What Is a Brushless Hedge Trimmer?

Hedge trimmers are extremely versatile tools that are designed to do more than just trim your hedges. Due to their increasing demand, several manufacturers are providing hedge trimmers in lots of different variations. 

The different types of hedge trimmers include gas-powered, electric corded, and cordless battery-powered hedge trimmers. These are not the only variations when it comes to hedge trimmers, though.

Some hedge trimmers come with a brushless motor, while others come with a traditional brushed motor. Each of these components can have a huge impact on the efficiency and working of your hedge trimmer, so it is important to understand their specifications before you make your purchase.

If you are confused between brushless hedge trimmer vs hedge trimmer, you have come to the right place. With the wide variety of options available in the market, beginners often find it hard to decide which type of hedge trimmer will suit their needs best.

This article discusses brushless hedge trimmers in detail, including their specifications, benefits, and factors that you should keep in mind when browsing for one.

What Does a Brushless Hedge Trimmer Mean?

A brushless hedge trimmer is a type of gardening tool that uses a brushless electric motor to power its blades instead of a traditional brushed motor. Hedge trimmers are equipped with a pair of sharp blades that move back and forth to trim and shape hedges, bushes, and shrubs. 

Hedge trimmers that come with brushed motors pass electricity through strips of metal which are called brushes. These brushes conduct electricity, which magnetizes the coils and provides power to the hedge trimmer. 

Brushless hedge trimmers make use of electromagnets in the engine that power the hedge trimmer. Electricity is conducted through these electromagnets and is transferred to the magnetic rotors for efficient operation.

Most brushless hedge trimmers tend to be cordless and are powered by rechargeable batteries. Corded and gas-powered electric hedge trimmers usually come with a brushed motor, but there are some exceptions to this.

Brushless hedge trimmers have a lot of benefits over those that are equipped with a brushed motor, and these are discussed in the next section.

Related: How to Use a Hedge Trimmer in Simple and Easy Ways

What Are The Benefits of Brushless Hedge Trimmers?

Higher Efficiency

Brushless hedge trimmers are typically cordless and powered by rechargeable batteries, making them more convenient to use and maneuver compared to corded models. They are a great choice for those who want an efficient, reliable, and low-maintenance tool for maintaining their garden.

The battery life of brushless hedge trimmers also tends to be longer than brushed motors, which means that you can use them for hours on end without any disturbance. The lack of brushes in the motor means less friction and less wear and tear on the internal components, resulting in a longer lifespan of the tool.

Some brushed motors can generate sparks during operation, which means that brushless hedge trimmers are safer to use in comparison to traditional ones. Since brushless motors operate more efficiently, they have a longer lifespan compared to brushed motors.

Less Heat

The lack of friction also means that less heat is produced, which can be attributed to the winding mechanism of brushless motors. This mechanism is typically present on the casing of the hedge trimmer instead of being located on the inside, which means less heat is produced inside the motor.

Lower heat means that the motors and batteries won’t wear out as much, leading to a longer life.

More Responsive

Brushless hedge trimmers tend to be more responsive than those with a brushed motor, which means that less effort will be needed on your part to operate them. The internal sensors and computer chips make brushless motors smart enough to adjust their speed, torque, and power supply as needed. 

Brushed motors do not have this ability, as they cannot automatically adjust their settings. For this reason, more effort is needed to make sure they are running efficiently. 

Lightweight and Quiet

Another benefit of brushless hedge trimmers is that the lack of brushes and commutators in the motor makes them more lightweight than hedge trimmers with brushed motors. They also tend to be smaller in size, making them easier to operate and store in compact spaces when not in use.

Brushless motors also ensure a smooth and quiet operation thanks to the lower amount of friction and vibration. This means that you can comfortably operate them even if you are not wearing ear protection.

More Environmentally-friendly

Brushless hedge trimmers are more environmentally friendly, as they don’t produce harmful emissions, unlike a few traditional hedge trimmers. For this reason, many gardeners prefer brushless hedge trimmers instead of traditional ones that run on brushed motors.

Related: How To Maintain Hedge Trimmer

Things To Consider Before Purchasing a Brushless Hedge Trimmer

The wide variety of brushless hedge trimmers in the market can make it difficult to decide which one will best suit your specific needs. By keeping the following factors in mind, you will be able to make an informed decision.

Power

Brushless hedge trimmers are generally powerful tools, but the amount of power that they provide can vary greatly among different models. The type of hedge trimmers can have a considerable impact on their power.

Gas hedge trimmers tend to be more powerful than their electric counterparts, but most brushless electric hedge trimmers offer a variety of voltages. If you want to trim hedges, small branches, bushes, and vines, brushless hedge trimmers ranging from low to moderate voltages are typically sufficient. 

For large-sized wedges and thick branches, you will need to select one that provides high voltage. Just make sure that the brushless hedge trimmer you choose is efficient enough for your needs.

Length

The length of the blades can also have an impact on the working of a hedge trimmer. Brushless hedge trimmers that come with long blades have the ability to trim hedges more evenly. Usually, an 18-inch blade is sufficient for most of your trimming needs.

If your hedges or bushes are larger than usual, you can opt for a 20-inch blade as well. Just make sure that you have enough space to operate the tool easily. Long blades can be difficult to manage and keep under control if they are being operated in tight spaces.

For beginners, short blades are recommended because they are easier to maneuver than long blades. Always remember to wear protective clothing and keep other security considerations in mind when operating a brushless hedge trimmer.

Blade Types

The length of the blades is one of many factors that will impact your hedge trimming. There are two main types of blades when it comes to hedge trimmers: single-sided and double-sided. 

Single-sided blades are easier to operate and control as you can conveniently keep the side with blades away from you and towards the hedges. Double-sided blades are only recommended for experienced individuals, and they have the benefit of speeding up your work, as they can cut from both sides.

Also, the blade gap, which is the distance between the teeth of the blades, can affect the efficiency of your brushless hedge trimmer. For home use, blade teeth that have a distance of about 3/4th of an inch are ideal, but some commercial brushless trimmers also come with a distance of 1 inch between the teeth.

Related: How to Adjust Hedge Trimmer Blades

Ease of Use

The operation of brushless hedge trimmers depends on their weight and the amount of maintenance they require. The more lightweight a hedge trimmer is, the easier it will be to maneuver. You won’t need to put in a lot of effort, and you won’t get tired quickly with a lightweight hedge trimmer.

Cordless and rechargeable brushless motors are easier to use and maintain than gas-powered ones. Gas-powered hedge trimmers also require more effort to start, while electric ones can start quickly. 

Durability

One of the most important factors that you should consider is the durability of your brushless hedge trimmer. This is because they are expensive tools, and you want them to last a long time. 

Make sure that the materials used in its construction are high quality and can withstand a considerable amount of wear and tear. Look for brands that are known to manufacture high-quality tools at reasonable prices. 

You can read the reviews of previous customers to get a better idea about the durability of a brushless hedge trimmer. It is important to ensure that you are getting value for the price you are paying.

Packaging

The brushless hedge trimmer you purchase should come in a well-packaged box that will keep the tool protected during the shipping process. You don’t want to end up with missing or broken parts. 

The package should include a comprehensive instructions manual so that you can refer to it whenever you are confused about a certain part of working. The manual should also include all the important safety precautions that need to be followed during operation.

Some brands also provide convenient carry cases in the packaging, which makes it convenient to store the trimmers properly when they are not in use. You can use these carry cases to transport your brushless hedge trimmer from one place to another.

Warranty

We recommend purchasing from companies that provide good customer service along with some form of warranty or guarantee on their brushless hedge trimmers. There is nothing worse than being stuck with a product that you are not satisfied with.

Look for the return and refund policies as well, and make sure they are convenient for you. You should be able to contact their customer support team in case you face any issues.

The Best Brushless Hedge Trimmers Brands

There are several brands in the market that produce brushless hedge trimmers, but there are a few that stand out from others due to their high quality and cost-effective prices. 

Stihl

Stihl easily takes the lead in being one of the top markets in the brand for brushless hedge trimmers. Their products tend to be lightweight, durable, and reasonably priced. An instructions manual is always present in the packaging for your convenience.

You will find a lot of variety as Stihl manufactures gas-powered, electric, and battery-operated hedge trimmers. This means that you can easily find one that meets your specific requirements.

Also: How To Use Stihl Hedge Trimmer

Ego

Ego is another popular brand when it comes to brushless hedge trimmers. The Ego brushless hedge trimmer is known for its high quality and light weight, and it was one of the first cordless hedge trimmers with a brushless motor.

Being the pioneer in this regard, you can trust Ego to provide quick and easy operation at market-competitive rates.

Ryobi

Many customers that have used Ryobi brushless hedge trimmers have been satisfied with their purchase. What customers like most is that their batteries tend to last long, and they are generally easy to use.

We recommend beginners purchase Ryobi hedge trimmers because they are easy to maneuver and do not require a lot of getting used to. The brand also takes the safety of its customers seriously.

Related:How To Use Ryobi Hedge Trimmer – An Ultimate Guide