Makita Electric Hedge Trimmer Reviews 2024 – FAQ’s

Are you considering buying a Makita Hedge Trimmer over the next few days? If so, then make sure to check out our brief Makita Electric Hedge Trimmer review which will cover several different models under the Makita brand so at least you are getting more than just one option when it comes to making your own final buying decision.

Cordless & Corded

Our review though will focus on the Makita DUH551Z 36V Cordless Hedge trimmer but we also briefly cover the lower priced 18V cordless option and also the corded version which again tends to have a much lower price level among the Makita hedge trimmer category.

Trimming Runtime

Our review will be based on how it performed on a few hedges that would normally take 30 minutes work to complete as we also wanted to see how the battery trimming runtime performed over these work sessions. We will outline the main features and capabilities that we came across plus we will also outline some of the pros and cons that we came across that you can check out for yourself further down on this page.

Bare Tool Options

One good to thing to know is that these hedge trimmers can be easily ordered online and delivered to your home hassle free which is one less headache for you to be worrying about and they offer bare tool options also in the event that you already have batteries and charging units in place which of course come with a much lower price level.

Pole Trimmers

In addition, we will outline some frequently asked questions about Makita electric Hedge trimmers which should take care of some of the queries you may have along with several highly popular hedge trimmers under this brand for you to consider. Please note that Makita also offer Pole type hedge trimmers in their selection so you may need to consider looking at that instead if you have high reaching hedges to take care of.

View also: Popular Hedge Trimmers here

Makita Electric Hedge Trimmer Review Content

Part 1: Short Overview with Frequently Asked Questions
Part 2: Makita DUH551Z 36V Cordless Hedge Trimmer review
Part 3: Alternative Makita Hedge Trimmers to Consider x 3
Part 4: Our Conclusion and Feedback Opportunity

Before you start, please note that guide prices can only be outlined at the time of this Makita electric Hedge Trimmer review as prices can change slightly from week to week depending on local discount activities so please make sure to view the price checkers outlined below to ensure you have the most accurate up to date price information.

Part 1: Short Overview with Frequently Asked Questions

Overview:

Brand / Model:	Makita DUH551Z 36V Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Blade:	55cm long including protector tip
Power:	36V Battery
Warranty:	1 year warranty (further 2 years when registered within 30 days of purchase)
Price Level:	£140 to £200 @ Amazon UK – Check Todays Updated Price Here

Frequently Asked Questions about Makita Electric Hedge Trimmers

Q. What branch thickness can the cordless DUH551Z cut through?
A. It can cut through branches and twigs that are a max 1.8cm wide

Q. What are the box dimensions for the DUH551Z?
A. The product box dimensions here are 23cm by 27cm by 128cm long

Q. What level of noise is emitted from the DUH551Z hedge trimmer from Makita?
A. The level of noise emitted is 93 dB(A)

Q. Does it include a blade cover when not in use?
A. Yes, it includes a blade cover when not in use

Q. Can the speed trimming levels be adjusted?
A. Yes, there is a speed control dial in place on the DUH551Z to allow the adjustments of speeds /power

Q. How long do the batteries operate for when fully charged?
A. It depends on the level of work being carried out but 3.0Ah batteries x 2 should last approx. 70 minutes worktime

Q. How long do the 4.0Ah batteries and the 5.0Ah batteries last for?
A. The 4.0Ah batteries x 2 can last up to 100 minutes while the 5.0Ah batteries x 2 can last for 125 minutes work time

Q. What is the weight of the cordless DUH551Z when the battery is added?
A. The combined weight of the cordless bare tool and the battery for the DUH551Z is 7.1kg approx.

Q. Does it need to be used with the 2 batteries?
A. Yes, 2 x 18V batteries are needed for operation as outlined in the images further below

Q. How long is the blade on the DUH651Z model?
A. The blade for the DUH651Z is longer at 65cm (10cm longer than the DUH551Z)

Q. Will the DUH551Z hedge trimmer work also with BL1830B 3.0Ah batteries that are used on drills?
A. Yes, the BL1830B 3.0Ah batteries are compatible with this hedge trimmer.

Q. Do you need to add any lubricants to the blades?
A. Yes, you can add any lubricant or WD40 oil to prevent rust from setting in.

Q. What batteries will give the longer operation runtime?
A. The 5.0Ah or 6.0Ah batteries give the longer operation runtime of 2 to 3 hours

View also: Popular Grass Trimmers here

Part 2: Makita DUH551Z Cordless Hedge Trimmer review – Features, Pros and Cons

Pros for the Makita Cordless Hedge Trimmer

The rear handle can be rotated to 5 different positions which allows more flexibility and workability when it comes to angle or vertical trimming, it includes the electronic brake as standard and you are protected with the Extreme protection technology system for your added safety
You don’t have to worry about any dangling cords lying around so you can trim and work with peace of mind instead of worrying about cutting through wire cables.
This model is designed for people who already have the batteries and charger in place so you can save money by using the batteries in other tools under the Makita brand.
The level of speed / power can be adjusted with this hedge trimmer which is not available on many other models or brands of Hedge trimmers that we have come across in the UK.
The battery level indicator is very useful to know how much life is left on the battery so you can plan ahead, the level of noise is not all that bad to bear and it includes a blade cover when not in use which is not always available from other brands.
The 2 3.0Ah batteries when in place give you over 1 hour runtime and the power dial when increased gives lots more power for trimming denser type hedges than you would expect – overall, very pleased with it
You have no mixing of fuels, loud noises, maintenance costs or 2 stroke fumes to worry about like you see in petrol operated hedge trimmers.

Cons for the Makita Cordless Hedge Trimmer

This model from Makita is the bare tool option only so you will have the added expense of a charger and battery if you do not have them in stock in the garage already.
If you need to buy the charger and battery separately, the price level is a lot higher than expected so you will need to dig deeper into you pockets
It is limited to a max length of 55cm long so if you have high reaching hedges beyond 2m, you will need to look at getting a mini step ladder or even a pole type hedge trimmer instead.
The width of the tooth gap is only 18mm which wouldn’t be the widest we have seen from other brands. If your branches are wider than 1.8cm, then you should start looking at hedge trimmers with much wider tooth gap openings.
The weight of this hedge trimmer is over 6kg which is somewhat heavier than other models we have reviewed in the past – there are certainly lighter designed hedge trimmer tools elsewhere to be found. When you add the battery, the weight is over 7kg which some users may find difficult to use for long periods of time.

Further images of the Makita 36V Electric Cordless Hedge Trimmer model number DUH551Z are outlined below (5)

Makita 36V Electric Cordless Hedge Trimmer in Operation
Makita 36V Electric Cordless Hedge Trimmer Handle
Makita 36V Electric Cordless Hedge Trimmer Battery Location
Makita 36V Electric Cordless Hedge Trimmer Tip
Battery and Charger Unit - Not included

Part 3: Alternative Makita Hedge Trimmers x 3 to Consider

If you need to look beyond the Makita DUH551Z 36V Cordless Hedge Trimmer outlined above, then check out 3 further options outlined below that are certainly worth a closer look as they would be considered also as popular alternatives among the UK public within the Makita Hedge trimmer category.

View also: List of popular Hedge Trimmers here

Part 4: Our Conclusion and Feedback Opportunity

Conclusion

Do we recommend the Makita Hedge Trimmers? After working them over the course of a few days we would say yes without any hesitation. We particularly liked the speed power dial and the rotating handle on the rear which helped with the vertical and angle type hedge trimming. Safety and protection is so important and they require a 2-handed operation where both the front handle and the trigger both need to be engaged for activation at the same time. While it not the best or the most powerful hedge trimmer we have worked with, it certainly did a very satisfactory job and met all our expectations. Time will tell overtime how it performs but for now, we would certainly give it the thumbs up.

Verdict

One thing that annoys many operates is the amount of time the battery can run for when charged but the 3.0Ah batteries x 2 used here certainly worked for a decent amount of time of up to 60 to 70 minutes long which was plenty enough to finish the job. Another thing to note though is that this hedge trimmer is heavier than many others reviewed across this website so you may find arm fatigue or hand fatigue setting in earlier than you think but you do have the option to increase the power and speed of the dial to cut the hedges quicker.

Feedback Opportunity

Have you ever used a Makita Corded or Cordless Hedge Trimmer yourself in the recent past? Did it trim your hedges as expected or did you have any problems that we should all know about?

If possible, please share your own experiences or feedback (good or bad) with the wider UK community by leaving a short comment in the comment box section provided below – So that others across the UK community can learn also!