Black+Decker LST136W Review

My First Hand Look at the Black+Decker LST136W String Trimmer

I have been using string trimmers for over a decade, both gas and electric. When I decided to pick up the Black+Decker LST136W, I was looking for something light and simple. I did not need a commercial machine. I just wanted to clean up the edges of my lawn and trim around the fence posts. After several weeks of regular use, I have a clear picture of what this trimmer does well and where it falls short. This review covers my honest experience, not a lab test, just real yard work.

How I Tested It

I used the LST136W on a standard suburban lot, about a quarter acre of grass with a mix of fescue and some clover. My yard has a lot of obstacles: a chain link fence, a stone patio, a vegetable garden border, and several mature trees. I also have a strip of unmowed grass along the back property line where the weeds get thick in July.

Over four weeks, I used the trimmer approximately 12 times. Each session lasted anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes. I purposefully let some areas grow longer than usual to test the cutting power. I also let the battery fully drain on a few occasions to see the real runtime. I did not use any special technique. I just walked my normal trimming route and noted how the machine handled each situation.

I also tested the automatic feed spool by running the trimmer into the ground and into a few rocks. I wanted to see if the line would advance on its own or if I would have to manually bump it. I kept track of how often the line broke and how easy it was to replace the spool.

Performance

Cutting Power and Grass Type

The LST136W runs on an 18 volt lithium ion battery. That is the first thing you need to know. It is not a 40 volt or 60 volt machine. For normal grass that is maintained regularly, this trimmer cuts cleanly. It handles the thin blades of fescue and bluegrass with no problem. The 13 inch cutting swath is wide enough to get the job done without taking forever.

However, I quickly learned that this trimmer is not for heavy weeds. When I tried to cut through a patch of tall crabgrass and thistle that had grown to about 18 inches, the motor struggled. It bogged down and the line snapped several times. I had to let the weeds bend over and then come back at them from the top. Even then, the machine did not chew through them like a gas trimmer would. If your yard has thick brush, vines, or woody stems, this is not the tool for you.

Battery Life

The battery life is the biggest practical limitation. Black+Decker claims up to 30 minutes of runtime. In my tests, I got between 20 and 25 minutes of continuous trimming on a full charge. That is with the battery fresh out of the box. As the battery has aged over a few dozen charge cycles, I now see closer to 18 minutes before the trimmer slows down and stops.

For a small yard, 20 minutes is enough. I can trim the fence line, the patio edge, and around the trees in one go. But if you have a larger property or a lot of detail work, you will either need a second battery or you will have to accept splitting the job into two sessions. The charger takes about 4 to 5 hours to fully recharge the battery, so you cannot just plug it in for a quick top off.

Automatic Feed Spool

The automatic feed spool is one of the best features of this trimmer. It works by sensing when the line is short and then advancing a new length automatically. You do not have to bump the head on the ground. I found this to be very convenient. The line always stayed at the right length for cutting. I never had to stop and manually pull line.

On the downside, the automatic feed uses more line than a bump feed system. Because it advances whenever it detects a certain resistance, it sometimes feeds when you are just moving the trimmer through the air. I found myself using more line than I expected. Also, when I hit a hard object like a rock or a concrete curb, the line would snap and the feed would immediately advance a new length. This is good for productivity but it does consume the spool faster.

Replacing the spool is straightforward. You press two tabs on the side of the head and pull it apart. The spool pops out and you put in a new one. It takes about 30 seconds. The replacement spools are inexpensive and widely available.

Handling and Ergonomics

This is where the LST136W really shines. It weighs only 7.5 pounds. That is incredibly light for a string trimmer. I could hold it in one hand while walking around the yard. My arm never got tired, even after using it for the full battery charge. The handle is a standard D grip with a trigger switch. It is comfortable for most hand sizes.

The trimmer has an adjustable auxiliary handle. You can slide it up or down the shaft to find a comfortable position. I set mine near the middle of the shaft and it worked well for my height, which is 5 foot 10 inches. The shaft itself is straight, not curved, which gives you a bit more reach under bushes and around obstacles.

One ergonomic issue I noticed is the trigger lock. You have to hold a small button on the side of the handle while pulling the trigger to start the trimmer. This is a safety feature, but it feels a bit stiff. After a few minutes of use, my thumb got a little sore from pressing that button. It is not a deal breaker, but it is worth noting.

Build and Value

Construction Quality

The LST136W is made mostly of plastic. The shaft, the motor housing, and the trimmer head are all hard plastic. It feels solid enough for light duty use. I have dropped it a few times on the grass and it did not crack or break. The plastic guard around the cutting head is thin but functional. It does a decent job of deflecting debris, though some small pebbles still got through and hit my ankles.

The battery slides onto the base of the motor housing with a click. It fits snugly and does not wobble. The battery itself has a charge indicator with three LED lights. You can press a button on the battery to see how much charge remains. This is very helpful for planning your work.

I do have a concern about the longevity of the automatic feed mechanism. After about 10 uses, I noticed that the line sometimes does not advance unless I shake the trimmer a little. It might just be my unit, but it suggests that the internal springs and gears are not built for heavy or frequent use. For a homeowner who trims once a week, it should last a few seasons. For someone who trims daily, I would expect it to fail sooner.

Value for the Price

This trimmer is inexpensive. At the time of writing, it typically sells for around 60 to 80 dollars. For that price, you get the trimmer, one battery, and a charger. You also get a pre wound spool of line installed. That is a very low entry point for a cordless electric trimmer.

Compare that to a comparable gas trimmer, which often costs 150 to 200 dollars and requires fuel, oil, and maintenance. The LST136W is much cheaper to own and operate. You never have to mix gas, clean a carburetor, or pull a starter cord. You just charge the battery and go.

The main trade off is the battery life and power. If you only need 20 minutes of trimming and you are cutting normal grass, this trimmer offers tremendous value. If you need more runtime or more cutting power, you will have to spend more money on a higher voltage model or a gas trimmer.

Who Should Buy It

I recommend the Black+Decker LST136W to specific types of users.

• Homeowners with small to medium yards. If your lot is under a half acre and you trim for 20 minutes or less per session, this trimmer will handle the job.
• People who prioritize weight and ease of use. At 7.5 pounds, it is one of the lightest trimmers on the market. If you have arthritis, back problems, or just do not want to lug around a heavy machine, this is a great option.
• Budget conscious buyers. The low price makes it accessible. You get a functional tool without spending a lot of money.
• Users who already own Black+Decker 18 volt tools. The battery is compatible with other Black+Decker 18 volt products like drills and saws. If you already have those batteries, you can buy the trimmer as a bare tool and save even more.

I do not recommend this trimmer for the following people.

• Anyone with a large property. If you need to trim for 45 minutes or more, the battery will die halfway through. You will need multiple batteries or a corded electric trimmer.
• Users who cut heavy weeds or thick brush. This trimmer lacks the torque to power through dense vegetation. It will stall and snap line frequently.
• Professional landscapers or commercial users. The plastic construction and limited runtime are not built for daily heavy use. You will break it quickly.
• People who hate waiting for batteries to charge. The 4 to 5 hour charge time is slow. If you need to trim and then trim again the same day, you will be frustrated.

My Verdict

The Black+Decker LST136W is a solid entry level cordless string trimmer. It does exactly what it was designed to do: trim the edges of a small, well maintained lawn with minimal effort. The light weight and automatic feed spool make it very easy to use. The low price makes it a no brainer for someone who just needs a basic trimmer.

But I cannot ignore the limitations. The battery life is short, and the motor lacks the power for anything beyond standard grass. If you have a yard with thick weeds or a large area to cover, this trimmer will leave you wanting more. I also have some doubts about the long term durability of the automatic feed mechanism, though it has worked fine for my first few months of ownership.

For my personal use, the LST136W is a good fit. I have a small yard, I trim for about 15 minutes per session, and I do not have heavy weeds. I appreciate not having to deal with gas or a cord. It gets the job done and it does not cost much. If your situation is similar, I think you will be happy with it. If your needs are more demanding, look at a 40 volt model or a gas trimmer. This one is best for light duty work only.