28 May 2025
DCM563PB-XJ 18V
Hedge Trimmer
The Why!
I decided I needed to replace my corded hedge trimmer for two reasons;
- I would quite often turn up at a customers and they weren't in and I had nowhere to plug it in and
- I may have accidently cut through the cable with the hedge trimmer, well who hasn't at least once?
Once again I decided to give this hedge trimmer a go as I already had DeWalt kit and have been satisfied with most of it to date and I've already invested in the brand and batteries, so was a bit of a no brainer really.
As usual I looked online and at DeWalt's own site as well as Amazon and read the reviews. Most were positive so thought I'd give it a go.
So what's in the cardboard box
It came in the well packed DeWalt cardboard box.
On opening the box there was the usual amount of paperwork and the hedge trimmer. I'd ordered the naked version, this is supplied without a storage box or batteries. As I already have a few batteries this wasn't a priority for me.
Excluding the battery it weighs 2kg
The hedge trimmer comes with a protector over the blades which is excellent. It protects the blades from becoming damaged while being stored or travelling in the back of the van, it also prevents the blades snagging on anything in the van.
Using it
So once you've put the battery in and taken off the guard there is a knack to starting it, nothing too complicated or difficult. I've read some reviews and I sometimes wonder what people expect, these devices are there to prevent the hedge trimmer from accidently being started. I've never had any issues and I've had this one since 2019.
To operate the hedge trimmer you need to engage two switches, this is very common on this type of garden equipment. The hoop near the front is what is commonly known as the Deadman's switch, you close this and then pull the trigger, there is a little guard on this that you need to flick out the way to close the switch, see photo.
The blade is 55cm long, but be aware the last 3cm or so has no blade so if you are cutting into a deep hedge this sometimes drags or snags. The cutting capacity is stated on DeWalt's site as 19mm but I think this is optimistic for a battery powered hedge trimmer, to be honest I think most corded ones would struggle with that diameter but would depend on how dense the branch is. Don't get me wrong it will 'nibble' it's way through this but personally I would use a lopper on that diameter as I wouldn't want to stress the trimmer or cut battery time.
I have had this 6 years now and find it copes with the jobs I need it to and will last well if used sensibly. I find it cuts well and leaves a nice finish.
After I have completed a job I disconnect the battery, replace the guard and regularly give the blades a clean and lubricate with chainsaw oil, wiping excess off.
One thing I would say is that the motor can, after a while feel a little loud, so as well as wearing eye protection throw on some ear defenders. DeWalt list this as producing 98 decibels.
Conclusion
I think this is a great bit of kit for its size. It has always performed well and has never given me any issues.
In my opinion, well worth the purchase.
- Would I buy it again, yes, absolutely.
- Convenient and light.
- Switches can be awkward for some users.
- Wear eye and ear protection
- Cuts well and nice finish
Link to my YouTube Review
Link to Product Details on Amazon
My Review of DeWalt DCV501LN
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