Comparison AL-KO HT 550 Safety Cut vs AL-KO HT 600

The length of the bar usually refers to the total length of the brush attachment or saw blade (see Attachments) supplied with the hedge trimmer. The longer the tire, the longer the cut that the tool can make at a time. In general, it is believed that a short length is typical for entry-level tools, while professional ones are equipped with larger attachments. However, here you need to take into account that the choice depends not only on the scale, but also on the specifics of the intended work: long attachments are less maneuverable and less suitable for topiary trimming of bushes. In addition, the cost of a brush cutter also largely depends on this parameter.

The distance between the individual teeth of the shrub attachment (see "Tips") supplied with the tool. The larger the pitch of the teeth, the easier the tool will cope with thick branches, however, the quality of the work will be quite rough. Conversely, more densely spaced teeth work "cleaner" but are less suited to tough conditions and large branches.

Hedge trimmer motor power expressed in watts.

The performance of the tool primarily depends on the engine power, and this concept includes both the overall speed of work and the ability to cope with difficult tasks like cutting thick branches. Therefore, when choosing, it is necessary to take into account both the general volumes of the planned work and the material with which you will have to deal. For example, a powerful hedge trimmer may be needed even if it is only a few metres of hedge — if the branches in this hedge are quite thick. On the other hand, "more powerful" does not always mean "better" — after all, this parameter affects the weight, energy consumption (or fuel consumption) and the price of the tool.

If we talk about specific numbers, then the optimal power for most household tasks will be about 400-600 watts. Battery models (see "Power"), designed for small amounts of work in simple conditions, may have less power, and in gasoline models (see ibid.), on the contrary, it can reach 900 – 1000 watts.

In addition to watts, power can also be expressed in horsepower; this designation is traditionally used in gasoline engines. 1 HP approximately equal to 735 watts.

Approximate noise level produced by the hedge trimmer in normal operation. This parameter allows you to evaluate how comfortable it will be to work with the tool: the lower the noise level, the less discomfort it causes for the operator and others, and the lower the likelihood that special hearing protection will be needed during operation. At the same time, note that loud noise is an inevitable side effect of high power — it would be too expensive and difficult to make a powerful and low-noise tool. In addition, this figure is only approximate. Firstly, different manufacturers may indicate it differently: for idling, for full speed, for half power, etc. Secondly, the actual volume of work may also differ from the claimed one due to the peculiarities of a particular situation: for example, working with thick branches leads to an increase in the load on the engine, which can also affect the noise level.

Another specific point is that the decibel used to measure this indicator is a non-linear value: an increase of 1 dB corresponds to an increase of 1.26 times, 3 dB — 2 times, etc. Therefore, to assess the loudness of work, it is easiest to use comparative tables. Here is one of the simplified versions of such a table for the range in which most modern hedge trimmers work:

65 dB — loud conversation at a distance of a metre;
70 dB — loud conversation of several people at the same distance;
75 dB — shout from the same distance;
80 dB — the ringin...g of a mechanical alarm clock, a loud cry at a distance of 1 m;
85 dB — loud screams at a distance of 1 m;
90 dB — heavy truck or freight car at a distance of 7 m;
95 dB — subway car at a distance of 7 m;
100 dB — noisy industrial shop.

The total weight of the brush cutter. Usually indicated for a fully equipped tool, with an attachment installed and, in the case of a petrol engine, a full tank of fuel; however, there may be exceptions. Usually, the relevant data is indicated in the official documentation.

This parameter is important, first of all, taking into account the fact that the tool during work will have to be kept on weight most of the time. Accordingly, the lighter the brush cutter, the longer you can work with it without interruption, the less often you have to rest. On the other hand, a large weight also has its advantages: a heavy tool is more stable and does not “tear out of hand” as much under high loads on the nozzle.