If you want a powerful tool to keep hedges and shrubs in check, a petrol hedge trimmer is the perfect choice. Pick the right one, and it will give you a neat finish with minimal time and effort. But how do you know which one will suit your gardening needs?
That’s where we come in! We’re going to review seven of the best petrol hedge trimmers available right now. We’ll tell you what makes them great, as well as any limitations to be aware of. And our buying guide will help you match their features to your own requirements.
So if you’re ready, let’s get started!
The Best petrol hedge trimmer on UK Market 2023
1. UWinGarden 52cc 5-in-1 Garden Tool
If you’re looking for a versatile garden tool, this one from UWinGarden should make your shortlist. In addition to a hedge trimmer, the range of interchangeable heads offer a grass trimmer, brush cutter and chainsaw pruner. The fifth element is an extension pole to extend your reach.
The single cylinder air-cooled two-stroke engine saves up to half the oil required by standard models. It generates 8,500 rpm, providing plenty of power for your gardening jobs.
The hedge trimmer has sharp teeth and enough power to cut through branches up to 25 millimetres in diameter.
The brush cutter is designed to effectively trim brambles or undergrowth. It’s best suited to light to medium use. If you’ve got a very large area of overgrown brush, you’ll do better with something with more power.
The grass trimmer offers quick and easy transitions between edging and trimming modes. And the chainsaw pruner has a safety brake for safe and reliable operation.
The extension pole is 745 millimetres long, enabling you to reach high branches. It will also help you get to shrubs at the back of beds without trampling on the soil.
In addition to the various tools, you’ll also get a range of other equipment free of charge. Safety goggles, gloves, ear defenders and a shoulder strap are all included as standard.
One thing to watch out for with this one is that it is fairly heavy. The shoulder strap helps make it easier to handle. But if you’re looking for a lighter weight option, other hedge trimmers will suit you better.
This is a very inexpensive set. It’s perhaps unsurprising, then, that the overall build quality isn’t as resilient as many single-purpose tools. But if you’re looking for a hedge trimmer for lighter use, this will do the job just fine. And you’ll get plenty of versatility from the other tools included in the package.
Pros:
- Interchangeable heads offer a hedge trimmer, brush cutter, grass trimmer and chainsaw pruner
- Includes a 745-millimetre extension pole, allowing you to reach high branches
- Safety goggles, gloves, ear defenders and a shoulder strap come free as part of the package
Cons:
- The build quality here isn’t particularly robust – this is best suited to lighter jobs
- Fairly heavy.
2. Mcculloch HT 5622 Petrol Hedge Trimmer (Our Top Pick)
The HT 5622 from McCulloch is a smidgeon less expensive than the UWinGarden multi-tool. And in this case, you’re just getting a hedge trimmer. But if you’re looking for a quality performer, this should make your shortlist.
The 22 cc engine powers cutting blades that are 56 centimetres long. They’re dual action, so they slice rather than tear through leaves and branches. That’s good news for your hedges and shrubs, as the clean edges are less vulnerable to disease and pests. It will also give you a neater finish.
If you’re worried that petrol tools can be hard to get going, this hedge trimmer has a clever “soft start” feature. That cuts back on the resistance in the starter. And that in turn means you’ll need something like 40 per cent less effort to power it up.
Other aspects of the design also make it comfortable to use.
The rear handle can be swivelled. That means you won’t have to get into awkward positions to cut your hedges vertically. And you’ll find it easier to carry the 5.2-kilogram weight of the trimmer.
There’s also an anti-vibration system. That will make using it less tiring, especially if you’re working for longer periods.
You’ll need a ratio of 50 parts petrol to one part oil to fuel it. Note, however, that the trimmer doesn’t come with a mixing bottle. If if you don’t already have petrol appliances, you’ll need to buy one separately.
You won’t need to do any assembly before you can use this. Just carry out routine maintenance to keep it working well. That includes cleaning the air filter after every 5 hours of use. That’s easy to do, and the clever design means you won’t need any tools to access the filter.
When you’ve finished using it, there’s a plastic sleeve to cover the teeth. That will keep them safe from any little hands, as well as protecting them from the elements.
Pros:
- Powerful motor
- Dual action blades for efficient and effective cutting
- Rear handle swivels, allowing comfortable operation at different angles
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a mixing bottle for the oil and petrol
- Requires routine maintenance – although that’s the case for all petrol tools.
3. Makita EH7500W Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Makita’s EH7500W is the most expensive petrol hedge trimmer on our list by quite some way. But if you’re prepared to spend the money, there are lots of features to recommend it.
It has a 22.2 cc two-stroke engine, delivering up to 1 horsepower. The fuel port, primer pump and choke lever are located near one another, helping ensure a smooth start-up every time. And there’s grease in the gear housing, so it requires less frequent maintenance.
A low centre of gravity means it’s comfortable to hold, and the rear handle can be rotated to five positions. You’ll be able to cut vertically, horizontally and diagonally without having to twist into awkward poses.
There’s also an anti-vibration system, with four damper springs. These absorb vibrations from the engine before they reach the handles. The result is more comfortable operation – particularly helpful if you have lots of shrubs and hedgerows to trim.
The double blades have three sharpened edges for crisp cutting. They’re 75 centimetres long, so you’ll get a decent reach. And they’ll cut through branches up to 21.5 millimetres in diameter.
They’re also very strong. And the stainless surface will stay looking good for longer.
So is there anything about this hedge trimmer to watch out for?
Well, we’ve already seen that the price is a downside. This is almost twice as expensive as the next priciest model on our list.
And although it’s one of the lighter models on our list, it still weighs in at 5.2 kilograms. That means it can start to feel heavy if you use it for longer spells. The well-balanced design will, however, help to mitigate that problem.
Pros:
- Enough power to cut through branches up to 21.5 millimetres thick
- 75-centimetre double blades with three sharpened edges for a crisp cut
- Rear handle can be rotated to five positions, making it easy to manoeuvre
Cons:
- Very expensive – but you’re paying for quality
- Will start to feel heavy after longer periods of use.
4. ParkerBrand PGHT-2600 Petrol Hedge Trimmer
The PGHT-2600 from ParkerBrand is a very economically priced hedge trimmer. But that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on performance.
The 26 cc two-stroke engine offers lots of power. It’s air-cooled to keep it performing effectively over longer periods.
The blades here are made of toughened metal, and they’re dual-sided. They are, however, a little shorter than some of the other models on our list, at 60 centimetres.
That makes the trimmer easier to control. But if you want to get to higher branches or deeper shrubs, another model will suit you better.
The fuel tank has a generous capacity of 600 millilitres. You’ll need to fill it with a mix of 40 parts unleaded petrol to one part 2-stroke oil. It comes with its own fuel mixing bottle. Make sure you keep it topped up to ensure the motor stays working smoothly.
There’s an easy start system that’s designed to be very user-friendly. We have, however, heard from some users who have experienced difficulties. The good news is that customer services have responded well. A replacement starter mechanism will usually deal with any problems.
One other thing to note with this one is that it is pretty heavy – 7.6 kilograms. If you’re going to be using it for longer periods, you’ll feel it. And it won’t be the best choice for less strong gardeners. Having said that, the design does balance the weight evenly across the two handles.
The real selling point of this one is the power – it will cut through even tougher growth with ease. If you can handle a little extra weight, this is an excellent hedge trimmer for the money.
Pros:
- Enough power to cut through even tougher growth with ease
- Large 600-millilitre tank for fewer fuel changes
- Dual-sided toughened blades
Cons:
- At 7.6 kilograms, this is significantly heavier than many other trimmers
- The 60-centimetre blades aren’t the longest out there.
5. Fuxtec FX-MHP126 professional petrol hedge trimmer
This Fuxtec trimmer comes in at roughly the same price point as the McCulloch. It’s a new and improved model, building on Fuxtec’s FX-MH126, with a larger fuel tank and a host of new features.
It offers 80-centimetre cutting blades, so it’s a good option if you have deep hedges to trim. And the two-stroke 25.4 cc engine generates 1 horsepower, so you’ll get plenty of oomph.
The adjustable handle means it’s easy to operate comfortably, whether you’re cutting horizontally or vertically. There’s an automatic choke and silencer for more peaceful working. And there are four springs to dampen vibrations and reduce fatigue, even when you’re using the trimmer for long periods.
The double-sided blades counter-rotate to produce a neat cut. It will cope well with branches up to 2.5 centimetres in diameter. There’s one-piece blade protection, plus an additional hand guard to keep you safe during use.
You won’t need to do any assembly before the first use. Just fill up the tank and you’re ready to go. It runs on a mixture of 40 parts petrol to one part 2-stroke oil. A newly designed digital ignition coil optimises exhaust gas combustion and improves fuel efficiency.
The longer blades do mean that this is slightly heavier than some other models out there. The trimmer weighs in at 6.2 kilograms, with the weight evenly balanced between the two handles.
One thing to note is that we’ve heard of instances where the fuel line has become defective over time. If that happens, it’s not the end of the world. Replacement fuel lines are available separately and they’re easily exchanged with a modicum of DIY know-how.
Pros:
- Extra-long 80-centimetre blades – great for trimming thick hedges
- Powerful enough to cut cleanly through branches up to 2.5 centimetres across
- Adjustable handle, silencer and dampener system for comfortable operation
Cons:
- The longer blades mean this isn’t the lightest trimmer out there
- We’ve heard of some cases where fuel lines have needed to be replaced.
6. Einhell GE-PH 2555A Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Einhell’s GE-PH 2555A is roughly the same price as the McCulloch and Fuxtec models. And it shares many similar features.
There’s a 25 cc two-stroke motor, designed to combine power with low vibrations for comfortable use. It starts with a pull cord rather than a button. But the primer and auto-choke mean it’s easy to get going, even if you haven’t used it for a while. And you won’t need muscles on your muscles to do it!
The tank isn’t as large as some, with a capacity of a third of a litre. But there’s a large access hole, so it’s easy to top up when you need to. Use good quality two-stroke oil, and this is a machine that will give you many years of service.
There’s a dampening system to reduce fatigue, and the handles are designed to absorb vibrations too. It weighs 5.5 kilograms, with the weight evenly distributed across the body and blades.
Those blades are made from precision-ground steel, so they’re very strong and durable. The cutting length isn’t as long as some trimmers though, at 55 centimetres. This is best used for more manageable hedges and shrubs.
It’s pretty powerful though. You can expect to slice through branches up to 19 millimetres thick. And the blades deliver up to 1,900 cuts per minute.
It comes with a two-year warranty for peace of mind. But check whether your retailer is a recognised supplier before you buy. If they’re not, Einhell won’t honour the warranty, so you’ll need to be able to rely on your seller’s returns policy.
Pros:
- Low vibrations and dampening system for ease of use
- Generous opening to the fuel tank means it’s easy to refill
- Precision-ground steel blades deliver up to 1,900 cuts per minute
Cons:
- Modest cutting length of 55 centimetres
- The fuel tank isn’t particularly large, holding a third of a litre.
7. eSkde HT60-S7 Petrol Hedge Trimmer
The HT60-57 from eSkde is light on price but heavyweight in terms of performance.
The motor here is a 25.5 cc two-stroke design with a centrifugal clutch. It’s powerful enough to cut through branches around 2 centimetres thick.
It has a generous 600 millilitre fuel tank, so you won’t have to refill it often. And when you do, there’s a large opening for easy access without spills.
The fuel ratio here is 25 parts petrol to one part two-stroke oil. It comes ready-assembled, and you’ll get a mixing bottle and toolkit as part of the package. Just fill it with fuel, and you’re ready to get started. A detailed user manual is included too.
The blade here is 60 centimetres long. If you don’t have particularly deep hedges to trim, it will be a good choice. And because the rear handle can be adjusted to multiple angles, you’ll be able to cut in any direction with ease.
The trimmer weighs 5.95 kilograms and is equipped with an anti-vibration system. That will help you to use it for longer periods without feeling too tired. There’s also a large blade guard to keep your hands safe from flying debris.
This is a great hedge trimmer for a very modest price. Just note that if you use it for a long period and then turn it off, you may need to give it recovery time. We’ve heard from some users that it requires a rest to cool down before getting started again. Sounds like the perfect excuse to take a break yourself!
Pros:
- Multi-directional rear handle allows easy trimming horizontally and vertically
- Anti-vibration system and large blade guard for comfortable and safe operation
- 600-millilitre fuel tank means you’ll need to refill it less often
Cons:
- May require some recovery time if you’re using it for longer periods
- At 60 centimetres, the blade isn’t particularly long.
Buying guide
That brings us to the end of our product reviews. But if you’re still wondering how to choose the best hedge trimmer for your garden, read on! Here are a few factors to consider to help you match the model to your needs.
How long do you need the blades to be?
To start with, take a good look at the hedges and shrubs you plan to trim. How high off the ground are they? How deep from front to back? Can you access all sides easily?
Remember – plants grow over time! If yours aren’t yet mature, remember to take into account their ultimate size. You’ll want your hedge trimmer to be able to cope with them as they get larger.
Armed with this information, you’ll be able to make a sensible decision about how long you need the blades to be. There’s a lot of variation out there. The trimmers on our list have blade lengths ranging from 55 to 80 millimetres long.
But remember – the longer the blades, the heavier the trimmer is likely to be. That means it will take more effort to lift and manoeuvre.
If you only need a longer reach for small sections, a trimmer with an extension pole could be a good solution. That will allow you to extend your reach when required, but benefit from a lighter weight at other times.
The 5-in-1 tool from UWinGarden comes with its own extension pole as part of the package. But many other manufacturers also offer poles that are compatible with their hedge trimmers. Check whether that’s an option before you make your choice.
How much power do you need?
The next thing to consider is how much power you need from your hedge trimmer. Generally speaking, the larger the capacity of the motor, the more power it will generate.
It can, however, be difficult to know what that means for your shrubs or hedges. Check the specifications for the maximum size of the branches recommended for your trimmer.
Some of the trimmers on our list will handle branches up to 190 millimetres in diameter. Others will cope with them up to 250 millimetres.
It’s also sensible to take a look at reviews for feedback on how the trimmers operate in the real world. In practice, some will take branches thicker than the recommended diameter in their stride. Just don’t overdo it, or you’ll end up overheating the motor.
How comfortable will it be to use?
Finally, think about what you’ll need to make your trimmer comfortable to use.
One valuable feature is an anti-vibration system. These systems commonly use springs at various points to reduce the vibrations that travel from the motor to the handles. Fewer vibrations will be easier on your hands and arms. And that means you’ll be able to work for longer without getting tired.
Another factor to consider is the weight of the trimmer. The heavier it is, the more of a strain it will be to lift and manoeuvre it.
Look for models with easy-start systems too. Getting some petrol trimmers started can require a lot of exertion. Easy-start systems incorporate an automatic choke or other design features to get the engine going without the hard work.
A rotating handle is another helpful element. That will allow you to cut in any direction without having to get yourself into awkward poses. Some designs offer three or more handle positions.
Last but not least, check the size of the blade guard. That’s the thing that will protect your hands from flying debris as you trim your hedge. Make sure it’s big enough to do the job properly.
Time to choose!
We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to seven of the best petrol hedge trimmers out there right now. Whatever your needs and budget, there are some great options to choose from.
Our favourite is the McCulloch HT 5622. Its powerful motor and strong blades deliver a clean, neat cut. And it has bags of features to help make hedge trimming less of a chore – from the anti-vibration system to the rotating rear handle.
But whichever option is right for you and your garden, we hope you’re soon enjoying using it. Happy hedge trimming!
