There’s a certain point every gardener reaches. It’s the moment you stand back, admire your handiwork, and then your eyes drift upwards to the top of that formidable Leylandii hedge. It’s no longer a neat boundary; it’s become a towering, unkempt beast, mocking you from a height that your standard hedge trimmer and stepladder can no longer safely reach. I’ve been there myself, balancing precariously on the top rung of a ladder, stretching just that little bit too far, feeling the unnerving wobble with every move. It’s inefficient, exhausting, and frankly, dangerous. This is the precise problem that long-reach pole hedge trimmers were designed to solve. They promise a world where you can keep both feet firmly on the ground while sculpting the highest branches with precision. Today, we’re putting one of the most popular DIY options to the test: the RYOBI ONE+ OPT1845 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer, a tool that aims to bring those out-of-reach jobs back down to earth.
- Easily cuts through hedges and branches
- 45cm diamond ground blades for clean cutting
What to Consider Before Buying a Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer
A cordless pole hedge trimmer is more than just a garden tool; it’s a key solution for safety, efficiency, and achieving that perfectly manicured look on tall or awkwardly placed hedges. The main benefit is removing the need for unstable ladders, significantly reducing the risk of falls. It allows you to shape and maintain large shrubs and hedge tops with a uniform finish that’s difficult to achieve when constantly repositioning yourself. For anyone with hedges over six feet tall, it transforms a daunting, day-long task into a manageable, and even enjoyable, gardening session. The freedom from a power cord means you can roam freely around your property without worrying about extension leads or accidental cuts.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner or dedicated DIY gardener with medium-to-large sized gardens featuring mature, tall hedges. They value the convenience and universal battery system offered by brands like Ryobi. However, it might not be the right fit for those with only low-level hedges, as the length and weight would be overkill. Likewise, professional landscapers who use their tools daily may find the build quality and battery life of a consumer-grade model insufficient for their rigorous demands, and would likely lean towards more robust, professional-grade equipment. For those with smaller gardens close to the house, a lighter, corded electric model might be a more practical and budget-friendly alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Weight & Balance: This is arguably the most critical factor for a pole hedge trimmer. A heavy or poorly balanced tool will cause rapid fatigue in your arms, shoulders, and back. Look at the total weight with a battery attached and consider how the weight is distributed. A top-heavy model, like many pole trimmers are, requires more strength to control, especially when fully extended.
- Reach & Articulation: Consider the maximum height of your hedges and choose a tool with sufficient reach. The total reach often includes the user’s height, so check the specifications carefully. An articulating (pivoting) head is a non-negotiable feature, as it allows you to cut the flat tops of hedges easily without having to hold the tool directly overhead. More pivot positions offer greater versatility.
- Cutting Performance & Capacity: A tool’s cutting performance is defined by its blade length and blade gap (the distance between the teeth). A longer blade covers more area with each pass, while a wider blade gap allows you to cut through thicker, more established branches. For most domestic hedges, an 18mm-22mm gap is perfectly adequate. Diamond-ground blades are also a mark of quality, offering a cleaner, sharper cut. You can see the impressive cutting specs of the RYOBI OPT1845 here.
- Battery System & Runtime: If you’re buying a cordless tool, you’re buying into a battery ecosystem. Ensure the brand’s system has the other tools you might need. Check the recommended battery size (in Amp-hours, or Ah) for the trimmer. A larger Ah battery will provide longer runtime but will also add significant weight, further impacting the tool’s balance.
Taking these factors into account will ensure you choose a tool that not only does the job but is also comfortable and safe to use for years to come.
While the RYOBI ONE+ OPT1845 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at high-performance models, including powerful petrol alternatives, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- 500W CORDED HEDGE TRIMMER: This NETTA 500W Corded Hedge Trimmer is the ideal tool for getting your garden into shape. Boasting a blade cutting length of 55cm and 16mm tooth openings, this hedge...
- Long Reach Hedge Trimmer: The Terratek telescopic hedge trimmer is ideal for clipping tall, awkwardly-sited or hard-to-reach hedges and shrubs thanks to the 1.3m extendable pole providing you with a...
- The Easy Garden Tools from Bosch – for small and medium-sized gardens
First Impressions: Unboxing the RYOBI ONE+ OPT1845 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer
Opening the box of the RYOBI ONE+ OPT1845 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer, you’re greeted with Ryobi’s familiar and vibrant lime-green and grey colour scheme. The tool comes in three main parts: the motor/handle section, a central extension pole, and the cutting head assembly. Assembly is straightforward and tool-free, with robust locking collars that twist and click securely into place. It feels solid, though as some users have noted, it’s certainly not in the same league as premium brands like Makita. You can feel that it’s built to a price point, with a heavy reliance on durable plastics rather than metal alloys. The main handle has a comfortable rubber over-mould, but the rest of the pole is plain, which some might find less than ideal for grip. A shoulder strap is included, and from the moment you lift the fully assembled tool, you know you’re going to need it. The weight is immediately noticeable, and much of it is concentrated at the cutting head, a common characteristic of pole trimmers that we were prepared for. It feels substantial, ready for some serious work. As a “body only” or “zero tool,” it’s crucial to remember that you need to supply your own Ryobi ONE+ battery and charger, a point of confusion for some first-time buyers but a major perk for those already invested in the extensive ONE+ ecosystem.
What We Like
- Excellent reach of up to 2.9 meters, perfect for tall domestic hedges.
- Versatile 115-degree, 4-position articulating head for easy hedge-top trimming.
- Clean, sharp cutting performance from the 45cm diamond-ground blades.
- Part of the huge Ryobi ONE+ 18V system, offering great battery versatility.
Drawbacks
- Noticeably heavy and top-heavy, leading to quick fatigue without proper technique.
- Build quality is good for DIY use but has plastic components that may be prone to failure over time.
Performance Under Pressure: A Deep Dive into the RYOBI ONE+ OPT1845
A tool can look good on paper, but its true worth is only revealed out in the garden, under load, with branches fighting back. We spent several hours putting the RYOBI ONE+ OPT1845 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer through its paces on a variety of hedging, from soft privet to tough, overgrown conifers. Our experience was a fascinating blend of impressive capability and ergonomic challenges, confirming much of what we suspected from its specifications and initial feel.
Reach for the Sky: The Extension and Articulation System
The headline feature of this tool is its reach, and in this department, it absolutely delivers. With the central extension pole fitted, the trimmer boasts a total length that allows a user of average height to comfortably reach hedges approaching 3 metres (around 9-10 feet). This was transformative for us. The annual chore of trimming the top of a wide conifer hedge, previously a wobbly and nerve-wracking ladder-based operation, became a grounded, far safer task. The ability to stand back from the hedge and still reach the middle of the top surface cannot be overstated. The real magic, however, lies in the articulating head. With a simple, large button, the head pivots through four distinct positions over a 115-degree arc. Setting it to 90 degrees allowed us to sweep the blade across the top of the hedge in a smooth, level motion, creating a perfectly flat finish. We also found angled positions useful for tapering the sides of the hedge for a more professional look. The mechanism for this joint felt a little loose, as one user review pointed out, describing it as “a little baggy.” While it never felt insecure, there is a slight amount of play in the joint which you don’t find on more premium models. For its intended DIY audience, though, the versatility it offers is a massive advantage, turning awkward angles into simple, straightforward cuts.
The Cutting Edge: Blade Performance and Power
A long reach is useless if the blades can’t do the job when they get there. Fortunately, the RYOBI ONE+ OPT1845 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer is equipped with a very capable cutting system. The 45cm dual-action blades are diamond-ground, a process that hones them to a much sharper, more durable edge than basic stamped blades. In our tests, this resulted in exceptionally clean cuts through new and old growth alike. Instead of tearing or crushing stems, it sliced through them, which is healthier for the plant and leaves a much neater finish. The specified 18mm blade gap is a good measure of its capability. We found it comfortably chewed through branches up to about 15mm without any hesitation. When we pushed it to its 18mm limit on older, woodier growth, the motor bogged down slightly but generally managed to power through. This performance is more than adequate for the vast majority of residential hedge maintenance. We tested it with a 5.0Ah Ryobi ONE+ battery, which provided a fantastic runtime. As one user noted, they got around “1hr 20 mins” of use, and our experience was very similar, with well over an hour of stop-start cutting before the battery was depleted. This impressive runtime is a testament to the efficiency of the ONE+ system and means you can tackle very large jobs on a single charge. The quality of the cut is a definite highlight, and this powerful cutting performance is a key reason for its popularity.
The Elephant in the Room: Weight, Balance, and Ergonomics
We cannot talk about the RYOBI ONE+ OPT1845 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer without addressing its weight. At 5.6kg with a 5.0Ah battery fitted, this is not a lightweight tool. More importantly, the balance is inherently top-heavy due to the motor and blade assembly being located at the far end of a long pole. This is a reality of physics for this type of tool, but it’s very pronounced here. User reviews consistently highlight this, with comments like “very heavy and unbalanced” and “gives a good shoulder work out.” Our experience confirms this entirely. Without the shoulder strap, holding the trimmer at full extension for more than a minute or two becomes a serious feat of strength. However, this is where technique and the included accessories become critical. As one insightful user recommended, using the provided shoulder strap is not optional; it’s essential. By slinging the strap across the body and using our core and leg to brace the base of the pole, we could effectively manage the weight. The strap transfers the load from your arms to your core, turning the act of holding the trimmer from a static strength exercise into a more manageable pivoting motion. Even so, it is still physically demanding. Another user correctly pointed out the trigger system, which requires you to pull the trigger while holding a slider back, can be awkward. We also agree that a proper secondary handle on the pole, rather than just a rubber sleeve, would have provided a much more secure and comfortable grip point, improving leverage and control. You have to be prepared for the physical demands, but if you are, the reach it provides is a worthy trade-off.
Built for the DIYer: Durability and Long-Term Prospects
Ryobi has carved out a commanding position in the DIY market by offering capable tools at an affordable price, and the RYOBI ONE+ OPT1845 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer fits this mould perfectly. The overall construction feels robust enough for regular seasonal use. The main pole sections are sturdy, and the motor housing seems well-protected. However, it’s clear that costs have been saved in certain areas. As we mentioned, the articulating joint has some play, and we share the concerns of a user who had a small plastic clip on the handle break just out of warranty. This is the inherent risk with consumer-grade tools that rely on plastic for key structural or fastening components. While our review unit suffered no such failures, it serves as a reminder that this tool needs to be handled with reasonable care; it’s not designed to be thrown in the back of a contractor’s truck every day. For the average homeowner who will use it a few times a year to tackle their hedges, the build quality should prove perfectly adequate. It strikes a pragmatic balance between cost and durability, offering a feature set usually found on more expensive models, but with materials that reflect its accessible price point.
What Other Users Are Saying
Sifting through feedback from other gardeners provides a remarkably consistent picture that aligns with our own findings. The most common theme, by far, is the tool’s weight. Phrases like “it is fairly heavy” and “top heavy” appear frequently. However, many users, like us, found that this can be managed. One person noted, “Use the strap across your body… and its not too bad at all,” confirming that proper technique is key to using this tool effectively. The cutting performance generally receives praise, with the tool seen as robust enough for tough domestic jobs.
On the negative side, alongside the weight, build quality concerns occasionally surface. One unfortunate user reported a small plastic clip on the handle breaking, rendering the tool useless due to a lack of available spares. This highlights a potential weakness in some of the smaller components. Another point of friction for new buyers is confusion over the “body only” nature of the product. One review mentioned buying a “Starter Kit” and being surprised that it did not include a charger, a crucial reminder to always read the product description carefully to see exactly what is included in the box.
How Does the RYOBI ONE+ OPT1845 Compare to the Alternatives?
The RYOBI ONE+ OPT1845 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer sits in a competitive space. While it offers a great balance of features for its price, different needs might steer you towards other options. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable competitors.
1. Einhell GE-CH 36/65 Li Cordless Hedge Trimmer
- EXPERIENCE CORDLESS FREEDOM - The Power X-Change GE-CH 36/65 Li battery powered Hedge Trimmer is a lightweight but powerful cordless electric cutter that is ideal for hedges, bushes and shrubs
- LASER-CUT DIAMOND GROUND BLADE - That results in ultra-clean cuts and long lasting sharpness. The Steel blade has a cutting length of 650mm (26 Inches) and a teeth spacing of 30mm
The Einhell GE-CH 36/65 Li is not a pole trimmer, but a powerful, standard-form cordless hedge trimmer. If your primary challenge isn’t height but rather tough, dense, and expansive hedges that are within easy reach, this is a compelling alternative. It operates on Einhell’s 36V Power X-Change system (using two 18V batteries), offering a significant step up in power compared to the 18V Ryobi. Its 65cm blade is substantially longer, allowing you to cover large areas much more quickly. This tool is for someone who prioritises raw cutting power and efficiency for ground-level work over the specialised high-reach capability of a pole trimmer.
2. Makita DUN500WZ 18V LXT Brushless Pole Hedge Trimmer
- Brushless motor
- Electric brake for increased operator safety
The Makita DUN500WZ is a direct competitor to the Ryobi, but from a brand synonymous with professional quality. The immediate differences will be in build quality, ergonomics, and motor technology. Makita tools are built for daily, rigorous use, so you can expect better materials, tighter tolerances in joints, and superior overall durability. It features a brushless motor, which is typically more efficient, powerful, and longer-lasting than the brushed motor in the Ryobi. While it also operates on an 18V system, the balance and handling are likely to be superior, though it comes at a significantly higher price point. This is the choice for the serious enthusiast or professional who demands the best in performance and longevity and is willing to invest in it.
3. Einhell GC-HH 9046 Electric Long Reach Hedge Trimmer
- EXTENDABLE HEDGE TRIMMER: The GC-HH 9046 is the perfect tool for outdoor cutting at height. Garden hedges, bushes, large shrubs and the foliage of small trees can all be tamed by this powerful hedge...
- LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINIUM HANDLE: The device is 2M long and the handle is a simple to connect, split shaft. This means the supplied extension provides a total length of 2.6M for simple pruning of even the...
The Einhell GC-HH 9046 offers a similar high-reach solution but trades cordless freedom for two key benefits: lower weight and lower cost. As a corded electric tool, it doesn’t require a heavy battery pack, bringing its weight down to a more manageable 4.5kg. It also delivers consistent power without any runtime concerns, as long as you’re within reach of a power socket. This makes it an excellent choice for gardeners with smaller properties where the hassle of managing an extension cord is a minor inconvenience. If your tall hedges are all located close to the house and you prioritise low weight and a smaller budget, this Einhell model is a very strong alternative.
The Final Verdict: Is the RYOBI ONE+ OPT1845 Worth Your Money?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the RYOBI ONE+ OPT1845 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer is a highly capable and valuable tool for the right person. Its primary strengths are undeniable: fantastic reach, a versatile articulating head, and clean, powerful cutting performance that can tame even unruly hedges. For anyone already invested in the Ryobi ONE+ battery platform, it represents outstanding value and convenience. It successfully solves the dangerous problem of trimming tall hedges from a ladder, making the job safer and faster.
However, its significant weight and top-heavy balance are equally undeniable drawbacks that cannot be ignored. This is a tool that demands a degree of physical strength and the correct technique to use comfortably and effectively—the included shoulder strap is an absolute necessity. If you are prepared for the workout and prioritise the cordless freedom and reach it offers, this trimmer is one of the best options in its price bracket. We recommend it for the dedicated DIY gardener with tall hedges who understands the trade-off between weight and capability. If you’re ready to tackle those high branches and keep your feet on solid ground, you can check the latest price and availability for the RYOBI ONE+ OPT1845 here.
Last update on 2025-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API