Customer Reviews

Black & Decker HT512 22-Inch 3.8 amp Dual Action Electric Hedge Trimmer

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

We were in desperate need of a new hedge trimmer. The blades on our old one (Black & Decker - 5 years) were so dull that it mangled instead of cut and it took a couple of sweeps to get anything done.

There were so many choices that it was hard to decide. We went to a store to check out different models and decided on a B&D Hedge Hog model that Consumer Reports listed as a "recommended buy." But then I came across this model on Amazon and although this one had a 2" shorter blade, it was lighter, cheaper and had more power (3.8 versus 3.2 amp). There was only one review but I decided to take a chance.

After successfully trimming the hedges and some small bushes, I am very happy with the purchase. It easily went through the hedges and even sliced through 3/4" branches. I highly recommend this hedge trimmer - it is a bargain!

I got this to do light trim work around the house. I did require it to be able to handle my JUNIPERUS chinensis 'Hetzii Columnaris' which it did quite well. It cut through an occasional 3/4" without bother. And of course I cut my outdoor extension cord. :-)

I upgraded to this model from an extremely old and cheap B&D hedge trimmer that was falling apart. My, what a difference! This trimmer has much more power, but even less vibration and noise! The dual-action blades are definitely worth the money. The trimmer cuts through branches instead of chewing through them like my old trimmer. What used to take multiple passes now only takes one. With my old trimmer, I never had to worry about messing up the shape of my bush because it would always get stuck if I cut in too deep, but with this trimmer, it goes right through without slowing! The lopsided olive tree in my yard stands as proof. B&D claims that it can cut branches up to 5/8" in diameter, but I wouldn't use it to trim too many of those branches because it seems to struggle as you near 1/2". Since it's more powerful, however, the teeth are also spaced farther apart, making it easier to accidentally lop off a finger. Be very careful. It is also heavier than my old trimmer, but the ease of use more than makes up for it.

I also looked at the B&D hedge hog trimmer, which is longer (24") but heavier, less powerful, and more expensive. Supposedly the design is supposed to make it easier to control, but I decided to get this one because of the price. If you will be using your hedge trimmer a lot it might be worthwhile to go to a local Home Depot to see if you like the feel of the hedge hog better. Home Depot carries the hedge hog and a similar model to this one, so you can compare them side-by-side. I'll still be using my cordless trimmer the most for small jobs because of its convenience, but I'll be counting on this one to tackle thicker bushes that the cordless trimmer can't handle.

Edit 5/14/2011: Somebody commented that the weights on the Amazon description page are confusing. My scale shows that the trimmer is 5.55 lbs, so I assume that the advertised 5.79 lbs is the correct weight. By the way, I still enjoy using this trimmer. I do wish it could be a little quieter, but I'm probably asking too much for a power tool.

This tool works very well and it is my favorite gardening power tool.

Pros:
Easy to clean
Durable. It can take abuse.
Quieter than Gas powered.
Lighter than batter powered Hedging tools. Batteries can be as heavy as the tool.
Dual Action cutting
Very powerful motor.
Sharp cutting blades
Very Affordable
Safety lock

Cons:
The shield should be wider because those branches can be like projectiles. Not a big deal though.

Summary:
This is the best tool for trimming hedges. Just don't forget to buy an appropriate extension cord.

Had let my hedges get way overgrown-----went to use my B&D 24" hedgehog---would not cut---kept binding up----I think this happened because i took them to someone to sharpen but the put it back together wrong. Needed new trimmer---had several gift certificates. Found this it with a smaller cut but larger electric motor. Product delivered quickly and it cut thru my hedges like butter. found 22" cut not much different from 24" cut----maybe a bit easier to handle. Overall a great product hope it lasts.

There are many great reviews for this trimmer along with some poor ones. I used the favorable reviews in my decision to purchase this trimmer and am glad I did.

It simply works great for typical shrub trimming. It even worked well trimming some evergreen trees with fairly thick branches. Goes through light to medium stuff easily. Have to watch the cord though...

Nice balance and seem to be able to take on some of the larger branches. Good sculpting tool, not too heavy, but the electrical cord must be watched at all times.

Bought this to replace a 20-30 year old 13 inch B&D trimmer that was on it's last leg. No complaints here as it is much more powerful & cuts thicker branches on woody bushes. The longer blade is a huge plus. Should have bought one a long time ago.

Plenty of power. A pleasure again to trim my long hedge, getting it done in much less time than with my old dull one. Although having the cord is a slight hazzle, I still prefer it to having the cordless, which I perceive as wearing out sooner, and the gas-powered, which most likely would give me starting problems.

After 20+ years my previous Black & Decker hedge trimmer was not cutting it anymore - so to speak. Based upon the reviews, got this one. It cuts great. The longer 22-inch blade helps reach those hard to get spots. Only downside is that this is a heavy trimmer. Although never recommended, we all have to make one handed cuts now and then, and the extra heft of this trimmer shows. Other than that its a good deal for the price.