BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer, 18-Inch (LPHT120)

This is a great tool for high cutting (avoiding ladders) and low cutting (avoiding bending over) while saving gobs of time and producing superior, more uniform results. As with any electric tool, there is no messing with gasoline and there is the joy of instant starts, minimal noise, and minimal fumes.This trimmer allows one to trim shrubbery up to perhaps eight feet above shoulder level if cutting on the vertical and perhaps four feet above shoulder level if cutting on the horizontal. Cutting with broad sweeping motions rapidly produces cuts results more uniform and attractive than can be achieved with a manual clipper. The trimmer cuts through 3/8" to 1/2" branches most often on the first encounter or, if not on the first encounter, then fairly fast thereafter with an attritional sawing action. The trimmer also easily slices through (rather than jams on) metal plant labels and label stakes. Among the things this trimmer does well that one might not normally think of: 1/ reaching deep into beds as an alternative to wading in and risking ticks and 2/ trimming at ground level so one does not have to bend over - for example, the trimming back of miscanthus grass in the spring.Battery life is always an issue with cord-free tools. Working overhead, one is likely to tire out well before the battery runs down. Once the battery runs down, the trimmer pretty much stops working with little warning- not great but an improvement over older generation batteries where the tool would weaken and weaken as one compensated and struggled on. Working below shoulder level the battery lasts perhaps 10-20 minutes, enough for 30 to 40 feet of hedging. It is perhaps worth noting that the 20 volt trimmer battery is the same battery as used for a whole series of Black and Decker garden tools. As one buys more of the Black and Decker tools, the batteries mount up - - having seven such batteries, I always wear out first. Speaking of Black and Decker garden tools, they offer a very nice chain saw that comes with extension segments -- although it looks as though the chain saw extender segments have the same design and should fit the hedge trimmer, Black and Decker seems to have been a step ahead on this one having clearly designed the socket connectors to prevent this apparent "misuse".

I'm a B&D fan since I fall in the light to medium use range so B&D tools provide the quality & durability that I need at a reasonable price to fit my budget. I have many B&D tools plus several 20V max batteries so decided to get this battery hedge pole trimmer without the battery just the tool.I have several tall, large shrubs that are in the 8-10ft height range. I trim these shrubs 1-2 times a year. I was tired of using a ladder to trim these shrubs the taller they get as I'm an older female and ladders are risky plus a safety concern, so after reviewing various options decided to once again go with B&D as this pole trimmer was in my budget plus I already have several 20v max batteries that I could use.This pole trimmer is sturdy and easy to use. Not a lot of vibration felt through the pole. Also, not overly noisy.Assembly was quick and easy as you just snap together the trimmer and pole sections and tighten the locking collar.I like that it has various angles that can be set to meet all trimming angles.However, I agree with other reviews that it is top heavy when using it over head especially near its maximum height. A strap would really help balance it better. Since its top heavy I found that my arms tired easily as i don't have a lot of upper arm strength, so had to take breaks every so often during the process of trimming my 12 large shrubs. Also I found that several times I've had to re-tighten the locking collar that secures the trimmer to the pole which loosened a couple of times during use.I like that this trimmer was able to smoothly cut thru most thicker woody branches that were close to 1/2" better than my Craftsman electric 14" trimmer.The pole also comes with a section that is wrapped in foam that makes it comfortable to hold.I did find that in tight areas its cumbersome to use due to length. My shrubs are planted along the front wall of my house with only 1-3ft of clearance space between the shrubs and wall so maneuvering the trimmer was a bit cumbersome, due to space constraints when trimming the back side of these shrubs but not a deal breaker for me.Overall, I'm happy with this hedge pole trimmer's quality, price, sturdiness and durability.

My yard has invasive bushes and ivies and grapevine and such. It is overgrown and a real pain to get and keep under control. I already have a Black and Decker hedge trimmer that I use on bushes. Works well. But I needed something that would allow me to cut down weeds and squirrel plantings near the ground. This is perfect for that.The handle is long. As a short woman, if the handle is in the upright position, it reaches my shoulder (I'm 5'2). But I don't think you would use it in that position on the ground anyway.It is a little unwieldy, but I think that is to be expected for this type of tool due to the length. But that length allows you to reach up high and also allows you to go deep into weeds and still keep your distance from any snakes or such that could be there. I felt much safer using this than reaching into the weeds to clip things.I am a 60 something, unathletic woman and I was able to use this. It is a little weighty but not terrible. I could definitely feel it in my arms and shoulders, but not for long. I was also able to reach up in some bushes and whack at some top growth. I would say it has a good balance to it as far as the weight goes.I gave out before the battery did. It was hot and I had to quit. I will do more work tomorrow. I was impressed that the battery lasted. When I plugged it up to recharge it, it didn't take long at all which makes me think I hadn't used much of the battery up. (Initial charging took a little while).This is much faster than using hand clippers and works better for all the overgrowth I have.I am really glad I got it and am very happy with it.