The Best Pole Hedge Trimmers: 6 Reviews
Contents
- The Best Pole Hedge Trimmers Are…
- 1. Sun Joe SJH904E Electric Pole Hedge Trimmer: Best Overall
- 2. TrimmerPlus AH721 Dual Hedge Trimmer Attachment: Best Attachment
- 3. Earthwise CVPH43018 Corded Pole Hedge Trimmer: Best Corded Model
- 4. Sun Joe SJH901E Electric Pole Hedge Trimmer: Best Multi-Angle Head
- 5. Black+Decker LPHT120 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer: Best Cordless Design
- 6. Greenworks Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer: Best Value for Money
- Buying Guide
- Types of Pole Hedge Trimmer
- Blade Features
- Ergonomic Pole Design
- Safety
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
A pole hedge trimmer lets you cut the tops and far sides of tall hedges from the ground, without a ladder.
In this guide, I compare six models: corded, cordless and one attachment for a string trimmer power head.
OUR TOP PICK
Our top pick is the Sun Joe SJH904E Electric Pole Hedge Trimmer. This is an all-around tool that is great for trimming small and large hedges, bushes, and shrubs.
The Best Pole Hedge Trimmers Are…
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Sun Joe SJH904E Electric Pole Hedge Trimmer | 1. Sun Joe SJH904E Electric Pole Hedge Trimmer Top Pick | - 2-in-1 convertible design - 19-inch dual-action blade - Multi-angle pivoting head - Telescopic pole - Powerful 4.5 amp motor | Check Current Price |
| 2. TrimmerPlus AH721 Dual Hedge Trimmer Attachment | 2. TrimmerPlus AH721 Dual Hedge Trimmer Attachment | - 22-inch double-sided blades - 3/4-inch gap - Features an articulating head - Wide compatibility - Durable die-cast construction | Check Current Price |
| 3. Earthwise CVPH43018 Corded Pole Hedge Trimmer | 3. Earthwise CVPH43018 Corded Pole Hedge Trimmer | - 2-in-1 design - 18-inch cutting blade - 11/16-inch cutting capacity - Adjustable cutting angle - Up to 13-foot overhead reach | Check Current Price |
| 4. Sun Joe SJH901E Electric Pole Hedge Trimmer | 4. Sun Joe SJH901E Electric Pole Hedge Trimmer | - 18-inch dual action blade - 0.7-inch cutting capacity - Multi-pivoting head - Telescoping pole - Powerful 3.8 amp motor | Check Current Price |
| 5. Black+Decker LPHT120 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer | 5. Black+Decker LPHT120 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer | - 18-inch dual action blades - Powered by a 20V Li-ion battery - 6-1/2-foot pole with an overhead reach of 10 feet - Soft grip handle - Quick and easy start trigger switch | Check Current Price |
| 6. Greenworks Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer | 6. Greenworks Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer | - Powered by G-Max 40V Li-ion battery - 20-inch dual action blade - 5/8-inch cutting capacity - Three-position pivoting head - Adjustable height feature | Check Current Price |
1. Sun Joe SJH904E Electric Pole Hedge Trimmer: Best Overall
The Sun Joe SJH904E is a corded 4.5-amp pole hedge trimmer that converts to a handheld unit.
Specs
- 2-in-1 convertible design
- 19-inch dual-action blade
- Multi-angle pivoting head
- Telescopic pole
- Powerful 4.5 amp motor
Its multi-angle pivoting head lets you angle the blade to cut the tops of tall hedges.
The 19-inch dual-action hardened steel blades cut in both directions. The telescoping pole extends from 3.8 to 5.9 feet, for up to about 13 feet of overhead reach depending on your height.
With the motor at the far end, it can feel heavy when fully extended.
Pros
- It takes less than a minute to convert it to a handheld unit
- Adjusting the cutting head angle is a breeze
- Dual action blades cut in both directions, reducing trimming time
- Has a superior overhead reach of up to 13 feet
- Ergonomic front and rear handles improve handling and stability
Cons
- May be a little bit heavy for some people
- Needs an outdoor-rated extension cord
Conclusion
This model delivers the best cutting performance both as a handheld or a pole hedge trimmer. But beware, it is a little bit heavy.
Overall Rating – 4.4
2. TrimmerPlus AH721 Dual Hedge Trimmer Attachment: Best Attachment
The TrimmerPlus AH721 is a heavy-duty dual hedge trimmer attachment that accepts trimmers and power heads from most brands.
Specs
- 22-inch double-sided blades
- 3/4-inch gap
- Features an articulating head
- Wide compatibility
- Durable die-cast construction
The TrimmerPlus AH721 attachment has wide compatibility because it can fit trimmers and power heads from Troy Bilt, Craftsman, Remington, and Greenworks to mention a few.
Its articulating head locks at seven different angles.
This particular model is fitted with a 22-inch dual-action blade and 3/4-inch gaps that allow for consistent and smooth side-to-side hedging.
Another amazing feature that comes with this attachment is the blade cover, which does a great job of securing the blade for safe storage.
The attachment shaft is fairly short, so your reach depends on your power head's shaft length.
Pros
- It accepts a good number of trimmers and power heads
- Hedge trimmer head can be locked at seven different angles
- Dual action blade cuts through the thickest shrub branches
- Heavy-duty metal construction improves durability
- Blade cover allows for safe storage
Cons
- Attachment shaft is too short
- May get a little bit heavy with some attachment capable power heads
Conclusion
This hedge trimmer attachment is exactly what you need if you happen to have a compatible power head or a trimmer at home.
Overall Rating – 4.3
3. Earthwise CVPH43018 Corded Pole Hedge Trimmer: Best Corded Model
The Earthwise CVPH43018 is a corded electric model that converts from a pole to a handheld hedge trimmer. Being electric, it needs no fuel or engine maintenance, though the blades still need cleaning and oiling.
Specs
- 2-in-1 design
- 18-inch cutting blade
- 11/16-inch cutting capacity
- Adjustable cutting angle
- Up to 13-foot overhead reach
The Earthwise CVPH43018 is a 2-in-1 hedge trimmer that you can use as a handheld unit or a pole hedge trimmer.
It uses an 18-inch cutting blade with a cutting capacity of 11/16 inches that allows you to easily cut or prune the extra hedges on your fence or in your garden. The adjustable pole stretches out to a length of approximately 8.8 feet, which provides you with a reliable overhead reach of 13 feet.
The adjustable cutting head lets you trim at an angle.
But this hedge trimmer is a little bit heavy and the weight distribution isn’t that good because the motor is positioned on the top end.
Pros
- Can be used as a handheld or a pole hedge trimmer
- Dual action blade will cut forward and backward
- 11/16-inch cutting capacity
- Easy to start with a single push of a button
- Impressive overhead reach of up to 13 feet
Cons
- May be a little bit heavy for some users
- Doesn’t have a very durable power cord
C****onclusion
With the Earthwise CVPH43018, you get both a handheld and a pole hedge trimmer in a single design. But this machine may require muscle power to lift over the head, depending on the user.
Overall Rating – 4.3
4. Sun Joe SJH901E Electric Pole Hedge Trimmer: Best Multi-Angle Head
With the Sun Joe SJH901E Electric Pole Hedge Trimmer, you no longer need a ladder or a hedge cutting platform to be able to cut and shape the hedges and bushes in your surroundings.
Specs
- 18-inch dual action blade
- 0.7-inch cutting capacity
- Multi-pivoting head
- Telescoping pole
- Powerful 3.8 amp motor
This product offers an impressive overhead reach of up to 13 feet, while the hardened steel blades increase the reach by 18 inches.
The Sun Joe SJH901E is fitted with a multi-angle pivoting head, which is a great feature because you can adjust the cutting angle conveniently when cutting thick hedges and bushes.
The 18-inch dual-action blades are hardened steel.
Another amazing feature that’s included in this tool is the safety switch, which ensures the hedge trimmer doesn’t accidentally turn itself on.
It is heavy at full extension, so the included shoulder harness helps with balance.
Pros
- Overhead reach is reliable, even for short people
- Dual action blade makes hedge trimming a breeze
- Head can be positioned at different angles for customized trimming
- Safety switch prevents the unit from turning itself on
- Shoulder harness included for improving balance and stability
Cons
- May turn out to be a little bit heavy for some users
- Very sharp blades may be a safety hazard
Conclusion
The Sun Joe SJH901E overhead trimming performance is imposing, and the pivoting head makes it even better.
Overall Rating – 4.3
5. Black+Decker LPHT120 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer: Best Cordless Design
The Black+Decker LPHT120 is your go-to model, if you have been looking for a cordless pole hedge trimmer that offers superior overhead reach.
Specs
- 18-inch dual action blades
- Powered by a 20V Li-ion battery
- 6-1/2-foot pole with an overhead reach of 10 feet
- Soft grip handle
- Quick and easy start trigger switch
This cordless model runs on a 20V MAX lithium-ion battery, and a gear drive transfers power to the dual-action blades.
It is light compared with the corded models here, which makes it easier to control overhead.
The dual action blades and the 180-degree five-position pivoting head offer you superior maneuverability for trimming tall and thick hedges and bushes.
Runtime is limited by the battery, so large hedges may need a spare.
Pros
- No cord to manage
- Pivoting head allows for customized overhead trimming
- Easy to start with a trigger switch
- Double sided blades generate less vibration
- Soft grip handle allows for consistent hand placement
Cons
- Battery runtime limits big jobs
- Could be better with a higher overhead reach
Conclusion
The Black+Decker LPHT120 offers control and comfort for light overhead trimming.
Overall Rating – 4.2
6. Greenworks Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer: Best Value for Money
The Greenworks Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer runs on a 40V battery, so there are no fumes or fuel to mix.
Specs
- Powered by G-Max 40V Li-ion battery
- 20-inch dual action blade
- 5/8-inch cutting capacity
- Three-position pivoting head
- Adjustable height feature
It uses the G-MAX 40V lithium-ion battery, which also fits other Greenworks 40V tools. A three-position pivoting head makes cutting at an angle easier.
The 20-inch dual-action steel blades give you plenty of length for even cuts.
Pros
- Battery shared with other Greenworks 40V tools
- Pivoting head makes cutting at an angle possible
- Dual-action blades cut in both directions
- 5/8-inch cutting capacity handles most shrubs with ease
- Cushioned hand grips add comfort and reduce user fatigue
Cons
- Battery and charger may be sold separately, depending on the kit
Conclusion
This is a versatile, lightweight cordless hedge trimmer that’s perfect for controlled, easy trimming and pruning of most hedges and bushes.
Overall Rating – 4.2
Buying Guide
It might seem obvious, but the first place to start is to look at the physical appearance of your hedge, bush, or shrub.
Observe how thick and tall it is and whether or not it has thick branches. This will help streamline your selection of the best pole hedge trimmer.
Here are a few things that you need to take into account during your search:
Types of Pole Hedge Trimmer
There are three main types of hedge trimmers you can choose from:
- Gas-powered
- Corded (electric)
- Battery-powered (cordless electric)
Gas pole hedge trimmers have no cord and the most power, which suits large properties and thick hedges. They are heavier, louder and need fuel and engine maintenance.
Corded electric pole hedge trimmers are popular with homeowners. They are light and simple to use. Use an outdoor-rated extension cord long enough to reach the hedge, plugged into a GFCI outlet.
Battery-powered pole hedge trimmers have no cord and no gasoline. Runtime is the trade-off, so a spare battery helps on big jobs.
Blade Features
Once you’ve decided on the type, think about the blades. First is blade length: longer blades cover more hedge per pass and help keep tall hedges even.
The second consideration is the teeth spacing also referred to as blade gap. This affects the size of the branch or limbs you can trim. A pole hedge trimmer with wide teeth spacing can cut through thicker hedges, bushes, and shrubs. But narrow blade gaps are only suitable for thinner hedges.
The third consideration is the quality of the blade. Some hedge trimmer blades are made of ordinary metal. The best quality blades are not only made of strong metal, but they are also ground for increased sharpness.
Ergonomic Pole Design
Choose a model with a telescopic pole that adjusts to the height of your hedges. Balance matters as much as reach, since a heavy motor at the far end tires your arms quickly.
Safety
Pole tools put you close to overhead lines. OSHA advises keeping at least 10 feet from overhead power lines and making sure no tool or branch touches a line.
Wear eye protection and gloves, keep the cord behind you, and unplug the trimmer before clearing jams or cleaning the blades.
Final Thoughts
Our overall best pole hedge trimmer is Sun Joe SJH904E. It does an exemplary job at trimming hedges, shrubs, and bushes with its dual action blades. The telescoping pole is a nice feature because it means you don’t need a ladder or a platform to get the blades to the tallest hedges.
The hedge trimmer is also convertible. You can conveniently use it as a pole hedge trimmer or as a handheld hedge trimmer, depending on your preference and the task at hand. Choose the power type, blade length and pole reach that match your hedges.
