Choosing a hedge trimmer for your home or business begins with the choice between electric and gasoline powered trimmers. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type, and each is best suited to different situations. Electric trimmers are quiet, lighter weight, and often less expensive than gasoline models. However, depending on the type of work the trimmer will be used for, gasoline trimmers have advantages over electric trimmers. They are more powerful, to handle heavy-duty cutting jobs and a professional workload, and not limited by an extension cord.
Electric Hedge Trimmers
Stihl offers two electric powered trimmers and one powered by a lithium-ion battery. All three run quiet and are lightweight. They share features including a double-sided reciprocating blade, a transparent front hand guard in the front, and a looped handle to easily cut from different angles.
Stihl HSE 60 Electric Hedge Trimmer has a 20-inch blade and weighs 9 pounds. Its features include an extension cord clip, anti-vibration system, a laser cut blade, and a rear handle that can be used for hanging the trimmer in storage. Stihl HSE 70 has the same features, with the addition of a 24-inch blade for use with larger shrubs. It weighs 9.3 pounds.
The lithium-ion trimmer, Stihl HSA 65, has a 20-inch blade and uses a 36-volt battery that will keep the trimmer running at full power for up to 80 minutes. With the battery installed, this trimmer weighs between 10.4 and 11.6 pounds, depending on the type of battery. With no exhaust emissions, the HSA 65 is an environmentally friendly choice.
Gasoline Hedge Trimmers
Stihl also offers a variety of gasoline-powered hedge trimmers. Stihl HS 56 C-E weighs only 9.9 pounds, yet is still powerful enough for professional use. Both the Stihl HS 81 T and Stihl HS 81 R hedge trimmers feature high powered 22.7cc engines and double-blade systems available in 24- and 30-inch lengths. Rear swivel handles and anti-vibration systems make them easy to use. The 81 R has wider tooth spaces in the blades and the 81 T has increased blade speed.
Echo gasoline-powered hedge trimmers feature professional grade 2-stroke engines. They are built with ridged support bars that provide more control while operating for a precise cut. The translucent fuel tanks hold between 15.6 and 16.9 fluid ounces of fuel, depending on the model. The dry weight for Echo’s trimmers with double-sided cutting blades is between 11.5 and 12.5 pounds.
RedMax and Shindaiwa also offer commercial-grade hedge trimmers. Shindaiwa DH232 weighs only 11 pounds and is one of the lightest gasoline-powered hedge trimmers on the market. It features a 180-degree rotating handle for increased versatility. Redmax trimmers have power outputs between 0.8 and 1.14 horse power, depending on the model. They are durable trimmers with high reliability ratings.
