B And Q Hedge Trimmer

As spring rolled around this year, I realized that the hedges surrounding my garden had become completely overgrown and unruly over the fall and winter months. I knew it was time to finally invest in a proper hedge trimmer to tame the beastly shrubs and restore order to my outdoor space.

But I had no idea where to begin. I’d never purchased or used a hedge trimmer before. And standing in the garden tools aisle at my local B&Q, staring at the dozens of different models, left me feeling utterly overwhelmed. Petrol or electric? What length of blade? Handheld or long reach? My mind was spinning.

After an hour of unsuccessfully waffling between trimmer options, I decided I needed to do my research. There had to be knowledgeable people out there who could provide guidance to a hedge trimmer buying novice like myself.

So I headed home, fired up my laptop, and delved into the world of hedge trimmer reviews and buying guides. Today, I’m sharing everything I learned during my quest to find the perfect B&Q hedge trimmer for my needs.

How to Choose the Best B&Q Hedge Trimmer for Your Needs

Buying a hedge trimmer isn’t as simple as just grabbing one off the shelf. There are a number of factors to consider in order to find the right model for your specific landscaping needs. Here are the main criteria I looked at while researching the best B&Q hedge trimmers:

Hedge Size/Area

First and foremost, think about the size of the hedges you need to maintain. For example, I have several medium sized, approximately 60ft long hedgerows bordering my property. For these, experts recommend a trimmer with around an 18″ blade. But for larger hedges, like my neighbor’s massive behemoths, a longer 24-30″ blade would be more efficient. On the other hand, smaller 12-16″ blades are best for minor trimming and detail work. So measure your hedges and buy a blade length that suits them.

Power Source – Petrol or Electric?

Next, consider whether you want a petrol or electric powered trimmer. Petrol models are ideal for tackling big hedges due to their power and lack of cord limitations. However, they’re heavy, noisy, and require maintenance like oil changes. Electric trimmers offer quieter, more environmentally friendly performance and lower long-term costs. But their corded range is limited. For lighter, occasional use, electric works well. But for frequent heavy-duty use, petrol is preferable.

Your Handling Capabilities

Also think about your own physical strength and stamina. The engine size and weight of a trimmer impacts how easy it is to handle and maneuver during use. As a 5’2″ woman lacking upper body strength, I ruled out most heavy-duty petrol models right off the bat. Even many corded electric trimmers were too heavy for me. So I focused my search on lightweight cordless models under 5lbs which I’d be able to use comfortably. Match a trimmer to your own handling capabilities for best results.

Extra Features

Today’s trimmers offer useful extras like adjustable handles, swiveling heads, quick-release blades for easy cleaning, etc. Decide if features like these are worth paying a little extra for on your chosen model. I have limited hand mobility, so an ergonomic adjustable handle was crucial for my comfort and getting a solid grip. Figure out what features will benefit you most before buying.

Your Budget

Of course, price plays a big role in any purchase decision. B&Q offers hedge trimmers ranging from £25 for a basic manual trimmer up to £500+ for heavy-duty petrol models. Set your budget and look for best-rated options within that price bracket. As a beginner seeking a lightweight electric tool, I set my budget at £100. Know what you can reasonably afford before shopping around.

By considering all these factors – hedge size, power source, handling capability, features, budget – you’ll be equipped to narrow down the perfect B&Q hedge trimmer for your gardening needs.

Reviews of the Top-Rated B&Q Hedge Trimmers

Once I decided what I was looking for in a new trimmer, it was time to dive into customer reviews and find the most recommended specific B&Q models. Based on my research, here are 5 of the best, top-rated B&Q hedge trimmers for various needs and budgets:

1. Bosch EasyHedgeCut 18-45 Cordless Hedge Trimmer

• Best Seller – Bosch is B&Q’s most popular hedge trimmer brand
• Cordless – No cord limitations; operates on 18V lithium-ion battery
• Lightweight – Only 2.7kg for easy maneuvering
• 18″ blades – Perfectly suit medium hedge sizes
• £99 – Very budget-friendly for a major brand cordless trimmer
• 4.6/5 star rating – Hundreds of satisfied customers on B&Q’s website

With its reputation for power and performance, Bosch seemed a safe bet for my needs. For light-duty trimming of my medium hedges, this EasyHedgeCut model appears to offer an ideal balance of cordless convenience and value at under £100.

2. Challenge XTreme 56V Cordless Hedge Trimmer

• Powerful 56V motor – Tackles thicker branches
• 22″ blades – Can handle larger hedges
• Anti-jamming technology – Prevents frustrating clogs
• Rotating rear handle – Makes trimming at odd angles easier
• £129 – A bit pricier but still very budget-friendly
• 4.7/5 star rating – Many happy customers cite “great power”

For those seeking a more heavy-duty cordless trimmer under £150, Challenge’s Xtreme model looks like an unbeatable option. With its robust motor and anti-jamming tech, it powers through thick hedges while preventing those aggravating clogs.

3. Webb Petrol Hedge Trimmer With 22″ Blades

• Commercial grade petrol trimmer
• 22″ double-sided blades – Quickly slices through huge hedges
• Anti-vibration technology – Reduces hand fatigue
• Rotates 90 degrees – Easily cut sides and top of hedges
• £189 – Significantly pricier but a pro-quality tool
• 4.2/5 star rating – Owners impressed with strength and durability

For tackling massive hedging, Webb’s heavy-duty petrol trimmer is worth the investment. Despite the high price, its professional-caliber construction ensures lasting performance you can rely on.

4. Bosch EasyHedgeCut 45 Manual Hedge Trimmer

• Manual operation – No batteries or electrical cords required
• Dual-sided 45cm blades – Decent reach for medium hedges
• Weighs only 1.7kg – Extremely lightweight and maneuverable
• £25 – Most budget-friendly manual option
• 4.8/5 star rating – Lots of praise for ease of use and portability

If you have smaller, casual trimming needs and want maximum affordability, Bosch’s manual trimmer is the simplest, cheapest solution at just £25. Despite no motor, the sharp dual blades and light weight earn consistent rave reviews.

5. Challenge 4 in 1 Multi-Tool Hedge Trimmer

• 4 interchangeable heads – Trimmer, pole saw, pole hedge trimmer, chainsaw
• Extends up to 2.7m – Reach tall branches without a ladder
• 600W electric motor – Corded power for all attachments
• £99 – Very reasonable price for 4 versatile tools
• 4.4/5 star rating – “Does everything I need in the garden”

For maximum versatility in one multi-functional tool, Challenge’s 4-in-1 transformable power unit eliminates the need for multiple purchases. At under £100, it’s a handy all-purpose addition for small gardens.

As you can see, B&Q offers a stellar selection of hedge trimmers to suit all needs and budgets. Based on the outstanding reviews for power and usability, I ultimately selected the Bosch EasyHedgeCut 18-45 cordless trimmer. It fulfilled everything on my wishlist at a price I could afford.

Getting the Most Out of Your B&Q Hedge Trimmer

Once you’ve selected the right B&Q hedge trimmer for your needs, proper use and maintenance will keep it performing smoothly for years. Here are my top tips for new owners:

• Read the instruction manual – Even if you’ve used trimmers before, read the safety guidelines and operating directions for your new model. Features vary between brands and models.
• Protect yourself – Always wear sealed eye protection, sturdy gloves, and closed toe shoes when trimming. Be alert to branches that snap back.
• Mind the cord – For corded electric trimmers, be careful not to trip over the cable or accidentally cut it when working.
• Alternate sides – For even shaping, alternate trimming sides each pass through the hedge. Go slow to avoid ragged edges.
• Store properly – Keep your trimmer somewhere dry when not in use. Poor storage can damage the motor and blades.
• Sharpen blades – Regularly sharpen dull blades for optimal cutting performance. Some models have replaceable blades.
• Clean after use – Remove debris with a brush and wipe blades clean after each use to prevent sticky buildup.
• Regular service – For petrol models, change oil and air filters per the manual’s guidelines to maintain the engine.

Following the manufacturer’s instructions combined with proper care and maintenance will ensure your new B&Q hedge trimmer delivers flawless performance season after season.

Satisfyingly Smooth Hedges Ahead

When I first set out on my B&Q hedge trimmer buying journey, I felt totally lost. But some thoughtful research into the options available aligned with the specific needs of my landscape led me to find the perfect model for me.

After carefully reading the manual and safety guidelines for my new Bosch cordless trimmer, I felt fully prepared and confident using it. It was light enough for me to comfortably maneuver through my medium hedgerows and had no issues slicing through the dense overgrowth.

As spring turns to summer, I look forward to keeping my hedges neatly maintained with smooth, even edges. No longer will I dread wrestling with overgrown shrubs multiple times a year. Thanks to my new B&Q trimmer, I can finally look forward to a tidy garden landscape all season long.

So if untamed hedges are plaguing your outdoor space, let my hedge trimmer buying tips help guide you to picking the right B&Q model for the job. Before you know it, you too can be on your way to picture-perfect, professionally shaped hedges just like the neighborhood landscapers. Happy trimming!