Compare more options in our Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers (2026) guide.
Updated on September 13, 2026.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
The EGO Power+ HT2601 is a 56V cordless hedge trimmer with a 26-inch dual-action blade, a 1.2-inch maximum cutting capacity, and a five-position rotating rear handle. The kit includes a 2.5Ah ARC Lithium battery and a standard charger.
Our verdict: The HT2601 is best suited to homeowners with long, mature hedges who want a wide cutting capacity and a long blade. The tool itself weighs 6.92 pounds without the battery or blade guard, so the working weight is higher once the battery is installed. Buyers with small shrubs or limited shoulder endurance may prefer a shorter, lighter trimmer.
Is this the right trimmer for you?
Product photo: EGO.EGO HT2601 battery-and-charger kit
Choose it for: long hedge faces and an existing EGO 56V tool collection.
Think twice if: you mainly shape small shrubs or want the lightest possible tool. Battery weight is additional to the listed bare-tool weight.
Kit contents: trimmer, one 56V 2.5Ah battery and standard charger. The HT2600 is a different, tool-only bundle.
Confirm the selected model, included items and current seller before ordering.
Research note: This is a research-based review. I have not personally tested this hedge trimmer. I checked EGO’s current product page, 2026 catalog, owner manual, kit contents, warranty, and comparable models on September 5, 2026.
EGO HT2601 specifications
| Voltage | 56V |
|---|---|
| Blade | 26-inch dual-action, double-sided cutting |
| Maximum cutting capacity | 1.2 inches |
| No-load speed | 3,400 strokes per minute |
| Handle | Five positions, 180-degree rotation |
| Tool weight | 6.92 pounds without battery pack or blade guard |
| Included battery | 2.5Ah ARC Lithium |
| Weather rating | IPX4 when tool and battery are used as a system |
| Warranty | 5 years for the tool; 3 years for the battery |
Specifications come from EGO’s current documentation. Runtime and package contents can vary, so match the model number and included-items list before ordering.
Who should buy the HT2601?
- Good fit: broad or long hedge faces that benefit from a 26-inch blade.
- Good fit: established shrubs with occasional stems beyond the capacity of common 3/4-inch trimmers.
- Good fit: owners of other EGO 56V tools who can share batteries.
- Look elsewhere: compact decorative shrubs and detailed topiary work.
- Look elsewhere: frequent cutting above shoulder height.
- Look elsewhere: woody branches beyond the 1.2-inch stated maximum.
Blade length and 1.2-inch capacity
The 26-inch blade covers more hedge with each pass than 22- or 24-inch models. That reach can speed work on broad, flat surfaces and help create straighter lines. It also makes the tool less nimble around small shrubs, tight corners, fences, and closely planted beds.
EGO rates the HT2601 for a maximum branch capacity of 1.2 inches. That is unusually wide for a residential hedge trimmer, but it remains an upper limit. Dense, dead, or dry wood can be difficult even when its diameter falls within the stated capacity. Use loppers or a pruning saw for isolated heavy branches rather than forcing the blade.
Runtime with the 2.5Ah battery
EGO advertises up to 60 minutes of runtime with the included 2.5Ah battery. Treat that as a manufacturer benchmark. Hedge density, branch diameter, battery temperature, state of charge, and cutting technique all affect real runtime.
The battery is compatible with EGO’s 56V ARC Lithium platform. Existing EGO owners may be able to use a higher-capacity compatible battery for longer sessions, but a larger pack adds weight. Balance the runtime benefit against the extra load held at the rear of the trimmer.
Rotating handle and working weight
The rear handle rotates through five positions across 180 degrees. This helps keep the wrist in a more natural position while switching between vertical hedge sides and horizontal tops. Lock the handle securely before running the tool and adjust it only with the trimmer stopped.
EGO lists the bare tool at 6.92 pounds without the battery or blade guard. That figure is more useful than an unexplained package weight, but it still understates what you hold during use because the battery must be added. A 26-inch blade also creates leverage at the front of the tool. Take breaks during long sessions and avoid overreaching.
Related buying guides
Brushless motor, gearbox, and weather rating
The HT2601 uses a brushless motor and runs at a single no-load speed of 3,400 strokes per minute. Its gearbox is serviceable, and EGO provides blade-sharpening instructions in the owner manual. Follow those instructions and remove the battery before inspection, cleaning, or maintenance.
The IPX4 rating means the tool-and-battery system is designed to resist splashing water. It does not mean the trimmer is waterproof or suitable for immersion. Avoid trimming in unsafe wet conditions and follow the manual’s storage and operating-temperature guidance.
HT2601 vs HT2501
| Feature | HT2601 | HT2501 |
|---|---|---|
| Blade | 26 inches | 25 inches |
| Capacity | 1.2 inches | 1.25 inches |
| Speed control | Single speed, 3,400 SPM | Two speeds, 2,800/3,200 SPM |
| Bare-tool weight | 6.92 lb | 8.4 lb |
| Manufacturer runtime with 2.5Ah | Up to 60 minutes | Up to 40 minutes |
The HT2601 offers the longer blade, lower bare-tool weight, and higher single cutting speed. The HT2501 offers two speed settings and a slightly wider stated branch capacity. The better choice depends on whether you value weight and reach or speed selection.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 26-inch dual-action blade.
- 1.2-inch maximum cutting capacity.
- Five-position rotating handle.
- Brushless motor and serviceable gearbox.
- Compatible with EGO’s 56V battery platform.
- Five-year tool and three-year battery warranties.
Cons
- Working weight is higher than the 6.92-pound bare-tool figure.
- Long blade is less precise around compact shrubs.
- Single-speed control.
- Large-capacity batteries extend runtime but add weight.
- Manufacturer runtime is conditional, not guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
Does the HT2601 include a battery and charger?
Yes. The HT2601 kit includes a 2.5Ah battery and standard charger. The HT2600 is the tool-only configuration.
How thick a branch can it cut?
EGO lists a 1.2-inch maximum cutting capacity. Use a dedicated pruning tool for branches that are larger, dead, or especially dense.
How long does the battery last?
EGO states up to 60 minutes with the included 2.5Ah pack. Actual runtime varies with the work and conditions.
Can it be used in rain?
The system carries an IPX4 splash-resistance rating, but it is not waterproof. Follow the manual and avoid unsafe wet conditions.
Can the blade be sharpened?
Yes. EGO says sharpening instructions are in the owner manual, and the gearbox is serviceable. Remove the battery before maintenance.
Final recommendation
The EGO HT2601 makes sense for buyers who need a long blade, a wide branch capacity, and the flexibility of EGO’s 56V system. It is especially compelling for existing EGO owners with substantial residential hedges. For smaller shrubs or short trimming sessions, a lighter, shorter model may be easier to control and less tiring.
Sources and review method
Product research was checked September 5, 2026; the buying summary and photos were revised September 13, 2026. We compare current manufacturer specifications, manuals, warranty information, battery compatibility, and nearby models. Products are not personally tested unless a review explicitly says otherwise.
- EGO HT2601 product page
- EGO HT2600/HT2601 owner manual
- EGO hedge trimmer lineup