5 Best Cheap Hedge Trimmers For Occasional Use On A Smallholding That Last
A cheap hedge trimmer can be a durable tool for occasional smallholding use. We review 5 models that balance price, power, and longevity.
You’re staring at that row of overgrown privet that separates the chicken run from the vegetable patch, and it’s starting to look more like a wild beast than a boundary. You don’t need a commercial-grade, gas-guzzling monster for a job you do twice a year, but the hand shears are giving you blisters just thinking about it. This is the smallholder’s dilemma: finding tools that are tough enough for real work but don’t cost a fortune or require a mechanic to maintain.
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Choosing the Right Trimmer for Smallholding Tasks
A hedge on a smallholding isn’t just a decorative suburban shrub. It might be a tough, woody windbreak, a thorny hawthorn barrier for livestock, or simply a long line of laurel that’s gotten out of hand. You need a tool that can handle more than just soft, new growth without bogging down.
The biggest decision you’ll make is between corded electric and battery-powered (cordless). Corded models offer consistent, unending power for as long as you can stand there, making them great for tough jobs near the barn or house. Cordless gives you the freedom to go anywhere—down the long driveway, out to the back fence line—but you’re limited by battery life and often have slightly less raw cutting power.
Don’t confuse "cheap" with "disposable." We’re looking for value, not the absolute lowest price tag that will lead to a burnt-out motor on the first thick branch. The goal is to find a reliable tool from a reputable brand that can sit in the shed for months, then come out and work without fuss for a few hours. That’s the sweet spot for occasional smallholding use.
BLACK+DECKER BEHT200: Reliable Corded Power
When you have a thick, woody hedge within 100 feet of an outlet, a corded trimmer is your most reliable and powerful budget option. The BLACK+DECKER BEHT200 is a classic workhorse for this exact scenario. It’s simple, effective, and has the muscle to get through some surprisingly tough material.
With a 3.5-amp motor and a dual-action 18-inch blade, it’s engineered to cut branches up to 3/4-inch thick. This is key for those times you’ve let the hedge go a bit too long and need to chew through more than just leafy green shoots. The dual-action blade also reduces vibration, which makes a huge difference in how your arms feel after 30 minutes of work.
The obvious tradeoff is the cord. You have to be constantly aware of where it is so you don’t accidentally cut it, and your range is limited by your extension cord. But for pure, uninterrupted cutting power at a very low price, it’s tough to beat. This is the tool for heavy-duty trimming jobs in a fixed location.
Ryobi ONE+ 18V: Best Cordless Value System
If you’re already using other cordless tools, the Ryobi ONE+ system is an incredible value. The "tool-only" version of their hedge trimmer is remarkably affordable because the real investment is in the battery and charger. If you have a Ryobi drill or saw, you can use the same 18V battery to power your hedge trimmer.
This system gives you ultimate freedom. Trimming the hedge along the roadside or shaping shrubs around the pond becomes a quick, hassle-free job with no cords to wrangle. The 22-inch model provides excellent reach, and it’s light enough for prolonged use without major fatigue. It’s perfect for the regular maintenance that keeps a smallholding looking tidy.
Of course, it’s not as powerful as a corded model. It will struggle with very thick, old wood and you need to have a charged battery ready to go. But for 90% of routine trimming tasks, the convenience and mobility are a massive win. It’s the best pick for anyone who values freedom of movement and may already be in a battery ecosystem.
Greenworks 22-Inch: Lightweight and Easy to Use
Trimming hedges is an awkward job, often requiring you to hold a tool at chest or shoulder height for extended periods. This is where the Greenworks trimmers shine, as they are consistently praised for their lightweight and ergonomic design. Less weight means less strain on your back and shoulders, allowing you to work longer and more comfortably.
The 22-inch blade on their popular corded model provides a long, clean sweep, making it efficient for shaping larger hedges. A standout feature on many Greenworks models is the rotating rear handle. This simple addition makes switching from horizontal to vertical cuts dramatically more comfortable, as you don’t have to contort your wrist into an unnatural position.
While powerful enough for most common hedge types like boxwood, yew, and arborvitae, it may not have the brute force of the BLACK+DECKER for ancient, gnarled branches. Think of it as a precision tool, not a chainsaw. If user comfort and reducing physical strain are your top priorities, Greenworks is an excellent choice.
Sun Joe HJ22HTE: Top Choice for Long Reach
Some jobs are less about power and more about reach. If you have tall privacy hedges or need to shape the tops of shrubs without teetering on a ladder, a pole hedge trimmer is the right tool. The Sun Joe HJ22HTE is an affordable and effective solution for this specific problem.
This tool is essentially a lightweight hedge trimmer on a telescoping pole, allowing you to safely trim high branches from the ground. It’s not designed for clearing acres of brush; it’s a specialized tool for shaping and maintenance. The pivoting head allows you to adjust the cutting angle, so you can achieve a flat, level top on a tall hedge with ease.
The motor is smaller and the cutting capacity is less than a standard trimmer, so it’s not for hacking through thick, woody growth. But for its intended purpose, it’s a back-saver and a huge safety improvement over using a regular trimmer on a ladder. It’s the perfect supplementary tool for anyone with hedges over six feet tall.
WORX WG255.1: Versatile 20V Power Share Pick
The WORX 20V Power Share system is another fantastic cordless ecosystem, and their WG255.1 hedge trimmer is a strong contender for the best all-around cordless value. It’s lightweight, well-balanced, and powerful enough for the vast majority of smallholding trimming tasks. It offers a great blend of performance and user-friendly design.
Featuring a 22-inch dual-action blade, it cuts efficiently and with minimal vibration. The D-grip front handle gives you a secure and comfortable hold, which is great for maneuvering the trimmer at different angles to get a clean, sculpted look. Like Ryobi, the real value shines if you buy into the Power Share battery platform for other tools like drills, blowers, or string trimmers.
This trimmer doesn’t necessarily excel in one single area but does everything well. It’s a reliable, no-fuss tool that bridges the gap between lightweight models and more powerful, heavier ones. For someone starting their tool collection, the WORX system offers a versatile and dependable entry point.
Key Features: Blade Length, Power, and Weight
When comparing models, these three factors are what truly matter for performance and usability. Don’t get lost in marketing gimmicks; focus on the fundamentals.
Blade Length: A longer blade (22-24 inches) covers more area in a single pass, which is ideal for long, straight hedges. A shorter blade (16-18 inches) is lighter and much easier to maneuver for detailed shaping, rounded shrubs, or working in tight corners. Choose based on what you trim most often.
Power: For corded trimmers, power is measured in amps; 3.5 to 4.5 amps is plenty for occasional use. For cordless, it’s volts; 18V or 20V is the standard for this category and provides adequate power for most maintenance. More power lets you cut thicker branches without stalling the motor.
- Weight: This is the most underrated feature. A 5-pound trimmer feels dramatically different than an 8-pound one after ten minutes of holding it out in front of you. Always choose the lightest tool that can still do the job. Your shoulders will thank you.
Maintenance Tips to Make Your Trimmer Last
A cheap tool doesn’t have to be a short-lived one. A few simple maintenance habits will dramatically extend the life of your hedge trimmer and ensure it works when you need it. Neglect is what kills budget-friendly tools, not use.
First, clean the blades after every single use. Plant sap and resin are corrosive and sticky, causing the blades to drag and the motor to work harder. Simply wipe them down with an old rag and a spray of lubricant like WD-40 or a specific blade cleaner. This five-minute task is the single most important thing you can do.
Once a season, or if you notice it’s tearing leaves instead of slicing them, give the blades a quick sharpening. You don’t need a professional service. A few careful passes with a flat file along the factory angle of each cutting tooth is all it takes to restore a clean, sharp edge. A sharp blade cuts faster and puts less strain on the motor.
Finally, store it properly. Don’t leave it outside in the rain or on a damp floor. Hang it on a wall in a dry shed or garage. For cordless models, bring the battery inside during extreme cold or heat, as temperature fluctuations can degrade its lifespan.
Ultimately, the right hedge trimmer isn’t about having the most powerful or expensive model on the market. It’s about matching the tool to the reality of your property and your time. A smart, affordable choice will save you hours of labor and frustration, freeing you up to tackle the next project on your smallholding to-do list.
