We can all appreciate just how good electric hedge trimmers are.
They’re eco-friendly, quiet, cheap, and lightweight.
But when it comes to the really tough, longer jobs, they just don’t cut it like a gas-powered machine.
Literally.
So, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and try to find the best gas hedge trimmer on the market.
Read on and see if you can make your choice from these heavy-duty beasts. A buyer’s guide and FAQ section will follow as always.
It’s time to get close to the hedge.
Contents
- The TOP 9 Gas Powered Hedge Trimmers in 2024
- Poulan Pro PR2322 Gas Hedge Trimmer
- SENIX HT4QL-L Hedge Trimmer
- XtremepowerUS Gas Powered Hedge Trimmer
- Husqvarna 122HD45 Gas Hedge Trimmer
- Echo HC-152 Gas Hedge Trimmer
- Husqvarna 122HD60 Gas Hedge Trimmer
- Echo 2-Stroke Cycle Gas Hedge Trimmer
- Tanaka TCH22EBP2 Gas Hedge Trimmer
- Makita 25.4 cc. Pole Hedge Trimmer
- How to Choose the Right Gas Hedge Trimmer for You
- FAQs
- What Is a Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer?
- What Is The Best Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer?
- Is a Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer Better Than an Electric Hedge Trimmer?
- How Much Does a Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer Cost?
- How Do You Use a Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer?
- How Loud Are Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmers?
- How Do You Maintain a Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer?
- What Safety Equipment Do I Need For a Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer?
- Summary
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The TOP 9 Gas Powered Hedge Trimmers in 2024
Poulan Pro PR2322 Gas Hedge Trimmer
This Poulan Pro is first up in our search for the best gas-powered hedge trimmer. It features a 22-inch dual-action steel blade that’s backed by a powerful 23cc two-stroke full crank engine for maximum cutting performance.
The rotating handle offers a comfort-grip, so you can chop branches of up to one-inch in diameter with excellent control and maneuverability while reducing the amount of fatigue you might experience on longer jobs.
The lightweight design comes in at 11.1 lbs, and the advanced anti-vibration system keeps the jitters as low as possible.
Pros
- Easy-start system.
- Name to trust.
- Highly rated.
- Excellent price.
- Versatile cutting ability.
Cons
- Can have some issues with starting.
- Still heavy for its size.
Conclusion
A powerful gas hedge trimmer at a great price, if you’re looking to up your hedge cutting game, this just might be the new toy for you.
SENIX HT4QL-L Hedge Trimmer
Canadian landscaping company Senix bring us this powerful 26.5cc four-stroke, gas hedge trimmer, with 22-inch laser-cut blades for precise trimming.
It will dice branches up to 1.1-inches thick (or maybe more with operator skill) and has the added advantage of not requiring a mix of gas and oil in order to run.
The rear handle can also swivel to cut in a variety of directions, and the machine weighs a total of 10.8 lbs, so you’re getting a lot of power for a comparatively lightweight tool.
This is an affordable, heavy-duty hedge trimmer that offers a great ratio of price to power.
Pros
- Good tank capacity.
- Ideal for sculpting.
- Blade cover included.
- Quieter than two-stroke versions.
- Blade tip guard.
Cons
- Not as powerful as a two-stroke engine.
Conclusion
If you prefer to not fuss around mixing oil and gas into the right cocktail, then a hedge trimmer with a four-stroke engine is probably right up your street.
This one from Senix is powerful, affordable, and lightweight. Edward Scissorhands – eat your heart out.
XtremepowerUS Gas Powered Hedge Trimmer
Back to the two-stroke machines now with this 26cc, gas-powered machine from Xtremepower US. It offers a great 24-inch reach with the double-sided blades that can easily tackle branches of up to one-inch in diameter.
Marketed as a commercial-grade hedge trimmer, it’s designed to be lightweight, with features that offer additional comfort and protect against hours of fatigue. Equipped with a powerful, easy-to-start, full-crank engine for maximum cutting performance.
This is an easy-to-use, budget-friendly power tool that will get the job done.
Pros
- Powerful engine.
- Low noise.
- Durable housing.
- Automatic on reset.
- Large fuel capacity.
Cons
- No blade cover included.
- On the heavier side.
Conclusion
A decent commercial-grade hedge trimmer for a great price – it’s an affordable alternative to some of the more well-known named brands. It might be a bit too heavy for some, but it’s certainly well-built, tough, and durable. You could do a lot worse at this price.
Husqvarna 122HD45 Gas Hedge Trimmer
Swedish power tool company Husqvarna bring their first entry with this 21.7cc, two-stroke, gas-powered hedge trimmer with an 18-inch blade. It will cut twigs and shrubs up to 4/5-inch thick, with a powerful engine that will get the job done fast.
The low noise motor is designed to keep the racket down, while the anti-vibration system will prevent too much stress on your hands and arms.
Perhaps its most attractive feature, however, is that at 10.38 lbs, this a much lighter option than many other power tools in its class.
Pros
- Name to trust.
- Tough and durable construction.
- Smart-start system.
- Compact, maneuverable unit.
Cons
- The blade is shorter than other models.
- Reports of it still being difficult to start.
Conclusion
Technically it might not be the lightest gas-powered hedge trimmer (if we’re splitting minuscule hairs) but this is a quality compact tool that is ideal for small to medium-sized garden trimming in a user-friendly unit. Top marks for Husqvarna.
Echo HC-152 Gas Hedge Trimmer
Global power tool company Echo are owned by a Japanese partnership and continue to manufacture quality equipment for the trades.
This is their 21.2cc professional two-stroke engine, which has a commercial-duty air filtration system for longer life. The large rear handle offers excellent comfort and control, and there’s an easy-access filter cover that can be opened without tools for maintenance.
The blade is 20-inches in length, double-sided with razor-edge blades that have been precision ground and laser cut for long-lasting sharpness and improved performance.
Pros
- Quality construction.
- Large gas tank.
- Nicely balanced.
- Ergonomic handle design.
- Reduced noise levels.
- Easy-to-start.
Cons
- Fixed rear handle.
Conclusion
The large handle designs in this Echo model gives you a lot of maneuverability for cutting on its side or vertically. It’s not the most popular heavy-duty gas hedge trimmer out there, but it’ll do the business for most medium-sized jobs.
Husqvarna 122HD60 Gas Hedge Trimmer
Another Husqvarna entry now with this beautifully designed 21.7cc, two-stroke, dual action hedge trimmer. It’s packed with features to make your trimming experience almost effortless.
It has smart-start technology to get you going much faster, an adjustable rear-handle to easily trim the tops and sides of hedges, anti-vibration dampeners to help absorb shaking and protect your hands and arms, and a 23-inch reach for a longer cut.
The air purge removes air from the carburetor and fuel system for an easy start, and the auto-stop switch automatically resets to the on position for when you need to take a breather.
Pros
- Attractive, durable look and feel.
- Highly rated.
- Low noise.
- Lightweight.
- Name to trust.
Cons
- Some report issues with the carburetor – it might need to be adjusted.
Conclusion
Another tough and durable gas-powered hedge trimmer from Husqvarna that looks and feels like a really solid piece of equipment. Just be advised that you might need to adjust the carburetor out of the box, but all-in-all this is a very attractive machine you’ll enjoy taking for a spin.
Echo 2-Stroke Cycle Gas Hedge Trimmer
The second of our Echo gas-powered hedge trimmers is this 21.2cc, two-stroke machine with a 20-inch blade. The dual-edge offers excellent cutting efficiency and superior performance with twice as many edges as other bush-cutting rivals.
A zero-type grease fitting and tool-less air filter cover make maintenance easy on this gas-powered hedge trimmer unit, while it’s very light at just 10 lbs.
User fatigue is reduced with large, ergonomic handles that offer superb grip and control, while the rigid support bar provides straighter and more precise cuts.
Pros
- Well-built construction.
- Excellent cut quality.
- Commercial-grade.
- Tip-guard.
- Tool-less access cover.
Cons
- A rotating handle would have been the clincher.
Conclusion
A commercial-grade gas hedge trimmer that is highly dependable, easy to maintain and will power through just about any cutting job you need it for. Things that are easy to fix always deserve an extra star, too.
Tanaka TCH22EBP2 Gas Hedge Trimmer
We have another commercial-grade machine here with this Tanaka gas-powered hedge trimmer that offers a 21cc, two-stroke engine, and a generous 24-inch, double-sided blade.
The forward-facing exhaust prevents burnt foliage, while the 0.3-liter fuel capacity will keep you trimming for longer. The purge bulb and S-start technology allow for smooth, low-effort pull starts, while the unit weighs just over 10 lbs.
The rear handle is the winner here, though, which is able to rotate up to five different positions so you can get just the right angle for the cut while making the job that little bit easier.
Pros
- Well-designed machine.
- Excellent coverage.
- Ideal for the professional landscaper.
- Other blade lengths are available.
- Highly rated.
Cons
- More expensive than other models in its class.
Conclusion
A professional-grade gas hedge trimmer for anyone who wants something a bit more meaty. This will tear up those heavy-duty jobs with ease – and then some.
Makita 25.4 cc. Pole Hedge Trimmer
I’m very glad I found this product to include in this review as it’s one of the finest commercial-grade hedge trimmers available.
Makita’s four-stroke, 25.4cc pole hedge trimmer gives you plenty of power and more than enough reach to tackle taller hedges, shrubs, and trees. The powerful motor gives you 4,600 SPM, while mechanical automatic engine decompression significantly improves start-up.
With a commercial-duty air filter, oil port, and drain plug that are all easily accessible, steel drive shaft for reduced vibration and longer life, and captured control wires to reduce snagging and improve durability, this is a serious piece of kit from Japan’s top tool manufacturer.
Pros
- Name to trust.
- Built to last.
- Easy to maintain.
- Blade cover included.
- Translucent fuel tank.
- No need for fuel mix.
Cons
- Really only suitable for tall or very large hedges and shrubs.
Conclusion
While you could use this beast of a machine for regular-sized hedgerows, it’s designed for the big boys on your block. Still, it’s a top-quality product from a top-quality manufacturer who is very highly-rated by the professionals.
How to Choose the Right Gas Hedge Trimmer for You
There’s a lot of things to consider before buying a new power tool – especially if you’re spending a fair bit of coin on it.
Let’s examine some things you should look out for before making your purchase of a new, gas-powered hedge trimmer – and hopefully helping you select the right one.
Engine Size and Type
The larger the engine, the more powerful the hedge trimmer is going to be. However, there are obvious limitations with this, as you can’t have anything too big otherwise it would be impossible to lift.
For the most part, gas-powered hedge trimmers for use around the grounds of the household will be up to around a maximum of 26cc.
This can either be a two-stroke or a four-stroke engine, but while four-stroke engines don’t require the fuel to oil mix to run, and they’re a lot quieter, two-stroke engines are so much more powerful.
That is why most gas-powered hedge trimmers will be of the two-stroke (or cycle) variety. For most residential hedge cutting purposes, you won’t need much more than this.
Hedge Size and Type
Choosing the right hedge trimmer is essential to achieving the best results when it comes to trimming your unruly hedges.
With that in mind, it’s a good idea to check the size of your shrubbery to ascertain the best tool for the job.
It might not always be a gas-powered machine. For many homeowners, it can be more suitable to opt for an electric hedge trimmer.
If you think that is the way to go, read my article on most popular electric hedge trimmers for more information.
I would recommend a gas-powered hedge trimmer if you’ve got a lot of medium to large hedges, and you’ve got plenty of square footage to cover before you can finish the job.
For taller hedges that are at least five feet and over, you should consider using a pole hedge trimmer. They’ll make life a lot easier, as using gas-powered hedge trimmers with a step ladder isn’t the safest idea.
At the very least, buy something with a longer blade, anything around 20-inches and over. Having a rotating handle is also ideal for assisting in hard-to-reach areas, too.
The thickness of your hedges will also help you decide if you should use a gas-powered or electric trimmer – or even if you could get away with doing it by hand with a pair of shears.
Gas-powered hedge trimmers can cut branches of up to 1.5-inches thick, so if you’re regularly trying to trim foliage of this size, then an electric trimmer isn’t going to cut it and gas is the way forward.
Blade Length
The length of the hedge trimmer blade can impact your choice significantly, depending on what you want to use it for and how much coverage you need.
Obviously, a longer blade means it will take you fewer passes to cover the hedge. However, longer blades are also harder to maneuver, and might not be suitable if you need to shape or sculpt more delicate work.
Consider the balance of the machine, too – a lengthy blade might be too cumbersome for many people. It will come down to personal preference and how much hedge you need to trim.
Fuel Capacity
Another huge advantage over electric hedge trimmers is that gas-powered versions can run and run. They’ll last hours before running out of fuel.
However, they all have different fuel capacities, and it’s worth noting which models will last the longest – particularly if you have a large area to cover.
Remember that you can’t use straight up gasoline in a two-stroke engine – it needs to be an oil and gas mix.
The precise ratio for your chosen model will be included in the manufacturer’s instructions. Failing to adhere to this will damage the engine.
Handle Design
For comfortable and safe use of a gas-powered hedge trimmer (or any good trimmer for that matter) pay attention to the handle configuration.
Oversized, wrap-around handles are ideal as they will give you the most control – especially when switching from cutting vertically and horizontally.
Full-length triggers can reduce hand fatigue and are more comfortable to use.
For extra maneuverability, look out for rotating handles. The rear handle can move through 180-degrees to offer the best possible control and angle over your cut.
Weight
Gas-powered tools are generally much heavier than their electric counterparts – and this is especially true of hedge trimmers.
You’ll rarely find a gas-powered hedge trimmer that’s much lighter than 10 lbs. A good one, anyway.
Bear that in mind when purchasing – you need to be able to hold and control the machine comfortably. If you can’t, you could be risking injury, or possibly ruining your hedges or the tool itself.
Remember that even the lightest models will start to weigh heavy after a while. Don’t overstretch yourself and be honest with your strength and ability.
It’s very important that you are comfortable using heavy-duty power tools – both for yourself and others around you.
Cost
Gas-powered tools are nearly always more expensive than electric, sometimes by a considerable margin.
These machines don’t come cheap, but always try to buy the best you can afford – providing it suits the job you’re buying it to do.
There’s no need to spend a fortune – especially if you don’t actually have that much hedge to trim. Use a bit of common sense when budgeting for the model you want.
FAQs
What Is a Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer?
Simply put, a gas-powered hedge trimmer is a tool that is used to cut or trim hedgerows, shrubs, light trees, and bushes. They were invented back in the 1950s and made available to the public in 1955.
It uses gasoline to run and is usually much more powerful than electric hedge trimmers.
However, they are heavier, can often be difficult to start, and cost more in maintenance, upkeep costs, and fuel.
Using a gas-powered hedge trimmer is ideal if you have a large area to take care of, or if the foliage is particularly tough or dense.
What Is The Best Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer?
That’s a decision I will leave up to you. For many people, it comes down to personal preference and it’s impossible to pick one that stands above the rest.
But the brands you should be looking out for are all represented here. Makita, Husqvarna, Poulan Pro, Echo, and Senix are all good gas-powered hedge trimmer manufacturers.
Is a Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer Better Than an Electric Hedge Trimmer?
It depends entirely on what you’re using it for.
Electric hedge trimmers have several advantages. They don’t need fuel, they need little maintenance, they’re much cheaper, lighter, quieter, and have zero emissions.
Gas-powered hedge trimmers are nowhere near as eco-friendly. They use fuel and oil (which results in spillage and waste), make a lot of noise pollution, give off fumes, (which is illegal in certain states), they can be very heavy and are expensive to maintain.
So, one might ask what’s the use of a gas trimmer?
Range and power is the answer.
For cutting tougher, larger foliage for longer, gas-powered hedge trimmers win hands down. They are commercial-grade tools available in the home.
It’s up to you to decide which version is right for you.
How Much Does a Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer Cost?
Gas-powered hedge trimmers are generally more expensive than electric, so expect to be paying anywhere between $130-$600 on average.
How Do You Use a Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer?
Gas-powered hedge trimmers can be tricky to start, but once you get going, you use them much the same way that you would an electric hedge trimmer.
Watch the video below for advice on how to start your gas-powered machine.
For more tips and advice on how to trim your hedges neatly and effectively, the internet is a great resource. Check out YouTube for loads of videos of the pros showing you how it’s done.
How Loud Are Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmers?
It really depends on the trimmer, but gas-powered machines are always very loud.
The exact decibel levels will vary, but when they go toe-to-toe with electric models, you can clearly hear the difference.
Some makes and models claim to have quiet-running technology, but in the end, you’re still going to need ear protection and your neighbors won’t thank you.
How Do You Maintain a Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer?
In order to keep it running as efficiently as possible with the best level of performance, you should seek to regularly maintain and look after a gas-powered hedge trimmer.
After each use, inspect the machine for any damage. Check the fuel lines and gas tank are not leaking or cracking. Check that the air filter is clean, unbroken and fits with a solid seal.
Clean off any vegetation or other material that might still be stuck in the blades.
If required, you might need to replace the air filter, the fuel filter, and the spark plug. Check them before and after each use and if there is any damage or discoloration, consider replacing immediately.
Spark plugs should be replaced roughly around every 100 hours of use.
Don’t forget to empty out the fuel tank if you’re looking to store the trimmer long-term.
For information on how to sharpen and maintain the blades, see the video below.
Also, if you’re looking for your own sharpening tool, I’ve written an article on lawn mower blade sharpeners. But you’ll also find good options for a gas hedge trimmer, such as a good quality bastard file.
What Safety Equipment Do I Need For a Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer?
So glad you asked. Being more powerful and generally a lot more dangerous, gas-powered hedge trimmers require a lot of safety wear and equipment when in use every single time.
Eye goggles are very important, as is ear protection. Whereas you might get away with not wearing ear protectors with an electric model, for gas they are essential.
Good quality work gloves are vital. They’ll offer you a solid grip on the hedge trimmer, and will help reduce vibration and fatigue.
Wear a high-visibility jacket if you’re hedge trimming in public areas – even if it’s outside your home. Roadways and walkways are particularly dangerous for passersby and traffic, so it’s important to be seen.
Wear a hard-hat if you’re cutting trees or any heavy vegetation over head height.
For your general clothing, wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toed shoes. Hedge cutting in sandals or flip-flops is not a good idea. Flying branches and twigs can be lethal.
Don’t cut corners – at least not when it comes to safety.
This also means you should also be using it for trimming hedges and nothing more serious. If you are dealing with tree stumps, just get a stump killer and avoid damaging your tools and causing safety issues to yourself.
Summary
I hope this little review and guide has pointed you in the right direction for finding the right gas hedge trimmer for your needs.
If I were in the market for such a tool, I would choose the Husqvarna HD60. It’s well-built, relatively lightweight, highly rated, and at an affordable price-point.
It also looks the business. I wish I had hedges just so I could cut them with that beast.
Let me know which machine you’re thinking of purchasing and why.
Stay safe and happy hedge trimming!