Thanks to modern hedge cutters, hedge trimming is no longer the tiresome job it used to be, meaning an all-round healthy and deep hedge can be easily maintained throughout the summer.
But different hedges need different cutters; it all depends on hedge type, height, length, thickness and whether you want a straight cut or are the artistic kind hoping to sculpt a masterpiece.
The first decision is whether to plump for single or double sided blades. Single-sided blades are best for those seeking long straight cuts. Since there are only teeth on one side, single-sided cutters are lighter meaning blades can be longer without the machine becoming too heavy. The top blade oscillates, cutting against the stationary lower blade allowing for one-directional sweeping cuts, a method favoured by professional gardeners.
As the centre of gravity of a single-sided cutter is located closer to the body, you can cut for longer without tiring.
Double-sided cutters are more common and efficient as the blades slide back and forth at a high speed allowing for sweeping cuts in both directions. These models are better for shaping because of increased flexibility.
As mentioned before, the longer the blade the quicker you will get the job done. A 30inch blade is more than enough for the average gardener, as longer blades require extra power and therefore larger heavier engines, especially on double-sided cutters.
For those hard-to-reach places, gardeners can take advantage of long-reach or telescopic cutters. Both models ease cutting of high and low hedges with increased flexibility due to the adjustable cutting bar
Weight is not so much an issue as long-reach models counterbalance the blade weight with engine position, however cutting the top of a high hedge can become tiring on the upper body after a time. The telescopic models are often powered by lightweight electric or battery motors, making for strain-free cutting
Other factors to consider are blade width, which indicates the space between teeth, from 16mm on electric cutters to 34mm on powerful petrol models. Wide-toothed models will make light work of those thick branched hedges.
Ensure your cutter has a comfortable handle and well-positioned hand guard as well as an anti-vibration dampener to spare your arms and hands. On single-sided cutters a clippings collector allows for a neater finish.
|
