Product Description

Features a high output 3.0A motor with a lock on switch that provides comfort when using the unit for extended periods of time. 18'' dual action blades reduce vibration for added comfort and control at a rate of 3000 SPM. 5 8'' cutting capacity for effortless trimming. Built in cord retainer reduces the chances of cord unplugging during operation. Ergonomic bale handle for comfort when trimming at all angles.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #482 in Lawn & Patio
• Size: S
• Brand: Black & Decker
• Model: HT018
• Dimensions: 7.40 pounds

Features

• Dual-action blade design cuts through branches up to 5/8-inch in diameter quickly and neatly
• 18-inch blades made from pre-hardened steel offer superior durability and versatility
• 3.0 Amp motor delivers 3,400 strokes per minute for dependable cutting
• Reduced vibration, three-sided grip, and well-balanced body for improved user comfort and more precise handling
• Weighs 4.9 pounds; backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
A slim, easy-to-handle tool, the Black & Decker HT018 Hedge Trimmer cuts through branches up to 5/8 inches in diameter quickly and easily, leaving you with neatly trimmed hedges and shrubs. Featuring a 3.0 Amp motor that delivers 3,400 strokes per minute and 18-inch dual-action blades crafted from pre-hardened, rust-resistant steel, this dependable trimmer also works to minimize vibration for a more comfortable operator experience. This tools also features a three-sided comfort handle and offers a lock-on switch that means you don't have to hold down a trigger during longer jobs, a lock-off switch that prevents accidental startups, and a cord-retention system that ensures your extension cord doesn't come unplugged while you're working. As an added bonus, electric power means that you never have to worry about sticky pull starts, nasty fumes, or recharging batteries. The HT018 weighs in at just 4.9 pounds, and it is backed by a 2-year warranty.

Customer Reviews

Great Trimmer. Nice power.
I should have bought this a long time ago, instead of suffering with hand clippers all of those years. It definitly does the job, lots of power and low vibration. I have 4 different type shrubs I used it on, plus two 6ft ficus tree's and a 8ft citrus tree. It trimmed all of them with very few problems. Some of the new growth "Green" citrus branches where over 1/2 in. thick, and it went right through them. However you will have a problem cutting though old growth "Brown" branches close to this size. Fortunately for me I had very few large old groth branches to cut. All and all it worked out well for me, and cut my work time by more than half.

However if I had it to do over again, I would consider the B&G Trimmer with the 20in blade. That would give me a bit more reach for the top of my citrus tree, and the extra .08 amp of power would be a nice plus for cutting through the larger old growth branches.

Did the job right out of the box
I purchased this trimmer to cut creeping fig that grows up and over my cinder block walls. It has never been trimmed so you can imagine the state it was in. I took the trimmer out of the box and it never got stuck. I'm glad I didn't get the 24", in tight spots it would have been a problem.

Near-perfect, light duty, chorded bush trimmer
For a light-duty, chorded bush trimmer, this is as close to perfection as they come. It does the job well and it gives no headaches.

- Packaging: Ordered from Amazon, my first emotion was one of concern. The trimmer came in its retail box, scotch-taped and looking a little battered. I's an odd-shaped box that follows the trimmer's shape and was afraid that the blade might be broken but, lucky me, all was fine. Packaging could be better.

- Assembly: Not much assembly required. The only thing that needs attaching is the handle. A one minute job.

- Manuals: There's not much you need to know about operation and it's all in the manual which comes with some illustrations of proper bush-trimming techniques. And, if you don't understand English, there's a French version included too.

- Operation: Once a chord (NOT INCLUDED) is attached, you are ready to cut. The trimmer is light enough for me to operate it with one hand for minutes at a time without getting tired - when I do the tops of some of our taller bushes.

- Safety: You need to pull a trigger and to squeeze a lever for the trimmer to operate but I can do both with one hand so I would NOT call this 'child proof'. Must be careful not to cut the power chord and, of course, you must take the customary common-sense precautions when operating a live cutting device.

- Performance: It cut through our bushes like a butter knife cuts through butter. I imagine it would have some difficulties cutting through thicker growth but in our case, where everything we need to cut is rarely over 1/4 inch thick, we had no problems, whatsoever.

To conclude: if you have a long enough power chord and you are not engaged in any heavy-duty trimming activities, this can be your tool. I know it's mine. The only issue, as I mentioned, was the packaging but this is not what I am reviewing here. The trimmer itself deserves the 5 stars and the 5 stars it gets.

P.S. - My wife just managed to cut the cord while trimming. She says that she understands how this works now and it won't happen again.