The Best Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmers Reviewed
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Do you want to have a beautiful and well-kept yard? Having a property that’s the envy of your neighbors takes a lot of work, but the task is much easier if you have the right tools. One of the most practical and efficient lawncare tools is a gas-powered hedge trimmer.
While there are other options like corded hedge trimmers, the best gas-powered hedge trimmers are more powerful and better if you have a larger property to maintain. You can take the trimmer anywhere without the need to deal with a cord and staying close to an electrical outlet.
The challenge is finding the right model with so many to choose from. Here, you’ll find our reviews and rankings of the top choices so you can decide which one is best for your needs.
The Best Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmers
1. Husqvarna 122HD60 Dual Action Hedge Trimmer
The Husqvarna 122HD60 is a lightweight, professional-grade gas hedge trimmer that offers dependable performance. The Smart Start engine and starter have been designed so the machine starts quickly with minimum effort.
A carburetor air purge system removes air from the carburetor and fuel system for easy starting. When the machine is turned off, the stop switch automatically returns to the start position for easier starting. The rear handle is adjustable to facilitate cutting the sides and top of hedges. Anti-vibration dampeners absorb vibration, reducing stress on the user’s arms, hands, and body, which is especially helpful if you’ll be using it for an extended time.
The blade length is 24 inches, which is longer than average, allowing you to trim more surface area at one time and also reach further.
Overall, this is an outstanding product and our top recommendation. It’s powerful and reliable. However, the price is on the higher end (but you get what you pay for).
2. Husqvarna 122HD45 Gas Hedge Trimmer
If you’re looking for an efficient, reliable gas-powered hedge trimmer, this model from Husqvarna is an excellent choice. The 21.7 cc two-cycle engine creates significantly less noise and the trimmer is lightweight. When this machine turns off, all settings reprogram themselves back to the right position to make it ready for the next start, similar to our top-ranked model.
One of the major differences between the 122HD45 and the 122HD60 is the blade length. This one is 18 inches, as opposed to 24 inches. The smaller blade is a little easier to control, but it cuts less surface area and doesn’t reach as far. In general, the smaller blade may be appropriate for lighter use.
This model offers all the necessary features and benefits that make it a convenient tool for homeowners and landscapers. Because of its lightweight, you can manage the trimmer on various sized hedges and bushes without any problem.
With minimum noise, this unit does not irritate you when you’re working. The vibrations are also kept in check so that your hands do not tire when you’re holding the trimmer for an extended time. Besides, you also get the benefit of a rapid startup, which saves you from the headaches and hassles caused by difficult starts.
The 18-inch blade is double-sided. It’s not the largest blade, but also not the smallest. It’s excellent for homeowners who want a straightforward and productive tool at an affordable price. You’ll be able to keep your bushes and hedges looking great with the help of this excellent trimmer.
3. Poulan Pro PR2322 Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer
This powerful machine boasts a 23cc two-cycle engine. With plenty of power, it’s easy to accomplish keep your lawn and garden looking beautiful. The length of the blade is around 22 inches and offers a dual-action with teeth present on two sides. The blade is made with stainless steel, which lasts long and has high rust resistance. If you’re looking for a long blade with plenty of reach, this product is an excellent choice.
When you move the trimmer up and down, the handle rotates into comfortable positions. There’s a very comfortable grip with vibration resistance when the machine is running. It offers you the restraint and the control over the trimmer that you require. This is a great feature if you’ll be using the trimmer for extended periods because it will be more comfortable.
The whole unit is light in weight at only 11.1 pounds. Compare to the previous model from Husqvarna, this one is not as easy to start. That may be a big drawback to some users.
4. Echo 20 in. 21.2 cc Gas 2-Stroke Cycle Hedge Trimmer
The Echo HC-152 Hedge Trimmer is lightweight (less than 14 pounds) with professional-grade features and performance. It’s reliable, durable, and more than capable of getting the job done.
This trimmer features a powerful 2-cycle engine that delivers dependable performance. The dual-action blades provide superior cutting performance and twice as many cutting edges like some other trimmers. The dual-action blades offer a quick, clean cut without tearing or shredding foliage. A zero-type grease fitting and tool-less air filter cover make maintenance easy.
Overall, this is another excellent option. The blade is fairly long at 20 inches, so it could be suitable for residential or commercial use.
5. Echo HC-152 Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer
The Echo HC-152 gas-powered hedge trimmer is another solid option. It has a 16.5-ounce gas tank that helps you carry out several trimming sessions with a single filling.
Apart from that, it has a powerful 21.2 cc motor with a 20-inch blade. This longer-than-average blade comes in handy when you have to do the precise trimming or get tough to reach areas. The trimmer also includes an air purge feature that enhances the carburetor’s effectiveness.
How to Maintain a Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer
Like all other tools, you need to maintain the gas-powered hedge trimmer and keep them in the best condition if you want to use it for years to come. Here is a complete guide on how you can maintain the trimmer:
Before Using It:
Before using the trimmer, you should give it a once-over to make sure everything looks as it should. Next, you have to tighten all casing screws (if needed) and wipe the trimmer to clean all dust that might have accumulated.
It is also recommended that when starting, you should use fresh fuel, and this helps in preserving the engine integrity. Keep in mind that the oil used for a 2-stroke engine is not stable, and thus, using fresh and clean fuel is critical.
During Use:
When you are working, you need to make sure that the intake remains clean throughout, and this helps make the engine run very effectively.
Again, you might require the carburetor to get adjusted, which helps maintain the idle.
Most importantly, you must adhere to the manufacturer’s manual in everything you do, including the lubrication frequency.
Annually:
No matter which hedge trimmer you have chosen, the start of the season is always a perfect time for blade sharpening. Keep in mind that the sharper your blades, the less torque you place on the engine. This, in turn, helps in quick cutting, preserving the machine, and promoting overall effectiveness.
You might have to clean or make a replacement of the spark plugs, which helps in maintaining a good firing.
You can either perform this maintenance yourself or find someone in your local area who offers small engine repair and servicing.
Husqvarna 122HD60 Dual Action Hedge Trimmer
Why Buy a Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer?
In terms of quality and power, the gas-powered variety outperforms all other types of hedge trimmers. It’s true that there are some conveniences related to using corded trimmers (like not needing to deal with gas and less noise), homeowners who need to best performance should consider a gas-powered model.
The Benefits of Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmers
- Gas hedge trimmers are crafted to cut the thicker branches compared to less powerful corded trimmers.
- They cut very quickly.
- Gas hedge trimmers can be used easily without a power connection, and you can take them anywhere (necessary if you have a large yard).
However, there are some drawbacks of gas-powered hedge trimmers as well:
- They are heavier than other types.
- They are not environmentally friendly because of gas release.
- They’re slightly more expensive to maintain and use because of the gas and oil.
See our list of the best-corded hedge trimmers if you’re considering something different.
Buyer’s Guide
Here are a few things you need to consider before choosing the right tool for your yard:
- The trimmer blade: While looking for a hedge trimmer, it’s necessary to consider the length of the trimmer blade. Long blades help in cutting faster because of the size, but on the other hand, it puts pressure on your hand. Therefore, it’s problematic when you have to trim the small hedge with long-size blades and for more than just a few minutes. So, select an edge based on your needs. There are also double-sided blades that make your work easier and faster.
- Trim in comfort: It’s essential to make sure that your model is comfortable, especially if you have a lot of hedges to trim. If you’re buying only, read reviews from other users to see if people are talking about whether it is comfortable or uncomfortable.
- The weight of the trimmer: Residential trimmers are often easy to use as well as comfortable when compared to commercial models. Residential trimmers are often light in weight and easy to carry and control. But the heavy-duty machines are big. This gives them more power, but they can be very difficult to work with for an extended period. Be sure to check the weight before making a purchase.
- Control of noise: Gas trimmers are often loud, so there’s only so much you can do here. However, some are louder than others. Again, pay attention to the user reviews. Also, keep in mind that you can use earplugs to reduce the noise.
- Use of anti-vibration technology: One of the most common problems of a gas trimmer is vibration. Higher-end models will often have some sort of vibration reduction, which is a nice feature that will improve comfort. Check the specs to see if this is mentioned.
By considering all the above factors, you can choose the best product for your gardening works.
Related: The Best Tow-Behind Spreaders for Large Yards and Properties
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the major brands of gas hedge trimmers?
Some of the leading brands include Husqvarna, Echo, Stihl.
Which is better: a gas-powered hedge trimmer or an electric hedge trimmer?
It depends on your needs and preferences. Gas-powered trimmers typically offer more power and are better for heavy-duty use. They’re also easy to take anywhere with no need for a cord that runs to an outlet and no need to charge a battery. However, you also have to deal with gas, which some people don’t like.
How long can a hedge trimmer engine run on a single tank of gas?
Some of the hedge trimmers have a better fuel system than others. The average gas trimmer will run for at least 40 minutes and sometimes up to an hour or longer.
Conclusion
You already know how much work it can be to keep up with a beautiful yard or garden. But the work becomes more accessible and comfortable when you know the right tools to use. A quality gas-powered hedge trimmer will save you a lot of time and make your work easier. It’s one of the most essential tools if you have a lot of bushes, shrubs, or plants on your property.
By choosing one of the best gas-powered hedge trimmers that we’ve featured here, you’ll be well on your way to having the beautiful property you desire.
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