We recently received a couple of EGO’s new 56V battery-powered cordless lawn and garden tools to test out. Designed around an industry-leading 56V lithium-ion battery, these tools boast the power of gasoline-powered tools without the hassle, noise, or fumes associated with gas engine tools.
Included in the EGO 56V lineup is a new 24″ hedge trimmer (HT2401 kit, HT2400 bare tool). With the bundled 2.0Ah battery, the EGO hedge trimmer is rated to run for an hour per charge while cutting branches up to 3/4″ thick.
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The EGO hedge trimmer kit, which comes with a battery and charger, is available for $199, and the bare tool is available for $99. Both are available at The Home Depot.
I was not sure what to expect from the EGO hedge trimmer. I have only used hedge trimmers a handful of times in the past, so I sought advice and testing with my dad, a man with over 35 years experience in the landscaping, nursery, and tree care industry.
Features
- Powered by 56V Lithium-Ion 2.0Ah battery (according to EGO, this is the industry’s most powerful battery)
- Fully charged in 40 minutes with standard charger
- Up to 60 minutes of run time
- 24 inch hardened steel cutting blade
- 3/4″ cut capacity
- 3000 strokes per minute
- Electronic brake to stop blade action immediately with trigger release
Testing
My dad was excited to help test the new cordless trimmer, and he had many bushes in need of trimming after years of neglect. I brought the trimmer over to his house with a freshly charged battery, and we immediately tried it on a large bush beside the house. “Not bad, yeah, this cuts pretty nicely” he said in a pleased voice, but I could tell he was very skeptical if it would hold up to more than a couple of bushes.
I set him loose upon a hedge row consisting of 17 bushes about chest-high. After about 30 minutes he finished trimming the whole row and said: “How long is this thing supposed to last? It’s still working!”
My mother heckled him to see how well the trimmer fared on their other overgrown hedge row that had much larger, more mature, and even more unkempt bushes. We were all somewhat joking about using the trimmer on this row, as many of these bushes were 8-12 feet tall. We gave it a shot and were impressed as soon as we started trimming these overgrown monsters. There were quite a few large branches 1/2″ to 3/4″ thick.
As we were 20 minutes into this row, my dad again asked me how long the trimmer was supposed to last. I assured him it would almost certainly need a recharge soon, as we were getting very close to an hour of constant use. We were both astonished as we reached the end of this massively overgrown row of bushes and the battery hadn’t quit yet.
“I think they lied to us,” my dad said grinning, feeling rather exhausted after holding this 12 pound weight in outstretched arms. After an hour and fifteen minutes in the heat, we quit trimming. While the trimmer would have happily held out for more, we were both exhausted from working in such a humid day. My dad smiled and happily exclaimed that he’d certainly enjoy one of these as a Father’s Day gift.
The Verdict
My father and I were both very impressed with the EGO 56V hedge trimmer. It trimmed and shaped our bushes and effortlessly chopped even thick branches cleanly.
Both of the areas that we trimmed were far from electric outlets, and so a corded trimmer wouldn’t have been much use. The cordless trimmer’s tetherless battery power came in very handy. The clean cuts and overall power were very impressive for a battery powered tool.
When compared to other electric and battery hedge trimmers, the EGO does seem slightly expensive, but at $199 for the kit it also looks to be a relative bargain compared to gas-powered models. Many electric trimmers are only $100 or less, but they won’t be very helpful if you need to stray further than your extension cord. Gas hedge trimmers seem to start around $300 and are also significantly heavier, plus they require more maintenance and attention than electric and battery-powered models.
I think we trimmed an above-average amount of bushes for many residences, and I am confident this trimmer would be an excellent fit for many households. I am very excited to see what EGO adds to their 56V line in the future.
Pros
- Long runtime
- Ample power
- Cordless convenience
- Easy to use
- Clean cuts
Cons
- 12 pound weight made us give up before the trimmer’s battery did
Buy Now(Kit via Home Depot)
Buy Now(Bare Tool via Home Depot)
More EGO(via Home Depot
Ratings Explained (19/20)
Ease of Use: 4/5
There is a safety switch built into the front handle that needs to be pressed before the trimmer will turn on. This usually isn’t difficult to manage, but could possibly limit grip positioning.
Build Quality: 5/5
The trimmer housing is made with what feels to be a high quality plastic, and the bar and blades are metal with tight and precise tolerances.
Cutting Performance: 5/5
The trimmer easily cuts branches up to 3/4″ thick. Most cuts are very cleanly sheared. Very good performance overall.
Battery Life: 5/5
Phenomenal battery life. Runtime is rated at 1 hour with the 2.0Ah Li-ion battery pack included in the kit, but the trimmer was still cutting after about 1 hour and 15 minutes of constant use, including work on some very thick branches.
Thank you to EGO for providing the review samples unconditionally. Review samples are typically given away, donated, or retained for editorial and comparison purposes.
Joshua Latham says
This looks like a good option for me. I have a lot of hedges and its a pain in the butt dragging the extension cord around. I also have a gas powered one, but my arms are killing me about half way through. Lighter and plenty of run time, I think i’m a believer.
Clayton M says
There really was plenty of runtime. Compared to a gas trimmer, this thing is a featherweight. The locations where we used it really meant that a corded trimmer was not an option (at least not without a generator). The only downside is the somewhat premium cost compared to a Ryobi or Craftsman battery powered unit (with less power too).
mikeh says
i purchased one of these for my boss and he used it and was also pleased with the power, endurance and cutting ability. It seems to be a very nice alternative to gas hedge trimmers. I unfortunately invested in the ryobi 40v line, which i have been very pleased with, but wish i had the extra power of this 56.
My boss also purchased the EGO blower and really liked it’s strength – he has a gas backpack blower and remarked that he would now only take that out if he had to clear his entire yard.
This is an expensive investment.
Clayton M says
They are expensive. I hope that EGO eventually comes out with more tools to make the system even more appealing. It’s not as bad since they have a string trimmer, blower, and lawn mower that can use the same batteries, but an even bigger line up would increase the value.
Aellynh says
56V Max drill/driver & impact? Not sure where you’d stick the battery, but imagine the torque on those puppies!!!
Jerry says
I’m thinking chainsaw!
Ben Gray says
They have a great chainsaw in their line now
Clayton M says
Haha, that would be pretty wild. Unfortunately, these batteries are a tad too big for something like that. However, Stuart indicates further below that they have a chainsaw planned for the fall, and that’s something I’d be interested in. Also, it would probably be a really good use for a pole saw.
mikeh says
I have the Ryobi 40V chainsaw and have been very pleased with it – it’s not for clearing forests but i have taken down a few trees and cut them up with no issues – I imagine a 56v version would provide even greater runtime and power which would only make it more attractive
Jason says
I have the hedge trimmer and leaf blower. They have been amazing so far. I have the same minor complaints like Stuart had about the weight and safety feature on the hedge trimmer, but it’s super powerful and one battery lasts me a long time. The tool that literally blows me away is the leaf blower the other electric powered ones I had used before are not even close. That’s the tool that really sold me on EGO outdoor power tools. I’m interested in the lawnmower, but I don’t need a new one.
Stuart says
Actually, this is one of Clayton’s reviews. He’s a trusted contributor who’s handling a couple of lawn and garden reviews for ToolGuyd. I’ll be testing the EGO cordless blower once there are things on the ground to blow around.
Thus far, it looks like EGO’s got some great tools, and more are on the way (a chainsaw is planned for the Fall). I think that competitors, namely Ryobi, Craftsman, Greenworks, and Kobalt are going to have to step up their game for next year.
Jason says
Sorry I missed that. I’m usually just used to you posting up articles. I want to say Clayton did a nice write up on the Ego hedge trimmer then.
Clayton M says
No worries Jason, and thanks! Stay tuned, we do have a few more EGO reviews coming.
RX9 says
Do they plan on releasing a split-boom trimmer compatible with TrimmerPlus/Expand-It attachements?
If so, then I think I am going to choose EGO over Kobalt’s new attachment capable cordless.
Clayton M says
I don’t know their product roadmap, but there have been a few people requesting that as well on their forum, hopefully that is something they will consider. Currently though, they do not have a trimmer compatible with attachments.
firefly says
I dropped by the local home depot to check it out. The hedge trimmer is pretty heavy, The weight is comparable to some of the gas one. But that probably also mean it’s pretty hefty build.
I like the blower the most and I’ll get it as soon as I sold mine current blower. Obvious my backpack blower is a lot more powerful, but for a cordless one, this is actually more powerful than some the gas one that I have seen.
Based on the current design of the trimmer I don’t think that it would be possible to make it possible to make it compatible with the trimmer plus attachment. I am familiar with those attachment as I used to own them. Personally I don’t see a way for them to make it compatible without compromise their current superior design. I think it’s superior because the motor is right where the head is which translate to more power. I think it’s more reliable as well as less part to wear out.
I do hope that they come out with some way to make it easier to edge but other than that I seriously hope they don’t compromise their current design just to make it compatible with some other attachments.
RX9 says
Excuse me, *Ryobi’s* attachment capable cordless trimmer.
firefly says
This is nice, I will have to drop by the local HD to check it out. Based on the reviews, this is the best that I have seen so far for cordless mower. I will wait for a bit for them to come down in price. But once they do you can count me in 🙂
Tamica Guilstorf says
great info as always.
http://blah.com
John D in So.Fla. says
I purchased the EGO self-propelled mower in May and love it . I had been using a gas mower for years and this is far superior . The one handle height adjustment is a very nice feature. I have to run the self-propelled on the lowest setting because on the faster settings , I can’t walk that fast , it is really quick. Another nice feature is you can propel the mower without running the cutting blade .
I also bought the blower and I am amazed at the blowing capacity , really powerful. I wish EGO would make a riding mower that is battery powered.
Chuckie in Oly says
great tool.. however, after just a few uses the motor activates when pressing the handle only. no trigger required. I wish it would have gone the other way ie: trigger only. Is there a repair site?
Joe says
Bought this and returned it the same day as I did not like to have to constantly
hold down the safety switch on front as well as pressing the rear bar throughout the
entire process of trimming. I would have thought they would have installed a
constant on so you wouldn’t keep having to press both bars at the same time.
It got tiresome after 10-15 mins. and was discouraged.
IAN says
Why does it not come with instructions no how to sharpen the blades. I have not seen any comments on this It would be good to know how to keep the blades in tip top condition to enjoy the tool for years to come.