What To Look For When Purchasing A Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Cordless, battery-powered hedge trimmers have become the go-to option for homeowners looking to keep their hedges looking their best, and with good reason. These handy, modern tools offer a wide range of benefits that corded or gas-powered hedge trimmers simply can’t match.
With a cordless, battery-powered hedge trimmer, you’ll be able to effortlessly trim those hard-to-reach areas of your backyard, since you won’t need to wrestle with insufficient outlet placement or heavy gas tanks. Plus, they’re much quieter and require a lot less maintenance than gas-powered options.
With that said, while a hedge trimmer cordless tool can offer significant advantages, it’s important to choose the right option. Some cordless hedge trimmers will make managing your property’s hedges a breeze; others, not so much. With that in mind, we thought it’d be a good idea to run through some of the key things to look for when searching for a cordless hedge trimmer. If the one you’re considering has all of the following, then you’ll likely have found the perfect option.
Comfortable Handle
A piece of equipment can look great, but what really counts is how it feels when it’s in use. An all-powerful cordless hedge trimmer will count for little if it’s uncomfortable to use. Even if it gets the job done, you’ll likely feel exhausted by the time you’ve finished — and that’s the best-case scenario. Poor handling can also cause blisters or even repetitive strain injuries over time.
So pay extra attention to the hedge trimmer cordless tool’s handle. If it has a D-grip front handle and soft grip rear handle, then that’s a good sign that it’ll be comfortable to use for extended periods.
Lightweight Build
As with the handle, the weight of the cordless hedge trimmer will also have a big impact on the overall experience of using the tool. If it’s heavy, you’ll notice it fast, especially since hedge trimming usually involves lifting the tool over your head.
That battery-powered, cordless hedge trimmers are lighter than gas-powered options is one of their primary benefits, but it’s best not to assume that every option on the market will be as lightweight as you expect, need, or want. The best cordless hedge trimmers can weigh as little as 5.5 pounds, and that’s with the battery included. In other words: they’ll be absolutely light enough for you to trim your hedges without getting tired.
Long, Dual-Action Blades
How light and comfortable the hedge trimmer is to use can make a difference to your experience of trimming your hedges, but it’s important to keep in mind that it’s the blades that are doing the actual work. If they’re not up to standard, then you’ll have a rough time trying to get your hedge into shape.
The best cordless hedge trimmers have dual-action blades that provide a back-and-forth cutting motion that leads to smoother cuts, which ultimately means less work for you. It’s also worthwhile looking at the blade length. You’ll typically want the blades to be at least 20” long, which will allow you to reach deep into those dense hedges.
Shared Battery System
It’s easy to overlook the importance of a shared battery system, but it can make a big difference to the overall experience. Many cordless backyard equipment manufacturers operate a shared battery system that allows you to use their batteries across multiple of their products. For example, you could use the battery that you use with your cordless hedge trimmer in another of the brand’s products, such as a leaf blower or lawn mower. It’s convenient because it means you won’t need to find storage space for multiple batteries and chargers, and it can also keep costs down. Once you have the battery for your cordless hedge trimmer, you can buy other products from the same brand without having to purchase the battery too, which makes it cheaper.
Warranty
As with other items on this list, it’s easy to breeze past the warranty offered by the cordless hedge trimmer manufacturer, but it can tell you a lot about the product — or, to be more specific, how confident the brand is that they’re supplying a well-made hedge trimmer that is made to last. Some brands offer a limited 90-day warranty. The best offer a multi-year warranty that can give you peace of mind that you’re investing in a durable tool.
Good Price Point
As you might expect, there are cordless hedge trimmers at all price points. Buyers often make one of two mistakes: they either buy the cheapest model, or they buy an overly expensive option.
Both of them are mistakes, for different reasons. The cheapest models are typically made from low-quality materials that impact comfort and performance. The more expensive models can include features that you’ll never use, which means spending unnecessary money. It’s best to look at options that are clearly marketed at homeowners, from a brand that is well-known in its field. In general, you should expect to pay somewhere between $100 and $200.
Voltage Capacity
Hedge trimmers come with different voltage powers, such as 20v or 40v. Choosing the right option for your needs is crucial for ensuring that you can comfortably manage your property’s hedges without paying more than necessary. If you have small to medium-sized hedges with basic maintenance requirements, then a 20v cordless hedge trimmer will likely suffice. On the other hand, if you have more demanding needs, then a 40v battery will be the way to go.
Great Reviews
Finally, it’s wise to follow the advice given when buying any type of product, and that’s to read reviews. You can learn a lot about a cordless hedge trimmer by reading about the experience of people who already own the product.
It’s best to look beyond simply the rating, and focus on what they actually say. Some bad reviews have nothing to do with the product itself, but about shipping complications. If they mention that the trimmer is lightweight, easy to use, and efficient, then you’ll likely be onto a winner!