I have spent most of my life with dirt under my fingernails and a pair of shears in my hands. If you are a gardener, you know the name Spear & Jackson. They have been making steel tools for over 260 years. In fact, my grandfather still has a spade from them that looks as good as the day he bought it. But as we move through 2026, the world of gardening is changing. We are moving away from the smell of petrol and the mess of long, tangled power cords.
Today, I want to talk to you about how a brand as old as time has successfully stepped into the future. Spear & Jackson cordless garden tools have become a staple in my shed. They offer a quiet, clean way to keep a garden looking sharp without losing that “Sheffield Steel” toughness we all love. If you are thinking about making the switch to battery power, let me share my personal experiences and expertise with this range.
Why Cordless is the Way to Go in 2026
For years, I stuck with my old petrol mower. It was loud, heavy, and a pain to start every spring. When I finally tried the Spear & Jackson cordless lineup, I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders—literally.
In 2026, these tools are built for the “prosumer.” That is a fancy word for people like us who want professional results but do not want to lug around industrial machinery. The batteries are light, the motors are quiet, and you can start your work with the push of a button. No more pulling cords or mixing oil and fuel. It is better for your ears, your back, and the planet.
2. A Look at the Core Lineup
The Spear & Jackson ecosystem is broad. Most people find these tools at places like Argos or Amazon, making them very easy to get. Here is a breakdown of the tools I use most often and what makes them stand out.
The Flagship Mowers (36V and 40V)
The heart of any garden is the lawn. In 2026, the 40V cordless rotary mowers are the stars of the show. I use a model with a 42cm cutting width. What I love most is that it usually comes with two batteries.
My Pro Tip: These mowers often feature a “Fast Charger.” While I am out cutting the grass with one battery, the other is on the dock. By the time I finish the front lawn, the second battery is ready for the back. It makes the work seamless. Plus, many models still include a rear roller. If you want those classic British stripes on your lawn, this is the way to get them without a heavy petrol engine.
The 18V Grass Trimmers (Strimmers)
Precision is what makes a garden look cared for. I use the 18V grass trimmer for my edges. It is incredibly light—usually under 3kg. The best part? The telescopic shaft. I am quite tall, and being able to adjust the length means I am not hunched over. My back feels much better after a long afternoon of edging than it used to.
Hedge Trimmers and Pole Pruners
If you have tall hedges like I do, you know how scary a ladder can be. The 18V pole pruner is a game-changer. It gives me a reach of up to 4 meters. I can stay safely on the ground while trimming the tops of my shrubs. The dual-action blades on the standard hedge trimmers also provide a much cleaner cut, which helps the plants stay healthy and prevents “browning” at the tips.
3. Understanding the Battery Secret
One thing I learned early on is that not all batteries are the same. Spear & Jackson uses two main platforms: 18V and 40V.
The 18V System
This is for your handheld work. It is perfect for leaf blowers and small trimmers. These batteries are small and swap out in seconds. If you have a small garden or a balcony with some pots, this is all the power you will ever need.
The 40V Powerhouse
For the heavy lifting—like mowing thick, wet grass—you need the 40V system. In 2026, many of these kits use 4.0Ah batteries. In my experience, this gives you about 30 to 40 minutes of solid cutting time. That is plenty of time to finish a medium-sized lawn in one go.
Caring for Your Investment
To make these tools last as long as a traditional steel spade, you have to treat the batteries well.
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Keep them cool: Don’t leave your batteries in a hot shed in the middle of summer.
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Winter Storage: When the growing season ends, I bring my batteries inside. I keep them at about 50% charge in a dry cupboard. This stops the cells from “dying” over the winter.
4. Which Tool Fits Your Garden?
I often get asked which tool someone should buy first. It really depends on the size of your “green kingdom.”
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Small Yards: Stick to the 18V range. The tools are easy to store in a small cupboard and very easy to carry.
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Medium Lawns: Go for the 36V or 40V mowers. Look for a model with a larger grass collection bag (around 45L). It saves you from walking back and forth to the bin every five minutes.
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Tall Trees: The Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer is a must. It is the best way to keep your perimeter looking neat without a risky balancing act.
5. Spear & Jackson Specs at a Glance (2026)
| Tool Category | Voltage | Top Feature | Best For |
| Rotary Mower | 40V | 6 Height Settings | Lawns up to 400m² |
| Grass Trimmer | 18V | Flower Guard | Borders & Edges |
| Hedge Trimmer | 18V/36V | Dual-Action Blades | Formal Hedges |
| Pole Pruner | 18V | 4m Reach | Tall Shrubs |
6. Real Talk: My Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swap batteries with other brands?
This is a tricky one. Many Spear & Jackson tools are made in partnership with larger groups like GGP. While some batteries look the same, I always suggest sticking to the official S&J parts. Using a different battery might void that 3-year warranty you get with the tool.
How long does it take to charge?
In 2026, most “Fast Chargers” take about an hour. If you use the standard charger that comes in the cheaper kits, it might take 3 to 5 hours. If you have a lot of work to do, I highly recommend buying a spare battery. Having one on the charger while you work is the best way to avoid frustration.
Are the mowers hard to push?
Most S&J cordless mowers are not self-propelled. At first, I was worried about this. However, because they are made of lightweight materials, they are much easier to push than my old metal petrol mower. Unless you have a very steep hill, you won’t miss the self-drive feature.
Where do I get spare parts?
This is why I trust a heritage brand. You can find replacement blades and spools easily. I usually check Argos Support or online sites like Tooled-Up. They almost always have what I need in stock.
Final Thoughts: Heritage Meets the Future
Spear & Jackson has done something amazing. They have taken 260 years of history and packed it into a battery. When I use these tools, I still feel that sense of quality that comes with the brand name, but I don’t miss the noise or the fumes.