Hedge Trimmer Blades Determine Quality Of Finished Job
One of the main considerations when looking for a new hedge trimmers in the size and quality of the hedge trimmer blades on a particular unit. There are three basic styles of hedge trimmers, cordless, corded electric and gas-powered but the choice of hedge trimmer blades is much larger. Typically, they will range in size from 16 to 24-inches, but can be as small as six-inches or as large as 30 inches. The length of the blade will be determined by the size of the edge needed to be trimmed.
When looking at a new hedge trimmer, the gap between the teeth of hedge trimmer blades will also determine the size of the branches it can cut through. For safety considerations, the usual blade will have a gap not exceeding three-quarters of an inch. This size reduces the potential for trimming off a finger, but also limits the size of the branches that the trimmer can cut. Units that have hedge trimmer blades with larger gaps, typically used in commercial applications, can handle larger branches and may also be used for small pruning jobs.
The average hedge is about five-feet high and almost as wide so choosing a trimmer with the right size hedge trimmer blades will make the job easier. For example, with a hedge that is five feet wide, a trimmer with hedge trimmer blades that is only 16-inches long will take several passes to make the cut and make it more difficult to have the entire surface even.
Respecting Equipment Is Key To Operator Safety
Many people do not fully understand the power that comes when using a hedge trimmer, even the ones with the smallest hedge trimmer blades. Regardless of the power source, most hedge trimmer blades move back and forth up to 2,500 times per minute allowing them to make quick work of large and small branches. Unfortunately, when something gets into the blades, the trimmer cannot tell the difference between a branch and a finger and will work at cutting if off until the operator stops the machine.
While having a trimmer with slightly larger hedge trimmer blades than needed can reduce the work load of the equipment, having ones with blades that are too large can poise unnecessary risks of injuries. Choosing a trimmer with the right size hedge trimmer blades will make the job easier and ones that are not too large will make them safer to use.
