Three top hedge trimmers from a leading European manufacturer

Stihl has a well-established reputation n for manufacturing some of the most sound and hard-working garden machinery in the world.
Often the choice of professional gardeners their hedge trimmers are similarly renowned and as now is the season to think about giving hedges their first trim of the year, here are four cracking machines from their extensive range.
First is the Stihl HSE electric hedgetrimmer

light in weight and very powerful in performance.
At its heart is a 600 Watt motor and a pair of 60 cm dual reciprocating blades. These have a tooth gap of 36 mm making them suitable for tackling thicker hedges.
It has a cable strain feature meaning you won’t accidentally pull out the power cable.
The handle rotates through 180 degrees through five angles making it suitable for sides and more decorative sections as well.
Weighing just 4.1 kg it is light to use it has a safety switch meaning you have to use both hands to operate it, a useful safety feature.
The maker’s recommended price is £200 but we have it for £189. There is a two year warranty from Stihl and delivery is free within two to three working days.
The second from this company is the STIHL HS46CE Petrol Hedge Trimmer, a powerful petrol powered model with a 21.4 cc engine and has a single control for choke, throttle and engine switch.
It also has a special starting system needing less force on the recoil cord.
Double-reciprocating blades give a fast, clean cut even through thicker branches and the cutting bar is 55 cm long making it suitable for longer hedges.
The electronic ignition is enclosed, protecting it from the usual grime thrown up when cutting hedges.
It costs £349 compared with the maker’s recommended price of £379. Delivery is free within two to three working days and there is a two year manufacturer’s warranty.
And this machine is one of the best long reach hedge trimmers you can buy.
The STIHL HL95/135 Long Reach Hedgetrimmer with adjustable blade is ideal for tall or wide hedges and has a 28.4 cc engine which has both two and four stroke capabilities.
This gives better fuel use less vibration and increased torque and engine acceleration plus a decompression valve makes starting much easier.
This one has 50 cm double sided blaes which can turn through 135 degrees so it can cut under hedges as well as the tops.

A padded harness and vibration dampers mean it can be used for longer periods with less fatigue.
It costs £639 – the maker’s recommended price is £696 – and has a two year warranty.
Delivery is free within two to three working days.