GARDENS
Highlighting practical advantages
Editor says: " The other day, my partner accidentally cut through the 220V power cord that operates my hedge cutter. From this point of departure, anything without a cord is a huge advantage, and safer too!"
According to Husqvarna, battery-powered tools offer other clear advantages, besides runtime and convenience. They are quieter, which matters when gardens are close to neighbours, and cleaner, with no petrol fumes. Their lighter, easier-to-handle design requires less effort while still delivering expected performance. Their compact size also makes them easy to store and a natural fit for smaller properties, aligning garden care with the realities of modern living.
Unpacking runtime
The time a battery-powered tool can run on a single charge depends on the type of tool, the task, and how it is used. Often, though, figures quoted on the box or in product specifications are based on ideal conditions and may not fully reflect real-world performance. However, advances in lithium-ion battery technology have substantially improved power, recharge time, and ease of use, making battery tools an excellent option for many everyday gardening tasks in compact spaces.
“ For smaller gardens such as those in townhouses, garden flats, and compact suburban properties – a single fully charged battery is generally enough to handle routine jobs: trimming lawn edges, blowing leaves from a patio or driveway, pruning small shrubs or branches, and light lawn maintenance,” explains Isabirye.
But there are exceptions.“ Certain tasks, such as mowing a very thick or overgrown lawn or trimming hedges with dense branches, do draw more power. Simple habits, however, can help extend runtimes – keeping tool blades clean, working at a steady pace, using the right tool for the job, and avoiding overworking the equipment.”
The bottom line, based on the above practical information, is that when selecting a batterypowered garden tool, it’ s important to focus on practical efficiency rather than maximum power.
Isabirye offers the following advice:“ Choose tools that are compatible with your garden and suited to the tasks you regularly perform. This allows you to complete chores comfortably and efficiently, ensuring the best balance of performance, convenience, and ease of use.”
Look out for a supplier’ s range of compact, affordable, battery-powered garden tools that is built on these principles for the smaller garden. For example, a range operating from a single 18V lithium-ion battery can power multiple tools. Isabirye says these range from a pruner and a hedge trimmer to a grass trimmer, a mower, and a blower.
Additionally, keep an eye out for a range with a battery compatible with certain other partner brands through the‘ Power For All Alliance’ – a shared battery ecosystem.“ This removes the need for multiple batteries, reducing costs and saving storage space – because ultimately, the smartest garden tools don’ t necessarily have to be the most powerful, just the most practical solution for your needs,” Isabirye advises.
www. tobuild. co. za | autumn 2026 93