CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer and 2-in-1 Kit - Extended

In this review the reviewer looks at the CRAFTSMAN V20 cordless pole hedge trimmer (CMCPHT818D1) paired with the V20 2-in-1 handheld grass trimmer and mini hedge trimmer kit (CMCSS800C1). The bottom line: these tools are aimed at homeowners who want cordless convenience and a flexible set of cutters for basic yard maintenance, with the pole trimmer standing out for its extended reach up to 11 ft and pivoting head that makes trimming tall shrubs easier. The kit adds a compact handheld option for edging, detailing and light shrub work, making the combination useful for small to medium yards.

Key Features

• Extended reach: The pole hedge trimmer reaches up to 11 ft to handle tall hedges and limbs without a ladder, improving safety and access.
• Pivoting head: A 5-position 180 pivoting trimmer head allows angle adjustments to follow hedge contours and trim from multiple approaches.
• Dual-action blades: The 18 in dual-action blades cut branches up to 3/4 in for cleaner, less-vibrating cuts on shrubs and small limbs.
• 2-in-1 handheld kit: The grass trimmer kit converts between an 8 in shrubber and 4 in grass shear with a tool-free blade change for quick switching tasks.
• Padded grip and storage: The pole trimmer includes a padded grip pole extension and an integrated VERSATRACK hook to make handling and storage more comfortable.
• V20 battery platform: Both tools use the V20 battery system with a 1.5 Ah battery included in the kit, offering quick recharge and compatibility with other V20 tools.

Who It's For

The combination is well suited to homeowners with small to medium yards who need a cordless pole trimmer for taller hedges and a handheld trimming kit for edging, shrub detail, and garden beds. If you value the flexibility to switch between pole trimming and handheld detailing without investing in separate battery platforms, this pair offers practical value.

Prospective buyers with very large properties, heavy woody pruning needs, or who demand long runtimes for professional use should look elsewhere or consider larger battery capacities, since customers report mixed battery life and the included 1.5 Ah cell is best for intermittent domestic work rather than extended commercial runs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good reach and pivoting head make it easy to shape tall hedges without ladders.
• Dual-action 18 in blades and 3/4 in branch capacity provide clean cuts for common shrub work.
• Handheld 2-in-1 trimmer adds versatility for edging, fescue grass trimming, and small shrubs.
• V20 battery compatibility and an included battery make initial use straightforward.

Cons

• Some users find the pole trimmer awkward or slightly heavy during extended use despite the padded grip.
• Battery life receives mixed feedback and the included 1.5 Ah charge may not be enough for long sessions.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The CRAFTSMAN V20 pole hedge trimmer combined with the 2-in-1 handheld kit is a practical, value-oriented choice for homeowners who need extended reach and a versatile handheld option for trimming and edging. It delivers solid cut quality and convenience through the V20 battery platform, but those needing long continuous runtimes or heavy-duty pruning should plan for additional battery capacity or a higher-spec tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the pole hedge trimmer reach the top of a 10 ft privacy hedge?
Yes, the pole trimmer extends to about 11 ft reach, which covers a 10 ft hedge without a ladder in most trimming positions.

Can the handheld kit handle lawn edging and small shrubs?
Yes, the 2-in-1 kit includes an 8 in shrubber and 4 in grass shear and is suitable for edging fescue grass, garden bed clean up, and small shrub detail.

Does the kit include a battery and charger?
The handheld kit ships with a V20 1.5 Ah lithium ion battery and charger, while the pole trimmer model is offered with a V20 battery and charger included in the same platform.