Hedge Trimmers
One of the nation’s favourite ways of providing a boundary of their garden is by planting a hedge. They can simply be part of the design of a larger garden also. Hedges are plants which grow in all directions rather than just vertically, so it is quite easy for them to get out of shape unless attention is paid to keeping them under control.
The traditional method of cutting hedges is by garden shears, but there an increasing number of advanced hedge trimmers which make the job of cutting much quicker, while allowing a certain amount of creativity. Some of the more creative gardeners are able to produce wonderful shapes and designs. It allows trimming to be done much quicker and with far less effort than pruning shears.
Hedge Trimmer Buying Guide
The most common hedge trimmers are powered by mains electricity; however for larger gardens where it is difficult to provide an electricity supply, there are petrol driven and rechargeable battery powered models. This allows the user to cover larger areas without the constraints and limitation of an electric lead. Electric hedge trimmers tend to be lightweight and easily manoeuvrable. They are clean to use and their two handed design makes them easy to handle. Care has to be taken as there have been instances of people cutting the electric lead, which can be extremely dangerous.
Rechargeable trimmers are both clean and lightweight. There are no cords. So not only does it allow the user to cover larger areas, but there is no danger of cutting a power lead. However, the battery power available may only allow you to use the machine for about half an hour at a time. This is despite the trimmer charging for about five or six hours. It may be an idea to buy an extra battery to extend the cutting time, but this still means because of the extended charging time of the battery that use will be limited. It is worth bearing mind also that battery driven trimmers tend not to be quite as powerful and therefore may not be suitable for dense bushes.
Petrol driven hedge trimmers are again very versatile and are ideal if you are trimming large areas where you need extended cutting time. They are not as environmentally friendly as battery driven or electric models .They are both noisy and smoky. It is also worth bearing in mind that petrol driven hedge trimmers tend to be heavier, meaning that you may need to factor in regular rest breaks. These trimmers may not be ideal where there are large hedges to trim due to the extra weight of the machine.
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Hedge Trimmers
Hedge trimmers generally are either single action or double action. Single action models have one static blade, while the second blade oscillates back and forward, cutting against the stationary blade. Double action models tend to be more efficient as they have two oscillating blades. When choosing a hedge trimmer it is worth taking into account the size of the hedge you have to trim. Longer blades will make the job easier as they cover a larger area, allowing you to cut in fewer sweeps, but this does often mean that longer blades require more power and therefore need larger, heavier motors. This may make them slightly more difficult to handle and it may be worth considering the stature of the person who is to use it. Hedge trimmers with cutting blades of up to thirty inches are available and these are useful for larger hedges where an extended reach is needed. Wider cutting blades are also available and the width of the blade will indicate what the blade is likely to be able to cut through. For instance a twenty millimetre cutting blade will mean that the blade will be able to cut through a twenty millimetre branch.
Many of the modern hedge trimmers have a range of options available which you should consider before you make your purchase. There are models available which have a number of different cutting positions. These are ideal if you have more difficult hedges to trim and the extra cutting positions may allow you to reach the top of the hedge more easily. Many modern hedge trimmers also feature automatic cut out which is an added safety feature, meaning that when you take your hand off the trigger the machine stops. Hand guards are often fitted as standard and again this acts as an extra safety feature to prevent users being exposed to a moving blade. The latest models have clippings collectors; this saves you the extra work of having to collect the clippings after cutting. These are all features which can save you time, but may add to the cost of the machine.
As with any gardening equipment; it is advisable to follow certain safety precautions to make sure that you get the most out of your machine and that you work in a safe environment. You should ensure that you use the machine with two hands and that you are holding it correctly. Although some hedges may provide awkward angles for you to work with, you should ensure that the trimmer is kept well away from the body. Protect your eyes and your feet, especially if using some of the more powerful models. Hedge cuttings can fly a long way from the hedge trimmer on occasions and it is advisable to wear some kind of eye protection if you have it available. Electric trimmers should not be used in wet weather. Also, when using an electric trimmer, care should be taken to make sure that the electric lead is kept well away from the cutting edge. If possible, you should read the manufacturer’s instructions before using. However, probably the most important safety precaution is not to use the machine near other people, especially children. Animals should also be kept well away from the trimmer.
Hedge trimmers have become a must have item for many gardeners. They make a potentially difficult job much easier and save valuable time which can be spent enjoying your garden.
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