BLACK+DECKER Electric Hedge Trimmer, 17-Inch (BEHT150)

I am so happy I bought this electric saw. I was skeptical that it would be worth it to trim my boxwoods, but I am oh-so glad I tried it! I bought it because a few days before I’d trimmed just one of my boxwoods and it took most of the afternoon, by hand, and I was hot, my hands were sore, and I was tired. I figured, “Good grief, I’ve gotta try something different or I’ll be trimming for a week.” So I ordered this 17” saw, and frankly, I’m amazed at what a good job it did! Not only did it trim my largest boxwoods, it also trimmed my tall, thick hard wood stemmed euonymus’s. I usually have to get out my arm length heavy-duty clippers to battle those. I didn’t think this little saw would cut through their tough thick boughs, but it did. All within just minutes, rather than hours, and days! I had so much fun I started trimming other things I hadn’t thought of- and best of all, I used it to trim my tough ivy off some boulders they’d completely swallowed up a few years ago. It was easy-peazie, just swooped them back and forth slightly above the face of the rocks, the saw did it all- broke the ivy, and trimmed it so beautifully-done in moments. Normally, I’d be out there for hours on my knees, clipping with my hand clippers, and sweating amongst spiders on the ground, trying to fight bugs and the ivy off. Instead, I was done with all my work in less than a half of an afternoon. I even trimmed the heavy large vinca which always tries to take over my path-and which I normally have to slowly cut by hand, but it was cut with this saw like a hot knife through butter- what fun! All in about the same time it takes to walk down the path. No kneeling at all! Normally it takes me hours and hours on my knees on the gravel to do that path. I’m an older woman and had no problem with the weight using this. My hands weren’t tired when I was done. Seriously, why didn’t I buy this a lot sooner? I think next spring I’ll plant more boxwoods. WooHoo!

Great little machine! Easily cut through a variety of woody bushes and smaller tree branches. Fairly lightweight. I was able to use for about 45 minutes before I had to take a break and put it down. I really like the guard feature and the extension cord stayed in the groove the entire time.

It works commensurate to its low power rating. trimmed a juniper hedge well enough, but was very inconsistent on branches and shoots over 1/2 inch (12.7mm). The plug-in doesn't offer any method to keep the cord in place and will occasionally pull free just enough to interrupt trimming. Overall its a great little trimmer that offers high value for smaller hedges and topiaries. Recommended.

The wife wanted this to trim some ground cover on a hill that grows taller than wanted. This trimmer worked great on it. We also have some giant Chinese grass that grows to about 10feet tall and the stalk get about a half inch in diameter. I’ve been cutting them down when they die out, otherwise they blow apart in the wind and leave the long grass parts all over the place. Tried the trimmer on them and it cut them pretty easily. Saved a bunch of time compared to cutting with hand clippers. The only drawback might be that the hand guard doesn’t come attached because it won’t fit in the box with it attached. Don’t know if it’s really needed as I don’t see much chance of it kicking back like a chain saw.

I love this little trimmer; it's very light and allows me to trim without any shoulder pain. I can even use it one-handed if I need to. Cuts like a dream even on heavier branches. Would definitely buy again.

I love this. First of all, it's way sharper than the very old one I had been using. I especially like that it uses an electrical cord that plugs into a wall outlet (be sure to use a heavy duty extension cord), instead of needing to be charged up constantly. And - I used it for an hour, and the plug did not come out of the connector, which was a major problem with my old one. It's lightweight and somewhat small, so easy to hold and maneuver by this 95lb female. I could even hold it with one hand to reach certain areas. I'm using it to trim Asian jasmine and small tree seedlings, and light shrubbery, and it works super well. I have a feeling it would cut larger stems, too. Very happy.

This was been a very reliable and easy tool to use. It is light and works great. It stays sharp and makes quick work of my hedges.