10 Best Hedge Trimmers to Buy in Australia (2024)

Spring is a great time to freshen up your garden and give it a new look. One important tool for this job is the hedge trimmer. It helps keep your hedges neat and tidy and saves time and effort. But there are different types of hedge trimmers, including electric, petrol-powered, and cordless models.

Each has its own benefits, depending on what you need for your garden. In this guide, we'll review the best hedge trimmers in Australia to make your search easier. We also provide other helpful information to help you make the right choice and improve your gardening. Let's get to it.

Our Top Picks

Here are our top three hedge trimmers to help your garden look its best in Australia:

WORX WG261 Hedge Trimmer

Best overall hedge trimmer with a cutting length of 56 cm, 30 minutes battery life, and a D-grip handle to cut comfortably.

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GE-CH Hedge Trimmer

Best hedge trimmer for beginner gardeners with a 46 cm cutting length, metal construction, and adjustable rear and front handles.

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Bosch Advanced HedgeCut Trimmer

Best hedge trimmer for professionals with a cutting length of 54 cm, Syneon technology, and an ergonomic and adjustable handle.

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Top 10 Hedge Trimmers for Australians — Full Review and Analysis

Let’s dive deep into each of the hedge trimmers. Our evaluation and analysis considered each trimmer's cutting performance, blade quality, ergonomic design, power source, durability, and user feedback.

1. WORX WG261 Power Share Hedge Trimmer

Best Overall Hedge Trimmer

The WORX Power Share Hedge Trimmer is a hard yet comfortable hedge trimmer. It has a 56 cm cutting area that is adequately long for all your trimming work; hedges, flat tops, and round corners. It has a D-grip handle that allows you to cut comfortably from any position and hold at different angles. You can hoist it for the high tops and hold it down for the low undergrowth.

The hedge trimmer's dual-blade design ensures that trimming is fast, powerful, and clean. Its 2 cm blade gap, combined with its over-mould construction, delivers good energy while absorbing vibration. This helps make a smoother cut with minimal fatigue in your hands and arms, allowing you to work for a long time without exhaustion.

WORX's Power Share Hedge Trimmer comes with a 20V battery with a 60-minute battery life and a charger compatible with over 75+ other WORX tools in the Power Share family. It's also designed with safety in mind. It has a two-handed, multi-grip safety handle that eliminates accidental starts and allows the trimmer to work in multiple positions for any size hedge.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
• D-grip handle for ergonomic perfection
• Long 56 cm dual-action blade
• Expandable power of the POWERSHARE battery
• Overmould blade construction absorbs vibrations

Cons

• 5 hours recharge time
• Not ideal for tougher bushes

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2. Bosch ASB 10.8 LI Shrub Shear

Best Hedge Trimmer for Small Jobs

The Bosch ASB 10.8 LI Shrub Shear is a great value model offering reliable and robust hedge maintenance. As a cordless model, it is convenient and agile to use. It handles shrub and grass-trimming tasks with three interchangeable blades that are easily swapped without any tools. The shrub blades are 12 and 20 cm long for shaping and cutting small hedges and shrubs, while the 10 cm grass blade works best for neatening up lawn edges.

At just 0.9 kg, it’s a highly lightweight cordless hedge trimmer that makes getting small jobs much easier. It features a long run time of 100 minutes thanks to its powerful 10.8V lithium-ion battery. The hedge trimmer takes 3.5 hours to recharge when the battery runs out. Bosch's ASB 10.8 LI Shrub Shear has an Anti-Blocking System that prevents the blades from getting stuck.

We recommend the hedge trimmer if you want a simple and effective tool to maintain your garden. The compact design makes it easy to store and ready to use at any time. However, it isn't the best choice if you have large or dense hedges, shrubs, or grasses that require more power and blade length. In that case, opt for the Ryobi 25.4cc Petrol Hedge Trimmer or Makita XMU04Z Cordless Hedge Trimmer.

Pro

• Affordable
• Lightweight and compact
• 3 interchangeable blades
• Four-stage LED indicator
• Anti-blocking system
• Multi-click system for easy switching

Cons

• Not for long, tough branches
• Short handle isn't very ergonomic

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3. GE-CH Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Best Hedge Trimmer for Beginner Gardeners

The GE-CH cordless hedge trimmer is an excellent device that provides good service for trimming shrubs, bushes, and hedges on large allotments and grounds. The hedge trimmer is also helpful for rounding corners with a blade length of 52 cm and a cutting length of 46 cm. It features a metal construction that ensures clean-cutting results with cutting blades that are counter-rotating and made of diamond-cut and laser-cut steel.

The cutters on the hedge trimmer have an aluminium cover protection to enhance safety and prevent injuries. It also has an adjustable front handle and a rear handle that you can swivel for comfortable handling and optimum setting of the hedge trimmer. GE-CH's pre-installed two-hand safety button brings the cutting edges to a complete stop under a second. The shock guard on the hedge trimmer has a unique design with a hole to mount easily.

The GE-CH 1855/1 Li blade guard is sturdy and safe for travel. The trimmer comes without the charger and the battery. However, it's part of the Einhell Power X-Change battery system; thus, you can use the same battery and charger from a wide range of other Einhell tools. We recommend it if you want a lightweight, ergonomic trimmer for small to medium-sized hedges.

Pros

• Lightweight design
• Two-hand safety switches
• Counter-rotating blades
• Bumper-guard with holder for wall handing
• Metal gear for powerful performance

Cons

• Skin-only
• Short operating time

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4. Bosch Advanced HedgeCut Trimmer

Best Hedge Trimmer for Professionals

The Bosch Advanced HedgeCut Cordless Hedge Trimmer can handle any hedge-trimming task. It has a cutting length of 54 cm and a tooth spacing of 2 cm, allowing it to cut through thick and wide hedges. It also features a laser-cut diamond ground blade that ensures a clean and precise cut. The hedge trimmer is also cordless, so you can use it anywhere without outlets.

More impressive, and thanks to Bosch's Syneon technology, the hedge trimmer's 36 V lithium-ion battery provides up to 50 minutes of runtime and can be fully recharged within one hour. It also has an anti-blocking system that prevents the blade from getting stuck and ensures continuous cutting performance. We recommend it for professionals needing a powerful and versatile tool to handle tough and extensive hedge-trimming tasks.

Bosch Advanced HedgeCut Cordless Hedge Trimmer also features an ergonomic handle that can be adjusted to different positions for optimal control and balance, a low weight of 3.5 kg, and a low noise level of 80 dB, which make it less tiring and more pleasant to use. It, however, isn't ideal if you're shopping on a tight budget or need a simple and basic tool. Likewise, people with very high or very low hedges require a lot of bending or reaching.

Pros

• Ideal for large head trimming
• High-performance brushless motor
• Ergonomic and lightweight design
• Bosch-patented anti-blocking system
• Good battery life

Cons

• Comes without battery and charger
• Lacks a telescopic or a pivoting head
• Battery not compatible with other Bosch products

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5. Victa 82V Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Best Durable Hedge Trimmer

The Victa 82V Cordless Hedge Trimmer is the ideal choice for ultimate power. Operated by a Briggs & Stratton 82V lithium battery and an 800W brushless motor, it’s perfect for even the unruliest of hedges, all while maintaining the agility required of a cordless model through a lightweight design. The battery has an LED indicator that shows the remaining charge and is compatible with other Victa 82V products, such as the lawn mower, the line trimmer, and the pole pruner.

The Victa 82V Hedge Kit is designed for durability and ease of use. It has a metal gearbox that protects the motor and extends the life of the trimmer, a safety switch that prevents accidental start-up, and a soft-grip handle that reduces vibration and fatigue. The trimmer has a low noise level and no emissions, making it environmentally friendly and suitable for residential areas.

Victa's hedge trimmer features 66 cm double sheer action steel blades with generous 2.5 cm cutting and a 180° five-position multi-positional rotatable rear handle for an excellent finish. The hedge trimmer also features a release button that easily dislodges any material caught in the blades for a smooth cut and a pole extension. If you're in the market for a powerful, durable, and versatile hedge trimmer, get the Victa 82V Hedge Kit.

Pros

• Long cutting blades
• 2.0 and 4.0 Ah 82V battery options
• Easy press start button system
• Almost noiseless at 63 dB
• Multi-directional rotating handle

Cons

• Skin-only
• No blade cover for storage
• Can be heavy or bulky for some users

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6. Greenworks HT40B210 Hedge Trimmer

Best High-End Hedge Trimmer

GreenWorks' cordless string trimmer features a front-mount motor for optimum stability and support. It has an auto-feed head, 1.65 cm in diameter, to enhance a comfortable line setting and innovative walk at the rear. It packs a 40V battery that delivers up to 70 minutes of run-time with a full charge of 4.0Ah battery. The tool is also compatible with 2Ah batteries and chargers.

The 2Ah battery has a quick charge time of 45 minutes, while the 4Ah battery takes up to 90 minutes. However, the 4Ah battery powers the device for a long. GreenWorks' batteries are also compatible with 75+ other Greenworks 40V tools. It comes with a 61 cm dual-action steel blade for maximum performance and an aluminium rail cover for safe transportation and storage.

Like the Victa Hedge Trimmer, you get a 180-degree rotating handle at the rear of the hedge trimmer for easy cutting at varying angles and a wrap around the accessory handle for comfort. We recommend it if you want a long-lasting battery, a rotating handle, and a lightweight design for thin branches.

Pros

• Powerful and efficient battery
• Long blade length with cutting length
• Good vibration level
• Rotatable rear handle
• Lightweight and ergonomic

Cons

• High price point
• Not suitable for very thick or hard branches

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7. Beyond by BLACK+DECKER Hedge Trimmer

Best Mid-Range Hedge Trimmer

The Beyond by BLACK & DECKER cordless hedge trimmer has a 56 cm blade and a compact design that ensures the job is easy on you. The trimmer can cut branches up to 1.6 cm thick and includes a wrap-around front handle for comfort and control in vertical and horizontal trimming applications.

The mid-range hedge trimmer offers faster performance and less vibration due to the well-hardened dual-action steel blades. Consequently, you can operate the hedge trimmer for a long time without exhaustion. On purchase, it ships with a charger and an interchangeable 20V Max battery.

We recommend it if you own BLACK+DECKER tools that use the 20V MAX battery system to save money and storage space. But for a more powerful and efficient cordless hedge trimmer for tough branches, consider the Ryobi 25.4cc petrol-powered hedge trimmer.

Pros

• Long cutting length
• Wrap-around front handle for better grip
• Battery compatible with other Black+Decker tool
• Full-length trigger for added comfort

Cons

• High price point
• Lacks a blade guard
• Struggles with very thick branches

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8. STIHL HSE 42 Electric Hedge Trimmer

Best Budget Hedge Trimmer

The STIHL HSE 42 is a lightweight and handy tool with a 420 W motor that delivers a high blade speed and generous tooth spacing for smooth and efficient cutting. It has a two-handed switch control with a trigger lock for safe use and a stain-free shear blade surface resistant to abrasion and corrosion.

The electric hedge trimmer features a cutting length of 45 cm and a tooth spacing of 21 mm, making it suitable for twigs and thin branches. It has a total length of 92 cm and a weight of only 3 kg. STIHL's hedge trimmer also has a newly designed wrap-around front handle that makes swapping from vertical to horizontal cutting easier and more efficient.

We recommend it if you're looking for an affordable, quiet, and efficient hedge trimmer for domestic use in your small to medium-sized garden. It is easy to use, sturdy, and offers good value for money. However, we do not advise it for thick and woody branches. The trimmer also has a limited reach due to the cord and may require frequent sharpening of the blades.

Pros

• Affordable
• Small hand guard for an optimal view of the hedge
• Integrated cut protection
• Mechanical blade brake
• Lightweight and low vibration
• Ideal for cutting and trimming twigs and thin branches

Cons

• Not suitable for thick and hard branches

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9. Ryobi 25.4cc Petrol Hedge Trimmer

Best Hedge Trimmer for Tougher Jobs

The Ryobi 25.4cc Petrol Hedge Trimmer is lightweight and ensures your comfort through a zip start, a spring-assisted pull start, and vibration reduction. It has a 45.7 cm dual-action blade that provides fast, clean cuts, good coverage, and a wide 2.4 cm cutting capacity. The hedge trimmer also features the One+ easy start system that allows you to start the tool with either the normal pull start method or with the One+ easy starter (sold separately).

While many prefer electric or cordless models for environmental benefits, nothing quite compares to the power of petrol hedge trimmers, making them perfect for larger gardens and tough hedges. For ease of use, the hedge trimmer has a Speedwinder bump feed head that makes line reloads quick and easy. You can adjust the cutting line length by tapping the head on the ground.

The trimmer also has a split shaft design. You can transform it into a pruner or an edger by simply swapping the attachments. The petrol-powered hedge trimmer has a fuel tank capacity of 0.58 L, which could last between 30 and 60 minutes during operation. Ryobi's commercial grade 2-stroke engine provides good power throughout use and has a 2-year replacement warranty.

Pros

• Powerful and durable engine
• One+ easy start system
• Large cutting path
• Good cutting length
• Ideal for tough hedges

Cons

• More noise and emissions
• Requires regular maintenance and fueling
• Heavier than most trimmers

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10. Makita DUN501WZ Pole Hedge Trimmer

Best Hedge Trimmer for Tall Hedges

If you have tall hedges that need trimming, get the Makita DUN501WZ Pole Hedge Trimmer. This cordless, brushless hedge trimmer can help you easily and efficiently reach and cut those high branches. It has a long shaft that can extend up to 2 m, giving you optimum reach and control over your trimming. You can also fold the shaft for easy storage and transport.

Makita's Pole Hedge Trimmer has a double-sided blade to cut branches up to 21.5 mm in diameter, with a speed of 4,400 strokes per minute. The blade has a sharp edge and a curved design that reduces friction and energy loss. Even better, its angle-adjustable head can rotate 135 degrees, with 6 angle settings that you can change with a single touch. This allows you to trim your hedges at different angles and positions, from 45 degrees tilt up to 90 degrees tilt down.

The Makita DUN501WZ Pole Hedge Trimmer runs on an 18V Li-ion battery (not included) that provides long-lasting power and performance. It has a 3-stage speed control with a reverse switch, an electric brake for safety, and a constant speed control for smooth operation.

Pros

• Long and foldable shaft
• Powerful and efficient brushless motor
• Good resistance to moisture
• Lightweight and compact
• Three-stage speed control
• Double-sided blade with 6 blade positions

Cons

• Quite expensive
• Does not include battery or charger

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Bonus: Edging Shears

Spear and Jackson offer great edging shears with long handles and sharp blades. The shear is exceptionally lightweight and comfortable to use. It is sharp and quick and helps you trim edges very precisely.

Obviously, Spear and Jackson's edging shears are not an ideal trimmer for extensive hedge trimming works. Here are its key features:

• The product dimensions are 95.5 x 28 x 3.9 cm, and it weighs 1.51 kg.
• Has tubular steel handles because it gives extra strength.
• Has hollow ground c50 carbon steel blades for clean cuts.
• The blades are polished and lacquered with reduced binding.
• The handle is 81.3 cm long and has a soft feel grip.

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Types of Hedge Trimmers

Based on their power source and use case, there are four types of hedge trimmers you can buy in Australia. These include:

#1 - Cordless Hedge Trimmers

Cordless/Battery-powered hedge trimmers are ideal if you prefer portability and convenience. Featuring rechargeable batteries, these trimmers tackle most hedges and are lightweight and comfortable to use. The lithium-ion battery offers longer run times, often between 30 and 90 minutes, and quick charging capabilities to get your job done quickly.

#2 - Petrol Hedge Trimmers

Petrol hedge trimmers are for gardeners who have to tackle the toughest hedges. They have powerful engines and are capable of tackling larger jobs with ease and speed. Likewise, their high-torque motors provide consistent power and reliability to work efficiently.

Petrol hedge trimmers also offer extended reach capabilities so you can easily access those hard-to-reach areas in your garden. On the downside, they are louder than battery or electric models. As a result, you must be mindful of your neighbours and neighbourhood when using them.

#3 - Electric hedge trimmers

There are electric-powered hedge trimmers that are corded and are best suited for small to medium-sized hedges. These trimmers feature motorised blades that offer exceptional performance. Electric hedge trimmers offer extended reach capabilities so you can easily access those hard-to-reach areas in your garden.

They are typically quieter than petrol models and won’t disturb the peace of your garden or vicinity. However, electric hedge trimmers are not suited to larger jobs due to their limited power output compared to petrol models.

#4 - Pole Hedge Trimmers

Pole hedge trimmers help prune or shape taller hedges easily. They can be electric, battery, or petrol-powered. Pole hedge trimmers feature adjustable handles to extend the reach of these trimmers up to 3 m for the hard-to-reach areas in your garden. They often feature dual action blades and an ergonomic design to ensure comfortable use during extended periods of time.

Why Trim Hedges?

All hedges need to be trimmed—the most obvious reason is to prevent overgrowth. According to the Royal Horticultural Society, new hedges require pruning for the first couple of years. Maintenance can then be carried out annually for elaborate hedges and bi-annually for more formal hedges to keep them compact.

It is also good to cut out dead or diseased parts of the plant and reduce any danger of insect issues. Keeping hedges more compact increases the privacy of your space, as the plant will fill in trimmed areas. Regularly maintained hedges can also reduce the chance of building damage and be less of an obstruction.

Keeping hedges well-maintained makes plants healthier, provides a neat border for your land, and even adds decoration with a bit of topiary.

How to Trim Hedges?

If you’ve gone through the list mentioned above, you now know which hedge trimmers are available in the market and which fit your budget and gardening needs. While some might be great for maintaining a small garden, you might need a heavy-duty trimmer for landscaping a larger area.

If you’ve recently taken up gardening as a hobby, then don't spend much until you’re sure you’ll stick to it. However, if you’ve been doing it for a long time and want to make an income from gardening or landscaping, you should invest in high-quality tools for daily use.

How to Choose a Hedge Trimmer?

When choosing the right hedge trimmer for your needs, there are a few important features to consider.

1. Safety

Safety is the most important feature of any hedge trimmer. Look for models with a safety trigger and an enclosed blade guard to protect your hands from accidental cuts and injury.

Likewise, consider models with tip protectors to prevent the blades from coming into contact with hard surfaces, reducing potential damage and wear. Tip protectors help shield hands from accidental cuts or injury and help reduce noise levels and vibrations while in use.

2. Power Output and Cutting Capacity

Depending on the job you are tackling, you will need to consider the motor power output. Petrol and gas models typically offer more powerful engines than electric or battery models, making them better suited for large jobs.

Besides powerful engines, large cutting-capacity hedge trimmers are also excellent for larger hedges and shrubs. A higher cutting capacity allows for faster trimming times. Typically, cordless trimmers have a lower cutting capacity than corded-electric and petrol/gas-powered trimmers.

3. Front Handle and Vibration Control

A wrap-around front handle helps ensure comfortable use of your hedge trimmer over extended periods of time. The handle wraps around the motor housing, allowing you to hold the trimmer with both hands for better balance and accuracy. Some trimmers also feature an additional secondary handle at the rear for added support.

Another feature necessary for long-hour work is vibration control. Vibrations can cause fatigue and discomfort during extended periods of use and increased wear and tear on the trimmer itself. Fortunately, most hedge trimmers are now equipped with anti-vibration technology which helps to reduce vibrations and noise levels.

4. Trimmer Weight and Size

Most models weigh between 4-7 kg and are easy to carry around and manoeuvre. Heavy-duty petrol models can weigh up to 10 kg. However, they also provide greater power output compared to electric or battery-operated models. Choose options with adjustable handles for added comfort and support when using a heavier model.

For size, larger models are better suited for larger hedges and shrubs, whereas smaller models are better suited for trimming small branches and thin twigs. Similarly, longer blades have greater reach and are ideal for larger hedges, whilst shorter blades are more suited for small and delicate areas.

We also recommend evaluating the portability of your hedge trimmer. More often than not, cordless models have greater levels of portability and can reach hard-to-reach areas or cover long distances.

5. Blade Type and Size

The two main types of blades are reciprocating and rotating.

Reciprocating blades have a scissor-like action, enabling them to cut through thick branches and stems while rotating blades spin in a circular motion and are better suited for fine-cutting tasks such as trimming small branches and thin twigs.

For the blade size, choose larger blades for larger hedges and shrubs and vice versa. It is worth noting that shorter blades offer greater precision and accuracy, whereas longer blades are better for tackling larger branches and tougher materials.

6. Teeth Gap

When choosing a hedge trimmer, look for models with a teeth gap of between 16-20mm for optimal performance. The teeth gap of a hedge trimmer refers to the amount of space between the cutting blades. It's important as it determines how much vegetation can be cut with each pass. A larger teeth gap will allow for thicker, tougher branches and twigs to be cut, while a narrower gap is suitable for cutting smaller, lighter hedges.

7. Cost and Value for Money

Corded models are the most affordable option, whereas cordless models tend to be more expensive due to their convenience and portability. And while petrol-powered models are often the most expensive of the three power sources, they offer greater cutting capacity and higher levels of torque.

Hedge Trimmer Maintenance

It is important to follow a regular maintenance routine to ensure the proper and long-lasting performance of your hedge trimmer. Start by checking the manufacturer’s instructions for specific advice on how to care for your particular hedge trimmer model.

We also recommend lubricating the blades regularly with a light oil or grease. This will help keep them sharp and in good condition for a longer period of time. Likewise, regularly clean your trimmer to remove any accumulated debris and dirt during use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions on hedge trimmers' use, importance, and maintenance.

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Summary

If you're in the market for a hedge trimmer in Australia, our guide has everything you need to make an informed decision. We've researched and compiled a list of the 10 best hedge trimmers available in Australia, taking into account various factors such as blade length, power source, and ease of use.

However, it's important to keep in mind that not all hedge trimmers are created equal, and what works well for your neighbour's lawn may not work for you. Carefully consider the size and type of plants you'll be trimming before making a purchase. Finally, remember to regularly clean and maintain your hedge trimmer to ensure it remains in good condition.