I have used many gas trimmers in the past. When I say many, I mean many. I actually used to own a landscape company where we used commercial grade 2 cycle gas trimmers by Stihl. I am no longer in that business, but still like to have equipment with some power. How anyone uses those trimmers with extension cords is beyond me. I decided I did not want a 2 cycle trimmer, so I turned to a 4 stroke version by Honda and then came across this 36v by Black and Decker. I was skeptical, but seeing how they give you a 30 day free trial, thought why not. Is it as or more powerful as a lot of gas trimmers out there? Yes it is. Is it as powerful as my 2 cycle commercial grade Stihl's I used to use? No it is not, but it is damn close. This thing is clean, environmentally friendly, healthier for me to use and maintenance free. Some low rating reviews are listed here as well, but if you really read them, it's almost like they own Southfork Ranch and trying to trim the property on one charge. Those people should not have purchased something like this to begin with. This product is not made for them. It has a ton of power to trim with ease through the toughest foliage and I can actually do my "average" size yard 2-3 times on one charge. This trimmer is NICE! I would recommend it to anyone with a nominal sized yard. Try it! Disagree with me; send it back with in 30 days and write your review. Black & Decker NST2036 Heavy-Duty 36-Volt Cordless Electric String Trimmer
First, let me start off by saying that this is a powerful tool, for a battery operated trimmer. In fact, it is the only .080 dual-line battery operated trimmer that I have ever seen. And, it is powerful enough to cut through almost any kind of overgrowth. However, I did have a problem that caused me to return the trimmer (actually two trimmers since I returned my first trimmer for an exchange and then had to return the replacement trimmer for a refund).
The first trimmer worked just fine for about 15 minutes. I was trimming along a fence, when it suddenly stopped working without any warning. After an overnight battery charge, I tried to use the trimmer again. At that point, it would only beep and the trimmer head would not turn. And, after holding down the trigger for a few seconds, the battery started smoking. Needless to say, I immediately called Amazon and requested a replacement. Amazon Customer Service was very helpful and walked me though the return process. I decided on a replacement rather than a refund, since trimmer (while it was working) was exactly what I had been looking for.
I received my replacement trimmer the very next week. I was very careful with that trimmer and it lasted almost two weeks. During those two weeks, I trimmed using the slowest speed possible. Under those conditions, I did not experience any problems whatsoever. However, at the end of the two weeks when I was trimming along the fence again, the trimmer stopped working. I charged the trimmer battery overnight, but it never worked again. That trimmer went back for a refund.
Both times when the trimmers died, I was trimming at about 1/2 to 3/4 full speed continuously for about 5-10 minutes. It is my impression that Black and Decker did not take into account the amount of current that would flow through the battery if someone used the trimmer like they would a gas trimmer. With both of my trimmers, the battery seems to have completely shorted out (that, or or the trimmer motor burned out). If you use the trimmer at slow speeds or don't continuously use higher speeds, you should be ok. But, if you decide to use the trimmer at higher speeds continuously for any length of time, you may experience a problem. I think Black and Decker should have installed a circuit breaker or fuse between the battery pack and the motor.
I've always been a gas trimmer guy due to the power and not having to drag around an extension cord. Cordless trimmers are better for the environment, but the power and run time are challenging. Finally a trimmer that is the best of both worlds! Watch your toes on this one as the 36v has plenty of power. I don't have the biggest yard, but so far I only need to charge it every three uses after using for 30 minutes per run times. The Energy Star approval on the dual charger is another plus. The battery is a little heavy so the weight distribution is something to get used to. Overall this is the closest thing to gas I've seen and totally worth the money!
I was skeptical - especially about the price. But in two years, I've been through 3 trimmers, all were either battery or electric cord. Hated them all. I've been waiting a long time for a powerful, battery powered trimmer with a decent run time. Love this trimmer. I used to believe that the only powerful trimmer was gas powered. Not anymore.
I've used it for two summers now. Does the basics perfectly. And even better, it handles ivy, vinca, young bamboo and other vines with ease for as long as 40 minutes! Do you want to trim vines and weeds for longer than that anyway?
The gear drive is far and away better than the drive shaft system found on any other trimmer - gas, battery or electric. Why it took someone so long to do this kind of drive set up is beyond me. Just common sense.
You do need to take advantage of the variable speed trigger to get the most from the battery, and that will take a little practice. When trimming grass and other "easy" stuff, you don't need to run it at full speed.
As with any battery, following instructions and good charging routines goes a long way. When I use the trimmer, I run the battery as far down as I can. Between the front and back yard combined, this can take an hour or more using it intermittently and at variable speeds. Just using it straight, variable speed, about 40 minutes. So, run it down completely, then charge it up completely. It's Ni-Cad, so after a full charge, take it off the charger and let it sit. The day before you plan to use it, top the charge off again. You will get a longer life if you do that.
What I would like to see is a faster battery charge time (lithium would be nice) and less weight overall, but the weight is due to the battery, moving to Lithium would also solve that. Other than that, it's perfect. Highly recommend. - Cordless Lawn Tools - Cordless Weed Eater - Black And Decker - Cordless Weed Whacker'
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