May 2008
Important features Hedge trimmers
Blade length typically ranges from 13 to 30 inches, though most are between 16 and 24 inches long. Blade gap—the distance between teeth—is also important, since it helps determine how large a branch you can cut. In general, the wider the gap, the larger the branch a trimmer can handle and the easier it is to push through a hedge. Gas-powered, professional-grade trimmers have blade gaps of 1 inch or more, while homeowner-grade models typically have 3/8- to 3/4-inch gaps, narrow enough to help keep fingers out. Double-sided blades allow cutting in both directions, letting you stand in one position longer than you can with single-sided blades, which cut in one direction only. Dual-reciprocating blades, where the top and bottom blade plates move back and forth, tend to cut faster and vibrate less than single-action blades, where only the top blade moves. Trimmers with a wraparound front handle let you keep your hands in one position as you pivot the trimmer to cut vertically or at odd angles. Safety features include tooth extensions, which are designed to prevent thighs and other body parts from coming in contact with the blade teeth. Some are part of the blades and move with them; separate, stationary tooth extensions tend to provide better protection. Trimmers also have a front-handle shield designed to keep your forward hand from the blade.
Blade length typically ranges from 13 to 30 inches, though most are between 16 and 24 inches long. Blade gap—the distance between teeth—is also important, since it helps determine how large a branch you can cut. In general, the wider the gap, the larger the branch a trimmer can handle and the easier it is to push through a hedge. Gas-powered, professional-grade trimmers have blade gaps of 1 inch or more, while homeowner-grade models typically have 3/8- to 3/4-inch gaps, narrow enough to help keep fingers out. Double-sided blades allow cutting in both directions, letting you stand in one position longer than you can with single-sided blades, which cut in one direction only. Dual-reciprocating blades, where the top and bottom blade plates move back and forth, tend to cut faster and vibrate less than single-action blades, where only the top blade moves. Trimmers with a wraparound front handle let you keep your hands in one position as you pivot the trimmer to cut vertically or at odd angles. Safety features include tooth extensions, which are designed to prevent thighs and other body parts from coming in contact with the blade teeth. Some are part of the blades and move with them; separate, stationary tooth extensions tend to provide better protection. Trimmers also have a front-handle shield designed to keep your forward hand from the blade.
