The top 3 recommendations and buying guides

Our recommendations

If you want to cut back small shrubs or low hedges, this is handy and light Hedge trimmer(€ 77.00 at Amazon *) well advised. The high-quality stainless steel blades have a special serrated edge to ensure the best possible hold of the cut material and to reduce the effort required when cutting. The cutting blades can be easily re-sharpened using a separately available diamond file. the Hedge trimmer is an affordable entry-level model and is designed for both right and left-handers.

According to the Amazon customer reviews, the users are mostly very satisfied, especially when it comes to the sharpness of the cutting blade and the uncomplicated operation.

For classic, medium-sized hedges with heights of up to two meters and more, an electric hedge trimmer such as the AHS 50-20 hedge trimmer from Bosch is suitable. The model is powered by a powerful lithium-ion battery, so you don't have to keep an eye on the power cable while cutting. Amazon customers are mostly positive in their product reviews and report that one battery charge is enough for hedges that are 25 meters long and more than two meters high.

The cordless hedge trimmer has an anti-blocking system, which is intended to ensure continuous cutting even of thicker branches.

For large and old hedges and shrubs in particular, you need hedge trimmers that cut even strong branches effortlessly and cleanly. The powerful Einhell GE-EH 7067 electric hedge trimmer, which can be used with 700 watts and a blade length of 67 centimeters, according to Amazon customer reviews, even centimeter-thick thuja branches coped. The sharp, diamond-ground and laser-cut steel knives are driven by an electric motor and create 3000 cuts per minute.

In addition to a large hand guard, a knife cover made of aluminum and a shock protection, the two-hand safety switch with knife stop ensures safety. The practical clippings collector picks up the clippings straight away.

Purchase criteria

scope of application

Small and low hedges and shrubs: If you only want to cut young shrubs or low hedges - such as the book border around the flowerbed or the small ball of conifers in the front garden - manual hedge trimmers or hedge trimmers are sufficient. Hand hedge trimmer, as it is also called. With this you need time and, depending on the material to be cut, quite a lot of effort, but you cut more carefully and more precisely than with a machine-operated model. This means that manual hedge trimmers are also perfect for topiary trees.

Medium-sized hedges and shrubs: For normal-high to medium-high hedges that traditionally fence the property or serve as privacy screens, a machine-operated one is used Cordless shears with high performance makes sense. In this way you reduce the effort and save time. Battery-operated hedge trimmers work without cables and cut classic hedges into the desired shape in no time at all. A standard cordless hedge trimmer works with 18 volts, but there are also smaller (12 or 16 volts) and larger (up to 36 volts) models.

Tall and old hedges: Cordless hedge trimmers, however, have the disadvantage that the battery drains and recharges after a few hours must be, and these models are less powerful than an electricity or gasoline-powered one Hedge trimmer. These, in turn, are more suitable if you want to prune large and old hedges or bushes - after all, you may have to cut branches that are centimeter thick. But be careful: Cable-operated models always need a power connection nearby or a sufficient extension.

Drive type

Hedge trimmers are available with different types of drive, all of which have their specific advantages and disadvantages. Manual hedge trimmers require time and effort, but you can work with them more carefully and in a more environmentally friendly way. Electric hedge trimmers are powerful, but also loud and you always have to keep an eye on the power cable. You don't have to worry if you choose a battery-powered model instead. Petrol hedge trimmers also do not need a cable, but they are also very loud and have to be refilled regularly.

power

When it comes to hedge trimmers, it is important not only to pay attention to the voltage and wattage. The cutting length - i.e. the area that you cut with just one movement - and the cutting thickness are also relevant criteria. The latter states how thick the branches to be cut can be. With cordless hedge trimmers, you should also pay attention to a high battery capacity and a short charging time. These models can be used longer before they need to be recharged.

weight

Also, choose the hedge trimmer based on its weight... remember that you may have to carry and work with their weight for an hour or two (or more). This also includes keeping the hedge trimmer above your head. Hand hedge trimmers are of course the lightest, and cordless hedge trimmers also include very light models weighing less than one kilogram. The bigger (and more powerful) the model, the heavier it is.

safety

One of the main criteria is that a safety circuit is essential - this prevents the device from starting unintentionally and injuring yourself in the process. Functions such as a quick engine stop or knife protection - for example, to be able to cut along walls and floors - are useful facilities.

frequently asked Questions

Which well-known manufacturers offer hedge trimmers?

If you buy a branded product, you can't go wrong. Renowned manufacturers such as Bosch, Stihl, Makita, Gardena, Husquarna, Einhell or Fiskars offer, in addition to high-quality hedge trimmers, affordable entry-level models of good quality. You also have the advantage that many models have spare parts or a special service (e.g. B. Knife sharpening) are offered.

What do I use for very tall hedges?

We recommend using a long-handled hedge trimmer or telescopic hedge trimmer for very high hedges or for hard-to-reach areas. Its operation requires a little practice, but it is easy on the back and enables easy pruning. Hedge trimmers with extension are also available in either a mechanical or an electrical version.

Is there also a light hedge trimmer for women?

You need strong muscles, especially for powerful hedge trimmers with an electric or petrol engine. If you are looking for a lightweight device, you should take a look at the cordless hedge trimmers. The IKRA Ultralight hedge trimmer (weight 1.9 kilograms), the Bosch EasyHedgeCut (also only 1.9 kilograms, 12 volts) or the Einhell GE-CH 1846 (2.3 kilograms, 18 volts) are very light.

Where do you have hedge trimmers sharpened?

Only sharp knives cut well, which is why the cutting knives occasionally have to be sharpened. If you don't trust yourself to do this - be careful, because you can do a lot wrong! - It is best to have the grinding and sharpening done in a specialist shop. Most hardware stores (e.g. B. Toom) have their own grinding service.

How often should you change the knife?

Has the hedge trimmer been in use for a few years, so that the first signs of wear and tear are showing (e.g. B. the knives no longer run close together and / or the screws have loosened), then a new set of knives is required. You can get this from the manufacturer; in addition to new knives, it also includes new screws.

Where can you get spare parts?

This is where the advantage of brand manufacturers becomes apparent, because there you can find suitable ones if necessary Spare parts such as a cast anvil (for hand hedge trimmers), a battery or a new set of knives buy more. This is usually not possible with inexpensive no-name models; a new hedge trimmer is needed here.

equipment

Collection bag

Some manufacturers such as Gardena offer an easy-to-attach collection bag to match their hedge trimmers, which catches the clippings as they are cut. This saves you the hassle of picking it up.

Care products

To keep the blades sharp for as long as possible, you should take care of them. This also includes the knife before escaping Tree sap as well as to protect against rust, for example with a suitable care spray.

Spare battery

Many garden tools have to be replaced after a few years because the battery runs out. However, this is not necessary because the common brand manufacturers offer suitable replacement batteries for their cordless hedge trimmers. So you can continue to use the device and don't have to buy a new one straight away.