Terratek Cordless Hedge Trimmer Review – 3 Stars Only

If you do not wish to get caught up in wires or struggle with petrol vapours, the Terratek Cordless Hedge Trimmer might be one of the more intriguing options available in the UK.

Priced between £80 and £100, the reach trimmer has been drawing attention from budget-friendly gardeners, with a fairly substantial feature package for the money.

Futura Direct Ltd

Terratek is a brand under Futura Direct Ltd, a UK-based, family-owned company with more than two decades of retail experience. Known for offering accessible, well-reviewed tools in the DIY and gardening space, Terratek has built a reputation for combining affordability with practicality. The company’s approach—working closely with manufacturers worldwide—helps it keep costs low while maintaining a level of quality that appeals to casual users and weekend gardeners.

Crowded Marketplace

But with a crowded market of cordless garden tools, and a product landscape where quality can vary wildly, does the Terratek hedge trimmer live up to the brand's promises? That’s what we’ll explore in this review. Let’s start by taking a closer look at the trimmer’s key features.

Key Features

The Terratek Cordless Long Reach Hedge Trimmer is clearly aimed at homeowners who want to perform regular hedge maintenance without petrol trimmer weight and noise, or extension lead inconvenience. On paper, it is an extremely appealing offer of convenience against performance—if you can keep your expectations in check.

Battery Powered

This trimmer is powered by a 20V lithium-ion battery, and it comes with two batteries and a fast charger that can charge one in approximately an hour. Battery runtime, according to customer reviews, seems to range from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the intensity of the cutting task.

Long Reach Light Weight

Weighing only 3.5kg, the hedge trimmer is fairly light considering how far it reaches. The extendable pole is between 1.9m and 2.4m, so individuals can trim high or leggy hedges without a ladder. For additional comfort, a shoulder strap is included with the package that keeps weight evenly distributed when longer trimming sessions are performed.

Dual Action Cutting

Cut performance is thanks to a 45cm, dual-action steel cutting edge, able to slice through branches as thick as 14mm. That makes it suitable for small to medium-sized hedges, softwood growth, and the odd harder twig—but established woody bushes, not likely.

Rotating Head

One of the standouts is the 5-position rotating head, which swivels through an 120° arc. This means that users can slice tops, sides, and even bottom parts of hedges without straining or bending into awkward positions. Combined with an uncluttered two-stage safety trigger, the design is very intuitive and secure—especially for occasional users. Of course, all of this sounds wonderful on paper. But how does it actually perform in practical garden conditions?

Customer Feedback Summary

Overall, the Terratek Cordless Hedge Trimmer garnered good reviews from customers, particularly regarding its functionality and ease of use. The majority of its users commend its strength, ease of assembly, and performance while working on small to medium-sized hedges. Battery life—a long-time nemesis with cordless tools—has proved to be a welcome bonus for most buyers, with even the most sceptical sources estimating that each battery achieves almost an hour of run time, which is more than anticipated for something at this point in the market.

One of the trimmer's standout advantages, in the opinion of customers, is its ability to trim tall or hard-to-reach hedges without needing a ladder. This alone has given it broad appeal among those who have high garden fences or dense undergrowth. Customers are also pleased with the value for money that the trimmer offers, commenting that many believed that it was as good, if not better, than more costly ones in the range of cordless hedge trimmers.

Ease of assembly is another area where the trimmer is praised. Although some grumble that it's a tough push to attach some of the pieces in the first place, most found the initial setup to be speedy and easy. Many reviews note the haste with which the unit was out of the box and ready to use, with minimal learning involved.

But weight feedback is not constant. While some users described it as light and effortless to use, especially compared to older corded or petrol-powered versions, others, particularly those using it over extended periods of time or at full extension, found it to be heavy and cumbersome, especially when working above head.

There are a couple of durability issues too, with some users reporting breakage upon first use or parts buckling under pressure. While these appear to be in the minority, it does call into question whether the tool is perhaps intended for the odd light use as opposed to more heavy-duty garden maintenance.

Overall, most customers are satisfied with their purchase, reviewing ease of use, reach, and battery life as significant positives. But similar to many budget tools, it's probably best to have realistic expectations: this is likely best suited to regular light trimming, not attempting to fight heavy or established growth.

Positive Reviews

The Terratek Cordless Hedge Trimmer has also received a lot of positive feedback from customers, with most people being pleasantly surprised and impressed at the amount of quality they can get for the price. Several reviewers were also impressed with the complete kit that comes with the trimmer—two batteries, charger, gloves, goggles, several cutting attachments, a shoulder strap, and an Allen key to boot. At under £100, this sort of packaging and accessory support has been described as a "bargain" and "amazing value."

The commonality is the reach and power that the trimmer delivers. Buyers with large or tall hedges found the telescopic build extremely handy in cutting corners that they cannot easily reach. There are even individuals claiming that they managed to trim 30-meter long, 9-foot tall hedges on one battery. In such situations, battery life was longer than anticipated, and operators were a relief not to need to recharge during the job. The capability to interchange two supplied batteries also contributes significantly to the tool's convenience and efficiency.

In terms of cutting power, editors found the trimmer to be able to cut a range of hedges—from soft, fluffy growth to more challenging, woody shrubs like cherry laurel or hawthorn. The adjustable pivoting head is also an excellent feature that allows even, smooth angles and better access to the tops and sides of tall hedges without the need for a ladder.

Other customers posted regarding the longevity and resistance of the Terratek brand, with some giving examples of their ownership of older models dating back as far as 2020, which are still functioning. Even a single reviewer noted the advantage of having the ability to switch batteries between models, contributing to the usefulness and longevity of older and newer units alike.

The light weight, although commented upon tentatively due to varied perceptions (as will be discussed in the following section), is another reason for favourable reactions. Compared to petrol or wired variants, a majority of customers felt that the Terratek was considerably more manoeuvrable, quieter, and more mobile.

Some critics noted that the trimmer performs best when paired with common sense and appropriate safety gear. The device is capable, certainly, but it's also powerful enough to require genuine safety consideration—especially when using the metal blades it comes with.

Overall, while there are hints of some reviews being overwhelmingly praising or even potentially over-hyped, the general opinion remains: excellent value, good performance, and good features for general gardening use. Many consumers who entered into the Terratek thinking that it was a less expensive clone of higher-end manufacturers like Makita came out with big smiles on their faces, in some cases even impressed.

Mixed Reviews

While the majority of customers did rate the Terratek hedge trimmer as satisfactory and functional for small garden usage, a few made critical provisos that need to be considered before buying.

Power Limitations & Jamming Issues - A few criticized that although the trimmer is okay with lighter or thinner hedges, it is not very effective with thicker branches. Being usually jammed, especially when trimming branches wider than 7mm, was a recurring issue. In a few cases, prolonged jamming appeared to cause internal damage, to a metal washer in the gearbox—rendering the machine unusable. This was a design fault that was a source of annoyance for a number of reviewers, one of whom noted that two successive units failed in the same way within a few years.

Durability Problems - Long-term trimmer durability appears to be problematic. Some users had their units stop working after just one year or less of moderate use, with snapped plastic components and blade alignment problems resulting in final failure. While the machine otherwise appears to be of solid construction, these ongoing breakdowns make one concerned about long-term value.

Battery Mismatches - While battery life is normally complimented, a customer was provided with incompatible batteries—an 18V and a 20V—when two 20V batteries were being ordered. This understandably resulted in disappointment as functionality and expectation were interrupted.

Customer Service Issues - The after-sales service was roundly condemned. At least one reviewer who had called on the supplier to ask for spare parts was treated to curt replies and told to "Google it" when they asked to be given the contact of the manufacturer. Such indifference amplified the irritation when things went wrong.

Heaviness and Fatigue of Handling - Unit weight is another recurring theme. Easy for the rest, others wished it to be lighter, especially when extended or used over a long time. Unbalanced handling was also a cited design flaw, where it was difficult to handle with ease. Users of small size or of low strength would have difficulty without assistance or accommodation (e.g. additional strap loops).

Verdict - These reviews reveal a product that delivers adequate functionality and value—for some, light-duty use—but is brought down by its weight, power limitations, and durability over time. For the occasional trim of light hedges, it may be good enough. But if dense growth or heavy use is in store, you may want to consider a more powerful model from a prestige brand.

Negative Reviews

While several users found the Terratek Long Reach Hedge Trimmer to be of use in certain circumstances, the majority of reviewers were extremely frustrated. The largest area of discontent surrounded build quality and reliability — most found that the trimmer would not work after minimal use, with issues ranging from jammed mechanisms and neck breakage to complete motor failure even after only a handful of uses.

Several customers mentioned severe durability problems, with the tool either not working at some point or failing to work after storage over winter, even if well-maintained. Others found too much weight and poor balance, which made the trimmer difficult or even hazardous to manoeuvre, especially when extended.

Battery life was also called into question: some users complained that the runtime was much less than expected, with one user reporting a bit more than a minute's usage after a full charge even after a year of being bought. Some critics were also upset about missing parts, low-quality materials, and being shipped possibly used or returned units.

Worst of all were the accounts of poor customer service. A number of customers have described how attempts to obtain help from the supplier (Futura) were ignored or dismissed, even in warranty. They were left high and dry with a faulty product and no recourse. For others who place importance on long-term reliability, quick support, and consistent performance, these negative reviews are a serious warning signal.

Pros and Cons for Likely Purchasers

If you're considering the Terratek Long Reach Cordless Hedge Trimmer, set its benefits against the ongoing criticisms offered by real users. Here's a fair evaluation:

Terratek Long Reach Cordless Hedge Trimmer Pros

1, Good Reach and Convenience - Telescopic pole offers extended reach, ideal for high hedges without ladders — enormous safety and convenience benefit.

2, Cordless Operation - Working on battery power eliminates the risk of cutting the power cables and enables you to work without a power source nearby.

3, Easy Assembly - Most users favoured the simple and quick assembly process, especially compared to similar tools.

4, Lightweight for Light Jobs - Some found it beneficial and efficient for lighter trimming work and thinner limbs, especially when working without full extension.

5, Value For Money Price Point - It's significantly cheaper than high-end brands and comes with two batteries as standard — making it a compelling value for money proposition for light-use or periodic consumers.

Terratek Long Reach Cordless Hedge Trimmer Cons

1, Lacking Power for Thick Sticks - Several complaints mentioned that the motor isn't powerful enough for anything more than light cutting, often jamming on thicker branches.

2, Quality Issues with Build - Several users encountered premature failure in the form of jamming, motor burnout, joint breakage, and gear issues — sometimes in a few months.

3, Heavy and Unbalanced - Despite marketing it as lightweight, several users reported that it was heavy and unbalanced to use, especially when it was fully extended or being used overhead.

4, Short Battery Life - Impressive battery performance was not encountered by some users, wherein charge would only last a few minutes when subjected to load, and particularly in the long run.

5, Poor After-Sales Support - A major letdown is the absence of reported customer support. Numerous customers were overlooked or dismissed when they tried to fix issues, even within warranty.

6, Quality Control Issues - Several users received incomplete products or products showing signs of previous use, indicating issues with packaging and product inspection standards.

Final Verdict

Terratek Long Reach Cordless Hedge Trimmer does have some real benefits — especially for light-use consumers looking for an affordable, cordless way to tidy up high hedges. Its long reach, easy setup, and cordless feature make it convenient to use for rapid, intermittent trims. If you're very budget-conscious and just need to keep softer or thinner hedges in check, this tool could be an acceptable solution.

Sacrifices – Be Aware

But consumers should be aware of the sacrifices. The trimmer fares badly when it comes to durability and power with standard or heavy use. Complaints of mechanical failure, dead batteries, and abysmal customer support are too frequent to ignore. Its weight and lack of balance can also make it tiresome to work with, particularly for long periods of work or above-the-shoulder cutting.

⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3 out of 5 Stars)

This trimmer is adequate to the occasional, light duty — especially if you grab it at a discount price. But for performance, reliability, and durability in the long term, you're likely to be better off paying more for a sturdier model from a better-supported firm.