11 · Lawn & Garden

Hedge Trimmer

Also called Hedge cutter · Hedger

A petrol trimmer with reciprocating blades for shaping hedges, shrubs and bushes cleanly and quickly.

2-stroke petrol

Sizes & models we rent

30" cut petrol40" cut petrolLonger reach for thick hedges30" cut electricQuieter, for close or indoor work
View in the rental catalogue ↗Compare →

Overview

A hedge trimmer runs two toothed blades back and forth against each other, shearing soft growth cleanly along the whole length of the bar rather than tearing at it.

We rent a 30 in, a 40 in with longer reach for thick hedges, and a quieter 30 in for close work where noise matters.

Shaping hedges and shrubs, cutting back overgrown bushes, keeping edges crisp along paths and borders, and heavy-duty trimming of large hedges.

Trim the sides first in a gentle sweeping arc, then do the top. And keep a hedge slightly narrower at the top than the bottom — otherwise the top shades the base, the lower growth thins out, and the hedge goes bare at the bottom.

Best uses

  • Shaping hedges and shrubs
  • Cutting back overgrown bushes
  • Crisp edges along paths and borders
  • Heavy-duty trimming of large hedges

Troubleshooting

Blades jam or stall

Checks to try, in order

  1. Release the throttle and stop the engine.
  2. Clear the branch — it's probably thicker than the trimmer is made for.
  3. Use loppers or a pruning saw for thick wood.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Tearing leaves and twigs instead of cutting cleanly

Checks to try, in order

  1. Clean sap off the blades and apply blade lubricant.
  2. Blunt or damaged blades need sharpening in the workshop.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Engine won't startShared · 2-stroke petrol

Likely causes

  • Wrong fuel mix
  • Flooded engine
  • Stop switch
  • Fouled spark plug

Checks to try, in order

  1. Confirm the fuel is 2-stroke mix (petrol with 2-stroke oil at the ratio on the tool's label). Straight petrol will seize the engine.
  2. Set the stop switch to RUN.
  3. Press the primer bulb until fuel is visible, then set the choke for a cold start.
  4. After the first 'pop', move the choke to half/off and pull again.
  5. If it's flooded (strong fuel smell): choke off, throttle fully open, pull several times to clear it.

If there's no compression or the rope won't pull, return it to the workshop — don't keep pulling.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Lacks power, bogs down or smokes heavilyShared · 2-stroke petrol

Likely causes

  • Dirty air filter
  • Incorrect fuel mix
  • Blocked spark arrestor screen

Checks to try, in order

  1. Check the air filter and clean it if dusty.
  2. Too much oil in the mix causes heavy smoke — drain and refill with correctly mixed fuel.
  3. Let the tool do the cutting — forcing it bogs the engine down.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Safety

  • Hold it with both hands and keep the blades away from your body.
  • Check the hedge for wire, fencing and power cables before cutting.

For 2-stroke petrol

  • Refuel with the engine off and cool, away from where you'll start the tool.
  • Wear eye, ear and hand protection, and cut-resistant gear where the tool calls for it.
  • Keep bystanders well clear of the cutting area.

Videos & links

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