Black+Decker Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer Review
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The Black & Decker cordless pole hedge trimmer in this review is the LPHT120, a 20V MAX model whose listing describes an 18-inch dual-action blade on an extendable pole that reaches up to 11 feet. The listing states the tool weighs 7.7 pounds and comes with one battery and a smart charger. For hedge tops and shrub branches that are out of comfortable reach, a pole design lets you trim from the ground instead of from a ladder. This review sticks to what the product listing states and points out where the listing is silent, so you can judge whether the model fits your hedges.
Quick answer
- The LPHT120 is a cordless pole hedge trimmer with an 18-inch dual-action blade and a 20V MAX lithium-ion battery.
- The listing says the adjustable 6-1/2 foot shaft gives a trimming height of up to 11 feet, and the head pivots 180 degrees into five positions.
- The listing states a weight of 7.7 pounds and includes one LBXR20 battery and one LCS20 smart charger.
- It suits ground-level trimming of tall hedges. For shrubs within arm’s reach, a non-pole model may be the simpler choice.
What the listing says about the blade and cutting capacity
The blade decides how a hedge trimmer feels over a long session and how clean the cut looks afterward. The listing describes an 18-inch dual-action blade that cuts branches up to 7/16 inch thick, and it says dual-action blades deliver less vibration than single-action blades. Those two numbers are the ones to keep in mind. Branches thicker than 7/16 inch fall outside the stated capacity, so a hedge with thick woody stems will need a different tool or hand pruning. The listing does not describe the blade steel or any coating, so do not assume anything beyond the stated capacity.
The head is the other feature that matters on a pole. The listing says the 180-degree pivoting head adjusts to five different positions, which allows cutting of both high and low growth. On a pole the cutting angle is set at the top of the shaft, where you cannot easily reposition your feet, so a head that turns in five steps can save you from awkward reaching. The listing does not give the exact angle of each position.
Reach, weight and the pole design
The main reason to buy a pole model is reach. The listing states that the adjustable 6-1/2 foot shaft extends to a trimming height of up to 11 feet. That is the listing’s own figure. It assumes the shaft is fully extended and the head is set for the job, and it does not say how much of the 11 feet is usable on a sloped or uneven yard. Measure the tallest growth you need to reach from where you will stand. If the top of the hedge is above 11 feet, this model will not reach it from the ground.
The pole is built from rust-proof fiberglass sections that interlock. The listing describes the connection as strong and secure. It does not give the length of each section or the shaft diameter, so you cannot compare the stiffness of this pole with another model from the listing alone.
Weight is the second half of the reach decision. The listing states the LPHT120 weighs 7.7 pounds. That is light enough to hold overhead for short periods, but the weight sits at the far end of a long shaft, so the handling feel depends on how you hold it. The listing describes a soft-grip handle for comfort and control during extended use, and a trigger that the listing calls hassle-free for quick starting. It does not give a noise level or a vibration figure beyond the blade claim.
Battery, charging and runtime
The LPHT120 is a 20V MAX lithium-ion kit. The listing names the battery as the LBXR20 and the charger as the LCS20 smart charger, and it says the battery holds a charge for up to 18 months. Holding a charge in storage is a different thing from runtime while cutting. The listing describes the cordless design as offering unlimited runtime for large jobs, but it does not give a runtime figure in minutes or a number of trimming passes per charge. Plan for a second battery if you have a long hedge, and note that the listing does not say whether a second battery is sold with this model.
The listing also describes a PowerConnect battery system, which means the same battery can be used with other tools in the same family. Whether that matters depends on the other 20V MAX tools you already own. The listing does not name which tools are compatible, so check the battery before assuming it will fit a different product.
Who the LPHT120 suits
This model fits a homeowner with tall hedges, shrub tops out of reach from the ground, or high branches that would otherwise need a ladder. It also fits someone who wants a battery tool rather than a corded one, because the listing describes a cordless design with a 20V MAX battery. It is a weaker match for thick woody growth, since the listing gives a 7/16-inch capacity. It is also a weaker match for close, one-handed detail work, because the pole is the defining feature and the weight is spread along its length.
Think of the LPHT120 as a reach tool. If the job is trimming a hedge you can walk along at arm height, a standard shaft model is easier to handle and is more likely to suit light, frequent trimming. For more Black & Decker 20V options without a pole, see Black & Decker 20V cordless hedge trimmer options.
Facts at a glance
| Item | What the LPHT120 listing states |
|---|---|
| Blade | 18-inch dual-action blade |
| Cut capacity | Branches up to 7/16 inch thick |
| Head | 180-degree pivoting head, five positions |
| Shaft | Adjustable 6-1/2 foot length; trimming height up to 11 feet |
| Weight | 7.7 pounds |
| Battery | 20V MAX lithium-ion, model LBXR20; holds a charge for up to 18 months |
| Charger | LCS20 smart charger |
| Included | LPHT120 trimmer, LBXR20 battery, LCS20 charger |
| Model and part number | LPHT120 |
| Not stated | Runtime in minutes, blade steel, warranty length, noise level |
Close alternatives from the pack
The pack contains two other pole hedge trimmers that match the reach idea, though neither is a Black & Decker model. The Torrmoss 2-in-1 is titled as a pole saw and pole hedge trimmer for a DeWalt 20V battery. Its listing says the battery and charger are not included, gives a total reach of up to 15 feet based on a 6-foot user, and lists a weight of 8 pounds. Its hedge head is described as having dual-action blades for 19-inch wide-surface trimming. It switches between pole saw and hedge trimmer without tools, which is a different job from the LPHT120.
The Gisam 6-in-1 kit is also titled as a pole hedge trimmer and pole saw combo. Its listing describes a reach of 14.92 feet, a 180-degree multi-angle head with five lockable positions, and dual 4.0Ah batteries included. The bullets give a weight of 2.54 pounds, while the specification table does not list a weight, so treat the figure as the listing’s claim. The kit also includes a grass shear and a chainsaw attachment, so it covers more jobs than the LPHT120 but is a broader and less focused tool.
Two BLACK+DECKER shorter-reach hedge trimmers are also in the pack. The LHT2220 has a 22-inch dual-action blade, a 2 Year Limited Warranty, a stated item weight of 5.7 pounds and battery and charger included. The LHT2436 is a 40V MAX model with a 24-inch blade. Neither listing title describes a pole, so use them only if your hedges are within arm’s reach.
View on Amazon (Torrmoss pole hedge trimmer)
View on Amazon (Gisam pole hedge trimmer kit)
View on Amazon (LHT2220 hedge trimmer)
View on Amazon (LHT2436 hedge trimmer)
Mistakes to avoid when buying a pole hedge trimmer
- Buying for the tallest hedge you have without measuring it. The listing gives 11 feet as the maximum trimming height for this model.
- Assuming a listing includes the battery. The LHT2220B listing in the pack says the battery and charger are sold separately, so read the included items on every page before ordering.
- Cutting branches thicker than the stated capacity. The LPHT120 listing gives 7/16 inch.
- Assuming a feature that is not in the listing. The listing describes a trigger for starting but no safety lock or blade guard, so check the manual for those.
- Expecting a runtime figure. The listing gives none in minutes for this model.
FAQ
Does the Black & Decker LPHT120 include a battery and charger?
Yes. The listing says the package includes the LPHT120 trimmer, one LBXR20 20V MAX lithium-ion battery and one LCS20 smart charger.
How high can the LPHT120 trim?
The listing says the adjustable 6-1/2 foot shaft extends to a trimming height of up to 11 feet.
How thick a branch can it cut?
The listing says the dual-action blade cuts branches up to 7/16 inch thick. Thicker wood is outside the stated capacity.
How much does it weigh?
The listing states 7.7 pounds.
Are the pole sections rust-proof?
The listing describes the pole sections as rust-proof fiberglass. It does not describe the material of the head.
Does the listing give a runtime in minutes?
No. The listing describes the cordless design as offering unlimited runtime but gives no minute figure for this model.
Bottom line
Buy the LPHT120 if reach is the problem. It is the Black & Decker pole model in this pack, and the listing gives it an 11-foot trimming height, a 7.7-pound weight and a battery and charger in the box. If your hedges are within arm’s reach, or your cuts are thicker than 7/16 inch, a shorter Black & Decker model is the better fit. Check the included items, the measured height of the growth you need to reach and the stated cut capacity before you order. For other pole models with a similar reach, see best cordless pole hedge trimmers compared.
