CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer 18-Inch Review: A Homeowner’s Verdict on Taming Tall Shrubs

There’s a moment every homeowner with tall shrubbery knows well. It’s that precarious, wobbly feeling of being two steps too high on a ladder, stretching just a little too far with a heavy, buzzing hedge trimmer, all to shave off that last unruly branch atop a ten-foot arborvitae. For years, this was my seasonal ritual of dread. I wrestled with tangled extension cords that seemed to have a magnetic attraction to every plant, fence post, and ladder leg on the property. The alternative—manual trimming—was a recipe for aching shoulders and a job half-done. This constant battle isn’t just frustrating; it’s inefficient and genuinely unsafe. That’s why the promise of a cordless, long-reach solution isn’t just about convenience; it’s about reclaiming your weekend and your peace of mind. The search for a better way led me directly to the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer 18-Inch, a tool designed to eliminate the ladder and the cord in one fell swoop.

What to Consider Before Buying a Pole Hedge Trimmer

A hedge trimmer, especially a pole model, is more than just a garden tool; it’s a key solution for maintaining privacy, curb appeal, and the overall health of your landscape. It transforms a daunting, day-long chore into a manageable task. The primary benefit of a pole hedge trimmer is its ability to safely and efficiently trim tall, wide, or awkwardly placed hedges and shrubs from the stability of the ground. No more ladders, no more dangerous overreaching, and with cordless models, no more frustrating cord management.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner with established, mature landscaping that includes hedges or shrubs taller than chest-height. If you have long rows of privet, towering arborvitae, or wide boxwoods that require shaping on top, a pole hedge trimmer is a game-changer. It’s also perfect for older gardeners or anyone who finds manual trimming physically taxing. Conversely, it might be overkill for those with only small, low-lying foundation shrubs. In that case, a smaller, lighter standard cordless hedge trimmer might be a more suitable and economical choice. For professionals or those tackling severely overgrown properties with thick, woody branches, a heavy-duty gas-powered model could be necessary.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Reach & Dimensions: The “maximum reach” is a critical, but often misunderstood, specification. Manufacturers typically calculate this by adding the tool’s length to the height and arm extension of an average user. It’s vital to assess your actual hedge height and understand that a tool advertised with an 11-foot reach won’t trim an 11-foot hedge from ground level. Consider the tool’s collapsed length for storage as well; it needs a dedicated spot in the garage or shed.
• Cutting Performance & Capacity: Two key numbers define performance: blade length and cutting capacity. An 18-inch blade offers a good balance of maneuverability and cutting swath. The cutting capacity, typically around 3/4-inch for models like this, tells you the maximum branch diameter it can handle. This is suitable for routine maintenance and trimming new growth, but not for heavy-duty clearing of old, woody stems.
• Materials & Durability: Look for a tool with high-quality, dual-action steel blades that stay sharp and reduce vibration. The pole itself can be aluminum or fiberglass, balancing strength and weight. The motor housing is typically a durable plastic, which is fine for residential use, but check for solid construction and a comfortable, secure grip. The overall build quality will dictate how well it stands up to seasons of use.
• Ease of Use & Battery System: Weight and balance are paramount in a pole trimmer. A top-heavy tool will cause fatigue quickly. Features like a padded grip and an articulating head significantly improve ergonomics. For cordless models, the battery ecosystem is crucial. Investing in a tool that shares batteries with other power tools you own, like the CRAFTSMAN V20 system, adds tremendous value and convenience.

Making the right choice means matching the tool’s capabilities to the specific demands of your yard. Taking a moment to evaluate these factors ensures you get a tool that makes your life easier, not one that just adds to the clutter in your garage.

While the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer 18-Inch is an excellent choice for many, 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:

First Impressions: Unboxing the CRAFTSMAN V20

Upon opening the box, the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer 18-Inch presents itself with the brand’s signature rugged, red-and-black aesthetic. Assembly is refreshingly simple. The tool comes in a few main sections: the motor and handle assembly, the extension pole, and the cutting head. They connect with a satisfyingly robust locking mechanism that feels secure and inspires confidence. There’s no ambiguity or wiggle room, which is critical for a tool you’ll be holding overhead. The V20 2.0Ah battery and charger are packaged separately, maintaining the modularity of the V20 system.

In hand, the build quality feels solid. The plastic housing is tough, not flimsy, and the metal pole has a reassuring heft. The included 18-inch blade comes with a hard plastic cover, a thoughtful touch for safe storage. My initial impression of the weight is that it’s manageable but noticeable. It’s certainly not feather-light, and the balance point is, by design, towards the cutting head. This is a common characteristic of pole trimmers and a trade-off for their incredible reach. Compared to older corded models, the freedom from a power cable is immediately apparent and liberating. You can see its full feature set and user reviews, but the initial hands-on experience confirms that this is a well-thought-out tool for the modern homeowner.

Deep Dive: Putting the CRAFTSMAN Pole Trimmer to the Test

A tool’s true character is only revealed in the field. We didn’t just look at the specs; we spent hours sculpting hedges, topping shrubs, and pushing the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer 18-Inch to its limits. From delicate shaping to tackling overgrown bushes, here’s our detailed breakdown of its real-world performance.

Reach for the Sky: Deconstructing the Reach and Pivoting Head

The headline feature of any pole trimmer is its reach, and the advertised “up to 11 ft.” on the CRAFTSMAN V20 is the first thing we put to the test. It’s crucial to understand this metric. The tool itself measures about 6.5 feet from the handle to the blade tip. The 11-foot claim assumes a user of average height (around 6 feet) holding the tool at shoulder level and extending their arms. As one user aptly noted, you won’t be trimming an 11-foot-tall hedge flat across the top while standing on the ground unless you’re an “Olympic athlete.” In our testing, we found we could comfortably and effectively trim the top of an 8-to-9-foot hedge. For our 10-foot arborvitae, a small step stool was still needed to get a perfectly level cut across the entire width. This isn’t a flaw, but rather a reality of physics and marketing that users should be aware of. The actual physical pole gives you a significant advantage, drastically reducing ladder use, which is the main goal.

Where this tool truly shines, however, is its 180-degree pivoting head. This is the feature that elevates it from a simple long-reach trimmer to a versatile landscaping tool. With a simple, easy-to-press button, the head articulates and locks into five distinct positions. This functionality is nothing short of brilliant. We could set it to 90 degrees to get a perfectly flat top on our privet hedge without craning our necks or holding the tool at an awkward angle. By angling it slightly, we could easily create beveled edges for a professional look. We even pivoted it all the way down to trim unruly ground cover and blackberry bushes behind a fence, a task that would have been a thorny nightmare with a standard trimmer. This articulation is what makes the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer 18-Inch so effective for more than just tall hedges.

The Cutting Edge: Blade Performance and Power

A long reach is useless if the blades can’t cut. The CRAFTSMAN V20 is armed with 18-inch dual-action blades, which means both blades move, resulting in less vibration and a cleaner cut compared to single-action models. The stated cutting capacity is 3/4 of an inch, which we found to be accurate for softer, newer wood. On the fresh green growth of our hedges, the trimmer was flawless. It sliced through effortlessly, leaving a clean, healthy edge. We were able to shape and reduce our shrubs with speed and precision.

We then moved to more challenging tasks, echoing a user who tested it on tough blackberry and salmonberry bushes. Here, the trimmer’s limits became more apparent. It chewed through stems up to about half an inch with no problem. When we pushed it to the 3/4-inch limit on older, woodier branches, the motor labored slightly and would occasionally snag. This confirms our assessment that this is primarily a maintenance tool, not a land-clearing brute. It has “just enough motor force,” as one reviewer perfectly described it, for its intended purpose: keeping already-shaped hedges in pristine condition. For annual trimming and shaping, the power is perfectly adequate and delivers a surprisingly smooth cutting experience.

Powering Through: Battery Life and the V20 Ecosystem

Cordless freedom is the core appeal here, and it all hinges on the battery. The kit includes one CRAFTSMAN V20 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery and a charger. In continuous use on light hedge growth, we consistently got around 35 to 40 minutes of runtime, which aligns perfectly with user reports. This was enough time to trim the entirety of our 50-yard-long privet hedge with some battery life to spare. The charger replenished the battery from empty in about 60-70 minutes.

For homeowners with smaller to medium-sized yards, this single battery is likely sufficient. However, if you have a very large property with extensive hedging, the 40-minute runtime could become a bottleneck. This is where the strength of the V20 ecosystem comes into play. If you already own other CRAFTSMAN V20 tools (drills, saws, leaf blowers, etc.), you likely have extra batteries on hand. Swapping in a fresh battery takes seconds and eliminates downtime. We tested the trimmer with a larger 4.0Ah V20 battery, which nearly doubled the runtime and added a bit of counterbalance weight, slightly improving the tool’s feel. For those undertaking big jobs, we’d echo the user advice that “additional batteries would be a wise choice.” Investing in the CRAFTSMAN V20 platform pays dividends in versatility across your entire tool collection.

Ergonomics and Handling: A Balancing Act

There’s no getting around it: holding a motor and an 18-inch cutting bar at the end of a six-foot pole creates a lever that requires strength to manage. The CRAFTSMAN V20 is, as many users state, “somewhat unwieldy” and “gets a little heavy after a while.” This is the inherent trade-off for its reach. We found the tool to be most comfortable for tasks at or below shoulder level, such as shaping the sides of hedges. When reaching overhead to trim the tops of tall shrubs, the weight becomes much more noticeable, and muscle fatigue sets in quickly. The padded grip area on the pole helps maintain control, but it’s clear the tool is designed to be used in “spurts,” as one insightful user put it.

For extensive overhead work, taking regular breaks is essential. We also agree with the user suggestion that an aftermarket shoulder strap would be a fantastic addition. Attaching a strap would help distribute the weight from the arms to the core and shoulders, significantly improving comfort during longer sessions. While it’s a manageable tool, potential buyers should have realistic expectations about the physical effort required. It’s far less strenuous than climbing a ladder, but it is a workout. The sheer effectiveness and safety improvement over a ladder, however, make the effort well worth it for us, a sentiment clearly shared by users who appreciate what this powerful pole trimmer can accomplish despite its weight.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings are strongly corroborated by the broader community of users. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with most praising the tool’s effectiveness. One user celebrated that it “truly works like a dream,” especially for those transitioning from strenuous manual trimming. The sharp blades and versatile pivoting head are frequently highlighted as standout features, allowing users to cut “under, behind and 11 feet up.”

However, the constructive criticism is just as consistent and valuable. The most common feedback revolves around the weight and balance, with users confirming that it “get’s a little heavy after a while” and is best used in short bursts. The confusion surrounding the “11 FT” reach is also a recurring theme. One Spanish-speaking user expressed frustration, stating, “You say it has 11 FT and it’s not true, it only has 6 FT.” This highlights the importance of understanding how manufacturers calculate reach. These shared experiences paint a clear picture: the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer 18-Inch is a highly capable and convenient tool, provided the user is prepared for the physical handling it requires.

How Does the CRAFTSMAN V20 Compare to the Competition?

The CRAFTSMAN V20 operates in a competitive market. While it carves out a strong niche, certain alternatives might be better suited for different user needs. Here’s a look at how it stacks up against three popular competitors.

1. DEWALT DCHT820B 22-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer

The DEWALT DCHT820B is not a pole trimmer, but a high-performance standard hedge trimmer. It’s the right choice for someone who needs power and precision for hedges within normal reach and doesn’t require the extended pole. With its longer 22-inch laser-cut blades and a 1-inch cutting capacity, it’s more powerful than the CRAFTSMAN, designed to tear through thicker branches with ease. It’s also significantly lighter and better balanced. However, it’s sold as a “tool only,” making it an ideal option for users already invested in the DEWALT 20V MAX battery platform. If your primary challenge is tough, thick growth at ground level, not height, the DEWALT is the superior tool.

2. PROYAMA 5-in-1 Gas Multi-Tool

The PROYAMA 5-in-1 represents the other end of the spectrum. This is a gas-powered beast designed for maximum power and versatility. It’s not just a hedge trimmer; it’s also a string trimmer, brush cutter, and pole saw. Powered by a potent 42.7cc engine, it will make short work of anything the CRAFTSMAN would struggle with. This is the tool for users with large, rural properties who need to clear thick brush, prune tree limbs, and trim hedges. The trade-offs are significant: it’s much heavier, louder, requires fuel mixing and engine maintenance, and produces emissions. For the homeowner who needs a single, powerful solution for a wide variety of heavy-duty yard tasks, the PROYAMA’s versatility is unmatched.

3. Greenworks 40V 20″ Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer

The Greenworks 40V model is the most direct competitor to the CRAFTSMAN. It offers a similar cordless pole hedge trimmer design but operates on a more powerful 40V battery platform. This higher voltage can translate to more cutting torque and power, potentially handling slightly tougher branches. It also features a longer 20-inch blade for a wider cutting swath. The choice between the Greenworks and the CRAFTSMAN often comes down to battery ecosystem loyalty. If you aren’t tied to a specific brand, the Greenworks offers a compelling power advantage. However, the CRAFTSMAN’s V20 system is exceptionally broad, covering a huge range of power tools and outdoor equipment, which might be the deciding factor for many.

Our Final Verdict: Is the CRAFTSMAN V20 Pole Trimmer Worth It?

After extensive testing and careful consideration, our verdict is clear: the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer 18-Inch is an outstanding tool for its target audience. It successfully solves the dangerous and frustrating problem of trimming tall hedges for the average homeowner. The combination of cordless freedom, excellent cutting performance on new growth, and the incredibly versatile pivoting head makes yard maintenance significantly easier and safer. While its weight and balance require some physical effort, this is a fair trade-off for eliminating the need to climb a wobbly ladder.

We highly recommend it for homeowners already invested in the CRAFTSMAN V20 battery ecosystem or for those looking for a reliable, feature-rich pole trimmer to maintain shrubs up to about 9 feet tall. It strikes a fantastic balance between price, performance, and convenience. If you’re ready to take the strain and danger out of hedge maintenance and achieve those clean, professional lines with your feet firmly on the ground, this tool is a worthy investment. To see if it’s the right solution for your yard, you can check the latest price and availability right now.