BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 20V MAX Lithium Easy Feed String Trimmer/Edger with 2 batteries and sweeper + hedge trimmer

I am surprisingly pleased by this weed whacker/trimmer! Despite all the positive reviews, I just couldn't shake the notion that a battery-powered tool like this would be underpowered, or run out of batteries quickly.I am very happy to report that the positive reviews are right! This is VERY powerful and was able to handle very thick weeds, tall overgrown grass, and also delicate grass. I was also impressed by the edging -- it went very quickly!We already own a gas-powered trimmer, but it took all my arm strength to just hold the thing... I had no muscles left to aim it! This is so lightweight and relatively quiet. I'm thrilled that now I can trim around the garden and walkways when I need to, instead of nagging my husband.I purchased the set with 2 batteries which I definitely recommend. They last a very decent amount of time (about 15-20 mins for me before it starts slowing down) so having 2 saves it from being a frustrating experience. I also like that the manual specifically and explicitly states that you can leave the battery on the charger with no ill effects, and encourages you to charge it frequently rather than letting it drain down. It's much more convenient.In summary, two thumbs up!

Solid 5-stars on this one. This weed whacker is hands down the best I've ever owned.Battery/ies DO come with it.Fairly solid construction - it's got plenty of plastic pieces, but they aren't too flimsy or easily breakable.Battery power and life are excellent. I've got a small to medium-sized yard with a fence around it, and one battery takes care of it all. Just in case it were to run out, the second battery (which comes with, if you choose that option) is on the charger.There are two battery "modes" - power and battery life - and they do exactly what they sound like. Power mode gives you more cutting power (at the expense of battery life) and battery life gives you longer cutting time (at the expense of cutting power). I've found that the vast majority of my weekly weed whacking needs are taken care of using the battery life mode. You can quickly and easily switch between the two modes if you need a little more oomph.Battery runs about 20-30 mins (of actual cutting) on the power saving mode, a bit less on power mode. If you find you need more run time or power, you can always upgrade to higher capacity Black+Decker universal battery (available at hardware stores, Amazon, etc).As for the string/cut wire, there are easily-replaceable pre-loaded heads that simply click into place. From what I've read in other reviews, there are ways you can string it yourself with whatever string you like. Personally, I'll stick with the pre-wounds - I'm 3 weeks into this product and still using the first pre-loaded cartridge that came with it. Plus you can get a three-pack of replacements on Amazon here for about $9 (product number is AF-100-3ZP).The product description doesn't say this unit has an auto-feed feature, and says it has a button on the handle that releases more string; the button sure does work, but I've found that the unit seems to be auto-feeding itself most of the time too. I've rarely had to to "tell it" to let out more line. It's been quite convenient and thus far hasn't tangled or anything.Additionally, the unit can be extended to make it taller/shorter. You just twist the lock, shorten or lengthen as-needed, and twist the lock back into place. Very quick and simple.There is a "safety" on the handle that you need to hold down with the side of your thumb before you can pull the trigger. It's very conveniently placed and doesn't make it hard to use.My only minor complaint with this unit is the handle (the one mid-way down, not the one with the trigger). It functions just fine, but it's got "lock" points (to set the angle how you like it) that occasionally come loose. It has to be set to one of these three lock points and sometimes, if you've been using it awhile, it'll vibrate out of the lock and slip to the next one. Takes all of about 2 seconds to set it right again, so it's certainly not a deal breaker, just a little annoying when it happens.

Using gas powered for 18yrs, it got old along with me. Money not an issue for $100 or $200 but high recommendations this one persuaded.Chose two smaller batterie lighter weight/balance. Normal home, 100x120' with lawns and lots of bordering plants and grass edges.This electric powered has about half the power AND WEIGHT of gas and although less power no problem just slow down on the tall weeds and edge grass. On toughest parts high weeds switched to high power and battery held up to finish.This light weight more than makes up for slower me and cutting AND self feeding nylon never needed manual button. Note one nylon string cutter rather than two BUT rpm plenty fast to compensate.Maybe more expensive has power and cutting advantages, this one more than sufficient for our regular lot size single family dwelling!

Enjoy the lightness of this string trimmer.Long lasting cutting cord and easy string advancementfrom the pistol grip.Works on 12" weeds for about 15mins,then 20voltbattery gets slower&slows to stop in 31 minutes.Other batterys at higher capacity and less expensiveare on Amazon... I didn't want to whack for extended time anyway.JB

I purchased this trimmer to replace a 13 year-old corded Black&Decker electric corded unit. I bought the model with the two batteries and used it for the first time about a week after receiving it. I paid around $100 for it. First, I have to say that the cordless feature added more convenience and versatility than I expected. I was so used to dragging around the cord I thought it was no bid deal. I am REALLY glad to have it gone. This trimmer is also pretty quiet and I appreciate that. However, I miss the power of the corded trimmer though. My yard has St. Augustine and the corded trimmer could cut through it with ease. This model takes a couple of passes to cut through everything. Finally, the batteries did not really last for very long. I used both batteries to do my relatively small yard and walkway. Between the two of them I got it done, but it was close and I was disappointed they did not last longer. Time will tell how long the line spool lasts. In summary, this is a good, but not perfect product.

I liked the way it handled, it was light, the wheel very helpful for edging but the negative ended up outweighing the positive. I found that the machine seemed a bit underpowered. I did only use it on speed 1 and then reason was because the batteries don't last that long. With edging I got 12 minutes on one battery and 10 on the other. That would not even do down my driveway and along the road. I cant imagine how bad it would be on 2, maybe 8 and 6 ? the other problem is that the battery charger is tiny and it takes for ever to charge the battery when it dies. Another issue, as we know, all of these batteries degrade with time, again, what would I be getting for time next year ?Sad to say, not worth it for me and did not suit my needs. Good if you have a tiny yard.

I can't praise this enough.Pros:lightweightPowerfulEasy to useGreat battery lifeCon: I wish it would extend a few inches moreThis is the easiest to use weed whacker I've ever had. I have a pretty big property on a corner lot. It takes me about 2hrs to do the lawn, 30mins if using this. 1 battery gets me the entire yard done. If I need to clear out some thick weeds in the ditch, I may use the 2nd battery but I've never used both batteries completely.The batteries charge pretty fast. I'd guess 2hrs ish.Perfect for anyone unless you have over 2 acre maybe.

I was a little leary of the autofeed feature, but it works perfectly. The handle is easily adjusted and works for my wife at 5' 1" and myself at 6'. Coming with two batteries is a bonus, but trimming my large yard doesn't go through one. After years of using both a regular corded trimmer and dragging the cord around and going through two cheaper gas trimmers (neither lasted a year) this black and decker is perfect.

My husband and I have purchased many trimmers over the last 40 years, and I believe this is the best one we have ever owned. The battery lasted longer than any other we ever owned.....we purchased a couple of back up batteries, so we are never needing to stop what we are doing to wait for a recharge. It is light weight and so easy to handle. I purchased for myself because the one my husband had was too heavy, but now he uses mine all the time. He loves it. Great product.

Very light weight and works great. The only problem is the battery. The battery usually last about 6-8 minutes. I have a extras battery so I keep both fully charged at all times, so I can switch the battery when I've dies. 5/5 if the battery wasn't garbage.

Love this thing. It's quiet, don't have to worry about gas, its super light and the line already spooled is awesome. Only thing is that it came with 2 batteries which I'm glad and is great, but I only get about 10 mins out of the one battery. Other then that, this is perfect for smaller yards and love the easy switch to the edger.

Bought it toward the end of the season and only used it a couple of times but I'm already convinced it's going to be a pleasure to use.. Nice and light and having two batteries means I'll never have to quit before the job is done.

Personally this is a very well made trimmer . The battery life is not that good tho. If you get the 2 battery pack you might be able to do your yard. Also it is a little bit heavy on the one side. Using this has caused my muscle in my bicep to spasm. I would recommend someone with a lot of muscle tone to use it other then that it's a very well made product

I've been using black and Decker battery powered weed whackers for 15 years very happy. More than enough battery to complete my city lot twice before charging

The easy feed line was more like automatic because when you push the feed button the head stop turning;I suggest to use low speed because the line coming out will be shorter and the spool will last longer.

Works like a charm. Easy to manipulate and well balanced. The battery is good for at least 35 to 45 minutes (at speed 1), which is enough to do the whole job.

Nice weedwacker, however wish the battery was stronger for more power( 2 or 4 amp ). The wheel does a fantastic edging job. Overall good value for the money paid. Will it last as long as the corded one I also have - time will tell!

I did my entire small backyard (at most 5-10 minutes of continuous runtime) and only needed one of the (small) included batteries. It wasn't dead when I finished. Mostly long grass and weeds. Satisfied! Feels like solid construction and extends long enough for me at 6'1".

Easy to use, light and the battery lasts me a while. I don't have a huge yard but got this because of the 2 batteries to make sure I can finish it in one go and I finished the yard 2.5 times on one battery. Not sure if it will hold that well with time but I'm very happy with it

Works great. Hubby waffled for months (years) on which one to get (gas vs electric/new vs used). So I got him this one for Father’s Day. He says it’s a rippa!