Hedgecutters
Hedgecutters for every hedge, from a 45cm battery trimmer for box and privet to petrol machines and long-reach cutters for tall field boundaries. The range covers Stihl, EGO, Echo, Honda, Cobra, Mountfield and Toro, from about £85 to £885.
Choosing comes down to three things: how much hedge you have, how thick the growth is, and how high you need to reach. Our guide below takes them in that order.
Hedgecutter buying guideBlade length, single or double-sided, long-reach, battery or petrol and FAQs
1. How much hedge, and how thick is it?
- Short ornamental hedges (box, privet, lonicera): a 45 to 50cm battery trimmer is plenty, such as the Stihl HSA 30 or HSA 50, the EGO HT2000E or the Cobra H5024V. They're light enough to hold out for a full trim.
- Long boundary hedges (laurel, beech, hawthorn): a 60 to 75cm blade covers more with each pass, so you finish sooner. The Stihl HSA 60 and HSA 100, the EGO HT2600E and the Stihl HS 87 R are good places to start. The trade-off is weight: a longer blade is harder work at shoulder height.
- Thick, woody growth: the gap between the teeth matters more than blade length, because it sets the thickest stem the cutter will take. Check the tooth gap in each model's spec table, and look at professional battery models or petrol.
2. Single or double-sided?
Most hedgecutters are double-sided, cutting on both edges of the blade so you can sweep back and forth across the top and sides. Single-sided cutters, such as the Echo HCS-2810ES and HCS-3810ES or the Honda HHH 25S, cut on one edge only. They are better balanced at full stretch and easier to lay flat across the top of a wide hedge, which is why many professionals prefer them for tops. For most gardens, double-sided is quicker.
3. Tall or wide hedges: long-reach cutters
A long-reach (pole) hedgecutter keeps you off the ladder. Models with an angled or articulating head, such as the Stihl HLA range, the EGO HTX5300-PA and the Echo HCA2620ES-HD, let you cut the top of a tall hedge from the ground. The Stihl HLA 86 is telescopic, so you can set the length to the job. The honest trade-off is that weight at the end of a pole tires your arms quickly, so for long sessions use a harness, or choose a lighter battery model.
4. Battery or petrol?
- Battery: quiet, no fuel and starts at the touch of a trigger. It suits almost every garden and a lot of professional work now. Pick a battery system you'll use for other tools too (EGO 56V, Stihl, Honda 36V, Toro 60V, Mountfield, Cobra), because batteries don't swap between brands.
- Petrol: best for long days on big hedges away from a charger. Honda's HHH 25 models are four-stroke, so they run on ordinary unleaded with no oil to mix. The trade-off is more noise, more weight and regular servicing.
| Your hedge | Where to start |
|---|---|
| Small ornamental or box hedge | 45 to 50cm battery trimmer |
| Long garden boundary | 60 to 75cm battery or petrol, double-sided |
| Tall or wide hedge | Long-reach cutter with an angled head |
| Thick, woody or professional work | Professional battery, petrol, or single-sided for tops |
Why buy your hedgecutter from us
We're a family-run, authorised dealer at Island Road, Westbere, near Canterbury, for Stihl, EGO, Echo and Honda among others. We'll tell you straight which machine suits your hedges, every tool is checked before it leaves, and our workshop services and repairs hedgecutters after the sale. We deliver UK-wide. Call 01227 711100 or visit the showroom for advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is a hedge cutter the same as a hedge trimmer?
Yes. The names are used for the same tool. Manufacturers and shops use both.
What size hedgecutter do I need?
About 45 to 50cm for small and ornamental hedges, 60 to 75cm for long boundary hedges. Longer blades cover more ground but weigh more, so don't buy more length than you need.
Is a battery hedge trimmer powerful enough?
For most garden hedges, yes. For thick, woody growth or all-day work, choose a professional battery model or petrol.
What does "tool only" mean?
The cutter comes without a battery or charger. It makes sense if you already own that brand's batteries. If not, choose a kit, which includes both.
Do you service hedgecutters?
Yes. Our workshop services and repairs most major makes. Call our service team on 01227 711100.
