Working in the garden and front garden requires a lot of attention, effort and time. A variety of tools come to the aid of gardeners. The right set of them will help to do a certain type of work much faster and more efficiently. A reliable assistant for amateur gardeners - a handheld hedgecutter. This article will tell you about the variety of models, their features and selection rules.
Manual hedge trimmers come in different types, each with its own advantages and disadvantages
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Manual brushcutter: variety of models and features
The modern market is represented by a wide range of hedge trimmers models. Tools are divided into groups and types depending on the power source and the functionality of different device options. Based on the method of energy consumption, hedge trimmers are divided into four types. The most popular are manual (or mechanical) models. Devices that use gasoline, battery or electric power are quite common.
Mechanical brushcutters are the most popular of all models
A mechanical brush cutter is the lightest option. In structure and function, it is similar to ordinary garden shears. A distinctive feature is the long handle, which increases work efficiency.
The manual brush cutter is easy to use. The tool does not require service, and its cost is much lower than gasoline, electric or battery models. The average size of the device reaches half a meter in length, while the cutting part is almost half of the product - up to 0.25 m.
The main disadvantage of hand tools is the need to use physical force, so it is impossible to work with it for a long time, and it is also difficult to work with large areas with it. The device has much more advantages than disadvantages: it is lightweight, compact, quiet, inexpensive, suitable for use in all weather conditions, without requiring power and fuel.
It is convenient to cut low hedges from shrubs with thin branches with hand hedge trimmers. It is difficult to take care of thick and tall plants using this tool, as the hands quickly get tired, which negatively affects the result.
Mechanical hedge trimmers are inexpensive and easy to use
When choosing a mechanical tool, it is better to give preference to a brush cutter with rubber pads, thanks to which the hands do not slip, and the quality of work increases. The best models of this type are the Gardena brush cutter, as well as the products of the German company RACO and the Chinese company GRINDA.
Useful advice! Before buying an electric brush cutter, it is necessary to inspect the tool, paying particular attention to the blade and handle, and it is also recommended to first try it out in practice.
Brushcutter rating: electric, petrol and battery models
According to their functional features, brushcutters are divided into two groups. The first is made up of tools that resemble a gas scissor. The mechanism is represented by crossed knives working in one plane. You can cut with such scissors in forward and backward directions. If you need to give a certain shape to the bushes or you need to level the hedge often, then it is better to buy a gasoline brush cutter.
The second group of brushcutters includes devices, the functionality of which makes them similar to trimmers or gas mowers. Tools of this type are equipped with gasoline or electric motors, special rods that transmit energy to the head, and a cutting part - in fact, this is a circular saw. The best among these options is the Stihl gasoline brush cutter.
Stihl hedge cutter - rightfully considered the best among gasoline models
The Stihl 450 hedgecutter (Stihl FS 450) belongs to a number of professional models, which mow large volumes of hard and dense grass, undergrowth. With their help, the sides of roads and railways are cleared from undergrowth up to 12 cm in diameter. The device has a powerful engine and a relatively low weight of 8 kg. The brushcutter handle can be adjusted to suit the person's height. The system is equipped with an anti-vibration device.
The most famous professional models are Husqvarna products. Husqvarna hedge trimmers are light but very strong units designed for long and hard work in order to clear the forest.
An electric brush cutter is more powerful than a mechanical tool, which makes it possible to use it for the most complex tasks.
The operating principle is identical (with the electric model) to the cordless brushcutter. It is worth buying such a device if it is not possible to use an electric cable. The absence of a cord makes the device more maneuverable, but in terms of price, such brushcutters are the most expensive.
Husqvarna hedge trimmers - professional models
Technical characteristics and rules for choosing a brush cutter
Brush cutters, regardless of the principle of operation, have such general technical characteristics as power, size of knives, speed of rotation. The power of the electric brush cutter is on average 0.5 kW. The gasoline-powered device has a power of up to 1.6 kW. The optimal value of this indicator of the device is 0.6 kW.
A knife or bar is the main cutting element of the device. Its length determines the capture area and the number of cultivated bushes. Thus, the longer the tire, the more bushes will be processed in one pass. But at the same time, too long a blade reduces the maneuverability of the hedge trimmer. For gasoline devices and electric models, the knife length varies from 40 to 70 cm, for rechargeable ones - from 10 to 60 cm.The most popular knife sizes are 50 cm.
In the operation of the device, such an indicator as the number of knife revolutions per minute plays an important role. The stronger the rotation, the more perfect the cut. This characteristic for different models ranges from 1600 to 3500 rpm. The most powerful are Bosch electric brush cutters.
Choosing the right model, you need to take into account the following nuances:
The more revolutions per minute the knife makes, the more perfect the cut is.
- the size of the area to be treated and the amount of work;
- types and sizes of plants;
- frequency and duration of work;
- distance to the source of electricity;
- the material from which the tool is made;
- the age and gender of the gardener.
Electric brush cutters: rating of the best models
The use of electric hedge trimmers is advisable if the distance from the mains to the treated area does not exceed 30 m - this is the maximum length that the cords of electrical appliances have. If the distance is longer, it will be necessary to use an extension cord, which significantly reduces the level of operational safety.
Useful advice! Do not use an electric brush cutter after rain. This kind of work involves risk.
In addition, the very possibility of electric shock creates a potential hazard in the use of the device. Its power is an order of magnitude less than that of a gasoline analogue. The work is complicated by a long cord. Wires can become entangled when using an electrical device.
Electric hedge trimmers are quiet, lightweight and versatile
At the same time, electrical appliances have a number of advantages. Their advantages, in comparison with the gasoline counterpart, are that there is no need to purchase fuel and lubricants and regular inspections, as well as a lower cost. They are environmentally friendly, lightweight, versatile, powerful, and quiet. The list of the most popular models includes hedge trimmers of the Italian company Alpina, American Black & Decker, German AL-KO, Metabo and Bosch.
One of the most popular models is the Bosch AHS 45-16 electric brushcutter. The tool is designed for pruning bushes, with its help it is easy to give the hedge the desired shape. Electric motor power - 450 W. The length of the tire is 42 cm, the gap between the knives is 16 mm, the number of revolutions is 3400 per minute. The device is quite compact, its weight is only 2.9 kg.
Buy a cordless brush cutter: which model is better
The principle of operation of cordless hedge trimmers is an autonomous battery, which must be recharged periodically. The tool is used in cases where shrubs are far from the power grid or the hedge is small.
Cordless hedge trimmers may not be able to handle thick branches or large volumes of work. The device must be constantly recharged, approximately every 40 minutes. If the knife blades are heavily loaded, recharging may be required after 20 minutes.
Bosch batteries charge fast and last
Therefore, this hedge trimmer is best suited for pruning 2 cm thick branches. Telescopic hedge trimmers with folding arms are best for cutting tall stands. With their help, you can cut even shoots 3 m high.
The best among these models are the Bosch and Gardena cordless hedge trimmers from Germany, as well as the Japanese counterparts Hitachi and Ryobi.
Bosch cordless hedge trimmers are cordless hedge trimmers and brush cutters. Most models have a removable lithium-ion battery pack that takes just under an hour to charge. The tools have anti-lock braking system for trouble-free operation. These are lightweight and compact designs that work for quite a long time. However, they practically do not affect human fatigue. The cutting system, thanks to the special teeth in the front of the knife, allows you to quickly remove branches up to 25 mm thick.
Useful advice! Do not use the device to cut branches that are thicker than the specifications of the device.
Ryobi cordless hedge trimmers are among the best
Petrol brushcutter trimmer: the all-rounder for gardening
The brush cutter trimmer is used for mowing grass in hard-to-reach places where a wheeled lawnmower cannot reach.These are places near trees and bushes, walls, fences and paths. When purchasing a tool, you need to proceed from the tasks facing the tool. The petrol unit is perfect for making hay or removing a lot of weeds.
Cutting elements should be selected depending on the type of planting. If there are trees, bushes and stones, then you should use a special cutting line. Its use will prevent damage to the knives and keep the trees intact. If the trimmer is used only for cutting weeds, then electric models from companies such as Viking, Jonsered or Bosch will do. The choice of a particular tool is influenced by the thickness of the grass and branches.
Trimmers are of two types. They are distinguished by the shape of the handle, which can be T-shaped or in the form of the letter "D". The second option is used when maximum maneuverability is required. The device with a T-shaped handle is used to perform a large amount of work in open areas. The powerful models are equipped with a three-blade knife capable of cutting branches up to 15 mm thick.
The gasoline brush trimmer can also be used for pruning trees and mowing grass
Modern trimmers are equipped with connectors for additional attachments. The tool can be used not only for mowing grass, but also as a delimber, snow blower or cultivator.
Cordless garden shears: features and specifications
A great alternative to brushcutters for small areas is the cordless grass and shrub shears. Like any gardening technique, this tool can be used for an amateur or professional purpose. What is better to buy cordless shears for cutting grass and shrubs, we will figure it out below.
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Rating of the best models of gasoline trimmer: reviews, which option to choose
Features of professional and household trimmers. Popularity rating.
The principle of operation of the cordless lawn cutter is quite simple. In the care of a small area of up to six acres, and it is precisely such an area that most summer cottages have, you simply cannot do without special equipment. For the cultivation of the lawn, pruning the branches of fruit trees and bushes, summer residents use pruners, mowers, brush cutters, but more and more often they prefer battery-operated lawn shears.
It should be noted that the use of mechanical scissors and pruning shears has a negative effect on the skin of the hands, as force and friction lead to the formation of calluses. Gas saws, as a rule, have a lot of weight, dimensions and are not cheap. These simple reasons will motivate experienced gardeners to buy cordless grass and other plant shears.
Cordless garden shears are handy for small areas
Useful advice! Cordless and electric brush cutters do not emit exhaust gases. They are light enough to allow women to use them.
Why buy cordless grass and bush clippers
The main advantage of such scissors is that there is no need to refuel and connect to the network. Therefore, you can use the tool in different, even the most remote places from civilization. You also do not have to inhale the fumes generated by gasoline appliances.
Cordless scissors have a simple working principle, so even inexperienced amateur gardeners can use them. The mechanism is driven by lithium-ion batteries. They are built into the device or made removable. A typical battery lasts an average of 2 hours of continuous cutting. The operating time depends on the battery capacity. The duration of the work of the scissors is also influenced by the load. Cutting off thicker branches will drain the batteries quickly, and a full charge can take up to 5 hours.
But the main advantage is its small size and light weight.According to reviews, the battery shears for grass and shrubs are quite light, compact and maneuverable. The maximum weight of most models barely reaches 600 grams. The exception is powerful professional devices weighing more than one and a half kilograms.
Cordless scissors are easy to use, so suitable even for beginners
Before buying a cordless garden shears for cutting grass and shrubs, you need to check the working width, that is, the maximum area that can be processed in one swath. There are two sizes - 8 and 16 cm.
The principle of operation of the cordless tool is quite simple. The mechanism includes a working unit consisting of two knives. The upper blade, powered by a motor, is movable, and the lower blade is static.
Cordless grass shears: manufacturer's choice
Many manufacturers produce gardening equipment. Experienced gardeners advise to give preference to brand names that have proven themselves well in this market segment. The Bosch cordless grass shears and Gardena tools are rightfully the leader in this list. Other brands are less popular.
The Bosch cordless grass shears have interchangeable attachments, one for mowing lawns and the other for trimming bushes. The duration of continuous operation of such a tool is at least one and a half hours.
Bosch scissors are the leader in this market segment
The lightweight and compact Bosch ISIO cordless telescopic bar cutter is ideal for trimming lawns and working in hard-to-reach areas. The tool is powered by a lithium-ion battery. It can be charged for 40 minutes. The state of charge is monitored by a four-stage LED.
The Gardena Comfort Cut cordless grass shear is an analogue of the model discussed above, which is in no way inferior to it in terms of characteristics. The tool is also equipped with two attachments for processing grass and cutting bushes. The Gardena cordless scissors can work uninterruptedly for up to 2 hours.
Cordless garden shears: professional models
Hitachi scissors have one head and are used for both lawn mowing and shrub trimming. They are characterized by high productivity: up to 25 square meters of grass can be processed in 40 minutes. The machine easily cuts branches up to 8 mm thick without additional attachments.
Makita cordless shears are a professional tool, used for both lawns and bushes. A distinctive feature is the wide grip, reaching 160 mm.
Makita professional cordless shears are used not only for cutting bushes, but also lawns
Useful advice! For a large amount of work, cutting thick branches and old bushes, it is better to purchase gasoline hedge trimmers. But only men can cope with such a tool, since the device is quite heavy. When choosing a gasoline device, you should pay attention to the anti-vibration system and exhaust gas filtration. Operation of the device should not have a negative effect on the human body.
The listed models are made in accordance with the latest technologies, are characterized by high quality, material reliability, ergonomics and a high level of safety. When it comes to pricing, Gardena's cordless grass shears are the cheapest option.
Working with cordless garden shears: tips from gardeners
Before using any device, you must carefully study the instructions, and also take into account a number of special nuances that are not indicated in the recommendations. Experienced gardeners who have tested the tool at work refer to them:
Before starting work, it is recommended to study the instructions and advice of experienced gardeners
- Knives need regular sharpening.For this, only the laser sharpening method should be used.
- When buying a tool, you should give preference to models with a lithium-ion battery, which is used even at low temperatures.
- For devices with a removable battery, it is advisable to purchase a spare battery to ensure continuous operation.
- Some models have swiveling blades to cut grass in hard-to-reach places.
- The charging time depends on the battery capacity. The longer it works - the longer it charges.
- You should take care of your own safety and never work without gloves, as the knives are very sharp.
- For recharging, you must use only the "native" charger: other charges can lead to rapid battery wear.
When buying a hedge trimmer or garden shears, you should consider the amount of work, the frequency of use of the tool, the ability to connect to the network. You should also pay attention to the manufacturer, heed the advice of experienced gardeners. Choosing the right hedgecutter model directly affects the comfort of your gardening work. Reliable helpers like brushcutters can help you turn hard work into pleasure.
