Thanks for taking your time to read our review on the Ryobi OHT1855R cordless hedge trimmer. This is an 18 Volt trimmer from the high end Ryobi brand.
This trimmer is sold as a tool only, so if you already own a compatible Ryobi18V 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.
This model has a 55 cm blade and comes with the Ryobi hedge sweep.
That does make this an initial expensive choice. That said, once you own a compatible battery, it opens up a wide range of Ryobi power tools, where the battery can be put to good use.
In a Hurry?
Below we have reviewed this lawn mower in a lot of detail. However, if you don't have time to read all of the information, then you can check the availability at Amazon UK by clicking the button to the right.
How Online Buyers Rate this Trimmer
- On average over 1,500 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 Say About this Model
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.
Ryobi Hedge Trimmer Quick Summary
With over 1,500 online buyer reviews and a buyer satisfaction rating of 96%, it is hard to ignore the popularity and quality of this cordless hedge trimmer.
Available at Amazon UK
The Battery
Specifications at a Glance
- The model number is OHT1855R
- It is an 18V cordless hedge trimmer
- Measures 106.5 x 123 x 255 cm
- Weighs 3.2 Kg - this is about the average weight for a cordless trimmer
- High torque motor
- 55 cm blade with a 22 mm cutting diameter
- The blade surface has non-electrolyzed nickel plating which will not rust and helps keep the blades sharp
- Compatible with the Ryobi One+ 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
- Comes with a slide on black blade cover
Hedge 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 Ryobi 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 £100, the battery and the charger is around £80. 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 Ryobi, then a whole range of cordless tools can be used with the same battery and charger.
We have shown above the compatible battery and charger and buying those together is cheaper than buying them as individual items. This trimmer will work with the 2.5Ah up to 5.0Ah batteries. The bigger battery you buy means more hedge cutting time.
Battery Life
You can use the 2.5Ah or 5Ah batteries and they all have excellent life. The 2.5Ah battery will last for around an hour and the 5.0Ah battery will last for 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 at least an hour of trimming with any of the compatible batteries.
Ease of Use
The OPT1855 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 55cm (just under 22") so a pretty good size and 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 Ryobi will definitely be one of the makers that comes to mind. This hedge trimmer is superb quality in every way and all at a bargian 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.
Compatible with other Ryobi Power Tools
If you have a range of Ryobi tools then you will know all about their batteries. All their batteries are compatible with both old, current and new Ryobi ONE+ tools, giving you access to the use of over 40 garden and power tools.
Our Verdict on the Ryobi OHT1855R Hedge Trimmer
96% online buyer satisfaction based on 1,500+ online buyer reviews
It's very hard to look past this Ryobi 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 Ryobi tools and don't need to buy a battery and charger.
I can't recommend this model highly enough.
If this is not the cordless hedge trimmer for you, then check our other hedge trimmers
Ryobi Brand
The Ryobi brand is one of the world's largest power and garden tool manufacturers, Ryobi specialise in making great tools affordable. That's why Ryobi is the DIY brand of choice for millions of homeowners, gardeners, hobbyists and auto-enthusiasts.
With relation to gardening power tools, they make lawn mowers, grass and hedge trimmers, blowers, vacuums, shredders, pruners etc. They were one of the first brands to come up with one battery for all their tools which they called One+.
They make one main 18V battery with a variety of Ah sizes. They are part of the Techtronic Industries Limited (UK) group based in Marlow in the UK. All their products have a 2 years warranty as long as you have proof of purchase. Registration online is required for extension from 2 to 3 years for battery powered and electric tools.
