You can get such a battery at amazon.de, for example. In order to be able to recharge the batteries, you have to connect them to a power supply.
Another disadvantage of cordless hedge trimmers is the power. With larger branches, hedge trimmers can quickly reach their limits. In contrast to electric and petrol-powered hedge machines, the battery-powered hedge machine performs worst. The low weight, however, lets them shine again. A light hedge trimmer can be an advantage, especially for long work or high hedges.
Electric Hedge Trimmers
An electrically operated hedge trimmer with cable connection has one major disadvantage and this is the cable that has to be carried along. While working, it is pulled unnoticed into the branches of the hedge and even the slightest carelessness is enough for it to be cut up with a knife. If the electrical system works and the socket is protected by an earth leakage circuit breaker, there is no danger, but the annoyance in view of the work interruption is great.
Hedge trimmers with an electric motor are most useful for small gardens where trees, bushes and hedges can be trimmed in the immediate vicinity of the power source. Of course, you also have the option of using a cable drum to extend the range.
One big advantage of electric hedge machines is their performance. WithEven thicker branches can be cut through with ease without sacrificing performance.
» Stiftung Warentest - electric hedge trimmers
What to consider when buying hedge trimmers?
Depending on your needs, you can decide which model is right for you. However, there are still some important points that you should generally consider when making a purchase, regardless of the operating mode.
- knives sharpened on both sides
- Sword length should roughly match hedge width
- Note the specified cutting thickness (required for maximum branch thickness)
- Safety circuit and quick stop function must be available
- Sign for GS (tested safety)
Advantages and disadvantages at a glance
| Service | Advantages | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Hedge Trimmer | ✔ low weight ✔ environmentally friendly ✔ work flexibly ✔ freedom of movement | - limited service life - reduced power |
| Gasoline Hedge Trimmer | ✔ strong engine performance ✔ flexible in use ✔ freedom of movement | - high acquisition costs - cost of petrol - higher weight - more complex repairs |
| Electric Hedge Trimmer | ✔ low weight ✔ unlimited operating time ✔ high performance ✔ suitable for small gardens/hedges | - annoying power cable |