This is the Black+Decker string trimmer that suits the most yards. A 13 inch cutting swath is wide enough to cover a lawn border quickly, and a power drive transmission raises torque at the string so the head holds speed when it meets thick, wet grass. The 40V MAX battery has a state-of-charge indicator, which tells you at a glance whether you can finish the front edge.
The tool converts from trimmer to edger in seconds, which matters more than it sounds: edging a driveway with the head turned and a wheel guide is the job where small string trimmers earn their keep. The kit includes a battery and charger, so there is nothing to add.
The tradeoff is weight and reach against the 20V models: a 40V battery is bigger, and the shaft is fixed length, so a tall user has to bend more than with the telescoping sibling. Replace the line with the maker's spools, clean grass from under the guard after each use and store the battery indoors. For a mid-sized lawn, it is the one to buy first. The charge indicator also helps you plan the order of the job, so you can edge the long driveway first and trim the small beds with whatever remains. Over several seasons it is the pack that ages first, so avoid leaving it on the charger over winter.
What works
- Power drive transmission adds torque at the string
- State-of-charge indicator on the battery
- Converts from trimmer to edger quickly
- Battery and charger included
Watch out for
- Fixed shaft length suits average heights only
- 40V pack is heavier than the 20V ones
Spec sheet
- Cutting swath
- 13 in.
- Platform
- 40V MAX lithium-ion
- Transmission
- Power drive
- Format
- Trimmer and edger, quick conversion
- Battery
- With state-of-charge indicator






