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A hedge trimmer is a versatile gardening tool used to trim, prune, and shape hedges, bushes, and shrubs. Besides enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the garden, this device can also be used to regularly maintain the size of the plantation, both within the garden as well as on the periphery, before the plants become too dense and grow to an unmanageable size. Hedge trimmers help to cut twigs and branches smoothly and efficiently, saving both time and energy for the user. Manually trimming hedges can be very cumbersome and also dangerous in case of thorny plants. Hedge trimmers are user-friendly gadgets and have now become a most-have accessory in any household having a garden or backyard. They can cut branches having a maximum thickness of around 1 inch.
Features and working of a hedge trimmer The hedge trimmer performs the cutting action with sharp-edged blades, powered by electricity. While most of these tools are shipped with power cords and need to be connected to a power source, cordless hedge trimmers have Rechargeable batteries. Thus, cordless trimmers offer better portability as they can be used in the absence of a power source. However, corded hedge trimmers are usually preferred as they offer more power, consistent performance, and are lighter. Some hedge trimmers are gas-powered, working on an oil-gas mixture. These trimmers are generally the heaviest, the noisiest, and take a longer time to startup. The blades, which form the main cutting appendages, vary between around 6 to 42 inches in size. While smaller blades are used for jobs that require greater precision and for minor ‘touching up’ tasks, the larger blades are suitable for large scale cutting over a wide area. Most efficient cutting is achieved with the reciprocating blade system that has pairs of blades moving in opposite directions, cutting the twigs between them. The blades used in a trimmer may be double or single edged. Double-edged blades enable the user to cut by swinging the tool in both directions, increasing the speed and dexterity. High-carbon steel blades are stronger and stay sharp for a longer time. Blades can be sharpened as they get blunt and can even be replaced if needed. Hedge trimmers normally have two handles for better grip and stability. The lower handle has the trigger and the upper handle may have a safety shield. The trimmer bars may be connected to a two-cycle tiller/cultivator engine for faster cutting. The gears are made of steel and are case-hardened for added durability and power. The brush caps and case levers can be quickly detached for easy maintenance. Electric hedge trimmers have motors from around 2.8 amps upwards. What to look for in a hedge trimmer Most hedge trimmers have an automatic start-up feature for quick tool activation. A lighter trimmer, coupled with lower vibrations, minimizes wrist strain and fatigue for the operator during prolonged usage. The tool handle is ergonomically designed to increase the comfort Level of the user. Usage is further eased with the auto-lock feature that keeps the tool running even when the user releases the trigger, thus eliminating finger strain. A lock-off switch prevents accidental starting of the tool. The tool is precision balanced for better maneuverability. The body of the trimmer is designed to minimize the noise emitted. As with any powered cutting tool, the safety factor cannot be ignored. Most hedge trimmers have a safety switch for emergency situations. Blades have the ability to stop instantly, in just half a second, when the trigger is released. Additional safety is provided with safety combs on the blade double edges. Another safety clutch prevents kickback when cutting excessively strong branches. A grill protector in some tools prevent accidental cutting of electrical cables. Some hedge trimmers have an extension pole to increase the reach of the tool to facilitate cutting tasks above head height. When the power cord is stretched for cutting areas further away from the power source, there is a chance that the power cord may get disconnected. This possibility is prevented with the molded cord retainer or a cord clip. The cord is also double insulated for prevention of electric shocks to the user. Some reputed manufacturers of hedge trimmers include Little Wonder and Mantis. Discuss this article on the forums. (0 posts)
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