For years we have suffered to cut our hedges of which is 3 meters high (over 7 meters in length and 1.30 M width). Our ordeal is over; This hedge trimmer works wonders: the assembly is easier and you get to reach a height of 1,90m + your waist, with a battery life of 50 minutes minimum, the battery charging is effected in about 40 minutes. For very large hedges and a respectable height, size of the flat top, however, requires the use of a ladder if you will get a perfect result; One downside: the tool is a little heavy in very high position, especially for a woman, and asks stops to allow the arms to rest. Overall, my husband is happy with this purchase: he cut in 2 days 2/3 of hedges and shrubs (Pittosporum, sauce laurel, myrtle, cypress ...), work that typically require twice time. The more compelling was picking up cut branches and carry them to the recycling center.