The Best Petrol Hedge Trimmers For Big Overgrown Hedges
Six petrol machines for long conifer runs and thick laurel where a battery would give up halfway along.
Our quick verdict
Our pick of the best petrol hedge trimmer is the Einhell GE-PH 2555A 2-Stroke, a capable home machine whose anti-vibration system made a real difference to comfort along long garden hedges, for well under professional prices. If you cut hedges every week, the Stihl HS45 Petrol Hedge Trimmer is built for that kind of use, starting easily and staying light in the hand at 5kg.
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Our Picks At A Glance
- Check price of Einhell GE-PH 2555A 2-Stroke
Best Overall
Einhell GE-PH 2555A 2-StrokeHome gardeners with long hedges who want petrol without a pro price
- Check price of Stihl HS45 Petrol Hedge Trimmer
- Check price of Mcculloch HT 5622 Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Easiest To Use
Mcculloch HT 5622 Petrol Hedge TrimmerDomestic hedges where light weight matters more than speed
- Check price of Mountfield MHT 2322 Petrol Hedge Trimmer
- Check price of Mitox 28LH-a Petrol Hedge Trimmer
- Check price of ParkerBrand 5-in-1 Petrol Garden Tool
Most Versatile
ParkerBrand 5-in-1 Petrol Garden ToolLarger gardens needing hedge, branch and grass cutting from one engine
Match the engine to the growth. A 22cc trimmer is enough for a garden hedge trimmed twice a year, while overgrown, woody hedges want something nearer 27cc. Then think about your arms, because a longer blade covers more per sweep but pulls heavily at the front, and a tall hedge is safer tackled with a pole than by stretching up.
The six here include handheld trimmers, a long reach model and a 5-in-1 multi-tool. For small hedges close to the house, the best cordless hedge trimmers make more sense.
How We Rated These Petrol Hedge Trimmers
We've cut back plenty of overgrown hedges over the years, from conifers and bamboo to cherry laurel, both at home and at the rentals and Airbnbs we look after. That's involved a mix of electric and petrol trimmers, so we know where each type earns its keep.
One of our most satisfying jobs with a petrol trimmer was reshaping a huge conifer hedge. Without a cable or battery to think about, we could work the full length of it in one go, and the two photos below show the top being cut and the finished result.
Each trimmer was judged on cutting performance, how easily it started, how comfortable it was to hold over a long session and how well it was built. We paid close attention to vibration, since that's what tires your hands and arms first on a petrol machine.
On paper, we compared engine size, blade length and cutting capacity, along with weight, extra features, warranty and value. Where we haven't run a machine ourselves, the specs come from the brand and we've said so. When a brand brings out an improved model, we try to get hold of it and put it through the same hedges.
The Best Petrol Hedge Trimmers We Recommend
The first four are handheld trimmers and the last two add extra reach. Every one runs on petrol, so there's no battery to charge.
Best Overall
Einhell GE-PH 2555A 2-Stroke
Best for: Home gardeners with long hedges who want petrol without a pro price
Check Price On AmazonThe Einhell GE-PH 2555A is the petrol trimmer we'd point most home gardeners towards. It has plenty for normal hedge growth and thinner woody stems, with a 25cc two-stroke engine driving a 55cm blade and a tooth spacing Einhell lists at 28mm.
The anti-vibration dampening is what impressed us most in testing, as it made a big difference to how comfortable the machine felt. The adjustable handle helps too, letting you angle the machine for the top or the face of a hedge.
Einhell has made it easy to live with too. The easy start system takes some of the strain out of the pull cord, and a larger filler hole makes topping up the small 0.33 litre tank less fiddly. This is the newer, improved version of the machine.
What we like
- Anti-vibration system made a big difference in our testing
- 25cc two-stroke engine
- 55cm blade
- Easy start system
- Adjustable handle for comfort
- Wide filler hole for the 0.33 litre tank
What to know
- Small 0.33 litre fuel tank for long hedge runs
Our verdict
Buy the Einhell GE-PH 2555A if long garden hedges are your main job and you want a petrol trimmer that stays comfortable to the end of them. If you're cutting thick, woody growth every week, the Stihl HS45 is built for it, and the Mountfield MHT 2322 gives you a longer blade.
Best Professional
Stihl HS45 Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Best for: Gardeners and pros cutting hedges every week
Check Price On AmazonStihl is the brand most professional gardeners reach for, and the HS45 shows why. Electronic ignition gets its 27.2cc air-cooled two-stroke engine going without a fight, and the dual-sided, dual-action blade cuts in both directions so you can sweep back and forth along a hedge.
It weighs 5kg, which is light for a trimmer of this quality, and the anti-vibration system keeps it comfortable on a long day. A long-life air filter cuts down on maintenance, and it arrives pre-assembled, so it's ready to fuel and use.
Stihl quotes a 30mm cutting capacity, which takes on older, woodier growth. It's also the most expensive petrol trimmer in this roundup, which is hard to justify for a couple of trims a year.
What we like
- 27.2cc engine with electronic ignition
- Light for its class at 5kg
- Dual-sided, dual-action blade
- 30mm cutting capacity according to Stihl
- Long-life air filter
- Anti-vibration system
- Arrives pre-assembled
What to know
- Most expensive petrol trimmer in this roundup
Our verdict
For anyone who cuts hedges for a living or has a lot of hedging to keep on top of every season, the Stihl HS45 earns its price, starting easily, staying light in the hand and asking for less maintenance thanks to the long-life air filter. Few home gardeners need that much machine, and the Einhell GE-PH 2555A covers a domestic hedge for less.
Easiest To Use
Mcculloch HT 5622 Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Best for: Domestic hedges where light weight matters more than speed
Check Price On AmazonThe McCulloch HT 5622 is aimed squarely at home gardeners. It pairs a smaller 22cc engine with a 56cm blade, and at 5.2kg it's easy to manage for anyone who finds bigger petrol machines tiring.
The soft start makes pulling the engine into life less of a fight, and the anti-vibration system and adjustable rear handle help on a longer job. The blades are dual-action, cutting in both directions.
The smaller engine means it takes longer on big, overgrown hedges than the Einhell or Stihl. It comes with a 1 year warranty, which is shorter than the Mountfield's.
What we like
- Soft start for easier pull starts
- Manageable 5.2kg weight
- 56cm dual-action blades
- Anti-vibration system
- Adjustable rear handle
What to know
- 22cc engine is slower on large overgrown hedges
- Only a 1 year warranty
Our verdict
The McCulloch HT 5622 suits anyone who wants an easy petrol trimmer for regular trims of a domestic hedge. It's comfortable and simple to start. For heavier growth, the Einhell GE-PH 2555A has more power, and the Mountfield MHT 2322 has a longer blade and a two year warranty.
Best Value
Mountfield MHT 2322 Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Best for: Thick, wide hedges where a long blade saves time
Check Price On AmazonThe Mountfield MHT 2322 shares a 22cc engine with the McCulloch but fits a far longer 70cm blade. Mountfield quotes a 27mm cutting capacity, so it's set up for thick stems.
The grip adjusts through 180 degrees, which lets you keep your wrists straight while cutting the side of a hedge. A blade tip protector stops the end of the blade digging into walls or the ground, and the dual-action blades cut in both directions.
That long blade adds weight at the front, which makes it harder work to hold out at arm's length. Mountfield backs it with a 2 year warranty.
What we like
- Long 70cm blade
- 27mm cutting capacity according to Mountfield
- 180 degree adjustable grip
- Blade tip protection
- 2 year warranty
- Strong value for the cutting capacity
What to know
- Long blade makes it heavier at the front and tiring to hold out
Our verdict
The long blade is both the strength and the catch with the Mountfield MHT 2322. It covers a wide hedge quickly and the 27mm capacity handles thicker stems, but the weight at the front makes it harder work held out at arm's length. As a value buy for thick hedges, it undercuts the Stihl and still comes with two years of warranty.
Best Long Reach
Mitox 28LH-a Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Best for: Tall hedges that need petrol power on a pole
Check Price On AmazonThe Mitox 28LH-a puts a petrol engine on a pole, giving a total reach of 2.28 metres for the tops of tall hedges. Most long reach hedge trimmers are battery powered, so this is the one to look at if you'd rather not stop for a charge.
Its 25cc engine drives double-sided blades, and the head adjusts to 11 positions so you can keep the blade flat across the top. A strap comes with it to take the weight, and it shortens down for storage. It also accepts other Mitox attachments, sold separately.
It has less punch than the handheld petrol trimmers here. Next to battery pole trimmers, though, it offers more power and no runtime limit.
What we like
- Total reach of 2.28 metres
- 11 head positions
- No battery runtime limit
- Strap supplied
- Shortens down for storage
- Takes other Mitox attachments
What to know
- Less power than the handheld petrol trimmers here
Our verdict
Tall hedges and no wish to use a ladder are the reasons to look at the Mitox 28LH-a. Petrol power on a 2.28 metre pole means no stopping for a charge, and the adjustable head makes it far easier to keep the cut level along the top. Hedges you can reach from the ground are quicker with a handheld trimmer.
Most Versatile
ParkerBrand 5-in-1 Petrol Garden Tool
Best for: Larger gardens needing hedge, branch and grass cutting from one engine
Check Price On AmazonThe ParkerBrand 5-in-1 is a garden multi-tool rather than a dedicated hedge trimmer. One 52cc two-stroke engine drives a hedge trimmer, chainsaw, grass trimmer and brush cutter, and there's an extension pole for the tops of tall hedges.
The hedge trimmer attachment has a 43cm blade that adjusts to suit the cut, and with the 80cm extension pole fitted it reaches up to 3.1 metres. A tool kit, body harness and fuel mixing bottle come in the box, and ParkerBrand says it's TUV and CE approved.
It weighs around 8kg with the hedge trimmer fitted, so the harness is a must. The warranty is 1 year.
What we like
- Hedge trimmer, chainsaw, grass trimmer and brush cutter in one
- Large 52cc two-stroke engine
- Reaches up to 3.1 metres with the extension pole
- Body harness, tool kit and mixing bottle included
- TUV and CE approved according to ParkerBrand
What to know
- Around 8kg with the hedge trimmer attached
- Only a 1 year warranty
Our verdict
The ParkerBrand 5-in-1 is good value if you'll use the chainsaw, strimmer and brush cutter as well as the hedge trimmer. If hedges are all you cut, a dedicated machine such as the Einhell GE-PH 2555A is lighter and nicer to use, and the Mitox 28LH-a is the simpler long reach option.
What To Check Before Buying A Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Petrol trimmers vary a lot in weight, blade length and how much they'll cut, and the right one depends on your hedges and how frequently you cut them. These are the points that matter most.
Engine Size And Power
Engines on handheld trimmers run from around 22cc to 27cc. A 22cc engine such as the McCulloch's or Mountfield's is plenty for a domestic hedge cut a couple of times a year. A 25cc to 27cc engine copes better with overgrown hedges and woody growth, and pole and multi-tool machines need more again to drive the long shaft.
Blade Length And Cutting Capacity
Blade length decides how much hedge you cover with each sweep. The Mountfield's 70cm blade covers far more per sweep than the ParkerBrand's 43cm attachment. Longer blades are quicker along a big hedge but heavier at the front and harder to control on curves and topiary.
Cutting capacity, sometimes listed as tooth spacing, is the thickest stem the blade will take. A trimmer with a capacity of 27mm or more goes through older, woodier growth that would jam a smaller one. Anything thicker is a job for a pruning saw or one of the best cordless chainsaws.
Single Or Double-Sided Blades
Double-sided blades cut in both directions, so you can sweep back and forth along the face of a hedge without turning the trimmer over. They're the better choice for most garden hedges. Single-sided blades are mostly found on professional machines for long, straight hedges and push the clippings off to one side.
Weight, Vibration And Comfort
A petrol trimmer is heavier and buzzier than a cordless one, and that's what tires you out on a long hedge. An anti-vibration system makes a noticeable difference, as we found with the Einhell, and a rotating or adjustable handle lets you cut the sides without bending your wrists. On long reach and multi-tool machines, a harness or strap is essential.
For the top of a tall hedge, a proper platform or one of the best telescopic ladders is safer than stretching up from the ground with a heavy machine.
Fuel, Starting And Upkeep
Most of these trimmers run on two-stroke fuel, a mix of petrol and two-stroke oil at the ratio in the manual. Mix it fresh, as old fuel makes starting harder. Easy start and soft start systems take some of the effort out of the pull cord, and an air filter and spark plug check each season keeps the engine running well, much like the routine in our guide to servicing a petrol lawnmower.
Big trims produce a lot of waste, and one of the best garden shredders will turn the clippings into mulch rather than filling several green bins.
Petrol Hedge Trimmer Questions We Get Asked
Is a petrol hedge trimmer better than a cordless one?
A petrol hedge trimmer is better for long hedges, thick growth and all-day use, because it has more power and runs as long as there's fuel. A cordless trimmer is lighter, quieter and needs almost no maintenance, which suits most small and medium gardens. If you can trim all your hedges on one or two batteries, cordless is the easier choice.
What fuel does a petrol hedge trimmer use?
Most petrol hedge trimmers use two-stroke fuel, which is unleaded petrol mixed with two-stroke oil at the ratio given in the manual. Running one on straight petrol will damage the engine. Mix small batches in a marked fuel can, as mixed fuel goes stale over a few weeks and makes the trimmer harder to start.
How thick a branch can a petrol hedge trimmer cut?
Petrol hedge trimmers cut branches up to their stated cutting capacity, which is 28mm tooth spacing on the Einhell and 30mm on the Stihl HS45 according to the brands. Forcing thicker wood through the blade can jam it and blunt the teeth. Cut anything thicker with loppers, a pruning saw or a chainsaw before you start trimming.
Are petrol hedge trimmers very loud?
Petrol hedge trimmers are much louder than cordless models, so wear ear defenders whenever you use one. Be considerate with timing too, and avoid early mornings and late evenings near neighbours. If noise is a real concern, such as in a terrace with close neighbours, a cordless hedge trimmer is the better choice.
Which petrol hedge trimmer would you buy for an ordinary garden?
The Einhell GE-PH 2555A is the one we'd point most home gardeners towards. It pairs a 25cc two-stroke engine with a 55cm blade, and its anti-vibration system made a big difference to comfort in our testing. It also has an easy start system and an adjustable handle for angling the cut.
Is the Stihl HS45 worth the extra money for a home gardener?
Not for a couple of trims a year. The Stihl HS45 is the most expensive petrol trimmer in our list, and the price is hard to justify at that level of use. It earns its cost for anyone cutting hedges every week, thanks to easy starting, a 5kg weight and a long-life air filter.
Is the Mountfield MHT 2322 too heavy with that 70cm blade?
The long blade makes it heavier at the front and harder work to hold out at arm's length. In return it covers a wide hedge quickly, and Mountfield quotes a 27mm cutting capacity. If weight matters more than speed, the McCulloch HT 5622 at 5.2kg is the easier machine to manage.
Can the ParkerBrand 5-in-1 replace a dedicated hedge trimmer?
It can, but only if you'll use the chainsaw, grass trimmer and brush cutter too. The ParkerBrand 5-in-1 weighs around 8kg with the hedge trimmer fitted, so the harness is a must, and the warranty is 1 year. If hedges are all you cut, the Einhell GE-PH 2555A is lighter and nicer to use.
The Petrol Hedge Trimmer We'd Choose
The Einhell GE-PH 2555A is the petrol hedge trimmer we'd recommend for most gardens, as it stays comfortable to hold along a long hedge and has enough power without asking for professional money. The Stihl HS45 is worth the extra for professionals and anyone cutting every week.
For thick, wide hedges on a budget, the Mountfield MHT 2322 has a 70cm blade, and the Mitox 28LH-a adds reach for tall hedges.
Archie is our gardening specialist. He started out as an apprentice at a gardening firm, built up his own knowledge from there and now writes most of our garden content.