Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very nice product., June 27, 2003
I have been using this trimmer for about six weeks and I'm happy with it. I had an inexpensive electric trimmer, but I wanted freedom from cords. At first I considered buying a gas trimmer until I realized that was ridiculous since I'd be using it to trim a property less than one-quarter acre. I also didn't like the fact that the gas trimmers all had wide cutting paths. That is an advantage only if you are cutting grass rather than just trimming grass around a wall, shrub, flower bed, pole etc. A comparably powered trimmer with a larger cutting path isn't going to trim grass any faster since you're really only using the tip of the line to cut the grass. This trimmer has a smaller cut path so you can trim in and around tight areas, and do so without accidentally cutting something you don't want cut (like flowers). I think the power of this model is very good but according to Consumer Report, some cordless trimmers aren't as powerful as electric models. If you are a power freak you probably will want a gas trimmer.Black and Decker makes another cordless model (Grass Hog) with a 12" cutting path. Frankly, I think this (9-inch) model is a better choice because it operates at a higher rpm. That means the tip of the line is moving at a higher speed. Taking into account the circumference of a 12" and 9" circle as well as the rpm of both models (6,800 for the 12" and 11,800 for the 9"), I calculated the "tip speed" of this model at 316 mph while the 12" cordless model is only 243mph. Although I haven't used the 12" model I assume this one cuts better for that reason. It also performs nicely as a light edger. Switching from trimming to edging takes just seconds. It's really a great feature. It's so convenient having an edger at hand that I edge much more than I used to. One thing I don't like about the trimmer is the auto feed system. I don't like not being able to feed new line whenever I want. New line is fed only when the existing line has been considerably shortened from use. Also, when the line frays and splits (as it often does) you either have to wait until the auto feed kicks in or trim the line with scissors. I carry a small pair with me and occasionally cut the line when it gets frayed. You can probably also use nail clippers. Cordless trimmers are heavier than electric models and some of the lighter gas models. They are better balanced (than electrics) though and more comfortable to use in that respect. The weight is near your hands as opposed to being at the front. I find it more comfortable to hold this trimmer than some of the lighter electric models I picked up in the stores. Most of all, what makes this trimmer great is the fact that it's cordless. You just can't beat the convenience. Shop no further, Amazon's price is excellent. I didn't get it any cheaper and I bought mine at a huge retailer who is known for great prices (you know who they are). Pros - cordless!
- well balanced
- smaller cutting path
is advantageous for trimming tight areas
- switches quickly to an edger Cons - Auto feed system
- weight
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31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
4 1/2* Tool's Out for Summer, May 6, 2005
Purpose and General Instructions
This product is very useful if you have a small lawn that overruns its borders (use the edger) or that is too uneven or bumpy to cut effectively with a lawn mower (hence the trimmer). Because it runs on rechargeable internal batteries, you don't have to hook up an extension cord to use it. These tools generally work with a small spool (as on a fishing pole) wound about with plastic cutting line (thicker than fishing line) that whirls around and cuts the lawn. For some reason, many models require that you literally bump the end of the tool on the ground to advance the line as it wears down, but here the line advance automatically as you use it. B & D uses the "auto-feed" as a selling point; however, some people dislike the lack of control over advancing the cutting line.
Assembly
I had no problem putting it together, although the instructions are somewhat unclear because of the accompanying tiny picture. I had to look at the outside of the box to determine where to place the green plastic safety catcher. The catcher itself is a little bit tricky to set up, but after a few tries it went on. This alone should not discourage you from buying the product.
Power
A 12-volt battery initially requires a full 24-hour charge. This did the job, and it took only about an hour to recharge it for subsequent use. The manufacturers suggest that you permanently attach the recharger to a wall, and keep the trimmer/edger mounted on it, recharging, when not in use (There are no memory effects; therefore, you don't have to wait for the power to completely run down before recharging.) Given space limitations, and a reluctance to keep it plugged in at all times, I ignored this suggestion.
Field Test
Unlike other reviewers reporting here, I've had no problems with the "non-bump" autofeed. Since the lawn was fairly overgrown, there were thick clumps for the edger to cut--this load consumes more power. Hence, the tool began to lose substantial power after about 30-40 minutes of heavy use. Edging requires a light touch, and repeated paring back of the overgrown areas. The metal guide is somewhat useful, but it's more effective to look at the results and continue or modify the placement and/or angle of the cutting assembly. As I have used these before, I can attest practice produces better results. Additionally, edging should be easier now that I've trimmed back the worst areas.
The trimmer is much easier to use because you immediately see the results. The trimmer (converted from the edger by rotation-a very easy task) cuts through relatively thick suburban blades, trims ivy, and can go under overhanging roses that a lawnmower can't reach. It also quickly spot-cuts areas that one's lawnmower (I have a non-power reel mower) leaves behind. Overall, it's a better trimmer than edger, but I'm sufficiently satisfied with both functions, especially after clearing away the really overgrown areas.
Safety
The machine won't work without depressing a safety button. This puts a strain on your finger, and you may have to rest it after a few minutes use. There's probably a way to rig this so that the button is always pressed down, but that would ruin any chance of suing the company should anything untoward ever happen.
Disadvantages
The primary disadvantage is the weight of the tool, weight that you hold at a distance from your body, thus creating more of a strain. I found that between my finger holding down the safety and the tool straining my back, I had to take breaks after every 10 minutes or so. There are lighter electric models. Amazon.com used to sell a 9 inch (plenty of width, by the way) corded model by this company which felt substantially lighter, but these have become increasingly more difficult to find. One other disadvantage is the cost of the replacement cutting spools.
Advantages
I find that not having to hook up a long extension cord makes it much more likely that I will use the trimmer/edger. The tool saves much time and effort compared to using manual cutters, and it's cheaper and less polluting than gas-powered ones. If you have a small to medium size house lawn (not a large field), and you have a need for trimming or edging (either for aesthetics or to keep an overgrown lawn from rotting wooden borders around your lawn), and you feel the convenience for weight tradeoff is worth it, then I would recommend buying the trimmer/edger. It seems a bit expensive for what you get; try waiting for a sale if possible. Overall, this has proven itself a handy tool.
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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Don't do it!, April 10, 2004
I would like to update my last review of this machine...After less than a full season using this "toy" I now realize how cheap this thing is. I have spent more time "re-threading" the spool after the string wears down to nothing or more often than not, breaks off, than I have trimming. You only end up with about 3" of string during the lightest of trimming. And now the lower bearing in the motor is worn out. I guess I'll strip the battery out of it and trash the rest.
If you need to trim anything but the LIGHTEST of grasses, this machine is not of any value to you.
And, customer support from Black &Decker is nothing more than a bunch of form letters... and they are automatic and have nothing to do with your queries.
I was poised and ready to purchase their cordless mower, but with the experience I have had (or lack of) with their "customer support" and the quality of this product, I have purchased another brand.
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