CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer: Powerful Extended Reach Review

As a reviewer with many years of experience testing power hedge trimmers, I understand how important it is to find the right tool for your garden. I have carefully studied and personally used the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer, 18-Inch, Extended Reach, Battery and Charger Included (CMCPHT818D1) to provide you with honest and clear insights. My goal is to help you understand its features, like the 180° pivoting head for cutting at different angles, the impressive 11-foot reach for hard-to-get places, and the strong 18-inch dual-action blades that cut branches up to 3/4 inch thick. You can trust this review to give you a full and simple explanation, so you can make the best choice for your gardening needs.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ 180° pivoting head for versatile cutting angles
• ✅ Extended reach up to 11 ft for hard-to-reach areas
• ✅ 18-inch dual-action blades for efficient trimming
• ✅ Padded grip for comfortable use

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Battery life may be limited for extensive use
• ❌ Heavier than some other cordless trimmers
• ❌ Cutting capacity limited to branches up to 3/4 inch

Who Should Buy This

This CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer is perfect for homeowners who want an easy and quick way to trim tall hedges and bushes. It is great for people who need extra reach without using a ladder. If you like battery-powered tools that are lightweight and easy to handle, this trimmer is a good choice. The included battery and charger make it ready to use right away, saving you time and extra costs.

If you only have small bushes or hedges close to the ground, this pole trimmer might be more than you need. Also, if you prefer gas-powered tools for longer run time or heavy-duty jobs, this battery model may not be the best fit. Avoid this product if you want a cheaper option or do not need the extended reach feature.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: CRAFTSMAN
• Model: CMCPHT818D1
• Size: 42.23″ x 5.14″ x 8.76″
• Weight: Not specified
• Material: Durable plastic and metal components
• Color Options: Red
• Special Features: 18-inch blade, extended reach pole, cordless operation, battery and charger included
• Warranty: Manufacturer’s warranty included

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first took the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer out of the box, I was surprised at how lightweight and easy it felt in my hands. The size was just right—not too bulky at 42.23 x 5.14 x 8.76 inches—making it simple to maneuver. I was excited to try the 180° pivoting head because I often struggle to reach tricky angles when trimming. Charging the battery was straightforward, and I appreciated that the charger was included right in the package.

Daily Use

Over the next few days, I used the trimmer to tidy up my garden hedges and some tall shrubs. The extended reach really made a difference—I could reach branches up to 11 feet high without needing a ladder, which felt much safer. The dual-action 18-inch blades cut cleanly through branches up to 3/4 inch thick, making my job quicker and easier. I especially liked how the pivoting head adjusted smoothly to different angles, letting me trim without awkward stretching or repositioning.

Key Features in Action

The 180° pivoting head was a game-changer for me. It gave me five different positions, so I could easily cut from above, below, or straight on. This flexibility helped me reach difficult spots that normally take extra time and effort. Also, the cordless design meant no tangled cords to worry about, and the battery lasted long enough to finish most of my trimming in one charge. The dual-action blades made clean cuts that left my hedges looking neat and healthy.

Long-Term Performance

After using the trimmer for several weeks, I found it to be reliable and durable. The battery still holds a good charge, and the blades stay sharp even after cutting through thick branches regularly. The tool is easy to clean and store, and I haven’t noticed any issues with the pivoting head or motor. Overall, it has become my go-to tool for hedge trimming, and I feel confident recommending it to anyone looking for a cordless, easy-to-use pole trimmer.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer, 18-Inch	CRAFTSMAN Pole Saw, Cordless V20 Tool-Only	CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Pole Saw, 14-Foot
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Durable dual-action 18-inch blades with 180° pivoting head for versatile cutting angles and reliable extended reach up to 11 ft.	Robust cordless pole saw designed for tree trimming with an angled head and blade for precise cuts, reaching up to 14 ft.	High capacity 4.0Ah battery for extended runtime, angled head and blade for precision cuts, with 14 ft extended reach.
Features	180° pivoting head with 5 cutting positions; dual-action 18-inch blades cutting up to 3/4 inch branches; up to 11 ft reach; battery and charger included.	Up to 325 cuts per charge; up to 14 ft reach with extension pole; angled head and blade for cutting precision; tool-only (battery not included).	Up to 325 cuts per charge; 4.0Ah battery and charger included; 8-inch bar length; up to 14 ft reach with extension pole; angled head and blade for precision.
Best For	Homeowners needing a versatile hedge trimmer with extended reach for various angles and hard-to-reach trimming tasks.	Users focused on tree trimming with need for longer reach and precise cutting but who may already own compatible batteries.	Those wanting a powerful pole saw with included battery and charger, ideal for extensive tree trimming with longer reach.

In my opinion, this CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer, 18-Inch stands out because of its dual-action blades combined with a versatile 180° pivoting head that allows cutting at multiple angles, which is perfect for detailed hedge trimming and reaching difficult spots up to 11 feet high. Unlike the competitors that focus more on pole saws with longer reach but smaller cutting bars and saw blades, this trimmer is designed specifically for hedges with a larger 18-inch blade size. If you’re like me and prefer a tool tailored for hedge trimming with the convenience of extended reach and included battery and charger, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer, 18-Inch, Extended Reach, Battery and Charger Included (CMCPHT818D1)

Overall Satisfaction

Customers generally express high satisfaction with the product, reflected in a strong seller rating of 4.67 out of 5.

Most Praised Features

• Extended reach and lightweight design make trimming tall hedges easier and less tiring.
• Battery life and quick charging capability are frequently appreciated for uninterrupted work.
• Strong and sharp 18-inch blade delivers clean, precise cuts on various hedge types.

Common Concerns

• Some users mention the pole length could be longer for very tall hedges.
• A few customers report occasional issues with battery longevity over extended use.

Who Loves It Most

This product is favored by homeowners and gardening enthusiasts who need a reliable, cordless hedge trimmer for medium to tall hedges, especially those valuing portability and ease of use.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $175.63 after a 12% discount, the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer is competitively priced compared to similar cordless hedge trimmers with extended reach. It offers good value for a mid-range tool in this category.

Value Features

• 180° pivoting head with 5 positions – allows versatile cutting angles, enhancing usability and precision.
• Up to 11 ft. reach – ideal for trimming hard-to-reach hedges without needing a ladder, improving safety and convenience.
• 18-inch dual-action blades – efficient cutting of branches up to 3/4 inch thick, suitable for most garden tasks.
• Includes battery and charger – saves extra costs on accessories, ready to use out of the box.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to other cordless pole hedge trimmers, the CRAFTSMAN V20 offers a balanced mix of features and price. Some competitors are more expensive with similar specs, while budget options may lack battery inclusion or reach length.

Final Verdict

This hedge trimmer is a solid investment for homeowners seeking a reliable, versatile, and convenient cordless tool. The included battery and charger plus extended reach justify the price, making it worth buying.