In addition, we assess handling, weight, and balance, and evaluate run time and charge time, along with noise at the ear of the operator.ĬR members can also explore our comprehensive hedge trimmer ratings of battery and corded models. We also size up safety, looking for features like a protective sheath for the cutting bar, blade brakes to stop cutting in an emergency, and designs that would prevent the tools from being a danger to children (for instance, interlocks, or cutting bars that keep small fingers away from the cutting path). And while we focus our testing on corded and battery hedge trimmers, we use a single premium gasoline model for reference to make sure the battery tools pack the same punch and can hold their own against a gas tool. They start with small growth, about a quarter-inch in diameter, working all the way up to inch-thick pieces, noting how quickly and cleanly each tool works. The full line of cordless and corded WORX hedge trimmers give you the power and maneuverability to make your hedges and shrubs the envy of the neighborhood. This document is also applicable to split-boom type hedge trimmers and to multi-purpose machines when configured as a hedge trimmer. Corded electric and battery options are also better for the environment.Īt our Yonkers, N.Y., headquarters, huge swaths of invasive bamboo shoots dominate much of our outdoor space, but that creates an opportunity for our testers to put hedge trimmers into use, testing for cutting capacity. But they’re likely overkill in most residential yards. The trimmer features a slider-crank mechanism. Designed to meet landscape maintenance professional needs, the handle placement and weight distribution provide the best combination of balance and control. Gas hedge trimmers: These powerful tools are often used by pros and on large properties. The M18 FUEL Hedge Trimmer has the power to cut branches, cuts up to 30 faster, and provides up to 2 hours of run-time per charge.

Most outdoor cords max out at around 100 feet. You’ll need an outdoor outlet, though, and you’ll be limited by the length of your extension cord. Corded electric trimmers tend to be far cheaper than battery and gas models-some are only about $50-and can run indefinitely as long as they’re plugged in.

Corded electric hedge trimmers: These trimmers are all you need for lighter trimming close to your house.

“When measured without a load, some of the trimmers we tested were able to run nearly 2 hours on a single charge,” says Misha Kollontai, who is in charge of hedge trimmer testing at CR. Our engineers found that battery models can deliver impressive performance.

Battery hedge trimmers: You might think they aren’t as powerful as gas or corded electric hedge trimmers, but that isn’t the case.

Here’s what you need to know about the different types of hedge trimmers: CR members can jump to our recommendations or our hedge trimmer ratings. Battery hedge trimmers dominate the market, so that’s where we focus the bulk of our testing.

There are three types of hedge trimmers: battery-powered, corded electric, and gas. Lowe’s has a great selection of gas hedge trimmers and battery hedge trimmers to choose from.

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