Electric Is So Much Better Than Gas!
Time To Go Cordless!
Electric string trimmers, aka grass or line trimmers, are cleaner, lighter and quieter than gas powered trimmers. With rechargeable batteries, electric trimmers are more versatile than ever.
Updated: I've just begun using my electric trimmer again for the 2nd season, and one of the best things about it is being able to enjoy the smell of fresh cut grass without having the smell of gasoline engine exhaust hanging around.
Time For A New Trimmer?
Consider an Electric Trimmer, if you haven't already
I had been using my dad's gas powered trimmer to edge the lawn. There's tall grass and weed around trees, shrubs, bushes and other things around the yard where it is hard to get close to with the lawn mower.It was such a frustrating experience. The gas trimmer was heavy, noisy and awkward. A dirty little "2 stroke" engine that burns a mixture of gasoline and oil -- real great to be breathing this exhaust, I'm sure!
I had problems starting it, then it didn't want to continue running. It probably needed a tune up, but I didn't like the looks of it.
The fuel lines connect at the top of the fuel tank, does it run on fumes? I really don't know much about engines, but something about the way it looked bothered me. The whole way the fuel lines were connected made me think that the engine was upside down.
I was already thinking that an electric trimmer would be better. The electric motor is lighter, and there's no exhaust to worry about. No chance of spilling gasoline, no mixing gas with oil, no fussing with air filters, and spark plugs.
A quick search online, and the Black & Decker NST2018 18-Volt Cordless Electric 12-Inch Grass Hog String Trimmer
looked like my best choice, especially when it comes with two 18v batteries which are compatible with other Black & Decker products. How Much Trimming Needs To be Done?
Here's the scope of my problem
I don't know if these pictures are able to convey how big this yard is.The front is about half an acre, the back two sections combined are a bit less than that. Along the road, there is a long section against the curb too narrow for even a push mower. With all the sand and road salts that build up from the road treatment and snow plows during the Winter, it's mostly weeds that grow there.
In the front there are plenty of trees, shrubs and ornamental plants including ever green bushes that line the driveway dividing it from the front yard. There is also a line of hedges along the front porch.
On one side of the house, there is a bench swing, flower garden and a walkway that leads to the main doorway. There's also a set of bulkhead doors that lead to the basement which are right next to the outside water faucet and electrical receptacle.
On the back side of the house, I'm mostly concerned with keeping things from growing up against the building, especially at the access to the oil tank in the basement.
On the other side, there is a deck and a liquid propane tank. It would also be nice to keep the path to the raspberry bushes clear.
In the section beyond the back yard, I just want to trim close to the raspberry and rose bushes so I don't need to get so close to the thorns while mowing.
Along The Road
Front Yard
Need To Trim Under These Hedges!
Get Under Here W/ Out A Trimmer :)? Yeah! Right!
Back Yard
Need To Keep The Deck Steps Clear
Beyond The Back Yard
Gas or Electric?
Which is Better?
The local small engine repair shop usually charges $70 for labor when they tune up, and do other repairs to the lawn mower.
The final bill is usually over $200.
I don't know if they charge less for a smaller, lighter piece of equipment like a trimmer, but some how I think it'll be over $100 for whatever they do to it.
I also believe that part of the problem is that the gas trimmer I have is too small for this yard, and was over-heating before I could finish when it was running good.
I'm afraid that even if they get it running the way it should, the gas trimmer will still give me problems trying to complete this yard in a single day.
What do you think? Repair the gas trimmer, or buy an electric one?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, you're right! Get an electric trimmer!
ElizabethJeanAllen says:
We have one of each. My husband uses the gas trimmer but I prefer the electric. Its not as heavy.
Posted May 18, 2009
mulberry says:
I need electric. My experience with gas was bad...too heavy and unreliable. I hate to bother with the cord so the new ones with a rechargeable battery sound perfect.
Posted May 16, 2009
No way, Monkeybrain! Gas is proven technology! It'll do a better job!
GrowWear says:
Our first ever was electric. It was great! But, we always got a gas one after that for some reason. Right now, it's a John Deere, and it's my fave since the electric. Works real well. Have to adjust the hand-to-hand grips, though; they do build them for men. What I like most about it is that it's not that heavy, and it can really cut!! Definitely a heavy-duty little guy. Plus, you can calculate your string spin (with hand pressure) from easy-does-it to rip-roaring-get-the-heck outta there. LOL
Posted June 18, 2009
Links For Cordless Electric Trimmers
If you agree, add links (proof!) that help me make my case
Add a link that makes my case.
Cordless String Trimmers | Review of Grass Hog Electric String Trimmers
Review of Black & Decker "Grass Hog" more...1 point
Go Green Landscaping
"...offering a complete "green" law more...1 point
Links Against Cordless Electric Trimmers
Disagree? Put your money where your mouth is and show us why.
Post links that point out why you think I'm wrong.
ryobi trimmers gas or electric
This article discusses the kinds of Ryobi trimmers more...0 points
String trimmers: some of the latest electric trimmers perform better than ever. But gas models are still tops overall for tall grass and weeds. (01-JAN-07) Consumer Reports Annual Buying Guide
A string trimmer can pick up where lawn mower leav more...0 points
Black & Decker NST2018 18-Volt Cordless Electric 12-Inch Grass Hog String Trimmer
Battery-powered, this cordless string trimmer has the capacity to trim grass after mowing for up to a 1/2-acre home site on a single charge of both included 18-volt batteries. Quiet and easy to start, the unit requires no gas, oil, or tune-ups.
The Grasshog's Groom 'N' Edge head rotates 180 degrees to convert the trimmer to an edger with a push of a button. When used as an edger, the flip-down edge guide keeps the Grasshog in line with sidewalks and driveways. A secondary handle adjusts for increased comfort and control.
A lock-off switch prevents accidental start-ups to ensure safe usage every time.
Purchase includes a trimmer/edger, two 18-volt batteries and a charger. Black & Decker includes a 30-day no-risk satisfaction guarantee and full two-year warranty is provided.
Black & Decker NST2018 18-Volt Cordless Electric 12-Inch Grass Hog String Trimmer With Two Batteries
Amazon Price: $104.82 (as of 12/24/2009)
List Price: $191.66
- 18-volt 12-inch cordless string trimmer/edger
- 2 Ni-Cad batteries, telescoping shaft, centrifugal forces automatically advances line
- Durable plastic handles
- Includes trimmer, 2 batteries, and charger
- Lightweight 6-1/2 pounds; 2-year warranty
Avg. Customer Rating: 
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30-day no-risk satisfaction guarantee?
I decided I had to try it!
Results Of The New Cordless Trimmer
I love it!
The Black & Decker 18-Volt Cordless Electric Grass Hog String Trimmer comes with two rechargeable batteries, and as soon as it arrived, I charged both up.
Instead of the time I had been wasting just to start the old gas powered trimmer, I was able to just slip in a charged battery and get right to work.
This worked great. They say that the Grass Hog should be able to handle half an acre with two fully charged batteries, but I knew I had more area than that to cover. I did my trimming first, and started recharging the first battery as I used the second.
I used the first battery to do some touch up trimming after the mowing was finished. Since I hadn't trimmed all the spots that needed trimming in over a month, I was really hoping the two batteries would be enough for me to do all my trimming in one session next time.
Why Using An Electric Trimmer Is Better
The bottom line is I was able to get more done with my new Black & Decker Grass Hog Electric Trimmer.
•It is lighter, and does not need a shoulder strap (the
36v model does come with a shoulder strap).
•It started at the push of a button instead of "push
this, pull that, move this then pull some more" (which
is about what it took to start the gas powered one).
•My arms didn't ache when I finished.
•I didn't have to fill a gas tank, or prepare an
oil/gas mixture for it.
•I didn't have to breathe the exhaust of a combustion
engine.
•I wasn't deaf when I finished.
The 18-volt battery version probably isn't the best one for a yard this size, but after using it, I discovered that the my dad has other cordless Black & Decker tools that use the same battery as the Black & Decker Cordless Electric Grass Hog. With four fully charged batteries, I can easily do the whole yard, and I don't have to worry about it over-heating before I finish.
I think part of my original problem is that my dad's old trimmer was never right for this amount of work. When I was able to get it to run, it would over heat before I could finish.
The electric trimmer does not have this problem, I just need to have four batteries to do the whole job. Having more than one charger makes it easier to have them ready before I start.
The Black & Decker Heavy-Duty 36-Volt Cordless Electric String Trimmer #NST2036 might have been a better choice for this size yard, but I'll stick with the one I have now.
It's amazing how light this is, and without a shoulder strap, I can maneuver it in ways I would never be able to with a heaver model. I can just flip the whole trimmer over, and reach spots I wouldn't be able to if my movements were restricted.
Can An Electric Trimmer Cut The Tough Stuff?
When looking at reviews for electric trimmers, I often saw people criticize them as not being powerful enough to tackle tall grass and weeds. This may be true of older electric trimmers, but I don't think it applies to the Black & Decker NST2018 18-Volt Cordless Electric 12-Inch Grass Hog String Trimmer.
I have many areas where the grass and weeds grow pretty high and thick, so I took my new trimmer out and found a good size patch of the weeds known as "ten minute itch" to try it out on.
I didn't have any problem cutting through this patch of weeds.
Black & Decker Cordless Accessories
String Trimmer Replacement Spools
Black & Decker AF-100-3ZP 30-Feet 0.065-Inch Line String Trimmer Replacement Spool, 3-Pack
Amazon Price: $17.30 (as of 12/24/2009)
List Price: $27.05
- Auto Feed System replacement spool eliminates time spent hand-winding string trimmers
- 30-foot replacement line is factory wound for a superior feed
- Utilizes centrifugal force for maximum performance
- Includes a .065-inch diameter line
- Compatible with most Black and Decker string trimmers
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Usually ships in 24 hours
Black & Decker Replacement FireStorm 18-Volt Batteries
Black & Decker FSB18 FireStorm 18-Volt NiCad Slide Style Battery
Amazon Price: $38.03 (as of 12/24/2009)
List Price: $50.57
Avg. Customer Rating:
Usually ships in 24 hours
Black & Decker 9.6-Volt to 18-Volt Slide Style Battery Charger
Black & Decker FSMVC 9.6-Volt to 18-Volt Slide Style Battery Charger
Amazon Price: $30.96 (as of 12/24/2009)
List Price: $41.18
- Charges 9.6, 12.0, 14.4, and 18-volt NiCad battery packs
- Charges batteries in under 90 minutes (According to reviews, this time may apply to to the 9.6 volt batteries, 18 volt batteries take more than twice that long - still faster than the standard charger that is included with B&D cordless products)
- Rough and tough plastic construction
- Weighs 14.7 ounces
- Includes a 2-year warranty
Avg. Customer Rating:
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Cordless Electric Lawncare Center
Nothing more convenient than cordless electric tools with their own storage rack!
Black & Decker CCC3000 18-Volt Cordless Electric Lawncare Center
Amazon Price: $199.99 (as of 12/24/2009)
List Price: $379.78
- Three durable, 18-volt lawn care tools with lightweight, easy-to-handle bodies
- Cordless string trimmer/edger cuts wide, 12-inch paths and automatically advanced line for ease of use
- Powerful hedge trimmer offers a dual-action, 22-inch blade for smooth, level cuts
- Low-noise hard surface sweeper uses air to clear patios, driveways, and walkways easily
- Includes string trimmer, hedge trimmer, sweeper, 3 Ni-Cad batteries, 3-port charger, wall-mount, and 2-year warranty.
Avg. Customer Rating:
Usually ships in 24 hours
Heavy-Duty 36-Volt Cordless Electric String Trimmer
Black & Decker #NST2036
Black & Decker NST2036 Heavy-Duty 36-Volt Cordless Electric String Trimmer
Amazon Price: $169.99 (as of 12/24/2009)
List Price: $169.99
The first trimmer in its class to receive the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star certification for its charging system, this efficient and environmentally friendly model from Black & Decker trims mowed areas on most 1/2-acre home sites, and is great for heavy-duty weed clearing and cutting.
Powered by a long lasting 36-volt NiCad battery for robust performance that rivals gas, but without the mess and hassle, the NST2036 boasts a 14-inch cut path and speeds up to 7,500 RPM. In fact, it cuts more area per charge than any other cordless trimmer currently on the market, and yields impressive results even around tough areas like against fences, near gutter drains, or the perimeter of trees with large root bases.
It's also very easy to operate, thanks to a host of helpful features like dual .080-inch lines for long life, a patented gear drive for the right amount of torque to handle thick, bushy grass and brush, and a variable speed trigger for optimum control.
For additional comfort and stability, you can adjust the auxiliary handle to your height, and the telescoping shaft can also be extended to access whatever you're cutting.
Finally, a bump feed system feeds the line on demand, and a shoulder strap helps ensure even distribution of weight.
The NST2036 comes with a three-year warranty.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
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Cordless Electric Mulching Lawn Mower
Black & Decker CMM1200 19-Inch 24-Volt
Black & Decker CMM1200 19-Inch 24-Volt Cordless Electric Mulching Lawn Mower
Amazon Price: $365.00 (as of 12/24/2009)
List Price: $766.79
- Powerful 24-volt, 1,200-watt permanent magnet electric motor; mows 1/3-acre on a single charge
- Cutting height adjusts with the touch of a button; starts by simply pulling a lever
- Mower stores upright for compact storage
- 2-year limited warranty; limited lifetime warranty on cutting deck
- Included with mower: bag and mulching plate
Avg. Customer Rating:
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Comments? Any Final Thoughts About Cordless Electric Trimmers?
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Reply
- GrowWear GrowWear Jun 18, 2009 @ 6:30 am
- Great lens; no surprise, either. You do excellent work.
-
Reply
- ElizabethJeanAllen ElizabethJeanAllen May 18, 2009 @ 7:58 pm
- I prefer my electric trimmer. The gas trimmer is too heavy to handle for long and our yard is big.
Thanks for sharing
Lizzy
-
Reply
- lakeerieartists lakeerieartists Dec 28, 2008 @ 7:30 pm
- Great lens. I let my husband do the trimming in our yard.
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Reply
- Eclectic_Muse Eclectic_Muse Oct 6, 2008 @ 7:16 am
- I wish we had a yard like yours. Ours is laden with rocks and mostly weeds. The majority of our yard work must be done with a weed eater. Unfortunately we had to retire our prized hedgehog for a more commercial workhorse. Great lens!
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Reply
- Susan52 Susan52 Oct 4, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
- Hmmm. We need a new one. The gas one is a pain. The head weed trimmer doesn't like batteries, but he'd certainly like something lighter with less smoke, and quieter is good. Hmmm. Might have to do some shopping.
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Reply
- WritingforYourWealth WritingforYourWealth Sep 29, 2008 @ 11:24 pm
- Great information. I can't stand the noise of gas powered lawn tools, so I'm all for electric :)
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Reply
- spirituality spirituality Sep 13, 2008 @ 10:18 am
- great lens. I agree: if you can manage with electric, don't go for gas.
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