For the maintenance of your garden, it is advisable to invest in some gardening equipment . Hand tools like the watering can, spade and rake will be at the top of the list. To play the role of the arborist, professional materials will be useful. A simple pruner or other type of shears is not enough to invent artistic structures on shrubs.
An electric hedge trimmer is the ideal tool to obtain in order to achieve an impeccable shaping of the hedge of the garden . We offer you a complete guide to help you in your purchase of an electric hedge trimmer.
What is an electric hedge trimmer?
An electric hedge trimmer facilitates the most complicated gardening tasks , especially with fences planted over a large area of land. It is a mandatory tool in precision and finishing work. A hedge trimmer is a kind of large scissor used to give specific appearances to hedges.
In the electric version, the telescopic hedge trimmer is equipped with a motor that activates the cutter bars. Movable blades are driven in rapid alternating motion by electrical energy.
Of course you have the thermal hedge trimmer , but it has serious disadvantages because of the use of fuel and oil. It is good to know that this equipment, of the manual, electric or thermal type, adapts to branches less than 2.5 cm in diameter.
The benefits of an electric hedge trimmer
Powerful device
The electric hedge trimmer earns some good points when it comes to performance . Its power is between 400 and 1000 W. This is ideal for a large garden that reaches up to 1000 m2 in area. During its operation, the device needs to be connected to an electrical mains. Fortunately, the hedge trimmer usually comes with an electric cable of 15 to 25 m. For a very large garden far from an electrical source, an extension cord is essential.
Easy to use machine
Compact and lightweight, an electric hedge trimmer weighs around 3 to 4 kg . Which is easy to handle for an adult person. The device requires little physical effort because it is enough to hold it according to the shapes of the pillowcases envisaged. The device incorporates an anti-vibration system to avoid injuring the user. Favorable for people sensitive to noise, it has a silent function.
Easy to use machine
Compact and lightweight, an electric hedge trimmer weighs around 3 to 4 kg . Which is easy to handle for an adult person. The device requires little physical effort because it is enough to hold it according to the shapes of the pillowcases envisaged. The device incorporates an anti-vibration system to avoid injuring the user. Favorable for people sensitive to noise, it has a silent function.
Reasonable price
Some consumers believe that electrical appliances for the garden cost a fortune. Still, an electric hedge trimmer is a safe and profitable investment . Not expensive, this device displays a purchase price of around 50 and 150 dollars, which varies according to the brand and the characteristics of each prototype. Some models are charged at a sum of around 40 dollars. You can thus maintain your green space at a lower cost without necessarily calling on a professional who asks for several hundred dollars for a relatively small area.
Types of electric hedge trimmers
With an electric hedge trimmer, you can trim small shrubs while sitting or standing . When the height is there, you have to use a ladder, or even a scaffolding. This requires a very well studied organization. Whether you choose a corded or cordless electric size, you will save time because their operations are up to all your expectations.
A hedge trimmer can have a pole, so you have several pieces to put together to reach hedges over 2-5m. It is good to know that there are two versions of electric hedge trimmers, including corded and cordless.
Corded electric hedge trimmer
This garden tool is suitable for gardening work near an electrical source. Resistant and robust, the device displays a power of more than 400 W. Knowing that this power is judged from the length of the cut. The user can use this hedge trimmer for long hours without fear of overheating.
Other types of hedge trimmer
If you want to collect all types of hedge trimmers on the market, you will come across thermal and telescopic models. These models run on fuel and oil. The telescopic format is practical, you can adjust the height according to your needs, this allows you to intervene at a significant height without intending to use a ladder.
Battery-powered cordless electric hedge trimmer
Convenient for large gardens, the cordless hedge trimmer is the best option for creating a personalized garden. This device operates using a Lithium-Ion battery from 18 V up to 56 V. The battery life is 30 to 50 minutes for an amperage of 2.2 Ah and rises to 45 to 90 min for an amperage of 3 Ah. Most manufacturers of this type of hedge trimmer offer an additional accessory when purchasing. It is an extendable pole to a height of more than 2 m.
Types of cuts of an electric hedge trimmer
Gardening professionals recognize the quality and specialty of each blade that can make up an electric hedge trimmer. When looking for the model that might be right for you, you will notice that there is a type of blade that makes two different cuts.
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Single action cut
A single action hedge trimmer has two blades including a fixed blade and a moving blade. The first blade is mobilized on the second in order to wedge the branches. This is a single cup with limited capacity. A device with these two blades is limited to the section of soft woods less than 2 cm in diameter.
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Double action cut
Double action hedge trimmers work on the principle of scissors. Two blades move at the same time in opposite directions to grab and easily cut the plants. These blades provide more precise cuts. This type of cut is suitable for thick shrubs.
How to choose an electric hedge trimmer?
Even if you have a chainsaw, a brushcutter and a traditional hedge trimmer, you must adopt the electric hedge trimmer. This device brings you maximum comfort and safety . If you have never used such a device, a comparison is essential, it allows you to know the price, the power, the accessories present and in a few clicks, you compare all the references.
This saves you time whether or not you are a pruner. A few criteria must be considered in order to find the best electric hedge trimmer on the market.
His power
The power of the electric hedge trimmer is paramount . It should be around 600 W for typical needs. This is suitable for trimming small and young branches. If you have fairly large branches, do not hesitate to select a much more efficient model, with a power of around 800 to 1000 W.
His blades
If you have small shrubs, the length of the blades is not really an issue, but it becomes so when your hedges are quite massive. The length of the blade must measure at least 50 cm. The size of the blades of an electric hedge trimmer is generally between 40 and 75 cm .
The spaces between the teeth of its blades
Choose the space between the teeth of the blades according to the size of the pillowcases.
Between 26 and 36 mm: For hedges with large rigid stems and a height exceeding 5 m.
Between 20 and 25 mm: For normal-sized hedges, with stems around 1 cm in diameter.
Between 12 and 16 mm: For very young and young hedges that have stems less than 0.5 cm in diameter.
His weight
An electric hedge trimmer is not very heavy . You have the choice between models that weigh between 2 and 6 kilos. The height of the cutting part must coincide with that of your hedges. It is useless to buy an extendable product up to 3 meters if your shrubs do not exceed one meter.
Its additional options
Most electric hedge trimmers have a water and dust resistant coating. This device incorporates an anti-blocking system of the blade in order to preserve the motor. The latter does not risk overheating even for an elaborate gardening session for a whole day.
Its security measures
For ease of handling, the electric hedge trimmer is equipped with a swivel handle . A cutting speed variator, containing 2 to 6 speeds can be adjusted. In case of fatigue, the user can choose a slower speed. The blades stop working in less than a second when the device is turned off. There will be less risk of injury from suddenly stopping the hedge trimmer.
Maintaining an electric hedge trimmer
For use from generation to generation, it is imperative to maintain an electric hedge trimmer . Certainly, with thermal, the workshop is much larger, because you have to take into account the oil change and the fuel. With the electric model, these inconveniences are quickly eliminated. You must perform regular maintenance so that the engine does not overheat.
Blade cleaning
After each use, do not hesitate to release the blade, especially if residues are present. Pieces of branches and leaf debris can get caught between the teeth of the blade. This will prevent you from using your hedge trimmer properly. All interventions must of course be carried out with the device disconnected from the mains. This prevents you from more or less serious injuries.
Sharpening and lubricating the cutter bar
If your blade tends to have a harder time cutting even small branches, it’s a good idea to apply a little cooking oil with cotton wool. Then plug in your machine and make a few movements in the vacuum so that the oil can spread more easily. Do not forget to replace the cap supplied with the hedge trimmer in order to protect it from all weather conditions and in particular from humidity if you intend to install it in the cellar.
Replacement of parts
The replacement of spare parts can be dangerous if you have no knowledge in this sector. It is advisable to call a technician if you notice that a key part of your hedge trimmer has disappeared or has deteriorated. You can also contact the merchant point where you ordered your device. Do not use the hedge trimmer if the electric cable is stripped or the blade is distorted.
Storing the device
After each gardening session, store your device in a secure, non-humid place. Wind the electric cable around the hedge trimmer. The electrical system of your gardening tool could be destroyed if you forget it outdoors during the summer period. It should be remembered that the appliance must be very clean before storing it. Put the hedge trimmer in a carrying bag or protective cover to protect it from dirt. The best brands of this device recommend never leaving the motor and battery under the sun.
Tips for using an electric hedge trimmer
Small branches can injure your eyes or ears, while large branches can hit your skull. Before each use of an electric hedge trimmer, the gardener must put on protective glasses , gloves and hearing protection.
Application of manufacturer’s instructions
For all handling and maintenance of the electric hedge trimmer, the manufacturer’s instructions should be followed . It is better to take some time to read the user manual offered with the purchase of the device. This leaflet will teach you more about warnings.
For the maintenance of your garden, you must invest at least in the purchase of several pieces of equipment and this electric hedge trimmer is essential. Of course you have the thermal version, but it has serious disadvantages because of the use of fuel and oil. Maintenance is therefore much simpler with this product. We offer you a complete guide to help you with your purchase so that it perfectly meets your expectations in terms of features, but also price.
Two formats for the electric version of the hedge trimmer
An electric hedge trimmer is often singled out over a thermal version , but it should be noted that consumers stop at a single model without necessarily trying to find out the advantages.
- The electric version which requires a cable is perfect for small areas, of course you have a wire that follows you, but the power is often higher.
- The battery-powered hedge trimmer is ideal for gaining mobility, you can walk around your garden even if it has an area of more than 1000 m². So you have the advantages of the cable and those of the thermal without the weak points.
The price is also very interesting, because some references are invoiced for less than 60 dollars. You can thus maintain your green space at a lower cost without necessarily calling on a professional who asks for several hundred dollars for a relatively small area. Even if you have fairly high hedges, it will suffice to opt for an electric pole-mounted hedge trimmer that we also present.
How to cut the branches in height?
With a hand hedge trimmer, you can maintain small shrubs, but when the height is there, you have to use a ladder or even scaffolding. This requires substantial equipment and above all a very high level of organization. With a telescopic electric hedge trimmer, you save time , because the operation is up to all expectations.
- The telescopic format is practical, you can adjust the height according to your needs, this allows you to intervene at a significant height without intending to use a ladder.
- A hedge trimmer can have a pole, so you have several pieces that can be put together. It’s useful for hedges over 4 meters, but it’s quite restrictive, because you don’t have a real precision for the height.
As far as the price is concerned, it is not necessarily higher, a hedge trimmer on an electric pole is invoiced at around 100 dollars for the entry-level, but certain references are invoiced two or three times more depending on the characteristics. . You even have 3 in 1 products, so the Stihl electric hedge trimmer comes with other accessories like a trimmer, this allows you to have a single engine block and you only change the head as needed.
Tips for choosing an electric hedge trimmer
Even if you have a chainsaw, a brushcutter and a traditional hedge trimmer, you should adopt the electric hedge trimmer since it brings you maximum comfort . However, some criteria are welcome to make the best choice.
- If you have small shrubs, the diameter is not really a problem, but it becomes so when your hedges are quite massive. You must therefore look at the compatibility of your cordless electric hedge trimmer.
- The power is also essential, it must be around 600 W for classic needs, but if you have fairly large branches, do not hesitate to select a much more powerful model.
- The height of the pole must coincide with that of your hedges, it is useless to buy a 4/5 meter product if your shrubs do not exceed one meter.
- Some accessories may be necessary, especially for the pole, you need a system to carry it.
- You can also have a versatile product with an edger, a chainsaw…
- The length of the blade is also important, it should be at least 50 cm, this saves you time.
If you have never used such a device, a comparison is essential, it allows you to know the price, the power, the accessories present and in a few clicks, you compare all the references. This saves you time whether or not you are a pruner.
Do not neglect the maintenance of your hedge trimmer
Even if you opt for a reference with a power higher or lower than 900 W , you must maintain it. Certainly, with thermal, the workshop is much larger, because you have to take into account the oil change and the fuel. With electricity, these inconveniences are quickly eliminated, but you still need to carry out regular maintenance so that the motor does not overheat. After use, do not hesitate to release the blade if residue is present. Pieces of branches can get stuck and prevent you from using your hedge trimmer properly. All interventions must of course be carried out while the device is unplugged. This saves you more or less serious injuries.
If your blade tends to have a harder time cutting even small branches , it is a good idea to apply a little oil with a cotton ball or drizzle it all over. Then plug in your machine and make a few movements in the vacuum so that the oil can spread more easily. Do not forget to replace the cap supplied with the hedge trimmer in order to protect it from all weather conditions and in particular from humidity if you intend to install it in the cellar.
Coil the cable and if you have a protection, install it on the socket. The latter cannot be deformed. If you encounter difficulties during use and your product is still under warranty, we advise you to contact the after-sales service . Indeed, the replacement of spare parts can be dangerous if you have no knowledge in this sector. You now have all the elements allowing you to buy an electric hedge trimmer.
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