The Makita DUH523 battery powered hedge trimmer is a great choice to maintain your garden. In this review we look at the the factors you should consider before purchasing a hedge trimmer, why the Makita DUH523 hedge trimmer is a great option and offer a review after a year of use.
Background
Having moved house to one with a much larger garden, and critically one with a hedge running from front to back, it was time for a change.
I’d previously only had a small hedge, and managed to keep it neat with a corded hedge trimmer. I still needed an extension cord to get to the far side and top. I’d had one or two close calls with almost cutting the cord.
The time had come for a cordless hedge trimmer.
Why Choose the Makita DUH523 Hedge Trimmer
Picking the right hedge trimmer is an important choice. Whilst far from the most expensive tool, if you buy the wrong hedge trimmer you’ll struggle to keep your garden neat. You may also cause damage to plants, hedges and trees and jobs will take longer than necessary.
Battery Power
Cordless was an essential requirement. I didn’t want to be faffing with an extension lead and tossing a plug through an open window. I also didn’t want to risk cutting through the cord when up a ladder.
Petrol was also a no go as I didn’t want the associated faff. I’m not a professional gardener and as a result didn’t need anything too extreme for my needs. The main hedge was reasonably neat to start with so I didn’t require too much cutting power.
The Makita Brand
I’d recently purchased a Makita DLM533 lawn mower, and had been impressed with the quality. I’d also just purchased a Makita DUR194 strimmer.
Makita make a wide array of power tools including a great selection of garden tools. As with many manufacturers of battery powered tools, the batteries are an expensive part of the purchase. If you already have suitable batteries then the ‘bare’ tool, are often quite a bargain.
The Makita DUH523 hedge trimmer uses 18V LXT batteries, standing for Lithium-ion Xtreme Technology. This is one of a couple of key types Makita manufacture and is regarded as the current standard. You can buy ‘compatible’ batteries at a lower cost, but this will likely void any warranty you have from Makita.
Makita have long been a recognised brand in the power tool world. Makita also offer a large selection of hedge trimmers at reasonable prices.
Key Features of the Makita DUH523
The Makita DUH523 was my top pick.
The top features of the DUH523 hedge trimmer include:
- 150 mins continuous use on a 6Ah battery
- Lightweight at 3.4Kg with battery
- 520mm long blade
- 26mm tooth spacing
I picked the Makita DUH523 because it was low cost, lightweight and offered everything I needed. There were alternatives that offered the power to cut through bigger branches or a longer reach however the DUH523 met my requirements and came in at well under £100.
User Tips for Optimal Performance
To get the most out of the Makita DUH523 we recommend adhering to the following advice:
Start Small
As with any hedge trimmer, they are designed for small branches. Start with the smaller branches and outer parts of any hedge to get a feel for how the trimmer cuts. Once you have a feel for the size and density of branches you can tackle then work your way through the tougher stuff!
Don’t Cut Too Much
Many hedges have a very green exterior but a a rather unsightly inside. Don’t cut too much off otherwise you’ll be looking at a very bare hedge.
Safety Considerations
As with all power tools, safety should be a primary concern. If used correctly, these tools are very safe.
Wear Safety Gear
Always wear gloves and safety glasses when using the Makita DUH523 or any hedge trimmer. By it’s nature, small splinters, cut branches or leaves will but let loose when using a hedge trimmer.
The strimmer isn’t too noisy, however for prolonged use it’s best to wear ear defenders.
In most cases it is best to wear trousers and long sleeves to ensure you are not scratched by the hedge.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
As with any garden power tool it’s best to clear your work area and be aware of your surroundings at all time. Make sure you are well away from children, pets and inquisitive adults before tending to your garden!
Be especially careful if you are using the hedge trimmer at a height.
My Reflections on the Makita DUH523 Hedge Trimmer
The step away from a corded hedge trimmer was a big one. No longer am I constantly fighting the cord. When operating on a ladder it feels much safer.
I’ve felt no loss of power compared with a corded hedge trimmer. The run time is impressive. Often I’ve used batteries which have just come out of my lawn mower. Still I’m yet to deplete the battery before finishing my entire hedge.
I’ve tackled a number of plants and trees above and beyond the hedge. You probably shouldn’t use a hedge trimmer to prune trees, but the Makita DUH523 has consistently surprised me. In fact the ease at which it’s cut through tree branches has almost encouraged me to use it where I probably shouldn’t. The worst that has happened is that the hedge trimmer has cut out getting caught on a large branch.
One piece of advice I would share is remember not to cut big branches. Anything wider than the recommended diameter and it’s much more likely you’ll not have a clean cut which could damage plants.
I’m really impressed with the Makita DUH523 hedge trimmer. It’s really light, never seems to run out of battery and has tackled a surprisingly wide range of tasks. It speeds up my gardening and means I cut the hedge much more regularly than I otherwise would.
