Are the hedges and shrubs in your garden getting a bit out of hand? Making the rest of your horticultural hard work look bad? Then maybe it’s time you invested in a hedge trimmer.
Available in red, green, black and silver, hedge trimmers come in a choice of electric or petrol powered designs. Electric models have a moulded plug and at least a 10 meter cable, with power output of 400 watts and above. Many feature dual action safety blades with brake for added security, and you can also buy units with hand guards to protect you from any flying debris. There is also usually a blade sheath included for safe storage and protection from the elements when the job is done.
Petrol trimmers commonly use a 25cc engine and offer cordless performance, so you can get round the back of difficult areas without worrying about tripping over cables, or worse still, cutting the cable in half. Other features include an easy start function with an automatic choke and anti-vibration performance in a compact, lightweight design.
If petrol doesn’t appeal to you, you can purchase cordless hedge trimmers that run off a battery pack. These have laser cut diamond ground blades and offer vibration free running and an ergonomic design. They tend to be less powerful in the same way that a cordless drill is less powerful than an electric one. The battery charger is usually included and when fully charged you can get up to 50 minutes continuous running time.
More expensive models include facilities to cut, shred and collect waste clippings as you go, so there’s a lot less cleaning up to do when you’ve finished. These very often employ a concealed blade which means less debris is likely to come your way.
For those overhead branches and other hard to reach areas you can also buy a cordless pole trimmer or pruner. Some models come with rechargeable and interchangeable battery, an anti-kickback function for added safety and an instant stop facility so you’re less prone to cut yourself. Other benefits include a non-slip grip and an extendable handle that reaches up to 2 ½ meters.
You can also buy pole trimmer attachments that fit regular hedge trimmers. These have double sided double action blades and offer 135 degree rotation. It’s always a good idea to wear gloves when working around machinery, and don’t forget those safety goggles to protect your eyes.
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