4 Power Tools Every Gardener Should Have in Their Shed

As a gardening enthusiast, you surely have an idea regarding the tools and equipment to use. We have staples, such as sprinklers, shovels, brooms, and rakes. In every task you do, you wear gardening gloves and protective clothing to keep dirt, heat, and sweat off.

But some gardeners require more than just hand tools. The size and scope of your garden will immediately tell you it's time to purchase power tools. If you have a bigger than average lawn, you may have noticed that you just cannot seem to get the job done. There is a long list of things that you need to complete for your garden to thrive. And if it takes you a lot of time and effort to care for your garden, you should start shopping for power tools.

Power Tools for Gardeners

Which power tools should you buy? In this article, we will help you decide which tools can help you with your gardening tasks. You'll also find quick buying guides so that you can purchase tools that are well worth your money.

1. Lawn Mower

Unfortunately, your lawn will not take care of itself. The grass will keep growing, and the only way to control it is to cut. This is where a lawn mower comes in. You have quite a few choices for lawn mowers, and most of them provide the assistance you need. They allow you to cut grass faster and more efficiently. You save time and even see the improvement in cutting quality. Some lawn mowers have features that make these tools more convenient than ever.

Lawn mowers can be powered by petrol, electricity, or battery. Each has its own pros and cons, so be sure to consider them before you buy. Here are some factors to take into consideration:

• Wide Diameter: Having a wide cutting diameter will allow you to mow the lawn quicker, so you have more free time. Usually, petrol mowers are known for their wideness, ranging from 45 to 50cm. Mowers that use electricity and batteries to power them up are often smaller with about 30 to 40cm width. However, this Greenworks cordless lawn mower offers 46cm cutting diameter, allowing you to make more mowing runs each session.
• Convenience: Petrol is considered the most powerful of all types. However, it can be a hassle to use them. For one, a petrol-powered lawn mower is heavy. It can also be difficult to start, and you need to refuel it every once in a while. It's noisy and produces fumes, which your neighbours may not be appreciative of. An electric mower is an excellent option if you do not mind dragging a power cord around. If your lawn is about 500 square metres or smaller, it's better to go for a battery mower. Technology has improved battery lawn mowers, giving you longer battery life.
• Features: Look for features that will help make mowing easier. The handle should be comfortable and preferably adjustable. It should be easy to manoeuvre, providing better control for the user. Cutting heights should be modifiable, as well. You may want to use a mower with a brushless motor, especially if vibrations bother you or have dexterity or strength limitations.

Check the type of ignition and size of wheels, too. Bigger wheels can easily handle rough surfaces, but smaller ones are lightweight.

2. Leaf Blower

Every homeowner dreams of a neat and tidy lawn all year round. Unfortunately, it is not easy to achieve with all the leaves, clippings, and other materials from the surroundings. A leaf blower, as the name suggests, blows away leaves. Also known as a blower vacuum (or just vac), a leaf blower can also be used to get rid of other garden debris.

Like a lawn mower, the leaf blower can be powered by petrol, electricity, or battery. Let's compare each of these options:

• Petrol Leaf Blower: Most homeowners choose petrol leaf blowers because of their power. They are more suitable for large areas compared to other types. The blower can either be two or four-stroke. The most significant advantage of petrol vacuums is that they last longer, allowing you to work on your entire garden. However, they are typically louder and heavier.
• Electric Leaf Blower: This variety produces less noise and is easy to use. It's also more affordable than the petrol model. Perhaps the reason why many gardeners don't like electric-powered blowers is that they require an extension cord. If not, they are forced to stay near a power outlet. If you have a smaller garden, it can be a good option for you.
• Battery Leaf Blower: Battery-powered tools are becoming more popular in Australia. These leaf vacuums use lithium-ion batteries, which are easy and quick to recharge. The downside with this type of battery is that its efficiency decreases over time. Nevertheless, battery leaf blowers produce less vibration and noise. Plus, they're cordless so you can take them anywhere. Check out this Greenworks cordless leaf blower with a maximum air speed of 177.01 km/h.

When choosing the leaf blower to buy, you should determine how comfortable it is to use. Some leaf blowers are cheap, while others come with features and big sizes that increase the final price. So, you should consider your budget before buying.

3. Chainsaw

Felling trees and cutting firewood are common tasks that you can do with your chainsaw. But what most people don't know is that this power tool is quite versatile. It can handle almost any yard work, mainly if you deal with a lot of foliage around the property. Or, perhaps you just like to DIY.

When buying a chainsaw, you will most likely choose between the following types:

• Pneumatic Chainsaw: This chainsaw is not truly used in households. Rather, those who perform industrial jobs utilise pneumatic chainsaws. This variety is powered by air pockets, which have been under very high pressure. A pneumatic chainsaw is so powerful that it can cut through metal and concrete.
• Pole Chainsaw: This type differs from most other chainsaws because it is longer. You can use a pole saw to trim places that you cannot reach while remaining safely on the ground. It's actually a small chainsaw, which is then attached to a stick to extend its length.
• Corded Chainsaw: This chainsaw is an electrical model, which you plug into a wall socket. It's best for small yards, but if you have several extension cords, you might find a corded chainsaw useful, as well.
• Battery-Powered: Because it uses a battery, this chainsaw works without cords. You can take it anywhere with you so that you can perform the job you need even if it is on the other side of the house. The battery is often detachable and rechargeable using a charging kit. A 4Ah battery can last about an hour, which should be enough to cut foliage or do the task required. This Greenworks Chainsaw is just 40cm, meaning it is handy and lightweight. You do not have to be a pro to operate it. Another benefit is that the chainsaw does not emit loud noises, a frequent complaint of those who use electric and gas-powered tools.
• Gas Chainsaw: The most common type of chainsaw uses gas or petrol, which is typically two-stroke fuel for the engine. There are different sizes and weights available. Gas-powered tools are often more expensive than other types. If your lawn is not massive, gas chainsaws are usually not worth buying.

When picking a chainsaw to purchase, you should consider the size and weight of the tool. Since you will mostly use your hands for a good amount of time, it should not feel too heavy to control. Also, look at the safety features and engine capacity to ensure you get everything done.

4. Hedge Trimmer

Sometimes, garden bushes or hedges can look dirty and unkempt. While you can snip them manually, a hedge trimmer can make your job quicker and easier. You can select between cordless, electric, and petrol models. Gardeners know how important it is to trim plants regularly. The task can be time-consuming but necessary in ensuring the health of the hedges. Whenever you see diseased parts of the bush, just get your hedge trimmer to remove them.

Here are your options:

• Electric Hedge Trimmers: One of the advantages of electric hedge trimmers is their lightness. You can carry and use them around with ease. The problem is you need to have access to power points when you trim the plants. That usually means using an extension cord or merely staying near the house. It's not always convenient, but it works for many gardeners. Be careful, however. Electric models have a high risk of cutting the cord. Also, they typically do not offer much power.
• Petrol Hedge Trimmers: Speaking of power, petrol trimmers are the best choice if you're looking for maximum strength. This type of power trimmer can be used anywhere, unlike an electric unit. However, it can be noisy, heavy, and demanding. Most people criticise the excessive vibration of the tool, which is not always suitable for people with certain conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Battery Hedge Trimmers: Also known as cordless hedge trimmers, a battery-powered model is the best option around. It is powerful but quiet and does not vibrate as much as electric and petrol units. Greenworks has a 40-volt cordless hedge trimmer that uses a Li-ion battery. It boasts a power of 3000 cycles per minute, yet the vibration level is less than 2.5 metre per second squared (m/s2).

Hedge trimmers help you groom bushes, hedges, and plants quickly. Once you use this tool, you will never go back to manual trimming.

Investing in quality power tools will actually save you a ton of money in the long run. These tools are efficient, durable, and easy to use with good warranties. The Grit carries various power tools for gardeners in Australia. We have reputable brands known to deliver superior gardening equipment, including Greenworks. See our list of power products here. Browse our shop and purchase the tools you need to make caring for your garden a breeze!