Categories: Garden & Lawn

Best Gas Hedge Trimmers – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Hedge trimming can be a daunting task, especially when you have a large garden with plenty of shrubs and hedges to maintain. That’s where gas-powered hedge trimmers come in handy. With their powerful engines and sharp blades, they make quick work of even the toughest hedges. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one to choose?

In this blog post, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best gas hedge trimmers on the market. We’ll be exploring their features, benefits, and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a professional landscaper or a homeowner looking to spruce up their garden, we’ve got you covered. So if you’re ready to take your hedge trimming game to the next level, read on!

1. Husqvarna 122HD60 – Best Gas Powered Hedge Trimmer

The Husqvarna 122HD60 embodies the qualities of a lightweight and user-friendly gas hedge trimmer, featuring low acoustic emissions, making it an excellent choice for residential light trimming endeavors. With a mere weight of 10.8 pounds, it surpasses its bulkier counterparts, providing a more comfortable and less physically demanding trimming experience.

Similar to other contemporary gas hedge trimmers, the Husqvarna 122HD60 incorporates a 21cc two-stroke engine, aptly suited for most trimming applications. While its engine performance may be average, the standout attribute lies in its exceptional blade length. Equipped with 23-inch dual-sided blades, it outperforms typical blades by enabling more efficient hedge maintenance, enabling you to accomplish the task with greater ease and swiftness.

In addition to its extended length, the Husqvarna 122HD60 boasts a remarkable cutting frequency of up to 4,050 cuts per minute. This capability empowers the trimmer to effortlessly slice through branches exceeding 3/4 of an inch in thickness. However, the true marvel of this Husky lies in its Smarts Start feature, which leverages an air purge system within the carburetor to enable quick and effortless starting.

The trimmer’s design incorporates notable elements such as anti-vibration dampeners that maximize shock absorption, an adjustable rear handle to accommodate individual preferences, and a convenient stop switch that automatically returns to the on position for faster and easier starting. While some users may desire greater power, it is hard to find a gas hedge trimmer that offers the same level of user-friendliness as the Husqvarna 122HD60.

In conclusion, the Husqvarna 122HD60 stands out with its optimally powered 21.7cc motor, meticulously crafted 23-inch dual-sided blade, innovative Smart Start feature, shock-absorbing anti-vibration dampeners, and more. It is evident that this model was thoughtfully designed with the needs of everyday homeowners in mind. If you are seeking an exceptional gas hedge trimmer that combines user-friendliness with remarkable performance, the Husqvarna 122HD60 may prove to be the ideal choice for you.

Pros
  • Only weighs 10.8 pounds
  • Excellent blade length
  • Easy to start and use when dialed in
  • Able to cut twigs over 3/4 of an inch thick
  • Two-year warranty
Cons
  • May need to make some initial carb adjustments for optimum performance

2. Tanaka TCH22EBP2 – Best Professional Hedge Trimmer

It may not have a well-known name like Stihl or Husqvarna, but the Tanaka TCH22EBP2 is a well-made gas hedge trimmer any professional, semi-professional, or serious weekend landscaper can appreciate. If you have a large yard and a healthy collection bushes and shrubs, it may just be the hedge trimmer you’ve been looking for.

The TCH22EBP2 features Tanaka’s proven PureFire 21.1cc engine that’s strong enough to slice through branches up to 3/4 of an inch thick. Although you won’t be cutting down trees, it will easily take out the branches shooting out of your shrubs and bushes during the warmer months.

What really makes the Tanaka stand out from the pack is its extra-long, 24-inch dual reciprocating blades. It’s made to cut through wide swaths of shrubs with ease and provide you with enough reach to trim the tops off of any bush in your yard.
Like many of the best gas hedge trimmers for sale today, the Tanaka TCH22EBP2 is also equipped with an ergonomic five-position handle as well as a purge bulb for easier starting. While it does utilize a traditional pull-cord design, it starts surprisingly easily thanks to its helpful S-Start function. When running, it’s also quieter than many other gas-powered hedge trimmers on the market today. The trimmer also features a thoughtful forward facing exhaust, which is a thoughtful yet often overlooked design element.

Conclusion

The Tanaka TCH22EBP2 features the brand’s advanced PureFire engine, extra-long 24-inch dual blades, an ergonomic five-position handle, and several other outstanding design elements that make it a solid option for anyone in need of serious trimming power.

Perfect for the heaviest trimming tasks and made to make short work of any bushes or shrubs, it’s easy to see why many in the know folks consider it one of the best hedge trimmers around. If you’re a serious landscaper or gardener in search of a serious trimmer, the Tanaka TCH22EBP2 is tough to beat.

Pros
  • Extremely long dual blades
  • Powerful motor
  • Quieter than most gas trimmers
  • Adjustable five-position handle
  • Very well-made
Cons
  • A little on the heavy side
  • Pull-cord start

3. Poulan Pro PR2322 – Best Gas Hedge Trimmer for Home Use

Do you crave power but want a great value and love getting the best bang for your buck? If so, the Poulan Pro PR2322 Gas Hedge Trimmer may be for you.

Poulan products are some of the best around, and the Pro PR2322 is no exception. Featuring a whopping 23cc motor, which is one of the most powerful you’ll find, it can effortlessly trim and expertly finish any bushes or shrubs that cross its path.

The 22-inch dual-sided serrated blade also helps in this regard. In addition to providing you with more cutting surface area, it allows you to reach the tops of taller shrubs and stand at a safer distance. The Poulan Pro PR2322 also features a unique pivoting handle with three different position settings. It allows you to secure a good grip and trim comfortably from any angle or position.

Although this impressive Poulan is a little on the heavy side at 11 pounds and tends to blow exhaust in your face in certain positions, its excellent power, blade length, quality, and price make it one of the most popular gas hedge trimmers being made today.

Final Verdict

All things considered, the Poulan Pro PR2322 is one of the best overall gas hedge trimmers your hard-earned money can buy. With a heavy-duty 23cc motor, lengthy and razor-sharp 22-inch blade, innovative handle, and build quality that’s second to none, it’s hard to go wrong with this Poulan. If you appreciate power, ease of use, and getting a great deal, the Poulan Pro PR2322 might be the gas hedge trimmer you’ve been looking for.

Pros
  • Very powerful
  • Extra-long dual-sided blade
  • Comfortable three-position pivoting handle
  • Great price
Cons
  • A little on the heavy side
  • Questionable exhaust location

4. Echo HC-152 – Best Cheap Hedge Trimmer

The ECHO HC-152 is equipped with a powerful engine and durable, razor-sharp blades designed to tackle nearly all trimming tasks. The clear fuel tank can hold up to 15.6 ounces of gas to keep the 21.2cc motor well fed for hours on end, allowing you to spend more time trimming and less time refueling.

The engine on the HC-152 also has a muffler for noise reduction. Similar to the Husqvarna 122HD60 above, it features an air purge feature on the carburetor as well, which forces air out and draws in fresh fuel. This allows it to start right up, sometimes with the very first pull of the cord.

Weighing in at close to 12 pounds, the ECHO HC-152 is a little bit heavier than other trimmers with similar specs. However, its shorter 20-inch blade gives the trimmer better balance and control, making it a great option for anyone interested in topiaries and formal landscaping.
This impressive gas hedge trimmer also has an ergonomic rear handle and extra-large front handle for maximum comfort and maneuverability.
Unfortunately, unlike some of the other trimmers in this guide, the rear handle doesn’t pivot or rotate.

Nonetheless, it’s still comfortable and easy to use, especially for smaller shrubs and properties.

Final Words

The ECHO HC-152 utilizes a powerful yet quiet engine and a laser cut blade for meticulous cutting. While it’s missing a few features found on similarly priced models, its balance and quality construction make it more than capable of tackling most trimming tasks. From topiaries to simple box hedges, the HC-152 can trim them all with the highest level of precision. If you love formal landscapes and turning bushes into works of art, this gas hedge trimmer may become your new best friend.

Pros
  • Durable and well-built
  • Starts and runs great
  • Excellent balance and control
Cons
  • A little heavy for its size
  • No handle adjustments, shoulder harness, or vibration dampeners

5. Husqvarna 122HD45 – Best Lightweight Gas Hedge Trimmer

The Husqvarna 122HD45 is one of the lightest, most compact gas hedge trimmers available. It has a 21.7cc engine, dual-sided 18-inch blade, and weighs a meager 10.3 pounds, making it a worthy option for smaller users and light trimming duty.

The lightweight, low noise hedge trimmer is made specifically for domestic use and comes equipped with a number of easy-to-use functions.

One of these functions is its Smart Start feature, which removes air from the fuel system for effortless starting. Like the Husqvarna 122HD60, the 122HD45 also has a stop switch that resets automatically for even easier starting.
To top it all off, it has anti-vibration dampeners for reduced stress on your arms and hands when trimming as well.

While its shorter blade may mean more passes are needed for clean, even cuts, its lightweight design and myriad of user-friendly features make it a joy to use, not a chore.

Overall

The Husqvarna 122HD45 is a powerful, compact, and quiet hedge trimmer; three traits that rarely go together. Despite some reports of gas line glitches, which is an easy problem to fix, the effectiveness and ease of use of this mighty little hedge trimmer far outweigh any potential concerns.

All things considered, it’s an incredibly versatile tool that any homeowner can use to keep their yard tidy and trimmed. If you’re in search of such a tool for your gardening arsenal, the Husqvarna 122HD45 might be the best gas hedge trimmer for you.

Pros
  • Extremely lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • Shorter blade provides added stability
  • Anti-vibration dampeners
Cons
  • Some reports of issues with rubber gas line
  • Shorter blade not ideal for some trimming tasks

Gas Hedge Trimmers – Buyer’s Guide

The key to creating and maintaining healthy, beautifully manicured hedges is cutting with the right hedge trimmer. Gas hedge trimmers provide much more power than electric versions and are loaded with more features as well, such as fully adjustable handles, anti-vibration dampeners, and more.

However, buying the right gas hedge trimmer is a little more complicated than your neighbor may have you believe. There are dozens of models with plenty of differences between them to leave you scratching your head.

It’s important to know a little about gas hedge trimmers and understand what to look for when choosing the best one for you. Otherwise, you may end up with one that is much too big and powerful or simply isn’t up to par.

With that being said, here are some important factors to keep in mind when choosing the best gas hedge trimmer for you and your yard:

Blade Type

Gas hedge trimmers either come with single- or dual-sided blades. While single-sided blades are safer due to the fact that you can always cut with the edge facing away from you, dual-sided blades are much more efficient and allow you to cut more with each stroke or pass. This makes them a much more popular option for many of today’s homeowners.

Blade Length

There are a variety of blade lengths available on gas hedge trimmers depending on the size and number of hedges you have to maintain. Longer blades not only allow you to cut more evenly, but they allow you to cut more and get the job done faster as well. However, long blades are heavier and can be more difficult to control.

Smaller blades under 20 inches in length, on the other hand, are easier to control. They’re also better suited for lighter trimming and average-sized bushes, shrubs, and hedges.

Make sure to give your bushes and hedges a once over to see whether a longer or shorter blade length is best for you.

Teeth Size and Spacing

Another factor to consider when shopping for a gas hedge trimmer is teeth size and spacing as this plays a huge role in the size of branch it can tackle. Most gas hedge trimmers are able to cut through branches and stems up to half an inch thick. More powerful models with wider teeth spacing, however, can handle branches up to 3/4 of an inch or more in thickness.

Blade Speed

The speed of a trimmer’s blade is generally measured by how many cuts it can make per minute.

A trimmer with a higher blade speed can cut faster than a trimmer that makes fewer cuts per minute.

It may seem obvious, but many people overlook blade speed when choosing a hedge trimmer. Along with the motor and blade length, it plays a key role in a trimmer’s cutting ability.

Trimmer Weight

The weight of a trimmer helps determine its maneuverability and plays a vital role in its ease of use. You will be holding and moving the trimmer the majority of the time, so you need to feel comfortable with its weight.

A trimmer that is too heavy can lead to fatigue and be difficult to use for extended periods of time. Not only will it wear you out, but it may result in uneven trimming, or worse yet, an unfinished job. Most gas hedge trimmers weigh 10-12 pounds, but more powerful commercial-quality models can weigh even more.

Hedge Size

The size of your hedges is also important to keep in mind. If you have hedges, bushes, or shrubs over five feet tall, you may need a trimmer with a longer blade and wider reach. Some smaller hedge trimmers are only designed for pruning bushes under five feet. Gas hedge trimmers with 20-inch blades or longer, however, can tackle most taller hedges and shrubs with ease.

Hedge Trimmer Usage

Some homeowners are more than happy only trimming their hedges every now and then, while others prefer keeping their landscaping pristinely manicured and trimming their hedges weekly. If you fall into the latter category, it’s important to select a durable hedge trimmer that’s built to last.

While some hedge trimmers are made better than others, most gas hedge trimmers are built with durability and frequent use in mind.

As long as you choose a quality trimmer and keep it regularly maintained, it should serve you well for years.

Nonetheless, there are always some lemons out there, so it’s important to read unbiased, comprehensive reviews like ours rather than picking blindly and hoping for the best.

Warranty

Warranties aren’t necessarily important if you choose a quality gas hedge trimmer as it should last for several seasons. However, if it doesn’t function right or a part breaks, a warranty will ensure it’s replaced or at least repaired in a reasonable amount of time.

Higher quality gas hedge trimmers typically come with longer warranties, while lower quality models often come with warranties of only 30 days or perhaps a year in length.

Many merchants also offer extended warranties, while some offer no warranties at all. Since a warranty serves as a testament of a brand’s confidence in their product, the longer the warranty the better in most cases.

Trimming Safety 101

Many gas hedge trimmers are designed with safety features to minimize the risk of injury. Unfortunately, these features can’t completely ensure your safety as you must also do your part. Let’s have a look at a few basic trimming safety tips to keep you safe and sound when using your brand new trimmer this summer.

1. Always Wear Protective Clothing

Wearing a lot of clothing on a hot summer day can be a little uncomfortable, to say the least, but spending the afternoon in an emergency room can be even more of a drag. When trimming, rocks, sharp twigs, and other debris can easily cut exposed skin.

In addition to long pants and shirts, boots should also be worn to protect your feet and ankles. Safety goggles or brush shield protector to protect your eyes are also a must.

2. Avoid Trimming in Wet Weather

Trimming with a gas hedge trimmer in wet weather can be quite dangerous. While the risk of electrocution is significantly less than it is with an electric trimmer, your risk of slipping and falling is elevated. Falling with a razor-sharp trimmer in your hands is never a good idea. Furthermore, wet grass and brush are more difficult to trim, which will wear your motor out faster.

3. Always Trim Away From You

The safest gas hedge trimmers have single-sided blades that allow you to always cut with the teeth of the blade pointing away from you. However, dual-sided blades are much more efficient and allow you to literally cut your trimming time in half.

You can’t completely avoid injury with a dual-sided hedge trimmer. But you can greatly reduce the odds by trimming out in front of you and away from your body. Doing so will also help ensure a clean and even cut.

Conclusion

If you have bushes, shrubs and hedges around your home, you need a gas hedge trimmer. Not long ago, homeowners across the country were forced to spend hours each weekend clipping away with manual shears. With gas hedge trimmers, however, what once took hours only takes a few minutes.

That being said, unless you’re armed with the right information, choosing the best gas hedge trimmer for you and your yard can be easier said than done. Lucky for you, you’re ahead of the curve. Between the in-depth reviews and insightful tips you’ve just read, you now know more than enough to be trimming like a pro in no time at all!

View Comments

  • I was wondering if anyone knows why the Tanaka hedge trimmer has been discontinued, I find it odd that with great reviews across the board it would be discontinued. Thank you for your answers

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Published by
David Moore

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