Black & Decker NPT318 18-Volt Cordless Electric Pole Hedge Trimmer

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Product Description

Amazon.com Review
This quiet, clean-running cordless tool is ideal for anyone who needs to clip tall, awkwardly-sited, or hard-to-reach hedges and shrubs. It effectively trims to a height of ten feet, thanks to two interlocking components that form an extended pole shape. The hardened, machined steel 18-inch cutting blade is exceptionally durable and features dual action to minimize vibration and increase user comfort. The 180-degree pivoting head adjusts to five different positions for hedges both high and low and effectively trims branches up to 7/16-inch in diameter. A powerful 18-volt NiCad battery provides 2400 revolutions per minute and runs the trimmer for up to 50 minutes between charges, as well as starting up effortlessly with the press of a trigger. (A locking switch enhances safety by preventing accidental starts.) Without a cumbersome electrical cord to drag around, even big jobs feel easier, and there are never any oil, gas, or tune-ups needed.

The unit assembles and disassembles in seconds using locking collars to join the power end to the cutting head. A carry bag allows for easy transport and storage at home or to professional worksites. Also included are a battery charger and blade cover for increased storage safety. This trimmer is covered by a two-year warranty in addition to a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. It weighs just over eight pounds and measures 78 inches long when put together. --Mary Park

Product Description
Usable length of 6.5', provides reach of up to 10'. 180 degree pivoting head locks into 5 positions for cutting high and low growing hedges. 18" dual-action cutting blade with 7/16" gap for smooth, comfortable trimming of hedges and shrubs. 18-volt batter y-powered for hassle free trigger starting. Unit disassembles for easy storage and transport. Carry bag included. SPECIFICATIONS: 18-Volts, 2,400 RPM, up to 10" range, 78" overall length, 7/16" branch size. 8.1 lb. tool weight.

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 8.1 x 45.2 inches ; 16 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 15.6 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.
• Note: Gift-wrapping is not available for this item.
• ASIN: B0007NP05U
• Item model number: NPT318
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (83 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #186 in Home Improvement (See Bestsellers in Home Improvement)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Useful machine for strong users, July 12, 2005

By	M. S. Davenport - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

That may seem like an odd title for a review on a Hedge trimmer but if you've read the review by "Frank" you'll understand. The NPT318 is an amazing machine.
I have the worst kind of hedges -tall 6-9feet, difficult to reach because of cramped space/sloping ground and encroaching citrus trees. The hedges are mainly bougainvillea which has awful thorns. The citrus have thorns too.It is hot and the hedges are overgrown because of record winter rains.In addition , I am not particularly strong. So, this is a good test situation.
Yes this machine is difficult to operate at full reach horizontaly, but the alternatives are worse. I have used a 2-cycle hedge trimmer - a viscious ,noisy ,stinky beast. It is heavier! I bought my Dad a 240volt (yes off the mains for use in U.K.) German pole hedge trimmer. It is more powerful but just as unwieldy .In addition you have the power cord to deal with.
I found the run time ideal - it still had plenty of charge after 45 minutes attacking the bougainvillea.By then I needed a rest anyway. I charged it during lunch and then attacked some more hedge. Some of this required me to use it at full stretch - I am 6ft with long arms +the pole -yes these are monster hedges. The machine worked perfectly. The alternative is wobbling on a step ladder ,juggling a power cord and trying to avoid the thorns. So far I've done all my hedges and the neighbor's without a scratch. It is far too hot to wear a shirt and using my old B&D with a power cord+ step ladder I would look like someone from a crucifiction scene in the movies by now. The combination of citrus and bougainvillea is bloody!
My suggestins to B&D to improve the NPT 318 are:
1.Increase the voltage from 18v to 24v. This will increase the run-time/decrease motor weight/increase power.
2.Make the battery and charger interchangeable with other B&D equipment.
3. Use lighter-weight metals(magnesium alloy?) for the blade and pole. The weight of the battery isn't a problem because of it's location on the handle.
4. Consider offering an extending pole like Remington use on their pole chain saws.
5. Design the NPT 318 so you can use it without the pole - like a conventional cordless hedge trimmer.
6. When Black & Decker have a prototype they can test it on my bougainvillea !:-)

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pleasantly surprised.., January 8, 2006

By	Dallas Electronics Fan (Dallas,TX.) - See all my reviews

When I needed a pole trimmer, the reviews in Amazon convinced me to give this one a try. First time out I used it for about 30 minutes (combined sustained operation). The battery held up admirably with no sign of losing power. It trimmed through everything up to about 1/3 of an inch without a problem. 1/2 an inch and above slowed it down and stalled it on several occasions. I bought this with the knowledge that this isn't a gas powered unit or heavy duty electric model with that kind of performance. My high trimming is mostly ligt duty and a good match for what this trimmer is capable of. It can be a little unwieldly but if you can operate a gas powered or heavy duty electric weed eater, this won't be a problem. I have other battery powered tools and usually get two to three years of light duty service before the battery stops holding a charge. I'd guess similar service from this. Replacement batteries are about 50 dollars. Note that you should store batteries inside or in an otherwise climate controlled environment (above +/- 60 degrees F). It's very quiet relative to another electric trimmer I own. In summation, if you need the reach of a pole trimmer for light duty and short duration trimming (+/- 20 minutes in my estimation), I can recommend this one.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nothing is perfect, September 12, 2005

By	D. White (Berkeley, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I used to have a B&D 22 inch trimmer that was loud, heavy and I hated it. When it died I wanted a pole trimmer because I saw some pros using a gas model. But they are several hundred bucks. I don't like B&D and as a rule do not consider their products because I was told they use bushings and no bearings and I think are designed to throw away when they die. The negative reviews concerned me but I held my nose and ordered it anyway. I am happy to say that I love it. It is quiet, cuts well, works like it is supposed to, etc. The battery and motor are strong and I can handle my Eugenia hedge no problem with power to spare. It is 7 feet H, 6-7 feet wide and 75 feet long. I suspect I like it because I am 6-3 200 lbs and I have no problem swinging it around. I have 36 inch long arms and have to stretch them out to balance the middle of the stalk while sumultaneously holding down the pistol trigger. So if you are Big Foot go for it! ...If on the other hand you are slight and would have trouble handling a pick-axe for example...maybe hire someone else to do your hedge.