BLACK+DECKER 20V Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer

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".