5 Best Gas Hedge Trimmers of 2023 [Buyer’s Guide]

Apart from the time and effort they demand, you also have to put in a lot of money to make sure they continue to look the way it is looking right now. Getting fertilized soil, having pesticide treatments, and working with professional gardeners— all these things need some considerable fortune.  This is the reason why many homeowners put down their gardening projects after the initial excitement wears down. It’s just that they are hit by the practical reality of maintaining a garden. 

However, there is a way to reduce the cost of maintaining a garden/hedges/landscape i.e. gradually get all the equipment for which you hire a professional in the first place. You definitely need to pay some hefty upfront costs. However, you will be able to take care of your gardening needs all by yourself to keep it streamlined and cost-efficient. 

Gas hedge trimmer is one such tool; if you have it in your inventory, all the extensive sprucing up that you often dread will become a breeze. You no longer require manual shears and cutters that tire you out without providing the desired results. Similarly, you won’t have to hire a contractor just because of a hedge hammer. In fact, owning a gas hedge trimmer means you can rent it out to recover its cost. 

In this buying guide, we are going to review five of the best gas hedge trimmers of 2023. If you are serious about your hedge-surrounded garden, then we would strongly recommend you get one and sort out your sprucing up your routine once and for all. 

Listed below are the 5 best gas hedge trimmers from our list:

• Husqvarna 122HD60: As a lightweight and user-friendly gas hedge trimmer, this model is ideal for homeowners and beginners. Highlighted attributes include quiet operation, usability, efficient 21 CC engine, long dual-sided blade, and smart start feature. However, it may lack an outer cover for safety.
• Poulan Pro PR2322: Aimed at both professional and hobbyist users, this trimmer is noted for its powerful 23cc motor alongside a 22-inch dual-sided serrated blade. Its adjustability and potent performance set it apart, however, its heavier design and rear-facing exhaust can be bothersome to some users.
• EASYG 23.6cc Hedge Trimmer: This budget-friendly option promises user-friendliness with its quick start-up, shock absorbers, and low noise levels. These attributes, along with the included accessories, make it an excellent choice for value, even though its cutting strength might be moderate compared to other heavier-duty trimmers.
• SENIX HT4QL-L: With a robust 26.5cc 4-stroke engine and 1.1-inch cutting diameter, this trimmer caters to users seeking power for large shrub and small tree trimming tasks. Despite its undeniable performance, it may be too powerful for lighter hedge-trimming chores.
• Sunseeker 26cc Weed Eater: A versatile 4-in-1 tool consisting of a heavy-duty hedge trimmer, weed trimmer, pole saw, and brush cutter, this model is perfect for homeowners seeking a one-tool solution for various lawn tasks. Its vibration-reducing design provides comfort, but some users may find the gas-oil mixture requirement and attachment swapping inconvenient.

Here is the list of the 5 best gas hedge trimmers that you can use to quickly and efficiently trim your hedges and shrubs.

1. Husqvarna 122HD60 - Best Gas Hedge Trimmer for Homeowners

Having a gas hedge trimmer doesn’t always mean owning a heavy-duty, bulky cutter apparatus that is hard to handle and expensive to run. For homeowners particularly, lightweight options remain the best. In this context, Husqvarna 122HD60 is one of the best gas hedge trimmers available in the market right now. 

It only weighs around 11 pounds so every newbie can use it with quite an ease. Moreover, it operates with minimal sound output in spite of its 2-stroke engine. This feature allows you to use it outdoors without disturbing the entire neighborhood. It won’t be wrong to say that Husqvarna has designed it for people who haven’t used a powered hedge trimmer before since it is very easy to use and handle. 

Besides its easy-to-use features, you get all the functionality that you look for in any gas-powered hedge trimmer. Its 21 CC, 2-stroke engine is good enough for every trimming task that your garden requires. If we compare it with other hedge trimmers, then there is nothing extraordinary about its motor. However, the 23-inch dual-sided blade does the trick. This is where Husqvarna 122HD60 stands apart from similar models from other manufacturers. 

While the long blade length takes care of large hedge and twig sections in one go, its impressive rate of cuts [4050/minute] makes for slices that traverse through all vegetation thicknesses, given that they are green and not dried. 

Its Smart Start feature is another quality that makes it a perfect choice for non-professionals and hobbyists. The air purge system makes the carburetor more efficient to provide hassle-free engine starts. 

If we talk about design, then Husqvarna 122HD60 has a sleek finish and is installed with vibration-canceling dampeners to ensure maximum shock absorption for better control. An adjustable rear handle is also given to make sure you can hold the trimmer in the optimal position. 

Verdict

With the lightweight and light motor but with a dual-sided extended blade and features like the least noise output, anti-vibration, and shock-absorbing dampeners, it is quite clear that Husqvarna 122HD60 is designed for homeowners who have to trim their landscape hedges and shrubs. 

2. Poulan Pro PR2322 - Best Professional Gas Hedge Trimmer

Poulan offers some of the best power tools in the market and we can easily say it for the Pro PR2322 gas-powered hedge trimmer too. It is yet another hedge trimmer that is equally good for professionals and hobbyists. 

The PR2322’s 23 cc motor is the most powerful option that you will find on the block. This powerful motor when combined with 22-inch dual-sided serrated blades offers you an output that is good enough for all sorts of thick twigs and shrubs. The adjustable 3-position handle allows you to operate the trimmer for all tricky places with ease. Looking to level the overgrown shrub with the window sill? No worries. Adjust the handle accordingly and trim it from a safe distance.

With all its beneficial features, some users consider it a bit bulkier. This will fall as a constraint for all those users who haven’t handled a hedge trimmer before. Moreover, the rear-facing exhaust is another issue that might bother some people.

Verdict

Go for Poulan Pro PR2322 if you have some prior idea of how to run a motor-controlled trimmer through hedges and shrubs. Barring the bulkier body, the powerful motor and cutting-edge blades make it one of the best options on the block. Poulan Pro PR2322 can seamlessly go through all the thick green that comes its way. At such a reasonable price, it’s difficult to find any other trimmer with such power and blade configurations.

3. EASYG 23.6cc Hedge Trimmer - Best Budget Option

The EASYG 23.6cc Hedge Trimmer is a reasonably priced and user-friendly gardening tool engineered to assist users in efficiently maintaining their hedges. With a dual-blade design, mid-tier engine power, and lightweight build, this trimmer distinguishes itself with its approachable features and cost-effective pricing.

Considering users' needs, the EASYG hedge trimmer scores high in convenience with its rapid start-up and internal shock absorbers, which reduce arm strain. The trimmer also operates at a low noise level, making it a perfect choice for communities with closely situated neighbors.

The bundled accessories, such as protective gloves, a toolkit, and a gas can provide everything necessary to start using the hedge trimmer immediately. Moreover, the dual-edge blade and mid-tier specifications in engine power, blade size, and weight offer incredible value at this price point.

Although the EASYG 23.6cc Hedge Trimmer is a dependable option for most users, its cutting strength is moderate compared to some of its competitors. This might not be ideal for users with thicker or larger hedges. Nonetheless, for a majority of users, the trimmer's performance should be sufficient.

Verdict

To summarize, the EASYG 23.6cc Hedge Trimmer delivers outstanding value with its user-friendly design, valuable accessories, and low noise operation. This hedge trimmer is well-suited for most users seeking a dependable and economical solution for hedge maintenance.

4. SENIX HT4QL-L

The SENIX HT4QL-L is a powerful and versatile gardening tool designed for users who require a robust machine for their hedge-trimming tasks. With its impressive 26.5cc 4-stroke engine, users can expect a smooth and efficient performance without the need to mix oil and gas.

What sets the SENIX HT4QL-L apart from competitors is its cutting capacity of 1.1 inches – making it a top choice for those with large woody shrubs and small trees. The swiveling rear handle provides added comfort and flexibility, allowing users to easily trim hedges at various angles. As a result, this gas-powered hedge trimmer offers superior convenience and performance for tough gardening tasks.

While the SENIX HT4QL-L is undeniably powerful and reliable, this model might be perceived as unnecessary overkill for those only requiring a trimmer for lighter tasks.

Verdict

The SENIX HT4QL-L is a good investment for users who need a reliable and powerful solution for their hedge-trimming needs. Its cutting capacity, swiveling rear handle, and strong engine performance make it a top choice for tackling large shrubs and small trees.

5. Sunseeker 26cc Weed Eater

The Sunseeker 26cc Weed Eater is an adaptable and potent 4-in-1 trimming tool, perfect for homeowners who wish to complete various lawn tasks using one equipment system. With a robust 26cc 2-cycle engine as its centerpiece, this multi-function tool features a 60-inch shaft for an extended reach and includes adaptable attachments such as a heavy-duty hedge trimmer, weed trimmer, pole saw, and brush cutter.

The Sunseeker 26cc Weed Eater impresses us with its versatile functionality. The one-power pole lawn equipment system enables users to transition between four unique tools, efficiently tackling an array of yard upkeep tasks without investing in numerous individual devices. Besides, the 26cc engine ensures top-notch performance for every attachment and delivers better fuel efficiency. Also, the tool's vibration-reducing design offers greater comfort and control, making each task more manageable and less tiring.

Although the Sunseeker 26cc Weed Eater is an exceptional tool, there are areas requiring improvement. The 2-cycle engine necessitates a mix of gasoline and oil, which some users might find inconvenient and time-consuming. Moreover, swapping attachments could be a bit challenging for novices and might require practice to master.

Verdict

The Sunseeker 26cc Weed Eater is a fantastic option for homeowners looking for an efficient solution to tackle various lawn maintenance tasks. Boasting a powerful engine, adaptive attachments, and a comfortable design, this 4-in-1 equipment provides outstanding performance and value. It is an ideal investment for those seeking to simplify their lawn care routine without compromising on quality.

What is the Best Gas Hedge Trimmer?

This section presents a comparative analysis of leading gas hedge trimmers, focusing on their essential specifications. The accompanying table provides a straightforward comparison of key attributes, including weight, engine capacity, blade length, whether they feature a double-sided blade, and the offered warranty.

Buying Guide For The Best Gas Hedge Trimmer

Growing a hedge is the easiest gardening choice that you can make. But its maintenance and upkeep lie on the other side of the spectrum. Trimming and tidying up these vegetation walls to the right amount and balance is no mean task. While shedding their volume, one also has to make sure that the trimming doesn’t go too far and you end up waiting for another month or two to get it back in shape.

Hedge trimmers are at the center of this gardening care, especially gas ones. They are more powerful and loaded with more features in comparison to any electrical variant. But as you can see from the above list, there is no standard gas hedge trimmer to work with. Like any other electromechanical item, all gas hedge trimmers are designed to cater to different trimming needs.

Without having any prior knowledge regarding gas hedge trimmers, many people often end up with a wrong fit for their landscape. This short buying guide will help you pick the right hedge trimmer model as per your unique landscaping needs.

Blade Type and Configuration

All the best gas hedge trimmers of 2023 that we have reviewed here are dual-sided since they offer better efficiency. However, trimmers with single-sided blades are available as well. Using a single-sided hedge trimmer also offers safety on a psychological level that a moving blade is not pointing in your direction.

All new users and folks who get anxious about using sharp objects like blades and axes should opt for hedge trimmers with single-sided blades.

A hedge trimmer can also be differentiated on the structure and configuration of its blade. For instance, reciprocated blades with push-and-pull mechanisms perform better in thick and extensively entangled hedges and shrubs. Similarly, serrated edges provide better operations against stems and other thick vegetation as compared to plain edges.

Length of Blade

It is a tricky feature in any gas hedge trimmer and many buyers make a mistake in its evaluation as per their needs. For instance, a gas hedge trimmer that boasts a large blade (more than 20 inches) definitely looks like a fine deal if the price is also reasonable. However, keep in mind that the longer the blade is, the more difficult it becomes to control and maneuver it in the moving position.

Similarly, getting a compact and small hedge trimmer with a shorter blade length for a spacious garden can unnecessarily increase your trimming work. You will need to pass the trimmer two or maybe three times from the same patch just because of its shorter length.

You might get more bang for your buck by picking a short or long blade length. However, this won’t translate into easy, efficient, and right-on-point trimming.

Teeth Size and Spacing

Buyers are often so engrossed in the power rating and dimensions of the blade that they overlook this important feature. Whether you buy a reciprocated or serrated blade, also factor in the size of its teeth and the spacing in between.

Longer blade teeth with wider spacing are able to cut deep in the hedge. For instance, the same motor and blade length but with different teeth sizes and spacing can have as high as ¼ inch difference in the thickness it works on.

Trimmer Weight

Keep in mind that while tidying up your hedges with a power trimmer, you need to hold it all the time. The weight also feels more when you have to hold it in a certain fixed position. Working with a heavy trimmer has multiple unwanted consequences.

• It can strain and fatigue your dominant shoulder
• You won’t be able to do the trimming in an even manner

While working with a heavy gas hedge trimmer, even a simple trimming job becomes quite burdensome and you have to finish it in multiple spells. Most of the gas hedge trimmers available for homeowners weigh in the range of 10-12 pounds. This is the right trimmer weight that you can easily bear with front and rear handles. More powerful and commercial-grade hedge trimmers are bulkier than that. Factor in weight if you want to keep your trimming an absorbing task instead of an obligation.

Hedge Trimming Routine

Some people just trim their hedges when their growth becomes hard to ignore. On the other hand, there are people who have a penchant for extremely immaculate landscapes. And that’s why they are trimming every weekend. For all those people falling in the second category, it is important to pick a gas hedge trimmer that offers long-lasting operations.

Every manufacturer claims to offer the most durable gas hedge trimmer. However, it’s your job to pick the right option. One key to being sure about the quality of a gas hedge trimmer is to look at its warranty. If it has a warranty of two years or more, then go for it. The low-quality gas hedge trimmers available in the market don’t offer a warranty for more than a year.

Instead of hastily following your friends’ recommendations, take the above-mentioned factors into account while buying a gas hedge trimmer and you will be able to make the right choice.

Safe Use of Gas Hedge Trimmer

Even though modern gas hedge trimmers are manufactured with built-in safety features, they can’t guarantee safe use in all unique conditions when a user interacts with the machine. Therefore, one should always rely on self-diligence while using a gas hedge trimmer to rule out and minimize the risk of any injury.

Wear Protective Gear

Trimming while wearing all the protective gear might look like too much precaution. We know that, on a sunny day, no one wants to work in a garden wearing anything except a T-shirt and a pair of shorts. But sweating a bit more is far better than spending your Sunday evening in the emergency.

Donning complete protective clothing can save you from many minor and major injuries. Besides wearing pants and a full-sleeve shirt, we would recommend you wear gloves. During trimming with motor-driven tools and fast-moving blades, it is pretty common for twigs and sometimes even stones to fly and flutter everywhere. These pellets can certainly inflict eye injuries. So, also wear protective goggles. Having a brush shield protector would be even better.

Wet Weather and Trimming Don’t Go Together

It sounds great to spend your weekend afternoon trimming amidst overcast weather and a light drizzle. However, it’s a major thumbs-down from the safety point of view. Gas hedge trimmers though offer better safety against electrocution as compared to an electric trimmer but no one can vouch for wet weather. Moreover, these two factors are major reasons for avoiding wet weather trimming.

• With slip hazard increased manifold, it’s never a good idea to have fast-moving sharp blades in your hand.
• Wet hedges get heavier and thus difficult to chop through. Moreover, moisture can also lead to speeding up the rate of blade corrosion in some hedge trimmers.

Keep the Kids Away

Make sure that no kids are roaming and playing around the hedges or the garden when you are on a gas hedge trimmer. Having a motor-power dual-sided blade in your hand puts a lot of responsibility on you to ensure everyone’s safety.

Always Keep in Front and Away from the Body

Make sure you are always standing right behind the trimmer whenever it’s on. Also, adjust the rear handle so that you can keep it as far away from the body as possible.

Gone are the days when you had to work two consecutive days with manual shears to spruce up your garden and sort out the hedges. You are also not dependent on professionals anymore to come with their special tools to trim your vegetation space. All five of the best hedge trimmers of 2023 that we have reviewed here are designed to be used by non-professionals and hobbyists as well.

As you can see, they are easy to operate and don’t have the weight of those old hedge trimmers. Moreover, the prices are also set such that buying a gas hedge trimmer for private use doesn’t put any outstanding burden on your pocket.

Realize your dream of having a well-spruced-up garden with the right pick of gas hedge trimmer from any of the above-reviewed products.

How do gas hedge trimmers compare to electric hedge trimmers?

In comparison to electric hedge trimmers, gas hedge trimmers deliver more power and longer runtime, though they are usually louder, heavier, and generate more emissions. On the other hand, electric trimmers often are lighter, quieter, and more environmentally friendly.

What are the benefits of using gas hedge trimmers?

The benefits of using gas hedge trimmers include their extended runtime, increased power, and unrestricted portability due to a lack of dependence on a power source. Moreover, they demonstrate superior performance when it comes to trimming thicker branches.

What types of fuel do gas hedge trimmers use?

Generally, gas hedge trimmers utilize a mix of gasoline and two-cycle engine oil. Typically, the optimal mix ratio is 50:1, meaning 50 parts gasoline to one part oil, but this can fluctuate based on the manufacturer’s guidance.

How long can gas hedge trimmers run on a single tank of fuel?

The duration a gas hedge trimmer operates on a single tank of fuel can vary, influenced by engine size, fuel efficiency, and the intensity of work. However, on average, a gas hedge trimmer could run anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes before necessitating a refuel.

How do I sharpen the blades of a gas hedge trimmer?

To sharpen the blades of a gas hedge trimmer, you first disconnect the spark plug and ensure the trimmer is stable. Then, employ a flat file, rotary tool, or a handheld sharpening stone to sharpen along the angle of each cutting tooth, filing away from the cutting edge of the tooth.

Can I use a gas hedge trimmer for other tasks besides trimming hedges?

Gas hedge trimmers are predominantly crafted for the trimming of hedges, bushes, and shrubs. Diversional uses could potentially damage the device or subject the operator to risk. As such, it is critical to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for proper usage.

Are there any specific safety precautions to follow when using gas hedge trimmers?

There indeed are certain safety precautions to observe when using gas hedge trimmers, including donning protective gear like safety goggles, gloves, and ear protection. Keeping a safe distance from the trimmer blade and conforming to the manufacturer’s operation instructions also factor in crucial safety precautions.

How do I maintain my gas hedge trimmer?

To maintain your gas hedge trimmer, it is recommended to regularly cleanse the air filter, spark plug, and cutting blade. Correctly mixing the fuel and storing it properly, along with adherence to the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines, further ensure the trimmer's optimal condition and longevity.