Given the seemingly overwhelming selection of garden power tools available, the primary consideration in purchasing either a lawnmower or a hedge trimmer needs to be the purpose for which it will be used. The size of the lawn or hedge to be cut (along with cost) will determine the most appropriate type of machine to buy.

BUYING A LAWNMOWER
A lawnmower may be propelled by hand, or powered by mains electricity, battery or petrol. The blade may be a spiral shaped cylinder or a flat, rotating blade. Various combinations are available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Cylinder Mower
A cylinder mower has spiral shaped blades that roll across a fixed blade, cutting with a scissor action. This gives a neat and precise finish to the lawn. However, the blades must be set with precision and sharpened regularly. Cylinder mowers do not cut long grass well, and are usually relatively expensive.

Rotary Mower
A rotary mower is a wheeled machine, with a rapidly rotating horizontal blade. The blade can be adjusted, depending on the length of grass. Such machines are relatively inexpensive, but are noisy and the smaller models have no grass collection mechanism.

Hover Mower
Hover mowers cuts with a high-speed horizontal blade, similar to a rotary mower, under a plastic canopy. The blade creates an air cushion, on which the machine "hovers," negating the need for wheels. They are usually electric, but petrol-driven models are available. Hover mowers are generally inexpensive, lightweight and cut well on slopes and uneven terrain. However, these too are noisy and achieving an even cut is difficult. Electric models cannot be used safely on wet grass.

Mulch Mower
Mulch mowers work in much the same fashion as rotary mowers, but cuts the grass clippings very finely, blowing them back onto the lawn as mulch, feeding the lawn at the same time. However, only large sizes are freely available and are expensive. A neat, close cut is not possible with this type of machine.

BUYING A HEDGE TRIMMER
A hedge trimmer can be a useful addition to a garden tool collection, if a property includes hedges and shrubs. As with a lawnmower, choosing a hedge trimmer is dependent on what it is intended to cut.

The blades on a hedge trimmer consist of two flat metal plates with tooth-lined edges. The spacing of the teeth on the blade will determine the size of the branches that can be cut. For example if the tooth gap is 15mm, the blade will cut branches up to 15mm in diameter. If a branch cannot get between the teeth, it cannot be cut. Be certain to examine the hedges / shrubs to be cut and determine the required tooth gap. Professional trimmers have blade gaps of 25mm+, while D.I.Y. models have gaps of 10mm to 20mm. Different models of hedge trimmers have different lengths of blade, typically between 400mm and 600mm long. Longer blades will cut more in one go, but can be difficult to control and require a more powerful motor than a shorter blade with the same tooth gap. The use of any hedge trimmer can be hard work, as it involves holding the machine in midair for long periods. Any purchasing decision should take into account the weight, balance and vibration of a trimmer. A hedge trimmer requires both hands, so ensure there is a handle for each.

Available Options

Electric Corded Hedge Trimmers
Electric trimmers are light, quiet, require minimal maintenance and are relatively cheap. Better models perform as well as their petrol-driven counterparts.

Cordless Electric Hedge Trimmers
Cordless trimmers combine the mobility of petrol models with the convenience, clean running and easy maintenance of corded electric trimmers, by way of a battery (usually 18 or 24 volt). However, these trimmers offer relatively poor cutting power, along with the inconvenience of recharging batteries. Typical running times are as little as 30 minutes. They can also cost as much as some petrol-powered models.

Petrol Hedge Trimmers
A petrol-driven trimmer can access remote areas that a corded electric trimmer can't reach. However, they need fuel to be mixed and pull starting can often prove troublesome. Petrol trimmers are also the most expensive option.

Garden Power Tool Safety
As with any type of power tool, several safety guidelines should be followed when power tools in the garden:
  • ALWAYS wear appropriate footwear, ear and eye protection.
  • ALWAYS turn off and unplug any electrical machine before effecting adjustments.
  • ALWAYS use a Residual Current Device with electrical equipment.
  • ALWAYS feed the cable over your shoulder when using a hand-controlled machine, to prevent cutting through it.
  • ALWAYS ensure that electric power tools are properly insulated and any extension cable is orange, so that it is visible.
  • NEVER use any cable that has signs of damage to insulation or connectors.
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gardening tools superstore - extensive collection of gardening tools & accessories. includes fast and cheap dispatch worldwide. browse our large collection of gardening tools & accessories including lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, ladders, power tools, strimme. .
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Self propelled mower 35 cc engine qualcast boch engine used 2 times cost £500 new accept ofers around £225.
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Jcb lawn mower, only used a few times, 3 cutting settings and its still in box, in great condition, reason for sale is that we are moving abroad so if interested please phone 01594564413.
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