In an earlier contribution to this discussion,
Stephen wrote:

Hello,

I am looking to buy my first hedge trimmer; can you give me any
advice?

I notice the main difference seems to be the length of the blade:
42cm, 48 cm, and 52 cm seem to be common lengths. Is there an optimum
size?

If you have a hedge 48cm wide, do you go for the 48cm blade? But if
you have a hedge say, 60cm wide then doesn't it matter which blade you
go for as you will have to make two passes anyway?

I've visited a few sheds; in some the trimmers are fixed to the
shelves with cable ties but in others you can pick them up. One thing
I have noticed is that the ones with the longer blades are heavier, so
is it the case that long blade machines cause more fatigue if used for
long periods of time?

I notice some of the bigger machines claim to cut larger branches. Is
there an optimum size to choose here? And I presume the cordless
models are not as powerful as the corded alternatives?

Thanks,
Stephen.


You've got it about right - although there's little point in matching blade
length to hedge width - 'cos you'll also want to cut the vertical sides!

In general, the longer the blade, the faster the operation - but that does
increase the weight and the amount of effort required. My hedges are very
wide - far wider than the longest blade available - so blade length
determines whether or not I can reach the far side of the hedge when holding
the machine at arms length.

Machines which will cut thicker twigs have much bigger notches in the
blades, and need more powerful motors - again increasing the weight and
cost - so it's horses for courses. Define what it is you want to achieve,
and buy a suitable machine. None of them will realistically cut anything
more than about 15mm - whatever they claim! For anything bigger than that,
you need loppers (or a saw).

I have no experience of cordless trimmers - but wouldn't expect them to be
able to tackle anything other than thin twigs on smallish hedges.
--
Cheers,
Roger
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