When choosing between products may they be hedge trimmers or not, it’s tough to choose between a product with slightly better performance and a product with better extra features.
Sure, extra features are nice and can mask the small performance disadvantage. However, it’s also sensible to argue that raw performance is always better than additional features.
In this comparison between the Black & Decker LHT341FF and LHT2436, you’ll see two that have impressive specifications, but with one having a slight edge over the other. On the other hand, the disadvantaged one has a hand when it comes to ease of use and user-friendliness.
It’s tough to choose between features and raw performance, as there are a lot of ways you can think about to go about the problem. In this comparison, we’ll show you what your options are in these kinds of dilemmas.
What To Consider
Power source
The power source is a direct indicator of how powerful a hedge trimmer is because a hedge trimmer is only as powerful as its source allows it to be. There are three main types of hedge trimmers according to the power source:
Battery-powered – Most people like battery-powered hedge trimmers because of their power and portability. It’s slightly limited on runtime, but that’s the price you pay for portability and ergonomics.
Electric– Electric hedge trimmers are more powerful than the prior type, and they will work as long as there’s a working power outlet. It’s stronger and more long-lasting, but it’s slightly compromised on ergonomics and portability because it needs a cord to operate.
Gas-powered– Gas-powered hedge trimmers are more powerful than the previous two by a wide margin. It’s more suited to advanced applications since it’s more expensive to run. Also, it’s highly compromised on ergonomics, portability, and especially control.
Blade
First, you would need to look at blade length. Here’s the principle, you can trim over a more sizeable area with a longer blade. But, it can also be a disadvantage because it’s tough to use in tight spots.
Second, you need to look at the blade type. There are two main blade types in hedge trimmers; single-action and dual-action blades.
A single-action blade cuts with one side, thus, taking longer to do the job. With single-action blades, they cut with two sides, which leads to more work done in the same period.
Many things can make a hedge trimmer more comfortable to use and easier to control, such as special grips and handles. An anti-vibration design can also help a lot to make even cuts.
When it comes to these things, it’s all down to preference since different people have different comfort zones.
To help yourself get a user-friendly hedge trimmer, go for something that gives you more control like features such as anti-vibration features and anti-jam mechanisms.
Safety
With a tool combining speed and blades like a hedge trimmer, even the slightest accidents can cause dire consequences. It’s why you want a device with as many safety precautions and features as possible.
When shopping for trimmers, check the build quality and if everything looks good for long-term use. Also, check if there are risks such as overexposed blades and design flaws.
Once you see one, that’s already a red flag. Don’t get that one, as there are many safe products out there. Don’t be too eager to buy something that’s not safe; it’s better to have thick bushes than have a hedge trimmer-caused injury.
Maintenance
All power tools require maintenance, and it’s the same with hedge trimmers. To make your device last for a long time, make sure to read the user’s manual on maintenance, and follow all the maintenance requirements.
Generally, it can range from mundane maintenance such as oil changes to parts replacement over time as it gets more wear and tear.
Let’s Compare
Black & Decker LHT341FF
The LHT341FF hedge trimmer model is made by Black & Decker, a staple brand of home and gardening tools. Based in Baltimore, B&D has been around since 1910. With a long track record of producing quality products, you shouldn’t be worried about buying tools from B&D.
With the LHT341FF, B&D chose to equip it with a 40V MAX battery with 40V starting voltage and 36V nominal voltage. It comes with a 24″ dual-action blade, the POWERCUT feature, thick-cutting capacity, and a handle with premium soft grips.
This hedge trimmer has a lot of things going for it, which are in this detailed review.
Impressive power and battery
The Black & Decker LHT341FF is an impressive hedge trimmer with pretty great power and battery capacity.
With a 40V MAX battery that can turn out 40V starting voltage and 36V nominal voltage, the LHT341FF can give most battery-powered and some electric hedge trimmers a good run for their money.
Unlike other battery-powered hedge trimmers, which tend to lack in voltage, it can perform good enough for some big trimming jobs.
Furthermore, according to B&D, this model can work on up to 6,000 ft of shrubbery in one charge, which should be more than enough for at least a month. If it isn’t, then you must have a big garden.
If you’re looking for the power and runtime that an electric hedge trimmer has and the convenience that a battery-powered device offers, the LHT341FF should suit you very well.
Thick-cutting capacity with POWERCUT
This B&D hedge trimmer can work on branches up to 3/4″ in diameter, which is pretty much the standard for most of the manufacturer’s hedge trimmers.
With this thick-cutting capacity, you don’t have to worry about branches giving you trouble and making you stop to fix it because this model can cut through them.
Also, if you encounter branches thicker than that or some things get stuck in the blades, you’re lucky because this one is a member of B&D’s POWER COMMAND family with the POWERCUT feature. This feature allows you to power through jams by pressing the POWERCUT button.
Combine the thick-cutting capacity and the POWERCUT feature, and you have a device that’s so good at its job that all you have to do is hold it and let it do the work. You won’t have to tinker with branches, and jams won’t be a problem anymore.
24″ dual-action blade
The B&D LHT341FF comes with a 24″ dual-action blade. In terms of length, it’s a slightly longer blade, so it increases your productivity with more trimming coverage.
Also, dual-action blades produce 40% less vibration compared to single-action blades. This should help a lot, especially because it’s a powerful device that can be harder to control than entry-level trimmers.
With these features, the B&D has the right balance between performance and user-friendliness.
Ergonomic and easy to use
At 7.1 lbs and with dimensions of 38.86” x 7.60” x 8.03”, the B&D is a compact hedge trimmer that won’t give you that much stress while working, and it’s also easy to use.
It’s even more impressive when you realize the fact that it has a high amount of power in its compact build. With it being a bit stronger than your usual battery-powered hedge trimmer, you need every inch and pound you can save to improve comfort and control.
Furthermore, it also comes with an ergonomic handle with premium soft grips for better handling while working in the garden.
With great power and features targeted to enhance usability, this model is good for the new hedge trimmer owner and the gardening enthusiast alike.
Black & Decker LHT2436
Black & Decker also makes the LHT2436 hedge trimmer.
It’s not that different from its counterpart. It has the same battery, voltage, and blades. However, it lacks some features present in the LHT341FF. But, it also has features that its counterpart doesn’t have.
The LHT2436 weighs 6.9 lbs with dimensions of 39.20″ x 7.30″ x 7.50″.
Powerful and long-lasting
Just like its counterpart, the LHT2436 boasts the same 40V MAX battery from Black & Decker that’s capable of 40 starting voltage and 36 nominal voltage.
Those are pretty good values, especially for battery-powered hedge trimmers. Furthermore, it can also trim up to 6,000 ft of shrubbery with a full battery. That’s impressive for a battery-powered model.
Just like its counterpart, the LHT2436 has the ability of an electric trimmer in a battery-powered package. If you’re looking for convenience and function, B&D struck the perfect balance with both devices.
24″ dual-action blade
With a dual-action blade, this hedge trimmer is much easier to control than single-action blades that produce 40% more vibration. When you’re buying a hedge trimmer, it’s because you want your garden to be tidy, but when you have strong vibrations, that’ll result in uneven and ugly cuts. You can avoid that with the LHT2436.
Furthermore, with a 24″ blade, you can cover more shrubbery as you work compared to entry-level hedge trimmers with blades around 20″.
When you’re working, you want the maximum results from your effort. With the same effort, you’ll get to do more with this trimmer compared to other models, which makes the LHT2436 a good, productive, and reliable option.
Thick-cutting capacity, but lacks POWERCUT
The LHT2436 also has a thick-cutting capacity of 3/4″ to help you deal with branches. However, it’s a shame that it doesn’t have the POWERCUT feature.
While it’s still a good hedge trimmer, the POWERCUT feature could’ve added a layer of performance in handling more challenging applications.
Still, it’s a good hedge trimmer, but it may be slightly limited in possible applications compared to its counterpart.
More user-friendly
Unlike its counterpart, the LHT2436 has more features designed for user comfort. First, it comes with a wrap-around front handle designed to improve maneuvering in horizontal and vertical applications. It also has a full-length trigger with a soft-grip handle for better comfort on the job.
Furthermore, it also has a battery charge indicator that isn’t present in its counterpart. While it’s not the fanciest feature, it helps you manage how you use the power in the battery.
All these additional features make this hedge trimmer a good option that offers great performance while also providing great comfort for the user.
FAQs
Where should I store my hedge trimmer?
First, make sure that the device is clean before storing it away because exposure to dirt can cause long-term damage. Make sure that the storage place is clean, dust-free, and dry.
For gas-powered trimmers, don’t take any risks leaving it with flammable gas inside the tank. Always empty the tank before storage to ensure safety from fire hazards.
How should I clean the blades on my hedge trimmer?
It may be different for every trimmer, so it’s best to contact the manufacturer about this. But, generally, the steps are to:
Stop the blades.
Disconnect all power.
Remove debris and jams from the trimmer.
Put a cleaning solution on the blades and allow it to sit for a short time.
Clean with a piece of cloth and cleaning solution.
Apply new oil.
My hedge trimmer needs parts replacement. What should I do?
Contact the manufacturer to order the part you need. If you’re short on time, you can try an aftermarket part but it has a higher risk of failure compared to parts from the manufacturer itself.
The battery for my hedge trimmer won’t work. What should I do?
If it’s a brand new product, you should call the manufacturer and ask for a replacement. If it’s an old device, try recharging it as there’s the chance that it’s empty. You can also check for signs of damage such as leaks and shape changes.
Conclusion
All in all, the Black & Decker LHT341FF and LHT2436 are very similar hedge trimmers produced by the same manufacturer.
In terms of power, there’s no real difference because both boast the same 40V MAX battery with 40V starting voltage and 36V nominal voltage. Both can also trim up to 6,000 ft of shrubbery with one fully charged battery.
They also have the same 24″ dual-action blades that cut both sides for an increase in productivity and produce reduced vibration for better feel and control.
Both also have a thick-cutting capacity of up to 3/4″ of branches in diameter. Here, the LHT341FF builds a gap over its counterpart because of its POWERCUT feature that makes it able to power through strong branches and keep out of jams’ way with a single press of the POWERCUT button.
With that, the LHT341FF has a functionality edge because POWERCUT increases the number of applications it can be used for.
What the LHT2436 lacks in functionality, it gains in the additional features for ease-of-use. It has a wrap-around front handle that improves maneuverability in tight conditions in either vertical and horizontal applications.
It has a full-length trigger with a soft-grip handle for better comfort as well. Furthermore, the LHT2436 also has a battery charge level indicator, which increases user awareness.
The LHT2436 gains the advantage here as it’s definitely more user-friendly than the LHT341FF.
With the LHT2436 having an advantage in user-friendliness and and the LHT341FF having a functional edge, we conclude that it’s all down to preference.
If you’re willing to sacrifice a little bit of performance for a device that’s more user-friendly, then go for the LHT2436. But, if you want more power instead of an advantage in extra features, the LHT341FF is good, too.
However, if you’re looking for a more practical choice, it’s the LHT341FF. Why? Because of the POWERCUT feature. While being user-friendly does help, all that goes to waste when you can’t continue with your job because of a jam. You can argue that the extra features are good, but they’re called extra features for a reason.
If you want a practical choice, the LHT341FF is the better one, and it’ll get easier to use over time as you get used to it anyway.
