Amazon.com Review

If you think electric mowers are designed for the meek, you'venever tried the Black & Decker MM875 Lawn Hog. A high-efficiency 12 ampmotor provides all the power you need to tackle even the toughest lawn.Best of all, you never have to hassle with oil, gas, or spark plugsagain! The mower comes fully assembled in the box. No tools, noworries--you'll be up and mowing in no time. And best of all, no pullstarts! Adjusting the wheel height is quick and easy thanks to a simpleone-touch system that raises and lowers all four wheels to any of eightpreset heights in one operation. Whether you love yard work or considerit a chore, Black & Decker'sMM875 Lawn Hog will have you lookingforward to your weekly appointment with the lawn. --Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• 19-inch cutting deck built of super-tough polymer and guaranteed for life
• Powerful 12 amp motor means not hassling with gas and oil
• Features the option to mulch, rear-bag, or side discharge (chute sold separately)
• Push handle adjusts up and down depending on the required height
• One-touch deck adjustment offers the choice of 1-1/4 to to-3-1/2-inch clearance

Reviews (48)

Great mower and no mess!
I love this mower. There is no gas or oil to mess with and no cord to pull to start it. Just plug it in and go! The cord isn't that difficult to manipulate around. Just keep the cord laying in the part of the lawn that you've already mowed, and you're set. Height adjustment is also super easy with this mower. It's almost winter, and I couldn't help but laugh when I saw all my neighbors draining oil and gas from their mowers. The Lawn Hog is so much easier. The only people who might be unhappy with this mower are those who think the loudness of their mower (/motorcycle/car/tools/etc...you know the type!) makes them more "manly." Little do they know!

A great little mower which doesn't pollute.
I looked long and hard at all the mowers. With a commitment to clean air and such, I was willing to overlook a few of the problems or shortcomings of electrics vs. gas. I was concerned that my 1/4 acre would be too large for an electric, and just about everyone told me it WAS too large. But I went with this one anyway, and so far, I'm glad I did.
The nice thing about the corded version is that it is a lot cheaper than the battery version, and a lot lighter. I would draw a parallel between a car with an automatic transmission vs. a car with a stick; the automatic is easier and more convenient, but it's more expensive and has more potential problems. Americans have always seemed to want to pay extra for convenience and ease, and in so doing have hurt the environment and themselves, with no exercise. I also heard that replacing batteries was very costly. Managing the cord is an issue, but for me, not a big one. The mulching feature works great; no more clumps of grass on the lawn. And it's very quiet, compared to the gas guzzlers.
Do yourself, your neighbors and the environment a favor by getting this mower. Take a chance and be different. You don't have to do what everyone else is doing!
Incidentally, my second mower is a Scott's Classic Reel (push) mower, which is great too!

Great Alternative
Rather than using a gas powered lawn mower, I bought this while living in San Diego. It had a sleek design, didn't pollute, it was easy to use and best of all, I didn't have to fuss with messy oils and gasoline. Manuevering with an extension cord however, can be a bit awkward. The only recommendation I would make is this: Don't get too long of an extension cord. I purchase a 100 ft. cord, which in itself was a nightmare dealing with because of the weight and inconvenience. I ended up having spool it around a hose caddy on wheels, so that I could roll it around.

THIS IS MY 2ND B&D MOWER.
THIS IS MY SECOND B&D MOWER. MY FIRST CONKED OUT AFTER ONLY 25 YEARS OF SERVICE. I HOPE I DONT HAVE TO BUY ANOTHER ONE EVERY 25 YEARS;; LOVE THEHEIGHT ADJUSTMENT, FAR SUPERIOR THAN MYFIRST, LITTLE HEAVIER BUT STILL EASY TOHANDLE. VINNI P.

Nice Mower
I have only had this mower for a week, but I already know that I'm going to be very happy with it. I don't have too big of a yard, so I thought I'd just go with an electric mower instead of hassling with a gasoline engine. I looked at the 18" model of this mower in my local home improvement store and liked what I saw. Since the 19" model was available here, and it was on sale, I decided to go with this model.

I've used it twice already this week and it worked great, so much so that I'm now considering some of the other lawn tools of this brand. ... Read more

Features

• 5 bushel bag with tow hitch included
• 10HP B&S Intek OHV engine
• 3" chipper capacity with 2 cromium steel chipper blades and 12 replaceable flail knives
• 10:1 reduction
• 10"x4" fully-pneumatic rear wheels

Reviews (1)

Chipper works well, but shredder isn't too effective...
This unit has a great engine - lots of power, starts very easily, runs strong and smooth. The chipper can handle some good-sized branches without bogging down. Another plus is that it is easy to transport with the big pneumatic tires and vertical shredder hopper.

On the down side, the vertical shredder hopper clogs very easily and isn't effective for anything but light batches of leaves. If you try to put small branches in there, you'll get a clog at the bottom and it is a pain to clean out. Also, as with most homeowner-grade chippers, you can't chip long branches unless they're almost perfectly straight. Don't even try and chip scrub-oak branches or others that have irregular shapes. They get jammed every time. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Bravo to Black & Decker for two great innovations on this electric mower. First, the flip-over handle! You get to the end of a pass, flip the handle and head back the other way in an instant. Next, users will especially appreciate the one-touch lever that raises and lowers all four wheels at once from 1 inch to 3-1/2 inches, saving the trouble of adjusting each wheel’s height. It’s about time. In addition, the electric 12-amp motor means hassle-free starting, no gas/oil mixes, no fumes, less noise, and no battery to charge. The cushioned handle adjusts for the user’s height, another nice touch not available on most mowers. It mulches beautifully, but if you prefer, you can purchase a side bag. Electric mowers have their naysayers, but if you’re in the market for one, you can’t beat this.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 18-inch cutting deck is made of a super tough polymer and guaranteed for life
• Electric 12 amp motor means no gas, no oil, and no tune-ups
• Unique flip-handle design lets you flip the handle over at the end of a pass--instead of turning the mower
• Side-discharge design allows for mulching or optional side bag (BA-075)
• Single lever height adjustment raises the cutting deck from 1- to 3-1/2-inch blade clearance

Reviews (47)

It actually mulches!
I have a quarter acre with a bunch of gardens and mowing was always a dreaded task. I used a 5.5 H.P. gas self propelled mower. It took about an hour and a half to mow the yard. And when I was done I was always covered in grass clippings and smelled of gas and exhaust. Not to mention that nice 'tingly' feeling in my hands. While I was mowing the other day I ran into something in the yard and killed my gas mower dead. It was damaged beyond repair so I needed a new mower.
At my wife's insistence I looked at electric mowers (less noise, pollution, etc.) I ended up getting the MM675. I couldn't be happier. It weighs about a third of what the old gas mower weighed, is very easy to move around, the flip handle makes cord management a no brainer and best of all I don't smell of gas and exhaust anymore.
This is also the first mulching mower that I have seen that actually mulches. With my gas mower (which was supposed to be a mulching mower) I would either have to rake up the clippings when I was done or go through the yard and break apart the "trail of mulch" that was left behind. With this mower I run over the yard once and it is all done. The mulched clippings are so fine and driven so far into the grass that I don't even get clippings all over myself and my shoes like with the gas mower.
It still takes about the same amount of time to mow, but it is a much quieter, cleaner, nicer experience now. I would highly recommend this mower. It is worlds better than my old smelly gas mower.

Oh yeah, the mower is also so light that there are no trails left in your yard when you are done. Your yard has a very clean manicured look to it, not the old visible mow lines that the heavy gas mowers wheels would leave behind. Very nice.

Why don't all mowers have a flip handle?
My mother had an earlier version of this mower, colored green and black, rather than the super bright orange and black of the MM675. Since that one worked so well, I decided to buy the MM675 for myself. It works even better than my mom's. The single handle to adjust the height of all four wheels at once is very handy and it has been able to mulch even 2 foot high weeds in my backyard (I need to mow more often). I love the flip handle concept, so I don't understand why there aren't a ton of different mowers that use it. It's just so much easier to not have to turn the mower around and it makes a well groomed lawn pretty simple to achieve. Plus it keeps the cord always on one side, so dealing with the cord becomes a non-issue. I've had no problems pushing the mower, it seems light weight, however my lot is flat so I don't deal with any hills.

So, overall, I'm obviously quite pleased. I'd definitely recommend this mower to anyone.

great lawnmower, but not this model
You do not want this model - you want the Black and Decker MM575. Here's why: The "flip handle" on the MM675 is a disaster for two reasons. First, no electric lawnmower is powerful enough to 'mulch' - it will just bog down (unless you cut your grass every other day, and you live where it never rains). So you need to be using it in the 'discharge' mode. If you try to use the 'flip' handle at the end of each pass, the discharged grass always goes in the same direction, and the mower will again bog down as it tries to recut ever more grass with each pass. (Take a minute to visualize the geometry and you'll see what I mean). Secondly and even more important, to make the handle 'flip', it attaches to the mower in the MIDDLE of the mower instead of near the rear wheels. This is critical because it means the force of your pushing goes half to pushing the mower forward, and half to pushing the wheels into the ground ! I've cut my grass with an electric mower for over 20 years, and my arms were screaming after only 10 minutes of pushing the MM675. I traded it in for the MM575 (no 'flip' handle: it attaches next to the rear wheels, and you pivot the whole mower at the end of each row, just like with a gas mower) and I can mow for 45 minutes to an hour without arm fatigue.

On the plus side, both these models are well balanced (no vibration), relatively quiet, and cut great. Best of all, the underside is one molded plastic piece - no nooks or crannies for cut grass to build up. My old mower had all sorts of screwheads and spots where different pieces of metal adjoined that jammed up with cut grass. I would spend 5 minutes with a putty knife scraping the underside of the mower clean after each use. After cutting with this mower the first time, I flipped it over to scrape out the grass, and it was spotless ! B + D, wake up and market that great feature !!!

great value, quiet, low maintenance...
I opted to go electric rather than gas eventhough a number of people recommeded otherwise. biggest complaint from people is that the cable that you have to drag around.. IT's NO BIG DEAL. You'll develop a system the second time you use one.

Pros:
1. Electric,
2. No gas, oil to worry about,
3. Mulches (with an option to discharge),
4. Shhhh... quiet (at least not as noisy as Gas),
5. and the one that did it for me is the flip handle (move handle from one end of the mower to the other). This will help you manage the extension cord. (the MM575 sells for $10 less and comes without the flip handle).

Cons:
I'll keep you posted!

Pretty good mower
With a fairly small lawn, an electric mower appealed to me. With the flip handle, this one is not too bad. You need to plan your mowing pattern carefully and yank on the cord once in a while. If you have trees and shrubs and flower beds it gets even more interesting. The power is a bit on the weak side though and in tough grass it bogs down. My teen ager is not too impressed with it. It probably takes us 30% longer to mow the lawn than with a cheap gas mower.
Over all, I do like it. It is fairly quiet and it does not smell like oil and gas and that is a big plus. Just the smell of newly cut grass! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

If you're in the market for a solid, economical electric mower, the Black & Decker 18-inch electric mower is worth a look. Powered by a high-efficiency, 6.5 amp, Black & Decker motor, this mower offers quiet, hassle-free operation, without the mess and expense of gas-and-oil models. No need for tune-ups and pull starts, either. This mower weighs just 36 pounds and features an 18-inch cutting blade with side discharge (optional side bag sold separately); a rust-proof, polymer deck; and one-touch height adjustment (from 1 to 3-1/2 inches). Tool-free assembly means you'll be up and mowing quickly, while a lifetime deck warranty and two-year warranty on the mower itself provide added peace of mind. --Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• Side-discharge design allows for (optional) bagging (BA-075)
• Electric 6.5 amp motor means no gas, no oil, and no tune-ups
• Blades deliver a 18-inch cutting swath
• Extremely lightweight--at only 36 pounds--making it easy to push
• Single lever height adjustment raises the cutting deck from 1- to 3-1/2-inch blade clearance

Reviews (22)

Dependable and easy-to-use
This very basic electric is easy to use and plenty powerful enough for my small lawn. Cord is no problem since my lawn is so small, but if you are doing a lot of back-and-forth you may have to watch out for the cord. No problem to start, which is the major reason why I dumped my gas-powered mower. Appears solid enough for the price. Good Mower!!

Absolutely wonderful mower & really easy to use
Got this product from Amazon and it is the best lawn mower that I have used due to the fact that has been really easy to use. A real Plug and Play device and no prior experience is required. I just had to get used to the power cord that follows me around the lawn (any way since my lawn is also pretty small, with an extension cord, I am able to cover the whole lawn) .

I like that fact that it is silent and that one can enjoy the fresh smell of cut grass and not gasoline. Since it is light weight it is easy to be pushing this around with just one hand and that leaves the other for power cord management. Storing this does not take too much of real estate in my garage. Repairs are fairly simple and not too often. The only thing that I have done is to sharpen the blade and I'm off cutting.

This is value for money and worth every $ that I paid for it

Solid Mower, Great Price
I had always used a gas mower (mostly Lawn Boy, because they seem to last forever). With my city recently rated in the top 20 worst air quality counties nationwide, and my hated off-brand gas mower belching smoke (so much for THAT bargain), I decided to give an electric a try.

Going electric was made easier by the price - about half of the cost of the gas mower I would have otherwise purchased. The power cord proved to be only a slight annoyance for me, possibly because I have used an electric edger for many years.

The motor is more powerful than any gas-powered push mower I have used - even in tall, leaf-filled grass, it didn't choke down like its gas-powered brethren. In fact, the motor seems to gain power under load, and can handle areas I would have done with a hand blade in the past.

The yard locks absolutely manicured now. My only complaint is that the extension cord tends to slip out of the socket too easily, and must be reseated every 20 minutes or so. That minor point aside, however, it's a great product - and now, in fact, it's my new favorite mower.

Not Bad
For a small lawn with few obstructions (trees, bushes, etc.) with electric outlets within 100 feet of the lawn, it performs adequately. i bought it over a reel mower due to the mulching feature on the B&D. Just don;t let the grass get too high, as with a gas powered mower, cause mulching and high grass don;t mix.

Overall i am satisfied with it. i agree with others that the on switch/lever is flimsy, but after reading all other reviews, i take extra care with it.

i found the customer reviews to be very helpful in choosing this mower. Of course, amazons price and shipping were the best around.

Didn't last long
I bought this mower 4 years ago, and have used electrics my whole life. I'm a big electric mower fan. I was happy with this one until it just plain-out and died last year. Could not be fixed. I was disappointed that it had only lasted 3-4 years.
My lawn is about 1/2 acre of short weeds and some grass (nothing manicured or mono-culture here!). I mowed often, and mowed high if the grass was long. Did everything right...and it still didn't last.
I plan on getting the $200 model this year and hope it will have a longer life-time than the this one. ... Read more

Features

• 6-position single-lever blade/deck engagement
• 20HP Tecumseh V-Twin engine
• 6-Speed Shift-on-the-go transmission
• 42" twin blade deck
• Heavy duty Box Frame

Amazon.com Review

While mowing the lawn may never be considered a recreational activity, this rear bag mower from Black & Decker makes the chore as close to fun as it will ever get. With its 24-volt battery, which delivers 5-horsepower gas equivalent at peak torque, this cordless electric mower represents the top of Black & Decker's line of lawn mowing products. During our field tests, this orange powerhouse stood out above other mowers for ease of use and performance. Its versatile operation allowed us to mulch, bag, or expel the debris from its 19-inch cutting path. Switching between the three methods was as easy as removing the catch bag and the mulch plug--easily performed tasks when the mower is not running.

The most obvious difference between the new generation of electric mowers and the heavier gas-powered mowers of yore is the start-up. The ease with which this mower starts is almost stupefying. Simply pull and hold the thin handle lever, then pull the ignition lever, and presto!--the engine is running. To minimize safety risks to young children, a removable safety key must be inserted prior to starting the mower.

Once started, this mower runs like a dream and is much quieter than older gas-powered models. In addition to the lack of noise, vibrations were also dampened by the cushioned handgrips, a feature that makes mowing a much more comfortable experience. Another innovation is the method by which the mower is raised and lowered. Where once it was necessary to adjust each wheel individually, the height of the mowing platform is now controlled by a single squeeze of a single lever, which allows for seven positions from 1-1/2 to 3-1/2 inches. While this mower is much lighter than a gas mower, we did find that this Black & Decker cordless model, weighing in at 76 pounds, is heavier than its corded relatives.

The only disadvantage this machine seems to have is in the power department. While there were no serious problems during our field test, it was necessary to slow down or go back over thicker sections of grass in order to make a completely clean cut. This cordless model also requires a substantial charging time when first out of the box: the manufacturer suggests at least a 16-hour period initially in order to get peak performance and maximum run time. According to Black & Decker, the battery will be 70% energized with four hours of charging. When fully juiced, this mower can be expected to cut between 1/2 and 1/3 of an acre per charge. Though the charge is one aspect that needs to be considered when deciding whether to purchase a corded or a rechargeable mower, we found the added maneuverability of the cordless over the corded model far outweighs the inconvenience of charge times.

When you've finished mowing, the handles fold back, making it easier to store this mower in a tight garage or shed. It comes with a 30-day no-risk satisfaction guarantee and a manufacturer's full two-year warranty. ... Read more

Features

• 30 day no-risk satisfaction guarantee and full two-year warranty
• Convertible mulcher/rear bagger
• Cuts up to 1/2-acre lots on one charge
• One touch height adjustment (1-1/2 to 3-1/2 inches)
• Lifetime 19-inch 3-in-1 deck

Reviews (59)

6 Years and Running...
Huh. I've had one for 6 years now and never had a problem with charge capacity (I wonder if it's because I keep the charger connected all winter when not in use). It's been everything it was advertised to be - quiet, no fumes, reliable, easy to use, economical. I have an average size suburban lawn and have gone up to 3 mowings without recharging. It doesn't make as smooth a cut as a high-vacuum gas mower but that's an acceptable tradeoff considering the advantages (and the only reason I gave it a 4). The reviewer who claims you're using more fossil fuels (and creating more pollution) when using an electric mower is shortsighted. Electric power generation plants have very stringent pollution controls and the net effect is that electric powered devices contribute much less pollution to the environment and waste less fossil fuels than internal combustion engines. That reviewer should do some real research instead of spewing pseudo-science. Besides, the people who use that argument usually pull out a 2-stroke string trimmer to finish the job - talk about pollution (and noise). I'm actually considering buying a new CMM1000 since I gave my old one away. Sounds like there may be some reliability issues with the newer ones (orange, mine was old enough to be green) - I'll have to look into that.

Works fantastic and I don't miss smelling like fumes!
I have used a Black & Decker CMM1000 19" Cordless mower for over three years. While my lot is 1.5 acres, the open grass area is only about 1/3 of an acre. The battery life is plenty to cut this entire space with no problems. If your lot is bigger, you can still use this mower, you'll just have to break up the mowing over a few hours or two days (to allow recharge time). It can recharge to 50% run-time in only about 2 hours.

I have to echo others that the one lever height adjustment is a great design. It only takes seconds to alter the cutting height. No exhaust means you don't smell like gas fumes, and the low noise is also a plus. I have to say I have not missed the oil changing and other maintenance needed for a gasoline powered mower.

It should be noted that a replacement battery is only about $100. But even now as I head into my fourth year using this mower, I am seeing no loss of run-time from the original equipment battery that came with my CMM1000. Even if I need a $100 battery every five years or so, a maintenance cost that breaks down to only $20-$25 per year is cheaper than the cost of maintenance and gasoline you'd use on the typical gas powered mower over that amount of time.

Heavy plastic beast dies after 2 summers
Listen to the negative reviews. I bought a CMM1000 in early 2002. I have a very small lot, no hills - should be an ideal candidate. I had to put it out for large-trash pick up this morning.

It worked OK for the two years it would hold a charge. But it was just OK, not great.

Operation: It's not self-propelled, and it's a good deal heavier than any gas mower I've owned (that battery is a huge, solid chunk). That makes it hard to push, even for a fairly big guy like myself. It has small, hard-plastic wheels that tend to be slippery. I did like not having to keep a full can of gasoline or extra oil around in my garage, though.

Performance: It never cut grass very well, especially on the higher blade settings. Mulched OK, but had no blowing power. I wasn't able to bag clippings, really, because they clogged up in the expulsion chamber. The blowing power is so bad that you can't even blow clippings off your sidewalks with the mower.

Build quality: The entire thing is plastic, except for the blade, handle and wheel axles. The washer that holds the blade on is a tiny piece of plastic with a tiny overlapping edge. Mine wore out after the second time I sharpened the blade and tried to remount it. Even the padding on the handlebars shredded after only three months or so.

Longevity: Here's the worst thing. When I revived it for this year, it lost all ability to cut for more than about 3 minutes at a time. Starts up fine, but bogs down even on normally tall grass. The service center told me I need a new battery, and that's $100 plus installation.

I've always followed the battery instructions to the letter. Biggest waste of four hundred bucks I've ever seen. Wish I could give it negative four stars, but one will have to do.

CMM1000 19"
The Black & Decker CMM1000 19" works great, I purchased one to mow around my swimming pool. The mower mows great and holds a charge, the mulching keeps the grass out of the swimming pool while the mowing job keeps the grass looking great. If your looking for a mower that will not only do a good job, but will last, its the Black & Decker CMM1000 19"

Not as expected
I have used this mower about 2-3 times. The battery charge lasts about 45 minutes before it goes into yellow region of charge indicator (time to recharge). When cutting grass, the mower leaves some larger blades of grass partially uncut and you have to go back and recut the grass. This is not a big problem if you have a small yard but with a larger yard it can be very frustrating. This problem may be due to the narrow blade on the cordless mower which is much narrower than my gas mower. I have gone back to using my gas mower for most of my mowing since it doesn't choke down nearly as often and I don't have to deal with recharging after 45 min. or going back and recutting grass. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

You'll get great results with this Black & Decker heavy-duty Edge Hog landscape edger, one of the easiest-to-use pieces of equipment we've come across. You'll be thrilled with how quickly you can get to work, as assembly takes only a few minutes. This is an electric model, so you'll need an extension cord and an electric outlet handy, but you won't have to deal with gas or oil. And it's so quiet you can edge at any time of day--even early Saturday mornings--without worrying about waking up the neighbors.

We found the Edge Hog has plenty of power in its 2-1/4-horsepower motor for both edging and trenching, and it's easy to switch from one to the other by simply raising or lowering the edge guide. The edger weighs only 12 pounds, which allows for easy transportation and great maneuverability around curved paths, but makes it more difficult to maintain a straight line when you're tackling a lawn that hasn't been edged in a while. If you're digging out quite a bit of dirt along with the edge you're creating, it takes some effort to keep the unit stable.

Undoing a screw toward the front of the edger and raising or lowering its leading wheel easily adjusts the depth of the edge groove you're making along with your edge. The unit can also be adjusted to fit the height of the user more comfortably by changing the angle on the guide handle. The blade requires only a pull of the trigger to start instantly and, unlike many gas models, stops as soon as the trigger is released---an important safety feature. ... Read more

Features

• 30 day no-risk satisfaction guarantee and full two-year warranty
• Exclusive pull up edge guide converts edger to landscape trencher
• 3-position blade depth adjustment for control of cut
• 2-1/4 hp high torque motor tackles tough overgrowth
• Adjustable handle

Reviews (29)

Fastastic Edger
This edger is fantastic! I hadn't edged the property in about 6 years and this edger had no problem with the thick and heavy overgrowth. I was concerned an electric edger wouldn't have the power to handle it, but there was more than enough power. The unit is very quiet too. I had intended to do just the sidewalk, but after I was done I was looking for other areas to edge.

The first time I used it, it did take a while. Mind you I was removing alot of grass and dirt that needed to be scraped away and cleaned up. It goes slowly the first time, but don't be discouraged. What took 3-4 hours the first time, took 20 minutes the second time and even less the third. Once you get it under control it is very easy to maintain a clean edge with this tool. The cleanup the first time is really the worst part after than you can use a blower to clean up.

Since you really don't need to edge every time you mow, I didn't want to buy a gas edger. I tried edging with my string trimmer, but once it gets out of hand you really need an edger to do the job properly.

This edger is quiet, light and easy to clean. It is so easy to use and push that you do need to be careful to stay on your line. It is a little too easy to get off the line and this unit will just slice away at your lawn.

Once general piece of edging advice. When you are removing alot of material, it is much easier to edge a dry lawn than a wet one. Removing 3-4 inches of wet dirt is not easy, but this unit was up to the task. It was just alot easier and faster when it was dry.

Unless you are doing an entire golf course, this edger is more than adequate for any home. You will not be disappointed.

Wow!! What an edger!!!
The Edge Hog works great. Got ours a few days ago, and went to work. We have zoisa in our front yard. Really thick grass with tough roots. Over 10 years it had grown out over our driveway and sidewalk, over 6 inches of overgrowth in some places. We had manually done some of the edging, thinking that the Edge Hog would be good for maintaining it after we had done the tough stuff. But we gave it a try on the fresh stuff and it was absolutely great. We did find that when doing this, since you're pushing the thing over sod and such, it will lift the entire machine up a little bit. So I set it for 1 1/4" depth and did the first run, and then repeated it at the recommended 1" depth to clean up the little bits that were left. Worked like a charm.

It is a little tricky at first trying to follow the exact edge of the concrete (or whatever you're edging around), but after a little while you get used to eyeballing it and you get a feel for the machine.

Someone already mentioned NOT using this when the ground is really wet. I certainly second that. Ours wasn't, but it did clump up a bit and I had to clean out the guard. But the best dirt is slightly moist, which someone else also mentioned. And cleaning out the guard is extremely easy - just turn the small lock knob, open it up and clean (after unplugging it, of course).

Overall a great little machine, especially for ~$90. I'm glad we got ours.

Piece of junk and B&D "customer service" is a joke...
I purchased this unit due to all the rave reviews. I have a rather large corner lot, but I don't consider it to be that big. The Edge Hog seemed to do O.K., but I was having to buy a new blade each time I needed to edge the yard. When you consider the initial cost of the unit, plus a $6 blade each time you use it, the costs mount up pretty quick. After going through this process a few times, I contacted B&D "customer service" to see if the blades were supposed to wear out that fast or if I had been getting defective blades. They would never give me a straight answer, and I finally gave up. I wasted a lot of time just going in circles with them. The second summer, I decided to buy a different brand of blade. I installed it and the thing was working like a dream. After 30 feet or so of edging, there was a noticeable power drop and then the unit started smoking. Well, needless to say, that was the end of the Edge Hog. It's now in the trash, and I will never buy another B&D product as long as I live. If I could, I'd give this piece of junk 0 stars. I've never had a B&D product that has lasted any length of time. If you're considering this unit, or any B&D product, be warned...

Tool You Can't Do Without for Lawn Maintenance
I can't say enough about this tool. It's a time saver.

I used to use a gas trimmer to do my edging. You get dirt all over. It's noisy and gives you fits if you're going to change or adjust the line in the spool. I even got those "AS SEEN ON TV" thing attachement and those things rip everything apart in its path. Needless to say, I don't use that anymore and use this tool solely for edging.

Great buy! Never regretted the purchase and I highly recommended! Spend more time with the wife and kids by getting this tool!! :)

The LE750 Edge Hog
I found this edge hog to be very usuful. For edging you do not need a gas powered machine. This edger has plenty of power. So much power infact, I never bogged it down all the way. This is of course for home use only, not for a landscaping service, however I find it keeps up really well, and I maintain it too. I bought this edger last summer and it lasted all through then. I have a lawn care service. And I do not mind using it for landscaping service purposes. This trimmer is only $90.00 bucks. This is the best electric edger you can buy. And the blade that it uses has jagged edges on it to help cut through better. And you can buy replacment blades for it as well. I use two 100 foot cords together to equal 200 feet. Yes hulling that much of cord is a bit of a pain, however, its still easier than trying to maintain a gass edger. However, I do not recomend that you use more than 200 feet of cord. If you do, you lose curent and your moter will burn up do to loss of power from outlet. I used this electric device to not only landscape a home owners lawn, but I also used it to landscape a buisines. Aftor doing so, there were never any complaints! This is a great buy! Go ahead and enjoy your Black & Decker Edge Hog! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

The business end of this push reel mower is solid, sharp, and everything a reel mower should be, with five heat-treated, knife-sharp steel blades that can be adjusted for nine grass heights with very easy wheel tabs. With its 10-inch wheels, radial tires, and 18-inch cutting width, this mower should enable you to cross whatever terrain and reach whatever hard-to-access rogue patches of grass you desire. There's no soft cushion on the handle, which is too bad, but otherwise, the Scotts Classic is a durable, well-constructed, simple device. ... Read more

Features

• 10-inch dual tracking wheels and radial tires handle rugged terrain
• Five heat-treated, knife-sharp steel blades for powerful cutting
• 20-inch cutting deck cuts a wide swath
• Nine grass heights to choose from (1 to 3 inches)
• Quick-snap height adjusters make changing depths easy

Reviews (69)

Will Change Your Idea of Mowing
This summer, sick of my dirty, smelly, loud gas-powered mower, I decided to purchase a reel mower. As someone who considers himself to be environmentally friendly, I no longer felt comfortable using a polluting machine on my lawn. At the same time, I didn't want to turn lawn mowing into a huge, difficult task. After researching every model on the market, I decided I would give the Scotts 2000-20 reel mower a try. My idea of lawn mowing has completely changed. What used to be a tedious, annoying task is now pleasant and relaxing, due to the ease of use and functionality of this mower. Out of the box, it is very clear how to put this mower together, and it should take no more than about 30 minutes to get the assembly done. Just remember to put some dishwashing detergent inside the rubber handle cover before you slide it on. Then you're ready to go. The height adjustment, which is located near one of the rear wheels, is very easy to access: you simply push a lever in and slide it to the correct height level. The height levels are clearly marked right on a dial (a lot easier than having to get out your wrench and screwdriver for most gas-powered mowers). In actual cutting, this mower is very smooth. With minimal energy, the blades spin with good speed and torque, easily cutting the grass down to size. I have a somewhat weedy lawn, and I was concerned that this mower might bog down, but it cuts everything with the same smoothness. My lawn also has several uneven spots, but this mower handled that nicely as well. The rear wheels keep the mower balanced as you push it. If you push faster, of course, the blades will run faster. However, at a casual pace, the blades definitely spin fast enough to take care of a typical lawn. I have even "let my lawn go" a couple of times this summer (it grew to about 6" in height at one point), but the mower handles it just fine. As you're mowing, you'll notice that there is a lot less dust flying around, no smell of fumes, and you can listen to birds and natural sounds the entire time you're outside. This reel mower cuts the grass more cleanly for sure -- you can see that the grass is greener when you're done, without brown tips. When I cut my lawn, I leave the cuttings there and allow them to mulch into the soil. The mower is light enough to lift and carry into a storage area. You don't have to keep oil and gas around, so this mower takes up the minimal amount of space. Here are the only disadvantages to this mower: (1) You can only get about 6" to an edge; (2) If a stick gets into the blade, you have to stop and pull it out; (3) You will not be visiting the local lawnmower repair shop every season for a tune up, spark plugs, air filter, and any number of other unpredictable problems. Since I started using this mower, several people have asked me if it's more difficult to use, if it's slower, or cuts worse. I assume potential buyers are asking the same questions. I will venture to say that it is actually JUST AS EASY TO USE A REEL MOWER AS IT IS TO USE A GAS-POWERED MODEL. There is NOTHING about a gas-powered mower than makes it easier to use, and gas-powered mowers do not save any time, espcially when you consider all the peripheral needs of owning one. Overall, this is an example of a simple, low-tech solution to a common need.

Makes mowing fun!
This is the 2nd year that I've used this mower, and I STILL LOVE IT! No more hassles in the spring, wondering if the mower will start, having to tune it up, taking it in for repairs, etc. This mower STARTS EVERY TIME!!! And for a great, low price, compared with the price of a gas or electric-powered mower.

And IT MAKES MOWING PLEASANT - no more walking behind a smelly, smoking, noisy machine! I actually look forward to mowing instead of dreading it!

Mechanically, it's easy to adjust the height, and it does have a pretty high maximum cutting height, unlike the "old" vintage push-reel mowers. The width is also greater than most vintage push-reel mowers. I do oil the blades after every use (with a cloth and WD-40) to keep the blades clean and to resist corrosion, and I will probably need to sharpen the blades at some point. Has anyone tried the American Lawn Mower sharpening kit?

The down-side: if you want a perfectly even-cut lawn (which I don't care about), this is not the mower for you. It misses a few blades of grass (but probably gets them the next time), so the lawn is not "perfect", but I don't care. It cuts cleanly, and my lawn stays an "appropriate" height and looks lush and green. The other downside is that I can't let the grass get too long, so I might have to cut every 5 days. I sometimes go over the lawn twice, once at a greater height and then down to a shorter height. But that's probably better for the grass anyway.

Now mowing is a pleasant experience and not something that I dread. It gives me a chance to spend time outdoors, which I would be doing anyway with a motorized mower. It does require a little effort to push, but not much. Besides, I feel that I've gotten a bit of a workout,as I get my heart rate up a bit! And, I can still hear the birds sing while I'm mowing, and I feel great that I'm not disturbing my neighbors when I mow at ANY TIME of the day.

THE BEST THING IS: Since I'm using a mower that does NOT emit CO2 and other "pollutants", I FEEL GREAT that I'm not contributing to poor air quality, or emitting green house gases that contribute to global warming when I mow! I've heard that the emissions from one hour of mowing with a gas-powered mower are equal to driving 300 MILES!!! Of course, you can buy a mower with a more efficient motor - for $500 - 1000!!! But why, when you can buy this totally clean, push reel mower for a fraction of the cost!

Safer, quieter mower. Definitely worth a consideration.
I just eagerly put my reel mower together, having spent much time researching whether I should get one or not. The reviews on here were especially helpful. In short, I'm glad I bought it.

Pluses:
1. Safer: no flying rocks or other projectiles, your kids won't sneak up on you and get extremities caught in the blade the way they do with gas mowers. As an ED physician, this is an especially important observation that I don't think had been pointed out before.
2. Quieter: my neighbors are thankful, as are my ears
3. No smoke, no gas fumes
4. Easier handling than gas mower, lighter, can get in crevices more easily and safely
5. Better for environment, save on gas, oil.
6. Easier to start-up; I'm more likely to cut the grass with this mower
7. Doesn't take any longer to mow then lawn vs. a gas mower (and if you gas mower is finicky, will probalby be faster).

Negatives:
1. Requires a bit more elbow grease with thick grass, especially on hills. Not a lot more, but a bit more (good exercise though).
2. Tall grass/weeds will not be easily cut with this; anything taller than 6-8 inches probably won't spring back up in time for the blades to cut them
3. 20" cutting swath a bit more narrow than your average gas mower, so you may need a few more passes. On flat land, it's no problem whatsoever.

I'm happy with this mower, how well it holds up remains to be seen. Construction quality is decent, the price and free shipping can't be beat. Haven't tried the $200+ models of reel mowers, so I can't comment.

If you have a smaller (< 0.5 acre), relatively flat yard, what are you waiting for?! If you like to think of mowing the lawn as exercise and have a bit larger yard, this may also be for you. Lastly, if you have kids and safety is a concern, (yes, you Volvo all-wheel-drive owners out there), a reel mower is also the way to go.

I love the idea, but . . .
I really wanted to like this mower, especially as I'm somewhat of an eco-friendly person. And I'm sure that, under the right conditions, it is fabulous. But for my average-sized St. Augustine grass lawn in Houston, Texas, this mower was one big pain in the tookus.

Here, the grass grows very quickly, thanks to our hot and humid summers. The mower was not able to handle one week's worth of growth without leaving about every third blade untouched. Even doing multiple passes hardly helped. I also tried various height settings, but it had no real effect.

I tried mowing slightly more often, but the overall quality of the lawn cut barely improved. (Sorry, I don't have the time or the inclination to mow more often than every 5 days, nor do I want to have to take multiple passes over the same stretch of grass to ensure that all the grass gets cut.)

So maybe on a small lawn, on a certain kind of grass, where the climate does not cause rapid lawn growth, this mower is what you need. But not in Southeast Texas, nor should I think anywhere in the Deep South.

You Can't Go Home Again ...
I wanted desperately to love this mower. I remember my grandfather and several uncles had reel mowers that I would use as a child. There's something about a reel mower that brings us back to simpler times. Plus, no gasoline is needed, they're quiet, and you just might get some exercise.

Then reality barges in: this reel mower just doesn't cut the lawn very well. Weeds or crabgrass do not get cut. As other reviewers have noted, you MUST have a perfect, weed-free lawn or you will likely be disappointed. Plus, I was surprised at how LOUD the mower is. The "shearing" sound it makes is at least as loud as an electric mower (which I now own).

Also, take a moment to scroll to a June 4, 2002 review of this product titled "A Metaphor For Socialism" where the reviewer discusses his "commie mower." The review is hilarious (and I agree!).

Bottom line: borrow a reel mower first if at all possible and give it a try. Based on my experience, you should be able to pick up a used one as well. ... Read more

Features

• 12" ball bearing rear wheels for rowdy terrain and landscape obstacles
• 5.5 HP Honda OH-volt commercial engine for tough mowing jobs
• 21" deep dome mulching deck for fine clippings and fast decomposition
• Triple care system includes rear bag, mulch and side discharge
• Single speed front wheel drive for optimal traction

Reviews (1)

Great, economical and woman-friendly
When this was delivered all I needed to provide was gasoline. It shipped with the right amount of oil, which took less than 30 seconds to pour in, and another 3 minutes to lock down the handle, fill it with gas and start it.

It started on the first pull and worked flawlessly in our 1/3 acre yard. The first time this mower used three tankfuls of gas, but this was because the grass and weeds in our lawn had grown nearly 18 inches high (we'd recently moved in). The second time I mowed the lawn I only used a tank of gas, which indicates how economical this model is to own and operate.

The self-propelling feature was good enough to allow me to handle the mower, even on hilly parts of the back yard.

The instruction book is easy to follow, the mower itself is well-packed and easy to remove from the shipping carton, and set-up was a breeze. Performance is outstanding. If I had it to do all over again, I'd still purchase this model, which is the best compliment I can bestow. ... Read more

Features

• Lightweight design makes it easy to use by most everyone
• 12-inch cut path cuts more area per charge than other cordless trimmers
• AFS System uses centrifugal force to automatically advance line
• Two 18-volt NiCad battery packs provide plenty of run-time per charge
• Telescoping shaft adjusts for perfect length

Reviews (9)

Fantastic and easy
I bought this for my father who is approaching 70 years old. It is very light and very easy to use. We have burmada on our lawn. The first time we used it, there was a lot of growth so it took three batteries to finish his lot. I do have to point out that he had very bad technique. After I showed him a better way to do it, it worked more efficiently and now if he or I use it once a week, I may be able to get by with one battery. Because it inverts, I can do 40 feet in about 30 seconds, if you edge frequently and don't have massive growth. Just don't push it too close to anything you are try to get rid of, it slows it down and it doesn't work properly and the line won't come out. It has a 12inch area so remember to utilize that. I've also have edge and trimmed the yard 9 times this summer already and I still haven't used the spool of line yet. With our gas one the work would take about 45 minutes and I would have sore back from the extra weight. Now I complete my work in less than 15 minutes. This has been a pleasure to use.

Absolute Junk.
Hey There -
I just returned mine after only one use. The box says it will cut 1/2 with one charged battery. WHO's 1/2-acre were they cutting?!? Not my lawn, which is less than a 1/2-acre. I had to do half the job one day, recharge both batteries, and finish the job the next day. The spool was out when I'd finished. The box says "Gets The Job Done." It most certainly did not.
I called B&D Customer Service, and they agreed, the battery life is 15 minutes per battery, fully charged (maybe 20 at the most). Is that enough time for YOU to get "the job done"? Not me. I was really excited but it turned out to be a complete bust.

Very decent for basic use
I think this is perfect for someone who really:
1) dislikes the noise and smell of the gas trimmers
2) wants something fairly light
3) does not want a cord to always worry about
4) already has firestorm or B&D 18 volt products (batteries are interchangeable)

I have used all 3 types of trimmers, gas, 120 wired, and this cordless one and I have to say the convenience is great. Instant on with a press of the switch is great. The plastic is a bit cheap feeling but it seems to do the work. I think it could've been much better constructed, but the battery life is pretty impressive and the speed/torque of the trimmer is also pretty impressive on a well grown/groomed lawn. It did have a bit of trouble instantly tackling a thick busy section of grass but after going over it 2-3 passes...it took care of it. This same spot has given me trouble even with the corded 120 volt version from Toro so this was expected. The gas one I had chewed through it easily but that's gas...

I think for light to moderate work, it's fine. If you have thorny and thick undergrowth or even small plants with a fibrous stem, it'll take more work to get down than a gas.

Oh..if you even TRY to 'bump and feed' this unit, you will find the spool falls off VERY easily with a solid thump to the bottom (THAT was a pain in the as* as it flew off and unwound a ton of filament that I had to rewind by hand and figure out how to put it back on!

If you have 18 volt black and decker goods like I do, then you'll REALLY like having the two extra batteries and one extra charger. I have 4 batteries and 2 chargers amongst all the goodies now so I know i'll always have more than enough juice for anything around the house.

I would vote 5 stars, but the plastic has a cheapy feel.

B & D cordless string trimmer
My parents are getting up there and we sibs continually look for the simpliest and easiest yard tools for them to use, rather than hire others to do the things that they still want to do on their own. This trimmer fits the bill; it's easy to use, light-weight, no gas/oil, no electric cords, no bumping.
They love doing their own yard-work. This is certainly much quicker and efficient for them than other methods of trimming that they have used.
It was a great Father's Day gift !!

Light weight and easy to operate.
I am a single senior who just can't manage the gas trimmer any more. So I purchased the Black and Decker grasshog and am amazingly surprised on how easy it is to operate. I had no problem assembling it, it is light and easy to handle. The two batteries lasted for my half acre. If it lasts only two years, it will be worth it. ... Read more

Product Description

mfg by: MTD SOUTHWEST 2-CYCLE CURVED SHAFT TRIMMER 31 cc gas trimmer built for heavy duty use Deluxe D handle for RH or LH operator SpeedSpool for quick & easy line replacement Dispenses premeasured line with a single tap E-Z Start elimenates choke adjustment starting Spring Assist Starting-pulls easy-starts fast .095 diameter line - 17" cutting swath 2 year limited warrantyTB25CS 17CRV SHAFT TRIMMER ... Read more

Features

• 2-year limited warranty
• Gas-powered string trimmer cuts in a 17-inch radius
• 2-cycle, 31-cc engine; EZ-Start and SpringAssist technology for effortless start-up
• Accepts EZ-Link attachments (sold separately); Speed-Spool loading system for quick line dispensing and replacement
• Includes edge guide, deluxe soft-grip ‘D' handle, and oil needed for operation

Product Description

This BULLY is tough but it's 12VDC motor is quiet and easy to use!The BULLY Cordless is 50% quieter than a gas-powered mower, so you can mow when it fits your schedule, and the neighbors will never hear you.Other Rechargeable Lawn Mowers are too heavy to operate easily or too expensive to afford. The BULLY is lighweight at just 36 lb., and costs no more than most corded electric mowers.Anyone can mow the lawn with a BULLYmen, women, teenagers and older folkswithout getting worn out.Built by America's leader in small mowers. Two year warranty. ... Read more

Features

• This BULLY is One Tough Little Machine. It's High Output 12 VDC Motor and Deep Cycle Battery Mow 40 Minutes on a Single Charge.
• No Cords to Pull; No Gas or Oil Needed! Just Turn it On and Squeeze the Handle Switch. Leave it on the Charger between Uses! It's That Easy!
• 80% Charge in One Hour or 100% Overnight. Fully Featured with Charge Indicator LEDs, Fully Adjustable Cutting Height (1/2" - 3"), Fold-Flat Handle, Padded Grip, Rubber Tires on Oversize Wheels, and a 15" Hardened Steel Blade.
• Tough Powder-coated 16" Steel Deck will Last for Years. Weighs 1/2 that of most rechargeable mowers for easy pushing, easy maneuvering. Cuts roughly 1/4 acre on a charge. This is the only mower most people will everneed. And, it's the ideal Trim Mower!
• Use it to trim around flowerbeds, between bushes, around the pool .. places you'll never get into with your rider!Two year Warranty.

Reviews (2)

Great once the grass is short!
Our mower was delayed, but once we got it our grass was pretty long and too a while to mow.There is a safety feature to prevent overheating and turns the mower off.This was frustrating for the first cut of the yard, but now it works great.We did have to get a 2nd battery for our 20'x200' yard because we are one strip shy of cutting the whole thing on a single charge.I hightly recommend it for small yards.

This is a real gem!
I've only had it two weeks, but I already love this little mower. Starts right up, runs til I'm done with my 1/6 acre yard. Cuts beautifully and stores out of the way under my work bench. Last week, I put it in the trunk of the car and drove it across town to cut my mother's grass. She's 74 and wants to take of her own yard, but just can't start her gas mower. Well, she likes this one; she can start and push it, and now she can mow her own grass again.
Plenty of power, pretty quiet. Works great. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A 4-cycle, 26cc variable speed engine powers this dynamo around your borders, trees, and against foundations. Ryobi’s eliminated the need to mix messy oil and gas with this unit, which runs on straight gas, saving you time and trouble. It’s fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly and runs quieter than its 2-stroke competition. Easy starts are assured, too, because of a primer bulb. The bump feed advances more line whenever you need it, and the SpeedSpool Line Replacement lets you put in a new line without taking the head apart--a great idea. In hand, it’s well-balanced, relatively light, and very comfortable, thanks to the D-shaped handle and its ergonomic soft grip. If it were only a trimmer, it would be a great purchase, but add to it the capability to attach a range of different heads, and you’ve got a highly versatile, multi-purpose yard tool. The Trimmer Plus attachments (sold separately) turn the trimmer into an edger, hedge trimmer, tree pruner, leaf blower/vac, garden cultivator, and snow thrower. The attachments connect in a second with a solid "click," and you’re off on a new task. It’s an ingenious system that will bring professional-type lawn tools to the average homeowner. Bravo, Ryobi!--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 2 year warranty
• 26 cc 4-cycle curved shaft grass trimmer with TrimmerPlus and SpeedSpool
• TrimmerPlus feature allows optional add-on tools
• SpeedSpool allows for quick line dispensing and replacement without removing the spool
• Lightweight 4-cycle that requires no mixing of oil and gas and is environmentally friendly

Reviews (33)

Knee deep in weeds
After owning 2-3 prior 2-cycle trimmers, this 4-cycle engine was a pleasure to use. It was an easy start up without the usual blood, sweat, and tears of the 2-cycles (due to finicky gas/oil mixtures). The speedspool released more line consistently and smoothly unlike other models I've dealt with.....including other Ryobi 2-cycle models.
Though a couple of folks mentioned that it was a quieter run, it could be much quieter. Don't be lured into a false sense of security about saving your hearing here. You'll still need ear protection since the motor still roars away loadly enough for these ears....which rang away for about an hour after trying it without protection. I think this model has good potential. I gave it four stars for that reason. The fact that you can accessorize is a plus. Have not had the opportunity to try other features out to determine ease of alterations. Another reason for the 4 stars......the shoulder strap should have been provided with the trimmer. Any responsible merchant should understand implications of the safety that good ergonomics brings; and, though the style and the weight isn't bad, fatigue will set in with use without the support a strap offers. Fortunately, the strap I have for my other model snapped into this trimmer's pre-molded loop.
It will be interesting to see how this baby holds up with time....to see if it will earn a "5 star" status.

Great Tool
I ordered the 825 trimmer and the blower/vacuum attachment from Amazon.com two months ago. Amazon delivered everything about five days after I placed the order, beating their estimated delivery date by over a week. I have used the trimmer several times, once for three hours straight, and am absolutely satisfied. The 4-cylce engine has more than enough power for my uses and the bump-line-feed is really convenient. The "quick-link" system of changing accessories works very easily. I would recommend purchasing the shoulder strap if you plan on using it for more than 30 minutes at a time as it begins to get cumbersome. It is a little heavier than standard two-stroke trimmers, but the decreased vibration and noise more than make up for that. The blower/vacuum attachment attaches in less than twenty seconds and works very well for blowing grass clippings off the pavement. I have not tried blowing leaves with it, but it seems about as powerful as a regular blower and don't anticipate any problems. Overall, I would recommend this trimmer to anyone who needs/wants a little more power in their trimmer. The dozen or so attachments offered by Ryobi are widely available and from what I have seen, work well.

Poor quality, hard to start, broke in 1 season
I was tired of mixing oil w/ gas on 2 cycle weed wackers and thought this would be great. I'm on my 2nd season and through most of the 1st found the Ryobi to be hard to start. I also had consistent problems with the reel pulling in the line as it accelerated. I brought it back. The 2nd one didn't have the problem. I can't use the Ryobi now because the other feature I that I thought was great... the split collar allowing accessories... the female coupling portion of the drive shaft has stripped! I'm giving up and buying a new weed wacker and it won't be a Ryobi.

Ryobi 825R 4-Cycle Curved Shaft TrimmerPlus /Great Machine
My neighbor had bought this unit and immediately I fell in love with it. Not only do you have the advantage of easy and reliable starting, thanks to the 4/cycle engine, but this is one of the most handiest tools ever made for gardening. As a start, having the trimmer and also the blower attachment you'll find that you'll save a tremendous amount of time taking care of your lawn/yard. Also with the various attachments, you could have everything you really need for taking care of your yard in one unit. Very powerful, very versatile and a really good price. I only wish my wife would let me buy the hedge trimmer unit next, but I will have to wait : ) Truly a wonderful machine, I can almost guarantee you'll love it, and you will be the envy of your neighborhood.....I know we are! :)

what is the big deal
been vary happy so far!!
looking at the reviews here
1.i have no oil leaks
2.vary easy to start. easier then my old 2 cycle
3.no string problems ... Read more

Amazon.com

This battery-powered trimmer converts to a rolling lawn edger with just a turn of the handle. The 24-volt Power Core will give you up to 45 minutes of cutting time on just one charge. A 10-inch cutting swath makes quick work of yard trimming, and when you need more line, just bump the head and it feeds out more .08 commercial-grade line automatically. We like the symmetry and nice balance of this trimmer in hand, too. The unit stores in its wall-mounted charger, which indicates battery status with red and green lights. A great two-in-one yard tool for the homeowner.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Two comfortable grip and hassle-free start switch
• No gas, no cord, and ready when you are
• 24-Volt Power-Core double ball-bearing motor and battery
• 10-inch cutting path, and 0.08-inch commercial grade line
• Wall charge rack included

Reviews (25)

End Your Research... The YardStick is #1
Ease-of-Use and Versatility! That's why you should buy the 24-Volt YardStick Cordless Edger. I did. Think about it, why do you avoid trimming your lawn each and every week? The trimming and edging really doesn't take that long. In my case, the reason I only trimmed about once every three-weeks was, (1) I needed to uncoil one 100 ft. extension cord for the front yard, (2) secure and tie the cord at the source and around the trimmer's handle (to avoid the "Houston, we've got a problem" power outage), (3) avoid the cord itself, (4) work a strategy for getting the cord around trees and flower beds, (5) trim the yard, (6) then rewind and store the cord... only to repeat the process for the backyard! All the real work was in the prep and storage time. What needless pain.

So, I did the research, and my wife got me the YardStick for Father's Day. I looked at other cordless trimmer/edgers, but the recommendations on Amazon for the YardStick, countered by user cautions/comments about other battery (awkward position of start/power switch) and gas edgers (noise/hassle), helped me take the plunge and try American Gardener. A look at American Gardener's web page will help anyone understand that "trimming is their thing."

I knew I'd received a quality product right out of the box. The YardStick, although not a lightweight, was balanced, comfortable to hold, easy to maneuver while being rugged with an elegant/practical design. I'm a tall person, so the "turn style-like" handle adjustments and easy conversion to edger-mode were important. The test drive was a blast. I was amazed at the "quiet" torque created by the 24-volt powerhouse. Cordless has come a long way. This is also the only dual ball-bearing motor I could find, and it hums. The precision of the edging feature was a welcomed surprise.

The chore that used to waste a good 35 minutes, now only took about 12- front AND back! Then, I just placed the YardStick in the charger for next week. Cool.

Five star potential, but...
I purchased my unit two weeks ago after reading the rave reviews. I too was ready to abandon my stinky gas trimmer.

I was initially optimistic when I opened up the unit. The unit was a bit heavy, but well balanced, and I liked how easy it was to spin the handle on the unit to switch the head from horizonal to vertical. The symmetric switch arrangement was intuitive and easy to use.

After charging overnight, I headed out to start trimming. Almost immediately the spool feed became a real pain. The line would not feed smoothly, making it necessary to remove the spool to advance the line manually almost every time. (I now know why they include a second spool for free...).

This weekend I brought it out for its' second use. This time, the spool kicked out a double length of line. This extra amount of line should have hit the line cutter and been trimmed off. Instead, the line wrapped around the cutter and SHEARED IT OFF, sending the nice sharp chunk of metal flying. Since the line cutter is riveted to the line guard, it is not a user replaceable item.

I'm sending it back in the morning and looking at other models. I haven't ruled out other American Gardner products, but I think I will pass on this one.

A little disappointing.
Given the prominently featured rave reviews, I wonder what changed at American Gardener in the last year. I've just taken it out for a spin, and was deeply disappointed in the runtime off a fully charged battery. After 15 minutes of trimming weeds along the perimeter of our jungle-surrounded lot, it was still willing but wimpy. Perhaps runtime varies with the nature of the trimmee: whispy grass along the flower bed edging might not use much battery power. Vigorous, rampant growth might eat the battery alive.

String advance is, if anything, a little too easy. Bumping the ground accidentally advanced the string more than I intended. But that's a good thing, compared to the wrestling matches I've had with string and pliers on other trimmers.

I'm still glad we purchased this unit because frankly, my attention span doesn't last much longer than fifteen minutes anyway, and the mere touch of my hand is death to a 2-cycle engine. We have a gas-powered string trimmer, but I can't start it to save my soul, it's loud, it's stinky, and it's too heavy for me. So this trimmer will actually get a lot of use around our weedy lot, in spite of the lackluster runtime.

Nice idea, questionable quality
Strengths
-----------
* Cordless
* Well balanced
* No gas, no oil, no exhaust fumes!

Weaknesses
------------
* Charge doesn't hold up for larger yards
* Blade that cuts off excess trimmer line broke after 2nd use

Bottom line: Nice idea, run time would be OK for smaller lots, but quality, especially on the the trimmer line blade, is lacking.

If the blade wouldn't have broken, I might have rated it 3.5 stars, instead I will be giving it to UPS to return to Amazon.

American Gardener YS24 24-Volt YardStick Cordless Trimmer
As a previous reviewer also experienced, the trim line cutter broke off the first time I used this product. I was hoping this product would do the job as it seems well built, but with the ease at which the line cutter broke off, I wonder. I have to now return mine and reconsider a gas powered unit. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

A six-power Briggs and Stratton Quantum motor powers this trimmer mower as it effectively and evenly trims tall weeds, sharp corners, and wet grass. The trimmer mower also excels on flat plots, hills, and other rough terrain alike.

The trimmer mower provides three cutting length options from 1-1/2 to 5 inches. An extended trimmer head permits the mower to reach grass under low-hanging bushes while simultaneously protecting users from flying debris. The trimmer also comes equipped with a head clutch to enable a safe, quick, and easy engine shutdown. The 14-inch ball-bearing rear wheels resist rust with a sturdy composite nylon construction as they help push the trimmer with a minimum of friction. The trimmer mower comes assembled with a complimentary oil supply. Troy-Bilt offers a limited lifetime warranty and a product registration program. This trimmer mower covers a width of 22 inches. --Jessica Reuling ... Read more

Features

• Mower covers 22 inches; limited warranty and registration program available
• Trimmer mower with 3 cutting lengths; accommodates most lawns
• Rust-resistant ball bearing wheels with composite nylon construction
• 6 HP Briggs and Stratton Quantum motor; no assembly required
• Trimmer head permits mowing under low bushes and deflects flying debris; oil included

Amazon.com Review

With 225 mph of maximum force, the Toro Ultra Blower is a three-in-one machine--blower, vacuum, and leaf shredder--that's ready to rip through leaf-covered lawns with the power of a small hurricane. Better yet, you'll likely find it to be not only one of the most powerful lawn tools in your garage, but one of the most versatile as well. To facilitate the different uses, the blower comes with a quick-release latch for easy conversion as well as infinitely variable air control. In addition, the metal impeller mulches leaves with fearsome efficiency, reducing 16 bags of leaves down to a single bag. For those looking for a blower that'll make quick work of acres of matted-down leaves, Toro's Ultra Blower is up to the task. --Rivers Janssen ... Read more

Features

• Variable air control
• 225-miles-per-hour maximum air force will clear just about any lawn
• Metal impeller for efficient mulching
• Reduces 16 bags of leaves to 1
• Converts from blower to vacuum mode with no tools necessary

Reviews (22)

Good, but they skimped on the details.
I've used this for 6 months now. My primary interest was for its mulching of leaves, so I can compost them. I've run out of space in my woods, and throwing them away seems like a waste. I've used the blower too.

It works great sucking up leaves. The pieces are generally chipped to perhaps half to 1 fingernail in size. As to how much it reduces the volume, I took a mostly dry slightly overfull wheelbarrow full of leaves - and it was reduced to a little less than half-full after running it thru the machine. So that's roughly a 2:1 reduction, not 16:1, as Toro advertises. It's good enough for my needs, in terms of composting. (Mulching the leaves adds an extra 40 degrees of heat to the composting process, in a compost tumbler, 160 vs. 120 degrees.)

The blower works well too. The variable speed makes it easier to control where leaves go. I gathered leaves from one tree into a pile in 5 minutes, and vacuumed them up in another 10 minutes, filling (stuffing) one 39 gallon 'lawn & leaf bag' (so 2 bags worth, unshredded). I've also blown dirt, weeds, rocks, gravel and other crud off my driveway (2500 sq. feet) in a matter of ~10 minutes, which would take perhaps an hour to sweep by hand.

And I suspect, and was told in correspondence with a well-known Consumer's magazine, that the magnesium impeller should last a lot longer than other models, which are typically made of plastic. That was my primary reason for buying it. We'll see on that score. So far, its holding up.

Where Toro missed:
it doesn't do well with leaves that have virtually any amount of moisture to them IF they've decayed (meaning last year's). They jam up the outlet passage within 1-3 minutes (going in to the bag), as well as the crevice area around the impeller. You have to unplug it, undo the bag attachment, and access the impeller region, and fish around with your finger, digging out all the wet gunk which has been chopped in a very fine mess. Freshly fallen leaves which are wet don't cause this problem. Skimp # 1: Toro didn't bother to include some plastic gadget for digging out the stuff, so you scrape your knuckles quite a bit (I'm afraid of using a screwdriver and ruining the impeller).

Skimp # 2: the bag, the cord, and the handles seem backward to me. But then, I'm left handed, and most of the world seems backward to me. The vac is still quite useable, backward though it is, but Toro seems to have chosen to ignore 10% of the population that is left handed, which doesn't impress me.

Skimp #3: in that it's electric, you're chained to a cord. The owner's manual says not to go over 150' in length, and to use 14 gauge for that distance. I happen to like 12 gauge cord for long distances, and that's what I own - and the 'cord lock' (a piece of plastic on the handle) is not big enough to handle 12 gauge cord. C'mon Toro! What's it cost to make it a smidgeon bigger to handle a larger size extension cord??

Skimp #4: in converting from blower to vac or the other way around, you have to omit certain pieces of equipment from the machine, both large and small. There's no place to store them, on the machine. So, I suspect they'll be either easy to lose or misplace. Or a pain to keep track of. It would be far nicer if the small pieces were storable, and Toro had figured out a way to make the large pieces in such a way so that they could be left on the machine at all times (e.g. the blower has a bottom cover that has to be removed so the vac has access to the impeller. Why not have a sliding door for that cover piece?)

Skimp #5: the bag is tiny. It fills up in ~3 minutes, and that is 1/3 of a lawn and leaf bag. And your property involves how many lawn and leaf bags for you? i.e. A lot of stopping and emptying. One company's product, as I recall, has a set up where the vac empties in to a garbage can directly.

Overall, it does what I want and need, and I'm happy. But it's not without its faults, and I expected better from a company of Toro's reputation.

Toro 51598 Ultra Blower
I purchased this itme last year and have been very happy with it. Its so easy to use and it is very powerful. I don't even have to have the power on all the way and it gets the job done. I love that adjustable power knob. And it is true what the description says about it reducing 16 bags of leaves to 1. It has a stainless steel mulching blade. The only bad thing i have to say about it is that there is no different shaped attachments for different jobs. Other than that i recommend this blower to everyone, it is the best! It will also work with 200 feet worth of cord. I bought 2 100 feet cords, and the blower works fine.

Died in less than a year
I purchased this blower last summer. I did not use it very much and now it has burned out. I am trying to get the warranty honored by Toro's service centers. I will see if they will honor the two year warranty, but I would not buy this blower again. Less than a year of service and it burns out, that is lousy workmanship.

Ultra Blower Rocks It!
I can't get over how hard the Toro blows. I live in a forested villa where I often get mounds of leaves falling into my drive-way. It used to be a big problem, but with my Toro, those leaves practically jump off my driveway, screaming in terror. Also works well against my ex-wife when she asks for the child support. Ha ha! I would recommend this for anyone who hates leaves as much as I do. And no one hates leaves as much as I do. Especially in fall.

good blower
If you don't need a gas blower this does the job very well. I use it mostly for cleaning off the driveway and patio. It can of course work the leaves too. You'll be pleased. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

The Lawn-Boy 10686 eases everyone’s least favorite weekend task in a number of ways. No more yanking on a stubborn cord--an easy electric starter means the powerful Tecumseh LV 195 engine thrums to life with the turn of a key. A Sens-a-Speed self-propel system guides the mower without depending on the sweat of your brow, and even adjusts automatically to match the operator’s natural walking speed (up to four miles an hour). Finally, a three-in-one system lets you choose between rear-bagging grass clippings, discharging them through a side chute, or mulching, to give your lawn a shot of 100% natural fertilizer. Switching from one function to another is quick, easy, and involves no tools whatsoever.

The 10686 also comes loaded with thoughtful comfort features like easy-adjusting handle height, soft ergonomic grips, and a one-handed, easy-lift bag. Step once on the quick-stow lever to have the handle fold at a ninety-degree angle; step twice for flat, 180-degree storage, allowing even the bag to stow away neatly. The 21-inch steel cutting deck is durable, lightweight, and simple to maneuver. Combined with the unit’s easy-turn wheels, it means the 110686 is exceptionally uncomplicated for even smaller persons to handle in turns and tight corners. This mower is covered by a full two-year warranty. --Mary Park ... Read more

Features

• Full 2-year warranty
• Gas-powered, self-propelled mower; effortless electric starter
• 3-in-1 system collects clippings, discharges through a side chute, or turns into mulch
• Powerful Tecumseh LV 195 engine with 6.5 horsepower; Sens-a-Speed drive system adjusts to match your natural walking speed
• Quick-stow lever; easy-adjusting handle height; 1-handed easy-lift bag

Features

• 11.0 amp motor, 18" cutting swath
• Single lever height adjustment form 1"-to-3-1/2"
• Lifetime deck warranty
• Mulch, side-discharge or optional side bag (BA-075)
• Adjustable push-handles

Reviews (14)

Does a Great Job!
This mower cuts and mulches my lawn very well. It is very light and very easy to maneuver. Not having to buy gas and oil make up for having to perform the "cord dance."

Just about perfect for those with small yards
We live in a townhouse with a 1600 square foot lot, so we didn't need a self-propelled gas mower. A cheap gas push mower would have costed about half as much as this electric mower but the bother of gas, starting, etc - just not worth it. I just plug this mower in, pull a switch and go. I was really struck by now much less of a hassle an electric mower is the first time I used it.

I really like the single-lever height adjustment, and the 40-pound weight makes it easy to manuvre. There was some dancing with the cord, but not enough to be a bother. It is also a very quiet mower, which I am sure the neighbors appreciate.

It did bog down a bit when I went over some 8" tall thick grass, but other than that, this mower had plenty of power. So this is not the mower to use for big jobs on big yards. But for me, it's perfect.

Gas no more
This lawn mower cuts as good as my 6hp gas one did and a whole lot lighter. Need to watch where your cord is.

So easy, it feels like cheating.
I'm in my third summer of having a quarter-acre lawn of my own. The first year, I used a reel mower, the old-fashioned muscle-powered kind. I felt virtuous since I wasn't making any noise or air pollution, but it wasn't powerful enough to take down the thick crabgrass. I would need to follow up with an electric weed whacker to get the stubborn stuff. If I were to go out of town for a weekend, I'd regret it when returning, since the knee-high grass was nearly impossible to tackle with a reel mower.

Last summer, I inherited the old self-propelled gas mower I used as a teenager. No more worries about stubborn grass, now I had power-- or so I thought. It would pack all the clippings into a hopper which I could use for composting. Sadly, I only got one good cutting before the thing needed so much maintenance I could have bought 2 of these electric mowers. The pull cord starter was a pain, as was the noise and smell of a combustion engine. I also needed to store gasoline, which didn't thrill me since I don't have a garage or a shed. Bah.

This summer, I decided to do the sensible thing and look for a compromise solution. I had used electric mowers in the past, but they didn't have the sort of power that this one has. It's like a dream! Even knee-high grass disappears under its whirling blade. I haven't had to use the discharge function yet, since the mulcher is so effective. There's virtually no clippings left behind to rake and bag -- the only real evidence is the green hue of my mowing shoes. Sure, you need to manage a cord, but if you work your way out from the electrical outlet in parallel lines, you hardly notice except for when you "come about." It reminds me of sailing.

It's quiet, it's effective, it's easy, and it's clean. No fumes or stink on this hog. I wish I had bought one of these two years ago. I can store it indoors without a big mess. It starts instantly, every time. Very strongly recommended if you have a small lawn like mine.

Fantastic
I've had this mower for about 4 months now, and it's great. It does take a bit of getting used to with the cord. I find myself mowing like I vacuum: with the cord in one hand and the mower handle in the other. But the mower is so light, it's a breeze to operate with one hand. You may have to go over an area twice if your grass is really long and think, but it's definitely not a burden because of its weight. ... Read more

Features

• Charger included recharges battery pack in as little as 3 hours
• Easily clears debris from hard surfaces
• 2-18.0V rechargeable NiCad battery packs provide plenty of run-time
• 120 mph air speed for efficient material removal
• Large switch for easy On/Off

Reviews (2)

Quick and light, just like a broom
It's a great little product for those light jobs like blowing dirt and leaves off the patio or grass off the sidewalk after the lawn is mowed.
It's extremely easy to handle, much lighter than the large, corded "Hog" that I also own.
This product should be used to supplement, not replace, the larger, more powerful corded blower.
I found battery changing very simple and less difficult than the cordless weed trimmer I have (also a B&B product).
It was nice to not have to fuss with the 100-foot cord just to "sweep" some grass trimming. Quick and easy are the operative words.

Pretty good - but don't get rid of your corded blower
I just bought the B&D NS118 blower along with the NST2018 cordless string trimmer. I have a corner lot with long parkways and a lot of sidewalk footage, and have grown tired of dealing with up to 175 feet of extension cables for my corded trimmer and blower. I've had a nice battery-powered mower for several years, and felt it was time to go all cordless. This new pair of tools seemed promising, particularly because of the removable battery design.

After only one use I can say I'm reasonably satisfied, but not fully sold.

Handling: This is probably one of the lightest blowers available and is easy to handle. But the way the nozzle attaches is not good at all. It's difficult to remove, and the design invites finger accidents.

Power: The blower is nowhere near as powerful as my corded one. B&D refers to this as a "broom" and that's an appropriate description. It works well on surfaces where you might otherwise use a push broom. It's not good at getting leaves out of grass or flowerbeds. But in a way, the lower airflow can be better for sweeping than a corded blower. My corded one, even at its low setting, can often send debris flying all over the place. This one calmly moves stuff where you want it to go.

Battery: The batteries are compact. The blower comes with two of them, and I needed them both to complete one job. I guess I'm okay with this approach. It makes sense to lug around only as much weight as is necessary rather than carry a much heavier battery the whole time. If you buy this along with a trimmer as I did, you'll have four batteries and two chargers available for swapping. And if you happen to have a FireStorm 18v drill, you can apparently swap batteries with that system as well.

Quality: Build quality seems similar to most B&D stuff, meaning it will probably work for a few years.

Overall: Going cordless does simplify my work and save me time, but this tool isn't appropriate for all cleanup jobs. I have a month to make up my mind about keeping it. But even if it passes muster, I suspect I'll want to hang onto my corded blower for the occasional heavy job. ... Read more

Features

• Weighs 6.4 pounds total; 2-year manufacturer warranty
• Powerful 18-volt rechargeable battery delivers more power and longer run-time
• Extended 22-inch blade provides a smooth and level cut
• 50-minute run-time trims up to 1200 square feet per charge
• Low vibration, dual-action blades improve comfort and reduce fatigue

Reviews (3)

Great Trimmer
When I purchased this, I was concerned that being battery operated it would be underpowered. That's not the case at all, it has plenty of power. The battery charge lasts longer than I do, too.

A real pleasure to get away from the cord. The vibration is much less than any other trimmer I've tried.

No More Cut Cords!
I agree with what was said in the earlier review. My own comparison is with the 10 year old B&D 22" electric that it replaced. I was impressed in that it gives up nothing in terms of power. I used it today for the first time on my 150' of hedges and lots of other bushes, especially hugh forsythias. It did all the trimming with no sign at all of battery fatigue. It's much smoother in operation than the old one. There are two things I didn't like about it. The forward handle is made so that it's only comfortable to hold at the top and not at the sides as in the old models. Also, as was said, there's not a lock-on switch. You have to hold the switch on. They did that, no doubt, for safety reasons, but that's probably where the fatigue enters. Many folks will rig up a clip to achieve the same thing.

Good trimmer
Black and Decker has a few cordless hedge trimmers so I was a bit confused which to try. This was their latest model and boasted a 40 minute run time so I decided to go for it.
The product worked great. I charged the battery the full 6 hours required when you first get it. What's nice about it is after the initial charge the full charge time is 3-6 hours, but the unit can left charging indefinitely without damaging the unit.
The unit performed admirably. It cut beautifully and the charge lasted the 40 minutes. The Hedge Hog breezed thru my bushes with ease. If I have two criticisms, they are 1) you have to keep your hand squeezed on the handle while using it - not a big deal cuz your hand is there anyway, and 2) (and more importantly) the unit isn't light. After about fifteen minutes or so, my arms got a bit fatiuged.
Still, the criticisms are minor, and I'd highly recommend this unit to anyone who doesn't want to deal with the gas or electric powered models. ... Read more