Any experience with cordless hedge trimmers?

[Jonny69]

I need to get a hedge trimmer and was wondering if the cordless ones were any cop. Anybody used one? I'd be looking at the Makita BUH523 20.5" 18V Li-Ion one specifically, because I have 18V Makita batteries I can use it with.

Hedgewise, I've got a 5m hedge about nipple height that runs along the property line, one about 4m long at about 2m tall across the front, plus the usual selection of shrubs.

I know I'd probably be better off with a petrol one, but it would be nice to stick with electric if I can since it's all cleaner and less smelly.

 

[Nightglow]

Better off with a mains one, something like Bosch AHS 55-16 or Bosch AHS 60-16, both have a blade spacing of 16mm.

There is a heavier range of Bosch hedge cutters like AHS 600-24ST, has a 24mm blade spacing, cost about £100, maybe cheaper if you search.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-600-24-Electric-Hedgecutter-Capacity/dp/B000Y1FA3M

 

[Jonny69]

I didn't know about the blade spacing so that's good to know about. Is that to cut bigger stuff though?

 

[Nightglow]

I didn't know about the blade spacing so that's good to know about. Is that to cut bigger stuff though?

Yes.

Any branch up to 24mm.

 

[Mark A]

Cordless would be a lot better imo. I'd go for that makita as you already have the battery system.

It has a 15mm cutting diameter, so about the same as the cheaper Bosch cutters. If you're just trimming off the new growth to keep the hedges shape you shouldn't need more than the 15-16mm really.

I really wish that Dewalt did a hedge trimmer that I could use with my batts . So I am going to have to go for a corded Bosch, but I'd prefer cordless anyday.

 

[Jonny69]

I don't think I'll be going through 24mm branches. Isn't that normally a job for the loppers?

Mark - keep your eye out. I think the Makita one is quite new because I haven't seen it before. Chances are Dewalt will probably follow suit with one.

 

[{SAS}TB]

A few weeks ago I got a mains trimmer, went for a Bosch AHS7000 PRO-T

34mm tooth spacing, 70cm laser-cut diamond ground blade - 700W motor

Here she is



And the first run with her - Before:



During:





Before and after :



It is awesome - The cutting of the hedge took about 40 mins then almost twice that to clear up

 

[Bennie-Mac]

My dad has an old Bosch 14.4V cordless trimmer, no issues with it aside from battery life but since you have spares I would say its a better option than corded ones. It has 14mm blade spacing and hasnt failed to cut anything yet, so I imagine a more powerful 18V one will perform even better.

 

[Jonny69]

^^^That's good to know!