WORX WG261 20V Cordless Hedge Trimmer: features, specs and who it suits

The WORX WG261 is a cordless hedge trimmer with a 22-inch cutting reach. It runs on a 20V PowerShare battery, which is included along with a charger. It is made for shaping garden hedges and shrubs without dragging a cord behind you.

Cutting length and what it means in the garden

A 22-inch (about 56 cm) blade is a middle length. WORX says it is long enough for flat tops and long, even sides, and still nimble enough to get around corners. In general, longer blades cover more hedge per pass but are heavier and harder to control, and shorter ones are easier for detail work.

Dual-action blades

The blades are described as dual-action hardened steel. In dual-action designs, both blades move, which typically reduces vibration compared with a single moving blade. WORX says the blades cut once and then catch the branch again on the way back. The blade gap is ¾ inch, which sets the thickness of branch the blades can take. Heavier branches generally need loppers or a pruning saw instead.

Handle, weight and vibration

A D-grip front handle lets you hold the trimmer at different angles. WORX says this helps with lifting it overhead for the tops of tall hedges, or holding it low for undergrowth. The grips use an overmold construction, which WORX says dissipates vibration.

The listing gives the item's weight as 5.5 lb in the specifications and 5.3 lb in the description. In either case it is a light tool of roughly 2.5 kg, and weight matters most during longer sessions or overhead work.

Battery and the PowerShare system

The package comes with a 2.0Ah, 20V Max lithium PowerShare battery and a charger. WORX says the same battery powers more than 75 tools across its 20V, 40V and 80V ranges. Amp-hours (Ah) describe battery capacity: a higher number typically means longer running time between charges. Runtime also depends on how thick and dense the hedge is.

Who it suits

It suits owners of small to medium gardens who want a lightweight, cordless tool for regular trimming. It also fits people who already own PowerShare tools and want to share a battery.

What to check before you buy

• Hedge size and type: compare your hedges with the 22-inch reach and the ¾-inch blade gap.
• Battery runtime: a 2.0Ah battery may be limited for large jobs; check whether you need a spare.
• Overhead work: hold times can be tiring, so consider the tool's weight against your own comfort.
• Compatibility: if you own other WORX batteries, check the manual to see which fit.
• Upkeep: check how to clean and oil the blades and how to put the tool away.
• Safe use: follow the manual on protective gear and on blade handling.

The short version

• A 22-inch cordless hedge trimmer from WORX, model WG261.
• Dual-action hardened steel blades with a ¾-inch gap.
• D-grip handle and overmolded grips designed to reduce vibration.
• Includes a 2.0Ah, 20V PowerShare battery and charger.
• Weighs about 5.5 lb (roughly 2.5 kg).

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