Carry on Gardening : Tools : Cutting : Hand tools for trimming

Hedgetrimmers
Corded electrically-powered hedge trimmers are very effective tools but require skill and care to use. If you are fit and strong enough to use one, ALWAYS use an RCB (electrical circuit breaker) for added safety.

Battery powered long handled hedge trimmer

New in 2005 this lightweight versatile machine is ideal for small to medium hedges and offers a safe solution to cutting high or wide hedges.
The powerful 12 volt battery is supplied with a belt and strap so it can be worn around your waste to save weight and make the actual tool lighter. You can expect up to 60 minutes of cutting time depending on the thickness of your hedge. The cutting blade is relatively small but has 140 degree angle adjustment for maximum efficiency. The small blade also helps make the tool light and maneuverable. The handle is telescopic and extends to1.36m in length. The recommended maximum cutting thickness is 8mm.

Weight	1.5kg
Blade length	230mm
Running time	60 minutes
Price	£78
Supplier	Grey technology Ltd
Model	HT01

Suitable for, people who don’t like ladders and those who prefer lighter tools. This tool may be used by wheelchair users with good balance and upper body strength.

Telescopic Cordless electric hedge trimmers
This bulky looking machine is initially quite difficult to handle but gets
easier with use as you begin to find the best working position to suit your
needs. The handles, blades and pole have many different settings to allow
you to work comfortably, cutting the sides and even the top of some hedges.
The tool is also very useful for trimming low hedges like box and heathers
and extends to 180cm.

Supplied with one powerful 12 volt battery you can expect at least 30 minutes of cutting time depending on the type of material you are cutting. This machine is a hedge trimmer not a cutter and should not be expected to
cut back into thick branches over 14mm diameter.

Weight	4.1kg
Blade length	420mm
Running time	30 minutes
Price	£240
Supplier	Gardena Tools
Model	THS 42

Suitable for, people who are strong and have good balance and co-ordination
and are working far from a power supply.

Battery Powered Shears - with optional extension handle
New for 2002 these rechargeable battery powered shears are ideal for
trimming grass and soft foliage. The 80mm non stick cutting blades can be
rotated through 180 degrees for a more comfortable cutting position to
reduces strain and fatigue.
The shears will run for up to 60 minutes on one charge. Although the shears
are quite light the safety switch does require some strength and dexterity
to use.

For cutting the edges of your lawn there is an optional long handle
available that slides into the back of the shears and has a second on/off
switch at the top. The wheels on the shears make it easy to move and once
again the shears can be rotated 180 degrees to enable you to cut the edge of the lawn as well.

Suitable for, people with use of one arm, wheelchair users, backpain
sufferers.

This lightweight trimmer is safe and easy to use thanks to its ergonomic design and plastic safety blades. The long battery slides into the handle which also has a built in arm support. The grass is cut by two small plastic blades that are easily replaceable and just clip into place. The head of the tool rotates to enable you to cut edges as well as flat grassy surfaces.

To operate the trimmer a small safety switch must be pushed in before pressing the trigger. This may be difficult for people with arthritis who have reduced dexterity. The small size of the trimmer means that the user is most likely to be kneeling or bending close to the ground and the use of safety glasses is strongly recommended to avoid dust and particles entering your eyes.

Overall this is a well balanced tool that makes a powered alternative to single handed shears.

Suitable for, people with reduced upper body strength, but who can bend or sit to work. The trimmer is designed to be used one handed.

Powered safety pruning saw/lopper
This unique new tool cuts branches up to 4 inches with absolute ease due to its clever design that encloses the powered saw blade within two gripping jaws.

The Alligator has the ability of a small chainsaw but with the safety and convenience of garden loppers. The powerful motor comfortably cuts branches up to 4 inches and is located centrally to give the tool a well balanced feel. The handles incorporate two safety switches that both need to be pressed to operate the tool once the jaws have been closed around the branch. Cutting requires minimal force and is fast and controllable.

Suitable for, people who have good balance and co-ordination
but may lack the strength or stamina for heavy pruning work.