If you’ve been doing some gardening recently, you might have been using a hedge trimmer. It’s a common piece of kit, but also one that’s very useful. Sometimes, people use equipment without ever really knowing how it works and what the different components do. If you’d like to know a bit more about how hedge trimmers work, what the different parts of a hedge trimmer do, and how to use one most efficiently. then check out this article.
There are a few different types of hedge trimmers, including cordless battery operated ones. Many of these share similar features, but they aren’t all completely the same. This handy guide is going to give you a lot of the information you need when deciding which sort of hedge trimmer is for you, and how all the different parts of one work. So how does a hedge trimmer work?
How does a hedge trimmer work?
On face value, a hedge trimmer works by cutting a hedge. Sounds simple, right? Well actually, there’s quite a lot of technology that goes into this seemingly simple piece of equipment. To really understand how a hedge trimmer works, we need to have a look at the different parts of a hedge trimmer in more detail, along with each of their roles and how they all fit together.
Blades
The blade of a hedge trimmer is made with a band of two different lengths of teeth. This is to give an all-round cut. A long blade will make it easier to cut further away from you and reach more of the hedge at once. However, this will make it heavier and harder to handle. Some people find long-bladed hedge trimmers too heavy to pick up.
Before you buy a hedge trimmer, you need to make sure it’s weight and feel are right. Head down to your local hardware store and try a few different models. Remember, you don’t have to actually buy one of these in the hardware store itself. Make a note of the model or models that you like and then go home and check them out on the internet. You will probably be able to find them much cheaper.
Teeth
As we’ve already mentioned, hedge trimmers have teeth that are on two different bands. If you have more distance between teeth then the trimmer will be able to cut bigger branches. However, this will also require a bigger motor and therefore more power. Most trimmers have less space between teeth which is fine for a standard hedge but might not have enough space and power for heavy foliage. For those, you’ll need wider spacing and a more powerful motor.
Protection
A number of hedge trimmers actually have a short bar over the top of the machine. This is to stop any damage being caused to the blade if it hits a solid object like a tree.
Plating
A catcher plate might also be in place to help remove cuttings away from the hedge itself. This is good if you’re cutting the top of hedges and want to remove trimming quickly, easily and automatically.
Hand guard
A hand guard will be in place to stop you from getting hurt or injured by the teeth of the unit. This will also stop cuttings getting caught near your hands. They’re a good safety feature that you’ll probably want unless you’re really sure. It’s especially useful with very prickly hedges.
Battery
Not every hedge trimmer has a battery, because many are still powered from the mains. You’ll have to decide whether you want a battery-operated trimmer or a mains-powered one, as they both have pros and cons. A mains trimmer can often provide more power and obviously won’t need charging. however, they also aren’t as portable and you could have problems with the cable getting in the way.
Battery-powered hedge trimmers are becoming more and more popular because batteries are improving in performance. They aren’t as heavy as they used to be, and they can also provide more power to your unit for longer. They will have to be charged up regularly, but you’ll get extra portability and convenience with it. You could also consider spare batteries so you don’t get delayed in-between cutting jobs.
How to use a hedge trimmer safely
Before you use a hedge trimmer, you should always make sure you can use it safely. If you need someone to help you, then find an appropriate person. Hedge trimmers should not be used when it’s raining or looks likely to rain soon. Check weather reports carefully. Rain can affect the quality of the cut but also cause problems with the electrics of your hedge trimmer. That’s why you need to be careful.
Make sure you’ve got the right safety gear and equipment. You will need gloves as well as goggles to cut hedges safely. If the hedge is particularly high, you might need harnesses or step-ladders. These should always be used carefully and with supervision. Don’t attempt to trim a hedge with a hedge trimmer that has really long or strong branches. These will need cutting with shears before you use the trimmer to tidy things up.
Where to purchase a hedge trimmer from
As we’ve already mentioned, you can get a good hedge trimmer from most hardware stores, but also now online. Compare the deals so you can find the best unit for you, but make sure you’ve had a good feel of it so that you’re sure you can carry it and do a good cutting job. You will want to decide whether you want a mains trimmer or a battery one, as well as looking at a few other options and features. Remember, bigger blades with wider gaps will cut bigger branches, but they’ll also make the trimmer heavier and it’ll need a more powerful motor. For lighter models, you might have to do a bit of trimming yourself with shears beforehand.
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