If you have a large hedge in your garden, a petrol hedge cutter is a very useful tool to help you keep it well trimmed, healthy and in good shape. Petrol operated hedge cutters are versatile accessories that are not impeded by a power cord — unlike electric hedge trimmers — and they can be used for all kinds of hedge cutting, from a light trim to heavier work. The powerful engine at the heart of a gas hedge trimmer means you can cut faster and get your garden maintenance tasks done more quickly, and the cordless nature of this tool means that you can work anywhere in your garden.

If you’re thinking of purchasing a petrol hedge trimmer, you’ll likely have a choice of a two-sided a single sided option, with a variety of blade lengths up to about 40 inches. If you have a particularly high hedge, you may find it useful to buy a pole hedge cutter incorporating a swivel mechanism with a long reach that allows you to cut taller hedge growth more easily.

Let’s take a look at the features of some of the popular gas hedge trimmers on the market today:

Ryobi 26cc Gas Hedge Cutter model ZRRY39500

The Ryobi 26cc trimmer features 22 inch precision ground steel blades and a light weight but durable magnesium gear case. It’s designed with a convenient, multiposition rear handle and operates from a two cycle gas engine. This model includes a scabbard, 2-cycle lubricant and an operating manual.

Poulan Pro 25cc Gas Hedge Cutter 25HHT

The Poulan Pro 25HHT lets you cope with large hedge trimming jobs efficiently, with its 22 inch, hardened steel double edged blade that can cope with branches up to three quarters of an inch thick. Its 25cc engine is designed for quiet operation, and the wraparound handle makes it easy to use the trimmer in a horizontal or vertical position.

Stihl Hedgetrimmers

The Stihl range of hedge trimmers are designed to cope with the heavy duty work of landscape gardening and park maintenance, but their powerful performance can also be suitable for large hedges in private gardens. The Stihl HS45 comes in 45cm and 60cm versions, the HS81 models have a cutting length that ranges from 60 to 75 cms and the HS86 range goes from 75 to 100cms. Choose from a variety of models according to whether you are dealing with regular neat trimming or require a trimmer to deal with tougher, thicker growth.

McCulloch Hedge Cutters

Check out the McCulloch range for hedge cutters that can deal with a variety of domestic garden needs — such as the lightweight Gladiator 550 with its 22 inch blade that’s ideal for cutting hedges such as pine or privet. For tougher jobs and woodier sorts of hedge, look at the McCulloch Tivoli 65, with a 24 inch double-sided blade.

Depending on where you live, you may find a range of other manufacturers’ products available. Other well-known makes of gas powered hedge trimmers include Alpina, Einhell, Tanaka, Kawasaki and Echo. Whether you need it for occasional trimming or regular use, petrol hedge cutters make a useful reduction in the time needed for garden maintenance. Look for features such as weight and balance, multiposition handle options and double versus single blade options.