The message
from "Ed" contains these words:

Instead of using the usual secateurs to cut the laurel hedge twice a year,
we're planning to invest in a mechanised hedge cutter. The hedge is at
least 30ft x 6ft high and runs round some of the garden, with pavement on
the other side.

Does anyone have any advice - ie what would be best for the job? I imagine
one without a flex would be better, but I don't really know. Are there some
to definitely avoid or beware of? Are there small ones, large ones, light
ones, heavy ones?

I'd be very glad of some advice on this as I'm a real beginner as regards
hedge cutters.

I suggest you try hiring one first. Ask the hire shop what they
recommend for that size and type of hedge, and see how you get on with
it. Any kind of mechanised cutter is considerably heavier and more
awkward to use than secateurs.

Janet