Do you also have a long hedge and/or many large shrubs in the garden that need to be trimmed regularly? Then a petrol hedge trimmer could be the right choice, because only these offer sufficient power for trimming even strong branches. Which petrol-powered hedge trimmers are there and what do you have to look out for when buying one? You can read about it in our guide.
A petrol-powered hedge trimmer can also be used where there is no power connection nearby
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Makita EH6000W petrol hedge trimmer 60 cm
392.75 EUR To the product| power | 680 watts |
|---|---|
| cutting length | 60 centimeters |
| cutting thickness | 22 millimeters |
| Weight | 5 kilograms |
| volume | 92.8 decibels |
You get proven brand quality with this petrol-powered hedge trimmer (€24.99) from the manufacturer Makita, which effortlessly cuts through even thick branches with a thickness of up to 22 millimeters. The robust and durable 2-stroke petrol engine creates enough power to tackle even hedges of more than 100 meters in length. Nevertheless, the tool is easy to use thanks to its light weight of only five kilograms and the easy-start system, so you can work for long periods without tiring. The handle can be adjusted in five different positions without any tools.
our recommendation
Dolmar HT2360D petrol hedge trimmer
447.43 EUR To the product| power | 680 watts |
|---|---|
| cutting length | 60 centimeters |
| cutting thickness | 22 millimeters |
| Weight | 5 kilograms |
| volume | 92.8 decibels |
These hedge trimmers from the brand manufacturer Dolmar are also very light at five kilograms, but work reliably thanks to the powerful 2-stroke engine and cut even thick branches up to 22 millimeters thick. The anti-vibration system also ensures that your arms, shoulders and joints are not put under unnecessary strain and you don't tire as quickly. The optimized exhaust gas routing reduces the burden of smelly exhaust gases and heat generation, which also contributes to pleasant work. In their customer reviews, the majority of Amazon customers are very positive about the application and results.
our recommendation
Stihl HS45 hedge trimmer, Orange, 24" / 60 cm blade length
365.00 EUR To the product| power | 750 watts |
|---|---|
| cutting length | 60 centimeters |
| cutting thickness | 25 millimeters |
| Weight | 5 kilograms |
| volume | 97 decibels |
You also get proven brand quality with this model from the manufacturer Stihl, which is also manufactured in the Stihl factory in Wil, Switzerland - Swiss precision work. This hedge trimmer is also extremely light at five kilograms and also scores with a double-sided cutting blade, which allows both vertical and horizontal cuts and cuts cleanly, especially in corners. Due to the special blade geometry and the precise cut, the model is particularly suitable for shaping and trimming low to chest-high hedges and shrubs. The anti-vibration system reduces the vibrations to a minimum and thus ensures that you conserve your energy when working.
Purchase Criteria
engine power
The biggest advantage of petrol-powered hedge trimmers is the enormous power of the engine. These hedge trimmers are equipped with either a 2-stroke or occasionally a 4-stroke engine. As with electric hedge trimmers, the power is measured in watts and should be as high as possible. The higher the specified wattage, the more powerful the motor. The value for two-stroke engines is usually between at least 600 and up to 850 watts. The higher the power, the easier it is to cut through thick branches.
cutting knife
A distinction is also made between hedge trimmers based on the type of cutting blade, with a distinction being made between single counter-rotating and double counter-rotating knives. The latter are preferable due to the better cutting performance, but they are also more expensive to buy.
cutting length and thickness
But not only the performance and the type of blade decide whether the petrol hedge trimmer is suitable for the intended purpose. The length of the cut and the thickness of the cut are also relevant criteria. The cutting length expresses how much clippings you can cut at once with the knife, also known as a sword. It is not necessarily about being able to cut away as much as possible: If you want to do fine work or cut in smaller areas, the shortest possible cutting length is an advantage. The cutting thickness, in turn, expresses how thick the branches to be cut may be.
Weight
Basically, a hedge trimmer with a petrol engine weighs significantly more than models with an electric motor or battery. The latter weigh up to three kilograms, while the lighter petrol hedge trimmers weigh five kilograms. This weight must be maintained throughout the working time, which requires a certain amount of muscle strength. Make sure that the hedge trimmer is equipped with an anti-vibration system. While this does not reduce the weight of the device, it does reduce the transmission of vibrations to the arms and thus ensures that the muscles do not tire as quickly.
volume
A major disadvantage of petrol-powered hedge trimmers is their noise. An average of 90 decibels can be heard from such a device, which the neighbors don't necessarily like. You should therefore not use these hedge trimmers during normal rest periods. Occupational safety in the form of earmuffs is also important so that your hearing does not suffer in the long run.
Handle
The handle should fit comfortably in your hand, with rotating or adjustable handles making it easier to use the hedge trimmer. You can usually easily cut hedges and shrubs that are close to the ground or up to chest-high with a classic handle, for taller trees you need either a ladder or a pole hedge trimmer. Some models can also be retrofitted with a telescopic handle, which can be ordered separately. The problem with petrol-powered hedge trimmers, however, is that many of these models are simply too heavy for a telescopic handle. If necessary, you must therefore look out for a special model. our recommendation
Makita EN4951SH Petrol Hedge Trimmer, 0.77W, 10 x 200mm
437.04 EUR To the product youtubefrequently asked Questions
What are the advantages of a petrol hedge trimmer compared to other shrub trimmers?
If you have to cut long, large hedges or have many strong trees on your property, battery-powered or electric shrub shears (€68.00) usually won't get you very far. Petrol hedge trimmers are designed for more power and handle bigger branches that the other models capitulate to. In addition, these models allow greater freedom of movement, since you don't have to pay attention to a cable or the battery life.
When does it make less sense to use a petrol hedge trimmer?
It also makes less sense to use a petrol hedge trimmer if you only have to cut a small hedge and/or a few trees and shrubs - such a device is oversized for this, and you can also do this with cordless trimmers. In addition, petrol-powered hedge trimmers are significantly heavier than others and produce a lot more noise. You also have more work to do when it comes to maintenance than with other models.
For which trees is a petrol-powered hedge trimmer best suited?
In principle, all types of trees and shrubs can be cut with a petrol-powered hedge trimmer, especially when it comes to older trees and shrubs with thicker branches. However, keep in mind that these scissors are usually designed for rather quick and rough cuts and for trees with thick branches and are therefore not suitable for delicate cuts and bushes with thin branches.
How much does a good petrol hedge trimmer cost?
Compared to cordless and electric hedge trimmers, the petrol-powered models are significantly more expensive, but of course they also have more power. You should budget around 300 to 400 euros for a high-quality product if it is to be used regularly and for a longer period of time. Inexpensive petrol shrub shears for less than 200 euros are usually only suitable for occasional cutting work, and experience has shown that you will not enjoy them for long.
Which manufacturers offer good quality petrol hedge trimmers?
If you buy brand quality, you are guaranteed not to go wrong. The higher purchase price is usually quickly amortized by the higher quality materials, better workmanship and thus less wear and tear. Brand manufacturers such as Makita, Stihl, Dolmar, Einhell, Bosch or Hecht are particularly recommended in this area.
Where can you buy petrol hedge trimmers?
If you want to buy a new petrol hedge trimmer, you have different purchasing options. In addition to DIY and garden stores and other specialist retailers, discounters often offer inexpensive models at the start of the gardening season. However, you have the largest selection and the best opportunity for a direct price comparison in online trading.
equipment
fuel
our recommendation
Stihl 0781 999 6301 Motomix Premixed Fuel
33.89 EUR To the productNaturally, a petrol hedge trimmer only works with the right fuel. Now it makes little sense to simply march to the gas station and fill up the device there, especially since the 2- or 4-stroke engines require a special fuel mixture. Therefore, a pre-mixed fuel without ethanol in a practical canister is a good choice. This is also easy to store.