Black & Decker GH700 5.2 amp 14-Inch Grass Hog Electric Trimmer/Edger

by Black & Decker

Product Features

• Five Amp motor delivers 7,800 rpm and a wide, 14-inch cutting swath for effective trimming
• Unique spool system uses centrifugal force to automatically feed out more line when you need it
• Head rotates 180 degrees for quick switches from trimming to edging
• Weighs just 5.9 pounds and offers soft, adjustable grips for easy handling
• Backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 46.1 inches ; 7.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0012FW438
• Item model number: GH700
• Average Customer Review: 1.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (50 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,029 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden)
  • #28 in Patio, Lawn & Garden > Mowers & Outdoor Power > Outdoor Power Tools > Hedge Trimmers

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

A broad 14-inch cutting swath and a powerful five Amp electric motor help the Black & Decker Grass Hog GH700 Electric String Trimmer and Edger make edging, trimming, and weed eating easy tasks to handle. It features a Groom'N'Edge head that can be rotated 180-degrees for quick switches between cutting and edging tasks along with Black & Decker's Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) system, which uses centrifugal force to dispense more line whenever you need it for added predictability and dependability--no bumping required. Also offering the simplicity of electric startups and weighing in at just 5.9 pounds, it's a machine that is incredibly easy to handle, and you won't have to contend with the strain that repeated pull starts and heavier tools can put on your body. Other convenient design elements include a flip-down edge guide, four-position height adjustment, and an adjustable auxiliary handle for a customizable experience and improved comfort. Additionally, corded power means your work is never brought to a standstill by a dead battery or an empty gas tank, and a patented cord-lock system prevents accidental extension cord disconnections while you work. This tool is backed by a limited 2-year warranty.

Product Description

Includes 14-in GRASS HOG Trimmer-Edger - GH700

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Has the power, but Automatic Line Feed Problematic, June 3, 2008

By 

A Reader (New Yok) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black & Decker GH700 5.2 amp 14-Inch Grass Hog Electric Trimmer/Edger (Lawn & Patio)

Wow. First review on this model. Here goes:

Pros:

- Powerful. It can take down tall grasses and weeds with ease.

- 5.2 Amps means you can use most 100' extension cords.

- Comfortable to hold and easily adjusted.

- Converts to edger with a flip of the head.

- If you're careful enough, the cord does not get in the way.

- Inexpensive!

- Quiet (Compared to a gas model...)

Cons:

- The AFS line feeder is sensitive and problematic.

- The 14" wide swath is more like 10-12" most of the time.

- Motor is located near the head which makes balancing a bit harder.

- Motor near head means you should be very careful in wet environments.

- Motor vents get clogged quickly -- it is near the cutting head.

- Noisier than you might think! (Almost but not quite as noisy as a circular saw).

While the manufacturer states that the AFS Automatic Dual-Feed Spool is better because there is "No Bumping Required", in practice I found that the centrifugal force does not feeds the line as well as it should. B&D's website has a troubleshooter for this issue (under FAQs), but in my experience it is a bit much to ask to wind the line extremely straight and even so that it should feed properly - especially that even after following directions I only got a 10-12" swath most of the time.

It seems that this is the main issue with these B&D trimmers, as both the GH600 and GH1000 models (the GH1000 is rated at the top of Consumer Reports (tm) Electric Trimmer list and a Best Buy) have these complaints by users posted in the Amazon Reviews.

It would seem that in the GH700 model the manufacturer would have corrected the problem but after using it there is still more to correct.

As to the motor being near the cutting head, I found that shredded grass gets into the vents and need to be cleaned regularly.

Finally, if you are over 6' tall you may find yourself bending down more than you are comfortable with.

Overall:

For the price of $50 I think it is worth a try. If you can deal with the line mis-feed issue and only a 10-12" cutting swath, you have yourself a powerful and relatively carefree tool.

TIP: As with any high RPM hand tool, Wear Anti-Vibration gloves or wrap foam around the grip handle if you use it more than 10 minutes. I felt my arm for the next 24 hours...

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Frustrating, October 23, 2008

By 

radiosatx (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black & Decker GH700 5.2 amp 14-Inch Grass Hog Electric Trimmer/Edger (Lawn & Patio)

Loved the original "single feed" Hedgehog. The "twin feed" is a disaster. I spent almost as much time fiddling with the "automatic" feed as I do trimming. Line continuously jammed up motor. After 6 months, it died. I won't be buying another. Extremely poorly designed spooling. Not recommended.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 2010 models do not have line feed poblems, June 11, 2010

By 

A. Ijaz "ski0001" (Maryland, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Black & Decker GH700 5.2 amp 14-Inch Grass Hog Electric Trimmer/Edger (Lawn & Patio)

It seems that the reviews here are for the older version of this product. I think B&D has had hundreds of returns or warranty claims and have now fixed the AFS line feed system. I have used for a month now and no issues at all. I wind my own spools without issue. Also, I suggest not buying on-line as it is more complicated to return....buy from local orange home center for the same price and if it doesn't work, return it with ease.