Cordless trimmer wages a cleaner war on weeds
Black & Decker has a new cordless trimmer due out in March, which they claim performs head-to-head with gas trimmers.
The headline on the press release: "Kickin' gas!"
Well, kinda.
The $250 tool's cut rate of 51 square feet per minute out-whacks most gas models, which is a good thing, because its 36-volt NiCad battery only lasts up to 18 minutes after a whole night on the Energy Star-certified charger.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for eliminating backyard emissions.
I won't miss the noise of a gas model, nor will I be nostalgic for the back-straining pull cord (this one starts with a squeeze of the variable speed trigger).
It weighs 11.9 pounds, which is about average for a gas-powered tool. And its telescoping shaft is a nice feature to look for on any trimmer, as it allows you to customize the tool to your height.
Once the weeds reappear out back, I'll give it a try. It makes sense for an urban backyard—the space is small and the gas is scarce—but a corded model works fine for the same reasons.
In the meantime, have a look at B&D's 18-volt Grasshog, the best-selling cordless trimmer on the market.
More:
TOH tips on winning the war on weeds.
Posted by Harry Sawyers | Categories: Power Tools, Yard & Garden | Permalink
(9) Comments
I'm really anxious for a good cordless trimmer that doesn't run on gas, but at 18 minutes this isn't really practical for most medium to large lawns (I don't know how much that other B&D runs because the website won't tell you anything except that it's "plenty"). You'd have to have several spare batteries to constantly attach on as you lose power. And the thing I dislike about the advertised runtime is that with these types of appliances you often lose some speed before that time is up.
That's true about the battery lagging before it dies, with NiCad, as this one is. I wondered if this one would just whip at the weeds for a few passes before sputtering to a halt. We'll see.
One thing I forgot to ask: Has anyone seen a 36V NiCad battery in the past? What tool?
Hilti makes a Rotary hammer (the TE 6-A) that uses a 36V NiCad Battery.
I hate two cycle motors, just can't seem to keep them running. Too bad these cordless models weren't around 10 years ago when I reworked my yard to I wouldn't have to use a trimmer.
I have a Toro rechargable weed whacker whose charge lasts 45 minutes. It's heavy because it's got something akin to a car battery, but it's a beaut. deWalt makes a hammer drill and a 7 1/4 inch circular saw that run off 36v NiCads.
Seems to me B & D should take a look at the DeWalt 36 v Nano Lithium Ion battery for its new trimmer. The run time would be longer and there would be less weight. The charge time is also way less.
Cordless trimmers and edgers are the way to go. They provide much more versatility in maneuvering the tool where you need it to go.
This weekend, I have decided to retire my old trimmer for a new cordless trimmer and edger. I can't wait to get started on my yard with it.
I have had the 12V and (2) 18V grass Hog Trimmers and LOVE the job it does. Yes, you need spare batteries, I have 6 of them. they came from other B & D 18V tools I own. I agree, the 36V model will be a hard sell compared to my 18V version. I'm happy with the trimmers performance and the fact that gas does not get spilled in my half acre.