Easy to use and having a reasonable run time, the Ryobi RY40610A 40V is one of the best hedge trimmers and provides adequate cutting power for light- and medium-duty tasks. Because of its specifications, it may slow and struggle with some heavy-duty tasks, and it is closer in weight to a gas hedge trimmer.
As a cordless hedge trimmer, the Ryobi RY40610A has a 40-volt lithium-ion battery pack. This provides more power and longer effective run time than more traditional battery types. While this Ryobi is powerful for a battery-operated model, it does not deliver the same power as gas or electric hedge trimmers.
Ryobi RY40610A hedge trimmer: What you need to know
The battery pack reaches full power in 90 minutes with the accompanying charger. One distinct advantage is that this hedge trimmer has a removable battery pack. This allows you to remove and charge one battery while you use a second. Additionally, the 40-volt battery is compatible with all Ryobi 40-volt tools, so if you have multiple tools from this line, you can switch the batteries between them without having to buy a second battery pack.
Battery-powered trimmers are often less messy than their gas-powered counterparts, but gas models are also more high-powered. If you would like to look into buying a gas trimmer, check out the ECHO HC-152.
The Ryobi RY40610A has double 24-inch dual-action blades and delivers 3,200 strokes per minute. It does not have any shock absorption per se, but the dual-action blade does help damper the vibrations of this tool, which can reduce muscle fatigue. Although it can handle branches up to 0.75 inches in diameter, the density of the material may prevent a clean cut. Since it is battery run, a low battery can also reduce cutting power. Weighing in at 9.1 pounds, this hedge trimmer is comparatively heavy, which can make it challenging to use for extended periods, particularly when cutting above shoulder height. If you want something lightweight, check out the GreenWorks 22102.
This cordless hedge trimmer does not feature a rotating handle, but it does have a large padded grip for a comfort, regardless of the cutting angle. It has a secondary handle at the rear of the machine to provide balance and stability. For safety, the Ryobi 40610A has a debris shield at the base of the blade to help protect you from flying off-cuts from vegetation. It also has a hedge sweeper attachment that allows you to easily clear away the debris as you cut, which saves time.
Should you try the Ryobi RY40610A hedge trimmer?
While the Ryobi RY40610A V40 Hedge Trimmer does not offer the same power as electric or gas hedge trimmers and is comparatively heavy, it is suited to light- and medium-duty tasks, has a removable battery pack and is easy to use, making it a useful cordless hedge trimmer. The battery is compatible with other 40 volt Ryobi products, so it's ideal if you already have other Ryobi tools. However, it only comes with one - which means you will have to wait for the battery to recharge if it runs out in the middle of your task.
