This summer I had the opportunity to test some EGO battery powered hedge trimmers. In total I was given three machines to test; the HTX65000, HT2000E and the PPX1000 long pole hedge trimmer. All were new and delivered in their well-designed cardboard boxes, including manual instructions.
Along with their machines, I also had use of EGO’s rapid battery charger the CH5500E, a BA2800E 56v 5.0Ah Lithium-Ion battery, a BA1400T 2.5Ah battery, a BA2240E 4.0Ah battery, a BH1001 Power Harness and a Battery Adaptor that can be used on all EGO cordless outdoor power tools.
I was impressed with the build quality of all three machines and soon got the feel of them once I started trying them out on different types of hedges and in various field conditions.
EGO range of hedge trimmers on trial
I also enlisted the help of several friends - professional gardeners and groundsmen - to also try out these machines, to give me their own feedback on what they thought of each product.
I was certainly impressed with the power output and longevity of the battery power during use. The durable, weather-proof battery pack delivers outstanding run-times of up to 360 minutes per charge and a dual-action trigger design is safer and provides less-strain on hands and fingers during use.
HT2000E
First up for use was the HT2000E. This EGO Power+ 51cm hedge trimmer I found ideal for use on small-to-medium sized hedges with fairly thick stem widths. Cutting at a single speed, this cordless trimmer is equipped with laser cut, diamond ground blades which easily sliced through a wide range of hedging materials and difficult, unruly stems. The hedge trimmer also has a blade tip protector that prevents damage if used close to fence panels or brickwork and other obtuse materials.
I found this machine easy to use once you got used to the weight of the attached battery, especially when facing up the sides of hedges. I found it to be ergonomically easy to use and fairly lightweight compared to traditional petrol-powered hedge trimmers - weighing only 2.8kg without battery, and 4kg when equipped with their 2.5Ah battery.
Laurence Gale cutting a holly hedge
I was also presently surprised how long the 2.5Ah battery lasted and the fact that you have a choice of other EGO Power+ 56V Arc Lithium battery batteries that you can use with all the EGO hedge trimmers. Their full range consists of five other sizes (4.0Ah, 5.Ah, 7.5Ah and 10.Ah and a 12Ah) with the launch of the BA6720T.
All interchangeable with any of their full range of EGO tools, I was also provided with a rapid charger that soon recharged the batteries. Average time for charging was around 20 – 30 minutes depending on how depleted the battery was.
I easily got well over an hour’s continual use from one fully charged battery, allowing me to get a lot of work done.
HTX65000
Next up was the EGO HTX65000 hedge trimmer, powered by the EGO direct cable BH1001 Power Harness.
Again, a powerful, sharp, light-weighted hedge cutter that performs equally as well but gives you that extra length of cut. Having the battery attached to the harness, reduces the weight of the trimmer and makes it more user friendly.
Using the harness enables you to use a range of different amperage rated batteries, thus giving you longer running times.
PPX1000
My final hedge cutter was the PPX1000 long pole hedge trimmer. A staggering piece of kit that has an extendable reach up to 4 metres, enabling you to work on those harder to reach jobs without the need for platforms or ladders. The in-line battery position gives the tool optimum balance during use and the replaceable rear foot also acts as a carrying handle, providing protection against bumping and dropping.
The telescopic pole has a tool-free interchangeable head system which can be set up to work with either the pruning saw or hedge trimmer attachment in just a few seconds. The aluminium oval shaft is robust in design and lined with a rubber sleeve for comfort, grip and reach.
It also houses the battery and dual-trigger controls, meaning you're more in control of the tool, and can select the power you need to complete each task. There are multiple trigger points to provide great reach and manoeuvrability relevant to the application when in use.
All in all, a nice set of hedge trimming tools that enable you the flexibility to undertake a wide range of hedge cutting jobs.
Batteries
As for the batteries, EGO’s Power + battery range offers outstanding performance, environmental conformance, are interchangeable and designed to last. The power level gauge indicates remaining power levels, and its unique ARC-shaped design maintains the temperature levels preventing overheating and extending product life. The comfortable backpack design makes all-day use as comfortable as possible.
As for noise and anti-vibration, the EGO tools are ergonomically well designed and quiet, with battery recharging times averaging around 20 -30 minutes.
Professional testing
Kirsty Lewis using long pole trimmer on buxus hedge
As previously mentioned,I managed to get a number of friends and colleagues to also try out these EGO products.
First up was Kirsty Lewis, who happens to be a neighbour of mine who has a large back garden with several holly and buxus hedges to cut.
Kirsty Lewis cutting a holly hedge
Kirsty was impressed with the EGO hedge trimmers and found them easy to use and she felt very confident with the handling of the trimmers. She said she was amazed at the cutting quality and reduced noise and vibration of the hedge trimmers.
Kirsty particularly liked the battery harness and cable system that made operating the trimmer more comfortable – as well as the fact that when using the long pole trimmer, you had the ability to change the head angle easily to suit all cutting requirements.
Kyle Lait using EGO long pole hedge trimmer
Ex landscape gardener, Kyle Lait, also tried out the Ego range of trimmers and was also impressed with their performance and handling.
He said he thought the build quality was excellent and found them to be ergonomically efficient in their use with good safety features on all of the products.
Karl using EGO HTX65000 hedge trimmer
Kyle also liked the battery pack harness system and found it comfortable and not too restricting. He personally liked the EGO HTX65000 hedge trimmer and found it easy to handle, giving a clean cut through most types of hedging materials.
Conclusions
The whole EGO system was fully tested in a wide range of situations and by several different people. Having had the system for several months I got to know it well and found it to be reliable and robust. It was truly tested and not treated with kid gloves - it faced fairly rough treatment in both transport and use.
Laurence Gale testing EGO hedge trimmers
I was certainly impressed with the running times of the batteries. Plenty of work can be achieved in between recharging and having two batteries meant there was never any down time.
As for recharging, all the batteries tested recharged in less than 30 minutes using the rapid charging CH5500E charger. Also having the level of charge indicator lights on the batteries proved useful.
The balance and ergonomics of the hedge trimmers are good and the safety systems on all the tools are easy to operate. Like any new machine they take time to get used to, but after a while become second nature to use. As for build quality, all the tools were robust and able to withstand a lot of clattering when loading and unloading from vehicles.
Glen, a neighbour, using the extended EGO Hedge trimmer and backpack
Cutting quality was excellent, with all blades robust and sharp. Perhaps the most difficult tool to get used to was the long pole trimmer, especially when fully extended as it takes a lot of strength and dexterity to use. Not a tool I personally would like to use for long periods of time.
As for other comments, none of the users had a bad word for the EGO equipment and in the main were impressed with their performance and durability. I would say that having tested several other brands, the EGO range of hedge trimmers is up there with the best of them. It can often be down to personal preferences as to what you like to buy and use.
In terms of price the EGO brand is comparable with other makes and brands.
