Power hedge trimmer

In my youth when I ran a lawn service.  A Black and Decker corded hedge trimmer was purchased to trim a customer's privet hedge.   I hated it because the extension cord was easy to cut.  Sadly or maybe rejoice, the hedge trimmer was stolen and never replaced.  For the few times I needed to trim I used hand hedge shears and a lopper.  

A few years ago, I found a gas powered pole hedge trimmer.  I was amazed it started with fresh fuel.  I used it to trim apple trees and trim under the electric fence.  After a few seasons it became hard to start and heavier as I aged.   It finally died and I could not get it started.  

In 2022, I started to research updating my mower and discovered several lawn care videos on YouTube.  It got me started to think about my yard care equipment and what I might need and use for the next 15 years.   I could see myself volunteering to care for a few properties.  I really was not sure I needed a hedge trimmer, since I do not own a hedge.  In March 2023, I decided to purchase a  Black and Decker LHT2220B 22 in. 20-Volt Lithium-ion cordless hedge trimmer.  The 22" dual action blades delivers power enough to cut 3/4" thick branches with low vibration and leaves a smooth cut.  The bale handle provides comfort and allows cutting in all directions.  Advertised runtime allows up to 3,000 sq ft per charge. The trimmer has a 2 year warranty.

Likes include light weight and uses existing Black and Decker 20V batteries.  Only dislike, no shield for the blade when stored.   The Black and Decker LHT2220B 22 inch 20-Volt Lithium-ion cordless hedge trimmer is an affordable addition to my yard care tools.

In the spring of 2023, I volunteered to take on the task of maintaining the extra lots of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Moscow, Idaho.   The hedge trimmer aided in the removal of a bush at church.  It opened access to the main stem of the bush so it could be cut with the chain saw.  Branches were easily cut if they were smaller than 1/2".   See my Youtube video at https://youtu.be/2FMP_zMrvZA .  Additionally it trimmed several overgrown shrubs through the season at church.   No problems with battery life but trimmed only a few shrubs at a time.  

Branches of our apple tree were beginning to touch the electric deer fence and needed to be trimmed.  The hedge trimmer cut them without problems.     

Thought and Hacks

1. The battery lasted for small jobs, but not really tested on larger hedge rows.  

2. Oil the blades after each use.