Features

• Lightweight design makes it easy to use by most everyone
• 12-inch cut path cuts more area per charge than other cordless trimmers
• AFS System uses centrifugal force to automatically advance line
• Two 18-volt NiCad battery packs provide plenty of run-time per charge
• Telescoping shaft adjusts for perfect length

Reviews (9)

Fantastic and easy
I bought this for my father who is approaching 70 years old. It is very light and very easy to use. We have burmada on our lawn. The first time we used it, there was a lot of growth so it took three batteries to finish his lot. I do have to point out that he had very bad technique. After I showed him a better way to do it, it worked more efficiently and now if he or I use it once a week, I may be able to get by with one battery. Because it inverts, I can do 40 feet in about 30 seconds, if you edge frequently and don't have massive growth. Just don't push it too close to anything you are try to get rid of, it slows it down and it doesn't work properly and the line won't come out. It has a 12inch area so remember to utilize that. I've also have edge and trimmed the yard 9 times this summer already and I still haven't used the spool of line yet. With our gas one the work would take about 45 minutes and I would have sore back from the extra weight. Now I complete my work in less than 15 minutes. This has been a pleasure to use.

Absolute Junk.
Hey There -
I just returned mine after only one use. The box says it will cut 1/2 with one charged battery. WHO's 1/2-acre were they cutting?!? Not my lawn, which is less than a 1/2-acre. I had to do half the job one day, recharge both batteries, and finish the job the next day. The spool was out when I'd finished. The box says "Gets The Job Done." It most certainly did not.
I called B&D Customer Service, and they agreed, the battery life is 15 minutes per battery, fully charged (maybe 20 at the most). Is that enough time for YOU to get "the job done"? Not me. I was really excited but it turned out to be a complete bust.

Very decent for basic use
I think this is perfect for someone who really:
1) dislikes the noise and smell of the gas trimmers
2) wants something fairly light
3) does not want a cord to always worry about
4) already has firestorm or B&D 18 volt products (batteries are interchangeable)

I have used all 3 types of trimmers, gas, 120 wired, and this cordless one and I have to say the convenience is great. Instant on with a press of the switch is great. The plastic is a bit cheap feeling but it seems to do the work. I think it could've been much better constructed, but the battery life is pretty impressive and the speed/torque of the trimmer is also pretty impressive on a well grown/groomed lawn. It did have a bit of trouble instantly tackling a thick busy section of grass but after going over it 2-3 passes...it took care of it. This same spot has given me trouble even with the corded 120 volt version from Toro so this was expected. The gas one I had chewed through it easily but that's gas...

I think for light to moderate work, it's fine. If you have thorny and thick undergrowth or even small plants with a fibrous stem, it'll take more work to get down than a gas.

Oh..if you even TRY to 'bump and feed' this unit, you will find the spool falls off VERY easily with a solid thump to the bottom (THAT was a pain in the as* as it flew off and unwound a ton of filament that I had to rewind by hand and figure out how to put it back on!

If you have 18 volt black and decker goods like I do, then you'll REALLY like having the two extra batteries and one extra charger. I have 4 batteries and 2 chargers amongst all the goodies now so I know i'll always have more than enough juice for anything around the house.

I would vote 5 stars, but the plastic has a cheapy feel.

B & D cordless string trimmer
My parents are getting up there and we sibs continually look for the simpliest and easiest yard tools for them to use, rather than hire others to do the things that they still want to do on their own. This trimmer fits the bill; it's easy to use, light-weight, no gas/oil, no electric cords, no bumping.
They love doing their own yard-work. This is certainly much quicker and efficient for them than other methods of trimming that they have used.
It was a great Father's Day gift !!

Light weight and easy to operate.
I am a single senior who just can't manage the gas trimmer any more. So I purchased the Black and Decker grasshog and am amazingly surprised on how easy it is to operate. I had no problem assembling it, it is light and easy to handle. The two batteries lasted for my half acre. If it lasts only two years, it will be worth it. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Don't think you're man or woman enough to handle a piece of power equipment? Fear no more. Black & Decker's bump feed string trimmer is a great buy for even the beginning gardener who needs to whack weeds regularly. Its 3-1/2 amp motor munches medium-to-thick weeds with precision and ease, even when weeds are a tangled web. The 12-inch cutting path and 10,000 rpm get the job done fast. This Black & Decker is easy to maneuver and can be used to trim weeds in some hard-to-reach places where other trimmers fail. It will also challenge thicker weeds, but watch out for vines, which can get tangled up above the cutting spool. To feed the spool, simply tap the trimmer against the ground.

Black & Decker definitely keeps the consumer in mind by providing comfort with an adjustable, textured top handle for firm gripping and maximum control. This string trimmer is not too heavy, either; weighing about 5 pounds, it's a good fit, even for smaller gardeners. You may start to feel a light vibration in your hands after a long trimming job, but it's minimal. This Black & Decker model can be used regularly and doubles as an edger. The Groom 'n' Edge button rotates the trimmer head 180 degrees to convert the trimmer to an edger and back again. In seconds, you can turn the head, and you'll hear the snap when it's in place. An edge guide provides precise trimming and edging around sidewalks and driveways and does a good job of keeping you at a safe distance from rocks or even the side of your deck or house.

This string trimmer, as well as most other electric trimmers, is best suited for small yards that are accessible with extension cords. Because electric trimmers are generally lighter and more comfortable, they are easy to handle. If you're looking to whack unruly weeds on your otherwise well-maintained yard, this electric trimmer is a less-powerful yet long-lasting alternative to more expensive gas-powered trimmers. Be sure to wear hand, eye, and foot protection when operating any trimmer. A 30-day no-risk satisfaction guarantee and full two-year warranty are included. ... Read more

Features

• 30 day no-risk satisfaction guarantee and full two-year warranty
• Groom'N'Edge button rotates 180-degrees for convert from trimming to edging
• Edge guide assists for precise trimming and edging
• Textured and adjustable top handle assits for maximum control
• Cord retention prevents accidental disconnection

Reviews (11)

Very Reliable
I've used the Black and Decker ST4000 string trimmer for several years; I have been quite pleased with it except that it doesn't seem to hold up to frequent use. I do only my own yard, so I don't think I've been abusive to it.

B&D in for the sale...not for customer service
B&D will not provide instructions on-line for rewinding the spool. They will only tell you how to buy new spools. Their own spools have a "REWIND LINE" directional arrow...but this is a single line spool and they don't tell you which of the four holes or two anchor notches to use, or the manner in which to secure the line.

Can't call them...they work bankers hours Mon-Fri...useless for the average weekend warrior. I certainly don't do yardwork in the middle of the workday. Nor would my employer appreciate my use of the phone for weed whacking advice.

I am forced to go to the local hardware store and buy a new spool and do the detective work myself. This seems a bit selfish of B&D. ..withholding the information just so they can sell new spools.

Also, after three uses, the string guard broke off. Now, there is nothing to keep the proper distance from walls, shrubs, trees, etc. So the string breaks faster. But at least B&D will sell you a new spool!

Recommendation: tell B&D to post a manual on-line, and give honest information to customers. Otherwise, I'll spend the extra money to buy a brand that cares about customer service more than the upsell.

Bad Plastic
Just about everthing on this item that is plastic has cracked and broken. I do not mistreat my tools and am disappointed with the quality of this item

B%D TRIMMER
Buyers should be aware this trimmer requires a cord. You will need to buy a long extention cord for this. Has no battery. Once you buy the cord at your local hardware store and try it, the trimmer does work fairly well for light work.

gift
this was a gift so i cannot say one way or another how this product is. ... 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

Looking for power and convenience? Here are both. Black & Decker's Grass Hog automatic feed string trimmer/edger is a great buy for the gardener who needs to whack weeds regularly. Its powerful 4.2 amp motor provides superior trimming of heavy weeds, grass, and overgrowth. You can use this trimmer to whack the most unruly weeds or to simply maintain and trim long grass and sparse dandelions. The 12-inch cutting path and 10,000 rpm get the job done fast. No wonder it's called the Grass Hog! This Black & Decker is easy to maneuver and can be used to trim weeds in hard-to-reach places where other trimmers fail. It will also challenge thicker weeds, but watch out for vines, which can get tangled up above the cutting spool.

Black & Decker definitely keeps the consumer in mind by offering convenience and comfort while trimming. Perhaps the best feature of this trimmer is its auto-feed string: you'll never need to bump the trimmer head while trimming to get more string (though you may need to refill the string more often). An adjustable, textured top handle provides firm gripping and maximum control. Weighing about 6 pounds, this string trimmer is not too heavy, even for longer jobs. We like that the vibration in your hands after a long trimming job is minimal and that this trimmer doubles as an edger. The Groom 'N' Edge button rotates the trimmer head 180 degrees to convert the trimmer to an edger and back again. In seconds, you can turn the head, and you'll hear the snap when it's in place. An edge guide provides precise trimming and edging around sidewalks and driveways and does a good job of keeping you at a safe distance from rocks or even the side of your deck or house. The cord retention system prevents accidental cord disconnection, which is especially useful when you're hard at work in the yard and the cord is extended.

This string trimmer, as well as most other electric trimmers, is best suited for small yards that are accessible with an extension cord. Because electric trimmers are generally lighter and more comfortable, they are easy to handle. If you're looking to whack unruly weeds on your otherwise well-maintained yard, this electric trimmer is a less-powerful yet sufficient alternative to more expensive gas-powered trimmers. Be sure to wear hand, eye, and foot protection when operating any trimmer. A 30 day no-risk satisfaction guarantee and full two-year warranty are included. ... Read more

Features

• Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) releases line as needed-no bumping required
• Powerful 4.3 amp motor for superior trimming performance in heavy weeds and grass
• Groom'N'Edge button rotates 180-degrees for convert from trimming to edging
• Edge guide for precise trimming and edging
• 30 day no-risk satisfaction guarantee and full two-year warranty

Reviews (30)

This is G-R-E-A-T
This is GREAT. I started off when they had the bump feed and now this is my second trimmer with the AFS. It is terrific for ladies as it is very lightweight. It has an adjustable handle which makes trimming the sides of ditches easy. I cut several yards per week and and the fact it is so lightweight enables me to accomplish these tasks. I have tried larger trimmers (gas & battery-type) but they were so heavy I could not accomplish my tasks. B&D, please never try to improve on this product. I just bought the 14" because it was all that I could find in my local hardware store, but I am going to return it and purchase this 12" once again; the 14" was too heavy for me and the handle is not adjustable. Thanks B&D

Great Value, just what I needed
I have a relatively small yard and decided to use a manual (non powered ,click clack type) reel lawnmower this year. The reel just can't get close to the fence, trees etc. Since I don't like to keep a can of gas around I opted for the Grass Hog, corded version. The automatic line feed feature really appealed to me. My first used today was seamless, I never had to check the line. Its very powerful, light enough and does a excellent job trimming what the other mower can't. For the price you can't beat it, and it had a two year warranty. The only reason I did not give it five stars was that the assembly directions were somewhat confusing.

Cheap plastic ...don't buy it.
We purchased the unit 2 or 3 years ago and while the autofeed is a nice feature, the downfall is that it is built so cheaply, that the plastic hardware that houses the spool has already fallen off, apparently because the plastic-metal junction on the shaft melted the plastic. We have a small yard and are not using the unit commercially. As of this morning...It is no longer functional, and I am going to think twice about purchasing another black and decker weed whip.

Holds up well with little maintenance, but no handle
We have had this trimmer for about 3 years now and it has stood the test of time pretty well with the exception of the handle breaking off in the first year. I will probably go cordless on the next purchase as dragging a cord around in a pain, but have been satisfied with results. I really like the 180 degree edging option.

Great trimmer but............
As stated else where, the metal trim cutter broke off at the 3rd season of use. This is a vital part and brakes very easy. Can't recommend this trimmer unless you only need something temporally. ... 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 (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