On Sun, 30 Aug 2009 16:33:53 +0100, chris French wrote:
Actually, I'd say the key difference was petrol or electric. Petrol is
more powerful, noisier, heavier than electric. But they will cut much
thicker stuff and are probably faster. Neither is 'better' - it all
depends on the job and other criteria you are using to choose a machine.

Hmm, that sums up what I was going to type :-) I do find petrol trimmers
get a bit heavy when doing the tops of hedges - mainly because of the way
I have to stand to reach, I suppose. For the sides that's not an issue,
nor is it for smaller hedges I suspect (ours is about 7' tall and a
similar width)

If in doubt, get a heavy-duty petrol one *and* a lightweight electric...

cheers

Jules