3034-21 / 3034-20
I first noticed these Hedge Trimmers at Equip Expo 2024 from a distance. I wasn’t compelled to pay much attention to them as I said to myself a Hedge Trimmer is a Hedge Trimmer. I could see that Milwaukee was demonstrating the cutting power using several dowel rods at a time. Again, from a distance this seemed only slightly impressive if I’m being completely honest. It wasn’t until they were delivered and I was able to pull the trigger for myself that I quickly realized that I needed to rethink my level of enthusiasm.
First generation M18 Hedge Trimmers – Comparison
Going back to the Spring of 2022 after purchasing my first home, it was the Milwaukee M18 Hedge Trimmers (2726-20) that I made my first ever big boy outdoor power equipment investment. I don’t recall very many specific details about my first time using them but I knew at that point it was time to get rid of my corded Black & Decker Hedge Trimmers that had survived since the 90’s. Fast forward to almost three years later and I find myself again testing out and subsequently being blown away by the power and precision of Milwaukee’s latest Hedge Trimmer offering.
First Use – First Impression
I thought that the power and precision on the previous generation of Milwaukee hedge trimmers was about as good as it was ever going to get. I was proven very much incorrect when I went to cut away at a large bush in my yard with 1 inch thick limbs. This thing took one inch plus limbs like they were a tenth of the size. If there is anyone out there that still believes that corded or gas powered tools in this category are superior to batteries are simply stuck in the past and grossly misinformed.
After cutting down about 15 feet of the bush I was only down one bar on the new Forge 8.0 XC battery pack. I wanted to test the power difference between the new Forge battery and one of the older 8.0 XC packs but I got ahead of myself and the tool felt like it just needed to do more. Oftentimes I found myself reaching for my Quik-Lok extended reach hedge trimmers just for the purpose of adjusting or positioning the head. Needless to say, my first time using this variation of Hedge Trimmers was anything but underwhelming. After about twenty minutes of use I quickly understood the message that Milwaukee was trying to convey when they demonstrated its cutting power using dowel rods.
Safety Features + Considerations
The blade is very aggressive therefore the heavy-duty bump guard installed at the end is a much needed safety consideration. Given the extra length of the blades the added safety mechanisms are far from cumbersome and greatly appreciated. All things considered, a runaway pair of these Hedge Trimmers could be absolutely disastrous. Thankfully, the user must use two hands in order to activate the tool. There is one safety mechanism on the forward facing handle and the other is situated near the trigger and must be depressed in order to engage the trigger. If at any point either the trigger or the safety handle are disengaged the tool will immediately cease operation.
Use Cases + Care
The versatility in use cases is truly remarkable as these Hedge Trimmers boast enough torque for professional landscapers but are practical enough for ordinary homeowners. The rotating handle is an added convenience factor when you’re attempting longer cuts. Me being left handed, the rotating handle offers a dynamic range of operation that as far as I know hasn’t existed up until now. That along with the extra blade length assists in crisp, clean, even trimming each and every time.
As for continued upkeep I typically spray my Hedge Trimmers with a dry lube made by WD-40. I find this especially effective over the winter storage months. I assume that since both sets of blades articulate you’ll want to take additional care in making sure that they’re properly greased. I’m not totally sure that the dual articulating blades are a first to market feature or not but it’s sure to reduce stress on the motor over time.
Closing Thoughts
Initially I thought that the 30 inch version would be a bit overkill but once I tested it out I became aware that 30 inches gave me the reach that I needed to complete a task that would’ve taken four times the amount of time and effort. The overall weight and balance of the tool is on par for such a long and powerful apparatus. I think that the application and use case should be considered when deciding between the 24 inch versus the 30 inch hedge trimmer. If you have a decent amount of trees or shrubs this will be of immense benefit for you. This is especially the case if any of the work you’ll need to perform will be above the shoulders. Lastly, the consideration that went into the rotating handle is spot on. That feature alone puts these Hede Trimmers in a class of their own.
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