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Cordless Hedge Trimmers
Tested and reviewed by Fred-in-the-shed Updated
17th May 2013

(click here for
cordless grass trimmers) Cordless hedge trimmers are
great tools and have significant safety and convenience advantages over
corded tools. However hedge-trimmers "take a lot of stick" and need a
lot of power. This is hard to supply from a small battery - until now -
with the new Lithium Ion Batteries
The increased power and
convenience of these new batteries means that cordless hedge trimmers
are becoming a viable alternative to mains powered ones.
Latest model cordless hedge trimmers
-currently being tested
New Bosch 10.8v model !

New for 2013 this lightweight battery powered hedge trimmer uses a
compact 10.8v li-ion battery.
The same battery is used in on other Bosch powertools and combined with
the quality blade and anti-stall
electronics it makes this model ideal for smaller well kept hedges.
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The best cordless hedge trimmer?
Bosch AHS 48 Li and 52 Li 18v
Cordless Hedge trimmers
If you want a cordless hedge trimmer for thicker, or less well
kept hedges the new Bosch models are better and will cut up to 15mm
thick stems. These new
trimmers have the incredibly useful Bosch anti stall technology that
reverses the blades in a nano second if the circuitry detects
jamming. This not only saves time but also your fingers as trying to
un jam a hedge trimmer with very sharp blades is no fun.
There are 2
18v versions, both with the incredibly light and powerful Li-ion
batteries. The AHS 48 Li has a 48cm blade and weights a mere 2.2kg
whilst the longer bladed AHS52 Li weighs 2.3kg and has a run time of
approx 40 minutes depending on the thickness of the hedge you are
cutting.
This is enough time to get a fair amount of hedge trimmed.
Recharge time 3 hours. I think the 48cm version is much better value
than the 52 which is only 4cms difference. A spare battery is around
£50 and can be used in a wide range of Bosch power tools, This tool has an incredibly good review rating
, too

We used this Bosch Cordless Hedge trimmer on thick
old Ivy and was amazed how well it cut and how long the small
battery lasted.
The Ryobi also faired did well but was more prone to jamming on
thicker stems as it does not have the patented anti-jam electronics
of the new Bosch models. This is not necessarily a problem and
especially if you keep your hedge well trimmed and mainly cut the
softer new grown foliage, which is generally the proper way to do
things.
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Bosch AHS 48 Li
The 48cm model is the best value with Li-ion -
The old 52cm model uses Nicad batteries and does not have the anti-jam
mechanism
(use links below for Bosch 52 Li - with the superior Li-ion battery!)
best price on Bosch AHS 52Li
check price of Bosch AHS52Li at B&Q
click here for more details on the latest and best cordless electric
hedge trimmers |
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Latest
Cordless Hedge trimmer
- Bosch AHS 54 -20 Li with 36v battery!
HeavyDuty
Cordless Hedge Trimmer
This hedge trimmer is the first of a new breed of
garden tools powered by high powered batteries designed to offer a
serious alternative to mains electric and even petrol machinery.
As the laws on fuel immersions tighten up we will see
more battery powered mowers, trimmers and chainsaws appearing. Bosch
have made a head start in this with a range of all 3 of the above
mentioned tools that are powered by one, interchangeable 36v Lithium ion
battery.
I have used this battery for around 4 years in a mower
and it is impressive. This new hedgetrimmer has the usual top quality
Bosch blades and combined with the innovative battery it really is a
tool I rate highly. When used to cut my larger bay tree is actually cut
through branches i would usually use secateurs or loppers on!
With the battery fitted it is quite a large and heavy
tool so this is not one for old ladies, feeble men and anyone with a
back problem etc,
Sadly , although the Bosch aHS54-20 Li is an brilliant
product Bosch refuse to sell it alone without batteries so anyone who
already owns Bosch 36v kit will find this expensive to buy.
Check Price of Bosch 36v hedgetrimmer at Tooled Up
click here for more details on the latest and best cordless electric
hedge trimmers
(including the Bosch 36v
cordless hedge trimmer)
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Ryobi 18v Cordless Hedge Trimmer

This no frills hedge trimmer has been around for a few years now
and is part of the brilliant Ryobi plus one range of cordless power
tools.
However be aware that the blade is not particularly good quality
and as it does not have the anti jam mechanism of the Bosch 18v
models it will not cut as thick material or as well. The hedge
trimmer is only worth buying if you have a well kept bush and other Ryobi
One + tools.
There are over 20 tools in this range including trimmers, n
drills, saws, sanders, vacuum cleaners, torches and more. The hedge
trimmer and all the other tools can be powered from either a
standard battery or the latest lightweight Li-ion batteries. This is
the most flexible system around and the tools can be purchased with
chargers and batteries or without (naked).
The hedge trimmer is what I call a no -nonsense tool that will do
the job and is easy to use. If you don't already have any Ryobi one
+ tools and need to buy the battery and charge then initially it
works out more expensive than buying the Bosch hedge trimmer.
However if you plan on using more cordless power tools then this is
where you will save money and space by not having to buy more
chargers and batteries.
Although I am generally a fan of Bosch tools I think they made a
mistake by not making their batteries more compatible with their own
tools. This has opened a window for companies like Ryobi to enter
the market and give consumers what they want. Well done Ryobi! one
of my pet hates is having a shed full of chargers and loads of
expensive batteries sitting around idle and degenerating. Its a
shame Ryobi didn't make a hedge trimmer as good as Bosch.
Make your hedge trimming easier and safer by
spending a few pounds on eye protection and blade lubricant |
with batteries and charger
tools below are naked and use same battery

This tool comes with the interchangeable grass shear blade and cost
approx £50 naked |
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LATEST TOOLS UNDER
TESTING
July 2011

New 18v Cordless hedge
trimmer
with Li-ion
Battery
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The CEL 18 v garden tools are all powered by a
1.2ah Li-ion battery that also powers the CEL Power 8 workstation as
seen on the Dragons Den.
sold individually with batteries,
naked, (no batteries or charger)
or as a pair with 1 battery and charger
Coming soon- chainsaw & blower
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Click image below to see my new page on
electric mowers

click here for my new page on cordless mowers
Click link below to see my new page on
Solar Garden Lights

click here for more details on the latest and best cordless electric
hedge trimmers
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Long reach -Cordless Hedge Trimmers
As long as your hedge is not in a confined space
then a long handled hedge trimmer is a much better tool to use.
These machines are growing in popularity and come in a range of
sizes, petrol and electric and now battery powered.
I have tested the Gtech HT, Black and Decker,
Gardena and Makita Cordless telescopic Hedge-trimmers. The drawback
with this type of tool is the weight of the head so only consider
the longest ones if you are very strong.
I am currently testing the
Flymo Sabre Cut 24v Cordless System
This multi tool system uses a powerful but heavy
lead acid battery that you carry via shoulder strap to keep the tool
as light as possible.
There are 3 tools available which are the hedge
trimmer, grass trimmer and a blower.
Click here to buy the Flymo 24v hedge trimmer from a Fredshed
recommended retailer
Black and Decker also make a hedge trimmer attachment for their
18V long reach range but this was one tool we found too heavy and
unwieldy to use.
If you want a long reach hedge trimmer for large hedges my
recommendation is the Flymo sabre cut and for smaller hedges the new
Gtech HT05. The Black and Decker 18v system is not so good for hedge
trimming but does have a chainsaw attachment.
Click here to buy the Flymo 24v
hedge trimmer from a Fredshed
recommended retailer
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Flymo Sabre Long reach hedge trimmer

This is me using the Black and Decker 18v cordless long reach hedge
trimmer. I could hold it up for a while but found it to be very
heavy at the top end.
It uses the same battery as other Black & Decker powertools and is
now orange coloured.
The Flymo sabre long reach hedge trimmer is lighter at the top and I am
currently using one regularly to maintain a large area of hedging.
The "killer application" with the Flymo Sabre is its massive 24v, no
firlls, battery, that is separate from the tool, and hangs on a belt
around your waist.
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Bosch and Gtech both launched new hedgtrimmers in 2008 using Li-in
technology and I tested and compared both..
Gtech 14.4v Cordless Hedge trimmer The Gtech HT05
has a small blade but long handle. Initial
results are very impressive as the tool is so light yet cuts very well. The
14.4v battery is built in and recharges in about 30 minutes, ( a long tea
break). The HT05 is a more advanced version of my much
loved Gtech HT01 (below) that used a separate battery that you keep on your
belt. The HT01 is still available (now with an improved
battery) and is a tried and tested product at extremely good value.

My old HT01 being used with the old large type battery pack.
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The GTEC HT 05 cordless hedge trimmer with its built in battery
being used by me in 2008.
use the link below to buy one ( and also support this site)
The HT01 and HT05 are not suitable for thick hedges.
The HT04 with its 18v battery and wider blade spacing is better.
 Old Models of Cordless Hedge Trimmer
This is my old 12v Makita UH303DST cordless hedge trimmer. It used a lead
acid battery and was a brilliant bit of kit. I think Makita really
missed a trick not continuing this tool with their 12v Nicad and
Nimh batteries.Finally in 2013 Makita have re-intorduced a cordless
hedge trimmer like this but using their 18v Li-ion battery.
I liked this tool so much I adapted a Makita cordless torch to
hold the new type batteries so I can continue to use it. I
have a spare Makita 12v lead acid charger for this tool if anyone
needs one.
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Small Battery Powered Electric Hedge
Shears For light trimming
work on to box hedges and rockery shrubs I love these little single
handed cordless trimmers.
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A new breakthrough in powered
garden tools, this lightweight grass shear and shrub trimmer has
Lithium Ion batteries for power and durability.
Lithium ion batteries are also
more environmentally friendly than Nicads or Nimh batteries.
The Bosch ISIO
is similar to the Award winning Wolf trimmer but it is smaller, lighter and
cheaper.
The Isio is available in the standard hand version for about £38 but can also be
converted to a shrub cutter and or be extended with a telescopic handle.
The latest version of this tool has a anti-jam electronics that stop and reverse
the blades the instant it detects too much force. This new feature makes a lot
of difference especially when the battery is running low as this is when any
trimmer is more likely to get stuck on a thick stem.
Comes with both blades, and spares available |

Anti -Jam electronics helps stop the blade getting stuck.
If too much resistance is detected the blade quickly reversers and
has another go
If you like this tool Bosch now make a more powerful version with a
longer blade.
see link below
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Grass and shrub
trimming!
The Bosch ISIO can be converted from a grass shear
to a small shrub trimmer in seconds and is surprisingly efficient.
I also like the drop in charger base and metal tin that the tool
comes in. Running time is very good thanks to the Li-ion batteries
and I get 20 minutes use which included some woody shrub material.
The softer the material you cut the longer the battery will last
between re-charges.
Use my links below to find the best deal, which is
usually the 2 bladed kit with the handle included.
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2 Tools in 1
The Isio can be a grass or
Shrub trimmer!
As the Isio only has a 3.6v battery I would
recommend the more powerful Wolf ACCU 75 or 100 as featured below
for this job.
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Long reach -Petrol Powered Hedge Trimmers
vs Battery Powered Hedge Trimmers
I am currently testing this new 26cc 2 stroke
powered hedge trimmer from GardenCare.
Even a small engine like this will provide much
more cutting power than the largest battery powered machines.
The overall weight of the Gardencare is 6KG which
is 2kg more than the 24v Flymo sabre and the 18v Black& Decker.
However when comparing long reach hedgetrimmers it
is important to compare the balance of the weight as well.
The long reach lectric hedgetrimmers tend to be
top heavy as they have the motor close to the blade and this can
make them very tiring to use.
More info coming soon- mail me if you need help
deciding between petrol or battery powered tools.
Coming Soon
Long reach -Petrol Powered Multi Tools
Hedge Trimmer, Grass Trimmer, Brush Cutter and Tree Pruner

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The Garden Care 26cc long reach hedge trimmer
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DO ME A FAVOUR!
If you use a powered product like a shredder , trimmer
or hedgetrimmer then buy these cheap but effective goggles.
The Draper goggles are not the prettiest but do create
a seal on your face to prevent dust getting in. They are ventilated to
avoid steaming up and are large enough to be worn over most glasses.
It's so easy to damage your eyesight , from a speck of
blown dust to a flying thorn.
Buy now - what have you got to lose? - a
fiver or
your eyesight.
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My recommended goggles for hedge trimming
cooler looking but less safer goggles if you value your looks as
much as your eyesight.
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Want a Hedge or shrub to use these excellent tools on?
Click here to find, plants, trees and shrubs to buy onlineg(74608)a(1114853))
Click link below to see my new page on
Collecting
Leaves (or grass)

For
free expert advice - on buying tools, (on and off-line) mail me at
fred@fredshed.com
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