A hedge serves as a property boundary, as privacy and noise protection, it delimits garden spaces and offers birds and other animal garden dwellers both hiding places and - depending on the type of tree - food. However, hedges need to be trimmed regularly, which is best done using hedge trimmers. You can find out which model is used for which hedge here.
Hedge trimmers are not just hedge trimmers
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Fiskars SingleStep hedge trimmer, with serrated edge, high-quality steel blades, length 60 cm, matt black, HS22, 1001433
27.98 EUR To the product| blade length | 58 centimeters |
|---|---|
| broad | 19 centimeters |
| Weight | 840 grams |
| material | stainless steel |
| Type of drive / engine | no, manually |
| charging time | none, because manually |
If you want to cut back small bushes or low hedges, this handy and lightweight hedge trimmer (€77.00) is a good choice. The high-quality stainless steel blades have a special serrated edge to ensure the best possible hold of the material to be cut and to reduce the effort required when cutting. The cutting blades can be easily resharpened using a diamond file, which is sold separately. The hedge trimmer is an inexpensive entry-level model and designed for both right- and left-handers.
According to the Amazon customer reviews, the majority of users are very satisfied, especially with regard to the sharpness of the cutting blade and the uncomplicated operation.
our recommendation
Bosch battery hedge trimmer AHS 50-20 LI (1x battery, 18 volt system, stroke length: 20 mm, in a box)
134.99 EUR To the product| blade length | 50 centimeters |
|---|---|
| width / cutting diameter | 50 centimeters |
| Weight | 2.6 kilograms |
| battery voltage | 18 volts |
| drive type | Lithium-ion battery, rechargeable |
| charging time | 1 hour |
A power-driven hedge trimmer such as the AHS 50-20 hedge trimmer from Bosch is suitable for classic, medium-sized hedges with growth heights of up to two meters and more. The model is powered by a powerful lithium-ion battery, so you don't have to keep an eye on the power cable when cutting. Amazon customers are mostly positive in their product reviews and report that one battery charge is easily enough for hedges that are 25 meters long and more than two meters high.
The cordless hedge trimmer has an anti-blocking system, which is intended to ensure continuous cutting, even of thicker branches.
our recommendation
Einhell electric hedge trimmer GE-EH 7067 (700 W, 670 mm cutting length, 30 mm tooth spacing, clippings collector, cable strain relief)
82.05 EUR To the product| cutting length | 67 centimeters |
|---|---|
| sword length | 71 centimeters |
| power | 700 watts |
| cuts per minute | 3000 |
| Weight | 3.49 kilograms |
| Type of drive / engine | powered |
| loading time | none, because cable |
Especially for large and old hedges and bushes you need a hedge trimmer that cuts even thick branches effortlessly and cleanly. The powerful Einhell GE-EH 7067 electric hedge trimmer is well suited for this purpose, which, according to Amazon customer reviews, can even handle thuja branches that are centimeters thick with an input of 700 watts and a blade length of 67 centimeters. The sharp, diamond-ground and laser-cut steel knives are driven by an electric motor and make 3000 cuts per minute.
In addition to a large hand guard, a knife cover made of aluminum and a shock protection, the two-hand safety switch with knife stop ensures safety. The practical clippings collector picks up the clippings straight away.
Purchase Criteria
scope of application
Small and low hedges and shrubs: If you only want to cut young shrubs or low hedges - such as the border around the flower bed or the small coniferous ball in the front yard - then manual hedge trimmers or hand hedge trimmers, as they are also called, will suffice. With such a machine you need time and, depending on the material to be cut, quite a lot of effort, but you cut more carefully and precisely than with a machine-operated model. This means that hand hedge trimmers are also perfect for topiary.
Medium-sized hedges and shrubs: For hedges of normal to medium height, which traditionally fence in the property or serve as a privacy screen, high-performance mechanically operated cordless shears make sense. This reduces the effort required and saves time. Battery-powered hedge trimmers work without a cable and cut classic hedges into the desired shape in no time at all. A standard cordless hedge trimmer works with 18 volts, but there are also smaller (12 or 16 volts) and larger (up to 36 volts) models.
High and old hedges: However, cordless hedge trimmers have the disadvantage that the battery runs out after a few hours and has to be recharged, and these models are also less powerful than, for example, electric or petrol-driven hedge trimmers. These, in turn, are better suited if you want to trim large and old hedges or shrubs - after all, it is necessary to cut through branches that are several centimeters thick. But be careful: Cable-operated models always need a power connection nearby or a sufficient extension.
drive type
Hedge trimmers are available with different drive types, all of which have their specific advantages and disadvantages. Manual hand hedge trimmers require some time and strength, but you can work with them more carefully and in a more environmentally friendly way. Electric hedge trimmers are powerful, but they are also noisy and you always have to keep an eye on the power cable. You don't have to worry if you choose a battery-powered model instead. Even petrol hedge trimmers do not need a cable, but they are also very noisy and have to be refilled regularly.
power
With hedge trimmers, it is important not only to pay attention to the voltage and wattage. The cutting length - i.e. the area that you cut with just one movement - and the cutting thickness are also relevant criteria. The latter states the maximum thickness of the branches to be cut. With cordless hedge trimmers, you should also pay attention to a high battery capacity and short charging time. These models can be used longer before they need to be recharged.
Weight
Also, choose hedge trimmers based on their weight… remember that you may have to support and work with their weight for an hour or two (or more). This also includes holding the hedge trimmer above your head. Hand hedge trimmers are of course the lightest, but there are also very light models weighing less than one kilogram among the cordless hedge trimmers. The larger (and more powerful) the model, the heavier it is.
safety
One of the main criteria is the safety circuit that is absolutely necessary - this is how you prevent the device from starting unintentionally and injuring yourself in the process. Functions such as a quick engine stop or a blade guard - for example, to be able to cut along walls and floors - are useful features.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
Which well-known manufacturers offer hedge trimmers?
If you buy a branded product, you can't go wrong. Well-known manufacturers such as Bosch, Stihl, Makita, Gardena, Husquarna, Einhell or Fiskars offer not only high-quality hedge trimmers, but also affordable entry-level models of good quality. You also have the advantage that spare parts or a special service (e.g. knife sharpening) are offered for many models.
What do I use for very high hedges?
For very high hedges or for hard-to-reach places, we recommend using long-handled hedge trimmers or telescopic hedge trimmers. Its operation requires a little practice, but is easy on the back and allows easy pruning. Hedge trimmers with extensions are also available in either a mechanical or electric version.
Is there also a lightweight hedge trimmer for women?
You need strong muscles, especially for powerful hedge trimmers with electric or petrol engines. If you are looking for a lightweight device, you should take a look at the cordless hedge trimmers. The IKRA Ultralight hedge trimmer (weight 1.9 kilograms), the Bosch EasyHedgeCut (also only 1.9 kilograms, 12 volts) or the Einhell GE-CH 1846 (2.3 kilograms, 18 volts) are very light.
Where can you have hedge trimmers sharpened / sharpened?
Only sharp knives cut well, which is why the cutting knives have to be sharpened occasionally. If you don't dare to do it yourself - be careful, because you can do a lot wrong! - is best done in a specialist shop for grinding and sharpening. Most hardware stores (e.g. Toom) have their own grinding service.
How often should you change the knife?
If the hedge trimmer has been in use for a few years and the first signs of wear are showing (e.g. the blades no longer close together and/or the screws have become loose), then a new set of blades is due. You can get this from the manufacturer, it includes new screws as well as new knives.
Where can you get replacement parts?
This is where the advantage of brand manufacturers becomes apparent, because there you can buy suitable spare parts such as a cast anvil (for hand hedge trimmers), a battery or a new set of blades. This is usually not possible with cheaply bought no-name models, so a new hedge trimmer is needed right away.
equipment
collection bag
Some manufacturers, such as Gardena, offer an easy-to-attach collection bag for their hedge trimmers, which catches the clippings as soon as they are cut. This saves you the hassle of collecting.
our recommendation
GARDENA Cut&Collect Collection Bag: Robust bag for conveniently collecting clippings when trimming hedges, accessory for ComfortCut/PowerCut hedge trimmers, easy attachment (6002-20)
19.95 EUR To the productcare products
To keep the blades sharp for as long as possible, you should take good care of them. This also includes protecting the knives from escaping tree resin and rust, for example with a suitable care spray.
our recommendation
Aparoli 840264 Blade Care for Electric Scissors and Chainsaws 400 ml
7.79 EUR To the productspare battery
Many garden tools have to be replaced after a few years because the battery is drained. However, this is not necessary, because the common brand manufacturers offer suitable replacement batteries for their cordless hedge trimmers. This means that you can continue to use the device and do not have to buy a new one right away.
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