Last updated on October 12th, 2023
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I’ve been using hedge trimmers for almost 20 years, and I’ve got to admit, some of these latest cordless hedge trimmers will give most petrol or corded hedge trimmers a run for their money in terms of performance. Even the long reach cordless hedge trimmers (which I have also been testing) have proved much easier to use than the petrol hedge trimmers on my garden multi-tool I have also been testing.
When it comes to cordless hedge trimmers, the first thing you need to decide (as outlined in my buyer’s guide further down) is if you need a standard cordless hedge trimmer, for hedges up to say 6ft tall. This height is pretty standard for most garden hedges, or you need to consider a hedge trimmer with a little reach if your hedges are taller than this. We have some 10ft+ hedges in our nursery, so long-reach hedge trimmers are essential. In some cases, it might be better to have both types handy, which is certainly the case for me, especially when cutting hedges that are 10ft in size.
I find that a cordless hedge trimmer has many advantages over petrol or corded alternatives. There are no cords to worry about cutting through or tripping over, no engine to service and maintain, and the freedom being cordless gives you. On top of this, they are generally lightweight too.
Personally, I really like my DeWalt 18V XR Cordless Hedge Trimmer, it’s such an amazing piece of kit. However, I’d expect no less from DeWalt, especially when you consider the price. It does have its limitations in terms of reach unless you use a good tripod ladder or work platform but I try to avoid using these wherever I can these days.
What you will notice straight away with the DeWalt model is that the build quality is exceptional. It’s nicely put together with 55cm hardened steel dual-action laser-cut blades with a 19mm cutting gap and it comes with a larger 5Ah battery. I’ve been using this DeWalt 18v AR around my dad’s long driveway and alongside the front of the lane and paddock over the last 18 months now, and it never misses a beat. I have also used it around the nursery too.
There are at least a few hundred meters of hedges I maintain with this, which range from Hawthorn, Laurel, Photinia, Holly as well as Leylandii in parts. I have plenty of hedges, and sometimes I think they are too much work to maintain, but they support a lot of songbirds such as bluetits, robins, and sparrows. Some of these I’ve even managed to record on my garden trail camera, not to mention the badgers I recently caught on camera.
So when I think about all the other cordless hedge trimmers I have used over the years and tested (including Bosch, Makita, Tacklife and Ryobi) there are a few things that stand out with the DeWalt 18V XR Cordless Hedge Trimmer which is what for me, makes it the best choice.
Firstly the running time is probably the best out of all the models I have tested. It comes with an 18v 5.0Ah battery, that’s double what most other cordless hedges trimmers come with as standard. Most cheaper models only have a 2.5Ah battery. This means it basically has double the capacity and this increases the running time considerably.
Personally, I usually get at least an hour out of it if I am continuously cutting, maybe needing to take a little break here and there before it needs recharging. It usually only takes around an hour to recharge as well because it also comes with a fast charger. Off the top of my head, other features include the battery level indicator (so you can see instantly how much charge is left in the battery), and the cutting blade length is a respectable 55cm long with a cutting cap of 19mm. Again this means it can easily cut through those thicker branches a lot of models struggle with.
Maybe the most important thing is that it’s comfortable to use and well-balanced, especially if you will be using it over a longer period of time.
I’ll be honest, if you got a very large overgrown hedge with thicker branches, for example, over 20mm, and a hedge that has not been trimmed in several years. This won’t be up to the job, you will need to go for a petrol hedge trimmer because these usually have a wider cutting gap, which you can maybe make out in the picture above. If I am being completely honest, cordless models are great for maintaining hedges regularly and keeping them well pruned.
Now for the taller hedges, you would be better off investing in a long reach model. They make life a lot easier, trust me I wish I had invested in one much sooner than I did. With this in mind, I really enjoy using my Bosch Universal HedgePole 18 Long Reach Trimmer, which I’ve had for a few years now. The only real downside is that the Bosch model does have a more limited running time, only having an 18v 2.5Ah battery (half that of my DeWalt battery), giving me probably around 30-40 minutes of running time with that. However, it has a reach of around 2.6m (8.5 feet) so it is perfect for mainting taller hedges.
I have found it to be well-balanced despite its length, and I like that the blade can rotate 90° either way, so I can easily cut the top of the hedges. What I really like is that it’s also very lightweight, although it can be a little top heavy when fully extended. It’s only about 4kg, so I would think it’s probably the longest long-reach model I have used. Compare this to a petrol alternative and the engine alone would weigh more than that, and some.
My top 6 Best cordless hedge trimmer picks
- DeWalt 18V XR Cordless Hedge Trimmer – I still use this regularly, a great example of a very well built cordless hedge trimmer – BEST PICK
- Bosch Universal HedgePole 18 Long Reach Trimmer – I use this regularly on taller sections of hedges that the DeWalt is not tall enough for – Runner-up
- Bosch AHS 54-20 LI Cordless Hedgecutter – A great alternative if the DeWalt model is not available
- Ryobi ONE+ 18V OPT1845 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer – This is a great pick if the Bosch Universal HedgePole is not available
- Ryobi OHT1855R ONE+ Cordless Hedge Trimmer with Hedge Sweep – This is a great choice if you already have other Ryobi tools with compatible batteries
- Makita DUH523Z Cordless LXT Lithium-Ion Hedge Trimmer – A great choice if you already have other Makita tools with compatible batteries
Buyer’s Guide
Before I get into my detailed reviews where I share my experiences with the different models, I want to do a quick guide on what you might want to consider before choosing the model that is right for you.
Do you need a long-reach model?
The first thing to consider is if you need a standard hedge trimmer or a long-reach hedge trimmer. If you have a hedge under 6ft, a standard-sized hedge trimmer will probably be fine, you probably know by now, I highly recommend this DeWalt 18V XR Cordless Hedge Trimmer. If you have taller hedges (over 6ft) or even hedges that are somewhat harder to reach, a long-reach hedge trimmer will be a game changer. They give you that extra reach (to as much as 10ft) without the need for a ladder or work platform as demonstrated in the picture above. Just bear in mind that some long-reach hedge trimmers can be heavier, but luckily, cordless models are much lighter than petrol models and this Bosch Universal HedgePole 18 Long Reach Trimmer only weighs 4kg. This is amazingly light for a long reach model.
Blade length and tooth gap
Next, consider the blade length and maybe more importantly the tooth gap. A tooth gap of between 16mm and 19mm is pretty standard. This means if a tooth gap is 19mm, for example, it will cut stems up to 17/18mm in diameter. The wider the tooth gap, the thicker branches it will cut. I always look for blades that are made from hardened or carbon steel too.
Batteries and charger
As we talking about cordless models the battery size and capacity really do matter. Personally, I have used models powered by 18v and 36v batteries and have honestly not seen that much difference when it came to power or cutting ability with hedge trimmers. However, when it comes to the capacity, for example, 2.5Ah (amp hours), this makes a huge difference in the running time. The higher the Ah rating, the better. You need 2.5ah minimum, but usually, 5Ah or 6Ah will give you a good 70-80 minutes of running time. 2.5Ah usually provides around 30-40 minutes.
When it comes to chargers, some models come with a fast charger. I personally always go with the fast charger because it means I can get it recharged in around 60 minutes. Some of the standard chargers can take as long as 5 hours to fully recharge.
Weight
Obviously the more lightweight, the better, especially if you’re using them for longer periods of time. However, there is usually a trade-off, you don’t get anything for nothing. This is because more robust models are usually heavier by their very nature of being manufactured to a high standard from quality durable parts.
Top 6 Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers
1. DeWalt DCM563P1-GB 18V XR Cordless Hedge Trimmer
BEST PICK
Pros
- A compact and lightweight design with Xenoy polycarbonate protective housing for excellent durability and impact resistance.
- Long 55cm hardened steel blade with a 19mm wide tooth gap for efficient cutting performance.
- Comes with an 18v 5Ah battery that gives you around 75 minutes of running time.
- Quick charger included – can be recharged in around 60 minutes.
- Easily cuts through leylandii, laurels, hawthorn, photinia and conifers.
- Comes with 3 years warranty when you register online (2 years without registering).
I have been testing this DeWalt 18V XR Cordless Hedge Trimmer over the last 18 months, and I can honestly say, I’ve not used a better cordless hedge trimmer. I’ve tested probably 8 different cordless models over the last 10 years, including models by Bosch, Makita, Ryobi, and even the cheaper alternatives like Tacklife. You can see the Tacklife model in the picture above. Although they could hold their own, there is just something that makes me think, DeWalt is probably the best!
What I like about this DeWalt model is that it’s very well built in terms of quality. I just love the feel of it, you know you have got a good quality piece of kit in your hands. It’s maybe a little heavier than some alternative models. However, I think that shows in the build quality and design. That being said, it’s still very compact and much lighter than any petrol hedge trimmer I have used, including Stihl.
I find it to be very comfortable to use, even for longer periods. It’s well-balanced and has a decent blade length of 55cm with a fairly decent tooth gap of 19mm. I have used it on Leylandii, Hawthorn, Laurels, Photinia, and Holly. It’s always done a decent job and makes light work of it. Don’t forget though, I generally use this on maintained hedges, not hedges that haven’t been cut for years.
This brings me to its limitations, yes it does have some. I have found that on very old hedges that have not been maintained for years with thick branches, you will struggle. I have noticed this on laurels and leylandii. If you maintain your hedges regularly, this shouldn’t be an issue. I mention this because I had some old hedges around the nursery that hadn’t been touched in years. We had to get the loppers, pruning saw and Stihl petrol hedge trimmer out for these. Like I said, this was a little extreme, and cordless hedge trimmers are not really designed for this.
So the question I get asked the most. What is the running time like from a single charge? Well, DeWalt says it’s about 75 minutes. I have not timed it, plus I often stop partway through to sweep up the hedge cuttings off the floor and maybe get a brew. I would say, I usually use it continuously for around an hour, and it always has power left in the battery.
It’s worth noting that it also comes with an 18v 5ah battery included and a fast charger, but you can buy it just as a bare tool if you already have compatible batteries. There is also a battery level indicator built into the battery with 3 bars on it that light up green when you press a button. I usually have at least 1 bar left after an hour, so make of that what you will.
The blades are made from hardened steel and are 55cm long with a tooth spacing of 19mm. This basically means it will cut through anything under around 18mm with ease.
I also like the loop-style handle that is comfortable and the safety trigger that is built into the loop handle itself. When you hold the loop handle, it presses a trigger in, and then you also control the main trigger on the handle with your other hand. It’s just an added safety feature that means it can only be powered with two hands on the handles so you don’t accidentally power the hedge trimmer by mistake.
Our recommendation
So would I recommend the DeWalt 18V XR Cordless Hedge Trimmer? Well, it depends on your own personal needs. If you don’t need a long-reach hedge trimmer, this will probably be one of the best cordless hedge trimmers you can buy. The quality is amazing, the performance is great, and I like that it comes with a larger 5Ah battery, so you get a decent running time. It’s really a professional-grade tool.
What I will say is, don’t be tempted to buy cheaper replacement batteries that aren’t DeWalt branded, I’ve done this, and the performance just isn’t there. Plus they don’t seem to last either.
If you have a fairly standard-sized hedge to maintain, perhaps something under 6ft. This cordless hedge trimmer is well worth considering and probably the best choice. At least it’s the model I still use today, so this speaks for itself.
2. Bosch Universal HedgePole 18 Long Reach Trimmer
Runner-up
Pros
- Perfect for maintaining hedges up to 9/10ft thanks to the telescopic long reach.
- Battery powered means no cables or engines to worry about.
- 210cm when not fully extended and around 260cm when the telescopic extension is extended fully.
- Powered by a Bosch 18v 2.5Ah battery that gives around 30-40 minutes of running charge.
- Includes battery and fast charger so you can recharge in around 60 minutes
- 43cm double sided hardened steel blades with a 16mm tooth gap.
- Comes with 2 years warranty.
When I first put this cordless hedge trimmer review together a few years back, I never thought to include long-reach alternatives, even though I have tested several and used them for years. I had discussed them in my long-reach hedge trimmer guide here but just not in this guide. Now that has all changed, if you do need a long hedge trimmer for taller hedges, probably 6ft plus, then the guide might also be worth a read.
I think that this Bosch Universal HedgePole 18 Long Reach Trimmer is one of the best and probably the model most people should consider for their own gardens.
Firstly, despite its size, it’s amazingly lightweight. I think it weighs a little under 4kg, I tried weighing it but couldn’t balance it on the scales. I can tell you from experience that some of the engines on my petrol models weigh more than this model including the battery. With the petrol alternatives, there is usually a lot of steel involved in the build which is not always a good thing. Trust me, these long-reach hedge trimmers can feel very heavy, especially when fully extended.
This model, however, is around 210cm when not fully extended and around 260cm when the telescopic extension is extended fully for the tallest reach. Remember though, this is the length of the actual tool, once you pick it up, it’s even taller as you can hold the handle from around tummy height. For me, it gives me a total reach of around 3m (just under 10ft feet), so it’s great for cutting taller hedges.
Design wise, I love that it easily separates into two for easy storage, each section is a meter long. They fasten together very easily, I can tell you this is not the case with some models, but on this model, it is very easy, they slide together, and the large black plastic part on the shaft tightens up by rotating it to secure the two halves together.
The blade on this is shorter than on some of the normal hedge trimmers, the blade is 43cm but it’s still made from hardened steel. Comparing this to the DeWalt for example which has a 55cm blade, and the tooth gap is also slightly smaller at 16mm, again on the DeWalt model it’s 19mm.
What all this really means is that this long-reach model is more for maintaining hedges and not for trying to hack back an overgrown hedge. It is simply not designed for this. What you need is a petrol hedge trimmer for this. One good example is a Stihl petrol long reach pole pruner, however, it’s expensive, heavy, noisy, and takes real maintenance to maintain.
If you just need to maintain your own personal hedge though, this won’t be an issue. This bosch long-reach hedge trimmer comes with an 18v 2.5Ah battery included, this usually gives me about 40 minutes of trimming time, but it does come with a fast charger so I can be back cutting again in around 60 minutes. Just enough time to stop for a brew and some dinner.
This is the downside of having smaller capacity batteries, they have a smaller run time. However, the plus side is it makes the hedge trimmer lighter. Usually, the bigger and larger the capacity of the battery, the bigger and heavier it is, and this goes for all cordless garden tools too.
Another feature that makes it a game changer is the blade that can be rotated 90° left or right to form a right angle as shown in the picture below. This is easy to do, you simply press the big red button, and you can rotate the head in seconds. This makes it great for cutting the tops of hedges and this is where the real value is.
So how’s it to use in the real world? Well, when cutting the sides of the hedges, I do as much as I can without it fully extended. It’s much easier to use this way as it’s not top heavy. I only have it fully extended for a short period of time while I finish off the top of the hedge and some of the sides towards the top. I can be a little top heavy when fully extended but let me tell you, it’s nowhere near as top heavy as some of the other models I have used.
Something else, it does come with a strap, which makes it easier to use, but I find it somewhat restricts movement, so I personally don’t usually use the strap.
My recommendation
If you have a taller hedge, I’d say over 5-6ft, using a long-reach hedge trimmer is a game changer. No climbing up ladders, no platform to move and it’s much safer keeping two feet on the ground.
Once I’d used my first long-reach hedge trimmer, that was it. For taller hedges they became essential, and I started with heavy petrol models. These newer cordless models are amazing, and I think that this Bosch version is a great example, it has made cutting the taller hedges so much easier.
Overall I have no issues recommending this, in fact, if you have a taller hedge, I’d say it will be one of the best garden tools you have ever purchased. Plus it is so much better than a corded alternative and has just as much power too.
3. Bosch AHS 50-20 LI Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Pros
- Right weight and balance, thus less tiring during use.
- 50cm cutting blade allows you to target harder-to-reach branches.
- 40 minutes runtime, ideal for home use.
- Comes with an anti-blocking system to prevent jamming.
- Integrated Syneon Chip matches power output to task for optimum performance.
- Feature quick-cut technology to ensure clean cuts with every pass.
- 3 years warranty when you register online, 2 years if not registered online.
The Bosch AHS 50-20 LI Cordless Hedge Trimmer is a good alternative to the DeWalt if you already have Bosch tools with the same batteries or if the price of the DeWalt is a little more than you wanted to spend. Using an 18V Li-Ion battery, it offers a decent runtime of around 40 minutes, which is enough time for most hedges. To compare though this is around 30 minutes less than the DeWalt hedge trimmer, it also comes with a smaller 2.5Ah battery which is why.
This battery charges in a matter of 60 minutes and this is about the norm now for lithium-powered cordless tools if they come with fast chargers as this model does.
This model has excellent balance and ergonomics in that the handle allows you to cut vertically without giving you severe cramps and fatigue that some cheaper less evenly balanced hedge trimmers can cause. This actually has a very similar handle design to the DeWalt model. Moreover, this tool is fairly lightweight at around 2.5kg, so it’s one of the lightest models. This is where the build quality comes in, it’s just not on par with the DeWalt models, it’s just not to the same standard quality-wise, but it’s lighter and more than good enough for personal use.
Thanks to its brilliant quick-cut technology, the blades can stay open for an extended period to deliver the perfect cut in one clean move rather than cutting a single part repeatedly. This piece of technology allows branches and twigs to be cut in one pass, therefore, giving you quick and precise hedge cutting which actually works amazingly well. In addition, the blade is a decent 50cm long with 20mm tooth spacing, allowing you to make clean cuts without jamming on fairly substantial hedges. That is actually wider than the DeWalt model.
Then there’s the integrated Anti-Blocking system that also aids you when cutting through thicker, tougher branches and stems with ease, consequently avoiding any chance of stalling. The way it works is that it automatically causes the blade to reverse itself once a jam is detected. And, of course, trying to work out the jams is a risky business for your fingers, so the anti-blocking system is kind of a safety feature too.
A cool addition to this hedge trimmer is the intelligent Syneon Chip. It controls the energy depending on the power required to accomplish a certain task, whether cutting soft branches or hard stems. With a vibration emission of 2.5m/s, the AHS 50-20 LI is expected to produce little noise, making it great to use around homes with infants.
My recommendation
This Bosch Cordless Hedge Trimmer AHS 50-20 LI has the features needed to cut medium-sized hedges and fairly thick branches too. First off, the blade is 50cm long. Second, the 40-min maximum run time is just average, given that models like DeWalt DCM563P1-GB 18V offer up to 75 minutes of runtime, however, that is a more expensive model that a professional gardener would probably benefit from.
Other than that, it has some nice quality additions that bring a lot of convenience to your cutting and is a great choice for home gardeners looking for a reliable hedge trimmer. Its quick-cut technology delivers cuts cleanly with each pass whilst the anti-blocking system eliminates jamming during operation is a welcomed feature. Overall, after careful consideration, we decided that it deserved to be included in our review because it would be a great choice for most people, and it is one of the more affordable models when you take into account the battery and charger costs in comparison to some of the other models.
4. Ryobi ONE+ 18V OPT1845 Cordless Long Reach Pole Hedge Trimmer
Pros
- Comes with a removable shaft to provide up to 2.9m reach for trimming tall hedges.
- Equipped with a 135° articulating cutting head with 4 positions for versatile cutting on top of hedges as well as the sides.
- Has a 45cm blade with 18mm tooth spacing making it capable of cutting large branches.
- Comes with a hedge sweep feature that helps in removing cuttings.
- Part of Ryobi’s One+ System, meaning it can use the battery of an existing 18V Ryobi garden tool.
- 2 years warranty for full peace of mind.
A highly rated cordless hedge trimmer, this Ryobi ONE+ 18V OPT1845 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer is a good alternative to the Bosch long-reach trimmer I reviewed earlier for homeowners who want to cut through taller hedges and branches. It comes with an extendable shaft like the Bosch model that provides a superior reach of 2.9m, allowing you to cut the top of hedges efficiently and safely without needing a ladder.
The attached handle is extremely sturdy and comes equipped with a trigger, which allows you to turn the tool on and off even whilst wearing heavy-duty gloves. The handle also includes the battery pack where you need to insert a Ryobi One+ battery to power the hedge trimmer. I would recommend investing in a slightly larger 4 or 5Ah battery to improve the running time if you have a decent amount of hedging to maintain. You can get up to 1 hour of continuous runtime from a fully charged battery, but this depends much on what you’re actually trimming and the size of battery you choose to use.
Like many other Ryobi models, this hedge trimmer is a bare tool so comes without a battery. You will need to purchase it separately with a charger unless you already have one from a different compatible tool. The One+ batteries also come with onboard charge level indicators so you can keep an eye on the charge. This is a nice little feature we have recently started to notice making an appearance on many tools that take rechargeable batteries, including the DeWalt models.
The versatile 45cm diamond ground blade allows precise cutting and the 18mm tooth spacing makes it easy to cut thick branches, it is worth noting this is slightly thicker than what the Bosch long reach model can trim. Moreover, the trimmer’s articulating head rotates up to 135° and can be used in four different positions, allowing for effective cutting on both the sides and top of hedges. The trimmer has sturdy shoulder straps to help support its 4.2kg weight for reduced fatigue when using the tool.
This also comes with what Ryobi calls a hedge sweep to help remove the clippings from the top of hedges during trimming. Simply attach this accessory to the cutting blade and as you cut, it will keep pushing the clippings over the hedge. It’s also easy to store because it is only a matter of dismantling and keeping it on a shelf in your garden shed.
Our recommendation
The Ryobi ONE+ 18V OPT1845 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer makes an excellent addition to any home. It isn’t cheap compared to other models, yet it remains one of the most sought-after hedge trimmers out there. And there are many reasons, starting with its detachable extension shaft that increases reach, its 135° articulating head with 4 positions for flexible trimming, and the inclusion of a hedge sweep. It further compliments Ryobi’s One+ range of garden tools, particularly when it comes to their 18V 2.5Ah battery sharing. It also comes with a 2-year warranty for peace of mind.
Perhaps the only downside could be the weight of this hedge trimmer, though the addition of shoulder straps to the body can help support the trimmer somehow. We believe this trimmer is bound to meet most homeowners’ needs, especially if you have tall hedges.
5. Ryobi OHT1855R ONE+ Cordless Hedge Trimmer with Hedge Sweep
Pros
- Long 55cm diamond cut durable blade.
- Provides ergonomic swivel handle for use whether cutting the sides or top.
- Lightweight and easy maneuverability with low vibrations.
- Comes with a hedge sweep to help clear cuttings off the hedge as you cut.
- Offers a decent running time when used with the 4 and 5Ah 18v batteries.
- Solid construction and very robust yet durable.
- Offers a 3-year warranty when you register online.
This is another model I like, the Ryobi OHT1855R ONE+ Cordless Hedge Trimmer, an awe-inspiring model with the added hedge sweep feature I saw on the long-reach version. It’s lightweight and easy to work with and has plenty of torque that provides excellent cutting performance. This cordless hedge trimmer is powered by a Ryobi one+ 18v battery and is available in 2.5Ah, 4Ah and 5Ah, with the larger batteries costing more but providing a longer run time. Ryobi recommends the 2.5Ah battery which I think is fine for smaller hedges, however, if you have larger hedges to cut it is well worth investing in the larger 4 or 5Ah battery that gives you 70-80 minutes running time which is included with the DeWalt 18v hedge trimmer.
As always, a hedge trimmer needs a workable blade to trim effectively, both the quality, blade length, and cutting diameter affect this. This model possesses a 55cm dual-action blade which is slightly longer than most other models in our review with a 22mm cutting space in between the blades; this means it can cut thicker branches than most other models which is a huge plus, especially if you are cutting overgrown hedges. You will be able to cut through your hedges quickly and efficiently because the diamond ground teeth are super sharp.
At only 2.8kgs it is reasonably lightweight and it measures 106.5 x 26 x 18.6cm, so it is easy to manage and not too bulky. The handles are well placed to allow the user to balance the unit whilst hovering over the hedges, even with the larger battery, it shouldn’t feel too heavy.
We also like the smooth swivel handle, low vibrations and anti-jamming system that makes this model very comfortable to use.
My recommendation
If you are looking for a hedge trimmer with a long blade and wide cutting diameter for thicker branches, great performance and longer running times, then the Ryobi OHT1855R ONE+ Cordless Hedge Trimmer is well worth considering if DeWalt is not for you or if you already have DeWalt tools. It is one of our top recommendations for most people, especially for domestic home use, even for larger hedges.
It features a 55cm blade that can cut through both light and thick branches because it has one of the widest cutting diameters of any hedge trimmer at 22mm. What makes this model better is that the hedge sweep and the swivel head only help make it easier to use. This is because it allows you to cut your hedges as you see fit.
It is altogether an affordable model, even when you take the battery and charger costs into account. If you already have other Ryobi tools that use the 18v batteries as I do, then you can save more money because you don’t need to invest in the battery or charger again and you can just purchase the bare tool. However, if you do, it is, without a doubt, one of the best models and is worth considering.
6. Makita DUH523Z Cordless LXT Lithium-Ion Hedge Trimmer
Pros
- Perfect for trimming and maintaining the hedges in your garden.
- Lightweight, well balanced and easy to work with.
- Features a 55cm long blade for effective trimming.
- Provides two handles for maneuverability.
- Offers a decent running time.
- The blades are sharp and easily replaceable if needed.
- Offers a 2-year warranty for full peace of mind.
The Makita DUH523Z Cordless LXT Lithium-Ion Hedge is another excellent product from the Makita brand and is an excellent alternative to my ‘Best Pick’ by DeWalt. This hedge trimmer is an affordable model that is powered by the 18v LXT Li-ion battery range. If you already have Makita tools that run on these batteries which is a lot of people probably do, then this could be the right choice for you. However, if you don’t have any other Makita tools is still worth considering as it’s an excellent tool.
The model includes an indicator that allows you to know the charge available; it also gives you a warning with a flashing red light when it is becoming low, which we like.
To provide excellent precision, this model features a 52cm long blade with 15mm spacing made of durable but strong materials. What we do like is that the blade is replaceable should you ever need to change the blade. You do not have to dismantle the housing of the unit, which is handy; there is a simple way to remove the blade and replace it fairly easily. The hedge trimmer possesses a speed of 1230 rotations per minute which allows the blade to cut through hedges with ease. However, the 15mm teeth gap may make cutting through thicker branches more difficult, for this reason, we would not recommend it for thick overgrown hedges but more for regular hedge trimming.
Both the primary and auxiliary handles are well-positioned to help you balance the weight of the hedge trimmer when in use, it’s naturally very well balanced for ease of use. It also includes an electric brake that allows you to stop whenever you need to instantly and this will help to avoid any nasty accidents.
This hedge trimmer, with its high abrasion blades, weighs only 3.3kgs and is not too big or too heavy. It features an anti-vibration function that prevents too much movement whilst cutting and helps prevent any strain on your wrist and arms.
Our recommendation
Although the Makita Cordless LXT Lithium-Ion Hedge Trimmer is a great model for those looking for an excellent alternative to my ‘Best Pick’. It does lack the larger cutting capacity with its 15mm teeth gap, the DeWalt trimmer has a 19mm tooth gap. That being said, if you regularly trim your hedge and do not need to trim thicker branches, then this model is very reliable and offers excellent value for money. Even more so if you already have Makita tools that use the same batteries because the bare unit is very affordable.
This Makita model will do just fine for light-medium hedge trimming. Overall, this model is a quality unit with plenty of power and great cutting performance.
Final Conclusion
I hope you have found this review of the best hedge trimmers useful. Personally, I don’t think you can beat the DeWalt 18v cordless hedge trimmer if you want a durable, high-quality model that has a decent running time, well over an hour, that’s good for any cordless tool.
For those taller hedges, the Bosch long-reach hedge trimmer is a good quality piece of kit too.
Both come with batteries so they are ready to go out of the box. I personally still own both these models and have no issues recommending them. Both are great pieces of kit for different purposes.
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
