Independent Review: The ECHO DHC-30 Hedge Trimmer

Product Review of the ECHO DHC-30 Battery Powered Hedgetrimmer by Chris Crowder, Head Gardener of Levens Hall near Kendal in the Lake District, and author of “The Garden at Levens”.

The ECHO DHC-30

I have been Head Gardener for over twenty years at Levens Hall - home of the world's best, oldest and most extensive collection of topiary and hedges. 

Over the years I have tried and tested most of the professional hedge trimmers on the market. We spend over six months each year, every year clipping, so the tools we use must be the best !

I was excited, yet a little dubious, when I first heard of the ECHO battery powered trimmers. We have investigated in other battery units before, and although it’s a great idea in theory, all proved to be designed for the domestic market. Not so the ECHO DHC-30s however... I have been thrilled by them, and cannot recommend them highly enough! 

These are a completely professional piece of kit - the blades are sharp, and really fly! I am constantly surprised at the speed and power - not at all what might be expected when looking at the technical specs. The motor is listed at 126 watts which sounds like nothing, but they actually outpace all the mains and 110 volt units I have tried, and certainly keep up with the two-strokes. 

Unlike two-stokes however, the operator does not have the cloud of blue exhaust smoke to work in. It is such a relief to be able to work in the fresh air again, and not go home at the end of the day with clothes stinking of engine fumes (what can that be doing to your lungs?!). They beat the two-strokes for noise levels too. Although not silent they are far quieter, and of course there's no idling exhaust sound either. These improvement in the work environment should not be underestimated - they are huge benefits! 

I have also been well pleased by the power supply. The battery is comfortably held close to the body in a backpack. You really do forget it is there, and in some ways it even aids balance as you hold the clippers out in front. The short power cord is always in the right place, and I have not been anywhere close to cutting through it. Certainly different from mains leads! 

Best of all has been my experience of battery life... These units do not slow down as the battery discharges, but keep going at full pace right through to the end. The claimed 4-5 hours use is more than fair. In fact, in practice, I use them all day without a spare battery by just putting them back on charge while I have lunch. The little charging unit that comes with them is also a winner - knocking back from full charging to trickle charging as the battery reaches capacity.Having used double-sided blades for many years, I thought it would prove more difficult going back to the single sided units. It was easy enough to adapt technique though, and despite their size, I used them for all the most detailed and intricate of topiary work, as well as the broader expanses of hedging. Ergonomically, the handle placement is perfect, and the micro switches take no pressure to hold down - a great advantage when you are using these tools all day, every day.I am hard pressed to find fault with the ECHO DHC-30, in fact I can only suggest extending the concept... When they bring out a long-reach unit my happiness will be complete! 

The ECHO DHC-30s are certainly a really professional piece of kit. It has been a real pleasure to use, we will be investing in more this season. I am more than happy to recommend them to anyone seeking the best in hedge trimmer technology.... 

Chris Crowder Dip.Hort.(Kew) F.I.Hort Head Gardener: Levens Hall www.levensgarden.com

Chris trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and has been Head Gardener at Levens Hall for over twenty years. Gardening is his life and sharing his enthusiasm and expertise for the subject is his passion... He has appeared in many TV and radio features, and writes regularly on gardens and gardening. He travels extensively to advise and teach, and is much in demand as an entertaining and informative speaker. He also actively promotes the Gardens of the Lake District across the world.

The Garden at Levens

At Levens Hall in the Lake District are the most famous and elaborate topiary gardens in Britain. They were first laid out in 1694 by Guillaume Beaumont, who also worked at Hampton Court Palace. The gardens have changed little since.

In addition to the famous topiary, the gardens display stunning seasonal bedding, a "wilderness", an orchard and vegetable and herb gardens in a series of small compartments, making them a useful source of inspiration for visitors. There is a wealth of contrasting features, and an impressive collection of plant varieties, not to mention the earliest ha-ha, or sunken ditch, in England. The gardens at Levens Hall resonate with their 300-year-old heritage while incorporating new developments and changing influences.