In modern times, a lot of people are opting for an electric hedge trimmer and while these are great for day to day maintenance, you need the power of gas for more demanding jobs. But when it comes to choosing the best gas hedge trimmer, you’ll see that you have a lot of options.
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The Best Gas Hedge Trimmers
Gas hedge trimmers are known for their superior power and excellent longevity but when it comes to choosing the best gas hedge trimmer, you won’t go wrong with any of the following products.
Last update on 2021-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Husqvarna 122 HD60
It features a 21 inch blade that is perfect for deeper hedges and the Smart Start function means no more messing around when trying to get the hedge trimmer up and running. With maximum power of 7800rpm, thos thick branches don’t stand a chance against the Husqvarna hedge trimmer.
ECHO Hedge Trimmer
What’s great about this model is that it is beautifully user friendly. It comes with an adjustable handle and pole extension that allows you to work in a way that suits you and is lightweight enough for longer cutting jobs.
EASYG 23.6cc Gas Hedge Trimmer
The trimmer is lightweight so is suitable for more demanding jobs and when you couple this with the quiet engine, you’ve got an incredibly user-friendly tool. We also really liked the fact that the EASYG hedge trimmer comes with a maintenance kit and an easy start function, just a few more reasons that this machine is designed to make your life easier.
Salem Master Gasolene Hedge Trimmer
What’s more, the Salem Master is so easy to use even if you are new to gas tools. It has an adjustable handle designed to enhance your comfort while cutting as well as a super safe start-up. The five-step start means that there is no risk of accidents and everything is simple and reliable.
Poulan Pro PR2322
We also love that this hedge trimmer has a great anti-vibration function and a comfortable handle with a soft grip. Perfect if you’ll be spending a lot of time cutting. Moreover, this is one of the best performing trimmers on the market at the moment delivering a clean cut with minimal effort.
XTreme Power US 26cc Gas Hedge Trimmer
The XTreme Power hedge trimmers have a lengthy 24-inch dual-action blade that will slice through even the most demanding bush and will easily manage branches up to an inch in diameter.
But if you thought that all of that power would mean a loud tool then you’d be wrong. While this is an incredible machine, it runs quietly so you can feel confident you won’t disturb the neighbors.
SENIX HT4QL-L
Where performance is concerned, this hedge trimmer really does stand out from the crowd. It’ll make light work of branches up to 1.1 inches making it one of the best domestic gas trimmers out there. The laser-cut steel 24-inch blade is also great for deeper hedges. It is designed for heavy-duty work but comes with some excellent comfort features like a swivel handle and a blade guard.
Husqvarna 122HD45
This is the perfect tool if you have smaller hedges that you will trim regularly. The 18-inch blade gives a clean and neat cut and the easy start-up means you don’t need to worry about spending ages trying to get going. There are some other attractive features such as an automatic return stop switch and anti-vibration making this one of the safest hedge trimmers available.
Echo HCS-2810
The blade is fitted with a protective tip to ensure that no damage is caused when cutting near walls or fences. What’s more, it comes with a removable blade guard to ensure the ultimate protection.
This one runs on a 21.2cc engine so it isn’t quite as powerful as some of the others we have seen but it certainly boasts more than enough get-up and goes for most domestic situations.
Craftsman CMXGHAMD25HT
We also love the fact that this hedge trimmer is so easy to use. With an easy start function, much of the hard work is taken out of working with gas tools and the comfortable, adjustable handle makes using the tool a dream.
If all of that wasn’t enough, this is a versatile tool that will work with other accessories in the range allowing you to convert it for other lawn care jobs using a series of attachments.
What To Consider When Buying A Gas Hedge Trimmer
While we are confident that the gas powered hedge trimmer tools we have looked at in this guide are among the best, you’ll still need to be aware of what you’re looking for when choosing a device. There are some features of the gas hedge trimmer that differ from their electric cousins so you’ll need to familiarise yourself with these before making a decision.
Engine Size
One of the major advantages of the best gas-powered hedge trimmer tools is that they deliver far greater power than their electric counterparts. However, that isn’t to say that this power doesn’t vary between models.
As a rule of thumb, you can expect a gas trimmer to have an engine between 21cc and 25cc. This will give you optimal power for most domestic jobs. That said, if you are looking for a commercial hedge trimmer, then there are those with more powerful engines that will make light work of larger branches as well as decrease the time it takes to perform each job.
Weight
Gas-powered hedge trimmers are, by design, much heavier than their electric counterparts and this is something that won’t ever change. The reason for this is that these tools feature a mechanical engine that, in some cases, can be very weighty.
That said, some gas trimmers are more lightweight than others and if you’re going to be doing a lot of work, the last thing you want is a cumbersome tool weighing you down. It is worth considering your physical abilities as well.
For people who are perhaps a little older or lacking in strength, the weight of the tool becomes even more important.
Price
If you are looking to get a bargain then gas hedge clippers might not be the right option for you. Owing to the more complex workings of these tools, they do tend to come with a higher price tag. That said, they are also far more long-lasting and when taken good care of, they could last a lifetime, so they should be thought of as an investment. However, being expensive doesn’t always mean a set of trimmers are better than others. You’ll often pay for brand names so it’s worth checking the reputation of any given manufacturer before tying yourself to a decision.
On the flip side, you don’t want to choose hedge trimmers because they are incredibly cheap. It is important to select a set that is well made and reliable if you don’t want to have to replace them down the line.
Blade Type and Configuration
The type of blades your hedge trimmer has will determine how adept it will be in certain cutting conditions. Dual-action blades are considered to be far better for more heavy-duty work where the hedge may be dense with thicker branches.
Blade Length
The length of the blade will determine how far you can reach while cutting. If you have much deeper hedges then you’ll need to opt for something longer. Gas-powered hedge trimmers usually come with much longer blades that could be as long as 38 inches.
You might also consider a longer blade when you are doing more precise work. For example, if you’re working on a box hedge, you’ll be able to cover more in one pass as well as get a much more accurate and straight cut which is essential for the overall aesthetic of the hedge.
Teeth Size and Spacing
The space between the teeth of the blade will determine the thickness of the branch that they are able to cut through. For bushes that have thicker branches, you will need to look for a hedge trimmer with a much wider cutting capacity.
Safety Features
You don’t need us to tell you that, when used incorrectly, a hedge trimmer can be a very dangerous piece of equipment. For this reason, you will always need to make sure that you choose one that has been manufactured with safety in mind.
Depending on the model, you might expect to see a number of different safety features. The most basic safety feature would be a blade guard which puts a barrier between your hands and the blade.
But you should also look for a gas-powered hedge trimmer that has a trigger start function. This means that you are required to hold down a trigger in order that the trimmers to operate. Once your hand is removed, the trimmer cuts off. This prevents you from dropping a moving blade that could cause injury. Moreover, there are some trimmers that have a safety button that must be engaged before you can operate the machine, preventing accidental start-ups.
FAQ About Your Gas Hedge Trimmer
What are the major brands for gas hedge trimmers?
There are many brands that make gas hedge trimmers but some of the most well known include Stihl, Husqvarna, and Salem.
How long can a hedge trimmer’s engine run on one tank of gas?
How long your hedge trimmer runs on a single tank depends on the size and quality of the fuel system. However, generally speaking, you can expect to get between 40 and 60 minutes run time on most models.
What kind of oil do I need to use with a gas hedge trimmer?
When you are using a gas hedge trimmer you will need to add oil as well as that all important fuel. Most gas trimmers will take two-stroke oil that is mixed in with the gas. However, this may vary depending on the manufacturer and model so you should always check your user manual before adding anything otherwise you risk damaging the trimmer.
How do I start a gas trimmer?
Many people are put off using a gas hedge trimmer owing to their reputation of being difficult to start. But once you know what you’re doing, it’s not as difficult as you might think. You should begin by priming the gas tank bulb before setting the choke lever to ‘choke.’ The trimmer should remain on the ground while you start it, to do this, you’ll need to pull the cord to make the engine start. Once it is up and running, you will need to turn the choke to ‘run.’
