Hedge Trimmer sales – Jan. thru March 24
This month, we look at the marketplace for hedge trimmers and related shears. This is the third in our ongoing analysis of data from Dealer+, the collaborative data program developed by OpenBrand (formerly Traqline) and Ideal Computer Systems.
This data comes from point-of-sale records of nearly 2,000 independent OPE dealers nationwide, representing every major brand. Plus, the effort looks at data from mass merchants. Sales were recorded from January through March 2024.
See more Dealer+ data analysis:
Dealer+ Data
(from independent OPE dealers)
Average leaf blower sale price
- Commercial models = $519
- Residential models = $269
- Overall average = $450
Total battery-powered sales
- Commercial models = 1%
- Residential models = 47%
- Total = 14%
For the product data we’ve seen so far, this is the lowest percentage of battery products for commercial buyers, and the highest percentage for residential buyers. That points to vast product design and use differences in this market. And a big opportunity for manufacturers to focus on pro-level battery-powered trimmers, either with product design or marketing.
Note: “Residential” – products marketed primarily to consumers. “Commercial” – products marketed primarily to professional users.
Top-selling commercial trimmer
- Stihl HL 94 – Stihl markets this as a feature-packed pro-level trimmer that’s light enough for non-pro users. But at $600, this tool seems too costly for residential trimming needs. The company brands this with its “Caring for Nature” seal, claiming it uses a low-exhaust engine that is cleaner than EPA and/or CARB exhaust emission standards.
Top-selling residential-model trimmer
- Stihl HS 45 – This tool uses an 18-in. blade, and is powered by a 27cc gas engine. It weighs about 10 pounds, so it’s light enough for casual homeowner use. The second-best selling model here is the Echo HC2020, a gas-powered, 20-in. trimmer. The price and specs are similar to the Stihl, though it uses a smaller engine but a larger fuel tank.
Top battery-powered trimmer
- Stihl HSA 26 – This multi-purpose trimmer retails for $129 and uses Stihl’s 10.8V AS battery. It’s a small homeowner-size unit that provides users with a lot of versatility.
Hedge trimmer analysis, opportunity and obstacles
Commercial users need to own a few hedge trimmers, from long-reach models to regular pruning tools in a couple different bar lengths. This data shows commercial users are willing to pay $500 on average. And while gas still dominates this marketplace, both Stihl and Echo – the two sales leaders here – introduced several battery-powered trimmers in the last year. The percentage of e-trimmers and battery-powered convertible powerheads will increase this season.
While the range of price points might present an opportunity, the volume of trimmers below $100 is best left to the national chain stores. Many of these products are most likely purchased as sales bargains while consumers are out buying for other weekend projects. Instead, dealers should make sure they can provide – in-store or through e-commerce – a range or product types and sizes, from small handheld shears to pole-type pruners. Make it about a variety of solutions instead of low price points.
Big-Box store top-selling hedge trimmers
Lowe’s is currently selling (as of May 2) this Craftsman 20V 20-in hedge trimmer (with a 1.5 Ah) battery for $100, down about $20 from its MSRP. According to Google’s Shopping Insights tool, this trimmer has been as low as $70 recently. For big-box stores and residential buyers, that is what this market is all about. Low prices drive sales for a tool that’s used a couple times a season. And that 1.5 Ah battery is evidence of the infrequent use.
Top Brand: Ryobi
There is a close battle here between Ryobi, Craftsman and Stanley Black & Decker for Top Hedge Trimmer Brand at big-box stores. The strong seller from Black & Decker is a corded model for about $50.
