Black & Decker 40V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer, 24-Inch

Why I reached for the Black+Decker 40V trimmer

I prefer cordless hedge trimmers for the freedom to move, and I wanted a longer bar to reach across deep shrubs without a ladder. That’s what pushed me to the Black+Decker 40V trimmer with its 24-inch dual-action blades and 40V MAX battery. After several seasons of trimming boxwoods, privet, and lilacs—plus the occasional overgrown holly—I’ve come to trust it as a capable, no-fuss yard tool with a few caveats worth noting.

Setup and the 40V platform

Out of the box, it’s straightforward: slide in the 40V MAX lithium-ion pack, and you’re basically ready to go. The included charging base tops the 1.5Ah battery in about an hour and can be wall-mounted if you want a tidy charging station. If you already run other Black+Decker 40V tools, the cross-compatibility is a real plus; on big yard days I often rotate packs between my trimmer and blower. The battery’s state-of-charge indicator is handy mid-job—no more guessing whether I have one shrub or three left in the tank.

Cutting performance

The 24-inch dual-action blades are the star here. The long reach lets me flatten tall hedges in fewer passes and square up faces without constantly repositioning. On softer growth (think spring flush on boxwood or yew), the trimmer leaves a clean, even finish with minimal tearing. The dual-action design noticeably reduces vibration compared to single-reciprocating setups—helpful for keeping lines straight during long passes.

As for capacity, the tool is rated to 3/4 inch, and with patient technique I can nibble through 5/8 to 3/4-inch holly and laurel stems. It’s not a chainsaw—you don’t “force” the cut. I let the blades work, ease off if I feel binding, and re-approach the stem from a slightly different angle. For branches over 3/4 inch or dead, woody limbs, I reach for loppers; that keeps the trimmer fast and avoids unnecessary strain on the drive.

Black+Decker’s POWERDRIVE transmission does seem to keep the blades moving under load. I notice fewer stalls on dense hedges than with smaller 20V units I’ve used. You can still bog it down if you bite too deep, but feathering the cut and staying mindful of feed rate keeps things smooth.

Ergonomics and handling

At 9.5 pounds, the trimmer isn’t ultralight, but the weight is manageable and well balanced for a 24-inch bar. The wrap-around front handle lets me switch from horizontal to vertical cuts without an awkward wrist angle, and the full-length trigger means I can shift my rear hand position for comfort without losing power. The soft grip is comfortable in warm weather and grippy enough with light gloves.

If you’re used to compact 18–20V trimmers with 18–22-inch bars, this one will feel a bit more nose-heavy. On taller hedges, I take more frequent breaks to keep shoulder fatigue at bay. The extra reach is worth it—especially when I want to top a hedge without hauling out a step stool—but it does ask a bit more of your arms.

Runtime and charging

Runtime is always tough to quantify because hedge density varies so much. The manufacturer pegs it at “up to 6000 square feet of hedges per charge,” which matches my experience on light seasonal touch-ups. In practical terms, I average 30–45 minutes of steady trimming per 1.5Ah pack on mixed shrubs. If I’m reshaping neglected growth, that window tightens. For larger properties or infrequent “catch-up” trims, I’d strongly consider adding a second battery or stepping up to a higher-capacity 40V pack. The one-hour charge speed makes it feasible to work in cycles—trim, charge during cleanup, resume—but continuous work is easier with a spare battery ready.

Noise and vibration

Cordless trimmers are already quieter than gas, and this one is no exception. I can comfortably carry on a conversation at a normal tone from a few feet away. The dual-action blades also keep hand tingle low. I still wear hearing protection for long sessions (a good habit with any power tool), but this is one of the more neighbor-friendly yard tools I own.

Build and durability

The housing and handle plastics are typical for this class, with a solid feel and no creaks under torsion. The gearbox has taken the occasional accidental tap to a fence post without complaint, and the blade set has held alignment after transport in the back of my truck. Like any trimmer, it benefits from maintenance: I clean sap from the blades after use and apply a light oil film. That small habit has kept cutting performance crisp and reduced drag on the motor.

Long-term, batteries are the consumable. Store packs at moderate charge and out of extreme heat or cold to maximize lifespan. The tool itself has held up well for me over multiple seasons of weekend use. If you plan to trim professionally or daily, a heavier-duty unit might be a better fit; for homeowner workloads, this strikes a good balance of robustness and weight.

Safety and control

The guard provides decent separation from the blades without obstructing sightlines. I like that the wrap handle lets me keep a solid two-handed grip from almost any cutting angle—especially useful when working near chain-link or rail fences where tip control matters. As always, I avoid using the outermost inch of the bar around masonry or metal. That habit alone will save blades and reduce kickback risk.

What I’d improve

• Include a higher-capacity battery option. The 1.5Ah pack keeps weight down, but many homeowners would benefit from a second pack or a 2.0–2.5Ah option in the box.
• Add a more aggressive debris sweep at the blade tip. The current geometry is fine, but a slightly larger hook would help catch and clear thin, whippy stems.
• Provide clearer guidance on sharpening intervals. The tool stays sharp for a long while, but a quick sharpening chart in the manual would help owners maintain performance.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners with a mix of formal hedges and shrubs who want the reach of a 24-inch bar.
• Anyone already invested in Black+Decker’s 40V system looking for a capable trimmer that plays nicely with existing batteries.
• Users who prioritize low vibration and cleaner cuts over raw, branch-smashing aggression.

Who should look elsewhere

• If you regularly tackle dense, woody growth over 3/4 inch, a pole saw or gas-class trimmer will be faster and less frustrating.
• If overhead trimming is your primary use, consider a lighter, shorter-bar trimmer to reduce arm fatigue.

Practical tips from use

• Let the blades do the work. Don’t force the cut; slow passes produce cleaner faces and save battery.
• Keep the bar clean and lightly oiled. Sap buildup increases drag dramatically.
• Use the full-length trigger to shift hand positions during long sessions; your wrists will thank you.
• Plan jobs around the one-hour charge time or keep a spare battery on the charger.

The bottom line

The Black+Decker 40V trimmer hits a sweet spot for homeowner yard care: long reach, low vibration, and enough torque to handle typical shrub maintenance without a cord. It’s not the lightest 24-inch option and the included 1.5Ah pack won’t cover very large properties in a single go, but the combination of cutting quality, ergonomic controls, and the convenience of a one-hour charge makes it a dependable, easy-to-live-with tool.

Recommendation: I recommend it for homeowners who want a capable, comfortable cordless trimmer and especially for those already on Black+Decker’s 40V platform. Pair it with a second or higher-capacity battery if you have expansive hedging, keep the blades maintained, and it will deliver clean, efficient results season after season.