Choosing Tool Hedge Trimmer, Articulating, Battery Powered
- Thread starter LeftyTom
- Start date
OP
OP
Thanks for the recommendation, but it's cutting capacity is 5/8". I hope for 3/4" minimum.
I know Dewalt has its faults - own too many not to figure that out quickly.... but it is what it is. I have a Dewalt hedge trimmer and a Dewalt pole trimmer. Both have a 1" capacity. At $179, tool only, their pole trimmer isn't the cheapest and likely not THE best but they both have done everything I've asked of them. For $310 they have they pole trimmer and an 8 inch chain saw head and 4 amp hour battery and charger combo through the orange box with free shipping. If mine grew legs and walked off I'd get the same to replace it.
Tom, this Craftsman says goes to 3/4". I don't know anyone with this, so no first-hand experience.
This Stihl trimmer states blade spacing of 1.2":
This Stihl trimmer states blade spacing of 1.2":
I have the Stihl Kombi unit that includes the hedge trimmer. You can’t go wrong with this one but it’s expensive. I had a Craftsman previous to the Stihl and it’s like the difference between Festool and Craftsman. Either way, don’t expect to be able to get through anything over 1/2”.
1" is a lot to ask of a hedge trimmer. We use a small electric chainsaw for anything close to an inch.
The hedge trimmer works great for 1/2" limbs and under. Putting less strain on a tool makes it last much longer.
The hedge trimmer works great for 1/2" limbs and under. Putting less strain on a tool makes it last much longer.
OP
OP
I have a Black & Decker 40V hedge trimmer which has a cutting capacity of 3/4". It is over 20 years old and still going strong.
I want the articulating hedge trimmer to have similar capacity.
OP
OP
I have a Bkack & Decker 40V hedge trimmer and spare battery, which has served me well for over 20 years. I need one with an extendable reach so I can forego using a ladder.
Husqvarna has one model I like, price approaches $500, without battery or charger. I already have the Husqvarna battery pole saw and blower, with 2 batteries and 2 chargers.
That sounds like the best way to go. I wish I had spent more and got a Stihl Or Husqvarna electric chainsaw. But since Stuart Kent told me about using the heavier chain and bar I have had far less problems with the Makita.
OP
OP
I am holding off, in hopes if a deal that includes a battery. When I was looking for a replacement for my backpack blower, I found a deal at Tractor Supply, in Elkin NC. Blower with battery and charger, $50 less than the going for the blower (tool only).
I am cheap.
No, frugal. I think that’s good.I am cheap.
OP
OP
I saw a 2025 new old stock Husqvarna 520iHT4 hedge trimmer for $200. Sadly, it was in Harmony, MN, and they don’t ship out of state.
I have a lot of hours behind the Makita 40V system (woodworking and outdoor tools) and have been blown away by the quality of the tools, and the performance of the batteries.
Check their website for a never-ending cycle of eRebates. They frequently offer the hedge trimmer as a promo item for other outdoor tools.
Check their website for a never-ending cycle of eRebates. They frequently offer the hedge trimmer as a promo item for other outdoor tools.
I am on team EGO - weed eater, articulating hedge trimmer, 16" chainsaw with a blower on my wish list.
Having 3 tools , means I always have extra power available (frequently needed for the weed eater).
And the sweetest thing imaginable ---- I never have to pull a *#@&$!% handle on a string again ---EVER !
Small gas engines & I have never gotten along.
Having 3 tools , means I always have extra power available (frequently needed for the weed eater).
And the sweetest thing imaginable ---- I never have to pull a *#@&$!% handle on a string again ---EVER !
Small gas engines & I have never gotten along.
I have Echo gas powered, Stihl gas (chain saws) and battery powered, and Dewalt battery powered yard tools. Have been pleased with all of them.
My comment mainly addresses the articulating hedge trimmer. My articulating one is the Echo which runs off the gas 270 power head. It will cut 1", but I cannot imagine using it with an extension for 10'. The weight at the end of the pole would wreck my back permanently.!
I do have a Stihl battery hand held which is what I mostly use. I am happy with the weight, battery life and capability, but 1/2" is about its max capacity.
My DeWalt battery yard tool is the string trimmer. I went with the Flex volt one, and am amazed at its capability. It is every bit as powerful as my Echo gas powered, but lighter and more convenient. I initially bought the Stihl "made in USA" model, but was not at all pleased with it, so gave it to my brother, who has much less trimming to do.
As Lefty Tom stated, I am also "frugal", and buy when the extra battery is included. However, if shopping here at Tractor Supply or Ace Hardware for a DeWalt deal, you will have to buy it on-line. With Ace, you can then go and pick up the tool if its in stock, but will also have to go back after the added battery is shipped to them to pick it up. Neither of the stores ordered the extra battery, so you could not just go to the store to purchase the "deal". (If ordering on-line, and have it shipped to your address, you will pay an added $20+ shipping fee). With the Stihl items, I was able to get the tool and battery in-store at a full dealer without the on-line hassle.
My comment mainly addresses the articulating hedge trimmer. My articulating one is the Echo which runs off the gas 270 power head. It will cut 1", but I cannot imagine using it with an extension for 10'. The weight at the end of the pole would wreck my back permanently.!
I do have a Stihl battery hand held which is what I mostly use. I am happy with the weight, battery life and capability, but 1/2" is about its max capacity.
My DeWalt battery yard tool is the string trimmer. I went with the Flex volt one, and am amazed at its capability. It is every bit as powerful as my Echo gas powered, but lighter and more convenient. I initially bought the Stihl "made in USA" model, but was not at all pleased with it, so gave it to my brother, who has much less trimming to do.
As Lefty Tom stated, I am also "frugal", and buy when the extra battery is included. However, if shopping here at Tractor Supply or Ace Hardware for a DeWalt deal, you will have to buy it on-line. With Ace, you can then go and pick up the tool if its in stock, but will also have to go back after the added battery is shipped to them to pick it up. Neither of the stores ordered the extra battery, so you could not just go to the store to purchase the "deal". (If ordering on-line, and have it shipped to your address, you will pay an added $20+ shipping fee). With the Stihl items, I was able to get the tool and battery in-store at a full dealer without the on-line hassle.
OP
OP
The weight of the Husqvarna 520iHT4 should be around 15lbs with the battery.
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