Dewalt DCMPH566N 18V

We live on small acreage with over 130 metres of 2-metre-high hedge that is 2-2.5 metres wide (see photo) and since 2012 we have used the Stihl Hedge Trimmer HS45 (which is still running today and also in a review by me titled “Stihl HS 45”). Getting older now and found that the HS45 great for sides and to do the walk of both sides to cut the top (60cm in), but finding harder to do regarding the rest of the top in total. Got a quote from a contractor for $640 just to do the top, so the DeWalt DCMPH566N 18V pole Hedge Trimmer came into play at a cost of $318 delivered and that machine has given me an opportunity to continue doing the hedge by myself for many years to come. I have read many reviews by other people on Product Review, other forums on the internet including the sales pitches by DeWalt. This review is on the item itself and not DeWalt. From an Engineering perspective the head connection does feel flimsy and it does droop a little and the machine would have been better if the ring that the locking pin goes into was adjustable so that any pin/ring wear could be catered for. This machine is not built like a HS 45 and it needs to be treated as such. When it comes to regrowth of the top of the hedge the time to trim is now when the growth is around 6mm Diameter max (preferably less) and this machine handles it with ease as long as it is done slowly (so head joint not put at risk). What is great is the reach which just leaves a little on the other side of the hedge when one part of the top is cut. The other reviewer wrote that there may be better machines and this may be so, but I needed one fast due to musculoskeletal disorders. This machine makes me happy, has run for 1 year and four months with no issue, blades still as sharp as when bought it and still going and thus, it gets 5 stars.