Black & Decker 40V MAX* Lithium String Trimmer

The Black & Decker 40V MAX* Lithium String Trimmer (LST140C) has been in my toolkit for a few months now, and it has certainly been a mixed bag of experiences. As someone who regularly maintains a medium-sized yard, I was looking for a cordless, lightweight, and easy-to-use trimmer that could handle basic trimming and edging without the hassle of gas or extension cords. Here’s an in-depth look at how this trimmer has performed in various aspects of yard maintenance.

First Impressions and Assembly

Right out of the box, the trimmer was fairly easy to assemble. The instructions were clear, and I had it up and running within 15 minutes. The adjustable shaft and handle made it easy to customize the trimmer to my height, which is a nice touch for ensuring comfort during use. The build quality seemed decent, although not as robust as some of the higher-end models I've used before.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the standout features of this trimmer is its 40V MAX Lithium-Ion battery. The battery life has been quite satisfactory for my needs. On a full charge, I’ve been able to trim and edge my 1200 square foot lawn without needing a recharge, which usually takes about 40 minutes. The state of charge indicator is a helpful addition, allowing me to keep track of remaining power. However, the charging time is quite long, taking about 5+ hours to fully recharge. This is a bit inconvenient if you have a larger yard or need to use the trimmer multiple times in a day.

Performance and Power

In terms of cutting power, the trimmer does a decent job on light to medium grass and weeds. The POWER DRIVE high-torque transmission delivers enough power to handle basic trimming tasks effectively. However, it does struggle with thicker weeds and overgrown areas, which is somewhat expected given that it's battery-powered. If you’re used to the power of a gas trimmer, this might feel a bit underwhelming.

Trimming and Edging

The trimmer easily converts to an edger, which is a handy feature. However, the vertical edging method felt awkward and difficult to maintain for long stretches. The fold-out vertical guide didn’t provide much assistance, and I found myself wishing for a wheel to help guide the trimmer along the edge. The automatic feed spool (AFS) system is a mixed bag. When it works, it’s great because it eliminates the need to bump the head to feed more line. However, there were times when the line didn’t feed automatically, requiring manual intervention.

Comfort and Usability

The trimmer is lightweight and easy to handle, which is a big plus for extended use. However, all the weight is supported by your arms, which can become tiring over time. The adjustable shaft and handle help, but a shoulder strap or harness would have been a welcome addition to distribute the weight more evenly.

Durability and Build Quality

This is where the trimmer falls short. After a few months of use, I noticed that the auxiliary handle tends to slip out of position unexpectedly. This is quite frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of a task. Additionally, the battery performance has degraded slightly over time, holding less charge than when it was new. The charger also seems to be of lower quality, as it occasionally fails to charge the battery properly, requiring multiple attempts.

Safety Concerns

One concerning issue I encountered was the string breaking off and hitting me. This happened a couple of times, and while it didn’t cause serious injury, it was quite painful and left welts on my legs. This makes it essential to wear protective clothing and boots while using the trimmer, especially since it doesn’t come with a guard.

Overall Value

For the price, the Black & Decker 40V MAX* Lithium String Trimmer offers good value, especially if you’re looking for a lightweight, cordless option for basic yard maintenance. It’s not without its flaws, but it gets the job done for smaller lawns and lighter tasks. The convenience of a cordless design and the ease of assembly and use are significant advantages. However, the issues with durability, battery life degradation, and safety concerns are worth considering.

Final Recommendation

Would I recommend the Black & Decker 40V MAX* Lithium String Trimmer? If you have a small to medium-sized yard and need a trimmer for light to medium tasks, this trimmer can be a good fit, especially if you value the convenience of a cordless design. However, if you have a larger yard, deal with thicker weeds, or need a more durable and powerful tool, you might want to look at other options. The trimmer’s performance and features are decent for the price, but the durability issues and safety concerns make it less appealing for heavy-duty use.

In summary, the Black & Decker 40V MAX* Lithium String Trimmer is a solid choice for homeowners with modest trimming needs, but it falls short in durability and power for more demanding tasks.