Comparison Husqvarna 520iHT4 vs Husqvarna 520iHE3

Overall length of pole saw (see "Type").

The height that can be reached with a pole saw from the ground depends on this indicator, without the use of additional devices (stools, benches, stairs, etc.). In modern models, the length of the rod can reach 4 m — this is enough to handle even fairly tall trees, and a longer length would make the unit too heavy and bulky.

When choosing according to this parameter, note that a too long rod affects not only the weight and cost of the pole saw, but also can be inconvenient when working at low heights. Therefore, it is worth looking for a "long-range" tool only if most of the work is planned to be carried out at high altitudes. However, some models of pole saws allow you to adjust the length of the rod in a certain range, which makes it possible to adjust the tool to specific working conditions. For such models, this paragraph indicates the largest value of the length.

The model is equipped with a telescopic rod, the length of which can be adjusted by the user. Increasing the length of the rod opens up the possibility of easy and simple pruning of trees / shrubs in hard-to-reach places. If the length of the average brush cutter holder, in the folded position, is 2 m, then the telescopic mechanism makes it possible to increase the length of the holder by an average of 1 m.

The type of battery installed in the battery-powered hedge trimmer (see above).

— Ni-Cd. One of the first types of batteries used for power tools. Nickel-cadmium batteries are well-suited for heavy loads, have quite a decent capacity per unit weight, while charging fairly quickly and are resistant to temperature extremes — the latter is important, given that brushcutters, by definition, are used outdoors. On the other hand, such batteries have a number of significant drawbacks, the most important of which is the “memory effect”: if the battery is started to be charged without completely discharging it before, it will accumulate less energy (as if “remembering” that part of the charge was not needed last time). (hence the name of the effect). In addition, some components of Ni-Cd cells are considered environmentally unsafe. As a result, this type of battery is considered obsolete and is gradually being replaced by more advanced options.

— Ni-Mh. Nickel-metal hydride batteries were created as a development of nickel-cadmium batteries, in an attempt to eliminate their main shortcomings. Such batteries are practically devoid of the "memory effect", they use safer materials in their construction, and at the same time they have all the main advantages of the original technology — in particular, reliability and resistance to temperature extremes. Of the shortcomings, one can only note the need to comply with specific rules for long-term storage.

— Li-Io...n. The most advanced type of modern batteries. Lithium-ion batteries combine small size and weight with high capacity, charge quickly, are practically not subject to the "memory effect" and are generally unpretentious in operation (besides, many of these batteries have recently built their own controller that optimizes charge-discharge cycles) . At the same time, they are sensitive to low temperatures and are more expensive than other types.

The name of the battery that is compatible with the device. It helps to buy a spare or find a suitable one in case of a breakdown of the main one.

Approximate noise level produced by the hedge trimmer in normal operation. This parameter allows you to evaluate how comfortable it will be to work with the tool: the lower the noise level, the less discomfort it causes for the operator and others, and the lower the likelihood that special hearing protection will be needed during operation. At the same time, note that loud noise is an inevitable side effect of high power — it would be too expensive and difficult to make a powerful and low-noise tool. In addition, this figure is only approximate. Firstly, different manufacturers may indicate it differently: for idling, for full speed, for half power, etc. Secondly, the actual volume of work may also differ from the claimed one due to the peculiarities of a particular situation: for example, working with thick branches leads to an increase in the load on the engine, which can also affect the noise level.

Another specific point is that the decibel used to measure this indicator is a non-linear value: an increase of 1 dB corresponds to an increase of 1.26 times, 3 dB — 2 times, etc. Therefore, to assess the loudness of work, it is easiest to use comparative tables. Here is one of the simplified versions of such a table for the range in which most modern hedge trimmers work:

65 dB — loud conversation at a distance of a metre;
70 dB — loud conversation of several people at the same distance;
75 dB — shout from the same distance;
80 dB — the ringin...g of a mechanical alarm clock, a loud cry at a distance of 1 m;
85 dB — loud screams at a distance of 1 m;
90 dB — heavy truck or freight car at a distance of 7 m;
95 dB — subway car at a distance of 7 m;
100 dB — noisy industrial shop.

The total weight of the brush cutter. Usually indicated for a fully equipped tool, with an attachment installed and, in the case of a petrol engine, a full tank of fuel; however, there may be exceptions. Usually, the relevant data is indicated in the official documentation.

This parameter is important, first of all, taking into account the fact that the tool during work will have to be kept on weight most of the time. Accordingly, the lighter the brush cutter, the longer you can work with it without interruption, the less often you have to rest. On the other hand, a large weight also has its advantages: a heavy tool is more stable and does not “tear out of hand” as much under high loads on the nozzle.