I have the Ego hedge trimmer. It has plenty of power. Not sure how strong your wife is but the battery and tool weight is probably significant compared to a corded model.

A very good point on weight! I just serviced a small corded electric Black and Decker Shrub and Hedge Trimmer that I thought would be a joke. It did all I wanted and needed a trimmer to do but the fear of the cord had me “Half Stressed”. I use corded Electric Chainsaws weekly this time of year. I have no concerns as I did with the Small Light Weight Hedge Trimmer.

I feel it’s the environment of working with Busy Shrub/Hedges. The small 8114 Black & Decker with a 11-12”cut to me was handier than my 22’’ Weedeater on the “light weight trimming”. The Weight, Size and Handling was Ideal for a Lady IMO. Mainly if they are not use to using corded tools.

The Black and Decker had been trashed from previous use but serviced very easy with a lot of life left in it. Believe it or not, the gear box was full of “Shrub Bits” which was not the cause of the “Grind Sound”. I saw no damage from the “Grind Sound”. Which led me to believe it was the nature of the design. I have 3 Pics of my service if you are interested. In exchange for “A Service to a Gas Trimmer”(LOL)!