Petrol Engine-powered Hedge Trimmers

Hedge trimmers with small 2-stroke engines are preferred by professionals and are appropriate for homeowners with many plants to trim or remote areas not readily accessible to electric power. They offer complete versatility and freedom of movement. Some hedge trimmers have the engine at the base of the cutting head; others have the engine at one end of a long tube and the cutting head at the other end. This configuration allows the operator to extend his reach. The downside is that this type is heavier and more expensive. As with any tool using a 2-stroke engine, oil must be mixed with the gasoline. Noise and exhaust fumes are negatives with petrol engines. Maintenance will be higher than with electric trimmers.

Safety Concerns

With any hedge trimmer, you should keep both hands on the trimmer handles. It is much more difficult to amputate a finger if your fingers are grasping the handles. Wear gloves when using a trimmer; cut-resistant gloves give the most protection. One problem with corded electric trimmers is the potential for cutting your cord with the trimmer. In addition to being inconvenient and embarrassing, this can cause electrocution. It is important to run electric trimmers or any outdoor electrical tool from a GFCI-protected outlet or use a GFCI-protected extension cord.

With any petrol engine-powered tool, you need to be careful with gasoline and not add fuel or even open the gas tank when the engine is hot. A hot muffler is another hazard to avoid.

Hedge trimmers can make short work of shearing hedges or individual shrubs. They will not cut heavy branches, but cleanly cut small branches up to about 1/4 inch in diameter. They are easy to use. The type of trimmer you need will depend on how much you have to trim and how accessible the area is. A few reasonable safety precautions will help prevent injuries.