There’s a familiar dance every gardener knows. It involves untangling a ridiculously long extension cord, finding the nearest outdoor socket, and then carefully navigating flowerbeds and pathways, constantly flicking the bright orange cable over your shoulder. For years, this was my reality. I can’t count the number of times I’ve nearly tripped, or worse, come perilously close to snipping through the very cord that powered my old, cumbersome electric hedge trimmer. The sheer weight of it would leave my shoulders and back aching after just 20 minutes of shaping our sprawling privet hedge. The noise, the vibration, the restricted movement—it all turned a potentially therapeutic task into a frustrating chore. This struggle is precisely why the promise of a lightweight, powerful, and cord-free solution is so alluring. It’s not just about trimming hedges; it’s about reclaiming the joy of gardening, free from the tethers of old technology.
- [ Double Action Blade ] ZELATAN cordless hedge trimmer is equipped with a 52cm dual action steel blade, the cutting diameter is 15mm, which can easily cut most shrubs and fences to bring you an...
- [ Powerful Battery ] This handheld hedge cutter includes a 20V 2000mAh battery and a fast charger, which can provide excellent cutting efficiency and can work continuously for 30 minutes after being...
What to Consider Before Buying a Cordless Hedge Trimmer
A cordless hedge trimmer is more than just a garden tool; it’s a key solution for effortless garden maintenance, transforming an arduous task into a quick and satisfying job. The main benefits are profound: absolute freedom of movement without being tied to a power outlet, significantly reduced noise levels compared to petrol models, and a lighter build that minimizes user fatigue. This liberation allows you to tackle hedges at the far reaches of your property with the same ease as those right next to the house, ensuring a consistently tidy landscape without the hassle and potential danger of extension cords.
The ideal customer for this type of product is the homeowner with small to medium-sized gardens, featuring hedges like privet, leylandii, or hawthorn that require regular shaping and maintenance. It’s perfect for someone who values convenience, ease of use, and quick results for seasonal tidying. However, it might not be the best fit for professional landscapers or those tackling severely overgrown properties with thick, woody branches exceeding 15-20mm in diameter. For those heavy-duty reclamation projects, a more powerful, higher-voltage cordless model or even a petrol-powered trimmer might be a more suitable, albeit heavier and louder, alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Blade Length & Cutting Capacity: The blade length determines how much hedge you can trim in a single pass. A longer blade, like the 52cm on the ZELATAN, is efficient for long, straight hedges. Cutting capacity, measured in millimetres, indicates the maximum branch thickness the trimmer can handle. Ensure the capacity matches the type of foliage in your garden; 15mm is excellent for new growth and most common hedging plants.
- Power & Battery Performance: For cordless models, voltage (V) and battery capacity (Ah) are key indicators of power and runtime. A 20V system offers a good balance of power for domestic tasks. Look for a battery capacity of at least 2.0Ah, which typically provides 30-45 minutes of work, and consider the charging time. A tool that includes the battery and charger, like the model we are reviewing here, offers significant upfront value.
- Ergonomics & Weight: Hedge trimming can be strenuous, especially when reaching high or holding the tool for extended periods. A lightweight design, ideally under 3kg, and an ergonomic handle with a good grip are crucial for reducing strain on your arms, shoulders, and back. A well-balanced tool feels lighter than its actual weight and is much more comfortable to manoeuvre.
- Safety & Durability: Look for dual-switch mechanisms that require two hands to operate, preventing accidental start-ups. A hand guard is essential to protect you from flying debris. The blade material is also critical; hardened or alloy steel dual-action blades provide cleaner cuts and stay sharp longer, ensuring the long-term durability and performance of the trimmer.
While the ZELATAN 52cm 20V Cordless Hedge Trimmer is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, 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 ZELATAN 52cm 20V Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Upon unboxing the ZELATAN 52cm 20V Cordless Hedge Trimmer, the first thing that struck us was its simplicity and readiness. As one user aptly noted, it’s “almost ready to use in the box.” There’s no complex assembly; you simply remove the blade guard, slide the charged 20V battery into place with a satisfying click, and you’re good to go. The vibrant orange and black colour scheme is modern and makes the tool highly visible, a subtle but appreciated safety feature.
In hand, its 2.6kg weight is immediately noticeable—or rather, its lack thereof. It feels substantially lighter and more manageable than our old corded model and even compares favourably to some pricier cordless competitors. One reviewer mentioned it was a “little lighter/easier to handle” than their big-brand green trimmer, and we wholeheartedly agree. The build quality feels solid for its price point; the plastics are robust, and the main handle is ergonomically shaped for a comfortable grip. The 52cm alloy steel blade looks sharp and capable, promising clean, efficient cuts. While the included plastic blade sheath does feel a bit thin, as another user pointed out, its inclusion for safe storage is still a welcome touch. Our initial impression is of a well-thought-out, user-friendly tool that offers tremendous value straight out of the box.
What We Like
- Incredibly lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, reducing fatigue.
- Excellent value, including a 20V battery and charger at a very competitive price.
- Surprisingly good battery life, often exceeding the stated 30-minute runtime.
- Robust dual-action safety switches suitable for both left and right-handed users.
Limitations
- Struggles with thicker, more established woody branches over 15mm.
- The included plastic blade sheath for storage is thin and feels flimsy.
A Deep Dive into the ZELATAN Trimmer’s Real-World Performance
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a garden tool, you have to get it dirty. We put the ZELATAN 52cm 20V Cordless Hedge Trimmer through its paces over several weeks, tackling everything from delicate shaping of new growth to trimming back our more established privet and hawthorn hedges. This is where the tool moved from being a promising budget option to a genuinely impressive piece of kit for the average UK garden.
Cutting Performance and Blade Quality
The heart of any hedge trimmer is its blade, and the 52cm dual-action alloy steel blade on the ZELATAN does not disappoint. The term “dual-action” means both blades reciprocate, which results in less vibration and a much cleaner cut compared to single-action blades. This was immediately evident when we started on a section of leylandii. Instead of tearing or chewing at the foliage, the trimmer sliced through cleanly, leaving a neat, healthy-looking finish. We found it made light work of the seasonal growth, gliding through branches up to about 10-12mm with absolute ease. The 1500 RPM motor provides enough speed for a swift, efficient trim, allowing you to cover a lot of ground quickly.
We wanted to test its limits, so we sought out some thicker, older growth on our hawthorn hedge. The stated maximum cutting diameter is 15mm, and we found this to be accurate. It managed 15mm branches, but you could feel the motor working harder. Anything thicker caused it to stall. This confirms feedback from one user who noted that for a “harder cut,” the tool “is not up to the task.” This isn’t a flaw, but rather a clear definition of its intended use. This is a maintenance tool, not a land-clearing one. For keeping on top of your garden hedges and trimming back the year’s new growth, its performance is crisp, clean, and more than sufficient. For those specific jobs, its cutting capability is a standout feature.
Battery Life and Power Management
Perhaps the most pleasant surprise during our testing was the performance of the 20V 2000mAh battery. The manufacturer’s official estimate is approximately 30 minutes of continuous operation. In our experience, this is a conservative figure. During our first major session trimming a 30-metre-long privet hedge, we worked for just over 45 minutes of stop-start cutting, and the battery was still going. This aligns perfectly with a user who reported that theirs was “still going strong after an hour.” For the average suburban garden, this is more than enough time to complete the task on a single charge.
The freedom this provides cannot be overstated. We were able to move from the front garden to the back, tackling different hedges without ever thinking about cable length or power sources. The included fast charger replenished the battery from empty in about an hour, which is a fantastic turnaround time. This means that even for larger properties, a short lunch break is all you need to get back to work with a full charge. The power delivery was consistent from start to finish, with no noticeable drop-off in cutting performance as the battery depleted. The 20V system provides a noticeable power advantage over older 18V systems, giving it the necessary punch to handle its 15mm cutting capacity effectively.
Ergonomics, Handling, and Safety
At just 2.6kg, the ZELATAN 52cm 20V Cordless Hedge Trimmer is a joy to handle. The weight is well-distributed, so it doesn’t feel front-heavy, even with the 52cm blade. This excellent balance significantly reduces fatigue in the arms and shoulders. We spent a long session doing overhead trimming, a task that would have been exhausting with our old model, and found it remarkably manageable. The main rear handle is comfortable, and the wraparound front handle provides multiple grip points for both vertical and horizontal cutting.
ZELATAN has clearly prioritised safety, which we commend. The trimmer features a three-switch activation system; a switch on the rear handle and one on the front handle must be pressed simultaneously to start the blade. This two-handed operation makes it virtually impossible to start accidentally. As one user highlighted, this system is ambidextrous, with switches accessible for both left- and right-handed operation—a thoughtful and inclusive design choice. A sturdy plastic hand shield sits between the front handle and the blade, effectively protecting your hands from debris. This comprehensive approach to safety provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus entirely on achieving the perfect trim. It’s this combination of low weight, comfortable handling, and robust safety that makes the ZELATAN trimmer such an accessible tool for gardeners of all abilities.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general sentiment from other users largely mirrors our own positive experience. There is widespread praise for its lightweight nature, with one user simply stating it’s “Lightweight and easy to use. Really good quality product with sharp blades.” Another echoed this, remarking that upon unboxing, their “immediate thought was it’s incredibly light weight.” This ease of handling is a recurring theme and a major selling point.
Its value for money is another frequently cited benefit. One detailed review directly compared it to a model from a “big brand that makes all their cordless tools in dark green,” noting the ZELATAN “compares very well, and… is literally half the price.” They found it had the same blade length, safety features, and a slightly more powerful battery, concluding that it “cut just as well.” However, the feedback isn’t without criticism, which lends it authenticity. The two most common complaints are its limitations on thicker branches and the quality of the blade cover. “If you want to knock the hedge back and give it a harder cut then it is not up to the task,” one user warns, defining its ideal use case. Another stated their only complaint was that the “plastic sheath that you put over the blade after use is so flimsy.” This feedback is valuable, painting a realistic picture of a fantastic tool for maintenance trimming that has made a sensible compromise on a minor accessory to keep the overall cost down.
How Does the ZELATAN Trimmer Compare to the Alternatives?
While the ZELATAN 52cm 20V Cordless Hedge Trimmer excels in its category, specific gardening needs might call for a different type of tool. It’s a fantastic all-rounder, but it’s worth seeing how it holds its own against some specialised alternatives.
1. NETTA 550W Extendable Pole Hedge Trimmer
- 550W CORDED HEDGE TRIMMER: This NETTA 550W Corded Hedge Trimmer is the ideal tool for getting your garden into shape. Boasting a blade made of laser-cut diamond-ground steel, a blade working length of...
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND ADJUSTABLE: Weighing just 3.7kg, this handy hedge trimmer should cause you no problems when moving around your garden. The 135° multi-angle head can be set to different positions...
The NETTA Pole Hedge Trimmer is designed for one primary purpose: reaching high places. With its 2.7m telescopic pole and 135° adjustable head, it’s the ideal choice for users with very tall, mature hedges or shrubs that are impossible to trim safely from the ground. However, this reach comes with trade-offs. It’s a corded tool, meaning you’re tethered to a 10m cable, reintroducing the mobility issues that the ZELATAN solves. It is also heavier and less nimble for standard, waist-height trimming. If your main challenge is height, the NETTA is a superior choice, but for all-around garden maintenance and freedom of movement, the ZELATAN is far more versatile.
2. 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 represents a step up in power and performance. Running on a 36V system (requiring two 18V batteries) and boasting a longer 65cm laser-cut blade, this trimmer is built for larger properties and tougher, woodier hedges. It offers more raw cutting power than the ZELATAN and can handle thicker branches with greater ease. The downside is the significantly higher cost, especially as the batteries and charger are typically sold separately. This tool is best for semi-professional use or homeowners with extensive, demanding hedging. For standard domestic use, the ZELATAN provides ample power in a more affordable and lightweight package.
3. Greenworks G40PSH Cordless Pole Saw and Trimmer
- POLE SAW AND POLE HEDGE TRIMMER FOR LARGE GARDENS - 2-in-1 pole saw lets you easily switch between tools so you can cut, trim and prune hedges and trees with a long reach pole that gives you up to...
- NEW GENERATION LITHIUM 40V 2Ah BATTERY – powered by an advanced battery that you can use in any Greenworks 40V tool
The Greenworks G40PSH is all about versatility. This 2-in-1 tool combines a pole hedge trimmer and a pole saw, making it a fantastic solution for gardeners who need to manage both high hedges and overhanging tree limbs. Powered by a robust 40V system, it offers excellent performance in both functions. Its appeal lies in consolidating two tools into one, saving storage space and money. However, as a dedicated hedge trimmer for ground-level work, it can be heavier and more cumbersome than the ZELATAN. If you need the dual functionality, the Greenworks is an excellent investment. If your sole focus is trimming standard hedges, the dedicated, lightweight design of the ZELATAN is more practical and comfortable.
Our Final Verdict: Is the ZELATAN Hedge Trimmer Right for You?
After extensive testing and careful consideration, we can confidently say that the ZELATAN 52cm 20V Cordless Hedge Trimmer is an outstanding piece of equipment for its intended audience. It masterfully balances performance, ease of use, and incredible value. For the homeowner looking to escape the tyranny of extension cords and the fatigue of heavy machinery, this tool is a breath of fresh air. It makes quick, clean work of seasonal maintenance on common garden hedges, boasting a battery life that punches well above its weight and safety features that inspire confidence.
It’s not designed for clearing severely overgrown thickets, and the flimsy blade cover is a minor drawback. But these are small compromises in what is otherwise a brilliantly executed package. If you have a small to medium-sized garden and need a reliable, lightweight, and affordable tool to keep your hedges looking sharp, we give it our wholehearted recommendation. It proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve garden freedom and a pristine finish. For its price, the performance and convenience it offers are genuinely hard to beat. Ready to make hedge trimming a pleasure instead of a pain? We highly recommend you check out the ZELATAN 52cm 20V Cordless Hedge Trimmer.
Last update on 2025-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API