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Add to SafariWhen comparing Black & Decker LST136 vs Hitachi CG23ECPSL, the Slant community recommends Hitachi CG23ECPSL for most people. In the question“What are the best string trimmers?” Hitachi CG23ECPSL is ranked 2nd while Black & Decker LST136 is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Hitachi CG23ECPSL is:
The 2-stroke engine is powerful enough to cut thick grass and though weeds, while still maintaining a low weight.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Hassle-free operation
This lightweight trimmer is extremely easy to use: just pull it out of the shed, check if the string is loaded, attach the battery, and you are good to go without any power cords, oil mixing, or spark plug cleaning.
Pro Requires little maintenance
Contrarily to what happens with gas string trimmers, there is no need to worry about oil, spark plugs, engine wear, or keeping extra gas.
Pro Converts into an edging tool
With a quick turn of the shaft, the trimmer can quickly become an edger, complete with height guard to keep your edges even. Additionally, a built-in guide helps to keep the edge straight and even. It flips up out of the way when the unit is in trimming mode. Versatility like this eliminates the need to buy another tool just for edging.
Pro Easy to repair, if needed
Black & Decker provides spare parts and plans for this trimmer, so you can just order a new part and replace it yourself.
Pro Easy to wind trimming line
Since it is a single-line trimmer it is easier to wind in the line without any unnecessary tangles that can happen with dual line trimmers.
Pro Automatic line feed
The line feeds itself, depending on the resistance detected, as you trim along.
Pro Wide cutting path
The trimmer has a 13" cutting path, so you don’t have to swing it around as much as with trimmers with a narrower path.
Pro Adjustable power level
The trimmer has six different power settings, allowing the operator to adjust the speed that's best suited to the current scenario.
Pro Tells you how much battery power is left
The LED indicator on the battery tells you how much power is left, so you don’t have to do any guessing.
Pro Batteries work with other Black & Decker tools
You can use batteries from other Black & Decker tools that use 40V lithium-ion elements, allowing you to swap batteries between tools whenever necessary.
Pro Adjustable to the most comfortable shaft height
Because of the adjustable shaft height, you can optimize the trimmer to a comfortable level, avoiding unnecessary back pain. However, due to its short length, it may no be very suited for tall users.
Pro Lightweight design
Weighing under 8 pounds, it can even be used by teenagers and seniors without risk of back pain.
Pro Very good for stubborn weeds
The 2-stroke engine is powerful enough to cut thick grass and though weeds, while still maintaining a low weight.
Pro Anti-vibration system minimizes the tiring effect
The anti-vibration system of this trimmer reduces the tiring effect to your hands that's caused by vibrations, when you use the trimmer for an extended period.
Pro Good multi-functionality
You can buy optional attachments like an edger, hedge trimmer, pole saw, or a cultivator tool, to increase the functionality of the trimmer.
Pro Easy to carry around
Weighing only 10 pounds, this trimmer can easily be carried around the yard.
Pro Excellent warranty options
Hitachi offers a seven-year limited warranty, so if it gets defective within that time, you can take it to a service center near you to have it repaired for free (as long as user error didn't cause the damage). Also, the shaft has a lifetime warranty against rust.
Pro Can reach difficult areas
The 60" long shaft further means this is versatile enough to reach difficult areas.
Cons
Con Battery life is limited
In typical conditions, the trimmer will last almost half an hour, but if you use it at full power non-stop, it will last only around 15 minutes.
Con Not very comfortable for tall people
It is not the longest trimmer on the market, so it may be uncomfortable for very tall people (over 6').
Con Only uses one string
One string trimmers cut slower than two string alternatives.
Con Maintenance isn't particularly simple
Since this trimmer has a two-stroke engine, you have to mix gas and oil before filling up the trimer. Not everyone likes this process, because spills and the smell of gasoline are almost unavoidable. On top of that, it requires maintenance like regularly changing or cleaning the spark plug and the air filter.
Con Sneaky line feeding mechanism
The automatic line feeding mechanism doesn’t work well with all the string types.
Con Can get pretty loud
The trimmer can get louder than 100dB, so it is recommended to wear hearing protection and not work with it during rest hours.
