Amazon.com Review

Black & Decker's Grass Hog offers the convenience of cordless power without the mess of fuel. Requiring virtually no tune-ups and no fussing with gasoline and oil mixtures, the Grass Hog gives you quiet, reliable, maintenance-free power at the flip of a switch. True, battery power doesn't measure up to the strength of a gas engine, but maybe you don't need all that power (and pollution) anyway.

This trimmer takes just a few minutes to put together, and its durable construction--backed by Black & Decker's two-year warranty--is immediately obvious. With a 12-inch cutting path--the largest of any battery-powered trimmer--the Grass Hog works quickly. It is limited to light-duty cutting of grass and foliage but can handle most homeowners' needs for weekend weed whacking. The straight-shaft design lets you easily reach under decks and stairs, and the adjustable handles offer a comfortable grip. The auto feed spool releases trimmer line as it's needed, with no tapping of the spool head required. The edger feature is easy to engage and does a decent job of cleaning up around paving stones and concrete, although it's not as powerful as gas and corded electric models when cutting extensive edges along walkways and driveways.

Weighing over 10 pounds, the Grass Hog may be a bit heavy for some users, but for small, light-duty jobs, most homeowners should find it to be quite manageable. As with all power equipment, trimmers must be handled with caution. Be sure to wear hand, eye, and foot protection when operating this serious piece of equipment. --Michelle McSweeney ... Read more

Features

• 30 day no-risk satisfaction guarantee and full two-year warranty
• Cordless convenience-requires no gas, oil or tune-ups
• Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) releases line as needed-no bumping required
• Groom'N'Edge button rotates 180-degrees for convert from trimming to edging
• 12-inch cut path-largest of any cordless electric string trimmer, get more done in less time

Reviews (85)

Very good; just a little heavy & runtime is short if edging
This does a good job of trimming and edging. I have used a corded Toro trimmer and I have to say that the cordless convenience more than makes up for the fact that this is quite a bit heavier than the corded models. Run time for trimming is about 30 minutes if not held on constantly. However, the run time when edging is very short, probably about 10-15 minutes. It does a good job edging, but it takes a little longer than a dedicated edger and does not cut quite as deeply or as narrow a swath. But the steel guide makes it fairly easy. I have found you will be pretty worn out because of its weight by the time the battery runs down anyway, so it's time for a break. In about an hour, it will charge back to about 1/4 capacity after being fully drained; 1/2 after about 2 hrs and maybe 2/3 after 3 hours. Then the charging slows down a bit (takes about 12 hrs to get close to capacity. After that, the green light comes on to let you know it is trickle charging the battery.
...

The assembly was straight-forward, just a few screws to attach the guard to the bottom. During operation, it is a little noisy, but I think it helps a bit if you get the screws on tightly enough to keep the guard from rattling. Overall, it can cut well and requires no bumping to release the string. When edging, I did notice that the edger does a better job once a new section of string is released. I think that is because it is a bit longer and can cut deeper into the dirt.

Very convenient tool for suburban trimming.
I have owned my Grass Hog for over a year now...and still love it. It offers the best features of gas-powered and electric trimmers. First, no gas to buy, no oil to mix, no plugs to foul, no noise and vibration and no trying to get the engine started plus no need to fuss with dragging an electric cord around. The battery sits where a gas-powered engine would normally reside -- this balances the trimmer making it easier to use than traditional corded models. The auto-feed system works great and the string is easy to replace. The rotating head makes edging easy.

I have a 3/4 acre corner lot with a fence, a sidewalk around two sides and a great deal of stone edging around trees. I can easily trim the entire yard on one charge. When I hang up the trimmer, it recharges and remains charged until needed again...very cool.

There are a few places where this trimmer may not be well-suited. It does not have the power of high-end gas models. This limits its usefulness in heavy weeds and underbrush. It has plenty of power for the average suburban yard but trimming hay from around horse-farm fences would be about its upper limit. It also would not work for a lawn-care service as it has to recharge for several hours once the battery drains.

For the average suburban lawn, this is the way to go. Mine has never failed to please!

It's been 4 years of good use
Four years have gone by and the motor died. The battery would last about 10 minutes and that's it. I plan on buying the new 18 volt model and will try the other person from Austin recommendation, charge indoors. This trimmer will not do an entire yard at once so if that is your mission look elsewhere. I plan to get the new one because it's emission free. The foul emissions from my borrowed gas trimmer is sickening. The construction design could definitely be better.

It's going back to the store!
I need something that last more then 15 minutes. Black & Decker, you have let me down!

3rd year, still fine
This is an extremely convenient trimmer. Ours still runs about 40 min before needing a recharge, and it feeds perfectly. I refilled the string dispenser last year with no problem. It is a little difficult & awkward to get the battery pack off the handle. It is not really designed for female-sized hands. ... Read more

Amazon.com

What sets this trimmer apart from the pack is its clever AFS line-feed system. It automatically senses when more line is needed and feeds it in fractional increments without bumping through centrifugal force. The spool is surprisingly easy to replace, too. When you’re done trimming, convert the unit to an edger by rotating the Groom 'N' Edge head 180 degrees in just a few seconds.Unlike other trimmers, this one has an auxiliary handle that adjusts to the user’s height. A sturdy guard protects you from flying debris, a good thing because the motor keeps the string moving at 11,800 rpm. The flip-down edge guide makes edging a snap. The 12-volt battery will charge overnight in the wall-mount stand. Relatively light at 10 pounds, it’s a great dual-purpose tool for the homeowner.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Includes 12V 9" trimmer/edger, charger, battery, and wall mount bracket
• Automatic Feed System, no bumping required
• Groom N' Edge head converts from trimming to edging
• Cordless trimmer eliminates the hassle of extension cords
• Adjustable auxiliary handle adjusts to user's height

Reviews (5)

Great Value
I recently purchased this grass trimmer from Amazon.com. I wanted a cordless model so I did not have to bother with gas or lugging a plug around the yard. I received it very quickly and was able to pull it out of the box and have it ready for it's first charge in about 10 minutes.

I used it last night for the first time and was very happy with it. I needed it primarily to remove the grass/weed growth (that that our mower can't reach), that was climbing up the fence separating my and my neighbor's yards as well as the weeds that grow around our garage. It worked perfectly. I had some grass/weeds near the fences that was at least 12 inches in height and it blasted right through it. It never got stuck or jammed. I probably cleared about 150 -200 feet of fence that had grass and weeds climbing up.

I did try to use it on a section of dense pulpy weeds near a corner of our yard where the grass meets concrete. The weeds are very low to the ground and have very thick stems. It did not work so great on these but I think it is due to the thickness and density of the weed growth. I wound up just pulling them up out of the ground (this was even hard to do). But, since I bought it for purposes of removing the grass/growth along the fences on my property, it works wonderfully.

The only drawback is it does get heavy after using for a while, but the helper handle is a great plus. Since I don't need to use it for excessive lengths of time, that is something I can live with. I would recommend this trimmer.

Don't do it!
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.

AFS is a disappointment..
I really like going cordless and gasless with this trimmer, but the "auto feed" system is very poor. Most of the time the user actually only gets about three inches of trimming cord to use. Too bad they don't offer a "bump-feed" system, that would make it a great machine!

I'll keep it ...
I like this trimmer. It's a little heavy on the fore arm if you have 10 minutes or more of trimming to do. It does a very good job of taking care of lighter trimming.

I was hoping it would power through 6 to 8 inch high wet grass that accummulates under the 5 spruces I have - no such luck. It seems to have too much build up of grass on the guard, lack power and trim line strength to do that job. I have been using a 10" with the electric cord and heavier trim line and hope I wouldn't need to use it.

However, the cordless trimmer makes it a lot faster to do the trimming and easier to keep up with the 1/2 acre yard work. So maybe the dense grass problem won't occur.

The verdit is out on the auto feed as it seemed to chew up the .065 trim line very easily especially around tree bases. This makes the operator haver to exercise more care. However, the auto feeder seems to work flawlessly.

I haven't used the edger feature, nor would I as I have a lot of edging to do.

For normal trimming the CST1000 powers its way through. It sure beats lugging 100 to 150 feet of cord around.

One more thing. The unit handle was damaged in shipping. Two plastic mounting posts broke off inside the handle. The handle halfs, while not showing damage, would easily separate. The exterior screws that fasten the two halfs could not hold the halfs together. It appears that the problem is in the Black and Decker box as it does not seem to protect the handle from the weight of the battery.

A very nice product.
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 ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Ever find yourself in a situation where a hand tool is not enough, but a full-size power tool is too much? Black & Decker's cordless grass shear is just what you need for detail work around flower beds, trees, fences, retaining walls--you name it. Modeled along the lines of sheep-shearing clippers, the quiet buzzing of this little machine will give your grass a safe trim without knocking down your prized petunias. We found it to be especially useful in small, delicate, or difficult-to-reach areas, such as around bushes, vines, and ornamental grasses. Note that this model was not designed for large or lengthy jobs: the battery charge lasts only up to 35 minutes, and the 3-inch shearing blades will not cover ground as efficiently as the spinning line of a string trimmer. Although the unit is extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver, it does require that you keep the trigger pressed to engage the blades, which can cause hand fatigue after about 15 minutes of constant use. A safety latch prevents accidental start-up. --Michelle McSweeney ... Read more

Features

• 30 day no-risk satisfaction guarantee and full two-year warranty
• Cordless convenience
• 3-inch machine sharpened blade
• Safety lock off switch
• 3.6 volts-will trim up to 35 minutes on a single charge

Reviews (14)

You get what you pay for.
I can't say that this is the best grass shear made.
When fully charged, it will run for about 30-45
minutes before the charge is lost. It takes quite
a long time to charge this baby up.

The quality on the handheld unit it pretty good. The
long-handle accessory is just fine also. I don't like
the way they both connector together. Seems like it could
be trouble over time.

We have a yard that is close to 3/4 of an acre, with lots
of flower beds, trees, and things to trim around. Honestly
this is not the unit for us, but my wife wanted a rechargeable,
and there are not many out there.

It works. It gets the job done if you are patient. But there
could be improvements made.

To get 5 stars, the battery life should be longer, quicker
to recharge, and the connector for the long handle should be
more secure.

Black & Decker Grass Shear
This item is very good if you have a small lawn and want to keep it neatly edged. If you have a large lawn, a string trimmer might be more appropriate, due to the fact that the shear may run out of charge before you are finished, and a string trimmer is a lot faster.

The shear is light enough to handle and does not wiggle around when cutting. The switch is a little hard to turn on but is probably engineered that way for safety. The blades cut the grass cleanly, and if they jam from the grass being too thick, they unjam easily. The blades last longer and cut better if you wipe off the grass sap between uses, and oil them lightly, as the manual instructs.

For a small area where you might ordinarily use hand clippers, this is a great little tool that saves a lot of time and keeps your hand from getting blistered. For me it was well worth the price--a great tool where hand clippers are not enough, but a string trimmer is overkill.

Batteries
I have used the clippers for many years and I want to replace the batteries. I have a GS300 clipper not the GS500 and would like to be able to order batteries to replace the ones that no longer will take a charge. How may I order new bateries for the GS300 grass clipper? Thank you, WL Bourgeois

good tool
All it needs is to recognize flowers from the weeds.

Great things in small packages
I had one that was lost in a house fire some years ago,and I havn't had another one since,until the other day I thought about B&D grass shears how convenent they was!so here I am getting my secound one,I'm glad they still make them. I have grass that grows under the stairs on my deck they would work great on that,since you can't get to it with a mower or string trimmer! ... Read more

Features

• 30 day no-risk satisfaction guarantee and full two-year warranty
• Cordless convenience
• 6-inch machine sharpened blade
• Safety lock off switch
• 6-volt battery-will cut up to 250 square feet per charge

Reviews (11)

Cordless Electric Shrub Pruner
We purchased this item recently for our large yard. We have a wide array of shrubs and ground covers. The shrubber did an excellent job shaping overgrown shrubs and trimming woody rosemary ground cover. It worked equally well removing spent flowerheads from perenials. The shrubber is lightweight yet powerfull and was easy to manuver and control even on hilly locations and hard to reach corners. The lock off switch that assures that the power is off is an important safety feature. We are purchasing a second "Black & Decker Shrubber" so my husband and I don't have to fight over the one we already have. Speeds up pruning and avoids sore hands and wrists from too much manual trimming. Great gardening tool--highly recommended!

Shrubbers and plants come in different sizes...
If you have bought one of these items and don't like it, that's probably why. You have to buy tools based on the type of job and outcome expectations. Your job requires a larger size trimmer.

I'm a big fan of Black & Decker. They've been making affordable and quality products for decades. The 6" cordless shrubber I just bought is no exception. However, you need to buy tools that fit the job. No tool does everything. That said, this shrubber is good for small plants, ground covers, and shrubs with thin stems and branches. I've used it on Azaleas, miniature Gardenias, English Ivy, and other assorted small stem shrubs. On a few of my shrubs, the stalk is a bit big for the tool I bought, so it gets stuck and you have to pull out the stem or branch. But applied correctly, it works well and holds a charge for longer than I expected.

good for branches up to 1/8" thick, not good on grass
It is just not good on grass even though photos on the box show use in
that situation -- doesn't slice but rather chomps through the area and
just will not cut through grass. So, the long handled attachment
accessory with wheels (for trimming and edging) is not useful. The
long handled attachment also is not balanced so even though you have
more reach for taller bushes or areas closer to the ground, you have
to torque both wrists to swing the trimmer around.

However on shrubbery, it shaves well. Think of how you use a hair
trimmer - that is how it trims bushes and shrubs.

It's lightweight and not intimidating as a gas powered model -- my
wife can use it without feeling scared.

Good for the Size
After having used my parents' 2 foot shrubber, and not knowing much about shrubbers, I purchased this one thinking a rechargeable one would beat their plug-in variety. While the cordlessness is a great feature and the thing has an impressive life, I was surprised by the size of this thing. I guess I should've paid more attention to the 6-inch blade description rather than the rechargeable feature. It works great for small shrubs here and there, but for a 7 foot tall bush in the back yard, it is simply adequate. So just be sure you buy the right sized blade. Otherwise, I highly recommend this.

Lovely little machine
I admit that I don't generally like things with large whirring, sharp blades, but this little guy is light weight, handles well to cut only those plants that need cutting, unlike my very indescriminate weed whacker.

I didn't find the switch too stiff. You do have to put an effort into keeping it down, but that is a safety feature - if you slip, or your hand slips, you won't end up with 'shubbered' fingers. If it is too stiff when you get it, just open up the button and either shorten or compress the spring, but don't tape it down!

For two blissful nights I went out and cut down spent poppies, delphiniums and penstemon(with big tough stems), it cut like a hot knife through butter, to the extent that even my sister (who doesn't venture into the garden normally), wanted a go. The battery lasted considerably longer than half an hour.

Unfortunately, my puppy ate the recharger (the puppy is fine, he discovered the delicacy on the floor where I'd dropped it on the way to the tool cupboard)...I am trying to get a replacement but the customer service at Black and Decker is leaving a bit to be desired (the online parts ordering decided my credit card does not exist and keeps asking me to re enter it), so that's where it loses a star! ... Read more

Amazon.com

No gas, no oil, no pull-cord to start, no extension cord to drag. It’s trimming in a perfect world. This Black & Decker cordless string trimmer is compact, super-lightweight, simple to use and quiet. The 12-volt battery carries enough power to trim up the average yard after mowing, and it’s truly so easy to use that you won’t even break a sweat. It’s only 6-1/2 pounds, and maneuverable? Like a dream. Yet it spins the line at 8,500 rpm, enough "oomph" to trim even the most resistant weeds and grasses. An 8-inch cutting path is ideal for the homeowner, too. It uses .065 line, which advances with a light bump. No complicated bells or confusing whistles—-just a basic trimmer that really gets the job done.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 6.5 lb. Lightweight cordless trimmer
• Lock-off switch to prevent accidental start-up
• Includes cordless 8" trimmer, battery, and charger

Reviews (2)

More than a few minutes of trimming time per charge!!
I used this trimmer for the first time last night and it was GREAT!! I trimmed around my entire yard and it was still going strong! No cords or gas/oil mixtures to mess with is GREAT!!
Per the owners manual, you don't have to let the charge go completely "dead" before recharging, unlike some of the other cordless trimmers. When your done just hang it back on the wall bracket/charger(it was included), and it will be ready for the next time. It does need to be charged for 24 hours before the first use, but it was worth the wait!

8-15 minutes run time, 24 hours to charge between uses!
I bought this elsewhere, but it went back to the store unused when I discovered (through calling Black & Decker, as they didn't include this little detail at the store OR in the product manual) that the device requires a minimum of 24 hours of charging between uses!

That wouldn't be a big deal, except it only runs for an advertised 8 to 15 minutes on one charge! I figured, trim, let it charge for a few hours, then trim more if I need to. But I'm not going to build my whole weekend around having enough time to get in an additional trimmer power charge! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

We've always hated to trim hedges, but that might be because wenever had our hands on Black & Decker's new Hedge Hog cordless trimmer.It's light, hungry, and powerful--and did we mention cordless? Its14.4-volt battery will hold a charge for 40 minutes (who really wantsto labor longer than that anyway?) and recharges in three hours. At agood clip, you can cover 1,000 square feet on a single charge. Therubber grips feel good in hand and cut vibration to nearly nothing. Itweighs in at 6 pounds but feels lighter. A nice plus: The battery isinterchangeable with Black and Decker's other Firestorm tools. Thisone's a winner. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Rubber grip surfaces provided comfort and control
• Trims up to 1000 square feet of hedge on a single charge
• Hardened steel, dual-action, 20-inch blades cut smoothly at 2,800 spm
• Runs off 14.4 Volt FireStorm battery (included)
• 7/16-inch cutting capacity is perfect for green growth

Reviews (13)

This is a must buy for landscaping
I am so pleased with the performance of this hedge trimmer. It's very easy to operate, relatively light weight, and very practical. My older brother owns and operates a commercial landscaping company, so I've been exposed to some of the most expensive commercial quality equipment the market offers. I can honestly say that this hedge trimmer works every bit as well as a high dollar gas powered trimmer. I had concerns that the battery life of this product (though very good) was not enough for larger projects. At least in my first effort, I found this not be the case. It worked well and never even hinted at power loss. Add to this the quick charge up of the battery and the attractive appearance, and you've got the perfect tool for your personal landscaping needs. Don't get me wrong, this item will probably not be effective for commercial landscapers. I doubt it would have the battery power for all day usage, but for the gardener of conscience, this little guy provides convenient polution free trimming that's hard to beat.

Roam where you want to...
Black & Decker's "Hog" series are very popular, inexpensive power tools. Some work well, while others are merely average. The CHT500 22" Hedge Hog is definitely the former.

Pros:

1) Exceptionally light. Six pounds, but feels like two.

2) Long cutting bar for the weight.

3) Outstanding balance. The battery's position is perfect. The great balance makes the unit feel lighter than it is.

4) It's cordless! Not worrying about nicking/cutting your power cords as you maneuver around makes a tremendous difference.

5) Good battery life of about forty minutes. If you own any other 14.4 volt B&D products, this is a great addition to the arsenal and you can always use the other tools' batteries in this one. Keep a few charged and you can go for a long while.

6) Maintains cutting power even as the battery drains. The unit will cut to the absolute bitter end.

7) The motor really torques. Plenty of power to tear through shrubbery, even for a battery-powered unit.

8) Very quiet, even for an electric model.

9) Good value for the money.

Cons:

1) Iffy "on" mechanism. You push a spring-loaded switch forward and squeeze a hand-sized trigger at the same time. But the switch catches if the handle is not squeezed fully. A bit awkward and cheap feeling.

2) Hand guard design has some minor issues. It's effective, but despite being translucent it blocks a portion of the view of the cutting bar, while also extending far over the bar. This makes the bar seem shorter than it is. There is a good six inches or more close to the unit's body that you tend to forget about. That's how accidents happen.

3) Feels so light it makes you wonder how durable it is. Only time can tell here.

4) Not always a "one pass" trimmer. Keep in mind that this is a light to medium duty trimmer. While it does work well, you will still have to do a few passes over particularly dense shrubbery.

In summary, I am very happy with the CHT500. It does everything I want and the lack of cord enables me to wander my acreage with impunity, striking fear in the heartwood of bushes therein.

Highly recommended.

Good for the $$
First off I found it to be a great hedge trimmer for the $$ buck. Pretty well made and despite what "one" person wrote in another review it "does" seem to fit all the 14v firestorm tools I found at a leading hardware store.If you don't want to deal with a cord, or another gas powered tool I would BUY it!

False advertising: The American way?
I'm looking for a hedge trimmer to replace my venerable Black & Decker 16" corded electric hedge trimmer. When I saw this B&D cordless hedge trimmer (CHT500) advertised "Removable 14.4v FireStorm battery interchanges with other 14.4v FireStorm products," I thought it would be perfect because I also own a B&D 14.4 volt FireStorm cordless drill. I already have two battery packs for my drill, so three packs would provide ample power to trim my back hedges and bushes in front. I researched the trimmer on B&D's Web site, but it had a number of contradictions. (22" blade and 24" blade advertised on the same page--it has a 22" blade. 14.4v and 18.0v advertised on the same page--it's 14.4v. Maybe that's why I didn't believe it when it listed the PS140 battery under Accessories.) I ordered it from Amazon.com and even with free Super Saver Shipping, it arrived in only three days!

Imagine my irritation (and vocabulary) when I saw the battery was, in fact, nothing like the batteries for my 14.4v FireStorm cordless drill! The trimmer uses a PS140 Type 3 (push-in) and the drill uses an FSB14 (slide-on). They're nothing alike (except for being 14.4v.

The instructions state that the battery is shipped in a run-down condition, not a fully-discharged condition, so it only requires a 3-hour charge. I charged it for three hours, and, Saturday morning, I went outside and fired it up. It cut great! Having no cord is great! Unfortunately, it died after a mere 15 minutes. (Their Web site says its charge lasts 40 minutes.) Well, at least I got one bush done. Too bad I have five more bushes and about ninety feet of honeysuckles to trim. Now you can see why I liked the idea of three battery packs.

I thought that maybe the instructions are wrong and it actually shipped fully-discharged (which requires an 8-hour charge), so I charged it for eight hours. Sunday morning, I went out to tackle the rest of the hedges. I was outside for 45 minutes before it died. If I'm generous, it ran for the advertised 40 minutes, and I was able to do four evergreen bushes and part of an I-don't-know-what-it-is bush, but I had to finish up with my electric trimmer. I still haven't gotten to the honeysuckles.

My wife drove to the local B&D location and returned it. They accepted it without a problem. We'll see how quickly B&D sends me a check.

I've since bought the corded electric 24" Hedge Hog trimmer (HS2400). Read my review of it to see if I can avoid cutting the extension cord...

CHT500 summary:
Cuts well, even 3/8" woody branches.
Sometimes you need multiple passes--as with any trimmer.
I like the design and the balance.
The handles are comfortable and easy to use horizontally and vertically.
Includes a vinyl blade sheath (which the HS2400 does not--why?).
Cuts about twenty feet of 3-foot tall evergreen bushes in a single charge.
If you want more than 40 minutes of runtime, buy an electric trimmer.

Fatal flaw of all Black and Decker 14.4V tools...
Worked pretty good for a cordless hedge trimmer. Maybe not as well as a plug-in trimmer but it's worth it not to have to mess with the cord...
Unfortunately, like all 14.4V Black and Decker tools, once the battery charger goes, the tool is worthless!!!
You cannot get a replacement charger!
In fact the only reason I bought this tool was for the charger to replace the one for my FireStorm tools.

When will Black and Decker/Dwalt wake up and sell just replacement chargers, or even a replacement charger/battery combo??

Until it happens, I'm done with their tools, and their website ... for service too..... ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

While mowing the lawn may never be considered a recreational activity, this rear bag mower from Black & Decker makes the chore as close to fun as it will ever get. With its 24-volt battery, which delivers 5-horsepower gas equivalent at peak torque, this cordless electric mower represents the top of Black & Decker's line of lawn mowing products. During our field tests, this orange powerhouse stood out above other mowers for ease of use and performance. Its versatile operation allowed us to mulch, bag, or expel the debris from its 19-inch cutting path. Switching between the three methods was as easy as removing the catch bag and the mulch plug--easily performed tasks when the mower is not running.

The most obvious difference between the new generation of electric mowers and the heavier gas-powered mowers of yore is the start-up. The ease with which this mower starts is almost stupefying. Simply pull and hold the thin handle lever, then pull the ignition lever, and presto!--the engine is running. To minimize safety risks to young children, a removable safety key must be inserted prior to starting the mower.

Once started, this mower runs like a dream and is much quieter than older gas-powered models. In addition to the lack of noise, vibrations were also dampened by the cushioned handgrips, a feature that makes mowing a much more comfortable experience. Another innovation is the method by which the mower is raised and lowered. Where once it was necessary to adjust each wheel individually, the height of the mowing platform is now controlled by a single squeeze of a single lever, which allows for seven positions from 1-1/2 to 3-1/2 inches. While this mower is much lighter than a gas mower, we did find that this Black & Decker cordless model, weighing in at 76 pounds, is heavier than its corded relatives.

The only disadvantage this machine seems to have is in the power department. While there were no serious problems during our field test, it was necessary to slow down or go back over thicker sections of grass in order to make a completely clean cut. This cordless model also requires a substantial charging time when first out of the box: the manufacturer suggests at least a 16-hour period initially in order to get peak performance and maximum run time. According to Black & Decker, the battery will be 70% energized with four hours of charging. When fully juiced, this mower can be expected to cut between 1/2 and 1/3 of an acre per charge. Though the charge is one aspect that needs to be considered when deciding whether to purchase a corded or a rechargeable mower, we found the added maneuverability of the cordless over the corded model far outweighs the inconvenience of charge times.

When you've finished mowing, the handles fold back, making it easier to store this mower in a tight garage or shed. It comes with a 30-day no-risk satisfaction guarantee and a manufacturer's full two-year warranty. ... Read more

Features

• Convertible mulcher/rear bagger
• Cuts up to 1/2-acre losts on one charge
• One touch height adjustment (1-1/2 to 3-1/2 inches)
• Lifetime 19-inch 3-in-1 deck
• 30 day no-risk satisfaction guarantee and full two-year warranty

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 ... Read more

Features

• Includes trimmer, battery, charger, carry bag, and blade cover
• Weighs 8.1 pounds; measures 78 inches long when assembled; 2-year warranty
• Quiet, clean-running cordless trimmer for hedges and shrubs up to 10 feet tall
• Hardened, machined steel cutting blade with smooth dual action; cuts branches up to 7/16-inch in diameter
• 18-volt NiCad battery runs 50 minutes between charges

Features

• In-Line Power-Head Allows Easy Access and Visability Between Branches
• Unit Disassembles For Easy Storage and Transport, Carry Bag Included is Great for Storage and Transporting to the Worksite
• Center Extension Allows For a Useable Length of 6.5' or 10', Provides Overhead Reach of Up to 14'
• 8" Cutting Bar & Chain Allows for a Maximum Cutting Diameter of 6"
• 18 Volt Nicad Battery Provides Up to 100 Cuts of 1 1/2" Pine Branches Per Charge, 18 Volt Battery-Powered For Hassle Free Trigger Starting

Reviews (1)

Misleading advertisement ! Not 14 foot only 9
While this is a nice saw it is not 14 foot It is only 9 feet. So if you are at least 7 + feet tall, you will get the 14 foot reach, properly using this saw without over extending.
Ideal for low branches 12 foot and under. ... Read more

Features

• One year warranty
• Cordless convenience
• 3-inch machine sharpened blade
• Safety lock off switch
• 3.6 volts-will trim up to 35 minutes on a single charge

Features

• Includes 12V 9" trimmer/edger, charger, battery, and wall mount bracket
• Automatic Feed System, no bumping required
• Groom N' Edge head converts from trimming to edging
• Cordless trimmer eliminates the hassle of extension cords
• Adjustable auxiliary handle adjusts to user's height

Reviews (3)

Small and Mighty
This Lightweight trimmer is easy to carry around, and does an excellent job.
A Charge seems to last forever. I Mow with a push reel mower, and the occasional long bit is left behind. I just follow up with this, and the lawn looks great! It is quiet and easy on the environment too.

underpowered for any real application
I wanted an electric string trimmer because I don't like the noise of a gas powered trimmer. A cordless trimmer appealed to me because I don't have to haul 100 feet of extension cord to use it.

Even though my yard is very small (1/4 acre) and I have nothing but grass to trim along the house and fence, this trimmer was far too under-powered. It simply wouldn't cut grass efficiently. I also found the automatic string feed to be unreliable...I would always end up with about 1 inch of string and I would have to tap it against the ground to try to get it to feed. Also, I found the unit uncomfortable to use - it's poorly balanced due to the heavy battery.

This season I broke down and replaced the cordless trimmer with a small 25cc gas powered unit. It is very noisy, but it gets the job quicker, easier, and better.

Unless you have a complete phobia of gas powered trimmers, I would not recommend this tool.

Great Purchase
I bought the reconditioned trimmer and absolutely love it! Itwas an huge extra bonus saving so much money over a new one. It came in the original box, manual included. Spankin' clean and works fantastic! A little heavy to lift, but so well balanced that when you use it, the weight is not a problem. Very quiet also. ... Read more

Features

• One year warranty
• Cordless convenience-requires no gas, oil or tune-ups
• Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) releases line as needed-no bumping required
• Groom'N'Edge button rotates 180-degrees for convert from trimming to edging
• 12-inch cut path-largest of any cordless electric string trimmer, get more done in less time