Battery
Features of the battery-powered hedge trimmer. Most devices out of the box have
one battery. But there are models that are equipped with a replaceable battery (
2 batteries included). This solution allows you to extend the operating time of the device by replacing a discharged battery with a charged one. And
the absence of a battery in the kit will be appropriate if you buy a hedge trimmer, which is suitable for a universal battery from other devices of the brand. Or you yourself want to choose a model with the required capacity. And for low-power devices there is
a built-in battery.
Capacity
The capacity
of the battery that comes standard with the battery-powered hedge trimmer (see above). Expressed in amp-hours, one ampere-hour means that the battery is capable of delivering 1 amp for 1 hour.
Last but not least, the battery life of the tool depends on the capacity of the battery. However, it is impossible to directly evaluate the battery life of a brush cutter by this parameter: the fact is that it depends on a number of other factors, ranging from engine power and battery operating voltage to the degree of complexity of work and contamination of the nozzle. Therefore, it makes sense to compare different models with each other in terms of battery capacity only if they do not have significant differences in other characteristics. But at the same time,
brush cutters with a capacious battery a priori allow the device to work more.
Operating time
The maximum time for which the cordless hedge trimmer can work without additional charging. Note that the maximum period is indicated, which is often overestimated by the manufacturer and is calculated at idle. Under load, this parameter will be less.
Charging time
The time it takes to charge the brush cutter battery from 0 to 100%.
Noise level
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.
Weight
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.
