EGO Hedge Trimmer
Taking the latest cordless outdoor power tools to task is one of my specialties.
It’s borne out of necessity: we have a large property that needs a fair bit of maintenance.
The EGO Power+ line of equipment has impressed us over recent years with their built quality and unequalled 56V power – with batteries right up to 10Ah.
So today, we look at two new models of the 61cm Hedge Trimmer and the Line Trimmer.
We thank EGO for giving us the opportunity to test them out.
POWER+ 61CM BRUSHLESS HEDGE TRIMMER KIT
This unit is one of a family of brushless hedge trimmers with sizes from 51 to 65cm. So this one with its reach of 61cm is in the middle of that range and plenty long for most jobs.
As you may know, hedge clippers can be dangerous, like most power tools, and particularly with a 3000SPM (strokes per minute) cutting capacity. All these dual action teeth can easily cut branches of about an inch thick (26mm).
That’s why I appreciate the triple safety around engaging that power so that inadvertent switching it on is less likely. The switch that covers the whole inside of the D-handle is ingenious. This enables you to use the trimmer in horizontal and vertical motions easily.
Having a brushless motor makes the tool lighter and that’s a good thing. You get not as tired wielding this trimmer with the longer run times these new motors give you. It comes with the small and lightweight 2.5Ah ARC Lithium battery which is enough for running it till your arms get tired… About an hour.
We tested it out on some bushes to shape them into a hedge of sorts. It makes short work of the entangled rubbish shrubs in our backyard.
See video below.
Even though the unit is weather resistant, it’s best to cut and trim when the hedges and bushes are dry. This also applies to the line trimmer and mowing. Commercial operators don’t always have that option to wait for a sunshiny day but generally we do.
EGO Hedge Trimmer
POWER+ 35CM POWERLOAD™ LINE TRIMMER WITH TELESCOPIC ALUMINUM SHAFT
I don’t know if you’ve ever had to put a new trimming line on the head but let me assure you: it ain’t easy! Often it involves taking the trimmer head apart, struggling with springs and manually winding the line. Then putting the whole assembly together again.
Luckily, EGO has resolved that problem for us!
Their POWERLOAD technology lets you just feed a new length of line in, press a button and, hey, presto! Could not be simpler and faster.
Of course, it has bump feed line advance (just tap the trimmer head on the ground whilst running the tool). This unit uses 2.4mm professional cutting line, giving it strength and cutting power.
Line trimmers usually have a fixed shaft length and that’s fine for most people. If you’re a bit shorter or taller, wielding that tool for a long time can become very uncomfortable. The EGO solution is to make the shaft telescopic, not by much but enough to make line trimming much easier for all folks.
The 2.5Ah battery will give you about 45 minutes runtime, depending a bit on which speed setting you use. With 2 batteries you can go all day (if you can charge the depleted battery up in the meantime).
TESTING
Some minor assembly is required, putting the guard on and clipping the adjustable front-assist handle in place. The two shaft halves are hinged and need one bolt to lock them together.
In our tool testing we consistently throw some rough country at them: our rural property is not like your typical suburban block.
If these tools can handle this, we have full confidence that they can serve their purpose really well.
Plus, we got a few years of EGO experience to back that up. No failures, no issues. Just one battery that failed after a couple of years and was replaced.
So have a look at the short video below to see both these tools in action.
CONCLUSION
Having the best tools for the job is a motto I strive to live by.
I have not been disappointed with the whole range of EGO Power+ tools for the following criteria:
1. Built quality. Will last for many years.
2. Innovative features. The competition should take note…
3. Mighty power. Equals many petrol equivalents.
4. Great Value for Money. Not the cheapest but top value.
Hey, and they look good too.
If I have one wish it would be for EGO to have more outlets in the regions. You can check out your nearest EGO shop here.
Highly recommended!
PRICING
The 61CM BRUSHLESS HEDGE TRIMMER KIT is AUD449
The 35CM POWERLOAD™ LINE TRIMMER costs AUD469
There are also skin only versions available at substantial savings, if you have already an EGO battery and charger.
Both tools come with a 5 year tool warranty and 3 years on the 56V batteries.
Have a look at the Aussie EGO product pages below for more info on these tools and to find out your nearest outlet.
POWER+ 61CM BRUSHLESS HEDGE TRIMMER KIT
POWER+ 35CM POWERLOAD™ LINE TRIMMER WITH TELESCOPIC ALUMINUM SHAFT
