The Dewalt Hedge Trimmer 20V DCHT820B is a cordless trimmer used for folks trying to clean up their overgrown bushes around their yard. Cordless trimmers are handy for those that like to cover a longer distance without being weighed down or restricted by a cord.
Cordless hedge trimmers are popular even for the most novice of yard groomers. This Dewalt Hedge Trimmer is one of the few trimmers I have experienced that I truly have a strong opinion on.
Here’s a quick breakdown of my experience with the Dewalt hedge trimmer. Keep scrolling if you want to read more! Follow this link to watch my video review on Youtube as well.
- Dewalt crushed it by providing a nice rubber molded grip that makes it really easy to handle
- The brushless motor means this was built for durability
- This Dewalt hedge trimmer is part of the 20V MAX series with dozens of other tools
- I used it on my backyard and loved it.
Buckle up and let me review the Dewalt hedge trimmer. Click below to jump ahead:
- Corded vs. Cordless hedge trimmers
- Using this hedge trimmer
- Cost and value
- The official review: who should and should NOT buy this trimmer
Dewalt has really stepped up their game and even made a sleek cordless lawn mower and some really sweet leaf blowers as well. They have a history of great gas products, too, like their huge Dewalt 3400 PSI pressure washer.
How I tested this
I borrowed this hedge trimmer from my brother-in-law for a Youtube video I recorded. It was a great time of year to put it to the test on some bushes in my backyard.
When I was using this hedge trimmer, I was testing it for a few things. Obviously power, but also handling and comfort, battery run-time and charge time, and overall value (price compared to performance).
I’ve tested a bunch of these now and this one was a big surprise.
Using this hedge trimmer is easy and comfortable
Dewalt is known for having a high quality, residential suite of products. Most folks in the construction or commercial landscaping industry are not using Dewalt, but it is one of the most popular brands for folks like you and me walking around Home Depot.
The hedge trimmer is highly usable for residential consumers. As is any other cordless trimmer, the Dewalt is easy to pick up and take wherever you need around your yard.
Further, another aspect of this is the compatibility of the battery. The hedge trimmer comes with a 20V battery that is usable with all of its 20V products. In fact, the Dewalt lawn mower uses the same battery – talk about convenience!
Yep, that means if you own a Dewalt power drill or other battery powered device from them, you can just keep one battery charged and open up space in your garage.
Try to purchase the tool-only version
Tool only means that the hedge trimmer comes without a battery. This is super convenient for Dewalt loyalists who want to leverage their existing suite of 20V tools from Dewalt. Simply pop the battery on to the back and fire up the trimmer, just like any other Dewalt tool you own.
Comfortable grips make a difference
A positive to having a 20V battery is that this will be a relatively light weight hedge trimmer. Additionally, a lack of a cord to lug around will make this tool feel like a feather.
Also, I may be too accustomed to my twenty-year old corded hedge trimmer, but I sensed that this trimmer had much less vibration. Particularly when you first pull this out of the box, the lightweight feel, lack of vibration, and sharp blades make the first few cuts feel really nice.
This hedge trimmer has some serious power
This hedge trimmer boasts a 5.0Ah Lithium Ion battery. While this sounds impressive, you are only going to get so much power out of a battery-powered hedge trimmer.
The first time I ever used a hedge trimmer I pictured it being like using one of those big lumberjack chainsaws. I was disappointed to say the least when I started using one and could not cut through a ¾” inch thick branch.
I am not alone in thinking that this tool does not have the power that you would want or expect. Other reviews that I have read online have pointed out that the hedge trimmer can take a few passes over the same spot to truly get a good cut.
Conversely, the good news here from a low power hedge trimmer is that for most people using this tool, it will not really impact you that much. Most people are used to hedge trimmers taking a few passes because most people (me) wait too long to cut their bushes and end up having to take a million passes to get it trimmed.
For those that obsess over their circular-shaped bushes, this will leave some power to be desired.
Depth matters for cutting thick branches
Something that cracks me up about all of the measurements and data points provided by Dewalt is the trimmer depth. Basically, Dewalt measures the length of the blades and says that length is how thick of a bush it can cut. In your dreams.
Finally, if you think a hedge trimmer can cut through a three quarters of an inch branch, you have gullible written on your forehead. While this product can cut to a depth of three quarters of an inch, it will only get you through a very leafy, brushy hedge.
Cost and value
The Dewalt 20V Hedge Trimmer is selling for anywhere between $200 and $250 from what I can tell. The tool only Dewalt 20V Hedge trimmer sells for about $130 to $150.
Comparable brands like Black and Decker, Greenworks, and Craftsman have virtually identical trimmers for about the same or LESS cost.
In my opinion, the true value of this product is not anything inherent to the product itself. Most battery powered cordless hedge trimmers are going to perform the same. Those who purchase a cordless trimmer for tasks around their relatively small to medium sized yards will be totally fine purchasing any of these.
Who should buy this?
The value of purchasing a Dewalt 20V hedge trimmer comes most to those who already own a suite of Dewalt 20V battery powered items. The tool-only version of this hedge trimmer is significantly cheaper. If you have a 20V battery for this already, you can save a good amount of money, garage space, and electricity by sticking with this brand.
Who should NOT buy this hedge trimmer?
If you have a suite of products from Ryobi, Craftsman, or any of the other brands that have compatible batteries, I do not recommend purchasing this product. Try to find a hedge trimmer with compatible batteries and similar features.
The final review: Dewalt DCHT820B Cordless Hedge Trimmer
You can grab the Dewalt DCHT820B on Amazon right now for a great price. If you already have the battery, you can save even more money by using this link to get a tool-only version from Amazon.
If you don’t like Amazon, its also available at Home Depot, where you can buy online or pick it up in store.
| Feature | Rating |
| Difficulty to use | Less difficult than corded |
| Durability | Average |
| Maintenance | Easiest to maintain |
| Value | High value for Dewalt 20V loyalists, medium to low for others |
| For lots <10,000 sq. ft | Highly recommended |
| For lots <1 acre | Not recommended unless keeping spare batteries around |
| For lots >1 acre | Not recommended |
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As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.
Corded vs Cordless hedge trimmers
Hedge trimmers come in corded and cordless fashions. Corded trimmers have been the default and most popular trimmers on the market for a long time. Trimmers that require you to keep them plugged in have a few negatives, however.
Corded hedge trimmers
I have always used a corded hedge trimmer and the most frustrating part to me is that it comes unplugged pretty easily. I find myself stepping on it, getting it caught on a branch, or tangling my arm around it. Another negative to the long cord is the limited reach provided by the cord. Even for bushes close to my house, I can reach the end of the cord pretty quickly if I am getting on a ladder to cut a tall hedge.
Lastly, and this one is probably irrational, but I tend to feel like I am going to get the cord caught in the trimmer and cut it off. This has never happened but it stresses me out when I am working in the yard.
Cordless hedge trimmers
Cordless hedge trimmers are definitely more functional for spending time out in the yard. My concerns about cutting off the wire, getting tangled in wire, and becoming unplugged all go out the window. You will also have a longer range for cutting than you would with a traditional corded hedge trimmer.
Not to mention, if a sibling or friends wants to borrow the Dewalt Hedge trimmer 20V, you don’t have to worry about lugging around a heavy extension cord.
This one made our list of some of our favorite cordless hedge trimmers!