With spring begins the gardening season – and with it the work on hedges and shrubs. In this guide, we show you which types of motor hedge trimmers exist, how they differ, and what you should look for when buying.
Battery, Electric, or Petrol?
The most common hedge trimmer types differ in their drive type – which affects performance, usability, and noise level. Depending on the location of use and hedge structure, cordless, electric, and petrol hedge trimmers each offer their own advantages and disadvantages.
What does the Cordless Hedge Trimmer offer?
The battery-powered hedge trimmer scores with cordless flexibility and low weight. Ideal for precise work in small to medium-sized gardens.
- Quiet operation – good for the neighbourhood
- Handy and light (usually 3–4 kg)
- 18V or 36V Li-Ion batteries, approx. 50 Min. runtime
- Fast chargers & replacement batteries as accessories
- Tip: Telescopic poles extend the reach for tall hedges
Disadvantage: limited runtime, higher battery power brings more weight with it.
What can the Electric Hedge Trimmer do?
The corded electric hedge trimmer offers more power for harder branches – ideal for medium to large hedges.
- Constant power without recharging
- Also suitable for thicker branches
- Caution: Guide the cable carefully to avoid severing it
- Cable reel recommended for greater reach
Particularly suitable for smaller gardens with a power connection nearby.
What can the Petrol Hedge Trimmer do?
The petrol-powered hedge trimmer is the powerhouse among the devices – ideal for large hedges, commercial use, or remote properties.
- Very powerful thanks to 2-stroke engine
- Independent of battery or power cable
- Disadvantages: high weight, loud, exhaust fumes, high price
- Hearing protection recommended – consider the environmental aspect
Rather unsuitable for private use – unless you have a lot of hedge and a very large garden.
Blade Length, Cutting Length, Knife Length
With hedge trimmers, not only the drive is crucial. Also the length of the blade influences precision, weight, and cutting surface.
- Blade Length: Total length of the saw blade
- Cutting Length: Actual usable cutting surface – always shorter than the blade
- Knife Length: Length of the individual cutting knives
- For Precision: short blades (e.g., 40–50 cm)
- For Large Areas: longer blades (up to 70 cm) – but heavier
- Tip: Choose a blade length that matches the width of your hedge
Conclusion – Which Hedge Trimmer is right for you?
Cordless hedge trimmers are ideal for beginners and precise garden maintenance – light, quiet, and easy to handle. Electric hedge trimmers deliver more power for tougher tasks, but require cable management. Petrol hedge trimmers are powerful, but loud, heavy, and expensive – rather suitable for professionals or large properties.
Consider before buying: How big is your hedge? How often do you want to cut it? And: How much noise is acceptable?
