Long-reach hedge trimmers are the best when you need to maintain tall hedges. They are crucial in a garden because you cannot cut long hedges using a traditional trimmer. And we don’t recommend using a ladder and balancing on its top that also with a power tool.
Hedge trimmers with long reach come with either a fixed or extendable shaft, which allows you to cut the hedge sides. You can also set the blade at up to 90 degrees to the shaft for better coverage and cutting results. If you already know that you need such a machine, then check some of the best extendable hedge trimmer reviews here.
Should You Buy A Long Reach Hedge Trimmer?
A long reach hedge trimmer is not the best solution always. As the blade is far from your body, you cannot control it easily. Even its blade can get short sometimes, especially if you own a wide hedge. So, is there another way to take care of the hedges? You can try using a traditional trimmer but in-combination of a ladder or platform. Make sure you don’t place a ladder on uneven grounds.
Ladder or Platforms
Henchman and Niwaki are the primary manufacturers of ladders and platforms that you can use inside a garden. Henchman is a reputable brand for gardening products and is best known for hi-step platforms.
Hi-step platform: A hi-step ladder comes with a large platform, wherein you can safely stand using its surrounding guard rails. These lawn products are available in variable sizes and you can also attach a trolley for long-distance movement.
Wheeled garden platforms: In case you need something bigger to deal with a massive hedge, then you can try Henchman wheeled garden platforms. Such a product comes with a long-standing platform that allows you to cut a wide hedge area before further movement. It's very useful when you need to level the hedges from one end to another.
You can change the height of a wheeled garden platform according to your requirements. It has a stable base that keeps everything together and there are guard rails to provide you with the required support. Such a platform comes with inbuilt wheels to make the movement easier. You can also use it for multiple other projects wherein you need to work at a particular height. Assembling time might go up to 15 minutes depending upon your experience level.
Platform tripod ladders: It comes with single leg support at the front, but at the end gives you a stable and convenient place wherein you can easily access the hedges. Due to a wide base, the platform tripod ladders stands well on uneven grounds. If you want to stand close to the edges, then simply push its front leg inside the green.
In simple words, you can stand close to the hedges and hence you don’t have to stretch more to feel unbalanced. Variety of designs are available and all of them has lightweight aluminium construction. Hence you can easily carry them from one place to another. Keeping the complexity of hedge maintenance in mind, we recommend you to contact the professionals in case the hedges are more than 2.5 metres high.
Factors To Consider While Looking For A Long Reach Hedge Trimmer
Type: Corded long reach hedge trimmers are easy to start and use, but are suitable only for hedge trimming small to medium areas. Cordless options also provide you with convenient usage because there is no power cable to deal with. Petrol versions are suitable for large areas, but they are heavy and seeks high maintenance.
Blade length: Length of blade is related to the cutting area a trimmer can cover in a single pass. Blades are available between a length of 40 to 70 cm. Choose this criterion according to the width of your hedges and the weight you can support because blade length determines the weight of a trimmer.
Gap between the teeth: The gap between the blade teeth determines the maximum diameter it can cut. The large gap means a trimmer can cut a wide range of branches. If you are dealing with young shoots, then prefer a trimmer with 12 to 16 mm gap. For average hedges, you can try a machine with a gap between 20 to 25 mm. When you need to tackle a forest, go for a trimmer with 26 to 36 mm gaps.
