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How to Pick the Best Strimmers and Hedge Trimmers
Keeping your garden looking neat and tidy can be a challenge, but a high-quality strimmer or hedge trimmer will make all the difference and really help polish those edges. We have gathered everything you need to keep in mind and whether you should opt for a petrol strimmer or a battery strimmer and which the best cordless strimmers and hedge trimmers are.
How to pick the best grass strimmer
Performance: What height grass can the strimmer cope with? Does it strim as effectively throughout its battery life? How quickly can it cope with clearing different types of grass? How does the result vary when the grass is damp or over industrial landscapes?
User-friendliness: How easy is it to assemble the garden strimmer? How easy is it to start? How can you adjust it? For example, is there a telescopic handle and can you set the strimmer head in different positions? Does it have any edge trimmer functions that mean you can go close to objects without damaging them? Is it a cordless strimmer?
Ergonomics: Can you strim throughout the entire battery life without getting pains anywhere in your body? How stable does it feel in your hands? Is it easy to use in inaccessible spots? What is the noise profile like?
Battery life and charging: How long does the strimmer run before you have to recharge it? How long does it take to charge the battery? Can you see how much battery life there is left? Can you see how much it has charged?
Functions and accessories: Has the strimmer got any extra functions? What accessories are included?
Petrol Strimmer
Petrol strimmers are a popular choice for those who need a powerful and efficient tool to maintain larger outdoor spaces. A garden strimmer with a petrol engine can provide more power and precision than a battery powered strimmer or electric strimmer. Strimmer wire is a popular cutting option, while metal strimmer blades can be used for more demanding tasks. Petrol strimmers are also portable, making it easy to move around your garden and tackle different areas. However, they can be noisy and produce emissions, which can be a concern for some users. When selecting a petrol strimmer, consider the size and layout of your garden, the type of vegetation you need to cut, and your personal preferences for power and noise.
Battery Strimmer
Battery strimmers, also known as electric or cordless strimmers, are a good choice for those with smaller outdoor spaces or who want a more environmentally friendly option. Garden strimmers that are cordless are also lightweight and easy to use, making them a great option for those who don't want to deal with the hassle of petrol or corded tools. Strimmer line is a popular cutting option, while some strimmers use blades which are better for tougher terrain. The Makita cordless strimmer is a popular option, as it offers high performance and durability.
Popular Strimmer Brands
There are plenty of popular brands that make great strimmers, here are some of the favourites:
How to pick the best hedge trimmer
Performance: What thickness branches can the hedge trimmer cut? How long is the cutting time in relation to the battery size? How much of the hedge can it cut in one go?
Construction: What materials has the manufacturer used? How long is the blade? Where are the buttons and handles?
Ergonomics: How heavy does the hedge trimmer feel? How well balanced does it feel in your hands? Can the handles be rotated so that it's easy to cut vertically? What's the noise level like?
Ease of use: Is it easy to get started with the machine? How easily accessible and understandable are all the buttons and handles?
Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Petrol hedge trimmers are a popular choice for those who need a powerful and efficient tool to maintain larger hedges and bushes. A petrol hedge trimmer will get you a clean and precise cut that will make your garden look polished. Long reach hedge trimmers and extendable hedge trimmers are ideal for reaching taller hedges, while telescopic hedge trimmers offer the flexibility to adjust the length of the blade. Pole hedge trimmers are also a popular choice for those who need to trim hard-to-reach areas. A downside to a petrol hedge trimmer, is that they are not as environmentally friendly and require more maintenance than electric hedge trimmers, in return however, they are more efficient.
Battery Hedge Trimmer
Cordless hedge trimmers, also known as battery or electric hedge trimmers, are a popular choice for those with smaller hedges and who want a more environmentally friendly option. Cordless hedge trimmers are portable and easy to move around your garden, making it easier to tackle hard to get to areas of your backyard. Battery hedge trimmers are also lightweight and easy to use, making them a great option for those who don't want to deal with the hassle of petrol or corded tools, in turn they can sometimes be a bit less powerful and may require frequent charging. They don't, however, require much maintenance, although you will occasionally need a new battery for you hedge trimmer.
Popular Hedge Trimmer Brands
There are plenty of popular hedge trimmer brands, with Bosch and Stihl being some of the favourites. Stihl's long reach hedge trimmer is particularly popular as well as Stihl's battery hedge trimmer. Bosch's cordless hedge trimmer is another favourite.
Need more gardening tools and equipment?
There's no shortage of different tools and machines that are great for keeping a neat garden, but picking the right one can be a daunting task. So we have gathered all the top rated lawn mowers, leaf blowers and pressure washer to help you find the best one for you. We have also gathered some inspiration if you want to make over your garden, everything from garden furniture to stylish garden storage boxes.