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28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
It works ... but poorly designed, April 5, 2009
This review is from: Troy-Bilt TB57 12-Inch 20-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Electric Straight-Shaft String Trimmer (Lawn & Patio)
Over the past few years, we've owned a couple weed-wackers/ trimmers - the last being the Black & Decker grasshog battery-powered trimmer. The downsides to the B&D were limited battery life (took me 2 batteries to complete the front and back yard trimming), and the trimmer base which broke within the first year. So, we decided to spend a little more (or twice as much in this case) for the Troy-bilt thinking the lithium-ion battery would fix one of our problems with the last trimmer.
We were right - the battery is much better. And it cuts well. That's it for the good stuff.
On the downside, the shaft is not long enough so I'm bending over while trimming constantly (we did not have this problem with the last 2 trimmers, and I'm only 6' tall). We have not been able to get the auto feed for the trimmer string to work (so we are repeatedly manually feeding the trimmer line). More importantly, the trimmer has a failsafe button - a safety feature, and when pushed, you can squeeze the throttle to run the machine. Not a problem, except for the need to squeeze is more pressure than you may be used to with your existing trimmer. The trimmer also does not have anything special for edging (whereas the B&D had a nice guide to help maintain edging accuracy).
Overall, it took about 15 minutes to assemble and the battery charged overnight. It was effective as a trimmer, but not designed well and not comfortable to use.
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19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Decent battery powered trimmer, May 10, 2009
This review is from: Troy-Bilt TB57 12-Inch 20-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Electric Straight-Shaft String Trimmer (Lawn & Patio)
I bought this trimmer because I was looking for an easier to use replacement for my old gas powered trimmer. I live on a large, corner lot in the city, so I have a lot of trimming to do. (sidewalks, driveway, patio, fence, around flower beds and more)
I wanted to switch to a battery powered trimmer, but I was afraid of running out of juice before the job was done. That is why I chose this 20 volt lithium model, as I had more faith in the extra power and lithium battery. I'm glad I chose this over competing models with 18 volt, ni-cad batteries, as this one barely has enough juice to finish my Saturday trimming needs on one charge, but that's all I need.
Pros:
1) Much lighter and easier to start than a gas powered model
2) Quieter and more environmentaly friendly than gas models
3) Battery is replaceable, unlike a previous reviewer stated
4) Self-feeding trimmer line, unlike my old model's string inserts
5) Other lawn tools available that use same battery
Cons:
1) Length, while adjustable, can cause back strain for taller (6"+) people
2) Self-feed line, at times, requires manual use of release button
3) Haven't seen pre-wound replacement spools yet (must wind my own)
4) Haven't seen other 20 volt tools in stores, yet
5) Kinda pricey, if you don't need the extra power like I do
Bottom line: This trimmer has the power I need to get the job done without the overkill of my old gas-powered trimmer.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
oh my aching hands, May 23, 2009
This review is from: Troy-Bilt TB57 12-Inch 20-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Electric Straight-Shaft String Trimmer (Lawn & Patio)
I purchased a tb57 today, and was impressed with how quickly it can go to work out of the box. In 4 hours the battery was fully charged. Set up was quick and easy....i did not even look at the instructions. Upon testing it became quickly apparent that the unit does not telescope out far enough, requiring me to stoop over to "get er done". Then....after about 15 mins it became painfully apparent that the trigger is way too stiff. My fingers were cramping up....i had to switch hands constantly to allow my fingers to recouperate. After about 45 min i was more exausted than if i had used my heavier gas powered trimmer. The gas trimmer is long enough & makes a clean cut in 1-2 passes.... with the tb57 you must make 5-7 passess while somewhat hunched over to get the same results. Yes it is powerfull enough.....but just barely....so it takes longer to get the job done & with more effort. So.... on one hand you get a hassle free start up....little noise and no smelly fumes....on the other you get a poorly designed unit that will make you work harder than need be & curse the idiots that allowed such a product into the market with obvious flaws. Another positive point is the battery and charger....they seem high quality and work well.....the battery has a button you can push to see how much of a charge is left. After finishing the yard i stll had 3/4 of a charge left, not bad at all. If they made it a bit longer and fine tuned the trigger....this would be a great product worthy of 5 stars....but they rushed it and as a result it works, but kinda sucks....thanks guys at Troy Biilt...YOU BLEW iT !! If you have a small yard...this may work out well for you...but to those with larger areas to maintain i would say you would be better off finding a more suitable alternative.
ADD NOTE - Ok, i want to update this evaluation as i have spent more time with it and i want to clarify a few points. As far as the power goes, it IS strong enough to cut most weeds you will encounter.It just takes a little longer to do it than with a gas trimmer. And it IS great to be able to "grab and go"...i absolutely love the lithium ion battery and charger. It charges relatively quick and holds a rather large charge, giving you roughly 2 hrs use. And it will not develope a memory so you can re-charge at any point. It IS so nice to not have to mess with gas & oil. The TB57 is an instant action accessory that is ready when you are.
The spools are quick and easy to change, although....the spool is smaller than my gas trimmer so i will end up changing the spool more frequently.
I duct taped down the trigger safety eliminating that nuisance, so it is a little easier to use in that regard. The more i use it, the more i like it. I think having two trimemrs is the way to go. A gas one for the spring tough stuff....and an electric one for weekly trimming. Because it is a "hassle free" system, i find myself trimming more often & my lawn looks better for it. in fact, i think i will likely use it today. The TB57 has earned my respect and a place in my arsenal of weed whacking weapons.
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