Key Features to Consider When Buying a Hedge Trimmer

Dec 24th, 2025

Maintaining a manicured garden takes more than just regular watering and weeding. For those with established shrubs or privacy screens, a high-quality hedge trimmer is one of the most essential garden tools you can own. However, with various power sources, blade configurations, and specialised designs available, choosing the right model can be tricky.

Selecting a tool that works with your specific outdoor space not only makes the job faster but also prevents unnecessary strain on your body. Whether you are a professional landscaper or a home gardener, this guide covers the technical features you need to check before making a purchase.

The Importance of the Right Tool

A hedge trimmer is designed for the specific task of shearing soft new growth and smaller woody stems to maintain the shape of a hedge. Using the wrong tool, such as attempting to use a chainsaw on a thin hedge or small manual hedge trimmers on a massive boundary screen, leads to poor results and potential plant damage.

For those looking for a hedge trimmer in Melbourne, Brisbane, or Sydney locals can rely on, B.W. Machinery offers a comprehensive selection. We provide nationwide shipping and expert advice to ensure you find the product that suits your garden, budget and specific requirements.

Petrol vs. Battery vs. Electric: Choosing Your Power Source

The power source is the primary factor that determines the mobility, weight, and maintenance requirements of your equipment.

Petrol Hedge Trimmers

Petrol hedge trimmers are the traditional choice for professional gardeners and large rural properties. They offer unmatched power and the ability to work all day without waiting for a recharge. These units typically feature a 2-stroke engine which requires a precise mix of petrol and two-stroke oil, or a 4-stroke engine which runs on straight unleaded petrol. While they are the heaviest option, their cutting capacity is usually the highest, making them ideal for thick, overgrown hedges.

Battery Hedge Trimmers

The rise of cordless hedge trimmers has changed the way many Australians maintain their gardens. Modern battery-powered hedge trimmers often utilise a brushless motor, which is more efficient and lasts longer than traditional brushed motors.

When shopping for battery hedge trimmers, consider the battery life and battery charge time. For larger tasks, it is often wise to invest in spare batteries so you can keep working while one unit is on the charger. The lack of exhaust fumes and reduced noise makes cordless battery powered tools perfect for noise-sensitive suburban areas.

Electric Hedge Trimmers

Corded electric hedge trimmers are the lightest and most affordable option. They are perfect for small yards where an outdoor power point is always within reach. You never have to worry about fuel or charging, but you must remain mindful of the cord at all times to avoid accidental cuts.

Standard vs. Long Reach

The height and depth of your hedges will dictate the style of trimmer you need.

Standard Handheld Hedge Trimmers: These are best for hedges that are chest-height or lower. They offer the most control for shaping and topiary work.
Long Reach Hedge Trimmers: If you have tall boundary hedges, long reach hedge trimmers allow you to work from the safety of the ground. These long-reach units eliminate the need for dangerous ladders.
Telescopic Hedge Trimmers: Some advanced models feature a telescoping reach, allowing you to extend the shaft for particularly high sections and retract it for easier storage.

Blade Length and Tooth Spacing

Blade length typically ranges from 400mm to 750mm. A longer blade allows you to trim a larger surface area in a single sweep, ensuring a flatter, more even finish on long straight hedges. However, a longer blade also adds weight and can be harder to maneuver in tight spaces.

Tooth spacing refers to the distance between the individual teeth on the blade. This measurement determines the maximum branch diameter the machine can cut.

15mm – 20mm: Suitable for use on thin-leaved shrubs.
25mm – 35mm: Necessary for mature hedges with thicker, woodier stems.

Safety Features and Essential Accessories

Safety should always be the top priority when operating high-speed cutting machinery. Modern trimmers come with several safety features, such as a blade guard to protect your hands and a tip protector to prevent the blades from being damaged when working near walls or the ground.

You should also consult the manufacturer’s instructions before your first use to understand the specific safety triggers and maintenance schedules of your model.

Recommended Hedge Trimmer Accessories

To keep your tool in peak condition, consider the following hedge trimmer accessories:

Blade Lubricant: Prevents sap and resin from gumming up the teeth.
Safety Gear (PPE): Always wear eye protection, ear muffs, and heavy-duty gloves.
Scabbard: A plastic blade guard to protect them (and you) during transport and storage.

Brand Breakdown

B.W. Machinery stocks the world’s leading brands, each offering unique strengths for different types of users.

STIHL

STIHL hedge trimmers are often considered the gold standard for both domestic and commercial use. Known for German engineering and extreme reliability, there is always a STIHL hedge trimmer for sale to fit your needs.

STIHL HSA 60 Battery Hedge Trimmer

The STIHL HSA 60 is a powerful battery-powered hedge trimmer designed to provide effortless and effective cutting performance for domestic gardens. It features a high-efficiency brushless motor and laser-cut, diamond-ground blades that maintain sharpness and precision even with heavy use.

This model features:

Rotating Rear Handle: The handle can be adjusted 90 degrees to the left or right, allowing for a comfortable and ergonomic position during vertical or overhead cutting.
Anti-Vibration System: This technology reduces the transfer of vibrations to the hands and arms, which helps prevent fatigue during long sessions.
Teardrop-shaped Shrub Cutter: The teardrop-shaped teeth hold branches firmly against the blade during the cut, resulting in a cleaner finish and higher cutting capacity.
Screw-On Tip Protector: This guard protects the blade from wear and damage when working close to the ground, walls, or other hard obstacles.

Husqvarna

By opting for a Husqvarna hedge trimmer, you are choosing a brand focused on innovation and user comfort. We offer a variety of Husqvarna hedge trimmers for sale, including many cordless hedge trimmers that feature “save” modes to extend battery runtime. This brand is a popular choice for those who need to tackle tough, dry vegetation comfortably.

Husqvarna 120iTK4-H 36V

The Husqvarna 120iTK4-H is a versatile, battery-powered hedge trimmer designed for homeowners who need a single tool to handle multiple tasks. This 36V machine features a split-shaft design, meaning the unit can be used with either a hedge trimmer or a pole saw attachment.

Benefits of this model include:

Telescoping Reach: The pole has telescoping reach that allows for quick adjustments to the length, making it easy to switch between trimming ground-level shrubs and reaching the very top of tall boundary hedges.
Ultra-Quiet Performance: The low noise levels (up to 13 dB lower than most petrol hedge trimmers) mean you can work in residential neighborhoods at any time of day without disturbing the peace.
Adjustable Cutting Head: The attachment features an adjustable handle and articulating blade that can be set at 7 different angles, providing the ideal position for cutting the tops, sides, or even the base of the hedge.
Compact Transport and Storage: Because the shaft can be split in half, the tool is much easier to transport in a vehicle or store in a small garden shed compared to one-piece long-reach units.
savE™ Mode: This feature allows you to optimise the battery life by choosing between maximum power for thick branches or an economy mode for lighter trimming tasks.

Shindaiwa

Shindaiwa hedge trimmers are Japanese-built trimmers designed for the rigors of daily professional use. They are often lighter than competitors, while maintaining a very high power-to-weight ratio. Professionals choose Shindaiwa hedge trimmers for their precision and long-term durability.

Shindaiwa DH202 Hedge Trimmer

The Shindaiwa DH202 is a professional-grade petrol hedge trimmer designed for users who need a lightweight yet powerful tool for more intensive gardening tasks. It offers the high torque needed for professional applications while remaining exceptionally easy to maneuver.

This model features:

Double-Sided Blades: The precision-ground blades provide a clean cut on every pass, ensuring the health of the plant and a professional finish for your outdoor space.
Rotary Rear Handle: An adjustable handle with five positions allows the operator to maintain a natural grip when trimming at different angles, reducing strain on the wrists and arms.
Vibration Reduction System: The machine incorporates specialised mounts to isolate the engine, leading to lower vibration levels and a more comfortable experience during extended use.
Reduced Noise Output: Designed with a specialised exhaust system, this unit operates at a lower volume than many traditional petrol hedge trimmers, making it more suitable for residential areas.
Easy Start System: The engine is equipped with a patented starting mechanism that significantly reduces the pulling force required, making it simple to get to work quickly.

Choose B.W. Machinery for Hedge Trimmers Australia-Wide

By focusing on the right power source, appropriate blade length, and reputable brands like STIHL or Husqvarna, you can ensure your gardening tasks are safe, efficient and result in a perfectly trimmed hedge. For a full range of high-quality hedge trimmers, visit B.W. Machinery today to find the perfect tool for your garden.