Brushless cordless string trimmer
Black+Decker LST136
Best Brushless cordless string trimmer – Performance – 150 $ to 250 $
The BLACK+DECKER LST136 is our Performance choice for homeowners who want capable cordless trimming for regular yard work. Buyers praise its effectiveness, manageable weight, and roughly 45-minute battery life in mixed use. TechGearLab also found it light, easy to handle, and well suited to routine yard work.
A capable cordless trimmer for regular yard work
The LST136 combines useful cutting power with controls that make everyday trimming easier. Buyers repeatedly say it handles grass and weeds well, and several describe it as lighter and easier to use than a gas trimmer. One verified buyer who moved up from the weaker LST201-CA called the difference in power and performance substantial. Another uses it on two neighboring lots and says it has enough power for both. TechGearLab reached a similar conclusion: this is a strong value for routine residential maintenance, not a tool intended for heavy forestry work.
We chose the BLACK+DECKER LST136 as the Performance pick because it gives a residential user a meaningful step up in cutting ability. Buyers praise its power, simple operation, light overall feel, and automatic line feed. TechGearLab found it light and easy to maneuver, with a useful power selector that lets the user trade cutting force for battery life. Choose it for regular grass trimming, lawn edges, and ordinary weeds on a small or medium residential property. Choose it when cutting power matters more than a basic cordless setup. The High-End Makita XRU23Z (see the High-End pick) is the next step for buyers willing to spend more; the LST136 keeps the more practical balance for routine home use.
Who it’s for For homeowners who want stronger cordless cutting for grass, edges, and ordinary weeds, with an adjustable setup and enough battery for a typical trimming session.
What sets it apart
- Strong cutting performance for routine residential work
- Light and easy to maneuver compared with gas-powered trimmers
- Adjustable power helps balance cutting force and battery life
- Automatic line feed simplifies operation
- Adjustable shaft and front handle suit different users
What to know
- Battery life falls at higher power settings; TechGearLab reports about 45 minutes in mixed use, while some buyers report closer to 30 minutes on a low setting. A second battery may be needed for a large property.
- Durability is a concern in the buyer reports: 10 mentions are unfavorable and 5 favorable, including reports of early breakage or damaged plastic gears.
Why the controls matter in daily use
The power selector is more than a specification: it lets the user reduce consumption when trimming ordinary grass and raise output when weeds need more force. A verified buyer says the lower setting is enough for grass, while another says higher settings reduce battery life substantially. TechGearLab measured the same trade-off and praised the selector for balancing performance and runtime. The automatic line feed also avoids the bump-feed complaints mentioned by one buyer who chose this model after reading the Popular Mechanics review.
What buyers report
The published tests and buyer reports point to a trimmer that is straightforward to use for normal residential finishing work.
- TechGearLab found the tool light, easy to maneuver, and effective for regular yard maintenance. (comes up often) Black+Decker LST136 Review | Tested & Rated - TechGearLab
- Some buyers report early breakage or damaged plastic gears. (comes up often) BLACK+DECKER LST136 40V MAX 13 in. String Trimmer
Frequently asked questions
How long does the battery last?
The buyer summary says about 45 minutes per charge, but actual runtime depends on the power setting. One verified buyer reports about 30 minutes on a low setting, and TechGearLab says mixed-use runtime is about 45 minutes and shorter at full power.
Is it suitable for a large property?
It can handle substantial trimming, but runtime is the constraint. A verified buyer uses two batteries for a quarter-acre lawn, so a second battery may be needed on larger properties.
Can it handle thick, woody growth?
It is intended for regular grass and weed trimming. The available evidence does not establish how the LST136 performs on extremely dense or woody weeds.