Black & Decker NPT318, Useful machine for strong..

Overall Rating44444

Useful machine for strong users

That may seem like an odd title for a review on a Hedge trimmer but if you’ve read the review by “Frank” you’ll understand. The NPT318 is an amazing machine.
I have the worst kind of hedges -tall 6-9feet, difficult to reach because of cramped space/sloping ground and encroaching citrus trees. The hedges are mainly bougainvillea which has awful thorns. The citrus have thorns too.It is hot and the hedges are overgrown because of record winter rains.In addition , I am not particularly strong. So, this is a good test situation.
Yes this machine is difficult to operate at full reach horizontaly, but the alternatives are worse. I have used a 2-cycle hedge trimmer - a viscious ,noisy ,stinky beast. It is heavier! I bought my Dad a 240volt (yes off the mains for use in U.K.) German pole hedge trimmer. It is more powerful but just as unwieldy .In addition you have the power cord to deal with.
I found the run time ideal - it still had plenty of charge after 45 minutes attacking the bougainvillea.By then I needed a rest anyway. I charged it during lunch and then attacked some more hedge. Some of this required me to use it at full stretch - I am 6ft with long arms +the pole -yes these are monster hedges. The machine worked perfectly. The alternative is wobbling on a step ladder ,juggling a power cord and trying to avoid the thorns. So far I’ve done all my hedges and the neighbor’s without a scratch. It is far too hot to wear a shirt and using my old B&D with a power cord+ step ladder I would look like someone from a crucifiction scene in the movies by now. The combination of citrus and bougainvillea is bloody!
My suggestins to B&D to improve the NPT 318 are:
1.Increase the voltage from 18v to 24v. This will increase the run-time/decrease motor weight/increase power.
2.Make the battery and charger interchangeable with other B&D equipment.
3. Use lighter-weight metals(magnesium alloy?) for the blade and pole. The weight of the battery isn’t a problem because of it’s location on the handle.
4. Consider offering an extending pole like Remington use on their pole chain saws.
5. Design the NPT 318 so you can use it without the pole - like a conventional cordless hedge trimmer.
6. When Black & Decker have a prototype they can test it on my bougainvillea !:-)

Update (2/7/2012):

The featured review for this product, Black & Decker NPT318 18-Volt Cordless Electric Pole Hedge Trimmer Lawn & Patio, was written by M. S. Davenport.

The average rating for this item is 4 out of 5 stars, according to 3 reviews.

Related posts:

  1. Black & Decker VP110, Black & Decker - VersaPak..
  2. Black & Decker CST1100, 2 strikes and I’m done!
  3. Black & Decker LH4500 12, Does what it was hired to..
  4. Black & Decker GC818, This really WORKS
  5. Black & Decker AS600, Great Cordless Screwdriver..

Reviews (3)

D. White

July 11th, 2010 at 7:47 am    


Overall Rating44444

Nothing is perfect
I used to have a B&D 22 inch trimmer that was loud, heavy and I hated it. When it died I wanted a pole trimmer because I saw some pros using a gas model. But they are several hundred bucks. I don’t like B&D and as a rule do not consider their products because I was told they use bushings and no bearings and I think are designed to throw away when they die. The negative reviews concerned me but I held my nose and ordered it anyway. I am happy to say that I love it. It is quiet, cuts well, works like it is supposed to, etc. The battery and motor are strong and I can handle my Eugenia hedge no problem with power to spare. It is 7 feet H, 6-7 feet wide and 75 feet long. I suspect I like it because I am 6-3 200 lbs and I have no problem swinging it around. I have 36 inch long arms and have to stretch them out to balance the middle of the stalk while sumultaneously holding down the pistol trigger. So if you are Big Foot go for it! …If on the other hand you are slight and would have trouble handling a pick-axe for example…maybe hire someone else to do your hedge.


M. S. Davenport

August 12th, 2010 at 5:21 pm    


Overall Rating44444

Useful machine for strong users
Rated 4 stars.


Dallas Electronics Fan

August 13th, 2010 at 4:03 pm    


Overall Rating44444

Pleasantly surprised..
When I needed a pole trimmer, the reviews in Amazon convinced me to give this one a try. First time out I used it for about 30 minutes (combined sustained operation). The battery held up admirably with no sign of losing power. It trimmed through everything up to about 1/3 of an inch without a problem. 1/2 an inch and above slowed it down and stalled it on several occasions. I bought this with the knowledge that this isn’t a gas powered unit or heavy duty electric model with that kind of performance. My high trimming is mostly ligt duty and a good match for what this trimmer is capable of. It can be a little unwieldly but if you can operate a gas powered or heavy duty electric weed eater, this won’t be a problem. I have other battery powered tools and usually get two to three years of light duty service before the battery stops holding a charge. I’d guess similar service from this. Replacement batteries are about 50 dollars. Note that you should store batteries inside or in an otherwise climate controlled environment (above +/- 60 degrees F). It’s very quiet relative to another electric trimmer I own. In summation, if you need the reach of a pole trimmer for light duty and short duration trimming (+/- 20 minutes in my estimation), I can recommend this one.


Leave a reply

Overall Rating

Name *

Mail *

Website