9 Best Gas Hedge Trimmers 2022- Reviews & Buying Guide

Look, let me tell you straight, everything on the market these days seems to be electric powered and battery pack. While many might be a fan of that, but I’m not. Tell me old school, but I prefer the raw power of the gas engine. This kind of trimmer keeps my garden well-manicured no matter the grasses are thick or in wet condition.

I believe you and I are on the same page. So, the job for me now is to pick the best gas hedge trimmer out of a lot of crap models that suit your needs. Time to be honest again, choosing the best one is not an easy job.

There are various things you need to consider and be assured of the performance they’re providing to their current users.

You need to consider the engine power, fuel consumption, conveniences, the blades, the ease of operation and so many things to reach the verdict of a trimmer. Which by yourself is a tough job? I know you admit that.

You probably need help, don’t you? This is the help, don’t eat it! (Only GOT fans will get this humor 😉 )

Alright, I think I’m going to help you. Here’s the review of the top 9 best gas hedge trimmers in the market, followed by a Buying Guide to guide you further in choosing the right gas hedge trimmer.

What else do you need?

The Best Gas Hedge Trimmers On The Market 2022 – The Top Nine

1. Husqvarna 122HD60 Gas Hedge Trimmer –  Best Overall 

Check Current Price

The Husqvarna 122HD60 is the perfect gas hedge trimmer that was designed with everyday homeowners in mind.

With the modest 21.7 ccs, a 2-stroke engine producing 0.8 hp can handle every home-pruning need.

With the 23-inch dual-sided blades, evenly distributed 10.8 lbs of weight, and convenient features like Smart Start Engine and nifty stop switch, you can’t go wrong with this trimmer.

It costs more than any average gas trimmer, but if you’re looking for real quality, this trimmer can’t be beaten. That’s why we call it the best overall hedge trimmer on the market.

Enough Muscle for Your Home Use Needs

Talking about the engine, it’s on the modest side. The trimmer is powered by a 21.7 cc 2-stroke engine that produces 0.8 hp. This is more than enough for you if you’re looking to use the product for everyday home use.

The modest-sized engine is what helps the trimmer to stay lightweight enough to be easy to maneuver and also keep the gas usage moderate as well.

Furthermore, there are some great and convenient features regarding the operation of the machine that you’re going to love.

Smart Engine and Other Convenience Features

The machine is amazingly easy to start up, thanks to the carburetor air purge system and the Smart Engine feature. The carburetor air purge mechanism removes air from the carburetor and the Smart Start mechanism helps to power up the machine with minimal effort.

There’s a nifty stop switch to make the operation even more convenient. When the machine is turned off, automatically returns to the start position for easier starting.

Absorbs Vibration for Stress-free Operation

The engine, by default, is rich in the mechanism. This model is engineered with the anti-vibration dampeners used solely to absorb vibration reduces most of the stress on the user’s arms and hands.

It’s quite silent as well, so there’ll be no problem using it for a long pruning session in regards to vibration and noise.

The same goes for weight distribution. Weighing in at only 10.8 pounds; furthermore, the weight is evenly distributed throughout the machine, it’s much more comfortable and less strenuous to use than its heavier peers.

Commercial Grade Dual-Edge Blade

The actual cutting part of the Husqvarna 122HD60, the blade, is anything but ordinary in length and build, and quality. The 24 inches long “dual-sided” blade trims more than an average edge with each pass so that you can tidy up your hedges easier and faster than before.

Beyond its length, the sharp-edged blade of this trimmer can make up to 4,050 cuts per minute, allowing it to slice through twigs over 3/4 of an inch in thickness.

Adjustable Handle Eases Operation Further

The strong point of the Husqvarna 122HD60, as I mentioned before, is the ease of operation. Making that claim stronger is the rear adjustable handle to facilitate cutting the sides and top of hedges.

The advantage you get from the adjustable handle is quite huge. The twist handle allows you to hold both your trigger hand and the other hand in a comfortable position, stand straight and have plenty of leverage on the tool.

Without this, you often end up having your one hand at a comfortable angle but the trigger hand at an odd angle, making it uncomfortable to operate the trimmer.

Another little convenience you’ll enjoy is you don’t need to put on any assembly work before taking it to action.

However, a little experience of working with machines will be appreciated since I’ve heard that some owners had to go through some little carburetor adjustment to unleash the potential power of the machine. If you’re not familiar with machines, spending an hour at the local workshop will do.

For the bottom line, I can tell that this machine is one of the best overall gas hedge trimmers available in the market that has an expensive price tag rather.

I understand that many might not be willing to spend that amount of money, but if you have the ability, I recommend you to go for it.

---

02. Tanaka TCH22EAP2 – Best Professional Gas Hedge Trimmer

No products found.

Check Current Price

Looking for something that packs enough power but not weighing that much? The Tanaka TCH22EAP2 is what you might be looking out for.

It weighs 9.5 pounds only. Being one of the most lightweight trimmers, this model comes to you to increase productivity and minimize fatigue during operation. The machine is easy to start and runs great and cuts like nobody’s business.

Also, there are innovative features like forward-facing exhaust to prevent burnt hedges. Being CARB/EPA compliant, this trimmer comes with an industry-leading 7-year consumer warranty.

The Power

The trimmers boast a quite powerful 21.1cc commercial grade Pure-Fire 2-cycle engine that promises adequate power, maximum reliability, and durability. The engine is capable of making 3,760 strokes per minute that cut like nobody’s business and ensures maximum productivity for your time.

It’s quite fuel-efficient as well alongside being powerful. The gas/oil ratio of this engine is 50:1 and you get a 10.1 fluid ounce fuel tank capacity, which is good enough not to make you refuel frequently.

Easy Start, Forward Facing Exhaust, & Other Convenience Features

You need half of the effort required to start the machine than you would need without the purge bulb as well as the S-Start. These two combined cuts 50 percent of the amount of pull-force required.

Also, I really like the innovative engineering done during the design of the machine. The designers have moved the exhaust to the forward side, which helps quite a lot to prevent burnt hedges.

It’s also positioned at such an angle that you don’t have to worry about inhaling any remains. A brilliant piece of engineering, eh?

The Actual Cutter – The Sharp, Dual-edged Blade

Remember I said the machine cuts like nobody’s business! If a good chunk of credit goes to the engine for good muscle, the other goes to the commercial-grade blades of the machine for its performance.

Now I can’t really say anything about the blade size or length precisely, as there are different options (20″, 24″, 30″) that you can choose from.

The model we’re talking about here comes with the 20″ dual reciprocating blades. It’s supposed to be good enough for your household trimming needs.

If you don’t think so, I recommend the 24″ model (TCH22E-B-P2), which I’d be reviewing underneath – I quite like that model too. However, I think the 30″ might be too large to handle without fatigue.

But if you think your need suits them, they’re an absolute go, no worries. If you aren’t sure which one you need, you might consider my suggestion then.

Anyways, no matter which size you pick, they all are commercial-grade dual reciprocating blades that cut branches up to 3/4″ thick. The blade has a 30mm pitch and the cutting of it is entirely consistent.

The blades are best suited for cutting green stuff. Yes, it will still cut small dry wood quite efficiently, but not as well as green.

For added safety, all the sizes of the cutting blades are equipped with rounded tips. You also get a blade case that further ensures safety while not in operation.

Easy to Operate, Thanks to the Adjustable Handle and Light Weight

The trimmer is lightweight that makes it easy to operate as you can stay in awkward positions for some time too, without experiencing any fatigue. You can quite easily use this lifting it overhead also for some time.

Adding to that is the five-position rear handle that ensures maximum comfort and maneuverability.

The 5-position rear handle adds more safety to the operation of the machine as well as you don’t have to stretch into unbalanced or uncomfortable positions to trim. So there’s a reduced chance of injury here.

Overall, operating the machine is entirely free of the risk of fatigue, stress, and injury. However, there’s not much done in it to absorb vibration, which I hope was otherwise.

And, there are some issues with the fuel line. It’s not the most durable one you’d find. It might break after a few uses or you might find the issue right away. It’s a material and quality issue.

---

03. Echo HC-152 – Best Commercial Gas Hedge Trimmer

Check Current Price

Looking for a commercial-grade trimmer that has a buttery smooth engine delivering enough command? The Echo HC – 152 is probably what you want.

Massive briers? This is the weapon. Easy engine starting, buttery smooth engine performance, heavy-duty, sharp and fierce cutting, what else do you need?

The Echo HC -152 is quite the ideal trimmer for both beginners and seasoned landscapers alike, due to the convenience of its operation.

The Engine That’s Smooth as Silk

So, the engine is probably what I like most about this machine. The performance is up to the mark. These 21.2 ccs professional-grade two standing engines are smooth yet quite aggressive when it comes to power.

The engine is noticeably smooth to start-up than other hedge trimmers out there in the market. I know people who have started this machine for years, yet their trimmer starts up within the second or third pull, which is quite incredible. It’s like a piece of cake to power up this beast.

The engine is quite long-lasting as well thanks to the Commercial-duty air filtration system, which lengthens the engine’s lifespan. The air filter cover removal is a toolless mechanism that makes it easy to access the air filter and clean it often. This mechanism helps the engine perform even smoother and lasts longer too.

Also, the fuel tank is see-through that keeps telling you about the volume of fuel left so that you can refuel at the right time.

The Handle

So you get 2 large handles on the trimmer – the rear and the front. While both the back and front handle ensures excellent control over the trimmer and comfort on the operation as well, the hoop-type front handle ensures safety with the safety guard on it. There is a rigid support bar on it as well that allows straighter and more precise cuts.

With the combined- contribution of both the handle and the support bar, the machine is quite easy to maneuver and you’ll not be fatigued from a lengthy cutting session.

However, personally, I’d like to have a rotating or adjustable rear handle on it for even more ease of use, but I’m out of luck here.

Noise Cancellation and Vibration Absorption

While the name of the trimmer (Echo) does relate to sound, I’d like to confirm that it doesn’t really justify the machine regarding that aspect.

This gas hedge trimmer is not noisy; all credit goes to the muffler. It works to reduce the noise coming from the engine while directing emissions away from you while you’re using it.

However, as I said, the engine is amazingly smooth, so it by default produces less vibration. But I don’t know if the manufacturer didn’t put any vibration absorption mechanism being overly confident of that or not.

Though this gas hedge trimmer produces less vibration than other ones, I’d still love to see some vibration absorption mechanism on it.

The Blade

Alright, so as the manufacturer claims, the Echo HC – 152 comes with a 20″ double-reciprocating and double-sided Razor Edge blades that are laser cut and precision ground for long-lasting sharpness. And the claim is quite right, I’d say.

The blade is actually great when it comes to normal to heavy cutting. It quite cuts through woody branches like a hot knife through butter. With the power it’s getting from the engine, it’d quite comfortably cut a hardwood branch up to about 3/4″ if you work on it a little.

However, about the length of the blade, it’s 20.inches. This isn’t necessarily short, but it’ll feel more concise when you compare it to some other trimmers. If you don’t need to reach very high or far places from your body, that 2 inches lack you won’t even feel.

But as a plus of this factor which apparently looks like a downside, the shorter blade actually gives you more control over the whole machine and makes the operation easier for you. It’s not really the most lightweight gas hedge trimmer out there at 11.8 lbs, so this little save here quite covers up that point.

Overall, while the Echo HC – 152 does lack some features that you’ll find at similar models, the balance and quality construction of this machine makes it more than capable of tackling most trimming tasks you’ll need to do – from topiaries to simple box hedges and formal landscaping.

---

04. Poulan Pro PR2322 2 cycle – Best Budget Gas Hedge Trimmer for Home Use

Check Current Price

With the powerful 23 cc full-crank, two-cycle engine, no overgrown hedge is an issue for the Poulan Pro PR2322 gas hedge trimmer. This model probably delivers the most power among the models I have discussed so far.

So those people that want a little extra power to cut those stubborn hedges without having to spend extra money for that, Poulan pro PR 2322 is the right choice for them.

Not only the engine, but the trimmers tick also marks other boxes of concern as well, such as ease of operation, the blade and durability, and so on. Having minor drawbacks, this item for such a price (click the link to know the latest one) could be a real steal.

The Powerful Engine

The Poulan Pro 2322 is equipped with a 23cc, full-crank, two-cycle engine. If you remember, all the models I’ve discussed so far had engines of 21.2 cc. Now those extra 2 ccs on this model do create some difference.

That little push in power will ease your work to some extent. Where it’ll help you most is if you have overgrown, thick hedges to cut. The trimmer can cut branches up to 1 inch thick, and the more prominent credit for that goes to the extra power coming from the engine.

However, if you need further power, Poulan offers another similar model with a bigger engine capacity (Poulan Pro 2822 – 28 cc). You might consider getting that if you have an even more massive job to accomplish.

Though I believe the 23cc model is the better fit for most homeowners – having the maximum possible power needed and fuel consumption in mind.

The engine comes with an easy start and runs smoothly on the ethanol-free gas mix. It has quite a large fuel tank as well, so you won’t need to refuel too often.

However, I’d recommend reading the operator owner’s manual carefully – the section that tells about starting cold and warm engines. That way you’ll be able to find the sweet spots in your choke settings to get the engine to start quickly and lengthen its lifespan too.

Dual Action 22″ Stainless Steel Blade

So the trimmer has a 22″ inch double action stainless steel blade that performs quite great. It cuts cleanly and neatly.

There’s no complaint from me about the blade, and it’s on the better side I’d say. The dual-sided serrated edges can cut branches up to 1″ in diameter, but you have to work at it a little bit. However, it zips through 1/2 inch and smaller.

Rotating Handles

The rear handle on this trimmer is rotatable, which gives you great convenience in operating this. The handle locks in 3 different positions which give you the freedom to cut from any angle or orientation you want.

We often have to cut from different positions due to the nature of our shrubbery and yard, which can be stressful as it puts pressure on our arms. We’re in luck that this trimmer solves that issue to a large extent with that rotating rear handle.

There’s also a comfortable grip on that bar which makes the grab comfortable.

However, The rear handle will swivel (if desired) that can make for a slightly loose feel that might reduce the confidence to some extent.

Vibration Absorption Dampeners

Thank God the Poulan Pro 2322 comes with a vibration absorption dampener unlike the Echo HC 152. I think it’s quite an essential feature for a hedge trimmer as vibration can contribute a lot to fatigue our hands sooner.

This trimmer features an advanced and effective anti-vibration dampener to absorb vibration for superior comfort, reduced operator strain, and reduced fatigue. The trimmer is also quite lightweight at 11.1 lbs, which makes the operation, even more, more straightforward and fatigue-free.

However, I have one quality issue complaint regarding the trimmer. I’m concerned with the hard plastic connection between the gas engine and the rear handle. I would like to have a steel connection as I think the plastic connection is prone to breaking.

---

05. Husqvarna 122HD45 – Best Lightweight Gas Hedge Trimmer

Check Current Price

Another gas hedge trimmer I can recommend you from Husqvarna is the 122HD45 model which I titled to be the best lightweight gas hedge trimmer.

Weighing only 10.36 lbs and not sacrificing any performance whatsoever, this machine is really comforting to work with.

It’s low noise and lightweight gas hedge trimmer that National Home Gardening Club has tested and recommended. So I had to give it a try and pass the recommendation to you guys.

The Smooth 21.7 cc Engine

So the heart of this machine, the engine has a 21.7 cc fuel combustion chamber that can produce 0.8 horsepower at a max of 7800 rpm, while the idle rpm being 2800.

I don’t need to tell you anymore what this means, as you’re already quite familiar with 21.7 cc engines and you already know that it’s a standard capacity that produces enough strength for any home pruning needs.

Where it stands out is the smoothness of operation and easiness to start it up. The engine has a quiet, smooth operation. It starts up quickly with minimum effort thanks to the Air purge system that removes the air from the carburetor and fuel system.

The stop switch also automatically resets to the ON position. It helps next time not to waste all your energy trying to start the machine while the stop switch was in the OFF position that you forgot.

The fuel tank capacity of this trimmer is 10.14 fl oz and it has a fuel efficiency of 0.73 lbs/h which is economical I’d say.

The engine also emits less noise so it won’t disturb you or your neighbors either. The sound pressure level at the operator’s ears 93 dB(A) which is very much within the tolerance limit.

Another real plus of the engine is the forward-facing exhaust towards the blade that emits the burned leftover not on your face causing your face or shirt to burn.

Lightweight and Resistant to Vibration

The trimmer has an overall weight of 10.36 lbs which is on the lighter side compared to the other gas hedge trimmers. That makes it quite easy to operate the trimmer as you can hold it in awkward positions for a while too.

Adds up to that ease of operation are the anti-vibration dampeners which you already know the function of. Yeah, they absorb vibration, in case you forgot, lol!

So the dampeners are quite effective at what they’re supposed to do. The equivalent vibration level on the front handle you’ll feel is 2.9 m/s² and on the rear handle is 4.9 m/s ², which is very much in the tolerance level.

This reduces the stress on the user’s arms and hands quite a lot.

The Cutting Part – Blade

So the blade on the Husqvarna HD12245 is 18 inches in length that seem to you to be short. Well, it is, in some scenarios, if you need to reach far to get rid of hedges. But also remember that shorter blades mean less weight and more control.

And often people don’t utilize the maximum length of the blade because they just don’t need to. They purchase the best machine with large numbers and end up realizing that they don’t really need those maximum numbers.

However, this definitely is not the case every time. Many users need those extra few inches to reach the farthest hedge and the extra length boosts productivity too.

If you’re in that group, I recommend the 122HD60 model them which has a 24-inch long blade.

However, Husqvarna had logical reasons to keep the blade length short. Firstly, it is the 122HD45 model, which as the name suggests, is the predecessor of the 122HD60 model, so they had built a similar model with smaller numbers for a different group of consumers.

And also, their goal with this model was to build a lightweight one, so that your trimming work becomes easier.

Same Issue Again

Since it’s a Husqvarna product, I guess it was kinda obvious for this trimmer too to have the carburetor adjustment and fuel line issue. Husqvarna has a passion for hiding this potential of the machine.

So it seems like you need to do minor carburetor tweaks again like the 122HD60 model to unleash the full power of the engine.

And another quality issue which is the fuel line issue still persists. The fuel line is quite prone to breaking which I should Husqvarna should’ve taken care off.

---

06.Weed Eater W25SBK– A Powerful Gas Hedge Trimmer

Check Current Price

For anyone who wants great power without breaking the bank, Weed Eater W25SBK is the trimmer they’re looking for. Coming with a 25cc engine that is quite more powerful than all the models I suggested above, it costs quite less than most of them.

And the powerful engine is not the only attractive part here; there are innovative touches like the flexible carburetor that lets you operate the machine even upside down.

However, there are some issues with the trimmer too, like the plastic build and choking at times, but at the price range it’s placed, it’s quite an excellent value for your money.

The Power-Packed 25 cc Engine

So the first thing that’ll attract the power-hunger to this machine is the potent 2-cycle gas-powered 25cc engine. This is quite higher than the standard engine combustion capacity of home-use trimmers.

If you’re looking to accomplish a little tougher job than regular ones, that extra power will help you to a great extent.

And the beast is quite smooth too which I really liked about it. There’s no aggression in vibration from this machine which you might expect from an above-average powered device.

What’s even more attractive about this engine is the all-position carburetor. This lets you operate the machine just like the way you want – vertically, horizontally, and even upside down. This means excellent freedom for you to choose any cutting position.

And unlike the Husqvarna trimmers, this doesn’t need any adjustment right off the bat. It comes in all assembled way that’s ready to gear up right away with 3 or 4 pulls.

However, there are downsides to the design of the engine too. The most annoying thing you’ll face is the positioning of the choke lever, which sticks out and sometimes gets pulled into the choke position by the trees or hedges and kills the engine. You’ll need to be careful of this factor when operating the machine.

And for a suggestion, I recommend you to drain the gas out of this when you’re done using it. Ethanol could hamper this engine to some extent which will hinder longevity.

The 22-inch Stainless Steel Double-edged Blades

The trimmers come with modestly long 22-inch stainless steel double-edged blades which get their job done quite nicely. This blade gives you a conveniently full cutting width so you can reach across large hedges.

Combining it with the power coming from the engine, it gets the strength to cut through branches up to 3/8-inch in diameter. So overall the blade is on the par side that gets its job done nicely, no complaints.

Comfort Touch, Anti-vibration

We all are afraid of the fatigue that we get from operating a hedge trimmer, especially fuel engine-powered hedge trimmers. Fortunately, this trimmer is quite successful in keeping you off the tension.

Credit goes to the Comfort-Touch wrap-around handle and the significantly effective vibration absorption mechanism. The anti-vibration handle installed on it does a great job to reduce vibration and user fatigue. You won’t feel any noticeable vibration on this machine.

However, I’m not really satisfied with the almost plastic build of the trimmer. Metal would be much better to lengthen its longevity.

Though, there’s an advantage to this apparent disadvantage too. The almost plastic build helps to keep the trimmer on the lighter side which makes it easy to operate the machine.

Let me notice one thing that, though most parts of this model are in good quality plastic, unfortunately, they are not as sturdy as metal.

Nevertheless, the way weed eater had put such a powerful engine and other quality components on such a low price tag, they had to make little sacrifices here and there. So it’s up to you how you see it.

---

07. PROYAMA 42.7cc 5 in 1 Multifunctional Trimming Tools – Best Starter Kit

 

Check Current Price

If you’re an all-in-one guy, the Proyama Multi-Functional Trimming tools is your go-to product.

This model is a petrol-powered Multi-Functional Trimming tools package that combines a hedge trimmer, brush cutter, pole saw, and string trimmer, and extension pole.

All the cutting mechanisms will be powered by a vast 42.7cc PROYAMA engine that is way more powerful than all the gas hedge trimmers we came across till now.

This package of tools is ideal for users who require multiple tools to carry out their needs but have a scarcity of space. It can swap conveniently one attachment to another for a different set of requirements.

The whole package contains –

• 1 x 42.7cc powerful engine
• 1 x gas long reach hedge trimmer
• 1 x gas brush cutter
• 1 x vibration reduction shoulder harness
• 1 x gas pole saw
• 1 x gas string trimmer
• 1 x 43 inch extension pole
• 1 x 40 pronged metal blade
• 1 x mixing bottle
• 1 x ear defenders
• 1 x face shield
• 1 x chainsaw bar carrier
• 1 x gloves
• 1 x tool kit
• 1 x instruction

Each of the attachments provides quite the same performance as individual machines. Since you get such a set of effective tools in one package, this can be perfect for the maintenance of your whole garden or grounds.

Powerful 42.7 cc Engine

One of the biggest attractions of this machine is the hugely powerful engine having a displacement of 42.7 ccs. So this is a 1 cylinder, 2-stroke, air-cooled engine that produces up to 2 horsepower which means it’s insanely powerful and can trim bigger branches effortlessly.

The fuel mix is 1/40 and the engine has a fuel tank of 700 ml capacity. There’s also an Easy-start mechanism which makes it quite easy to power up the beast. For an emergency, you get the emergency stop button as well.

Multi-Tools

This package gives you the freedom to use different tools (adjustments) for different trimming needs, without needing to spend so much on buying them individually.

First talking about the hedge trimmer, it comes with a blade of 18 inches which is fairly long enough. But if you think it’s not long enough for you to reach that far branch, the extension pole got you covered.

The total length could go as high as 11.4 ft giving you the freedom to reach the furthest branch to cut.

Another good aspect of the blade is that it allows you to make Multi-Angle adjustments. This means you can adjust it to your desired angle: horizontal and vertical cutting.

The extension length (pole) coming with it is adjustable as well with a range from 8.2 to 11.4 ft to adjust, with a 12-inch cutting length. That means you can trim a 7 ft tall limbs from the ground. And the engine produces enough power to transfer it to that distance.

The chainsaw blade coming with it is 12 in length with a maximum length of 10.65 ft when the extension pole is included.

The stalk shredder has a double 2.4 mm cutting wire and chopper with 3 cutting edges, with a total length of 6.1 ft.

So cutting will be top-notch with different extensions of this set combined with the power of 2 hp coming from the 42.7 cc engine.

Protection & Ease of Operation

The main unit of this cutting package has the shoulder harness on it to reduce vibration which works quite great. This is not the smoothest machine to operate with, neither the worst one.

One core reason for that claim is the weight of the machine. To get that massive power addition, you’ve to allow some weight addition too on the device, specifically the engine. The engine is understandably quite heavier than the other trimmers we’ve discussed here.

However, that harness chips in to cover up for that to some extent. In addition to reducing the vibration, it does help to make the machine more maneuverable even after that extra weight.

You also get quite a safety kit with this package that I appreciate. If you check the list of inclusions in the package, you’ll see there are ear defenders, gloves, face shield, and chainsaw bar carrier included, which you won’t get with any other trimmers. These all can protect and help you when working.

---

08. Tanaka TCH22EBP2 For Easy Opeartion – The Upgraded Version of TCH22E-“A”-P2

No products found.

No products found.

Tanaka’s TCH22EAP2 was the best professional gas hedge trimmer I could think of – and its successor, the TCH22EBP2 is quite capable of stealing that title.

This model has the core difference in the blade length – which is 24″ for this one vs. the 20″ of the TCH22EAP2 model. However, you’d be wrong if you think that’s the only change here. There are other slight changes done too.

So I introduced the “A” model as a machine that packs enough power yet is the most lightweight one, but I cannot say the same for the “B” model. And that is obvious because the 4″ extra length of the blade had to add some weight.

However, by no means, I’m telling that it has gone to the heavier side. It’s still one the lightweight side, weighing 10.3 pounds only, but not so light as the A model with 9.5 pounds of weight.

This “B” model has been designed built to increase productivity and minimize fatigue during operation. The trimmer is easy to start, runs great, and cuts like nobody’s business with the upgraded 24″ commercial dual reciprocating blades.

Also, there are innovative features like forward-facing exhaust to prevent burnt hedges and also you from inhaling any remains. Being CARB/EPA compliant, this trimmer comes with an industry-leading 7-year consumer warranty.

The Power

This trimmer too boasts a quite powerful 21.1cc commercial grade Pure-Fire 2-cycle engine that promises adequate power, maximum reliability, and durability. The engine is capable of making 3,760 strokes per minute that cut like nobody’s business and ensures maximum productivity for your time.

It’s quite fuel-efficient as well alongside being powerful. The gas/oil ratio of this engine is 50:1. In this particular “B” model, you get a little larger fuel tank capacity than the A model (0.3 liters), which ensures that you don’t need to refuel frequently.

Easy Start, Forward Facing Exhaust, & Other Convenience Features

You need half of the effort required to start the machine than you would need without the purge bulb as well as the S-Start. These two combined, cut 50 percent of the amount of pull-force required.

Also, I really like the innovative engineering done during the design of the machine. The designers have moved the exhaust to the forward side, which helps quite a lot to prevent burnt hedges.

It’s also positioned at such an angle that you don’t have to worry about inhaling any remains. A brilliant piece of engineering, eh?

The Actual Cutter – The Sharp, Dual-edged Blade

Remember I said the machine cuts like nobody’s business?

So this one comes with the best blade length size I think – 24″. Tanaka series offer 3 blade length sizes – 20″, 24″, 30″. The 20″ model is the A model that I reviewed earlier.

That blade probably could be good enough for most household needs, but not every time though. Some tasks demand longer blades, and this longer blade increases productivity too, as they cut more at the same time.

But then again, the 30″ model could go a little out of hand, as that much extra blade length adds quite a lot of weight to the machine.

This 30″ model is a heavier trimmer (11.5 pounds) that can make you tired shortly.

That is why I feel the 24″ is the sweetest spot for most homeowners.

This blade that comes equipped with this trimmer is a commercial-grade dual reciprocating “three-sided” blade that cut branches up to 3/4″ thick, vs. the “two-sided” edges of the A model.

This blade has added pitch as well, 35mm vs. the 30 mm pitch of the A model. The cutting of it is even more consistent.

The blade is best suited for cutting green stuff as similar to the A model. Yes, it will still cut small dry wood quite efficiently, but not as well as green.

For added safety, all the size of the cutting blades is equipped with rounded tips. You also get a blade case that further ensures safety while not in operation.

Easy to Operate, Thanks to the Adjustable Handle and Light Weight

As I said, the trimmer is still on the lightweight side. So it’s still quite easy to operate as you can stay in awkward positions for some time too without experiencing any fatigue. You can quite easily use this lifting it overhead too for some time.

Adding to that is the 5 position rear handle that ensures maximum comfort and maneuverability that this model equips too.

The 5-position rear handle adds more safety to the operation of the machine as well as you don’t have to stretch into unbalanced or uncomfortable positions to trim. So there’s a reduced chance of injury here.

Overall, operating the machine is entirely free of the risk of fatigue, stress, and injury. However, there’s not much done in it to absorb vibration which I hope was otherwise.

And, the fuel line issue persists, Tanaka hasn’t solved that in this model too. It’s still not the most durable one you’d find. It might break after a few uses or you might find the issue right away. It’s a material and quality issue.

---

09. Poulan Pro PP2822 (The Powerful Version of the 2322 Model) – Best For the Money

Check Current Price

With the superbly powerful 28 cc full-crank, two-cycle engine, no overgrown hedge is an issue for the Poulan Pro PR2822 gas hedge trimmer. Among all the pure hedge trimmers, this model probably delivers the most power that is quite unbeatable.

Being the more powerful version of the 2322 model, this model offers some extra facilities. It has a new swivel position handle added on this that allows you to change positions for a more comfortable and secure grip.

So those people that want a high power to cut all those stubborn hedges, Poulan pro PR 2822 is the right choice for them.

Not only the engine, but the trimmers tick also marks other boxes of concern as well, such as ease of operation, the blade and durability, and so on. Having minor drawbacks, this item for such a price (click the link to know the latest one) could be a real steal.

The Even MORE Powerful Engine

The Poulan Pro 2822 is equipped with a mind-boggling 28cc, full-crank, two-cycle engine. If you remember, all the models I’ve discussed so far had engines of standard 21.2 cc or one of 23 ccs (except the PROYAMA kit package).

Now those extra six ccs on this model do create some significant difference when it comes to delivered power.

That great push in power will ease your work to a great extent. Where it’ll help you most is if you have overgrown, thick hedges to cut. The trimmer can cut branches up to 1 inch thick, and the more prominent credit for that goes to that extra power coming from the engine.

The engine is easy to start smoothly on the ethanol-free gas mix. It has quite a large fuel tank as well, so you won’t need to refuel too often even after the 28 cc engine.

However, I’d recommend you to read the operator owner’s manual carefully.

You will learn to find the sweet spots in your choke settings to get the engine to start quickly and lengthen its lifespan too.

Dual Action 22″ Stainless Steel Blade

So the model from Poulan too has a 22″ inch double action stainless steel blade that performs quite great. It cuts cleanly and neatly.

There’s no complaint from me about the blade; it’s on the better side, I’d say. The dual-sided serrated edges can cut branches up to 1″ in diameter, but you have to work at it a little bit. However, it zips through 1/2 inch and smaller with the massive power coming from the engine.

Rotating Handles

The rear handle on this trimmer is rotatable that gives you great convenience in operating this. The handle locks in 3 different positions that give you the freedom to cut from any angle or orientation you want.

We often have to cut from different positions due to the nature of our shrubbery and yard, which can be stressful as it puts pressure on our arms. We’re in luck that this trimmer solves that issue to a large extent with that rotating rear handle.

There’s also a comfortable grip on that bar which makes the grab comfortable.

And making things even more comfortable, the 2822 model has got a swivel position handle that allows you to change positions for a more comfortable and secure grip.

However, the powerful engine brings some negative too when it comes to operation. That engine adds quite a lot of weight to the trimmer overall.

The 2822 model is on the heavier side I’d say with a weight of about 15 lbs, so long sessions with this won’t be too pleasing if you’re not that strong of a person.

Vibration Absorption Dampeners

Thank God the Poulan Pro 2822 comes with a vibration absorption dampener, it was necessary to cover up to some extent to that weighty engine. I think it’s quite an essential feature for a hedge trimmer as vibration can contribute a lot to fatigue our hands sooner.

This trimmer features an advanced and effective anti-vibration dampener to absorb vibration for superior comfort, reduced operator strain, and reduced fatigue.

However, I have one quality issue complaint regarding the trimmer. I’m concerned with the hard plastic connection between the gas engine and the rear handle. I would like to have a steel connection as I think the plastic connection is prone to breaking.

---

Buying Guide to Choosing the Best Gas Hedge Trimmer

Buying the best gas hedge trimmer for your needs is not the easiest job out there, especially if you’re not really familiar with these machines. There are quite a lot of variables that you need to consider to pick the best product for your specific needs.

However, if you’ve come this far from the article, you probably already have got an idea of what the most crucial variables are. In all the product reviews, I covered three major parts – Engine, Blade, Ease of operation.

Let me take you through those in a bit of detail so that you know how a trimmer can tick these boxes.

Engine Power

The first thing you want to know about a trimmer is how much power it delivers, which you can know from the engine displacement (cc). The power of the engine tells you overall how powerful the trimmer is.

While the more power the better seems an obvious statement, you can stay assured that a 20 cc engine delivers enough power for most home needs. Take that as a standard when you’re looking for your trimmer unless you’ve got larger jobs to do.

In case if you think you have to accomplish tougher jobs than usual, look for more power like the Poulan Pro 2823 or the PROYAMA kit and so.

However, I want to remind you that a more powerful engine is more fuel-hungry. And the added engine displacement also adds weight to the trimmer which makes it a little less maneuverable.

So choose accordingly. If you think you won’t need it, then don’t fall for large numbers.

Engine Convenience Features

Alright, power is not the only thing that you should consider about the engine; there’s something more. You want the engine to start easily, you want it to run smoothly.

Most of the trimmers these days have their own ‘easy-start-engine’ mechanism that goes by different titles. Husqvarna has a “smart start engine’, Tanaka offers “S-start” an Air purge mechanism, and so on.

The goal of all these is to make the engine start with lesser effort, and you probably want to have such a mechanism in the trimmer you’re going to buy.

You also want a conveniently located “engine-stop” switch so you can quickly turn it off when needed. Some trimmer also has smart forward-facing exhaust to prevent any burnt hedges and inhaling any remains, which is a great thing to have.

Blade

The second most crucial factor to consider is the cutting tool – the blade. Length, weight, build, durability, single or dual-sided, reciprocation is the things you want to look for in a blade.

Ideally, you want to go for a stainless steel blade, which is naturally hypoallergenic, and more durable as well. Dual-sided blades are obviously more preferable than single-edged ones. Some even come with three edges as well, like the Tanaka TCH22EBP2.

The length depends on your needs. I recommend a moderate length for home use, like the 20-24 inch blades. The shorter ones could make it tough to reach far hedges, also they cut less at the same time.

The longer ones do cut more efficiently and help you reach further, but they also make the trimmer heavier and tougher to maneuver. So the sweet spot is the medium-sized blades to get the benefits of both worlds.

Ease of Operation

You don’t want to get fatigued to operate your trimmer, so you want to know how easy it is to operate the trimmer.

What makes the operation easier?

Lightweights – The more lightweight your trimmer is, the easier it is to maneuver. The Tanaka TCH22EAP2 is the most lightweight one I came of at 9.5 lbs.

Adjustable Handles – You want to have adjustable handles in your trimmer to be able to set it at different positions for a different kind of operation.

Vibration Absorption –  One of the major reasons for fatigue during operation is the vibration; it literally fuels fatigue. You need to look out for vibration absorption dampeners or that sort of mechanism in your trimmer.

Sound Absorbing Mufflers – Helps to absorb the noise coming out from your trimmer. Having those is your machine is a plus.

The Verdict

Are you still confused to decide which is the best gas hedge trimmer for you need? No chance, reaching the verdict of such a long and detailed piece written solely on ‘best gas hedge trimmers.

Oh wait, am I wrong? Have you still got a question?

That’s okay and very natural, no resource is probably 100 percent go to from the very beginning so is mine, I admit.

But I encourage you to ask me those questions in the comment section, so I can help you out, and this will help other fellows reading the content too.

Come on, don’t be the shy guy, type your question, and hit enter.