Keeping your garden well-manicured and neat requires a functional hedge trimmer. While there are many makes to choose from, gas hedge trimmers seem to have an edge over electrical and battery powered rivals, especially when it comes to trimming more extensive lawns.
To help you get the best gas hedge trimmer, we have compiled a list of reliable gas hedge trimmers and a comprehensive buying guide.
Our Gas Hedge Trimmer Reviews
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Husqvarna 122HD60
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The Husqvarna 122HD60 is a portable handy hedge trimmer with minimal sound output. This makes it an excellent option for trimming around both residential and commercial spaces. Weighing as little as 10.8 pounds, the Husqvarna 122HD60 is less strenuous and more comfortable to use compared to its heavier peers.
Like many gas trimmers sold today, the Husqvarna comes with a two-stroke 21.7cc engine that handles most trimming jobs. Although its motor is average, the blade length is far from ordinary. The 122HD60’s 23-inch dual-sided blade can trim more than average blades can with each pass, enabling you to neat up your hedges faster and easier than before.
Beyond its convenient length, the blade makes as much as 4050 cuts per minute and slices twigs that are over ¾ inch thick.
Another beautiful feature is its Smart Start Feature. It uses an air purge system in its carburetor to start quickly and requires less effort. The air purge system gets rid of excess air from the fuel system and carburetor for a clean start-up without issues.
The moment the trimmer is turned off, the system restores the tool to the manner it was when it started. It is ready for another easy start up the next time you are using the machine.
This Husqvarna has an adjustable rear handle to help you maneuver the trimmer under, around, and all over the hedges that need grooming. With strategically placed dampers on the machine’s body, minimal or no vibrations reach your arms. This reduces the chances of fatigue and concentration disruption.
On the downside, the 122HD60 is relatively expensive and can get jammed during shipping. However, jamming can be fixed with some tinkering.
Overall, the Husqvarna 122HD60 is a powerful, reliable, durable, and more portable than most gas trimmers. It also has a great ergonomic design that facilitates longer periods of handling.
What We Like
- Convenient SmartStart feature
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic design
- Powerful engine
- Cuts twigs over ¾ inch thick
- Big, durable blade
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
- Blade can jam
- Might require some carb adjustments for optimum performance
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Tanaka TCH22EBP2
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Designed to meet professional landscapers’ needs, the Tanaka TCH22EBP2 has a powerful two-cycle 21.1cc engine. This commercial-grade trimmer has been equipped with three-sided reciprocating blades to ensure maximum efficiency. The trimmer’s 20-inch dual-edge commercial-grade blades offer consistent fast cutting.
A purge bulb coupled with S Start System makes the trimmer simple to start. Another feature that makes this Tanaka stand out is its five-position rear handle that creates more safety, comfort, flexibility, and convenience when cutting thick bushes.
Despite its powerful engine, the Tanaka TCH22EBP2 is one of the most portable gas trimmers in its league as it weighs only 9.4 pounds. This makes the trimmer easier to maneuver, especially when lifting it overhead.
The trimmer’s PureFire engine uses a 1-2 cycle oil/gas mix, which is incredibly powerful and fuel-efficient. It is friendly to you and the environment.
The forward-facing exhaust is also useful as it is angled away from you that you don’t have to worry about breathing in gas fumes.
What We Like
- Heavy-duty dual-reciprocating blades
- Lightweight
- Compact design
- Rigorously tested for performance and longevity
- Heavy-duty dual reciprocating blades
What We Don’t Like
- Not the most durable gas trimmer
- Significant amount is plastic
- Even with an S-Start, the trimmer can sometimes lock up at starting
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Echo HC-152
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The Echo HC-152 is an easy-to-use gas hedge trimmer suitable for both beginners and seasoned landscapers. The trimmer comes with a 21.2 cc 2-stroke professional-grade engine with outstanding performance.
The powerful engine requires 50 parts gas to one part two-stroke oil. Its fuel tank holds over 15 ounces of fuel to allow trimming in larger areas. The tank is transparent to let you know when you need to refuel. A commercial-duty air filtration system enhances this Echo HC-152’s engine life.
The HC-152 has a large and ergonomic front handle with a safety guard for greater control and comfort. A 20 inch, two-sided double-reciprocating RazorEdge blade together with a rigid support bar allows precision and straighter cuts. The blades are durable and maintain sharpness for long.
The trimmer has a muffler meant to lower noise and direct emissions from you. Unfortunately, this gas hedge trimmer has nothing to absorb vibrations. It can be exhausting to the muscles and a big challenge to control.
What We Like
- Great safety features
- Easy to use
- Offers precise straight cuts
- Muffler reduces noise and emissions
- Large tank capacity
- Two-stroke, balanced dual engine
- Outstanding performance
What We Don’t Like
- At times, the trimmer can be a little bit slow when cutting a large branch.
- Inadequate vibration control
- Short blade
- Non-adjustable rear handle
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Poulan Pro PR2322
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A powerful trimming machine with a 23cc 2-cycle engine, the Poulan Pro PR2322 has a 22 inch blade that gives it a kick at manicuring hedges in a matter of minutes.
The dual-action blade has two-sided teeth, which we love. Made of stainless steel, it is durable and rust-resistant. The trimmer’s front handle rotates into convenient positions when the trimmer is moved down and up along the hedges.
This machine has a comfort grip and excellent vibration resistance to help you control the trimmer better without tiring.
Despite an incredible engine and long blade, the PR2322 only weighs 11.1 pounds. Unlike many trimmers, this Poulan has no smart technology. As such, it can be hard to start up. Lack of smart technology also makes the engine not fix itself for the next start up, which could cause permanent damage to the trimmer.
What We Like
- Heavy-duty machine
- Rust-resistant stainless steel
- Comfortable grip/rotating handle
- Excellent vibration resistance
What We Don’t Like
- Replacement parts can be hard and expensive to get
- Does not have SmartStart technology
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Husqvarna 122HD45
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One of the most compact and lightest gas hedge trimmers, the Husqvarna 122HD45 is powered by a 21.7cc engine. The 2-cycle trimmer creates minimal noise and is equipped with vibration dampeners to help you maintain full control when cutting hedges. This also reduces irritation and fatigue induced by vibration.
The 122HD45 is equipped with Smart Start technology, which we tend to think is key. Once the machine is turned off, all settings program themselves for convenient running once turned on again.
This particular Husqvarna weighs a mere 10.3 pounds. This makes the trimmer easy to maneuver around bushes and hedges of different sizes. You can lift this trimmer to higher edges, and even kneel to reach lower branches without much hassle.
The trimmer’s 18 inch long blade is double-sided for versatility. It works well for people who are not looking for a fancy tool but clear-cut consistent results in keeping up with the fast-growing bushes and hedges around the lawn.
A downside of this Husqvarna 122HD45 is that it does not address all issues that a landscaper might come across. This starts with the gas line that is highly likely to overheat. While this is repairable, it might be expensive.
What We Like
- Vibration dampeners to help retain control
- Lightweight
- Quiet
- Easy to use
- Quick to start
- Resets when not in use
What We Don’t Like
- Short blade might not be ideal for some trimming tasks
- Gas line is likely to overheat and damage
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Redmax CHT220L
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The Redmax CHT220L has been designed to trim hedges in areas where noise could be a problem. Not only is this one of the quietest models, but it also comes equipped with excellent performance.
The CHT220L weighs 16.65 pounds and has an engine cylinder displacement of 21.7 cm³. A 24-inch blade makes the CHT220L ideal for cutting tall hedges and thicker or hard-to-reach bushes. This stands out from many gas hedge trimmers
Unlike many models in the market that you would have to struggle to start, this Redmax has a power button which starts it instantly. This makes the hedge trimmer suitable for both avid and novice landscapers (and a lot more convenient to use).
What We Like
- One of the quietest gas hedge trimmers
- Convenient long blade
- Powerful engine
- Ergonomically designed handle
What We Don’t Like
- Designed for lighter duties
- Struggles when handling thick bushes
- Quite heavy at 16.65 pounds
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Tanaka HTD-2526PF
The Tanaka HTD-2526PF gas hedge trimmer is an excellent choice for people with large yards and a lot of shrubs or bushes.
The 26-inch durable blade is a big selling point of this specific Tanaka model, as it can be used to cut trim and cut inaccessible areas. However, the long blade requires more balancing than is the case for shorter blades.
When this commercial-grade trimmer is running, it vibrates less than most gas hedge trimmers. This, added to its quiet feature, makes the HTD-2526PF less tiring to use. It also makes it suitable for commercial and residential areas where silence is a crucial requirement.
More to its great features, this Tanaka boasts a unique exhaust design that keeps away from inhaling gas emissions.
Compared to many gas hedge trimmers, the Tanaka HTD-2526PF is relatively heavy due to its size. However, a great ergonomic handle helps at getting the work done for extended periods without much strain.
What We Like
- Quieter than many gas trimmers
- Extremely long dual blades
- Well designed
- Powerful motor
What We Don’t Like
- Relatively heavy due to its large size
Gas Hedge Trimmer Features and Considerations
Other than the ability to trim more extensive lawns, gas hedge trimmers are loaded with great convenience features like anti-vibration dampeners, adjustable handles, and Smart Start technology. However, choosing the best gas hedge trimmer can be daunting due to the many competing brands and models in the market.
Type of Blade
Gas hedge trimmers are either sold in dual or single-sided blades. Using single-sided blades is safer because you can trim hedges with the blade’s edge facing away from you.
However, single-sided blades are not as effective as dual-sided blades. Two-sided blades allow you to cut more with each stroke or pass. This makes them a popular option for many buyers.
Engine Power
Gas trimmers are able to generate great power and work effortlessly. The unit of power in gas hedge trimmer engines is CC, and many trimmers have a power range of 21 cc to 28 cc. The higher the power output, the better a trimmer is at trimming.
However, trimmers with stronger engines are more cumbersome. They might not make a good option for someone looking for a portable trimmer for simple trimming tasks.
Length of Blade
There are different blade lengths available in the market. Your choice should depend on the size and the number of hedges you intend to maintain.
Not only will longer blades make it possible for you to cut more evenly, but also will they get the job done faster and allow you to cut more. On the downside, longer blades are heavier and more difficult to control.
Smaller trimmer blades under 20 inches long are easier to control. These are ideal for lighter trimming and average-sized hedges, bushes, and shrubs.
Blade Material
Choose a gas hedge material with a sharp and rust-resistant blade. Trimmers with high carbon steel blades that are heat-treated do not lose the edges quickly. They are capable of meeting your trimming needs for a long time.
Teeth Size and Spacing
The size of a trimmer’s teeth and spacing plays a crucial role in the size of a hedge or branch it can handle. Many gas hedge trimmers can cut through stems that are up to ½ inch thick. More powerful trimmer models come with wider teeth spacing and can cut branches that are up to 3/4 inch thick or more.
Blade Speed
The speed of a trimmer is generally measured by the cuts it makes in a minute. A trimmer with a higher blade speed is capable of cutting faster than a hedge trimmer with lesser cuts per minute.
While this might seem obvious, a trimmer’s speed compliments the motor and blade length in enhancing its cutting ability.
Weight
A trimmer’s weight determines its maneuverability and ease of use. You need to ensure that you are comfortable with its weight, since you will be moving and holding the trimmer for the majority of the time when cutting hedges.
A heavy trimmer can cause fatigue and become challenging to use for long periods. This is likely to wear you out and lead to uneven trimming. Many gas hedge trimmers have an average weight of 10 to 12 pounds. However, stronger commercial-grade models weigh more.
Hedge Size
You need to keep the size of your hedge in mind when looking for a suitable gas trimmer. If your bushes, shrubs or hedges are more than five feet tall, you might require a trimmer that has a long blade and a wide reach.
Most small trimmers are designed for pruning short bushes. However, gas hedge trimmers with blade lengths of 20 inches or more can tackle most tall shrubs and hedges with ease.
Intended Use
Some people are interested in frequently trimming their hedges, while others prefer maintaining their landscapes manicured weekly. If you intend to trim regularly, it is important that you go for a hedge trimmer that is built for durability.
Although some hedge trimmers are made better than others, not all gas hedge trimmers are built with frequent use and durability in mind. So long as you buy a quality hedge trimmer and keep it regularly maintained, it will serve you for years.
There are some lemons in the market. It is best to read comprehensive, unbiased reviews like ours instead of just buying a trimmer blindly and hoping for the best.
Warranty
If you choose a quality hedge trimmer, warranties are not necessarily essential as the trimmer should last for seasons and years beyond its warranty. However, should your trimmer fail to function well or have a part of it break, a warranty can see to it that it is repaired or replaced in good time.
High-end trimmers are sold with more extended warranties. Lower quality models are sold with warranties which could be as little as a month or one year in length. A warranty signifies the manufacturer’s faith in their product. A reasonable warranty can help make you confident about the tool. It will also keep you less worried about losing your investment.
Safety Tips for Using a Hedge Trimmer
Most gas trimmers have safety features meant to reduce injury risks. Unfortunately, the features alone are not enough to ensure your safety. You need to do your part. Below are some of the most crucial trimming safety tips that will keep you safe and sound as you use your new trimmer.
Always Wear Protective Clothing
While wearing extra clothes on a hot trimming day can be uncomfortable, the slight discomfort is worth it. This is because when trimming, debris, sharp twigs, and rocks can cut your exposed skin easily. Before going out to trim, wear long shirts, pants, and boots to protect your ankles and feet. A brush shield protector or safety goggles should also be worn to protect your eyes.
Avoid Trimming Your Hedges in Wet Weather
Using a gas trimmer when the weather is wet can be dangerous. Although the electrocution’s risk is less than that of an electric-powered trimmer, the risk of slipping and falling when trimming in wet weather is high. Falling while holding a sharp trimmer is not a good idea. Besides, wet bushes and grass are hard to trim, and this can quickly wear out your motor.
Ensure You are Trimming Away from You
Single-sided blades are safe as they allow you to trim hedges when the blade’s teeth are pointed away from you. However, two-sided blades tend to be more efficient as they will enable you to trim in half the time you would take to trim with a one-sided blade.
When using a two-sided hedge trimmer, the best way of keeping yourself safe is trimming out in front of you as you keep the trimmer away from your body. Doing this will also help maintain an even and clean cut.
Gas vs Electric Trimmers
One of the decisions you will have to make when purchasing a hedge trimmer is whether you want a gas hedge trimmer or an electric powered trimmer. To make this decision, you should first know the kinds of jobs you are going to use the trimmer for.
If you are buying a trimmer for commercial trimming or have a lot of land to manicure, a gas trimmer would be the best option. If you are just in need of something to maintain a beautiful look on your lawn, an electric trimmer will be a good fit.
Take a look at the pros and cons of the two options.
Benefits of Gas Trimmers
- Gas hedge trimmers are designed to cut through thicker branches compared to their electric counterparts. Some gas trimmers can cut branches that are up to 1 inch thick.
- Gas hedge trimmers tend to cut faster than other trimmers, which allows you to complete tasks more quickly.
- Since gas hedge trimmers have no cords and do not require outlets, they are easy to use and maneuver in most hedges.
- Gas hedge trimmers are less of a problem when used in damp weather.
Drawbacks of Gas Trimmers
- Gas hedge trimmers tend to be heavier than electric hedge trimmers. This means that you are more likely to get tired when using them.
- Due to their emissions, gas hedge trimmers are not environmentally and consumer-friendly.
- Gas trimmers with no vibration dampeners are likely to cause fatigue quickly.
- To run, gas hedge trimmers require a mixture of oil and gasoline, which can add to the expenses.
Benefits of Electric Trimmers
- Electric hedge trimmers tend to be less expensive to buy than gas trimmers, and they are less expensive to operate as you do not have to purchase gas.
- Electric trimmers are consumer and environmentally friendly since they do not produce gas emissions.
- Electric trimmers are quieter than gas trimmers and operate with minimal vibrations.
- Electric trimmers are more lightweight. This, combined with their minimal vibrations, makes it possible to work for long without fatigue.
Drawbacks of Electric Trimmers
- Electric trimmers are not as powerful as gas hedge trimmers. Most do not cut branches that are past ¾ inch thick.
- Unlike gas hedge trimmers, electric trimmers can be limited by cable length or battery capacity.
Overall, the decision between a gas or electric hedge trimmer should be based on the size of job you need to do. If you intend to work on a big lawn full of larger branches, then you will need a gas-powered trimmer.
However, if you want to complete a medium-sized or small track, an electric hedge trimmer would give you a perfect balance of power and efficiency.
Many commercial cleaning companies use gas trimmers since they have to handle a lot of ground and require power. Such companies do not have the time to ensure an extension cable is available, or time to take breaks to charge battery-powered trimmers like a normal homeowner would do.
Wrap Up
If you have extensive shrubs, hedges, and bushes around your property, you need to look for a reliable gas-powered hedge trimmer. The blade type, length, speed, and teeth spacing are some of the crucial factors to consider in a hedge trimmer.
Go for a hedge trimmer with a powerful engine, and one with vibrational dampeners as this will reduce the chances of fatigue while delivering desirable results. An ergonomic design, safety features, and smart start technology are other innovative features in a hedge trimmer that will make your trimming more convenient and fulfilling.
Once you get the right gas hedge trimmer, remember to maintain it well and protect yourself adequately when trimming.
