How to Choose the Right Electric or Petrol Hedge Trimmer

Posted on May 31, 2010 by

This site is designed as a one stop resource for information and advice on choosing an electric or petrol hedge trimmer and other garden power tools.

We started off with advice on how to choose the right petrol hedge trimmer but the site has grown over the past year and we now have information on electric trimmers, strimmers and multi tools.

We will also be featuring reviews on log splitters and garden leaf blowers / garden vacs too.

Get The Information You Need – BEFORE You Buy!

Every person buying a powered tool to cut their hedges and shrubs – whether they choose a petrol or an electric one, will have different requirements and there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution. On this site, you will find reviews of our favourite models and information on where to buy as well as lots of tips on using new purchase safely and effectively.

Our Top Selling Hedge Trimmers This Month
Bosch AHS 6000 Pro T Hedgecutter Trueshopping petrol long reach multi function 5 in 1 garden tool Flymo SabreCut Hedge Trimmer
Bosch AH6 6000 PRO T Bosch AH6 7000 PRO T Trueshopping 5 in 1 Multi Tool Flymo Sabrecut Cordless

Our reviews section for garden power tools is growing all the time and you can look to see if we have reviewed a model you are interested in by checking the Site Index – Product Reviews section.

Before you get started, here are the key things you should take into consideration when buying:-

How Much Power Will You Need?

When buying a petrol powered model, a rough guide to power output is the size of the motor (measured in terms of the cc of the model).  Do you need a higher power model for thick brush and twiggy branches, or will you be using it to trim and keep your hedges well manicured on a regular basis?

Would You Find It Easier To Work With A Lightweight Model?

lightweight hedge trimmer

A lightweight petrol hedge trimmer

If you have a lot of cutting to do in your garden, you may prefer a lighter model to save your arms and shoulders from aches and pains! Make sure you are comfortable with the weight which is usually at least 5kgs for a petrol model. You will be using it at awkward angles and probably for quite a long time. You will need to be able to maneuver it easily and angle the blades according to the shape of your hedge. You should also take into consideration that the lighter the machine is, usually the less power you have. Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing a Hedge Trimmer | 1 Comment

Bosch Hedge Trimmer Review, Bosch AHS 7000 Pro T Hedgecutter

Posted on January 7, 2011 by

This Bosch AHS 7000 Pro T Hedgecutter a review as it is a great alternative to a petrol hedge trimmer and is one of our most popular judging by the number who go on to purchase through Amazon after reading this review. The Bosch 7000 has a powerful 700 watt motor and dual cutting action. The quality is, as you would expect from Bosch, extremely good which probably explains why it comes with a manufacturer’s two year guarantee. If you are looking for something slightly smaller, the Bosch 6000 is also reviewed on this site and is also hugely popular with our readers.

Easy to use with its two handle operation and safe, with its included hand guard and blade tip protector as well as a quick stop brake, the machine is lightweight to use at only 4.5 kg and low vibration due to the dual cutting action of the blades.

Bosch AHS 7000 Pro T HedgecutterThe blades give a 70 cm width of cut and are diamond ground for precision cutting. They have a 34 mm tooth gap which means you should be able to cut through twigs and small branches of up to 34 mm – that’s just over an inch in diameter without any problems. The machine is sold as being suitable for both high and medium height hedges and shrubs. The blade length ensures that wide hedges are no problem either. Continue reading →

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Ryobi RPP 720 Pole Pruner Review

Posted on January 21, 2012 by

The Ryobi RPP 720 Pole Pruner is another excellent specialized electrical garden tool from Ryobi.

Design is good and Ryobi have opted for a cord rather than cordless design, probably because of weight and the potential need for use over a longer period. After all, pruning may be an all-day affair.

Having said that, this baby makes short work of what can otherwise be a really wearying task. No more reason to keep putting off pruning the garden or dealing with those troublesome trees!

Amazon ImageOne point worth noting: be sure to buy the protective gear and extra oil when ordering – protective gear for two might be necessary if you have a helper. Falling branches and flying wood chips can be quite hazardous. Please see our review of the Draper Safety Helmet and Visor Set (pictured), which is currently available at only £13.99 from Amazon (down from £37.94).

Also, be very careful of the cord when using the machine. Although it would normally be safely out of the way, a careless resting position could pose some danger. Be aware of the Livetool indicator – it is there for your protection. At 3.9 kg and with a large part of the weight on the end of a pole, it can be quite tiring to use – especially when the pole is fully extended.

Amazon ImageAlso be sure to keep an eye on the oil level (as recommended by the manufacturer) to make sure it doesn’t run dry. Keeping a satisfactory level of oil helps extend the useful life of the machine. You will need Ryobi Rga-003 Chainsaw Oil.

It is almost brilliantly simple and straightforward in conception, the Ryobi 720w pole pruner RPP720 being no more than a mini-chainsaw on a pole, set at an angle for ease of use.

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Amazon Image

Full specs for the Ryobi RPP 720 Pole Pruner are:

  • 720 Watts 240 Volts motor.
  • Weight: 3.9 kg
  • Telescopic pole, extends from 110 cm – 180 cm (fibreglass).
  • Blue Livetool Indicator – a useful safety feature.
  • Chan bar length: 20 cm.
  • Chain speed of 15 m/s for fast, clean cutting.
  • 15º angle of blade to pole for easier cutting.
  • Overall Length: 200 cm – 270cm at full extension.
  • Automatic chain lubrication for longer chain life.
  • A harness & protective scabbard are included – the harness is particularly helpful in use.

Continue reading →

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Bosch Hedge Trimmer Review, Bosch AHS 60-16 Electric Hedgecutter

Posted on January 14, 2012 by

The Bosch AHS 60-16 electric hedgecutter is a lightweight alternative to the Bosch AHS 7000 Pro T and Bosch AHS 6000 Pro T being almost 1kg lighter than the former while being just over half the price. This does mean that it is less powerful (450 Watt motor compared to 700 Watts). It also has a 10 cm shorter blade length and a considerably reduced tooth gap of 16 mm compared to 34 mm, so that it can only cope with much thinner branches of just over ½” as a maximum, but in practice this model would probably prefer thinner twigs as its usual diet.

However, these figures do seem to be misleading as the many user reviews seemed to be very happy with its performance, one reviewer even claiming to use it on a 12’ monster of a hedge, although it is intended to be used for only small- to medium-sized hedges! Another reviewer successfully trimmed smaller fir tree branches with, so it by no means lacks power.

Amazon Image
Amazon Image

Bosch AHS 60-16 Main features:

From the reviews mentioned above it seems that it copes well with all but the toughest hedges and there was only one complaint from a user who seems to have had a dud, which continually cut out – however, this is what guarantees are for and that reviewer got his money back. This general satisfaction may reflect careful selection by purchasers, with those with more challenging hedges wisely opting for the larger machines. Continue reading →

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