An electric hedge trimmer is a professional gardener's tool. It is designed for quick and convenient trimming of hedges and other shrubs on the site. It has a limited coverage area due to its constant connection to the power grid. Unlike gasoline or motorized brush cutters, it does not create noise, vibration or air pollution.
Can be used for caring for bushes in greenhouses and indoor greenhouses. The second name of the tool is electric garden shears. The article provides an overview of popular models with approximate prices and advice on selection. You may also be interested in information about how to choose and use pruning shears for grafting trees.
What is a hedge trimmer
A hedge trimmer is a tool for trimming and forming the correct shape of bushes and hedges. The main distinguishing feature is that hedge trimmers have powerful handles in order to apply less physical force, and elongated, sharp blades. Therefore, you can use a brush cutter for trees. There are two main types of tools: manual and mechanized. The second type, in turn, is divided into several types, depending on the power source.
Brush cutter
Safety first
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What will you need to do first when the box with the equipment is in your hands? We are confident that you will give the correct answer: you need to make sure that all the equipment is in place, and then take it out and carefully study the instructions. Only from it you can learn about the rules for using your device and the secrets of caring for it.
Another important point that is usually specified there is the use of equipment recommended by the manufacturer. You can purchase everything you need for working in the garden on our online store website.
First, you need to think about buying special glasses, for example Bosch 2.607.990.037. They will protect your eyes from dust and branches flying off when cutting. For people with poor vision, it is important to be able to wear them simultaneously with regular vision-correcting glasses. Also pay attention to whether they are fog-proof. If not, you will have to stop more than once during your work to wipe them.
Headphones (Bosch 2.607.990.043) or earplugs (Bosch 2.607.990.044) will also come in handy, especially if you have chosen a gasoline hedge trimmer. They will help protect your hearing during prolonged use of these devices.
You will need gloves for changing cutting equipment and other maintenance operations on the hedge trimmer. They will be able to protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.
If you are going to use a hedge trimmer, you will need to wear a safety helmet. Thanks to it, you can protect yourself from cut branches that fall to great heights.
You should take your choice of clothing for gardening very seriously. Just the one that “doesn’t mind” won’t do. It is better if it is adjacent to the body, otherwise you can easily catch it on the branches of a bush. Legs should be covered, so opt for trousers rather than shorts. Shoes should be tight, with non-slip soles that cover the entire foot. Therefore, flip flops and sandals are not suitable. Before you start working, remove your jewelry and pin up your hair.
So, having become acquainted with all types of equipment for hedge trimmers, let's try to decide what is needed first:
- Regardless of which device you choose, you will need gloves and safety glasses;
- When purchasing electric hedge trimmers, consider whether you have a suitable extension cord. If not, it’s better to buy it right away so as not to put off work because you won’t be able to “reach” the desired corner of the garden;
- For gasoline-powered devices, stock up on special oil and gasoline, which can only be purchased at reliable gas stations. Think about where you will prepare the fuel mixture - if there is no suitable canister, you also need to buy it;
- Battery hedge trimmers will not require any additional consumables at first - in this regard they are very convenient.
You can purchase all other accessories and additional equipment as needed. You can do this in our store - just contact the managers and they will help you choose the right knives, chargers, etc.
Suitable equipment for a hedge trimmer is the key to quality work. Having purchased everything you need, you can be sure that you will be able to turn your site into a work of art.
For summer residents who do not have many green spaces on their property, the simplest ones are suitable - mechanical hedge trimmers (for example, GRINDA 8-422003). They operate on the principle of ordinary scissors. You can process two or three red currant bushes with them, but for more you will need other, improved devices.
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The first representatives of these – battery-powered hedge trimmers – appeared relatively recently and were immediately loved by many. Indeed, their advantages are obvious. Firstly, they are very compact and lightweight. The weight of some of them is less than two kilograms (Metabo PowerTrimmer Li Pro 600138000, Bosch ASB 10.8 LI Set 0.600.856.301). Therefore, both women and older people will be able to work with them - they will not have to make any serious efforts.
Secondly, ease of use is important - you will not need to refill them or constantly monitor the extension cable. Just press the power button and get started. Maintaining green spaces has never been easier.
Are you interested in how things are going with their power? A battery voltage of 14.4 V, for example, will be enough to cut branches up to 14 mm thick. This is a good result, allowing you to trim any hedge in this way.
The advent of lithium-ion batteries has eliminated any battery problems that may have previously occurred. After all, these energy carriers practically do not discharge on their own, they do not have a “memory effect” and they are more capacious than nickel-cadmium. We advise you to pay special attention to Bosch AHS 52 ACCU 0.600.839.480.
Electric hedge trimmers (Black Decker GT 510, Metabo HS 55 620017000) are much more powerful (average 500 - 550 W). With their help you can create green sculptures and trim branches about 20 - 25 mm thick. The time of their use is limited only by your needs. However, it should be remembered that breaks in work are required, otherwise the tool will wear out much faster.
Like rechargeable ones, they are practically environmentally friendly and silent. You will be able to trim plants without fear of disturbing your household. Therefore, for those who like to work in the garden in the early morning or evening hours, this option is optimal.
Their disadvantages include, first of all, energy dependence. However, purchasing a good extension cord (for example, Krona RS-1 KS114020 or KS224050) will help you not to worry about this. But, unfortunately, there is no way to avoid banning the use of such a device in wet weather. Also, under no circumstances should they cut wet vegetation, because all this can lead to electric shock to the operator.
The most productive are gasoline hedge trimmers (like Husqvarna 325HD60x, Stihl HS 45). Thanks to their high power (on average about 750 - 850 W), they can be used not only to solve any household problems, but also, for example, in public utilities. With their help, you will be able to care for shrubs in city parks and squares, because they are designed specifically to maintain a large number of green spaces.
But they also have several disadvantages: heavy weight (on average about 5.2 - 5.5 kg), high cost, the need to prepare the fuel mixture for a two-stroke engine each time (namely, the vast majority of brush cutters are equipped with them) and loud noise during operation.
Once you have decided on the type of power supply for the hedge trimmer, you need to pay attention to its knives.
How can you ensure that using your new equipment brings you only joy? In this article we will tell you about all the rules for using this technique, as well as give some useful tips. By following them, you will protect your equipment from premature wear, protect yourself from any injuries, avoid mistakes that can lead to the breakdown of a newly purchased hedge trimmer, and learn how to use it to give the ideal shape to green spaces.
What is a hedge trimmer for?
Manual hedge trimmer
In general, a garden hedge trimmer is a universal tool for garden care. It is used for pruning fruit and berry plantings (trees and large bushes), for trimming hedges and shaping ornamental shrubs, and for removing excess plants from a personal plot. Very often, gardeners think about whether it is possible to mow grass with a hedge trimmer. To date, several models have been created that are suitable for mowing the lawn.
Electric garden hedge trimmer
A good brush cutter makes garden care much easier, as it has a number of advantages:
- You can choose a universal unit or limit yourself to direct functionality;
- There is no need to purchase pruning shears separately, since the hedge trimmer completely replaces it and surpasses it in performance;
- The design greatly simplifies the work, since you do not need to hold the branches with your hands;
- High power allows you to cope even with large trees.
Electric garden hedge trimmer
Electric hedge trimmer BOSCH AHS 45-16
Makita UH4261. This garden hedge trimmer is used for cutting shrubs and hedges. The weight of the device reaches 2.9 kg, which allows you to work with it for a long time without hand fatigue. The range of action of the tool is limited by the length of the cable.
The advantage of this brush cutter is the presence of a safety system. To turn on the device, you must simultaneously press two of the three available switches. This protection system prevents the tool from accidentally turning on during transportation. The model is equipped with a powerful engine and costs about 5900 rubles.
Bosch AHS 60-16. This tool is equipped with high-quality balancing, has a light weight of 2.8 kg and comfortable handles. It can be used for a long time without interruption. The design of the device allows you to avoid heavy load on your back and arms during operation. High engine power and high-quality sharp blades allow you to quickly and efficiently process large areas of green space.
Reviews
I bought a Makita hedge trimmer because of the popularity of the brand. I was quite pleased. The tool is easy to operate, convenient and lightweight, and copes well with trimming bushes in a summer cottage.
Igor
I liked the Bosch hedge trimmer. The knives have an optimal size of 60 cm and do an excellent job with medium-sized shrubs and hedges. During long-term work, my hands did not get tired. The best option for a hedge trimmer at an affordable price.
Valery
Review, test, reviews and operation of the BOSCH AHS 45-16 electronic hedge trimmer. Find out detailed information about the product and.
How to choose a tool
Husqvarna hedge trimmer
Choosing the right model is not an easy task. There are several types of hedge trimmers, each of which has its own characteristics and nuances:
- Brush trimmer;
- Rechargeable;
- Petrol;
- Electric;
- Manual (scissors).
Working with a hedge trimmer
How to choose a hedge trimmer for your dacha depends on some conditions:
- Area of the site and its distance from power sources;
- What type of bushes predominates in the garden (the thickness of the branches, the height of the trees and the overall girth of the crown);
- How much work remains to be done;
- Frequency of tool use;
- Who will do the work.
Manual hedge trimmer
If you plan to trim single bushes once or twice a season, then it is enough to have scissors in your arsenal. Outwardly, they look like a large pruning shears - a blade 0.25 m long and a handle of the same size. Since cutting bushes manually with a hedge trimmer is a task that requires physical effort, when choosing a model you need to focus on the convenience of the location. The handles should fit comfortably in your palms. In addition, an important characteristic is the ease of compression and release of the mechanism.
Manual hedge trimmer
Important! Wave-shaped blades work best with branches. They grip the branch tightly, so there is no need to additionally hold the bush with your hands.
Electric hedge trimmer
Garden electric shears should be chosen based on the following characteristics:
- Power - the maximum value is 0.6 kW, but for high productivity and a large volume of work on the site, 0.5 kW is sufficient;
- An effective brush cutter knife has a length of 0.4-0.5 m;
- The upper blade is made of self-sharpening material;
- The frequency of operation of the blades is an important indicator on which the evenness of the cut depends;
- For simple work, you need to take a single-sided blade. When performing figure work - double-sided;
- The configuration of the handle greatly affects ease of use, so it is important that the kit includes rubber pads.
Electric hedge trimmer
Main advantages of electric tools:
- Does not pollute the air;
- Lightweight and compact device (maximum weight – 4 kg);
- High productivity and reduced work time;
- An electric telescopic hedge trimmer is very convenient for trimming hedges;
- Models with a larger blade gap can be used as a lawn trimmer;
- The average diameter of cut branches is 2 cm.
The only drawback of this type of brush cutter is its dependence on the power source. The standard length of the wire included is 30 m. If the bushes are located further away, then you need to take care of carrying them. In addition, there is a risk of accidentally cutting the wire during operation.
Cordless hedge trimmer
A variety of electric type with an independent power source. Despite the significant advantage of mobility, such a tool has a limited charge. Therefore, you will have to constantly adjust to the duration of recharging. In addition, prolonged storage (in winter) significantly reduces the performance (capacity) of the battery, and it begins to discharge even faster. The battery weighs the device by 1.5-2 kg.
Cordless hedge trimmer
Note! A cordless hedge trimmer is best chosen for a large area, but with a small number of bushes and trees. In this case, it will be easy to move around the territory without being tied to electricity; the charge will be enough for a small amount of work. In such a situation, the device will fully justify itself.
Petrol hedge trimmer
The most powerful tool that is used in a professional environment (for trimming bushes in a forested area). A gas-powered tool requires certain skills to use. To start the engine, you need to mix oil and gasoline.
Petrol hedge trimmer
Disadvantages of this type:
- Large mass of the device (more than 5 kg);
- Exhaust into the atmosphere;
- High cost of fuel;
- High noise level;
- The need for constant maintenance.
But the power of the gas engine is enough to cut thick branches up to 5 cm (for example, thuja), as well as rough dead wood trunks. Despite the high power of such a tool, it is not advisable to purchase it for personal use. This is an option for industrial use.
Cordless garden shears: features and specifications
An excellent alternative to hedge trimmers for processing small areas is cordless grass and bush shears. Like any gardening equipment, this tool can have an amateur or professional purpose. What are the best cordless scissors to buy for cutting grass and shrubs? We’ll look at them below.
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The operating principle of cordless lawn shears is quite simple. In caring for a small area of up to six acres, and this is exactly the area most summer cottages have, you simply cannot do without special equipment. To cultivate the lawn and trim branches of fruit trees and bushes, summer residents use secateurs, mowers, and brush cutters, but increasingly they prefer battery-powered lawn shears.
It should be noted that the use of mechanical scissors and pruners has a negative impact on the skin of the hands, since force and friction lead to the formation of calluses. Petrol cutters, as a rule, have a lot of weight, dimensions and are not cheap. These simple reasons motivate experienced gardeners to buy cordless shears for grass and other plants.
Cordless garden shears are convenient for processing small areas
Helpful advice! Cordless and electric brush cutters do not emit exhaust gases. They are light enough that women can use them.
Why you should buy cordless shears for cutting grass and bushes
The main advantage of such scissors is that there is no need to refuel them and connect them to the network. Therefore, you can use the tool in different places, even the most remote from civilization. You also won’t have to inhale the fumes emitted by gasoline-powered appliances.
Cordless scissors have a simple operating principle, so even inexperienced amateur gardeners can use them. The mechanism is driven by lithium-ion batteries. They are built into the device or made replaceable. A regular battery lasts on average for 2 hours of continuous trimming. The operating time depends on the battery capacity. The duration of operation of the scissors is also affected by the load. Trimming thicker branches drains the batteries quickly and can take up to 5 hours to fully charge.
But the most important advantage is its small size and light weight. According to reviews, battery shears for grass and bushes are quite lightweight, compact and maneuverable. The maximum weight of most models barely reaches 600 grams. The exception is powerful professional devices that weigh more than one and a half kilograms.
Cordless scissors are easy to use, so they are suitable even for beginners
Before you buy cordless garden shears for cutting grass and shrubs, you need to check the cutting width, that is, the maximum area that can be processed in one swath. There are two sizes - 8 and 16 cm.
The principle of operation of a cordless tool is quite simple. The mechanism includes a working unit consisting of two knives. The upper blade is movable, powered by a motor, and the lower knife is static.
Cordless grass shears: manufacturer's choice
Many manufacturers produce equipment for gardening. Experienced gardeners advise giving preference to branded brands that have proven themselves in this market segment. The leaders in this list are rightfully Bosch cordless grass shears and Gardena brand tools. Models from other brands are less popular.
Bosch cordless grass shears have interchangeable attachments, one of which is designed for mowing lawns, and the other for trimming bushes. The duration of continuous operation of such a tool is at least one and a half hours.
Bosch scissors are the leader in this market segment
The lightweight and compact Bosch ISIO cordless grass shears with telescopic arm are ideal for cutting lawn edges and cultivating hard-to-reach areas. The tool is powered by a lithium-ion battery. Its charge lasts for 40 minutes. The charge level is controlled by a four-stage LED.
Gardena Comfort Cut cordless grass shears are an analogue of the model discussed above, in no way inferior to it in terms of characteristics. The tool is also equipped with two attachments for processing grass and cutting branches of bushes. Gardena's cordless scissors can operate uninterruptedly for up to 2 hours.
Cordless garden shears: professional models
Hitachi scissors have one head and are used for both cutting lawns and trimming shrubs. They are characterized by high productivity: in 40 minutes you can process up to 25 square meters of grass. The unit easily cuts branches up to 8 mm thick without additional attachments.
Makita cordless scissors are a professional tool; they are used both for cultivating lawns and for cutting bushes. A distinctive feature is a wide grip, reaching 160 mm.
Makita professional cordless scissors are used not only for trimming bushes, but also lawns
Helpful advice! To perform a large volume of work, cutting thick branches and old bushes, it is better to purchase gasoline hedge trimmers. But only men can handle such a tool, since the device is quite heavy. When choosing a gasoline device, you should pay attention to the anti-vibration system and exhaust gas filtration. Operation of the device should not have a negative impact on the human body.
The listed models are made in accordance with the latest technologies and are characterized by high quality, reliable materials, ergonomics and a high level of safety. As for pricing, Gardena cordless grass shears are the most budget option.
Working with cordless garden shears for cutting grass: advice from gardeners
Before starting to operate any device, you must carefully study the instructions, and also take into account a number of special nuances not specified in the recommendations. They are referred to by experienced gardeners who have tested the tool in use:
Before starting work, it is recommended to study the instructions and advice from experienced gardeners
- Knives need regular sharpening. To do this, you should use exclusively the laser sharpening method.
- When buying a tool, you should give preference to models with a lithium-ion battery, which is used even at low temperatures.
- For devices with a removable battery, it is advisable to buy a spare battery, which will ensure continuous operation.
- Some models have rotating blades, which allows you to cut grass in hard-to-reach places.
- The recharging time depends on the battery capacity. Works longer - charges longer.
- You should take care of your own safety and never work without gloves, as the knives are very sharp.
- To recharge, you must use only the “native” charger: other charges can lead to rapid wear of the battery.
When buying a hedge trimmer or garden shears, you should take into account the volume of work, the frequency of use of the tool, and the ability to connect to the network. You should also pay attention to the manufacturer and listen to the advice of experienced gardeners. Choosing the right model of hedge trimmer directly affects the degree of comfort of the garden work performed. Reliable helpers, including hedge trimmers, will help you turn hard work into pleasure.
