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5 best cordless hedge trimmer [2020]: reviews and top picks

GardenProducts
By Julie Miller | Posted on 2020-02-28
5 best cordless hedge trimmer [2020]: reviews and top picks
As gardening enthusiasts, we had a lot of questions about the different types of hedge trimmers. We wanted a hedge trimmer that would get the job done in a short amount of time, but without the hassle of bulky parts and annoying power cords. It wasn’t easy, but we managed to find the best cordless hedge trimmer on the market that met our gardening, and budget needs. In this article, we’ll review our 5 favorite cordless hedge trimmers along with a quick guide to help you out. Let’s jump right in!

What Is The Best Cordless Hedge Trimmer?

Our top choice has to be BLACK+DECKER LHT2436 Cordless Hedge Trimmer. If you’re looking for a reliable, powerful tool to tidy up your hedges in a flash, then this could be the one for you. Its 40-volt battery makes this machine capable of trimming your hedges, bushes, and shrubs for a continuous running time of up to 45 minutes. Plus, its patented Powerdrive transmission prevents blades from jamming which means no more leafy branches getting stuck between the teeth of the blades. Another great feature is how easy it is to carry around your yard.The dual-action blade system dulls the vibration of the hedge trimmer, reducing the machine’s noise to a minimum. If you’re on a tight budget, the Sun Joe HJ604C is a fantastic alternative. The Sun Joe HJ604C is the perfect choice for small gardens. Its small size gives it distinction over other hedge trimmers. It can easily get into those tight corners and hard-to-reach places where other models can’t. Other great features are its interchangeable blades, the battery indicator, and the battery itself, which can run up to a full 60 minutes uninterrupted. It’s lightweight and easy to care for.

The 5 Best Cordless Hedge Trimmer You Can Buy

1. The Best Overall: BLACK+DECKER LHT2436 Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Main Benefits

  • 24-inch dual-action blades absorb vibration and reduce noise
  • 6.9 lbs. overall weight
  • 40V lithium-ion battery

REASONS TO BUY

  • Replacing the battery is a hassle-free process
  • Strong blades can cut thick branches
  • Safe, wrap-around grip for easy handling
  • Comes with a 2-year warranty
  • Patented Powerdrive transmission prevents blades from jamming

REASONS TO AVOID

  • The stationary rear handle can be a little awkward to maneuver
This powerful hedge trimmer from Black+Decker has all the practical features you need to cut and trim your hedges in smooth, swift motions. Since this trimmer is battery-operated and produces no emissions, it’s considered environmentally friendly. Its dual-action rust-proof blades help reduce noise levels. Yet they’re still powerful enough to cut through branches as thick as ¾ inches, either vertically or horizontally. The steel blades are built to sustain and absorb the trimmer’s vibration, which means less muscle fatigue. It has a durable 40-volt lithium-ion battery that can run for 45 minutes straight when fully charged. This translates to roughly 6000 square feet of hedges. There’s a charging indicator that tells you how much power is still left in your battery. This tells you exactly how long you have until it’s time to stop.

>> Check Price on Amazon <<

2. The Quietest: Makita XHU02Z Hedge Trimmer

Main Benefits

  • 22-inch dual-action double-sided blades
  • Weighs 9 pounds
  • 18-volt lithium-ion battery

REASONS TO BUY

  • Rapid Optimum Charger helps charge the battery faster and more efficiently
  • Has 5 anti-vibration cushions to absorb vibration
  • Built with a noise-reduction mechanism that reduces noise by 25%
  • Comes with a 3-year warranty

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Battery and charger are sold separately
Makita is a company that has proven to be reliable and trustworthy. Offering top-notch power tools and accessories, it launched in 1915. Now it’s become a brand name in over 40 countries. Their XHU02Z hedge trimmer is a top-seller with so many practical features. At the top of the list is the in-built innovative Star Protection Computer Control system created by Makita. This one-of-a-kind system helps protect the battery and motor from overheating and overloading. It works at increasing the battery lifespan, as well as that of the motor. Another great feature found in the battery compartment prevents over-discharging. In other words, it disconnects the hedge trimmer as soon as it senses the battery is running low. The 22-inch rust-proof steel blades offer a precise and accurate trim. The dual-action system of the blades helps lower the noise levels to 87 dB(A), which is close to 25% less than other brands. Another aspect that helps lower this tool’s noise level is the 5 cushions incorporated within the body of the hedge trimmer. They bring down its vibration to a minimum and the noise along with it.

>> Check Price on Amazon <<

3. Small Garden Must-have: Sun Joe HJ604C Grass Shear and Hedger

Main Benefits

  • Converts from a 4-inch blade for shearing grass to a 6-inch blade for trimming hedges
  • Overall weight is 2.5 pounds
  • 7.2-volt lithium-ion battery

REASONS TO BUY

  • Versatile and durable
  • Can work in all weather conditions
  • Ergonomic handle for a firm grip
  • Its small size makes it handy for hard-to-reach places and tight corners
  • Comes in a variety of colors
  • Comes with a 2-year warranty

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Switching from one blade to another can be a hassle
  • Takes around 3 hours to recharge
Sun Joe is part of the Snow Joe enterprise, which was launched in 2004. They take pride in their outdoor tools and appliances. This cordless hedge trimmer is a testament to all their hard work and accomplishments. The saying ‘good things come in small packages’ definitely rings true here. This battery-operated hedge trimmer has a unique, distinctive, 2-in-1 feature. The Sun Joe hedge trimmer grooms hedges and shears grass and small plants. It does this with the help of interchangeable blades. While the process of switching the steel blades is a bit of a hassle, it does get easier with a little bit of practice. There are also plastic covers to protect your hands as you’re switching the blades. Its lithium-ion battery power can run anywhere from 45 - 60 minutes. There’s a battery indicator that tells you how much power you have left before it needs to be recharged.

>> Check Price on Amazon <<

4. The Longest Battery Life: WORX WG291 Hedge Trimmer

Main Benefits

  • Dual-action 24-inch blades
  • Overall weight is 10.1 pounds
  • 56-volt lithium-ion battery

REASONS TO BUY

  • Has a blade tip protector
  • Transparent hand guard offers protection
  • Soft grip rear handle
  • The front handle is D-shaped for better control
  • Comes with a 3-year warranty

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Doesn’t have a lock switch
  • Weighs more than most other models
WORX built this hedge trimmer to provide function and superiority in the world of outdoor tools. Its 56-volt lithium-ion battery gives you a great deal of running power, which can last up to 2 hours straight. Recharging time is 90 minutes, which is pretty decent for such a heavy-duty battery. This dynamic battery also gives the rust-proof steel blades the kick they need to trim, shape, groom, and tidy even the roughest of branches and trunks. At the same time, the dual-action blade system works at absorbing the vibration. The handle is a great feature on this hedge trimmer. There’s a soft rear handle as well as a front D-shaped handle for convenience and support. A see-through hand guard increases the visibility level of your work area. It also keeps you protected by deflecting debris away from your hands and face.

>> Check Price on Amazon <<

5. The Highest Reaching: GreenWorks 22242 Hedge Trimmer

Main Benefits

  • Dual-action 20-inch blades
  • Overall weight is 9.6 pounds
  • 40-volt lithium-ion battery

REASONS TO BUY

  • 3 different angles make for easier cutting and trimming
  • Steel blades are durable and sturdy
  • Comes with a 4-year warranty on tools and a 2-year warranty on the battery

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Heavier than other brands
  • The plastic head is a bit weak
  • Has a low battery run time
GreenWorks is a company that puts safety first when it comes to all their outdoor tools. With this cordless hedge trimmer, they decided to add an extended pole for extra convenience and functionality. The extension pole can reach up to 7 feet, which makes trimming over tall hedges or under thick shrubs, a breeze. It can also bend to angle the head of the trimmer in 3 different positions, reaching a depth of 5 feet deep. The steel blades are rust-proof. Their dual-action system helps reduce vibration to ease the strain on your hands and back. The charging time for the battery is 120 minutes. Once fully charged, it can run up to 50 minutes straight.

>> Check Price on Amazon <<

Different Types of Hedge Trimmers

Here’s a rundown of all the various types of hedge trimmers available on the market.

Shears

Using old-fashioned trimmers, you had to cut and shape each branch individually. They’re also referred to as shears and take far too long to tidy up an entire yard.

Electric Hedge Trimmers

Then there are the electric hedge trimmers with their wires that can get tangled. They’re best used for small gardens because you need a constant power source that’s close at hand.

Gas Powered Hedge Trimmers

These are the biggest and the most expensive. They're also the most powerful. Gas-powered hedge trimmers require a great deal of maintenance because they need to be refueled every so often. They can also be quite noisy and aren’t the best option for the environment because of gas emissions.

Cordless Hedge Trimmers

All these other types of hedge trimmers are all fine and swell. But it wasn’t what we had in mind. We were looking for something simple yet effective. This is how we ended up looking for the best cordless hedge trimmer. Battery operated hedge trimmers are less expensive than the gas-powered trimmers. They're also less noisy, which something your neighbors will be grateful for. They’re more convenient and hassle-free. You can carry them with ease as you roam around your garden. One of their best advantages is that they’re lightweight and easy to carry. Another great benefit is that they’re low-maintenance. They require basic care for proper upkeep and handling. If you were regularly cleaning, lubricating, and sharpening the blades, you’ll find that they stay in perfect condition for a long time. Remember to also keep the entire machine covered. You can use a store-bought blade cover or any type of waterproof cover. This protects the blades and the rest of the machine against rust, corrosion, scratches, and wear.

What to Look for in a Cordless Hedge Trimmer

There are many advantages to buying a cordless hedge trimmer. You won’t have to deal with tripping over cords or worry about finding a power source. You’re free to move around your garden without limiting yourself to a certain cord length. But since there are so many models and brands on the market, here are some of the more specific features to look out for.

Battery Power

Most hedge trimmers come with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The volts it produces may vary, but it’s still considered a durable power source. Yet, with constant use, it’ll need replacement every several years or so. Another distinctive feature you should look for is the time the battery needs to recharge, and how long a charged battery can run. On average, lithium-ion batteries can be fully charged in 60 minutes or less. They can run nonstop for 90 - 120 minutes.

Blades

The length of the blade is one of the most essential features to consider. Longer blades can reach tall hedges and vegetation. Shorter blades are lightweight and can get into small, tight places. There are several different types of blades to choose from.

>>>> One-sided vs. double-sided

To trim your hedges with ease, you have to decide whether you want a machine that has teeth on one side of the blade, or both sides. One-sided blades are used for straight rows of hedges, especially those on a big scale. Having the teeth on one side makes it easy to trim in one direction. Also, it’s easier to fit one-sided blades with extensions for tall hedges, yet without destabilizing the machine. Double-sided blades are more common, however. They’re more versatile and easier to maneuver. They allow you to cut in several directions and angles. This makes them more appropriate for home gardens and yards.

>>>> Single-action vs. dual-action

Single-action blades have one blade that moves and one that stays stationary. This may make cutting through thick branches or thick vegetation more challenging. Double-action, or dual-action, blades means that 2 blades move one against the other. This swift and smooth motion creates less vibration and cuts with a more precise force.

Weight

The most comfortable choice would be to pick a hedge trimmer that’s light and easy to carry. Light hedge trimmers are safer to work with and cut with more effortless precision. They don’t cause extra strain on your back, neck, and arms. The only downside to lighter machines is that it may reduce their battery run time. Yet it’s fair to say that many models are lightweight and are still able to provide power and stamina to groom your entire yard.

Maintaining Your Cordless Hedge Trimmers

Keeping your machine in perfect condition is easy when you follow these tips:
  • Clean teeth and entire blades after each use
  • Lubricate blades often
  • Cover and store the trimmer in a dry place
  • Avoid hitting thick surfaces with the blades, such as rough branches or vegetation
  • Sharpen your blades once or twice a year, or when the edges become rough

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What’s the best tool to sharpen the blades?

The Dremel tool 453 5/32 grinding stone tool is the best for the job. However, it’s not recommended that you sharpen the blades yourself. Find a local shop that sells outdoor tools, and they’ll be able to sharpen them for you.

Q. What’s the best type of cleaner for the blades?

Wiping them with WD-40 works great to clean in between the teeth, and protecting them against corrosion. After that, give them a coat of Fluid Film for extra protection against rust and wear. They’re both also great lubricants for the moving parts.

Q. Can the charger remain plugged in all the time?

No, because it can lead to overheating. When charging, turn off the machine and remove the blades. Plug it in the charger for the time allowed for your hedge trimmer according to the user manual. Once it’s fully charged, unplug the trimmer and remove the charger.

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