Petrol hedge trimmers are perfect for a large garden with dense hedges. Their powerful long blades make trimming large thick hedges easy, and if you have tall shrubs, long-reach petrol hedge cutters are available to avoid the hazards of using ladders.
With a petrol hedge trimmer, you are not limited to a power source or cables getting in the way, allowing you to move freely; plus, you don’t have to worry about battery capacity or recharging of the battery as with cordless hedge cutters.
There are many different types of petrol hedge trimmers in the UK market. We will look at the best petrol hedge trimmers to guide you in selecting the unit most suited to your requirements.
Our Top Picks
Best Petrol Hedge Cutters
- Our Top Picks
Best Petrol Hedge CuttersMakita EH7500W 2-stroke Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Mcculoch HT 5622 2-stroke Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Einhell GE-PH 2555A 2-stroke Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Husqverna 122HD60 2-stroke Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Honda HHH 25D 75E 4-stroke Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Mountfield MHT 2322 2-STROKE Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Hyundai HYPT5200X 52CC Long Reach Petrol Pole Hedge Trimmer
Parker Brand 52cc Petrol Multi Function 5 in 1 Garden ToolListed below are what we consider to be the eight Best Petrol Hedge Trimmers.
Alpina AHT 555 Petrol Hedge Trimmer - Scheppach HTH250 25.4cc Petrol Hedge Trimmer
- Husqverna 122HD60 2-stroke Petrol Hedge Trimmer
- Stihl HS 45 60cm Petrol Hedge Trimmer
- Mountfield MHT 2322 2-STROKE Petrol Hedge Trimmer
- Hyundai HYPT5200X 52cc Long Reach Petrol Pole Hedge Trimmer
- Hyundai 52cc Petrol 5-in-1 Garden Multi Tool
Listed below are what we consider to be the eight Best Petrol Hedge Trimmers.
Alpina AHT 555 Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Key Features:
- Engine: 22.5cc 2-stroke petrol
- Blade: 70cm laser cut, diamond ground
- Tooth spacing: 35mm
- Rear handle: Rotates 180° through 3 positions
For thick, woody hedges, the Alpina is the best all-rounder. The Alpina AHT 555 is a domestic petrol hedge trimmer with wide 35mm tooth spacing for thick, woody growth. The Alpina AHT 555 has double-sided laser-cut blades and a rear handle that rotates 180°, so vertical cuts do not twist your wrists. With nearly 800 Amazon ratings it is one of the best reviewed petrol hedge trimmers in the UK.
Pros:
- Wide 35mm tooth spacing
- Rotating rear handle
- Well reviewed
Cons:
- Needs a fuel and oil mix
Scheppach HTH250 25.4cc Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Key Features:
- Engine: 25.4cc 2-stroke petrol, 700W
- Cutting length: 60cm
- Cut capacity: 27mm
- Rear handle: Rotates to 3 positions
- Included: Mixing bottle, blade cover and tools
For a petrol hedge trimmer on a budget, the Scheppach is great value. The Scheppach HTH250 is a budget petrol hedge trimmer with a 60cm dual-action blade. The rear handle locks at -90°, 0° or +90° for cutting the tops and sides of a hedge. An anti-vibration system and a clear hand guard make it comfortable and safe to use. Scheppach supplies a fuel mixing bottle and the tools needed for basic servicing.
Pros:
- Low price for a petrol trimmer
- Rotating rear handle
- Mixing bottle included
Cons:
- Needs a 40:1 fuel and oil mix
Husqverna 122HD60 2-stroke Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Key Features
- Power Source – 2-stroke, 21.7cc
- Tank Size (Volume) – 0.3 L
- Blade Length – 59cm
- Blade Gap – 20mm
- Weight – 6.5kg
The Husqvarna 122HD60 is a high-end petrol hedge trimmer with a strong and quiet running engine that professional landscapers often use for handling challenging garden cleanup chores, such as trimming large overgrown hedges or slashing through stands of tree saplings.
SmartStart ignition is designed to start the engine with less effort than most engines of this size and it is easy to pull the recoil cord to get the engine going.
The durable dual-action stainless steel cutting blade oscillates at 4050 cuts per minute and is significantly faster than most 59cm-long blades. The oscillating speed combined with the powerful petrol engine is why this trimmer effectively cuts through thick branches.
An anti-vibration system makes it comfortable for longer without getting tired, and the handle rotates to multiple angles to enable easy trimming at all positions.
Pros:
- Powerful 21.7cc engine
- 3- position handle
- Rated with the lowest noise level of petrol hedge trimmers
- Fast, efficient cut
Cons:
- Somewhat expensive
- Is a bit heavier than some alternative hedge trimmers
Stihl HS 45 60cm Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Key Features:
- Engine: Stihl 2-stroke petrol
- Blade length: 60cm
- Seller: Authorised Stihl dealer
For a trusted brand with UK dealer support, choose the Stihl. The Stihl HS 45 is Stihl’s entry-level petrol hedge trimmer for home gardeners. Stihl has a strong reputation for reliable engines and a UK network of dealers for servicing and parts. The 60cm blade version suits long runs of hedging. On Amazon it is sold by an authorised Stihl dealer rather than by Amazon itself.
Pros:
- Stihl build quality
- Long 60cm blade
- UK dealer servicing
Cons:
- Expensive
- Only a few Amazon reviews
Mountfield MHT 2322 2-STROKE Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Key Features
- Power Source – 2-stroke 22.5cc
- Tank Size (Volume) – 0.26 L
- Blade Length – 60cm
- Blade Gap – 27mm
- Weight – 5.6kg
The MHT 2322B hedge trimmer is an easy-to-start 22.5cc 2-stroke engine with a 50:1 petrol-to-oil ratio ideal for most gardens and will make light work of overgrown hedges in any garden.
The double reciprocating blades with a cutting length of 56 cm will trim most hedges, and with a blade gap of 27 mm, it can cut through thick branches easily. In addition, there is a Blade Protection System for cutting close to walls and hard surfaces.
With a weight of 5.6kg and a choice of three grip positions, the MHT 2322 is easy to use and comfortable for long periods.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to start
- Anti-vibration system
- Great for domestic gardens
Cons:
- Some reviews mention that it is difficult to restart the motor when it is warm
Hyundai HYPT5200X 52cc Long Reach Petrol Pole Hedge Trimmer
Key Features
- Power Source – 2-stroke 52cc
- Tank Size (Volume) – 1.2 L
- Blade Length – 40cm
- Blade Gap – 20mm
- Weight – 7.75kg
The Hyundai HYPT5200X is a 52cc long-reach petrol hedge trimmer with strong cutting power on tall, hard-to-reach hedges. When fully extended, it can reach from two to three metres and can be increased with the one-metre extension shaft that is included.
With a lightweight aluminium shaft and low vibration, the HYPT5200X is a comfortable hedge trimmer for tall hedges, even for extended periods. The three poles can be separated quickly and are easy to transport.
A 52cc 2- stroke engine provides sufficient cutting power to the 40cm double-sided reciprocating blades to tackle the most demanding, hard-to-reach hedges and branches up to 20mm in diameter. The 14-position / 270-degree pivot head allows you to trim at multiple angles.
The padded front handle allows multiple grip positions at different angles and heights. In addition, an anti-vibration system provides a comfortable working position while cutting and shaping tall hedges.
Pros:
- Perfect for trimming tall hedges
- Split shaft is convenient for transporting and storing
- Powerful engine provides effective trimming
Cons:
- A few users claim that the unit is too heavy
Hyundai 52cc Petrol 5-in-1 Garden Multi Tool
Key Features:
- Engine: 52cc 2-stroke petrol
- Tools: Grass trimmer, brush cutter, hedge trimmer, pole saw
- Extension: 800mm shaft
- Harness: Double shoulder
- Warranty: 3 years home use
If you also need a strimmer and pole saw, a multi tool saves money. The Hyundai 52cc 5-in-1 is one petrol engine with four cutting heads: a grass trimmer, a brush cutter, a hedge trimmer and a pole saw. The 800mm extension shaft reaches tall hedges and overhead branches without a ladder. A double shoulder harness spreads the weight, and Hyundai backs it with a 3 year warranty and UK parts support.
Pros:
- Four tools on one engine
- Long reach with the extension
- 3 year warranty
Cons:
- Heavy
- Needs a fuel and oil mix
How to Buy the Best Petrol Hedge Trimmers
Before deciding on which petrol hedge trimmer to purchase, consider the size, height, and density of the hedges, you intend to trim.
Standard Petrol Hedge Trimmer
If the hedges you intend to trim are 6ft or less high, then a standard petrol hedge trimmer will be more than adequate.
Long-reach Petrol Hedge Trimmer
if you have taller hedges over 6ft or even if they are more challenging to reach, then a long-reach petrol hedge trimmer will give you that extra reach without needing a ladder, making your task safer and more comfortable.
It must be noted that these long-reach trimmers tend to be heavier but usually come with a body harness to make carrying and manoeuvring the extra weight more comfortable.
Multi-tools
Multi-tool trimmers come with multiple attachments for grass cutting, brush cutting, a chainsaw, and an extension shaft to provide you with the tools for all your gardening functions in one compact package.
Petrol Engine
Most petrol hedge trimmers will have a 2-stroke 23 to 25cc engine that typically runs on a petrol-to-oil mix ratio of 40:1 or 50:1. It is always recommended to check the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Some long-reach and multi-tool models use 2-stroke 52 cc engines to provide more power. All these 2-stroke engines start best with the choke out, prime the pump, and a quick pull of the handle.
Some petrol hedge trimmers use a 4-stroke engine that uses only unleaded petrol, not a petrol-to-oil mix.
Petrol Hedge Trimmer Blades
Petrol hedge trimmer blades do the cutting and the bulk of the hard work, therefore, you must select a hedge trimmer with the trimmer blades best suited for the hedges you will be trimming.
There are two essential elements to consider when choosing the correct trimmer blade:
Blade Length
Long blades will speed up the cutting, as you can cut more in a single sweep of the trimmer; plus, you will have more reach when dealing with taller shrubs and hedges. On the other hand, a longer blade will be heavier and more challenging to handle.
The most common measurements are 45cm and 60 cm.
Blade Gap
The spacing of the teeth (Blade gap) will determine the thickness of the branches that can be cut through and will be directly proportional to the trimmer’s power. A small motor cannot cut through a thick stem.
It is essential to consider what thickness of stems or branches you will need to cut. With larger spacing comes a larger motor, stronger teeth, and increased cost, but if you have thick hedges, choosing a smaller unit is pointless as you will keep stopping and starting due to the trimmer jamming.
Blade Sharpness
The sharper the blade, the better, and the less vibration you feel in your arms and hands. Trimmers with laser cut or diamond ground blades are available that are sharper and will last longer.
Petrol Hedge Trimmer Handles
There are usually two handles on a petrol hedge trimmer. The rear handle at the back of the trimmer helps you control the engine part, while the top handle allows you to balance and direct the trimmer.
Some trimmers have what are known as “wrap-around handles” that allow you to rotate and hold the trimmer at various angles, making it easier and more comfortable to use.
Safety
A hand guard will help prevent debris from being thrown back toward the user. Another safety feature is a safety switch on both handles so that the trimmer cannot start unless both handles are gripped.
Tip Protector
The tip protector is located at the end of the cutting head to protect the blades from damage in case you accidentally hit a hard surface while trimming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, an electric or petrol hedge trimmer?
There are positive and negative aspects to both types of hedge trimmers. Which style is best for you will be dependent on the trimmer that best suits your requirements
Electric Hedge Trimmer
Advantages
- Affordable
- Powerful
- Easy to maintain
- Won’t pollute the air
Disadvantages
- A power point is required
- Will need a long cord plus an extension
- There is always the risk of cutting the cable
- Movement is more restricted than with a petrol unit
Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Advantages
- Great for more challenging tasks.
- More powerful than electrical
- No leads to worry about
- More portable. It can be used anywhere
Disadvantages
- More expensive option
- Are noisy
- Are heavier than electric units
- Petrol engines, so not good for the environment
How to Service a Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Daily checks and Routines
- Hedge trimmer blades must be cleaned directly after using them to prevent tree sap build-up that can lead to the blades becoming dull. Ensure that cutter blades are always sharp.
- Check the cutting blades to ensure they are moving smoothly, and adjust the screws if they are not.
- Test the bolts and screws to see if they are tightened properly
- Check the rubber and plastic parts to ensure they are in good order and are not torn or split.
Further Checks and Maintenance
- Make sure the air filter is clean. The filter can be cleaned by removing it and using compressed air to blow out the debris.
- If the air filter is filthy and cannot be adequately cleaned, replace it.
- It is suggested that the petrol be drained from the tank at least once yearly. If the hedge trimmer has not been used for three months or more, drain the tank and refill it before using it again.
- At the same time that the fuel is changed, the spark plugs should be removed and cleaned or replaced if needed.
Regular checks and maintenance will ensure that your hedge trimmer keeps working correctly.
How much does a Commercial Petrol Hedge Trimmer weigh?
Petrol hedge trimmers tend to be heavier than corded or cordless models; weights can vary from 5.2 to 7.6 kg. Pole hedge trimmers can weigh up to 9kg.
What kind of petrol does a petrol hedge trimmer use?
The 2-stroke petrol hedge trimmer uses a mixture of unleaded regular petrol and 2-stroke engine oil at ratios of 40:1 or 50:1.
The 4-stroke petrol hedge trimmer uses unleaded petrol only.
Conclusion
Petrol hedge trimmers are ideal for many applications, ranging from light trimming to tackling thick growth.
Petrol hedge trimmers are more powerful than electric or corded models enabling you to achieve a faster work rate.
By considering the important factors mentioned in this guide, you should be able to choose the best model for your needs.
Share this article
Charl is a full-time writer with a range of passions and expertise in lawn mowers and other garden power tools. After many years in the corporate rat race, he decided to follow these passions. When not writing, Charl can be found in his garden, tending to or propagating plants, keeping the lawn near perfect, and enjoying the outdoors with his dogs. He is also fascinated by emerging technology and tries to squeeze in a round of golf as often as possible.
