If you’re looking for the best pole hedge trimmer, this article can help you sort out the pros and cons of six popular brands. In this review, you will discover the details of each of these long reach hedge trimmers made by
different manufacturers and precisely what the advantages and disadvantages are between them.
In addition, we’ll provide you our unbiased opinion on which is the winner in five feature categories, including overall power, weight, maximum reach, cutting thickness capacity, and warranty. So continue reading to find out which of these hedge trimmers with extension poles is the best one to keep your tall hedges trimmed and attractive.
Contents
Long Reach Hedge Trimmers: Quick Spec Comparison Chart
| Brand | Power Source | Max pole extension | Cutting capacity | Weight |
Sun Joe SJH904E |
Corded electric | 5.6 feet | 11/16-inches | 9.5 pounds |
Greenworks |
40v battery | 8.08 feet | 3/4-inch | 9.57 pounds |
DEWALT |
20v battery | 6 feet | 1-inch | 12 pounds |
BLACK+DECKER |
20v battery | 6.5 feet | 7/16-inch | 7.7 pounds |
Earthwise LPHT12022 |
20v battery | 9.4 feet | 5/8-inch | 7.2 pounds |
GARCARE 2 in 1 |
Corded electric | 9.2 feet | 3/4-inch | 10.47 pounds |
Best Pole Hedge Trimmers: Reviews
1. Sun Joe SJH904E Electric Pole Hedge Trimmer
The Sun Joe is a versatile corded electric hedge trimmer that quickly converts from a handheld unit to a pole hedge trimmer without any tools. Without the pole extension in place, the 19-inch dual-action blade does fast work when trimming small hedges and shrubs and cutting in tight spaces.
With the pole extension snapped into place, you can easily reach the tops of tall hedges or low trees to get your garden cleaned up and looking its best. Here is a list of its features:
- Corded electric power
- Multi-angle pivoting head
- Converts from handheld to extendable pole trimmer
- Dual-action blade
- 2-year warranty
Power Source
This hedge trimmer runs on corded electric power and you will need to provide the extension cord. The cord must be outdoor-rated, the correct gauge of wire, and long enough to reach wherever you work in the yard. Corded garden tools like this one can be cumbersome because you must drag around the extension cord as you work, taking care not to cut it with the trimmer. The extension cord also adds some weight to the unit, especially when lifting it high overhead.
However, hedge trimmers with corded electric power have several advantages over battery-powered units. The most significant benefit is that you never run out of power. You can go on working for as long as you want without stopping to swap or recharge batteries or add gas to a fuel tank. Getting power from an electrical outlet gives the tool more cutting power than a battery-operated model when trimming challenging vegetation.
The Sun Joe pole trimmer boasts a robust 4.5 amps motor with ample power for the most challenging hedge trimming work around your home.
Pole Extension
The pole on this machine telescopes in and out, so you can set the length exactly where you need it, from 3.8 feet up to 7.7 feet in length. In addition, the cutting head pivots from -20 degrees to 60 degrees, making it easily adjustable for trimming at all angles. The wide range of cutting angles benefits the precision trimming of all types of shrubs, hedges, and small trees.
This unit quickly converts from a pole trimmer to a handheld hedge trimmer by removing the pole attachment. One significant advantage of a convertible trimmer like this one is that you can work in confined spaces and out in the open. For example, if you have a hedgerow close to the house with limited room for maneuvering, the handheld unit on the Sun Joe can be an advantage. The handheld unit also comes in handy when trimming the lower parts of shrubbery near the ground.
On the other hand, the pole extension on this unit is indispensable when trimming tall bushes out in the open. This hedge trimmer is ideal for people who have a variety of large and small vegetation and in different parts of their landscape.
Blades
The rust-resistant, dual-action teeth on the cutting blade cut in both directions with minimal vibration transferring to your hands as you work: a benefit for anyone with lots of trimming to do. The blade also comes with a sheath for safe storage and transport, and the on/off button for starting the machine has a secondary safety switch so that the trimmer can’t start up accidentally.
Weight and Warranty Info
More good news is that this trimmer is light, weighing only 9.5 pounds with the extension pole attached. In addition, the handheld trimmer head only weighs 6.2 pounds, making this one of the most lightweight models reviewed here. This tool also comes with a full 2-year warranty, so you can rest assured there is help if anything does not work correctly.
2. GreenworksTelescopic Hedge Trimmer with Chain Saw Pruner
This Greenworks battery-powered hedge trimmer is unique among the garden tools reviewed here. It includes two different types of devices in one purchase: an extendable pole hedge trimmer and a mini chainsaw pruning tool for hacking through thick and challenging branches. Both devices run on the same 40-volt, 2-amp hour Greenworks battery that is interchangeable with dozens of other outdoor equipment made by this company, giving you an astounding amount of versatility in the garden. Here are some of its most important features:
- Powered by G-Max 40v rechargeable lithium battery
- Telescoping pole trimmer and mini chainsaw
- Automatic oiler with translucent tank
- 20-inch dual-action blade
- Battery and charger included
- 4-year tool warranty, 2-year battery warranty
Interchangeable G-Max Batteries
Greenworks G-Max tool lineup includes weed trimmers, power washers, chainsaws, and lawnmowers. The lithium-ion battery for these tools provides long runtimes up to three times as long as the older NiCAD and NiMH battery technologies without fadeout of power when the battery is running low. The batteries also hold a charge for months in storage, so you can have them ready when you need them. One battery and a charger model 29462 are included with the toolset.
Cutting Blades and Pruning Tool
The 20-inch dual-action blade on the trimmer pivots into multiple positions for easy adjustment to the right angle for whatever work you are doing, and it cuts vegetation up to ¾ inches in diameter. When you encounter challenging cuts of larger diameter branches or deadwood, it’s time to take out the mini chainsaw pruning tools that’s part of this package.
The chainsaw tool can rip through tough wood that the hedge trimmer can’t handle. In addition, the chainsaw pruning tool has a long handle and an 8-inch cutting bar, so you can easily get into tight spaces, making it advantageous for pruning fruit trees and other landscape vegetation with large-sized deadwood.
Chainsaw bars need oiling to stay lubricated during the cuts, and this saw has an automatic oiler so you don’t have to press a button to ensure the blade gets enough lubrication. In addition, the oil tank is translucent, making it easy to see when the bar oil is running low. It’s important to note that there is a particular type of oil for lubricating the bar on this saw, and it’s crucial to use the right oil. The owner’s manual provides complete details on the type of oil to use.
Weight
The pole hedge trimmer on this unit weighs only 9.57 pounds without the battery and about a pound and a half more when the battery is installed. This weight is about midrange for pole trimmers and easy enough for most people to handle. However, this weight can be difficult to handle for some people when the pole is extended to the maximum.
Warranty
One significant advantage of this tool over others is the 4-year warranty for the trimmer and chainsaw attachment with a separate 2-year warranty for the battery. This extended warranty period is a big plus for anyone concerned about investing in a new battery-powered hedge trimmer, and it’s longer than the warranty on most other brands.
3. DEWALT Extendable Hedge Trimmer
This hedge trimmer by Dewalt runs on a 20-volt lithium-ion battery with a long runtime and fast recharging. It’s capable of cutting up to 1-inch thick vegetation with the 22-inch hardened, precision-cut steel teeth on the trimmer blade so that you can quickly and efficiently trim tall hedges, shrubs, and trees around your property. The blade oscillates at a rate of 2,800 strokes per minute, which is about average for hedge trimmers. Here is a rundown of its basic specs:
- Powered by 20v lithium-ion battery
- 7-position head adjustment settings
- 22-inch laser cut dual action blade
- Up to 12 foot reach at maximum extension
- Battery and charger not included
- 3-year limited warranty
Rotating Cutting Head
The trimmer head conveniently rotates up to 180-degrees, clicking into seven positions for cutting at multiple angles. The wide degree of adjustment on the blade of this trimmer makes it highly versatile for precision overhead cutting. This tool also has the most adjustment positions of the cutting head among the tools we are reviewing here. When the pole is completely retracted, it is approximately four feet long, but the aluminum pole telescopes out, giving you a total reach of 12 to 15 feet, depending on your height.
In comparison to some of the other trimmers reviewed here, this one is different in that the trimmer head does not detach from the tool’s body, so you cannot use it as a handheld trimmer and a pole trimmer. In addition, this is the only battery-powered tool in this review that does not come with a battery and a charger. However, if you already own Dewalt 20-volt tools, you can use the batteries from those tools to operate this trimmer or purchase the battery and charger separately.
Safety Feature
The power trigger stays oriented in relation to the cutting head, reducing stress on your arms and shoulders when switching the head into different orientations. In addition, the battery charge holds up well, keeping the trimmer powered up for up to an hour of cutting.
Weight
This trimmer is a bit heavy, weighing 12 pounds without the battery installed. This weight might be too much for some users, especially if you have the pole fully extended. Nonetheless, this tool is solidly constructed with a high-quality cutting blade and rugged body, so it’s still worthy of consideration. In addition, many buyers are highly pleased with the performance and long runtime provided by this pole hedge trimmer.
This tool is most suitable for people who are trimming tall and medium-sized hedges and shrubs. It does not work well in tight spaces because the minimum amount you can retract the pole is four feet, and the cutting head is not detachable from the pole.
4. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer
This Black+Decker pole trimmer operates on interchangeable 20-volt batteries that also work in a wide variety of other Dewalt equipment. These batteries can hold a charge for up to 18 months in storage when fully charged, a distinct benefit for anyone who wants a trimmer that’s ready to go on the spot when they need it. In addition, with the cord-free operation, you can use this tool anywhere on your property without worrying about finding an outlet, extension cord, or getting gas for an engine.
- 20v battery power
- 18-inch dual-action blade
- 5-position adjustable head
- Soft-grip handle
- Battery and charger included
- 2-year limited warranty
Lightweight and Adjustable
This lightweight and adjustable pole trimmer weights only 7.7 pounds, making it easy to hold and control for a wide range of buyers. The extendable pole is 3.5 feet when completely retracted and 6.5 feet long when fully extended. The cutting head is 18 inches long, giving a total reach of up to 11 feet, enough for trimming the tops of medium-sized hedges and shrubs. However, the cutting head does not detach from the pole and cannot be used separately.
The head pivots into five positions with a full range of 180-degrees, so you can easily manage cutting branches and leaves in a wide variety of positions. The 180-degree pivoting feature is handy for flat cutting the tops of tall vegetation. The pivoting head also gives you the flexibility of getting the cutting head into tight areas between branches and other hard-to-reach spots.
Single-Action Cutting Teeth
On this tool, the cutting blades are single-action, meaning they only cut in one direction instead of both the forward and backward stroke as on dual-action blades. All of the other trimmers in this review have dual-action blades.
Single-action blades like this one tend to have more vibration, but this is not likely to be a problem if you have minimum amounts of trimming to do. The space on the cutting teeth can handle branches with a diameter up to 7/16 inch thick, making this trimmer best for people who have small amounts of light shrubbery with less challenging cuts.
Durable Body Construction
The tool’s body is made from durable, rust-proof fiberglass sections that securely snap together. It has an exceptionally easy-to-use trigger that makes starting and stopping a snap. The handle is amply covered with soft-grip material for extra comfort, and this tool comes with one 20-volt Black+Decker battery and one LCS20 Smart Charger for quick and efficient recharging.
Battery
Hedge trimmers with 20-volt batteries like this one are lighter and easier to use than larger 40-volt batteries, and they have shorter runtimes than larger voltage batteries. These features benefit people who have small amounts of trimming but still want a reliable, lightweight and easy-to-use tool.
Warranty
This tool comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
5. Earthwise LPHT12022 Pole Hedge Trimmer
The Earthwise LPHT12022 pole trimmer is similar to the Black+Decker described above in that it is also cordless and powered by a 20-volt, 2-amp-hour rechargeable battery. The batteries, however, are not interchangeable between these two brands. This tool has a robust motor for the powerful cutting of branches, up to 5/8 inch in diameter. Here is a list of its features:
- Powered by 20v 2AH lithium-ion battery
- 6-position adjustable head
- 20-inch dual-action blade
- 5/8-inch maximum cutting thickness capacity
- Battery and charger included
- 2-year warranty on the trimmer, 1-year on the battery
Low Weight
The small cutting capacity makes this tool most suitable for light-duty yard cleanup work. Its weight of only 7.2 pounds makes this trimmer one of the lightest you will find, and that can be a crucial deciding factor if you are trimming overhead, especially if you are not endowed with ample upper body strength.
Adjustable Cutting Head
The cutting head adjusts in six positions on the 20-inch long, dual-action blade, so you can use it for getting the cutting teeth exactly where you want them for a perfect trim. The extendable pole has the longest reach of all the trimmers reviewed here, moving out to a total of 9.4 feet when fully extended. You won’t have any trouble reaching the tops of the tallest hedges with this pole trimmer.
Battery and Charger Included
If you’re looking for a pole hedge trimmer that comes with everything you need all in one box, this tool has the advantage of including a battery, a fast charger and a blade sheath for safe storage and transport. It also has a 2-year warranty on the trimmer and a 1-year warranty on the battery, giving you peace of mind about your investment if something does not work correctly.
6. GARCARE 2 in 1 Corded Electric Hedge Trimmer
Last but not least, let’s take a look at the GARCARE 2-in-1 pole hedge trimmer. Like the Sun Joe at the start of this review, this tool runs on corded electric power. When using this tool, you must provide an outdoor extension cord of the correct rating and length to reach wherever you need to go in your landscape. This corded electric trimmer has at least three significant advantages over battery-powered models, and here are some of its most prominent features:
- Corded electric with 4.8 amp, 600-watt motor
- 20-inch laser cut cutting blade
- 5-position adjustable head
- Converts from handheld to pole trimmer
- Cuts up to 3/4-inch thick branches
- 1-year warranty
Advantages of Corded Electric Power
One advantage is that you never run out of power: You can trim your hedges and shrubs from sunup to sundown if you want because you never need to stop to recharge a battery or refuel a gas tank. Another powerful benefit is that you won’t need to replace the battery when it wears out.
Lithium-ion batteries are expensive to replace, and they usually have a lifespan of only one to two years before they become defective. These extra costs can come as an unpleasant surprise to people who buy a battery-powered tool for the first time.
Another point is that it is not safe to throw a defunct lithium battery in the trash. Instead, you must take it to a particular disposal site that handles this type of waste. Avoiding the hassle of disposing of a defunct li-ion battery is another problem you won’t have by investing in a corded electric trimmer like this one.
Two Tools in One
This tool has two parts: the retractable handle and the trimmer head, which can be used alone as a handheld unit, making it convenient for trimming tall hedges, working in tight spaces, and cleaning up the lower parts of vegetation. A safety feature on the power switch requires you to press two buttons simultaneously to get the trimmer going. This feature can be difficult for some people to operate, but it adds a superior level of safety against accidental startup of the machine, which can be valuable when moving around the extension cord.
The combination of a powerful 4.8-amp motor and 20-inch long laser-cut blade teeth make this trimmer an excellent choice for the most challenging trimming work. In addition, the rotating head moves into five preset positions of -90 degrees, -45 degrees, 0 degrees, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees, giving you plenty of options for cutting at any angle.
Shoulder Strap Included
Another bonus feature with this trimmer is that it comes with a shoulder strap, so you can work more comfortably when moving around your landscape. The GARCARE is the only tool in this review that comes with this component. In addition, this pole trimmer has an ultra-soft rubber grip on the handle, so less vibration is transferred to your hands and arms while working.
Warranty
The warranty on this product is one of the shortest available in the tools covered in this review at only one year. However, the manufacturer offers an additional 90-day money-back guarantee that allows you to return the unit and exchange it for another product for any reason during this period.
Long Reach Hedge Trimmers Product Feature Comparison
Now we’ll look at which of these tools gets the best rating in each of our five categories: power, pole extension, cutting capacity, weight, and warranty.
Overall Power
Winner:GARCARE 2 in 1
If you’re looking for maximum power in a pole hedge trimmer, the GARCARE is the winner because it is powered by a robust 4.8-amp motor driven by the power grid through a 120-volt outlet. In general, corded electric trimmers have more overall power than battery models.
Of course, corded electric tools have the disadvantage of needing to be used close to an electrical outlet, which is not available or convenient in many situations. However, if you have challenging cutting to do and want the most powerful trimmer on this list, the GARCARE delivers the best power.
Maximum Pole Extension
Winner: Earthwise LPHT12022
If you want an extendable hedge trimmer with maximum reach, the Earthwise LPHT12022 is the one on this list that meets the goal. It’s important to note that we refer to the actual extension of the tool’s handle and not how far you can reach when including the operator’s height and arm length.
The handle on the Earthwise LPHT12022 extends to a maximum of 9.4 feet and can cut at approximately 15 feet when you add in the height and reach of the operator. This is the best tool if you have extremely tall hedges and shrubs and you’re looking for a trimmer for keeping the tops even and clean.
However, take note that the Earthwise also has the smallest cutting thickness capacity of the tools reviewed here. The teeth on the cutting blade can only handle branches up to 5/8 inch in diameter, which is not very large. So this pole hedge trimmer is most suitable for light-duty cutting on tall hedges. If you encounter thick, rigid limbs, the Earthwise is not likely to handle the job.
Cutting Thickness Capacity
Winners: Greenworks and DEWALT
We have a tie! We’ve listed two winners in this category because the Dewalt has the largest tooth size, accommodating branches up to a thickness of 1 inch. It also has a high-quality blade made of durable, laser-cut steel for hacking through thick brushes, making it a good choice for anyone with the most challenging trimming work.
However, the Greenworks tool comes with a mini-chainsaw pruner with an 8-inch bar that can be used for cutting branches over 1 inch in diameter, so the Greenworks tool has more cutting thickness capacity even though the hedge trimmer does not provide this feature. Therefore, if the hedge trimming work you need to do includes a lot of pruning out dead branches and thick growth, you will want a trimmer with a large cutting capacity like the Dewalt or a small chainsaw such as the one that comes with the Greenworks.
Weight
Winner: Earthwise LPHT12022
The Black+Decker also deserves an honorable mention in the weight category at only 7.7 pounds, making it another reasonable choice for those who want a light and maneuverable pole hedge trimmer.
Warranty
Winner: Greenworks
The Greenworks pole hedge trimmer wins the prize for best warranty among the tools in this review with a full 4-year warranty on the trimmer and a 2-year warranty for the battery. Most battery-powered devices only provide a one or two-year warranty for batteries, so getting an additional year of protection is a valuable asset when investing in a tool like this. In addition, four years of warranty service for the trimmer is a great deal, especially considering that two years is average for most other battery-powered tools.
The Greenworks tool also comes with the additional mini-chainsaw, giving you a lot of versatility for trimming hedges and cutting through tough, thorny branches with the same equipment. However, we have heard a few reports of buyers having trouble getting warranty service when they needed it for this machine. For the best warranty service, we recommend registering the product online within 30 days of purchase, keeping the receipt, and going to a company-authorized service center if you encounter any problems.
Best Pole Hedge Trimmer Conclusion
As you can see, the best pole hedge trimmer depends a lot on what type of trimming work you need to do and what you need as the buyer. For example, the best tool for cutting the tallest hedges might not be the same as the best one for cutting in tight spaces, and a tool with the largest cutting capacity might be overkill for someone with only light-duty trimming work to do.
To figure out which tool is best for you, carefully consider the type of work you need to do and what you need most from a pole hedge trimmer in terms of cutting capacity, cutting head adjustment, weight and pole length extension. In addition, paying close attention to the warranty details and following all product registration instructions gives you the best protection in case you have any trouble with the equipment’s operation.
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