Trees, hedges and shrubs are the best decoration of the site. To control the growth of green spaces and create a beautiful landscape, a garden hedge trimmer is required. This device comes in different types. Tools differ in the principle of operation, appearance and other characteristics. Many gardeners use a manual brush cutter, which is very convenient for home use. It will be discussed in the article.
What is this?
The brush cutter is also called the garden pruner. The device is designed for cutting branches, creating a crown of young trees, removing excess and dry shoots, forming a vine. Gardeners' reviews confirm that such a device is necessary to create a wonderful environment on your site.
The pruner copes with pruning many branches. At the same time, all human movements require muscular efforts from him. Therefore, with such a tool it is better not to performthe formation of a hedge, but for cutting low and voluminous bushes, the device is just right. Larger plantings are trimmed with brush cutters. They are equipped with long and massive blades. The tool is not only manual, but also powered.
Hand tools
If there are few plants in the area, a manual brush cutter will do. Its design and working principle correspond to ordinary scissors. The tool has handles, which are necessary to increase the force acting on the blades.
If there are several bushes on the site, a low hedge, then such a device would be the best choice. And in the presence of a large number of plants, it is advisable to purchase mechanized devices. Many gardeners prefer hand tools because they are practical. This is confirmed by numerous reviews.
Advantages and disadvantages
Hand hedge trimmer is in demand because of the following advantages:
- affordable price;
- light weight;
- compact size;
- silence;
- can be used in any weather;
- no need for recharging and fuel.
It is because of the benefits that many choose these devices. Reviews confirm that when buying a tool, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics.
Now let's list the disadvantages of this device:
- requiring physical force;
- working with the device for a long time is very difficult;
- can't cut highhedges.
Power tool requirements
The manual mechanical brush cutter has non-slip fiberglass or rubber grips on the handles for a comfortable grip. An important role is played by the material from which the cutters are made. They should be sharp to reduce the force when exposed to wood.
Compared to secateurs, the cutters are wavy, which prevents the blade from slipping. If the pruner is more suitable for processing each knot, then the scissors allow you to level the plane. The length of the cutters affects the performance of the machine.
Hand-held electric powered brush cutter gets the job done faster. This does not require much effort. But there is a risk of damage to the wire and electric shock. Gasoline devices are noisy and create gas exhaust. A manual telescopic brush cutter is considered one of the most convenient, because the handles of the device allow you to work comfortably. This is what the reviews testify to.
Types of mechanical hand devices
Gardening stores usually sell hedge trimmers with a length of 50 cm and with scissors up to 25 cm. The cutters have a wavy surface. But there are scissors with ratchets, with cutters, like secateurs. A manual hedge trimmer with telescopic handles is used for tall shrubs. The best are the tools of firms Gardena, Grinda, Raco. Garden shears are designed for trimming thin branches that are less than 2 cm in diameter. There are devices with straight blades and a returnsprings that reduce force, such as Raco brand tools.
Gardena hand tools are sold with mechanical, battery, electric, petrol scissors. The most affordable option is mechanical. It is light in weight and easy to use. The cutters are made of durable steel and remain sharp for a long time. If you need to handle tall trees, the handles can be extended.
Fiskars manual brush cutters for sale. The device will allow you to cut the grass without tilting. The angle of inclination is adjustable, adjustable for height. The blades can be rotated by 90. There is a support from below and a latch to block the scissors. The manufacturer guarantees performance for 25 years.
Mechanical manual brush cutters "Brigadier" have a wave-like sharpening. The gap of the planes is set from the thickness of the branches. The blades are made from hardened steel. They have shock-absorbing stops and a self-opening mechanism. The device is necessary for work without a strong load, since the blade is 15 cm long. The tool weighs just over 500 g. Thanks to the comfortable handles, even women can do the work. Products of the above brands are appreciated by gardeners, which is confirmed by reviews of effective work.
Prices
The price of a manual brush cutter is low, while it may differ in stores. The cost starts from about 350 rubles. There are products for 700 and 1200 rubles. The price depends on the materials, size and design of the instrument. But compared to other types of equipment, manual devices are considered the most affordable. If you use the tools carefully, they will last a long time. This is also stated in the reviews.
Power tool
If the plot is within 2-5 acres, then an electric brush cutter will do. The tool is equipped with a reliable and low-noise mechanism. Its scope is limited by the length of the carrying wire. Therefore, it is not very convenient to use the device in a large area. The power of the device is small - 400-700 W, so the diameter of the branches should not be higher than 30 mm.
The tool should be handled carefully, taking breaks in hot weather to cool the engine. In rainy and damp weather, you should not go outside with it, as there is a risk of electric shock.
Cordless tool
To avoid being tied to the outlet because of the wire, a cordless brush cutter is used. This device is light and compact, quiet and easy to use. Power is selected based on battery voltage. If it is high, then you can work with thick branches. For example, with a voltage of 14 volts, it will be possible to process branches up to 15 mm thick.
This device has a lithium-ion battery, it has a high capacity. Therefore, it will not need to be charged frequently, and also controlled so that the duration does not become less than that recommended by the manufacturer. If there are 2 batteries in the kit, then this is considered a big advantage. Then you can work without recharging up to 2 hours.
Petroldevices
If you need high power (750-1200 watts), then a gasoline brush cutter will do. These are all-weather devices, mobile and productive. They can work with branches up to 30 mm thick.
Cons include:
- heavy weight;
- high price;
- noisy and toxic exhaust;
- need to use fuel mixture.
Using a hand tool
Don't buy a device until you've tried the comfort of the handle. It is important to remember the safety precautions for working with the tool. Do not cut branches thicker than indicated on this device. It will be more comfortable to work with a light device.
If you need to cut neglected thickets or trellises of wild grapes, it is advisable to start with a standard pruner. After all, tapestries or concrete poles can get caught, which will damage expensive equipment. Attachments with a small cutting blade are used for mowing lawns in hard-to-reach areas.
The main purpose of the tool is to shape the bushes. It must be borne in mind that it is not suitable for selective thinning of the crowns of trees and fruit-bearing shrubs - currants, gooseberries, raspberries. In this case, you need to select diseased, weak branches and remove them, and not cut them all. Careful use of the tool will extend its life.
