On 29/04/2021 22:10, Another John wrote:
I'm cross--posting to DIY and to Gardening.

I have had two Bosch AHS 55-26 (corded) hedgetrimmers in the last 10
years. I cut a lot of hedging, in three different gardens, and this is a
great cutter: 55cm blade, 600W power, and weighs 3.6kg; my second one
cost me about Ł130 several years ago. Used sensibly, nothing stops it
blazing through the many different hedges I look after.

I'm starting to get older ... hang on: I've always been getting older:
what has happened is that I'm starting to _feel_ older, and I'm
wondering if a cordless (therefore lighter) trimmer will be kinder to my
now-rapidly declining body.

Does anyone have reasonably extensive experience of cordless trimmers? I
can't really believe that even the best cordless trimmer could match the
power of the one I have.

Opinions would be most welcome - TIA

John

If you go for a model with a decent sized battery, it might well be
heavier than a corded one. The local council contractors seem to use
strimmers and (I think) hedge trimmers with batteries in a backpack.

The most annoying thing with corded is that you have to take care not to
cut the lead. But then you need to take care anyway that you don't cut
yourself, or any fencing wire that is around. I've only cut one once in
about 25 years (no drama or danger with an ELCB).

Batteries are not cheap, and don't last forever (I have just skipped a
perfectly functional B&D hedge trimmer and chainsaw because their
obsolete batteries were dead).

I've standardised on Lidl for ad hoc cordless tools (I have Makita
drills). I have a chainsaw, a chainsaw on a pole, an angle grinder, and
a tyre pump and inflator that use their current 20 volt batteries. I'm
still using a corded hedge trimmer at home. I have a petrol one for
remote work but that is pretty heavy and tiring. I'd certainly consider
a Lidl trimmer if one came up. But I would not consider buying one if I
did not already have a collection of batteries and a charger.