Gas-powered hedge trimmers are very powerful (and noisy) tools to do heavy-duty hedge trimming work. Their biggest advantage is that they are the most powerful types of hedge trimmers. A gas powered hedge trimmer will do the job quicker than any other type of trimmer, however they are known to be loud and heavy. One must choose an appropriate size of a gas hedge trimmer to fit the right circumstances.
The bottom line is, gas hedge trimmers offer much power and portability, there is no electric cord to drag along behind you, or god forbid, cut by accident. They are noisier, more expensive, heavier and less environmentally friendly than cordless, electric models. Another trade off between brute force "get things done quick" methodology is that the fumes produced by the engines of gas-powered hedge trimmers are a health hazard. However, there is no other machine that is better for heavy-duty or other large jobs. Whether this is the best hedge trimmer type or not is left for a debate. To categorize something as the best tool requires deeper analysys and subjective experience. One thing is certain, gas-powered hedge trimmers are the best tools when it comes to taking care of those thick, tough branches and unneeded plant growths that extend out of the hedges.
The gas-powered Craftsman's Bushwacker, also known as simply Bushwacker is a 22 inch, 21cc hedge trimmer. The bushwacker is the closest relative of Craftsman's weedwacker, they have similar names. The latter being a string-operated tool. A used Bushwacker in good condition can cost about $75. This 25cc hedge trimmer offers a 22" cut path with a 3/4 inch blade opening. It comes with comfort action blades that deliver a smooth and healthy cut for your garden hedges. It also comes with reduced vibration handles. The blade is usually taken off when shipped for safe handling.
The gas-powered Echo HC160 ($350) hedge trimmer model with a 21.1cc, 0.9 hp engine offers great power and versatility. As any gas powered hedge trimmer, you will get the mobility and powerful cuts capable of going through bush and tree branches that are up to 3/4 inch in diameter. Echo comes standard with a 24" double-sided (double-reciprocating) blade for fast cuts through bushy shrubs and practically eliminates those irritating jams. The Echo trimmer weighs about 12.2 lbs (pounds) but having no cord may prevent accidents or injuries. One of the others Echo trimmer models is the 40" bar single sided blade. A personal favorite of many, once you get the hang of a long bar single there's no going back! All hedge trimmers can be bought at Home Depot, Lowes or other local home improvement stores, usually you will find them in their garden department or yard power equipment section.