Yard Tool Review: Black & Decker 20-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Just as my electric hedge trimmer finished slicing through yet another 100' extension cord I knew it was time to bite the bullet and try cordless. As I began my search for a good battery powered trimmer I made a list of a few criteria that were important to me.

Criteria:

1. Power - I'm not exactly hacking my way through uncharted jungles but I do expect my tools to handle any home project that I throw at it.

2. Lightweight - The benefit of being a cordless tool is being able to take it anywhere. If that's the case it better be easy to carry and use.

3. Lithium-Ion battery - I chose Lithium-ion since it could retain its charge 5x longer than Nicd versions and weighed over 1 pound less than the Nicd ones!

4. Interchangeable - Product must belong to a line offering other tools to add to my collection. eg. weed trimmer, blower, chainsaw, etc.

Review:

I decided the Black and Decker 20-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer "Hedgehog" met all of my criteria and did so for the best value.

My first and toughest challenge that I put it through was a 6' high x 5' deep x 83' long hedge along the side of my yard. The Hedgehog handled it like a dream. Most of the shrubs have branches about 3/8" thick and the trimmer never hesitated as it sliced its way through them.

The lightweight body was well balanced along the upper handle and the oversized lever to keep it engaged was easy to keep pressed even when hitting the more awkward one handed angles.

Also by going with Black & Decker's Lithium-Ion line I shaved off over 1 pound from the competitors models.  5.4 pounds with battery installed!

So far I am very glad to have gone cordless and wonder why I didn't make the move earlier.

What's in the Box:

LHT120 22-inch cordless hedge trimmer
20-volt battery
20-volt smart battery charger