Why Garden Maintenance is Simple With Hedge Trimmer Hire
If you are about to embark on a mission to tackle the garden before the summer months arrive. Then investing in quality garden maintenance equipment can make all the difference. Firstly, it will speed up the whole process, as well as reduce the amount of effort required to do so. There is no doubt that during a garden maintenance project, you are going to come across bushes, shrubs and even hedges. This is where this article comes in to help. If you are looking to undertake any type of hedge cutting, then we want to share with you the benefits that a hedge trimmer hire can have on getting the job done.
What is hedge trimmer hire good for?
Hedge trimmers are quite a basic tool that are designed to help, cut, prune, shape and maintain plants growing in your garden. There are many types of hedge trimmers to hire or purchase on the market. All of these are manufactured to assist in all different applications and project scales.
Hedge trimmers are predominantly powered by petrol, nevertheless, there are alternative options on the market to purchase as well. Using petrol-powered hedge trimmers is the most effective option for hedge cutting as they can be used without having the rely on an alternative power source. Most designs consist of an engine block, two handles to safely hold the tool, and a cutting bar.
The cutting bar of a hedge trimmer often comes in a range of different lengths, depending on the machine’s power capabilities. Some cutting bars can reach a total of 600mm in length, allowing room for large passes on the plant or plants you are working on. To help with cutting, the hedge trimmer bar is fitted with a set of sliding blades that are powered by the machine’s engine. It is these blades that ultimately do the cutting for the operator.
The blades of the trimmer move back and forth cutting foliage that passes between them. The fast the machine’s engine is revved, the faster the blades move. The blades of a hedge trimmer should always be maintained to cleanly cut and reduce drag on the machine engine.
Can you cut branches with a hedge trimmer?
Hedge trimmers are designed to cut hedges and not branches. Using a hedge trimmer to cut branches can lead to damage to the machine overall. Later in this article, we will discuss the max of foliage that you can cut with a machine like this. It is important to remember that if you hire a hedge trimmer, you could be charged for damaging it if used incorrectly. If your project requires a thick cutting diameter, then choosing a hand or chainsaw may be better suited.
How much do hedge trimmers hire cost?
Hedge trimmers are extremely affordable to hire across the board. However, the true cost is determined by the supplier you choose. Expect to pay between £45.00- £80.00 per week +VAT (design and specifications dependant.)
For this small investment, you are going to receive machinery that is suitable for both DIYers and professional outfits. Equipment that is designed for commercial operation comes with several benefits that support operators such as:
- Larger cutting blades
- Built-in vibration system to protect users
- More powerful engines
In addition to all of this, choosing to hire a set of hedge trimmers means you can avoid purchasing the equipment yourself. In the long run, this can save you a huge amount of money, especially if this type of equipment is not something you intend to use every single day. The beauty of choosing to hire is that you only pay for the period you have the equipment. There is no upkeep and no downtime costs.
There is no denying that you can easily visit your local garden centre and pick up a set of hedge trimmers for under £100.00. However, it is certain that you will not find machinery with the same performance and efficiency for a quality tool hire supplier.
Let’s now have a closer look at the different types of hedge trimmers you are likely to come across if you decide to hire.
Three common types of hedge trimmer to hire
Commonly there are 3 main types of trimmer you should find at your local tool hire supplier. These are:
Corded or battery-powered hedge trimmers
These small, yet effective machines are ideal for small applications. Ideal for small bushes and hedges. They are extremely lightweight making them easy to manoeuvre, especially if you need to reach the tops of hedges. Additionally, these trimmers are the quietest of their kind, making the working environment more pleasant. From a battery-powered machine, you should expect to receive 30-40mins operating time.
2 Stroke hedge trimmers
2 stroke hedge trimmers are the most common choice for many DIYers and professional users. Why? Well, these trimmers are far more versatile. They offer a longer cutting blade and have the power to tackle any hedge or bush you should find in the UK. They don’t require a power source to operate, at the same as being extremely durable. Expect to be able to use them in any conditions providing it is safe to do so.
Long handled 2 Stoke Trimmers
Like 2 stoke hedge trimmers, these operate from a petrol-powered engine. However, provide sufficiently more reach for those hard-to-access hedges. These types of trimmers provide a smaller cutting blade but still with a large amount of force. Long-handled designs can be used in accompanied with standard trimmer designs to avoid having to use ladders.
Things to consider when hiring hedge trimmers
If you are stuck with choosing the right hedge trimmer for the job at hand then you should consider the following factors.
- Length of blade
- Power options
- Reach requirements
- Overall project size
- Cost
Let’s have a closer look at each of these factors to break down the reasons why you should consider each of them.
Length of blade
The length of the blade determines the amount of cutting you can do at one time. The large the blade, the more you cut. Most hedge trimmers will come with a blade length above 30cm depending on manufacture and power options.
Power options
Considering the way your hedge cutter is powered is a crucial requirement to your project. For small jobs that will take no longer than 30mins, an electric hedge trimmer would be suitable. However, for longer periods or larger projects, a 2-stroke powered machine is preferred.
Reach requirements
Knowing the maximum height you are going to reach is extremely important in your selection of equipment. Using hedge trimmers off ladders is dangerous for the operator’s safety. Therefore you may need to consider using a platform. Alternatively, a set of long-handled hedge trimmers may be better suited instead.
Project size
The size of your hedge-cutting project is important to consider in choosing the right equipment. Large project sizes may need a combination of the right powered equipment that is equipped with anti-vibration systems. Using a power that doesn’t have these installed can cause irreversible damage to operators.
Cost
The cost of hedge cutter hire is something you should always consider. Especially when choosing the right supplier. You want to make sure you are getting the right value for money, at the same time as maximising your productivity.
Cons of hedge trimmer hire
Hiring hedge trimmers is a fast way to acquire the machinery you need to maintain your outdoor space. However, with almost every solution there is always some drawbacks to this.
The first con to hiring a hedge trimmer is that the equipment is not classed as your property. For some, this will not be an issue. However, for large outfits that use hedge trimmers on a daily basis, there is some argument about whether it is better to buy or hire your machinery overall. For a close in-depth look at this check out our resource “Buy Vs Hire Your Construction Equipment!”
Additionally, another con to hiring hedge trimmers is having to rely on a 3rd party business to supply them. Finding the right business to partner with for ground maintenance equipment like a hedge trimmer can be tricky. Therefore, you should always vet out your supplier thoroughly first and be aware of their opening times. Be sure to see the equipment prior to agreeing to hire.
What size of branches can you cut with a hedge trimmer?
Hedge trimmers are first-class instruments to maintain hedges, bushes and more. However, it is important to note that these machines are not designed to cut large branches. Trying to saw through a branch using a hedge trimmer will inevitably cause damage to the tool and potentially yourself. The maximum diameter of the branch you can cut through will depend on the tool’s cutting diameter and power.
Generally, this is around ¾ inch. For anything larger, you should use sheers, a bow saw, a pole or a chainsaw. However, ideally, you want to be aiming to cut hedges with a diameter of less than ¾ inch. This allows for a cleaner more precise cut. Reducing the damage to the hedge by tearing stems of the bush, hedge or tree you are trimming.
Remember that not all hedge trimmers can cut thicker branches, therefore I you are ever unsure, you should seek professional advice from your equipment supplier. Damaging equipment when on hire will be a further charge on your hire bill.
Best time of year for hedge maintenance?
Overall, the best time of year to do any hedge maintenance is between the months of August and May. Why? This is generally when the majority of nesting birds in the UK have stopped laying. However, depending on the type and rate of growth of your project may determine how often or when you should be cut it.
Here is an outline to help plan your cutting schedule depending on the species you are tackling:
Deciduous hedges (hornbeam, hawthorn, beech, hazel)- Summer & Autumn
Evergreen hedges (box, holly, privet, laurel)- Summer & Autumn
Conifer Hedges (conifers, yew, red cedar)-Spring, Summer & Autumn
What happens if you cut a hedge to short?
One very popular question we get asked is what happens if you cut a hedge too far back? Will it grow back? When using a hedge trimmer, it is easy to cut off too much. Remember that hedges are living things and require careful maintenance. Otherwise, they can contract fungal diseases resulting in them rotting and dying.
As a rule of thumb, never cut a hedge or bush back more than 30% of its volume. When it comes to conifer trees such as Leylandii, Yew or red cedar, you should never cut back to brown. This will stunt the branch from ever producing green leaves again. Encourage growth by leaving 3- 6 inches of green. It is always best to take your time when trimming hedges. Regular hedge trimming like this will result in tightly cut, neat-shaped hedges.
Where to hire a hedge trimmer from?
WHC Hire is an independent, family-run plant and tool hire supplier in the centre of the UK. With depots in Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, we are able to supply ground care equipment for all outdoor projects. Check out of range of equipment available for delivery or collection where and when you need it. Or for more information, give your local depot a call on 01684377977 today.