Customer Reviews:
A Problem with this Trimmer... July 18, 2008 6 out of 6 found this review helpful
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.
Great Trimmer - Replacement Battery Costs Too Much July 5, 2008 5 out of 6 found this review helpful
This trimmer was bought solely for my use (well-aged female); the men use one of three gas-powered trimmers. I wanted a trimmer easy enough for me to use totally by myself and I use it around my flower beds that I want trimmed more often than the rest of the yard (acreage).
Weight - heavy enough that I'm glad it has a shoulder harness but not so heavy that I can't use it.
Vibration - the gas trimmers vibrate too much for me to use. I don't notice any vibration with this trimmer.
Shaft length - My brother is over 6' tall and he, unfortunately, has no trouble with the length.
Power - we get about 40 minutes of good operation, right up to the end. I've just ordered a second battery, guaranteeing that I run out of energy before it does.
Edger - It's not as good as our gas-powered trimmers at cutting a sharp edge.
Problem - The men keep using it because it's easier than getting out their gas models and adding gas and oil and cranking it up.
I wish it came with a wall hanger and had a battery that didn't have to be totally discharged before recharging. I also see no reason for a replacement battery costing $115 (which I couldn't find cheaper anywhere else).
Weedeater not quite full power June 29, 2008 2 out of 4 found this review helpful
Black & Decker Heavy-Duty 36-Volt Cordless Electric String Trimmer #NST2036
The battery does not hold charge long enough to weedeat around the house. 15 minutes just not enough charge to make this worthwhile. Anyone over 5'9" would have trouble with the shaft being too short for comfortable use. Black and Decker have nice concept but didn't follow through on the product.
WOWZA! June 27, 2008 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Bought this for hubby since our yard is >1 acre. Trims up all that the mower can't possibly get. LOVE the feature (our reason for purchasing this) of ELECTRIC start. As we "age", pulling a cord to start lawn equipment is next to impossible. Make sure you purchase EXTRA spools with your order AND if you can, spring for the EXTRA battery. We did not do the latter and wish we had. Hope to buy the spare one in the near future!
Fume Free! June 24, 2008 4 out of 4 found this review helpful
When gas hit $4 a gallon I decided to go electric or battery on everything I could. The B&D 36-volt trimmer more than met my expectations. I love the variable speed trigger. There are many times when you really don't want to use full power. The balance and weight of the trimmer was ideal. As far as battery life, I was just able to complete my trimming (about 3/4 acre) in 30 minutes before the battery power ran out. After about 30 minutes of trimming I'm tired anyway. The unit is very powerful and cut through all the weeds I had to deal with. For those that need more than 30-40 minutes of trimming in one day I would recommend an additional battery. The string fed great and I found that I really didn't have to advance it that much. With my old gas trimmer I always had string issues and anything over 30 minutes I would run out of fuel anyway. It's such a joy not having to breathe in the fumes of a gas trimmer and hearing the noise it created. Overall I'm very satisfied with my purchase and would do so again. As far as cleaning, I'm not sure if you can hose the unit off with water or just take a wet rag and wipe it. I had a few people stop me and ask me about it since it does have a cool sound and look. If you're on the fence get this one. I'm very picky but found very little fault with this trimmer.
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