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

My father had an electric hedge trimmer that he said didn't cut much of anything. I tried it once and it was totally useless. More like massaging the bushes. Consequently I inherited from him the habit of using manually operated shears. Finding one of those with straight blades that actually cut was kind of annoying. After watching a couple yard care Youtube videos decided to try an electric trimmer. Due to the experience above I suspected I needed to spend $70 on one of the big ones to get one that could really cut. The 24” (22"?) B&D’s were out of stock when I was ready to purchase so I bought this one based on the reviews wondering if it could live up to those reviews. For the low price I had severe doubts. Cue parting clouds, sunbeams, and trumpets. Hey, this thing actually cuts! In 20 minutes I cut what would have taken a couple days with the shears. The limiting factor was greens waste bin space. Stuffed a couple and had to stop. Plus shaping was much easier so the bushes look better. I used a 100’ “contractors” extension cord I bought on Amazon, actually I bought two different cords for different uses, so I test fit both and both sockets fit the trimmer. The wire fit in the hole for the retention hook and I had no problems with the cording popping off. It has trouble cutting thicker woody branches (perhaps around a half-inch) but that matches the description so no problem. It appears to be a trade-off. In exchange for being very light and easy to handle, you trade-away the cutting power of a higher amperage motor and the reach of the 22” and 24” trimmers. So if all your bushes are not much taller than you are and you don’t have to reach back too much, then this one is great. If you have giant bushes with thick branches then you might want more power and reach. Extremely happy with this purchase. Less effort, more productivity, less time, bushes look better, and for a low cost.

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

This trimmer is the best! I use it for the several types of hedges and bushes in my yard! I am a woman in my late 60’s and find it to be lightweight and easy to use. Some people prefer battery trimmers, but I find the extension cord to be no problem. I hate recharging my tools and dislike even more, having to get a bunch of batteries for back ups. Look what a nice job these do!

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

I got this to replace my heavy metal single sided B & D trimmer that is 50 yrs old and still works! This is more powerful, lighter, is safer to use with guard and safety trigger. I can use it with one hand, which is quicker, but requires putting other hand in pocket for safety sake. Cuts thicker stems than my old trimmer, too. I doubt it will last 50 yrs, but at 70, I don't need it to.

This is a good tool and does a good job.

This easy to use. I mean super easy. It does a great job as well. It is lightweight and perfect length for most shrub widths.

An excellent tool