The 5 Best Pole Hedge Trimmers

Do You really need one of these Machines?

The problem is, once you have used a pole hedge trimmer you really don't want to go back to trimming hedges from a ladder- especially if they are big, have any kinds of thorns or are just plain awkward to get around. These machines can also tackle tough ground cover- a useful extra benefit.

The Best Options

Commercial grade machines cost around $500 but can be rented for a once-a-year trim of a very big hedge at a reasonable cost. Black and Decker offer a surprisingly good cordless model- slow but sure- for not much more than a hundred dollars online. There are also attachments for Troy Bilt tools which make excellent pole hedge trimmers.

Gas, Electric or Cordless?

Most pros will choose a gas powered hedge trimmer. For many homeowners, a cordless or old fashioned electric machine will be enough.

Cordless trimmers can be used anywhere and are a good choice on a larger property where running cables is a nuisance. The lithium ion models have plenty of power and most will run for nearly an hour on a single charge. If you have a spare battery, you can work all day- as long as you remember to keep one battery in the charger at all times.

Electric hedge trimmers are usually lighter and cheaper to buy.The problem is finding a good one to use on a pole. Remington make a pole hedge trimmer- I haven't tried it myself- but almost no one has anything good to say about it, so I haven't included a link to it on this page..

Read the Buyer Reviews before you Buy your Pole Hedge Trimmer!

It is usually cheaper to buy these kinds of tools online- there is no sales tax to pay. Even if you want to buy in a store, it always worth checking out the buyer reviews at places like Target or Amazon. When someone has paid good money for an item they will tell you if they got a lemon.

The Five Best Pole Hedge Trimmers

Black And Decker Cordless

The Black and Decker cordless is a machine people like. It is a little heavier than some people would want in a perfect world and is slower than a gas trimmer but it will do the job. It is also quiet to use. Because the power level suits patient work, you will not suddenly find you have taken off way too much and ruined the shape of your hedge!

It is forty five inches long and weighs about 8 lbs. There is a two year warranty- the two years is a good sign, obviously not too many are getting sent back.

CEL PS1 POWERstick Cordless

This 12 Volt lithium ion cordless is new on the market and might be worth thinking about if you are also interested in a strimmer. It offers a ten inch hedge trimmer plus a strimmer attachment.

Troy Built Hedge Trimmer Attachment

This will only work with a Troy Bilt gas powered tool like their string trimmer / weed trimmer or brush cutter.

The Troy Bilt route can be a good option if you looking for a range of top quality power garden tools. Troy Bilt machines offer great durability and once you have the power unit you can buy attachments for all kinds of jobs pretty cheaply.

You can also buy an electric starter if you hate wrestling with gas tools at start up time.

They are available through Lowes or online.

Earthwise HT10024 24-Inch 3.8 Amp Electric Hedge Trimmer

Ok, this is not a pole hedge trimmer. For a lot of people thinking about a hedge trimmer with long reach, though, this is worth giving some consideration to.

It is powerful, inexpensive and almost everyone who buys one, gives it a great review. The two foot blade means that you can trim a five foot hedge from the ground- except of course on top. For the top, you are back to that annoying ladder.

Tanaka TPH-260PF Long Reach Pole Hedge Trimmer

Now we are getting onto the big boys. This is the kind of machine you would rent for around forty dollars a day. That forty dollars could save you a lot of time- these machines are quick. They not only trim hedges but tackle ground cover too, slicing through stems and branches up to three quarters of an thick.

The 25cc two stroke engine is a low emission model that meets standards country wide. The twenty two inch blade and the 130 angle setting makes light work of even ten foot hedges. The drive shaft is solid steel and very hard to damage. Quality bearings transmit power smoothly and without serious vibration (some machines will leave your hands numb!).

It is not heavy by the standards of a commercial pole trimmer but it still weighs in at around 13lbs. The shoulder strap will take most of the weight.

There is a 3 year warranty.

Husqvarna 326HE4x

This machine is not available through Amazon or Target. I've included it because I have used its predecessor on rental and it was a fantastic machine. Read the info on the Husqvarna website if you are looking for something that is perhaps even better than the Tanaka above. Expect to pay more, though.

husqvarna.com/us/homeowner/

An interesting Forum for Garden Power tool users:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/garden-tools/107010-anyone-ever-use-extended-hedge.html