Makita 40V max XGT Hedge Trimmer Review: Clean Cutting Performance

The world of battery-powered OPE has exploded over the last decade, and many of these alternatives are even beating out their gas-powered counterparts. Makita’s 40V max XGT GHU02 Hedge Trimmer is a prime example. Today, I’m taking a closer look at what this trimmer has to offer and what sets it apart from the pack so you can decide if it’s a good fit for your crew.

Pros

Excellent vibration control
Confident cutting power
Multiple cutting speeds
Rotating grip
Reverse mode

Cons

A little expensive

Buy at Acme Tools

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Best Battery-Powered Hedge Trimmers 2026

Makita 40V Hedge Trimmer Performance

Cutting Power

At its heart, Makita’s GHU02 sports a brushless motor that powers the dual-action knives up to 5,000 SPM. If you’re thinking that sounds fast, you’re right. Speeds in the 3,000 – 4,000 SPM range are where most Pro-grade hedge trimmers live. However, there are some high-speed models, and Makita is matching Stihl’s high-end HSA 150 T at less than half the price.

When it comes to maintaining precise shaping of shrubs and hedges, this is a speed we really like. It not only cuts quickly, but also very cleanly. This is a big deal, especially when you’re dealing with high-end landscaping.

You’re not stuck at 5,000 SPM, though. You can also dial back the power to a more controlled 3,600 SPM or 2,000 SPM to match the conditions. The nice thing about the medium mode is that it’s like having a standard and high-speed hedge trimmer in one.

There’s also a reverse mode. If you happen to try and bite off a little more than the trimmer can chew, simply reverse the blade direction and release the knives.

The 24-inch bar and 7/8-inch tooth opening allow this trimmer to tackle everything from routine hedge maintenance to thicker overgrown shrubs. The smaller cut capacity may seem odd for such a powerful, fast-cutting hedge trimmer, especially when other brands have 1 1/4-inch or even more.

However, it’s intentional. With high-speed hedge trimmers, you typically don’t want to cut thick branches. It’s about maintaining well-kept hedges more easily, rather than reclaiming ones that have been neglected for years.

Vibration Level

One area where Makita excels is vibration control.

On many trimmers, the oscillating action of knives naturally generates a significant amount of reverberation back through the handles, which can be pretty uncomfortable over time.

In this case, however, the felt vibration is impressively low thanks to a pair of vibration dampeners located near where the gearbox meets the motor housing. These dampeners allow the bar to move about an inch left and right. This helps further isolate your hands should you come up against some more stubborn branches.

While using this trimmer, I noticed some vibration in the front handle and almost none in the rear. This isn’t really surprising, given its location above the motor housing, and truthfully, it didn’t bother me one bit. Husqvarna’s 522iHD60 was still a small step better, but Makita’s efforts resulted in impressively low vibration.

Noise Level

Makita doesn’t make any specific claims related to decibel ratings, but naturally, as a battery-powered tool, the overall noise level is much lower compared to gas-powered models.

I took a measurement with our SPL meter from my ear and clocked the GHU02 at just 78 dB(A). This is an important piece of data because OSHA’s hearing protection guidelines kick in at 85 decibels. It’s also a big step forward for Pros who are simply tired of all the noise!

Makita 40V Hedge Trimmer Design Notes

Size and Weight

The Makita GHU02 weighs 7.9 pounds as a bare tool, 10.3 pounds with the kitted 4.0Ah battery, and measures 44 inches from tip to tail.

The overall weighting is fairly similar to EGO’s 56V HT2600, but I noticed a slight rearward bias when holding the trimmer by the front handle. I don’t see this as a drawback since the overall weight is pretty low to begin with, but if you prefer a more balanced trimmer, I suggest you check out the Echo DHC-2800.

If you’re switching over from gas, the weight is even more compelling. Stihl’s HS 82 T has similar performance, but its 24-inch version is 11.2 pounds dry. By the time you add fuel and oil, you’re pushing 12 pounds. By shaving 1.5 pounds off the weight of gas, you’ll notice the difference when you’re cutting with the GHU02.

Rotating Rear Handle

Like we’ve seen on many Pro-grade battery-powered trimmers, the GHU02 features a rotating rear handle. This handle rotates left and right, with stops at the 45° and 90° marks. This gives you a major advantage when trimming ornamental shrubs, such as box hedges, and lets you avoid any awkward hand positions.

Additional Features

Metal Tip Guard: Protects the bar when working up against hard surfaces
IPX4 Rated: Water-resistant design reduces risks of damage in light rain or dusty conditions

Should You Buy It?

After some hands-on time with the GHU02, it’s clear that Makita really thought about what professional lawn crews and landscapers need with the design of this hedge trimmer. It feels refined, purpose-built, and tough enough to withstand the rigors of long days in the field.

The GHU02 is particularly well-suited for Pro landscapers and maintenance crews who spend hours trimming hedges, shrubs, and ornamental plants. While it isn’t designed to overpower the thickest material with brute force alone, it makes up for that with smooth, controlled cutting performance and ergonomics that reduce fatigue throughout the day.

If you’re considering making the switch from gas, this hedge trimmer delivers the kind of refinement and productivity that makes going cordless feel like a genuine step forward—not a compromise.

With that said, if you’re a homeowner looking for Pro performance, you’ll need to open your wallet wider compared to the high-performing residential models I’ve tested. It’s certainly nice, but it might be overkill for your needs.

Ready to add this trimmer to your trailer?

The Makita GHU02 retails for $349 as a bare tool and $649 as a kit. The kit includes a 4.0Ah battery and charger. Makita backs this trimmer with a 3-year limited warranty. The price falls right in line with comparable gas-powered models from Echo and Husqvarna, and it’s significantly lower than comparable battery-powered models from Stihl and Husqvarna.

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