I've gone from a petrol 2 stroke hedge trimmer to a corded electric trimmer, purely for the much lighter machine, even though I've had to except a shorter blade length. the trade off turned out to be worthwhile.
The thickness of the branches is governed by the tooth spacing's on the blade, so 1/2 inch seems to be about par for the course for most models, I chose a Boshe and have no regrets so far.
Thanks chipchopper after quite a bit of research i have just ordered a Bosch AHS65-34 electric cutter. So i'm hoping this will be ideal.
Thankyou Tilly2 for your concern x