How Many Watts Does a Hedge Trimmer Use and Why Is It Important?

Imagine being in the midst of trimming your garden hedges and suddenly you start thinking about the power consumption of your hedge trimmer. You would be thinking about how much power or electricity is being consumed by it. 

As gardening enthusiasts, our first priority is to ensure that every angle of our garden is well-maintained and beautifully cut. 

That is the sole reason we invest in high-quality tools like hedge trimmers. But many people don’t even concern themselves with power consumption, which is one of the most important factors when it comes to hedge trimmers. 

So, if you have also wondered about the power consumption of your hedge trimmer and the number of watts used by them, then you have come to just the right place. 

In this article, we will delve into these details and do a complete power consumption breakdown of hedge trimmers. 

Why Is Wattage Important?

Watts refers to the power output and performance of a hedge trimmer. Specifically, it refers to the amount of power that is consumed in a machine during its operation. 

So, it is directly related to both power and performance. Higher wattage means increased efficiency and more cutting capacity while lower wattage means low efficiency and cutting capacity. 

Hence, understanding the wattage can help you make an informed decision when it comes to selecting or purchasing a hedge trimmer. 

Different Types of Hedge Trimmers Have Different Wattage

The power consumption and output of each type of hedge trimmer are different. While they can be related and compared to one another, understanding the difference between them is crucial. 

Electric Hedge Trimmers

Electric hedge trimmers are typically used for residential gardening tasks. They are very economical and easy to use if there is a power outlet nearby. 

These trimmers are known for their consistent power output, lightweight design, and quiet performance. 

Electric hedge trimmers typically have a power range of 400 to 700 watts. So, for small to medium-sized hedges, the average power of 600 watts is considered good enough. 

Also Read: Why Is My Electric Hedge Trimmer Not Working

Cordless/Battery-Powered Hedge Trimmers

If you don’t want to be limited by corded options, then battery-powered hedge trimmers are your next best bet. 

Although a little expensive, these tools come with rechargeable batteries. However, they have a different power consumption system. 

Instead of watts, their power is measured in volts. So, you have batteries ranging from 18 to 80 volts depending on the model of your hedge trimmer and the battery capacity. 

However, when considering the power output, it is true that the power output of battery-powered hedge trimmers is not as consistent as corded hedge trimmers. 

So, one can argue that it might be a little on the lower end compared to the corded models. However, there are some new hedge trimmers that are designed with advanced technology to give gas-like performance. 

Also Read: Does RIDGID Make a Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Petrol/Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmers

These are the most powerful hedge trimmers designed for professional and commercial applications. For petrol hedge trimmers, the watts do not denote the power consumption but rather the power output. 

It is usually higher than both types of electric hedge trimmers and hence is sometimes measured in horsepower rather than just watts. 1 horsepower equals 745.7 watts. 

If you are going after larger hedges and thicker branches, then this one is ideal. Usually, their wattage starts around 500 watts and goes as high as 1500 watts or 2hp. 

Gas-powered tools are more difficult to maintain. They are bulkier, and noisier, and generate fumes which makes them less eco-friendly. 

Other Factors That Influence Wattage 

Besides the type of hedge trimmer, there are also some other factors that can influence the wattage of a hedge trimmer. 

The most prominent of these, which would immediately allow you to guess whether a particular tool has a high wattage or lower, is the blade length and design. 

It must be obvious that longer blades require more power, so those machines will have a higher number of watts as compared to hedge trimmers with shorter blades. 

In terms of design, the T-version of hedge-trimmers have lower wattage as they are designed for trimming thin branched hedges while the R0version design has higher wattage as it is for cutting overgrown and thicker vegetation. 

Other than that, motor efficiency is also an influential factor. Modern and advanced trimmers come with brushless motor technology that provides higher efficiency and more torque for gas-like performance. 

So, higher efficiency means that the motor will be able to generate better power and performance and offer better energy utilization. This means even slightly lower wattage will give more power output because of higher efficiency. 

Related: What Size Hedge Trimmer Do I Need

How to Find How Many Watts Does a Hedge Trimmer Use?

There are several approaches you can take to find the number of watts on a hedge trimmer. 

• Take a look at the user manual as it is the most reliable source. The manufacturers always include all the details here. 
• You can also look at the info plate on the machine itself to see how many watts the hedge trimmer has. 
• If you are purchasing an old or used hedge trimmer, and you don’t have access to either of the above, then you can check for online resources. 
• If nothing works, you can always get the wattage meters to check the precise power consumption of your hedge trimmer. You can purchase one and use it to get accurate results. 

What Is the Ideal Wattage for My Hedge Trimmer?

Well, if you want to purchase a hedge trimmer based on wattage, then you will have to consider several factors to select the ideal one. 

Here are some of the most important of those that are decisive in the choice of the right hedge trimmer. 

Garden Size and Application

First of all, consider the size of the garden you have. If you are just going to maintain a small backyard garden with hedges, then a corded option is your best bet. It will be economical and also very efficient. 

For a larger home garden, the battery-powered option is a good choice. It is portable and provides quiet and eco-friendly operation.

For heavy-duty, semi-professional, and professional applications, gas-powered options are the best choice. 

Power and Performance

The power and performance are directly related to the wattage. The higher the number of watts a hedge trimmer possesses, the better performance you are going to receive from it.

So, if you have hedges with thicker vegetation and branches, then you are going to need more power to take care of the task swiftly which means you need a hedge trimmer with higher wattage. 

However, if there are just thick branches and small to medium-sized hedges, then you can do fine with an average 600-watt hedge trimmer. 

User Comfort

The ergonomic features on a hedge trimmer are responsible for the comfort of the user. A comfortable grip on the handle and a lightweight design is essential, especially for beginners. 

So, you must consider these factors when you are purchasing a hedge trimmer. In your pursuit of higher wattage, don’t forget user comfort. A hedge trimmer is no good if you cannot handle it properly. 

Budget

Your budget is one of the most limiting factors. You must keep the budget in mind when you are selecting a hedge trimmer. Purchasing a good tool is always a good investment, but you should never leap too far from your budget. 

Seeking Expert Advice

You can always consult an expert or professional, explain your needs and budget to them and get expert advice on which hedge trimmer would suit you best. 

Related: What Gauge Extension Cord for Hedge Trimmer

Frequently Asked Questions

How much electricity does a hedge trimmer use?

An electric hedge trimmer can consume anywhere between 300 to 900 watts of power. On average, a 600-watt hedge trimmer is considered a good choice for residential applications, designed for small to medium-sized hedges. 

How powerful a hedge trimmer do I need?

That will depend on various factors including the size of your garden, the size of the hedges, and your budget. For heavy-duty applications, you will need a powerful hedge trimmer on the higher end. 

How many watts does a single-sided hedge trimmer use?

Single-sided hedge trimmers are lighter in weight, and much more efficient. Although they cost a bit more, their power consumption is lower than dual-blade hedge trimmers. So, they are around 200 to 700 watts. 

How many amps is a hedge trimmer?

An electric hedge trimmer is around 2.5 to 4.8 amps. The battery-powered hedge trimmers can be higher and consume up to 7 amps of power. Higher amps will mean more power consumption. 

Wrapping Up! How Many Watts Does a Hedge Trimmer Use?

To sum it all up, a hedge trimmer’s wattage is not very simple to calculate. It depends on several factors including the type of hedge trimmer, the length of the blade, and also the design. 

An electric hedge trimmer typically consumes 300 to 900 watts of power. The power consumption of battery-powered hedge trimmers is denoted in volts which is between 20 to 80 volts. 

As for gas or petrol hedge trimmers, the watts denote the power output. On average, a 600-watt hedge trimmer is considered good enough for small to medium-sized hedges and residential applications. 

I hope the above guide helped you in understanding the wattage and its importance for a hedge trimmer. 

If you still have some questions, you can drop them in the comments section below and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Good Luck!