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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 146 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
196 of 203 found the following review helpful:
 It is what it is! May 31, 2008
By Churchy25
"Churchy25"
I have used many gas trimmers in the past. When I say many, I mean many. I actually used to own a landscape company where we used commercial grade 2 cycle gas trimmers by Stihl. I am no longer in that business, but still like to have equipment with some power. How anyone uses those trimmers with extension cords is beyond me. I decided I did not want a 2 cycle trimmer, so I turned to a 4 stroke version by Honda and then came across this 36v by Black and Decker. I was skeptical, but seeing how they give you a 30 day free trial, thought why not. Is it as or more powerful as a lot of gas trimmers out there? Yes it is. Is it as powerful as my 2 cycle commercial grade Stihl's I used to use? No it is not, but it is damn close. This thing is clean, environmentally friendly, healthier for me to use and maintenance free. Some low rating reviews are listed here as well, but if you really read them, it's almost like they own Southfork Ranch and trying to trim the property on one charge. Those people should not have purchased something like this to begin with. This product is not made for them. It has a ton of power to trim with ease through the toughest foliage and I can actually do my "average" size yard 2-3 times on one charge. This trimmer is NICE! I would recommend it to anyone with a nominal sized yard. Try it! Disagree with me; send it back with in 30 days and write your review.
198 of 210 found the following review helpful:
 A Problem with this Trimmer... Jul 18, 2008
By M. Crowe
First, let me start off by saying that this is a powerful tool, for a battery operated trimmer. In fact, it is the only .080 dual-line battery operated trimmer that I have ever seen. And, it is powerful enough to cut through almost any kind of overgrowth. However, I did have a problem that caused me to return the trimmer (actually two trimmers since I returned my first trimmer for an exchange and then had to return the replacement trimmer for a refund).
The first trimmer worked just fine for about 15 minutes. I was trimming along a fence, when it suddenly stopped working without any warning. After an overnight battery charge, I tried to use the trimmer again. At that point, it would only beep and the trimmer head would not turn. And, after holding down the trigger for a few seconds, the battery started smoking. Needless to say, I immediately called Amazon and requested a replacement. Amazon Customer Service was very helpful and walked me though the return process. I decided on a replacement rather than a refund, since trimmer (while it was working) was exactly what I had been looking for.
I received my replacement trimmer the very next week. I was very careful with that trimmer and it lasted almost two weeks. During those two weeks, I trimmed using the slowest speed possible. Under those conditions, I did not experience any problems whatsoever. However, at the end of the two weeks when I was trimming along the fence again, the trimmer stopped working. I charged the trimmer battery overnight, but it never worked again. That trimmer went back for a refund.
Both times when the trimmers died, I was trimming at about 1/2 to 3/4 full speed continuously for about 5-10 minutes. It is my impression that Black and Decker did not take into account the amount of current that would flow through the battery if someone used the trimmer like they would a gas trimmer. With both of my trimmers, the battery seems to have completely shorted out (that, or or the trimmer motor burned out). If you use the trimmer at slow speeds or don't continuously use higher speeds, you should be ok. But, if you decide to use the trimmer at higher speeds continuously for any length of time, you may experience a problem. I think Black and Decker should have installed a circuit breaker or fuse between the battery pack and the motor.
25 of 26 found the following review helpful:
The trimmer you've been waiting for! May 29, 2008
By Derrick Peavy
I was skeptical - especially about the price. But in two years, I've been through 3 trimmers, all were either battery or electric cord. Hated them all. I've been waiting a long time for a powerful, battery powered trimmer with a decent run time. Love this trimmer. I used to believe that the only powerful trimmer was gas powered. Not anymore.
I've used it for two summers now. Does the basics perfectly. And even better, it handles ivy, vinca, young bamboo and other vines with ease for as long as 40 minutes! Do you want to trim vines and weeds for longer than that anyway?
The gear drive is far and away better than the drive shaft system found on any other trimmer - gas, battery or electric. Why it took someone so long to do this kind of drive set up is beyond me. Just common sense.
You do need to take advantage of the variable speed trigger to get the most from the battery, and that will take a little practice. When trimming grass and other "easy" stuff, you don't need to run it at full speed.
As with any battery, following instructions and good charging routines goes a long way. When I use the trimmer, I run the battery as far down as I can. Between the front and back yard combined, this can take an hour or more using it intermittently and at variable speeds. Just using it straight, variable speed, about 40 minutes. So, run it down completely, then charge it up completely. It's Ni-Cad, so after a full charge, take it off the charger and let it sit. The day before you plan to use it, top the charge off again. You will get a longer life if you do that.
What I would like to see is a faster battery charge time (lithium would be nice) and less weight overall, but the weight is due to the battery, moving to Lithium would also solve that. Other than that, it's perfect. Highly recommend.
23 of 24 found the following review helpful:
 Very Good - if you are realistic with expectations _UPDATE Oct 16, 2008
By C. Hanburger
I've had this for over a month now. First project was to clear a walkway about 100' long with severe overgrowth (vines, vegetation, tall grass) and this thing shined. It has plenty of power and I was worried about battery life so I knocked everything down and then came back and "cleaned" things up.
Standard use has been on my yard. Just under a half acre, takes me about 20 minutes to trim and I can usually get two yard cutting excursions done with one battery charge...running at full steam a majority of the time.
This unit has plenty of power compared to the 18v trimmer I tried previously and it actually maintains "gas" level power for a good solid 35-40 minutes. I will say it's a big letdown though when the battery does lose it's charge...especially coming from a gas trimmer. (with this you wait, with gas you refill...so you need some patience)
The main drawback so far is the line feed system. I think it works well, but from the factory the spool is over wound. I'd rather have less string on the spool and refill more often than the constant binding from too much string on the spool and having to take the cover off because the line won't feed while tapping the unit. This has been an issue with gas trimmers in the past as well and will just take some experimenting.
The unit is heavy, but no more than a solid built gas unit. If you have trouble holding 15lbs for any amount of time, maybe it's not the unit for you.
Edging is not a problem. I read some reviews before purchasing that said this unit would not function as an edger, but I've got curbs, flowerbeds and a driveway that say otherwise. Just tilt the unit, keep the head behind you as you move down the line and it works just fine.
I do wish an extra battery was more realistically priced, and if you have a larger yard (say an acre with flowerbeds and trees, etc) you'll probably want the extra battery, just in case. If you're like me and have an average sized yard, this will be fine. Re-charging usually takes an overnight period.
Overall, I give this unit four stars. It's tough, reliable, functions smoothly and only has a few minor quirks which I'm sure will be worked out as I get used to owning and operating. If you are like me and just can't mix gas for a 2 cycle motor, get this or pay another $100 ($350 total) and buy a 4cycle trimmer that does it for you. This one seems better for the environment.
and an update...after having this for multiple seasons, I can say that I'm even more impressed with this product. My neighbors are constantly asking to use this, especially when the gas in their trimmers has gone bad from sitting. I also use this to travel to the beach and trim our walkway...no gas smell in the car, compact and easily handles the 200ft of deck. I have had the "battery failed" light blink when trying to recharge immediately after using the trimmer, but after removing, letting the battery cool and then placing on the charger, it works fine and holds a great charge.
I'm a big fan!
32 of 35 found the following review helpful:
36 Volt Trimmer May 05, 2008
By Mike (Seattle, WA)
I've always been a gas trimmer guy due to the power and not having to drag around an extension cord. Cordless trimmers are better for the environment, but the power and run time are challenging. Finally a trimmer that is the best of both worlds! Watch your toes on this one as the 36v has plenty of power. I don't have the biggest yard, but so far I only need to charge it every three uses after using for 30 minutes per run times. The Energy Star approval on the dual charger is another plus. The battery is a little heavy so the weight distribution is something to get used to. Overall this is the closest thing to gas I've seen and totally worth the money!
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