As its name suggests, an electric hedge trimmer makes it easier to maintain hedges. It enables a clean cut and reduces the time taken for the task. While ease of handling is an advantage, other criteria such as power source, blade characteristics, and weight should be considered when choosing the device.
Electric hedge trimmers differ by their power supply system, corded or cordless. Corded models exhibit various features.
- Corded hedge trimmers are equipped with an electric motor ranging from 400 to 700 W. For information, the power is directly proportional to the cutting length.
- This model is more suitable for small gardens and minor trimming tasks. For example, a corded hedge trimmer can be used for sculpture.
- Corded hedge trimmers require the presence of a power outlet near the work area or the use of an extension cord.
Cordless hedge trimmers also have common characteristics and advantages:
- they are powered by an 18 or 36 V Lithium-Ion battery, giving them a runtime of 30 to 90 minutes;
- free of electrical cords, the hedge trimmers can be used without restriction;
- they are quite heavy due to the presence of their battery;
- cordless hedge trimmers are suitable for large gardens.
Electric hedge trimmers are equipped with serrated and sharpened blades.
- The single-action hedge trimmer has two blades, one moving and one stationary. It's the back and forth motion of the moving blade that cuts the leaves and branches of the plants being trimmed.
- The double-action hedge trimmer is equipped with two moving blades. The simultaneous movements of both blades reduce vibrations and optimize the tool's performance.
The choice of blades influences both the quality of the cut and the performance of the device.
- While the most common blades are sharpened on one side, some have double edges.
- The cutting length depends on the length of the blades, ranging between 40 and 75 cm. A long blade allows for a straighter cut.
- The diameter of the branches to be cut is determined by the gap between the teeth of the blades.
For high work, the operator has a choice between two types of hedge trimmer.
- The fixed pole hedge trimmer allows working from the ground. Its blades are placed at the end of an adjustable pole.
- The telescopic hedge trimmer is placed at the end of a pole adjustable in length.
The choice of an electric hedge trimmer therefore depends on the garden's size, the branches to be cut, and the working height. The weight of the device is another determining factor.