Ryobi Lightens Your Load with the Latest 18V One+ Hedge Trimmer
A few years back, Ryobi released the 18V Whisper Series 24-inch hedge trimmer, which is their flagship hedge trimmer on the 18V One+ system. Now, the brand is adding a new contender to the ring for value-minded homeowners with the PBLHG01 18V 24-inch hedge trimmer. I’m looking at this tool to see who it’s a good fit for and how it differs from its predecessor.
Note: Check out our top cordless hedge trimmer picks in our Best Battery-Powered Hedge Trimmers article!
Ryobi 18V 24-inch Hedge Trimmer Performance
- Model: Ryobi PBLHG01
- Cut capacity: 3/4-inch
- Speed: 3200 SPM
- Runtime: 25 mins (w/ 2.0Ah battery)
- Blade size: 24 inches
- Gas equivalence: 20cc
While Ryobi has no shortage of hedge trimmers on both the 18V One+ and 40V platforms, the PBLHG01 is the brand’s second iteration 18V 24-inch model. It reaches speeds topping out at 3200 SPM, but notably, it only features a single speed as opposed to the two speed modes in Ryobi’s first 24-inch trimmer (P26011).
The PBLHG01 has a 3/4-inch cutting capacity, letting you cut through branches and shrubs up to 3/4-inch thick. This is a smaller capacity than the P26011, which can slice through up to 1-inch thick branches.
As we expect, the blades are double-sided, enabling a dual-action clipping style. They’re constructed of hardened steel and should last many years.
Runtime
So, if the PBLHG01 model isn’t as strong as the previous model and doesn’t have two modes to work with, what’s the benefit? There are several, starting with runtime.
Using the kitted 2.0Ah battery, you can expect around 25 minutes of trigger time. If you’re already on Ryobi’s One+ system and you have a larger-capacity battery on hand (or a High Performance or Edge battery), you can equip one of those to extend your runtime further.
Here are some runtime estimates from Ryobi for their standard packs:
- 2.0Ah battery: 25 minutes
- 4.0Ah battery: 52 minutes
- 6.0Ah battery: 78 minutes
These runtime numbers are longer than you get with the P26011, hinting at a lower power draw. Regardless, anytime you can get legitimate runtime from a compact battery on a tool like this, it’s going to be a win in the weight department.
Ryobi 18V 24-inch Hedge Trimmer Design
- Weight: 6.6 lbs (bare)
- Double-sided blades
- Dual-action blades
- Hardened steel blades
- Wrap-around front handle
- HedgeSweep debris remover
The PBLHG01 drops some significant weight compared to Ryobi’s previous 24-inch hedge trimmer. Just 6.6 pounds for the bare tool, it’s nearly a pound and a half lighter. This is a very manageable weight for most hedge trimming applications, and using a 2.0Ah battery, the total working weight is still under 8 pounds.
Like most hedge trimmers, it has a wrap-around front handle to help offset some of the load while you trim.
Finally, this hedge trimmer includes Ryobi’s 24-inch HedgeSweeper debris remover to help get trimmed branches out of your work area quickly. It’s detachable, so you can remove it if you prefer not to use it. Personally, I am a fan of these attachments because they enable more accurate clipping, so I appreciate when brands go the extra mile to include one with the tool.
Ryobi 18V 24-inch Hedge Trimmer Price
This hedge trimmer retails for $139 as a bare tool and $199 as a kit with a 2.0Ah battery and charger (the kit is on sale at the time of writing for $159). You can find it exclusively at The Home Depot. Ryobi backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty.
Our comparison model is $174 as a bare tool and $199 as a kit. If you’re already on the 18V One+ battery system, you’ll save some money. On the other hand, if the kit is more up your alley, it’s a matter of which design better fits your needs since the price is the same.
Should You Buy It?
Ryobi is well-versed in outdoor power equipment, offering a vast assortment of lawn care solutions on both the 18V One+ and 40V platforms. The One+ line alone is outfitted with quite a few hedge trimmers, including the second-generation 24-inch PBLHG01. If you’re a homeowner who needs a hedge trimmer for regular maintenance cutting and don’t encounter many thick branches, this model offers more than most entry-level models.
There are some trade-offs to consider, though. While the PBLHG01 is lighter and costs less, its cutting capacity is a little smaller and lacks multiple speed options. If you need larger cutting capacity, Ryobi’s P26011 is your better bet.
