Gas vs Electric Hedge Trimmer. Stihl, Black & Decker Review

Check out how a $70 Black & Decker electric hedge trimmer compares to a $400 professional Stihl hedge trimmer. This video gives a in-depth comparison between the two. Thanks for checking out my video and if you find it useful, please give it a 'Thumbs Up'. Thanks!
MY FOLLOW-UP VIDEO- Gas vs Battery Hedge Trimmer- • BATTERY vs GAS - HEDGE...

[@katiegraham3788]

I have used my dads Black and Decker U162 13" hedge trimmer since I he got it when I was in high school. I am 62. I sharpen it every couple of uses and it still runs great and trims the bushes perfectly.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Katie Graham That's good to know. Thanks for commenting.

[@evanbermudez4377]

i love the noise the hs46 c and the the 56 c engines makes when at full throttle sounds so beautiful, i have the 46 and it is a workhorse

[@vegass04]

You forgot to mention one crucial thing.. The weight.. I have both the gas and the electric (the electric is a bit pricier pro model) and when you have to cut for an hour or two you'll find yourself ditching the gas and not minding the cord behind you. I usually cut the upper part with gas and sides with electric, no way i could do it all with a gas trimmer, unless I was pumped up...Think about it..

[@richishere82]

Maggot

[@freshpootube]

Think electric motors of equivalent power get heavier than petrol. ie. if you want to get more than 1 HP, that's a big electric motor.

[@spercoco]

I'm a pretty small guy and not young anymore but I have had to trim hedges for 3 or 4 hours straight sometimes. Maybe it's technique. Also I stop to rake to break up what muscles I'm using. But here is a serious question for you: I have to buy something soon( today actually) that has the capability of reaching high up. I have a Stihl gas powered regular trimmers but I saw a guy buying the electric ones with the battery pack and I asked the sales person about them and he spoke highly about them (of course; he's a salesman) but they are over $500 so I'm looking to talk to someone who does this professionally like myself and find out if it's worth the investment. Like if the battery only lasts 45 minutes that's not good.

[@mtnmotoadv]

I really like using the articulating hedge trimmer attachment for my Stihl Kombi, if you have a shoulder strap you can relay a lot of that weight from your arms to your core and with the length of the attachment you don't have to be bending over and twisting into awkward positions as much as you would with the handhelds.

[@carlsaberhagen628]

How about a 400 dollar electric vs a 70 dollar gas powered?

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

+Carl Saberhagen Ha, that would be interesting!

[@VikramBhosale1987]

except they start at around 220 for most name brand, only a 160 off brand i see which I will now check out.

[@chetmonh1046]

It depends on what your needs are. I was about to get a gas-powered trimmer but then went with corded electric. why? My use is around the house within a 100-foot of an outlet, so the electric works best. It is also quieter. The gas-powered is good if you can't access an outlet. Professionals use the gas-power for that reason. In terms of cutting ability, electric and gas-power cut on par with each other. Spend the money based on your need. Professional grade doesn't necessarily mean it is best for your needs.

[@mtnmotoadv]

Gas power > Electric Running an articulating hedge trimmer on my Stihl 130r cuts everything like butter, my black and decker electric could never dream of having that kind of power

[@Positive-pat]

Stihl definitely wins in my book; cut through that boxwood like butter and i'm sure would cut through small branches with ease as well. Good video, thanks man!

[@1d1hamby]

It depends where, what and how often you're cutting. For a small yard that you cut the hedges twice a year the electric works well. For acres of hedges of all sizes then the articulating pole gas hedge trimmer. If you live in a townhouse or only have a few hedges a cordless electric may be the best. What do you have? I do hedges at home, church and the help at the botanical gardens so I have the KM130 with the articulating head. I really like the battery hedge trimmers for small hedges though.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

I used the electric for about 5 years and think it did well for a $70 hedge trimmer. When I upgraded to the gas Stihl a few years ago, I found that I would use it more often and took better care of the landscaping since it's so quick and convenient. I've borrowed a KM 130 before, they're very nice, especially the chainsaw feature. Thanks for commenting!

[@spercoco]

What about the battery powered Stihl that has the extension? I have a pair of Stihl gas powered but I need something that can reach higher bushes (even with a ladder. My ladder doesn't quite go up high enough).

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

That would be nice to have. I've looked at gas powered ones that I'm thinking about getting.

[@spercoco]

Hey that's no help lol. I mean I seriously need to buy something today that can extend far and was just looking on youtube for advice. The Stihl electric powred ones with the battery pack are pretty expensive; like $500 and some change so if I'm going to invest that much I want to make sure it's worth my while.

[@hektorlinko]

I use both and they work just fine. Good job wearing safety gloves. I almost chopped off my finger not long ago doing a stupid rookie move and sure enough I got stitches. Lesson learned as now I respect and treat a hedge trimmer like a chainsaw and now use chainsaw gloves, arm protectors, and chaps. Safety first. A+++++

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Thanks for sharing! Safety gear requires more work, but worth it.

[@carolynh2918]

A consideration for me is the weight of the machine. I can't hold a trimmer up high to trim larger bushes for very long... What would be your recommendation for the best electric trimmer out there these days?

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

I have a Black and Decker that works okay. I also own a 56v Worx cordless trimmer that works great. I see that the Worx company sells s 4amp electric hedge trimmer, model # WG409. It looks like a great choice to me. If you try it out, please comment back with your thoughts. Thanks!

[@bryansaretske5836]

Looking for 40v cordless hedge trimmer....just dragging cord around would be nuicance

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

I own a 56v hedge trimmer by Worx. Here's my review video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZWmcn2arZZ0erM If you're looking for 40v, I notice that DeWalt makes one that size. Please share your thoughts on the video I shared.

[@tedtalksclash6492]

I have about 55 box woods, a large holly bush and a few other various bushes. Do you think it's worth it for me to buy a gas Stihl trimmer? about 1/3 or more are a decent distance from my house. This is only my second spring of living in this house but its on a family farm and my Granddad built it so it's safe to say i'm not moving anytime soon.

[@c50ge]

If you need to have the electric for weight, then you could use a generator in a small trailer behind your riding mower. then you could use all electric tools(pole saws, edge trimmers etc.) I like gas machines better because of the speed, cut, and power. also if you have a generator it is best to use it more often then only in emergencies, I start my generator and let it run every other time i cut my grass. then I know it will start when i need it to.

[@kirkthebeerslinger]

@@c50ge good advice on the generator...also keeps your fuel fresh...definitely would recommend using fuel stabilizer in a generator. The point is often that when you need it-it better work!

[@amzarandi]

Thank you Mark , I liked the Trimmer With gas. As you said it was faster. I will buy Trimmer With gas. Thanks again for helping me to deside about what i needed. Amir From Iran

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

+Amir Zarandi Thanks for commenting, good luck with the new gas trimmer!

[@kurt.wilkinsongardendesign]

I would not touch either. You can see that the electric grabs on the cutting sweep indicating it is under powered and does not rev high enough to cut smoothly. It may have cut smoothly when brand new and the blades were at there sharpest but i doubt it. Even the professional electric trimmers are underpowered and yes they will do the job but would do better with double the power at least. Dont go near any rechargeable option because they are even less powered and produce less cutting blade revolutions. The only thing they have going for them is they are light. The petrol would have produced a clean cut when new and as long as used on boxwood or other thin stemmed plants would keep going for a long time(with occasional resharpening). The main problem with it is the weight and lack of reach resulting in back strain over any extended use. This would depend on size and shape of whatever was being trimmed its accessibility and the posture required to do the job. The nose protector will get caught(in growth) in some situations and would be the first thing i would remove.

[@omiroschysanthou5282]

For domestic use a battery or electric can do the job, if you have light duty hedges to trim. Once you get into heavier brush the gas powered hedgetrimmers certainly have the advantage.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

I was talking with an ECHO product manager and they said that hedge trimmers really don't require as much power to move the blades as their other battery equipment. I have the Milwaukee Quik Lok system with a hedge trimmer and it does a great job. If I have really thick stuff, than yes I agree with you.

[@ThoughtIwasFishin]

Stihl is the way to go. Chain saw, blower, weed trimmer and hedge trimmer. You get what u pay for! I have the hedge trimmer also. That thing is awesome. It cuts through tree branches while using it to clear ATV trails!!! I love it.

[@brenthill5596]

hard to beat a trusty Stihl trimmer. EGO has a 56 volt cordless 24" hedge trimmer now. it works really well. could be a new video waiting to be made .

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Brent Hill Thanks for pointing out the EGO trimmer. I just looked at the Home Depot website and it shows 4.8 rating, which is amazing. I hope to someday make a review of the item.

[@chicky4444]

Is the Electric Decker a professional grade like the gas?

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

I'm think the Black and Decker is considered a homeowners model. The Stihl HSE 70 (professional electric model) would be a better choice for me to use in the comparison.

[@stickstone1]

I rather pull and go .good video

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Thanks! I have some fall trimming to do and I think I'll pull and go as well.

[@scottreeve5716]

Didn't make any comment about the additional weight of the gas-powered. I would think that would be an issue. Electric hedge trimmers are light and easier to maneuver.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Gas powered are definitely heavier, but seem well balanced for tackling the hedges and bushes.

[@TonyWhitaker1954]

What about 3/4" think stems???

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

It should go through it, just let the cutting blades work their way through by not going too fast.

[@ProtectAus]

thanks!

[@WJCTechyman]

The end with the damaging cord winding made me think, "Soon, no cords"

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

I also reviewed the Worx 56V Hedge Trimmer. It surprised me with amazing performance.

[@Sandbag1300]

Weight is very important as is power. Since my hedges are thin branched and about 75 yards long in total and 4 feet tall I go with the lightest tool which happens to be corded electric. Corded electric is about half the weight at 6.5lbs compared to gasoline driven at 11.5lbs.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Would you consider a battery powered hedge trimmer? The weight is probably somewhere in between the two.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

The 372XP is an awesome saw! I never thought of batteries around the waist. Good idea!

[@qwertyqart]

what about battery powered ones

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Funny you should ask... I'm currently putting together a video comparing the two. Should have something published withing a week or so.

[@wildstar43]

What wasn't mentioned was the battery powered trimmers. That is what I have and it does the job just as good as a gas powered version.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Interesting, I'd like to see a comparison between the two. I haven't used manual ones that much.

[@williamyoung2955]

What is the intro music

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Will, the music is from the Garage Band program on my Macbook. They have some nice Royalty Free choices...

[@0truckmafk]

lol is someone gonna say he's funded by big oil? LMAO!!! Good video, bud. I love Stihl

[@CherylCold]

I cut the cord twice on my electric one. I need a gas one now for my land as I have no electricity. Hope they are not too heavy.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

The weight if just fine, in my opinion. It's nice to just walk around and now worry about a cord.

[@kirkthebeerslinger]

Determine what your likely runtime is to decide between gas or battery...as for weight-powerful enough batteries are heavy and so are powerful electric motors...you may be surprised gas isn't as heavy as you may have thought

[@JeffBourke]

Very confused about 4:56 A: Would you prefer to spend the money to NOT have the hassle of having to drag a cord around OR B: Would rather just be able to pull and go with this professional grade model (holds the Stihl). Let me know your thoughts. My thoughts - I am confused (jokes) Thanks for the video. I have an electric Stihl which is great but the hassel of having a power lead really sucks and thinking about getting a gas one. The Husquvarna is cheaper than the Stihl and also has a swivel handle.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

+Jeff Bourke Sorry for the confusion, I don't read from a script and my word choices often get a little jumbled. As far as a swivel handle goes, I don't think that feature would be a deal breaker for me. Would that have an influence on your decision? Maybe if I used one, I would want it... Thanks.

[@jacobgroff420]

Now try the Stihl hsa 66 with the ap300s battery we run them and they are awesome

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Sounds like an interesting hedge trimmer. If I get a chance, I'll check it out.

[@miguelangelvalderrama1808]

Can I trim my hair with one of those?????

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Haha, you better check the instructions, lol!

[@JeffBourke]

Do you want to get what you paid for or do you want electric?

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

+Jeff Bourke I have another trimmer to introduce to the mix this spring. A 56v Worx Cordless Trimmer.

[@JeffBourke]

Ooooh I am not a fan of battery gear. So expensive when for almost the same price, a gas one has more power, no need to charge batteries (just top up gas) and no need to replace expensive batteries every 8 years (there abouts). I can see that every model does have its own unique advantages is if you were trimming hedges indoors and didn't want any fumes...but yeah. Will be interesting to see how it performs in your review!

[@franciscoo.8656]

Electric/battery power is the way of the future,. So many ideas i have about this.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Battery power is making big strides in outdoor tools. I'm working on a new video that will be out next week.

[@fennis26]

How's your hearing dude? Got that lip reading down yet?

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

+fennis26 Oh man, you got me. The Stihl Hedge Trimmer isn't nearly as loud as a chainsaw, but I still need hearing protection. If you check my more recent videos, I think I'm always wearing safety equipment. Be safe!

[@jeffcmo1957]

I want a $200.00 homeowner gas one

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

It's nice just being able to walk around with it and not drag a cord around.

[@leonardrobloxandmore]

I choose the gas model it's gonna be stronger than electric

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Yes, this one is stronger, but the battery powered tools are really starting to catch up this year.

[@wrestling4life647]

Ok thanks because I have a limited cord length

[@roryb3013]

Not a fair comparison at all a cheap electric model for a top end petrol one silly video

[@VikramBhosale1987]

well a novice the whole thing, i like seeing the gas/electric.. BUT i do see on amazon a less than 200 gas model. I think I'll now try since this gas one works WAY better.

[@evilqtip7098]

BLACK AND DECKER THE BEST !

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

It does a great job for the price!

[@Daehawk]

Dont have a huge yard. Much prefer my light weight corded .

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

The first hedge trimmer I bought was electric, because it was the lowest price and did a pretty good job. Battery power is one of my favorites now.

[@treedude363]

theres battery powered ones now also Ryobi 40 volt and one thing u forgot to mention is weight the sthill much better but a lot heavier im a pro arborist there is also bosh electric ones that are really good and last

[@edglauner7898]

pull and go

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

+Ed Bart Yes, good choice!

[@edglauner7898]

*****​ please subscribe to my channel i subscribed to yours

[@edglauner7898]

Lets see some new video's

[@noahnoasndoesgaming5667]

400

[@Bradgilliswhammyman]

electrics are getting much much better. EGO and Stiel electrics are good.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

I own a Worx 56v trimmer as well. It compares well to gas.

[@torbenlienljungbergnielsen5233]

now try an electric trimmer with same hp rating as the gas trimmer.

[@wrestling4life647]

Because I have a small house

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

You might like a battery powered one as well. I have a Worx 56V that's pretty amazing.

[@mdwadud9471]

Definately gas

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Thanks for your vote!

[@jakevanderbeck3355]

I think gas hedge trimmers are best

[@jakevanderbeck3355]

That would be my choice

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Thanks for your vote!

[@lettherebepiece7184]

Why you should buy petrol trimmer,No wire getting in the way. No danger of tripping over wire .No electric shocks,can use in places where no electric isn`t present,Capable of going through stronger material.Get work done quicker,Stronger made ie better quality.May cost more but save in the long run,P-ss off the neighbors you don`t like. Why you should not buy petrol trimmer,Constant fueling.Having to buy fuel and oil then you have to mix correctly.Noisy.Smelly.Heavier.Usually cost more to purchase.Running problems.More dangerous when having a accident with them.More complicated to sort out the fault.P-ss off your nice neighbors,Can`t here the telephone ringing lol, Well all this has me confused,The cheapest option don`t have bushes or hedges and if you do,Bring back the sheers they keep you fitter.

[@rgraji5649]

Lets see the thicker scrubs not the small scrub. I would rather spend the extra money for a powerful machine to get at the thicker scrub.

[@wrestling4life647]

Electric

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Thanks for your vote!

[@AnthonyMassey]

The first 4 complete passes with the electric you didn't cut anything.. Money's not an issue... Absolutely go with Gas...

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Anthony Massey You get what ya pay for.... right?

[@kirkthebeerslinger]

@@MarkThomasBuilder i get more than I pay for by buying high quality, barely used gas yard tools from people switching to battery...but you do have to know your way around small engines incase they have been poorly maintained

[@bobbrawley9439]

Well you are a guy and for you , get the $400 . For me I'm using a echo trimmer with a sickle bar attachment the weight is arm breaking. so , so show us using the $400 rig with one hand. Is it the lite enough to do so?

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

No, I use both hands when using the Stihl Hedge Trimmer.

[@abrahammathews9805]

Abraham Mathews Thanks! Gas better

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

That's my choice!

[@toxikchrgez5645]

People cut the cord because they don't watch where they're cutting

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

That's true! Gotta be safe out there!

[@justinnicolas2347]

I would say gas because number one to me having to drag around a extension cord is a bitch and also the fact tht u could cut the cord by accident and electrocute yourself so gas by far another good thing about gas it can go anywhere without having 10 cords to go to the other side of your house

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

I agree Justin, it's no fun putting all those extension cords together.

[@VMBlanco]

Gas powered mo'bettah...

[@zach7548]

gas cause don't have to worry about accidentally cutting an electric cord and no worrys about charging a battery all the time

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

Good point Zack, I didn't think of the danger of cutting the electric cord. I can see it happening if you use a green cord. Thanks for commenting!

[@stevemtc1]

A stihl electric is fine fo most the motor is heavy

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

+stevemtc1 I didn't think the gas one was too heavy. I run a chainsaw a lot during winter, so this is much lighter, compared to that.

[@cedrickmoore5459]

Ha Ha Ha I know almost everyone has cut the cord.

[@mtnmotoadv]

I started with a $100 black and decker electric hedger. It served decent for small jobs in the beginning but over time the battery starts wearing out, it's pretty gutless for anything substantial and now the trigger gets stuck so I can only turn it off my pulling out the battery. Just picked up a Stihl HS45 the other day and will never go back to electric, at least not in the foreseeable future. You just don't get the torque and heavy dutiness out of an electric trimmer, not to mention it's a lot simpler to just fill up a tank than it is to have to recharge your batteries. It can suck when you forget to charge them the night before a job you'll be needing them. They are lightweight which is one positive they've got going for them.

[@smithjoey1985]

Lol $70 vs $400

[@damothelegend9452]

black and decker are rubbish. stihl all the way.

[@MarkThomasBuilder]

I think I sold my B&D after making this video. My Stihl starts up great every time!