DeWalt 60V MAX 26 in. Brushless Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit

First impressions and setup

I put the DeWalt 60V hedge trimmer to work on an overgrown hedge line that included boxwood, privet, and a few opportunistic vines. Out of the box, the tool feels every bit like a pro-grade trimmer: long 26-inch blades, stout housing, and a wrap-around front handle that invites a variety of grips. With a FlexVolt battery installed, my scale put the tool just under 13 pounds. That’s not featherweight, but it’s in the ballpark for a big-blade, high-capacity cordless trimmer.

The kit includes a FlexVolt battery and a compact charger. A quick note on the battery math: the pack is typically labeled 6.0Ah at 20V, which translates to 2.0Ah when used at 60V (same total energy, different voltage). In practice, that means solid runtime for most yard sessions, but it’s worth understanding the numbers so expectations match reality.

Build quality on the tool itself is robust, with tight tolerances and a rigid blade assembly. The only piece that disappointed me was the blade sheath—it’s thin, a bit fussy to slide on, and doesn’t match the otherwise premium feel.

Ergonomics and controls

The wrap-around auxiliary handle is the star of the ergonomics show. It gives you plenty of grip choices for vertical, horizontal, and angled cuts along hedges and shrubs. Balance is slightly forward with the long bar and hardened steel blades, but not nose-heavy enough to feel awkward. DeWalt keeps vibration low for a trimmer of this size; after a half hour of trimming, my hands didn’t feel numb or buzzy.

There are two safeties to operate: one on the front handle and the trigger lockout on the rear handle. It’s a true two-handed trimmer—you can’t defeat these with a casual grip. That’s the point, of course, but it does mean you can’t one-hand it to reach a stray bit when you’re on a ladder. I’d argue the restriction is appropriate given the length and weight, but it does affect how you plan certain cuts.

One ergonomic omission I noticed is a rotating rear handle. You can still get clean vertical cuts using the wrap-around front handle, but a rotating rear handle would add comfort in long sessions shaping tall hedges.

Cutting performance

The 26-inch laser-cut, dual-action blades and 1.25-inch gap set this trimmer apart. On traditional hedge shaping—fresh growth and small woody stems—the cut quality is excellent. Strokes are rated up to 3,400 per minute, and the trimmer puts that speed to good use. It chews through dense new growth without straining and leaves a clean line with minimal tearing.

Where this tool earns its keep is thicker work. Branches approaching an inch are squarely within its capability, and I had several cuts in the 1-inch range that it handled with authority. Beyond an inch, technique matters: if you try to “load” the blades with multiple thick branches at once, the motor can bog. Approach larger cuts with patience—use the forward quarter of the blade, let the teeth bite, and allow the saw-like action to work rather than forcing the cut. On tangled vines, I found a slightly slower feed rate prevented bunching and stalling.

In heavier material, the dual shear edges are helpful. The trimmer behaves more like a compact powered lopper at the outer limits of its capacity, and being deliberate with your feed rate keeps you productive. Compared with my corded 24-inch trimmer, this DeWalt is in another class when you’re dealing with hedge sections that have been neglected for a couple seasons.

Runtime, battery system, and charging

With the included FlexVolt pack, I managed roughly 35–45 minutes of intermittent cutting on mixed material before the battery indicator hit one bar. In lighter trimming, I could stretch a session past an hour. High-load work (thick hedge faces and frequent cuts near an inch) shortens that notably, as you’d expect. If you plan a full day of trimming or you’re a pro tackling multiple properties, carry a second pack.

Charging is the weakest link in the kit. The bundled charger is a basic, slower unit; it gets the job done, but not quickly. Plan on charging between sessions or consider upgrading to a faster DeWalt charger if you’re cycling batteries. The good news: FlexVolt batteries charge on DeWalt’s standard chargers and will also power your 20V tools. The reverse isn’t true—20V-only batteries won’t run this 60V trimmer.

Noise, maintenance, and durability

Noise levels are far lower than a gas hedger but still loud enough that I wear hearing protection. The cutting action is smooth with modest mechanical chatter. After each session, a quick brush-off and a light spray of blade lube keeps the edges clean and reduces sap buildup. The hardened steel blades held their edge well through several projects, and the drive system shows no play or rattle after a handful of hours.

The main housing and guards feel tough enough for truck and trailer life. I’d store the tool where the blade sheath won’t be crushed or kinked; it’s the only part that feels underbuilt. DeWalt backs the tool with a three-year limited warranty, which aligns with expectations for the category.

What could be better

• The charger in the box is slow. If you already own a faster DeWalt charger, you’ll never use the included one. If you don’t, consider budgeting for an upgrade.
• The blade sheath is flimsy and can be a fight to slide on straight. It does the job, but it cheapens the experience.
• No rotating rear handle. You can work around it, but competitors at this price often include one.
• Weight may fatigue smaller users or anyone trimming above shoulder height for long stretches. It’s manageable, but this is not a lightweight 18V trimmer.

Where it shines

• Cutting capacity. The 1.25-inch gap isn’t a marketing flourish—this trimmer will handle substantial woody stems cleanly when you use proper technique.
• Blade length and speed. The 26-inch bar and 3,400 spm keep you efficient on long, flat runs, and the cut quality is excellent on typical hedge growth.
• System versatility. If you’re already in DeWalt’s 20V/60V ecosystem, this adds serious landscaping capability without changing chargers or battery types.
• Vibration control and control feel. It’s comfortable for a big trimmer, and the wrap-around handle allows confident positioning.

Alternatives to consider

If you prioritize the lightest possible tool and only need to tame soft growth, a smaller 18V/20V trimmer will save weight and cost. If you want maximum runtime per pack or a rotating rear handle, some flagship 56V tools offer those features, though often with slightly less cut capacity. Gas remains the king for all-day crew work in very thick material, but the mess, maintenance, and noise are hard to justify for most homeowners—and this 60V trimmer closes the gap substantially.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners with mature hedges, thick shrubs, or occasional small-branch work that overwhelms lighter trimmers.
• DIYers and pros already invested in DeWalt FlexVolt who want cordless convenience without sacrificing cut capacity.
• Anyone replacing a gas hedger and willing to accept a bit of weight in exchange for clean, fast cutting and less fuss.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 60V hedge trimmer for users who need real cutting muscle in a cordless package. It delivers excellent cut quality, a class-leading capacity for thick stems, and practical ergonomics that make long hedge faces go quickly. The compromises—heft, a two-hand safety that rules out one-handed reach cuts, a basic charger, and a flimsy sheath—are noticeable but not dealbreakers for the target user. If you already own FlexVolt batteries or plan to grow into the system, this trimmer is an easy choice. If you’re brand-agnostic and value a rotating handle or a lighter tool above cut capacity, keep shopping—but for raw cordless hedge-cutting capability, this one earns its spot on the rack.