The Best Hedge Trimmers to Buy Online in Australia

Mitchell Fisher By Mitchell Fisher Updated 19 Feb 2022

This guide gives you a breakdown of the best hedge trimmers, provides more information about the different types of hedge trimmers available, and answers some of your most pressing questions about how to choose one.

Best Overall Hedge Trimmer

Milwaukee M18CHT-0 18V Li-ion Cordless Fuel 609mm Hedge Trimmer

Milwaukee M18CHT-0 18V Li-ion Cordless Fuel 609mm Hedge Trimmer

Where to buy
From $429.00
Pros & Cons
  • Faster cutting speeds than most hedge cutting tools (up to 3400 SPM)
  • Two-hour battery life
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Long motor life
  • High output lithium-ion battery system
  • Easy to trim small hedges
  • Cordless hedge trimmer
  • Soft grip handle
  • Long 609.6-millimetre blade
  • Heavy
  • No rotating handle
  • Expensive

Let's face it. No one wants to spend hours trimming hedges. With the Milwaukee Cordless Hedge Trimmer, you don't have to. This trimmer is best overall because it has enough power to cut thicker branches easily with its 600-millimetre cutting blade.

It has a Milwaukee 9.0Ah battery that allows you to use it for up to two hours. The cutting tool has a metal gear case to protect it against damage. It also makes it more durable.

A battery and charger must be purchased separately, which is inconvenient, and it is generally heavier and more expensive than other trimmers.

That being said, this hedge trimmer is incredibly low maintenance and is suitable for any garden, whether it is large or small.

Best Petrol-Powered Hedge Trimmer

Husqvarna 122HD45 21.7cc 450mm Hedge Trimmer

Husqvarna 122HD45 21.7cc 450mm (18") Hedge Trimmer

Where to buy
From $384.00
Pros & Cons
  • Noise-reduction design
  • Low vibration
  • Air purge for easy starting
  • High maximum speed for easy trimming
  • Cordless hedge trimmer
  • Double-sided blade
  • The addition of petrol makes it heavy
  • Maintenance can be challenging for petrol-powered trimmers
  • A more expensive option

No one likes a noisy neighbour. When you trim your hedges with the Husqvarna 122, you can do so quietly and efficiently. The tool's engine is specially designed to reduce the amount of noise it makes.

The trimmer's engine requires minimal effort to get it started. Its starter cord's resistance is up to 40 percent less than other brands.

Do you hate the feeling of a vibrating power tool that sends a tingling sensation up your arms? You never have to worry about this happening with the Husqvarna 122, as it has a LowVib anti-vibration system that is effective at reducing vibrations from the tool's handle and throttle control.

However, unlike an electric or battery-powered model, this trimmer is quite heavy, so you can expect a workout when using it for hedge trimming.

Best Electric Hedge Trimmer

Stihl HSE 42 Electric Hedge Trimmer

Stihl HSE 42 Electric Hedge Trimmer

Where to buy
From $179.00
Pros & Cons
  • Lightweight
  • Strain relief feature
  • No need to charge a battery to use this tool
  • More powerful than a battery-powered hedge trimmer
  • Affordable
  • Range limited by the power cable
  • Not suitable for larger or tougher branches
  • Short blade

The STIHL HSE 42 is a lightweight electric hedge trimmer that works well for trimming twigs and thin branches.

It includes integrated cut protection, a mechanical blade brake, a hand guard for added protection single-sided blades, and strain relief.

A noteworthy advantage of a corded model such as this is that the tool's power does not diminish over time. Because the electrical supply remains constant, there is no dip in power.

The short blade makes it unsuitable for trimming large or tough branches, so keep this in mind.

Best Battery-Powered Hedge Trimmer

DeWalt DCMHT563N-XE 18V XR Li-ion Cordless Brushless 550mm Hedge Trimmer

DeWalt 18V XR Li-ion Cordless Brushless 550mm Hedge Trimmer

Where to buy
From $299.00
Pros & Cons
  • Lightweight
  • Ergonomically designed to prevent injury
  • Quality cutting blade for increased cutting capacity
  • Wrap around handle for better grip
  • Low noise emission
  • Three-year warranty
  • The battery-powered design does not allow for long hours of usage
  • Does have some vibration
  • Users must buy the battery and charger separately

This formidable tool was designed to slice through the toughest hedging and shrubbery with a blade length of 550 millimetres and a cutting width of 25 millimetres. Use it to cut through thick branches easily without jamming. Because it is handheld, there is no risk of accidentally cutting the cord.

Another benefit to choosing an electric hedge trimmer like this one is that you do not need to be near a power outlet or use the tool within a certain radius, and there's no need to bother with lengthy extension cords.

However, this may not be the tool for you if you intend to use it for an extended period, as the battery runs out quickly, which results in less run time.

Best Cheap Hedge Trimmer

Black & Decker 60cm 600W Hedge Trimmer

Black & Decker 60cm 600W Hedge Trimmer

Where to buy
From $121.77
Pros & Cons
  • Designed to provide comfortable use
  • Cuts branches up to 35 millimetres thick
  • Compact hedge trimmer
  • Long blade length for large hedges
  • Secondary wrap around aux handle that gives you comfortable control
  • Emits 89 decibels of sound
  • The user needs to be near a source of power to operate it
  • Causes vibrations

Let's face it. Power tools can be expensive, especially ones this large. If you are on a tight budget or have small hedges, you may be delighted to know that you can get a good quality hedge trimmer at a lower price.

The Black & Decker 600W cutting tool is one of the cheapest electric hedge trimmers with a one-year warranty. It has a guard for improved visibility when working from above, and the blade has an impressive 25-millimetre cutting capacity.

Keep in mind that it is a corded model, so it does require the user to be close to a power source.

Best Premium Hedge Trimmer

Husqvarna 522HS75S 750mm 21.7cc Hedge Trimmer

Husqvarna 522HS75S 750mm 21.7cc Hedge Trimmer

Where to buy
From $899.00
Pros & Cons
  • Superior speed and power for great cutting performance
  • Leaf catcher to decrease cleaning time
  • Comfortable to use
  • Longer blade
  • Lightweight
  • Low vibration
  • 93 decibel noise emission
  • Heavy unit weighing 5.1 kilograms

The Husqvarna 522 is a single-sided, 21.7cc tool with a 762-millimetre cutting bar. What makes it stand out from other trimmers is its leaf catcher that collects leaves as you cut, so you can spend less time cleaning.

It has a comfortable handle that distributes your weight evenly, preventing injury and improving handling. The tool is lightweight, with reduced levels of vibration. However, it is heavier and noisier than other models.

Best Hedge Trimmer Brand

Husqvarna is an Austrian company founded in Sweden that is well-known for its motorcycles. However, the company also produces some of the industry's best hedge trimmers. The brand focuses on making heavy-duty units with high power output and good speed that helps it cut through any hedging.

These tools are also comfortable to use and often include several safety features. The adjustable rear handle allows you to trim the tops and sides of your hedges, and extended cutters let you put the blade further away from your body while cutting.

An auto-return stop switch is standard on most Husqvarna tools. When the system is turned off, this stop switch automatically returns to the start position to let you start it again more quickly. This ensures that your tool is prepared for action whenever you are.

How to Choose the Right Hedge Trimmer

The first thing you must consider before choosing a model is the type of trimmer you prefer. Electric trimmers can be handy but must be connected to a constant source of power, while a cordless trimmer must be charged regularly.

Fuel-powered trimmers tend to be more expensive, release gases into the atmosphere, and are heavier and bulkier. However, fuel-powered trimmers may be the best hedge trimmers for you if you require something more powerful than electric trimmers.

What Are the Different Types of Trimmers?

You may have already noticed by now that there are different kinds of trimmers on the market. These include electric, petrol, and battery-operated tools.

Electric Hedge Trimmers

Electric hedge trimmers are typically cost-effective and lightweight. They weigh between 2.3 to 4.5 kilograms, making them an excellent choice for most people, and are generally appropriate for small gardening tasks. Unfortunately, they must be used where there is an electrical outlet.

You can also increase your trimmer's range by connecting it to an extension cord, which may not be ideal for most. However, a constant power supply means no changes in power output and an unlimited run time.

Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Cordless hedge trimmers are electric hedge trimmers that do not require a power cord. Instead, they require a battery to provide the necessary energy that runs the device. They are not quite as powerful as standard electric hedge cutting tools and need to be recharged every hour or so, or they could stop working.

Gas or Petrol Hedge Trimmer

The most powerful type of hedge trimmer available is a gas or fuel-powered hedge cutting tool. These instruments use gasoline or petrol instead of electricity to power the motor that moves the trimmer's blades.

Petrol models are the best choice for cutting bushes or hedges with large branches and stems. However, if you are environmentally conscious or prefer lightweight power tools, this may not be the best choice for you, as fuel-powered trimmers are heavy and emit harmful gases.

How Big Is Your Yard?

Choose a trimmer that is suitable for your yard or outdoor space. If you have just a few shrubs that need occasional hedge trimming, then you do not need a high-powered trimmer. However, if you have extensive hedging around your entire property, a trimmer with a high capacity is recommended.

What Weight and Blade Length Is Suitable?

The weight of the tool is also an essential consideration because it directly impacts the user. If you intend to use your trimmer for long periods, you should choose one that is lightweight.

A heavier option can cause serious harm to the muscles of the arm, shoulder, and lower back, primarily when used for extended periods.

Blade length is also essential because longer blades allow you to cut larger hedges and shrubbery, while small blades are suitable for small yard work.

Another essential factor to consider is the design. An ergonomically designed tool can help prevent injuries, and a rotating handle gives you more control over how you cut.

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Our experts independently select our top products after scouring the Australian market and conducting a rigorous review process. Learn more about our review process.