There are 5 work days every week for most people, with some of the weekends used to fix everything that needs fixing inside the house.
Fixing things, having family events, playing with the kids, these are examples of what we like to do on our weekends.
However, as the weeks pass by, your hedges are already big and need cutting. You didn’t work all week waiting for the weekend just to spend a whole day on your weekend manually trimming your garden.
This is why you need a hedge trimmer so you can finish the job in a matter of minutes, saving you time for the other things you need to do. And, if there’s something that the two products we’re featuring here can do, it’s doing the job quickly.
If it’s your first time looking for a hedge trimmer, this comparison will help you since the Black & Decker LHT2220 and LHT321FF are both good entry-level trimmers from a good and trusted brand.
With very similar specs, these two are very good. But, in this comparison, you can learn the importance of additional features and user-friendliness.
What to Consider
Power source
There are three types of hedge trimmers according to how they are powered, and each of them has advantages and disadvantages:
Electric– Electric hedge trimmers are very affordable and lightweight. It’s powered using a cord plugged into an electrical outlet. It’s a good option for most trimming and gardening applications, as you don’t have to worry about draining the battery. Electric hedge trimmers will allow you to finish your job using as much time as you want. However, the disadvantage is that using a cord can be a hassle, especially if you have a big garden because you’ll need to use extensions.
Cordless/Battery-powered– Cordless hedge trimmers excel in comfort and ergonomics, but it suffers when it comes to runtime. Unlike electric ones, cordless trimmers use rechargeable batteries. This kind of trimmer is perfect for people who hate having to organize the cord each time they make a move, and for those who want to bring their trimmer in places without outlets. However, cordless hedge trimmers will limit you because it can only work as long as the battery can power it, meaning you have to get things done fast, or you’ll need to stop to recharge.
Gas-powered– Just like the name suggests, gas-powered hedge trimmers work with gasoline. Due to this, they run with more power than the previous two types. It’s a good trimmer if you’re going to use it for advanced gardening and trimming applications. However, it’s also expensive, with the upfront cost and the need to buy gasoline. Gas-powered trimmers also tend to have more expensive maintenance costs.
While the two models we’re comparing today are both battery-powered, it’s better if you know the differences between the three types, especially if you have other options that aren’t battery-powered.
Length
Length is a double-edged sword in trimmers.
First, a longer hedge trimmer can help you trim hedges more evenly and with better control. However, it can also be tough to use in tight spots, and you’ll also have the risk of hitting yourself.
Power
Trimmers vary in power, but gas-powered trimmers are the most powerful.
When it comes to power, you should look for something with the right strength for the hedge that you need to fix. But, there’s always value in buying a more powerful one, so you can rely on it when more intense applications come your way.
Furthermore, you should also consider the amount of power that you can handle. Remember, with more power comes more vibrations and instability, so don’t buy something that your hands can’t handle.
Blade type
There are two types of blade used in trimmers, single-sided and double-sided.
Single-sided blades cut with one side. It’s perfect for beginners, and if you’re not going to trim thick and big plants. It’s also safer because there’s a lesser chance of injuring yourself with a one-sided blade. However, it works slower compared to double-sided blades.
On the other hand, double-sided blades are perfect for experienced users. It cuts on one side, which helps you do your job quicker.
Ease of use
Hedge trimmers are powerful devices that can strain you with prolonged use, and that’s why you want a model that can make things a little bit easier.
Small features such as premium handles, less vibration, anti-jam mechanisms, and double-sided blades, go a long way to help you trim with ease.
Since you’re going to handle it by hand, weight should also be a factor. If you’re looking to use your trimmer for lengthy periods, you should help yourself consider lighter options.
Durability
Of course, you want a product that will last for years and decades to get the most value out of your money. To do this, make sure that the model you’ll buy is produced by a brand that’s known for its durability and reliability.
Furthermore, you should also see how the device is made. Check if there are design flaws that can cause durability and safety issues. Also, make sure that it’s made using premium and high-quality materials.
A good warranty also helps as it will act as a safety net if your product fails.
Safety
Hedge trimmers, even low-powered ones, can cause danger when not equipped with the necessary safety features and precautions.
Since it uses a blade, accidents can sometimes happen, may it be due to a design flaw or misuse by the user. Blades are dangerous, they can wound you, and it can be fatal depending on the severity of the accident.
To ensure your safety, look for a product with good safety precautions such as tooth extensions and handle shields. It can also help if you read the user’s manual so you can understand how the product works and how to avoid accidents with it.
Also, you should keep an eye on the noise levels because too much noise can cause damage to your hearing.
You can never go wrong prioritizing safety. After all, a safe hedge trimmer is better than a fully-featured but unsafe product.
Let’s Compare
Black & Decker LHT321FF
The LHT321FF cordless hedge trimmer is a product of Black & Decker, a power tools manufacturer based in Maryland, USA. The company is known for producing power tools that are very suitable and easy to use in many applications.
It’s part of the POWERCOMMAND™ family of tools and the 20V MAX System product line. It has a 20V max voltage and 18V nominal voltage. It has a 22” dual-action blade, 20V MAX* lithium-ion battery, two ergonomic handles, and an LCS1620 charger. When it comes to dimensions, it’s sized at 39.98” x 6.97” x 7.48”.
POWERCUT™
If it’s been a long time since you last trimmed your bushes, then you’re surely going to encounter jams, which occurs when things such as branches or other things get stuck in the blade.
In other trimmers, this will mean that you have to trouble yourself manually undoing the jam, which can cost a lot of time. You also need to turn the trimmer off, as you don’t want any of your fingers to get trimmed.
With the Black & Decker LHT321FF’s powercut feature, you can get away from any jam up to 1.5″ with one push of the powercut button. This feature is useful as it can save you time, and you won’t get stressed trying to fix the jam by yourself, allowing you to enjoy the trimming process.
Also, you won’t experience jams that much because this model can cut through branches up to 3/4″ in diameter.
Powerful With High Capacity
The Black & Decker LHT321FF is powered by a 20V MAX* lithium-ion battery, which the manufacturer used to give you the best power and runtime possible.
This trimmer will be enough for routine trimming and can also last long enough for trimming jobs that deal with larger bushes and areas.
With its battery, you can be sure that the trimmer will last long enough for most kinds of applications.
Furthermore, it has a 20V max voltage and 18V nominal voltage, which should be enough power to cut through all of the bushes and branches with ease.
User-friendly
The Black & Decker LHT321FF has a lot of things going for it in user-friendliness.
First, it has a 22″ dual-action blade, which lessens vibration compared to single-blade models. It gives you better control because of the reduced vibrations and will make it easier for you when you’re trying to trim your bushes to shape, or if you want to cut them evenly.
It also has good ergonomics because its handles have premium soft grips, which make trimming easier for your arms and hands. If the soft grips make you uncomfortable, it also has a premium micro-texture grip. Being comfortable while using it makes you feel more in control, which lets you trim the way you want to do it.
This model has a fair share of power, and with these features, you’ll get to maximize this power by having full control with low amounts of vibration.
Black & Decker LHT2220
The LHT2220 is another hedge trimmer produced by US-based power tools manufacturer Black & Decker.
Just like the Black & Decker LHT321FF, it’s part of the 20V MAX System product line. However, it’s not in the POWERCOMMAND™ family. This model has a 20V lithium-ion battery with 20V initial voltage and 18V nominal voltage, and it comes with 22″ dual-action blades, a soft grip, and a battery charger.
The LHT2220 has dimensions of 35.00″ x 7.30″ x 7.50″
Compact
With dimensions of 35.00″ x 7.30″ x 7.50″, the LHT2220 isn’t that long.
Shortness in hedge trimmers can be both a good and bad thing. First, it’s nice because with it being shorter, it’s easier to carry and move around, and it’s also easy to store since it doesn’t take a lot of space. However, it can also be bad because some people may find short hedge trimmers hard to use.
With this model, though, it’s a good thing. It’s shorter than the LHT321FF, but it can do all the things that the latter can do. It’s smaller, but it’s just as good; that’s a good thing.
Powerful and long-lasting
It runs with the same battery as the previous model, a 20V MAX* lithium-ion battery.
According to Black & Decker, the LHT2220 can trim hedges of up to 3000sq ft. on a fully-charged battery. In perspective, an average American house measures 2,386sqft, which shows that the LHT2220 should be more than enough to trim your garden and backyard and with the extra power to spare.
It’s a reliable hedge trimmer you can use several times without having to charge it every single time, which can be tiring.
Also user-friendly
The Black & Decker LHT2220 uses a 22″ dual-action blade that adds to the usability of the hedge trimmer. According to the manufacturer, models equipped with this have 40% less vibration compared to models using the single blade.
It also has a wrap-around front handle that makes it easy to trim horizontally and vertically. This model also comes with a full-length trigger with a soft grip handle, which makes using it a little easier on the hands.
If you’re looking for a hedge trimmer that’s easy to use and won’t get you tired at the end of the day, then you should consider the Black & Decker LHT2220.
FAQs
How much do hedge trimmers cost?
and models have different prices according to their specs and features. Plus, you’ll also have to pay for maintenance costs such as oil change and parts replacement.
Furthermore, you’ll also have to pay for electricity with battery-powered and electric hedge trimmers. Gas-powered ones are, of course, more expensive to use.
What if my engine doesn’t start?
If it’s a brand-new product, don’t do anything with it so you won’t break the warranty. Call the manufacturer, tell them about the situation, and they will guide you with the process.
If it’s an old product, check if it’s connected to a power source. Also, make sure that you have a working ignition system, air intake system, and the likes. If you can’t determine what’s causing the problem, you can check the owner’s manual or call the manufacturer, and they can also tell you how to solve the problem.
Conclusion
It’s a very predictable and boring comparison between the Black & Decker LHT2220 vs. LHT321FF. Both products are from Black & Decker and have almost the same specs.
When it comes to power and battery capacity, both models are powered by a 20V MAX* lithium-ion battery; and both have an 18V nominal voltage. According to Black & Decker, the LHT2220 can trim hedges of up to 3000sq ft. on a fully-charged battery.
With both models having the same battery and voltage, there should be no real difference between the two’s runtime.
When it comes to size, the only difference between the two is in length. The LHT2220 is 5 inches shorter, but this can be a double-edged sword, so it’s better to choose one depending on how you want to use your trimmer.
With the two being very similar, it’s beginning to look like it’s going to be a tie at the end, right? Well, no.
It’s close, but the Black & Decker LHT321FF has a great edge when it comes to the quality of additional features and overall ease of use.
First, it comes with the powercut feature that makes easy work of jams. On the other hand, you’ll have to take care of jams by yourself with the Black & Decker LHT2220. The powercut feature is a valuable addition that can increase your productivity while you work.
Moreover, the Black & Decker LHT321FF comes with a soft grip and a grip with micro-texture. These extras can help you feel more in control of the device because your hands are comfortable with it. The other model also comes with a grip, but it’s just a soft grip.
It’s a close fight between the Black & Decker LHT2220 and LHT321FF, but the former has the edge. Not factoring the extra grips, it’s already a solid trimmer that has most of the features of the LHT321FF, and more.
With more potential performance and ease of use, this comparison goes to the Black & Decker LHT2220 and LHT321FF.
