Hedge Trimmer Guide

The days of taking pruning sheers or trimmers to your hedges are over with cordless hedge trimmers. If you are contemplating buying a hedge trimmer, it is important to understand the pros and cons of a cordless hedge trimmer and make sure the trimmer you purchase works for you and your yard – not your neighbors.

The Pros of Cordless Hedge Trimmers

A cordless trimmer has an obvious advantage: no cords. You have the mobility similar to a gas model without the hassle of refilling or difficult cords to engage the motor. Unlike gas trimmers, cordless trimmers do not pollute the air or have the loud noise accompanied by a gas powered motor. Most cordless trimmers weigh, on average, about six and a half pounds, which makes them easy to use and maneuver in heavy brush.

The Cons

Since the cordless trimmer runs without gasoline, it requires a specialized battery to get going. This battery typically needs to be fully recharged after each use and extensive use might require a battery change-out mid-project. As the battery wears down, the trimmers power and ability to trim or cut through thicker brush can be lessened as oppose to a fully-charged battery. In comparison to an electric, corded model, the cordless unit is much heavier.

Single and Dual Action

Cordless hedge trimmers come in both single and dual action blades. What is the difference? Single and dual action refers to the blades used to cut the brush. Single action blades have one blade that sits on a bar and moves back and forth, while a dual action blade has two separate blades that take turn going back and forth for faster cutting. Therefore dual action provide accurate, precise and straight cutting compared to a single action blade.

Blade Length

A hedge trimmer comes with different blade lengths depending on their use. The industry average ranges from 14 to 30-inches long. Trimmers with longer blades have heavier duty cutting power than those with shorter blades. However, a longer blade also means the trimmer will weigh considerably more than a shorter blade model. For all-purpose cutting needs it is recommended you purchase a hedge trimmer with an 18 to 24-inch blade.

Features to Look for in Cordless Hedge Trimmers

Though a cordless model is already considered a feature, there are other features a good hedge trimmer should have. Look for features such as:

• Vibration dampening – This will lessen the amount of vibration sent up from the blade to the handle, which can cause fatigue and pain with long-term use.
• Weight balance – When you lift the trimmer, the weight should be evenly distributed from blade to battery for accurate and safe cutting.
• Instant stop blades – Once the power is cut to the machine the blades should stop instantly rather than shake back and forth at all after power has ceased.
• Safety shield – A shield should be in place between the blades and the handle to prevent loose brush, broken branches and protect your hands from the blades themselves.

Cordless hedge trimmers can be found at any local hardware supply stores such as Home Depot, ACE Hardware and Lowes.

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