Trim Like A Pro: The Best Petrol Hedge Trimmers

Fuel your hedge-trimming ability with our handpicked selection of petrol hedge trimmers.
✅ Tried & Tested: See Our Testing ↓
Written & Tested By: Archie Rich | Updated:
Jump To Products ↓
Best Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Archie Rich/DIY Works
DIY Works is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Find out more.

Although the cordless alternatives are more popular, petrol hedge trimmers benefit from the fact that the runtime of a battery doesn’t restrict them. Therefore, petrol machines are the best option for professionals or those who need to tackle many hedges with thick branches.

It’s worth pointing out that compared to petrol-powered hedge trimmers of the past, the latest offerings now emit less emissions and are much lighter, making them easier to handle for your “average gardener”.

To assist you in selecting a petrol hedge trimmer, our handpicked selection lists top-performing models, chosen based on our first-hand experience using multiple petrol machines to cut an array of hedges. Our testing and up-to-date research further ensure the quality of our recommendations.

Our Top Picks At A Glance:

Einhell GE-PH 2555A 2-Stroke
Best Overall: Einhell GE-PH 2555A 2-Stroke
Read More
Stihl HS45 Professional Hedge Trimmer
Best Professional: Stihl HS45 Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Read More
Mcculloch HT 5622 Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Easiest To Use: Mcculloch HT 5622 Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Read More
Mountfield MHT 2322 Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Best Value: Mountfield MHT 2322 Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Read More
Mitox 28LH-a Long Reach Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Best Long Reach: Mitox 28LH-a Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Read More
ParkerBrand 5-in-1 Petrol Garden Tool
Most Versatile: ParkerBrand 5-in-1 Petrol Garden Tool
Read More

How The DIY Works Team Tests & Rates Petrol Hedge Trimmers

Over the years, we’ve tackled a range of overgrown hedges (conifers, bamboo, cherry laurel and many others) in our garden and various other properties.

To cut the hedges, we’ve tried and tested multiple hedge trimmers that included electric and petrol machines. Although petrol-powered hedge trimmers are the preferred choice of many professionals and enthusiasts, they’ve come down in price quite significantly and are now a more viable option for domestic use.

One of our most satisfying experiences using a petrol hedge trimmer involved shaping a huge conifer hedge and we were able to do so without the restriction of a power cable or battery (as shown in the images below).

best hedge trimmer petrol

Archie Rich/DIY Works
best petrol hedge trimmer uk

Archie Rich/DIY Works

During our ongoing testing, we analyse the machine’s performance, ease of use and starting, build quality and ergonomics.

To keep up our commitment to reviewing and testing the latest petrol hedge trimmers (for this article), we are continually testing the latest offerings from top brands in the UK. This means that when we notice a brand has released a new and improved machine, we will attempt to buy it and put it to the test where applicable.

As well as our testing and experience using multiple petrol hedge trimmers, we also based our recommendations on the latest research and several factors. Some of the factors that we took into consideration included the engine, cutting performance, blade size, additional features, weight, warranty and value for money.

The Best Petrol Hedge Trimmers

At DIY Works, our content is 100% independent and we would never recommend a product that we wouldn't use ourselves (read our editorial standards and how we test products).

1. Best Overall: Einhell GE-PH 2555A 2-Stroke

(How We Review →)

By far the most popular petrol hedge trimmer on the market is the Einhell GE-PH 2555A. It uses a two-stroke 25cc engine and a 55 cm blade to effortlessly cut hedges and branches up to 19 mm in thickness.

According to the brand, the machine has been designed with usability in mind and this can be seen by the easy start system, larger petrol filler hole and the anti-vibration dampening system.

Pros
  • Powerful 25cc engine
    •
  • New and improved design
    •
  • Adjustable handle for user comfort
    •
  • Large petrol tank (0.33 litre)
    •
  • During testing, we felt that the anti-vibration dampening system made a big difference
Cons
  • 22cm cutting capacity is a lot less than many of the alternatives

Overall, the Einhell GE-PH 2555A is an excellent all-round petrol hedge trimmer that really does tick all the boxes. Compared to similarly priced alternatives, it’s more powerful and includes a longer warranty too. Depending upon your budget, the brand also provides a more heavy-duty option that offers additional performance.

2. Best Professional: Stihl HS45 Petrol Hedge Trimmer

(How We Review →)

Stihl is the “go-to” tools brand for most professional gardeners and although most of their tools come with a premium price tag, the quality can’t be beaten. The HS45 hedge trimmer is a great example of their reputation and it’s ideal for trimming any type of hedge with its dual-sided and dual-action blade.

Pros
  • Powered by a 27.2 cc 2-stroke air cooled engine
    •
  • Pre-assembled in the box
    •
  • Electronic ignition system for easy starting
    •
  • Features the desirable anti-vibration system
    •
  • Long life air filter system
    •
  • Relatively lightweight at 5KG
    •
  • Large cutting capacity of 30cm
Cons
  • Most expensive petrol hedge trimmer within our roundup

Whether you are a gardening enthusiast or professional, the Stihl HS45 is the ultimate petrol hedge trimmer. However, as it’s a Stihl machine, it does come with an expensive price tag which may put off the average gardener.

3. Easiest To Use: Mcculloch HT 5622 Petrol Hedge Trimmer

(How We Review →)

Another popular petrol hedge trimmer is the Mcculloch HT 5622 and it’s the perfect solution for domestic hedge trimming. It uses a smaller 22cc engine and a 56 cm blade which makes it lightweight at just 5.2 KG. The brand produces other lightweight models but the 5622 is the best combination of a lightweight construction and performance.

Pros
  • Soft start functionality
    •
  • Dual-action blades
    •
  • Backed by a 1 year warranty
    •
  • Anti-vibration system
    •
  • Adjustable rear handle
Cons
  • Due to its smaller size, it takes longer to cut large or overgrown hedges

To conclude, the Mcculloch HT 5622 is a great option to consider because it’s lightweight, well-made and easy to use. Whether you need to cut a conifer or cherry laurel, it’s the perfect machine for the job.

4. Best Value: Mountfield MHT 2322 Petrol Hedge Trimmer

(How We Review →)

Another petrol hedge trimmer that uses a 22cc two-stroke engine is the Mountfield MHT 2322. However, unlike the Mcculloch machine above, this model uses a 70 cm blade that has an impressive cutting capacity of 27 mm.

Pros
  • 180 degree adjustable grip
    •
  • High performing dual-action blades
    •
  • Blade tip protection system
    •
  • Backed by a 2 year warranty
    •
  • Large 70cm blade and 27mm cutting capacity
    •
  • Offers great value for the money
Cons
  • The additional size makes it slightly heavier and sometimes more difficult to use

If you need to cut thick hedges but don’t want to pay the premium price tag for a Stihl machine, the Mountfield MHT 2322 is the perfect solution. The impressive cutting capacity and the fact that it comes with a two-year warranty makes it a great option to consider and it certainly won’t disappoint.

5. Best Long Reach: Mitox 28LH-a Petrol Hedge Trimmer

(How We Review →)

If you need to cut tall hedges, a petrol long-reach hedge trimmer is the best machine to use and the Mitox 28LH-a is a great option to consider. Although the majority of long-reach hedge trimmers are battery-powered, the Mitox 28LH-a uses a 25cc engine for powering up the double-sided blades.

Pros
  • Provides a total reach of 2.28 metres
    •
  • 11 adjustable motor head positions
    •
  • Can be used with other attachments (sold separately)
    •
  • Easily reduces in size for easy storage
    •
  • Supplied with a strap for improved usability
Cons
  • Lacks power when compared to other types of petrol hedge trimmers

Overall, if you require a professional petrol long-reach hedge trimmer that provides plenty of performance, the Mitox 28LH-a ticks all the boxes. Compared to other battery-powered alternatives, it offers additional power and a larger blade for powering through a range of overgrown hedges.

6. Most Versatile: ParkerBrand 5-in-1 Petrol Garden Tool

(How We Review →)

If you need to tackle a range of other gardening tasks along with hedge trimming, a garden multi-tool is the perfect tool for the job. The Parkerbrand’s multi-tool is one of the most popular and it includes a hedge trimmer, chainsaw, grass trimmer, bush cutter and an extension pole to reach the top of tall hedges.

In terms of the hedge trimmer attachment, it uses a 43 cm blade that can be adjusted to best suit your cutting requirements. It can also be used with the 80 cm extension pole to reach up to 3.1 metres.

Pros
  • Powered by a much larger 52cc two stroke engine
    •
  • TUV & CE approved
    •
  • Backed by a 1 year warranty
    •
  • Supplied with a tool kit, body harness and mixing bottle
Cons
  • Weighs approximately 8KG with the hedge trimmer attachment

Overall, the ParkerBrand 5-in-1 is a versatile machine that’ll tackle virtually any gardening task with ease. As long as you make use of the other attachments, it offers excellent value and it certainly won’t disappoint. However, if you only need a hedge trimmer, we would recommend one of the alternatives listed above.

Conclusion

As mentioned above, petrol hedge trimmers have come down in price over the last few years and they are a great option to consider. Apart from the added weight of the engine and the noise, they are a great machine to use for cutting hedges of all shapes and sizes. All of our recommendations listed above are suitable for all budgets and are perfect for professionals to enthusiasts. However, if you need further advice regarding which petrol-powered hedge trimmer best suits your requirements, feel free to get in touch with our team.

Why Trust Us?

We grasp the significance of trust and reliability in product reviews, but what sets us apart as a trustworthy source?

Find Out More About Us →
Our Editorial Process →
How We Test →

Follow #DIYWorksUK

Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved.