8 Best Electric Hedge Trimmers | Australian Buying Guide 2023

Why Buy an Electric Hedge Trimmer?

• Quiet operation – Electric motors are very quiet compared to petrol hedge trimmers, so you don’t need ear protection.
• Environmentally-friendly – They are zero-emission tools that are energy efficient and don’t use fossil fuels, so they are better for your health and the environment.
• High performance – Thanks to modern technology, electric hedge trimmers offer plenty of power and great performance, making them a real alternative to petrol tools.
• Lightweight – They’re light and easy to manoeuvre, making them easy to work with and reducing fatigue on your arms and back. You’ll have sharp, clean edges on your hedge in no time!
• Easy to operate – There’s no mixing of fuels, risk of running out of fuel, or engine preparation needed. All you do is make sure your battery is charged or your power cord is connected, switch it on, and get to work.
• Low maintenance – Electric hedge trimmers are very low maintenance. All you have to do is keep it clean and dry, and sharpen with a flat file before showing visible signs of wear and tear or replace the blades when they get blunt. Do not try to sharpen the blades with a chainsaw sharpener as it will ruin your blades.

Here's a guide on how to use an electric hedge trimmer.

Which is Better – Electric or Battery Hedge Trimmer?

Like most electric gardening equipment, hedge trimmers come in two varieties – corded and battery powered.

Corded Electric Hedge Trimmer  

Corded hedge trimmers will run for as long as you need them to – provided you have access to an outlet. You can extend the range of the trimmer by adding an outdoor rated extension cord, but it’s not a practical choice for you if your hedges are at the bottom of your garden.

Battery-Powered Hedge Trimmer  

These trimmers are just as powerful as corded models and are fully mobile, so you can easily take them to wherever you want to work. You also don’t have the hassle of dealing with a cord that can get in the way or get tangled.

Battery power means limited runtime however, so you have to remember to charge it before you use it or to buy an additional battery so you can swap them out for longer jobs. 

Can I Use a Hedge Trimmer to Cut Branches?

No. Even the most powerful models are only designed to cut thinner twigs, branches and growth. Rather use hedge shears, or a chainsaw for branches and heavier jobs.

How Long Do Electric Hedge Trimmers Last?

In terms of operating time, every model is different. You can run a corded model for as long as the job takes, but a battery-powered model has limited run time. Typically, these last around 40 minutes to 1 hour before running flat.

What Size Branch Can a Hedge Trimmer Cut?

Electric hedge trimmers can cut twigs and branches up to 2cm in diameter depending on how powerful your model is. It’s best to use pruning shears for thicker branches to avoid burning out the motor.

Features to Consider When Buying an Electric Hedge Trimmer

Battery Power and Run-Time 

The higher the voltage of the battery, the more power you’ll get out of your hedge trimmer. It’s also important to look at the run-time, so you know how long you can work before needing to recharge or swap the battery out. 

Weight  

You’ll need to be able to lift the trimmer, move it easily and hold it up while you work, so weight is important. Corded models tend to be lighter than battery models, and higher voltage batteries tend to be heavier, so be sure to check the weight of the trimmer to make sure you can still lift it easily.

Blade Length  

Longer blades make for more efficient, faster cutting, but can be more challenging to angle and work with in tighter spaces. If you have a large, heavy hedge, a longer blade may be better for you.

If you are shaping a smaller hedge or ornamental, then a shorter blade can be more agile and manoeuvrable.

Blade Tooth-Spacing  

This refers to the gap between each tooth on the blade. A smaller tooth-spacing makes the trimmer more suited to smaller hedges with lighter growth and thinner branches, while a larger tooth-spacing can tackle thicker branches.

Safety Features  

As with all power tools, safety features are essential in hedge trimming. Look for non-slip ergonomic handles, automatic shut-off features, 2-handle starts, lock buttons, and sheaths for safe storage.

1. EGO HTX7500 Commercial Hedge Trimmer

EGO is still a relatively new garden tool brand, but their battery technology has made them something of a talking point in horticultural circles, with power and reliability that easily rivals comparable petrol models of the same products.

This 56V hedge trimmer has a powerful 75cm blade, but still manages to keep a lightweight casing, and great balance for its user. The wide teeth make it perfect for tackling overgrown hedges, but delicate enough to get a neat finish.

2. Makita 40V XGT Hedge Trimmer Combo Kit

Makita’s cordless electric hedge trimmer is ideal for most gardens, and not extortionately expensive either. The 60cm blade cuts neatly and is easy to control, with durable blades that can easily cut through thicker growth if you forget to prune for a few months.

The comfortable handle allows for better grip, but it’s also built with low vibrations in mind, so for full boundary hedges, you can work for hours without vibration fatigue.

3. Bosch 0600849H01 Battery Hedge Trimmer

Part of the Power4All range, this battery hedge trimmer is battery-compatible with other tools in the range. The 18V battery supplies plenty of power to the high-quality 45cm cutting blade with 15mm tooth-spacing, offering around 160 square meters of trimming per charge.

It’s very lightweight at 2.3kgs, which makes it agile and easy to use for longer periods of time. It has a great anti-jam system to prevent the blades from getting blocked up, and the motor self-adjusts to handle tougher branches automatically.

4. BLACK+DECKER GTC1845L20-XE Battery Hedge Trimmer

This smaller battery hedge trimmer has a more compact 45cm blade for small to medium-sized hedges. The powerful motor and 18V battery offers great performance, making trimming a hedge fast and easy.

It has a very high quality cutting blade with a 18mm blade gap, and the handles are designed to be comfortable, secure and non-slip.

5. DEWALT DCHT820B Max Cordless Hedge Trimmer

This 20V cordless trimmer comes from a well-known power tool brand, and despite the plastic housing, it’s well-built to a high standard. It offers good performance for small and medium-sized gardens, with one the longest blade of all the tools we’ve reviewed at 55cm. 

It has good battery life and run time thanks to a 5Ah rating, and comes with a great 3-year warranty.

6. Stihl HSA 66 Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Stihl’s range of hedge trimmers follows their core Stihl chainsaw range and is equally important as a market leader. This quiet hedge trimmer from Stihl is battery-powered, rather than corded, making it ideal for working remotely, or away from mains power.

With a comfortable grip and twin handles, it’s easy to use and comfortable for prolonged cutting. There are cheaper hedge trimmers out there with similar specs, but if you want a trusted brand then you’ll have to spend a touch more for the reliability of Stihl tools.

7. Einhell GH-EH 4245 420 W Electric Hedge Trimmer

If you are looking for a more compact option that offers great cutting performance, then this corded electric hedge trimmer is for you.

With a 45cm diamond steel cutting blade, 16mm tooth-spacing and input power of 420W, it gets the job done quickly and efficiently. 

The blade is counter-rotating for easy trimming at an angle, it has a soft-grip handle for comfort, and it weighs just 2.5kgs. It’s ideal for small to medium-sized gardens.

8. Milwaukee FUEL Cordless Hedge Trimmer

For some gardeners, storage is more important than the tool itself, but Milwaukee doesn't compromise on either. Their mini hedge trimmer has a tiny 20cm blade and takes up less than 0.5m of shelf space. 

Its tight blades are ideal for cutting small leaved hedges regularly and give you complete control over shape and style in a way that was traditionally reserved for manual shears.

I love EGO’s tool range, with powerful battery-operated garden equipment that’s built to last, and easily rivals traditional petrol tools with the same specs. EGO seems like they’re on a mission to change gardening for the better, and I love them for it.

If you’re looking to truly revolutionise your gardening habits, then try out EGO’s latest hedge trimmer, with a powerful 56V battery, and over 6 hours of continuous run time powering a tough 75cm blade that can tackle old stems as well as precisely trimming outer foliage.

Makita’s 40V XGT might not be the biggest hedge trimmer, but it’s one of the best, and it’s got one of the best prices too. This budget tool is packed with safety features, is comfortable to use, even for long periods, and comes with batteries included for added value.

The comfortable handle gives you ultimate control and allows for pristine topiary or crisp corners for hedges and shrubs. Just because you’re on a budget, doesn’t mean you can’t get good tools.