Thanks for taking your time to read our review on the Makita DUH523Z cordless hedge trimmer. This is an 18 Volt cordless hedge trimmer from the high end Makita brand.
This trimmer is sold as a tool only, so if you already own a compatible Makita 18V battery, then buying this model makes very good sense. If you don't own the battery, then you will have to also purchase that, along with a charger.
That does make this an initial expensive choice. That said, once you own a compatible battery, it opens up a wide range of Makita power tools, where the battery can be put to good use.
Buyer Ratings and Reviews
How Online Buyers Rate this Model
- On average over 10,000 online buyers rate this hedge trimmer with an excellent 96% buyer satisfaction
- 85% of those same buyers gave this a full 5 star review
- Only 2% of all buyers have given this a low review.
What Online Buyers - Pros & Cons
Just below we have summarised what online buyers had to say about this hedge trimmer, once they had bought and used it. This information provides a good insight into the quality of any product.
Specification
- The model number is Makita DUH523Z
- It is an 18V cordless hedge trimmer
- Measures 93.8 x 19.5 x 19.4 cm
- Weighs 3.3 Kg - this is about the average weight for a cordless trimmer
- 550 watt motor
- 52 cm blade with a 15 mm cutting diameter
- 1350 strokes per minute which is very fast for neat precise cutting
- The blade surface has non-electrolyzed nickel plating which will not rust and helps keep the blades sharp
- Vibration is very low thanks to five cushions that absorb vibration from the blade and motor-crank section
- Compatible with the Makita G-Series batteries
- You need 2 hands to switch this on for safety reasons and the motor will only be activated when the switch and top handle are engaged at the same time
- It has an electric brake which helps stop the blades quicker
- There is a very useful battery capacity warning lamp - this will notify you when the battery charge is low by blinking red and will show solid red and stop the motor when the battery requires re-charging and instant start-up.
- Comes with a slide on black blade cover
Trimmer Main Review
We have completed a full review just below, and we have concentrated on the key features that you should consider before buying this model.
Value for Money
This is sold as a tool only, so as we mentioned earlier, if you own a compatible Makita 18V battery, then this is excellent value for money. If you have to buy this trimmer, a battery and charger, then yes, it is going to be an expensive initial purchase.
The trimmer is on average £90, the battery and the charger is around £90. That adds up to around £180 so most certainly an expensive buy first time. The only saving grace is that going forward, if you like to own and use high quality tools like Makita, then a whole range of cordless tools can be used with the same battery and charger.
Battery Life
You can use the BL1830, BL1840 or the BL1850 Makita batteries and they all have excellent life. The 3.0Ah battery will last for around an hour and the 4.0Ah battery will last for 2-3 hours without needing a charge.
This of course will depend on the thickness of the hedge, but as a general guideline, you will get around an hour of trimming with any of the compatible batteries.
Ease of Use
The DUH523Z is equipped with 2 handed operation switch; the motor will only be activated when the switch and top handle are engaged. Once you have mastered this then it's just press and go, couldn't be any easier. The blade is double sided and will cut through your hedge with ease both ways.
We found that this hedge trimmer will easily cut until you get up to branches around 1.5cm in diameter. After that you will need to use a saw or lopper. The Spear and Jackson Telescopic Lopper is particularly good for that type of heavier branch work.
Important Basic Features
Most people just want a trimmer that will take care of their hedges. The beauty of a cordless hedge trimmer is that you can use it anywhere, and you never have to worry about accidentally cutting through another electric lead again. (If you have ever done that, you know what we mean!)
The Blade
The blade length on this is 52cm (just over 20") so not a huge width, but big enough for most hedges. The blade is sharp and coated to stop it from sticking, and the blades are very easy to replace should you ever need to.
The Cutting Stroke Speed
At 1,350 strokes per minute, this is fast and will quickly trim hedges. This trimmer cuts on both sides which you will find extremely handy.
The Battery Life
We have already explained this above, but Makita hedge trimmers have the longest battery life of any of the branded hedge trimmers.
What Features Make this a Better Choice?
There are lots of these cordless hedge trimmers on the UK market. So what makes this one different from the rest?
Great Build and Construction
When you think of top quality tools then Makita will definitely be one of the makers that comes to mind. This hedge trimmer is superb quality in every way and all at a bargain price. The casing is strong, sturdy and built to last. The stain free shear blade is nickel plating with a high anti-abrasion surface for long lasting coating.
Anti-Vibration
The DUH523Z features a top rated anti-vibration system. There are 5 cushions which are designed to absorb vibration from the blade and motor crank section. This means it's much easier to use for long periods of time and you won't get tired as quickly. Most other hedge trimmers don't have this type of technology so it's a great feature that sets this model above the rest.
Compatible with other Makita Power Tools
If you have a range of Makita tools then you will know all about their batteries. This battery fits 120 other Makita machines , from hedge trimmers and chainsaws to combi drills and jig saws, it can even power even a coffee machine and a bike! If your tool has the "star" symbol on it then the battery is compatible.
Our Verdict on the Makita DUH523Z Hedge Trimmer
It's very hard to look past this Makita cordless hedge trimmer. Most buyers got this to replace an old petrol model and they were amazed at how well it worked. The battery is brilliant, it is a two handed operation that cuts on both sides and will go through branches up to 1.5cm.
I'm not sure what else you would be looking for in a hedge cutter. This is a great model and it's a very reasable price. It's extra good if you already have some Makita tools and don't need to buy a battery and charger.
I can't recommend this model highly enough.
Check Amazon UK - Price when reviewed £124.70
If this is not the cordless hedge trimmer for you, then check our top 10 list of hedge trimmers here.
Makita Brand
Makita make a range of power tools. In terms of gardening tools, they make Chainsaws, Hedge Trimmers, Line Trimmers, Brush Cutters, Split-Shaft Lawn Mowers, Grass Shears, Scarifiers, Blowers, Mist Blower, Pressure Washers, Pumps, Shredders and Petrol Disc Cutters.
With 100 years of experience, their products are lauded the world over for both their performance and quality. They have a dedicated research and development centre in Japan, and a manufacturing plant in Telford, England.
They bought over Dolmar in 1991 making them one of the strongest in the Outdoor Power Equipment market.
Makita DUH523Z Hedge Trimmer FAQ
Are Makita hedge trimmers any good?
If you own any Makita tool, then you will know just how excellent their products are. The big drawback is, like Dewalt tools, you have to be willing to pay for this type of quality. The engineering and material quality is top drawer and their brushless motors and high quality blades really do make Makita stand out from the crowd.
Which is the best Makita hedge trimmer?
Makita have 19 models of hedge trimmers ranging from smaller models such as the DUH502RT with a 50cm blade, and all the way up to their heavy duty options such as the DUH604SZ that has triple-edged cutting teeth. They vary in price, but this DUH523Z is their biggest seller online with most gardeners.
Which is the most powerful Makita battery?
Makita do a range of batteries with the 18V being their most popular. The Makita LXT range is the best and they make those as 1.0Ah to 5.0Ah.
The 5.0Ah will be their best option (also the most expensive) as the battery will last longer thanks to the high Ampere hour rating.
