BLACK+DECKER20V MAX String Trimmer/Edger with Lawn Mower Removable Deck for String Trimmer (LSTE525 & MTD100)

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.

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!

And I don’t mean that sexist!! My husband suffered a heart attack and had a quadruple bypass. It will be 6-12 months to recover so that puts all the yard work on me. I’m fit, I workout everyday but I also have Fibromyalgia. I’m able to start our mower fine but our weed whacker, I just can’t pull the cord hard enough. My husband found this on Amazon and it uses the same batteries as one of his cordless drills.I used it today on the lower speed. I’d have to say it went about 15 minutes per battery. I used both batteries and did my house, across the street and my friends house. Not bad. It’s very lightweight and didn’t cause me any issues. I was able to maneuver it just fine. It didn’t tire me out. I did grass, salal, blackberries, ferns....it handled it all! We have two gas weed whacker for the really heavy duty vegetation. I was so happy that now I will be able to do the yard work while my husband recovers. This is meant for lightweight yard work. If you have thick brush, berries, etc., you’ll need a gas one for the torque. If you’re a woman who just wants to keep the yard tidy, then this will work great!

Was hesitant reading the mixed reviews, but after using this for more than half the summer season, my yard care life has been made incredibly easy. I would recommend getting 2 batteries, as for a 1/2 acre yard, I cannot get through the entire thing one 1 (almost but not quite). I am mostly using it to trim around fence, driveway, sidewalks, and garden. The edging feature works nicely. It has plenty of power for regular groomed yard duties. It is super light weight, which I love. It does not use up the spool quickly thanks to the manual feed feature, which I love. All around great tool. After using this I have bought several other in the line, which use the same batteries!