Product Review: Jobmate Electric Hedge Trimmer

My family recently moved to a house with a large property. There are numerous hedges and bushes in the yard that require regular maintenance. As our previous residence did not have much landscaping, we had never required lawn care equipment. After deciding we needed to purchase hedge trimmers, we visited the local Canadian Tire store to look at our options. It was an exciting trip for my husband, as he is always in the mood to purchase a new tool!

After reviewing the various models available, we decided to purchase the Jobmate Electric Hedge Trimmer. It cost $34.99 (Canadian dollars before tax). This unit has a 2.2 A motor with a reciprocating speed of 1,700 SPM. The power cord is 14" and is polarized with 2 prongs. The blade length is 13" and the overall trimmer length is 28.5". The weight of the trimmer is 4lb 8oz or 2kg making it lightweight and easy to maneuver. The warranty that was included is for a period of one year against defects in workmanship and materials. The manual states that you can return the unit to the store of purchase within a one-year period for a free replacement or repair of the trimmer. It also indicates that this trimmer is not to be used for industrial or commercial uses.

The Jobmate Electric Hedge Trimmer is one of the cheaper models available and the exterior is made entirely of plastic except for the blade. Its purpose is to trim and shape medium sized hedges and bushes. We found that the unit functioned well, but the sound it created was mechanically rough. It worked well for trimming the bushes and hedges on our property and didn't bind or become jammed. It maneuvered easily and worked well as a shaping tool. The hedge trimmer has a safety device, but it does not force a user to hold it with two hands. This could be considered a safety hazard. A blade cover is provided, but it does not snap in place. It could easily fall off or be removed by a child while in storage. The packaging for this product also indicates that the trimmer contains a cord lock that prevents power cord separation. We found that this function did not work and the cord actually separated from the unit a few times while in use.