A hedge trimmer is a type of agricultural or garden tool. And as the name suggests, it is used to trim hedges. There are mainly two types of hedge trimmers - manual and electrical. Amongst these there are some variations that have been mentioned below.
Types of Hedge Trimmers
Stand Alone
A stand alone hedge trimmer could be either power driven or manual. The power driven stand alone hedge trimmer uses gasoline or electricity to operate. However, the manual or hedge trimmer driven by human force is best when you consider environmental factors. They are cheaper and easy to operate. Generally gas powered or electrically powered hedge trimmers are equipped with safety devices. The mechanism is such that they operate only when the operator has both his hands on the handles.
Tractor Mounted
This type of a hedge trimmer is more suitable for pruning of plants and crops. Tractor mounted hedge trimmers either have a movable arm or they do not have a movable arm. The ones without movable arms depend only on rotating blades on a couple of central pivots placed on the tractor's side. Now, these hedge trimmers are best for growing grapes, more specifically for making wine. Small tractors driving between the grape vines are mounted with these type of hedge trimmers, without a movable arm.
Well, this was about hedge trimmers in general. Now let's get down to business. Here's a low down on some of the best electric hedge trimmers.
Reviews of Hedge Trimmer
Stihl Hedge Trimmer HS81T
Well, this one is surely up for grabs. Stihl HS81T is a great option for keeping your hedges in a perfect shape. Stihl HS81T is lightweight with balanced design and low vibration levels. It has 24 inch or 30 inch double-sided blade length. It's also equipped with rear swivel handle for enhanced comfort at different speeds. The engine power is 0.7 kW and this hedge trimmer weighs between 5.2 kg and 5.4 kg, depending on the blade size. It is good especially for shaping and sculpting your hedge. It does not start on the first pull sometimes, still Stihl is a good option for hedge trimming.
Black & Decker NHT518
Now you would perhaps love this, if you do not want the whole baggage of fuel and electric wires and so on. It is cordless and runs on a battery and 22 inch blades that give a smooth and level cut. It does a neat job of branches less than 1/2 inch thick and you get optional extra battery packs. However, it gets a thumbs down from users with regards to poor battery life. On the other hand the users like the cordless design. Again, they say that it is not as powerful as corded trimmers. Nevertheless, it is lightweight and makes minimum noise. So you can go for it.
Echo HC-150 Petrol Commercial Grade Trimmer
Well, hopefully most of the users would echo my statement that, Echo is a very efficient hedge trimmer. This is a high performing, commercial grade hedge trimmer powered by petrol. It is a smooth and jerk free hedge trimmer and is great for pruning and trimming. Durability is apparently the forte of this Echo hedge trimmer. Superb double reciprocating blades cut on their return and forward strokes, which give a smooth, uniform finish to your hedges. Not a bad choice either!
Makita UH6350 Electric Trimmer
This is a well designed tool with a great cutting action, according to a magazine on mechanical products. It is light weight and can deal very well with branches up to inch of diameter. Although one of the disadvantage is that you have to bear with a cord and has a single blade operation. A fairly good option if you are thinking of buying a hedge trimmer.
Take your pick according to your requirements and any hedge trimmer is good so far as it helps you keep your plants in good shape! What say!
