Comparison Stiga SHT 48 AE vs Stiga SHT 600

— Power grid. Powered by a conventional 230 V household mains. This option allows you to create quite powerful models, which are also much cheaper and easier to operate than gasoline ones, are quieter, weigh less and do not create exhaust gases. Of course, you will need an external power source for operation, and the battery life of the tool will be limited by the length of the power cord. At the same time, many modern "network" brush cutters are equipped with very long cords — about 20-30 m — which, moreover, can be supplemented with extension cords; and the 230 V network is distributed almost everywhere, from elite private houses to small summer cottages. However, the power cord has another significant drawback: it can create inconvenience when moving around the site (especially if there is thick grass hiding it). In addition, a tool with such a power supply has increased safety requirements: it cannot be used in wet weather, and special care must be taken during operation so as not to snag the power cable. Also, the power of electric models is generally slightly lower than that of gasoline ones.

— Battery. Powered by its own built-in battery. In terms of their main advantages, such models are similar to network brush cutters (see above): they do not create excessive noise and exhaust gases, are easy to maintain and cheap to operate. At the same time, the battery gives one important advantage — ba...ttery life: the tool does not require a constant connection to the network and works without a power cord, which ensures freedom of movement. On the other hand, such hedge trimmers are quite expensive, have a lot of weight (due to the battery), and their power is low and suitable only for relatively simple work. In addition, it is necessary to mention the limited period of work — in most models it is about 40-50 minutes, and even less if the working nozzle is heavily loaded or dirty. When the battery runs out of charge, it will have to be charged again, which will require a power source and can take quite a long time. Therefore, it is worth specifically looking for a battery model only if complex work is not planned, and freedom of movement plays a decisive role for you.

— Gas engine. The main advantage of a petrol engine can be called high power. Due to this, such brush cutters easily cope even with complex tasks that are beyond the power of electric models. In addition, such engines do not depend on external power sources and require only the presence of fuel in the tank to operate. However, gasoline tools have a number of disadvantages: heavy weight, high noise level, harmful exhaust gases, as well as difficulty in maintenance and high fuel costs. Therefore, this type of engine is found mainly in professional models that need to combine maximum battery life with high performance.

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.

The frequency of movement of the teeth in bush or grass attachments (see "Tips"). The design of most of these tools is such that for one revolution of the engine, the teeth make one complete cycle of movement back and forth; therefore, the stroke rate is usually determined by the speed of rotation of the engine and is indicated in revolutions per minute.

It is believed that the quality of the tool’s work largely depends on this parameter: the more often the stroke, the cleaner the cut will be. Ratings up to 2200 rpm are usually typical for entry-level devices, up to 2800 rpm are average, and advanced models can have speeds of 3400 rpm and even higher.

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.

Operating voltage of the battery in a battery-powered hedge trimmer (see above). This parameter is usually selected by the manufacturer according to the characteristics of the engine: the greater the power, the greater, the battery voltage is likely to be. In fact, voltage data may be needed only if the battery fails and it will be necessary to replace it with an equivalent one. In addition, there are formulas that allow you to roughly estimate the battery life depending on the battery voltage, its capacity and the power of the tool; they can be found in special sources.

The name of the battery that is compatible with the device. It helps to buy a spare or find a suitable one in case of a breakdown of the main one.

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.