If you've ever had to cut your hedges with manual shears then you'll understand how truly blessed you are to have a hedge trimmer. Not only can hedge trimmers save you heaps of time, they can also prevent aching arms and ensure that you get a clean, neat, sharp finish to your hedge. The latest models are lighter in weight, easier to manoeuvre and more convenient than their predecessors and there are different models to suit different sized gardens and hedges. Well-trimmed hedges encourage healthy growth, provide a tidy border for your garden and can add structure or even a little fun to a garden design. Choosing the right tool to achieve this is about finding a compromise between the size of your garden, the type of hedge and your comfort.
| Brand | Product | Power Source | Weight | Features |
 | OHT1850X | Battery | 3.2kg | 4-position articulating head |
| OHT1855R | Battery | 4.1kg | Diamond ground blade |
| OPT1845 | Battery | 4.2kg | Includes blade sheath |
 | HYT2318 | Petrol | 4.2kg | Quality rubber shock absorbers |
| RHT2660R | Petrol | 7kg | 5-position ergonomic rear handle |
| RPP182020 | Battery | 6kg | 30° angled cutting head |
| OPP1820 | Battery | 4.2kg | 4m extension shaft |
Features
Power Handle
The power handle is a relatively new feature, only found on recent models. This element is incredibly handy for large and intricately designed hedges, as it rotates for optimum user comfort whilst manoeuvring round the branches.
Power
Cordless trimmers use volts, ranging from 18V to 36V and petrol trimmers use CCs, ranging from 20cc to 40cc. If your hedges are tended regularly with thin branches, lower powered trimmers will be suitable. But if your hedges are dense, more strength is needed, so more powerful models will be needed.
Weight
It's important to take the tools weight into consideration. It's very likely that you will be spending long periods of time holding and lifting this tool, so you'll want to ensure that you are capable. Petrol trimmers are heaviest as they have the most power.
Teeth Spacing & Blade Length
The longer the blade, the more hedge you are able to cut. While this can be handy for larger hedges and minimising time spent working, it can also hinder manoeuvrability and increase the weight of the tool.
Safety features
Hand guard
All blades come with a hand guard to prevent your hands from slipping onto the blade.
Blade cover
Keeps your blades safe while the trimmer is stored, preventing accidents. They also help to protect it against damage.
Dual safety switch
This is where you have to press and hold two power switches before the hedge trimmer will turn on.
Electronic/quick stop brake
A brake system ensures that once you stop the trimmer, the blades cease moving in moments, reducing risk of accidental injury.
Battery Powered
Battery powered strimmers are ideal for small to medium sized hedges, they have excellent manoeuvrability in part to the lightweight design and lack of cords restricting movements. Cordless hedge trimmers with higher-powered 36V batteries are beginning to rival petrol hedge trimmers. Batteries typically last around 30 minutes, but some will keep going for up to an hour. The best batteries recharge in about 90 minutes. If you have a larger hedge, think about buying a second battery to finish the job.
Ryobi OHT1850X 18v Cordless Extendable Hedge Trimmer
This trimmer is perfect complicated and hard to reach areas. It is efficient and reliable, a much preferred choice among gardeners. This tool features a 4-position articulating head and rotating rear handle keeping a similar great standard even when cutting in the highest spots or areas. Weighing only 3.7kg the Ryobi OHT1850X is easy to use and very lightweight. Therefore, it becomes easier and simpler to reach top of even the tallest hedges in the garden. The 50cm blade and 16mm blade gap cuts through bushes and branches easily with hedgesweep™ technology for easy removal of clippings and debris.
Features and Benefits
Rotating rear handle for optimum reach in all cutting applications.
50cm blade with 16mm blade gap to cut through branches.
Allows for easier, manageable tasks in its extended position.
Ryobi ONE+ OHT1855R 18V Cordless Hedge Trimmer with Hedge Sweep
The rotating handle, coupled with Ryobi's hedgesweep™ technology makes this the perfect tool for trimming awkward shapes or none conventional angles. If a particularly stubborn branch needs to be removed, simply focus the end of the blade on the branch and watch it fall away with simple ease with Ryobi's Bladesaw feature. Powerful, light and incredibly manoeuvrable, this tool is ideal for at home DIYer and serious garden enthusiast alike. Thanks to innovative anti-jamming system, blockages don’t hamper operation, ensuring a professional looking finish.
Features and Benefits
22mm cutting capacity, delivering powerful cuts on tough hedges.
With 5-position rotating handle and dual trigger controls.
Blockages don’t hamper operation, ensuring uninterrupted trimming.
Ryobi OPT1845 ONE+ Pole Hedge Trimmer
Rated as one of the best battery powered hedge trimmers, this tool is an ideal buy for every homeowner who needs to cut through branches and taller hedges with ease. Its fantastic lightweight design combined with the removable 230cm pole extension allows you to trim the top of hedges safely and efficiently without needing use of a ladder. The versatile 45cm blade allows clean cutting whilst the 18mm blade gap allows for cutting large branches easily.
Features and Benefits
Capable of cutting through large, tough branches.
Removable extension shaft for full length of 2.3m, or compact storage.
4 position head – for achieving neat edges or curved cuts on tall hedges.
Petrol Powered
Petrol powered hedge trimmers are much more powerful than their battery powered counterparts. However due to the excess power they are typically heavier. These tools are great for large hedges, especially those with thick branches. They do however have an air of convenience. with no cords to get in the way and no batteries that need recharging, they can take on tougher jobs faster.
Hyundai HYT2318 2-Stroke Petrol Hedge Trimmer
At just 4.2kg this hedge trimmer is one of the lightest petrol hedge trimmers on the market. Despite it's low weight and easy manoeuvrability, this tool is still very powerful, and more than capable of cutting through even the toughest of branches. Designed for both light and heavy DIY jobs, this trimmer is perfect for hedges, bushes and shrubbery. Powered by an impressive 2-stroke, air-cooled 23cc Hyundai engine, this tool provides remarkable cutting power and performance with a fuel primer system.
Features and Benefits
Cut down the time you spend gardening,with a long cutting blade.
Pressing this, the blades cease moving reducing risk of injury.
Reduce hand and arm vibration making for a comfortable tool.
Ryobi RHT2660R 26cc Petrol Hedge Trimmer with Hedge Sweep
This powerful 26cc Ryobi hedge trimmer is ideal for both professional and DIY applications. Unlike many typically petrol hedge cutters this carburettor engine boasts easy start technology to ensure simple use. Even the toughest of hedges and bushes are effortless to tidy up, thanks to the dual action twin reciprocating blades. The 5 position ergonomic rear handle provides brilliant manoeuvrability and ultimate comfort - brilliant for long term use.
Features and Benefits
With a 28mm tooth gap, it can cope with bigger trees and branches.
This attachment allows for easy removal of clippings during cutting
5 position rotating rear handle, provides optimum user comfort.
Pruning Saws
A pruning saw is the perfect tool to fit between your chainsaw and hedge trimmer. The sharp blades can cut through branches, that are too tough for hedge trimmers but don't quite yet require the strength of a chainsaw. Pruning saws are ideal for those hard to reach branches, regular pruning keeps your plants healthy and tidy. It also encourages the production of buds to make flowers and fruit.
Ryobi RPP182020 ONE+ Cordless Pole Saw Pruner
This Ryobi cordless pole pruner has a 20cm Oregon bar and chain for efficient pruning and cutting, with high torque performance providing 5.5m/s chain speed. The extendable shaft boasts a reach of up to 4m combined with the 30° angled cutting head, allows for easy pruning and total control. The automatic bar and chain lubrication aid offers continuous cutting, without the need to stop.
Features and Benefits
Effective pruning and cutting, with 5.5m/s high torque chain speed.
Extendable shaft for a reach of up to 4m combined with 30° cutting head.
Automatic lubrication aids cutting, without the need to stop.
Ryobi OPP1820 ONE+ 18V Cordless Pole Saw
This Ryobi pole saw delivers both durability and performance. With its extendable shaft that can reach up to 4 metres this saw can reach high branches with out the need for ladders or steps. It also features a unique feature of a tool-less chain tensioner which allows the chain tension to be quickly and easily adjusted for the best performance. Ideal for trimming those hard to reach branches in trees, bushes and even vines that can't be reached from the ground.
Features and Benefits
The 5.5m/s chain speed provides a strong cutting performance.
The angled cutting head improves control from the ground.
The tensioner adjusts the chain tension quickly and easily.
Still need help?
Our in house experts are always on hand for buying advice and to provide bespoke care, regardless of the application.
Call SGS on 01332 576 850 or fill out our contact form today.
