Mechanical hedge trimming: speed and precision in one |
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| GARDEN AND PARK TECHNOLOGY |
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| 154 sec |
The idea for our unique blade system was literally born at the kitchen table
Hedge trimming in public areas is labour-intensive and takes time. With the HS series from Becx Machines, the job becomes faster, neater and safer. Owner Erwin Hommen and board member Hanneke Hommen-Becx explain the development of their company and the success of these machines.
It began in 2008 with four prototypes of a hedge trimmer. All four were put to work, three at a sheltered workshop and one at a company specialising in hedge trimming and weed control. The concept proved successful. Within a year, fifty units were produced and sold, and growth continued. "The idea for our unique blade system was literally born at the kitchen table," says Erwin Hommen. "The first prototype didn't perform well. That evening I made a cardboard model to change the blade position. It produced the desired cutting result and reduced the clippings better. We filed a patent straight away." That patent still forms the basis of the HS series.
 | | Erwin Hommen |
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Versatile HS series
The series now includes several models, such as the HS75, HS130, HS131, HS150, HS210 and HS240. The number refers to the working width in centimetres, while the letters indicate hydraulic or electric models. More than 2,000 machines have been built and sold worldwide, with Germany as the main export market alongside the Netherlands.
Most end users are green contractors and municipal services. "In Germany, municipalities often have their own green maintenance teams. In the Netherlands, work is outsourced more frequently, but many contractors here also use our machines," says Hanneke Hommen.
Distinctive cutting result
The strength of the HS series lies in the final result. Traditional mechanical hedge trimming often produces large volumes of waste that need to be collected. The Becx blade system chops clippings into fine particles that fall back into the hedge and are barely visible. "Clean-up work is minimal," says Erwin.
This offers clear benefits for public-space managers: less waste means lower disposal costs and less labour. The work is also safer and neater: "It makes a big difference whether you have to remove wheelbarrows full of branches or whether the material disappears into the hedge."
Quiet and comfortable to use
Noise reduction is another key advantage. Users who have experience with competing machines notice that the HS series is quieter. "Of course our machine makes noise, but it doesn't scream," says Hanneke Hommen-Becx. This is an important benefit in urban environments, where noise is an increasing concern.
Built for the long term
Quality and durability are central to Becx Machines. Most components are manufactured and assembled in-house. Only steel cutting and bending are outsourced. After welding, blasting and double powder coating, each machine is carefully tested. The choice for premium materials is deliberate. "We don't use standard ball bearings but double-row barrel bearings. All shafts are made of chrome-molybdenum steel instead of regular shaft steel," says Hommen. "It costs more but ensures years of reliable use." Wear-sensitive parts such as protective flaps are made of vulcolan instead of rubber — more expensive, but far longer-lasting.
Maintenance and ease of use
Blade maintenance is important for users. Erwin Hommen recommends sharpening daily. "It may sound odd, but restoring sharpness a little each day keeps blades in the best condition. Waiting too long creates a rounded edge that hammers instead of cuts. That uses more fuel and reduces quality."
Blades are also easy to replace if damaged, which is practical for contractors working in varying conditions.
Electrification underway
Alongside the hydraulic models, Becx Machines is working toward full electrification. The HS131ER, an electric model with its own battery pack, is already performing well in practice. "We've seen that electric trimming is just as strong as hydraulic, sometimes even stronger," says Erwin Hommen. Electrification meets growing municipal demand for emission-free equipment. "We're not rushing," adds Hanneke Hommen-Becx. "We want to enter the market only when performance fully meets our expectations. But our aim is to be a serious player next year."
In-house arms and rotators
To offer complete solutions, Becx Machines now produces its own arms and rotators. These are designed specifically for hedge trimming and offer flexibility: the arm can rotate left and right, and the cutter bar can be flipped manually or hydraulically. This allows efficient trimming from different angles, even in difficult corners.
The HS series is successful, but development continues. Becx Machines listens closely to market needs and translates them into new models and applications. Sometimes an internal idea hits the mark, such as a mechanically adjustable weed brush that is gaining traction.
The common thread remains: machines that help public-space professionals work faster, cleaner and more sustainably.
This article was originally published on 1 December 2025 on the website](https://www.stad-en-groen.nl/article/51595/machinaal-heggen-snoeien-snelheid-en-precisie-in-]website) of Stad + Groen.
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