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

by Black & Decker

Product Features

• Designed for trimming shrubs and hedges with a height of 10 feet
• Pre-hardened, machined steel, 18-inch, dual action cutting blade won't create excessive vibration
• Battery supplies 2,400 RPM and up to 50 minutes of performance on each charge
• Dimensions: 8.2 x 8.1 x 45.2 inches (WxHxD); weighs 8.1 pounds; 2-year warranty
• Comes with one 18-volt pole trimmer, one 18-volt battery, one 18-volt battery charger, carrying bag, and blade sheath

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 8.1 x 45.2 inches ; 17.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 16 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: B0007NP05U
• Item model number: NPT318
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (118 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #192 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden)

  #2 in

  Patio, Lawn & Garden > Mowers & Outdoor Power > Outdoor Power Tools > Hedge Trimmers

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 battery-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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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 71 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)

This review is from: Black & Decker NPT318 18-Volt Cordless Electric Pole Hedge Trimmer (Lawn & Patio)

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 !:-)

31 of 31 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

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Black & Decker NPT318 18-Volt Cordless Electric Pole Hedge Trimmer (Lawn & Patio)

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.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A Lot Shorter than Advertised!, March 5, 2006

By	Thomas J. Migliore (Closter NJ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Black & Decker NPT318 18-Volt Cordless Electric Pole Hedge Trimmer (Lawn & Patio)

After dropping $250 a year into having a landscaper trim my hemlocks (12 feet high-which is the only thing he does, I do all the rest anyway) I thought it made sense to buy my own hedge trimmer that was capable of long reaches. I spotted this unit for $129.00 in Lowes last year, but this year they don't have it. It turns out on Amazon it is cheaper anyway. My disspointment is the overall length. It is clearly marked on the box that the unit is 10 ft end to end, when in reality it is only about 6'5". I fiddled with it for 20 minutes figuring it must extend. I called B&D customer service and the nice girl on the phone explained "they didn't do a good job of describing the machine, it's 10 feet when you extend your arms". I gotta tell you - I'm 6'6" and even so there's no way my arms extend 3.5 feet.

I think based on the reviews this machine will still work OK - but buyer beware - it doesn't have the reach that is clearly labeled on the box.