Franco Rossi A lightweight, cordless trimmer that eases fatigue for routine hedges — but not for thick, woody branches.
Tired of wrestling with a heavy, vibrating trimmer or being tethered to an extension cord? Homeowners often end up with sore arms and slow progress when shaping hedges and tackling medium shrubs — especially when the tool is awkward to hold or dies mid-job.
The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer (22″) aims to solve that. It combines a lightweight, well-balanced body, dual-action blades that cut cleaner with less vibration, and a 20V MAX battery included to deliver comfortable, cordless trimming for routine hedge shaping and most suburban yards — though it’s not intended for heavy, woody professional work.
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 22-Inch Hedge Trimmer
It balances user-friendly ergonomics, respectable cutting power, and cordless convenience into a package that will get most homeowner trimming jobs done quickly and with less fatigue. For routine hedge shaping and medium shrub work it offers a smart mix of runtime and reach, though pros tackling heavy woody growth will want a more powerful, corded or professional model.
REVIEW: BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer — 22-Inch Steel Blade
Overview
The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 22-Inch Hedge Trimmer (LHT2220) is a mid-range cordless hedge trimmer aimed squarely at homeowners who want the freedom of battery power without sacrificing reach or control. It marries a 22-inch dual-action steel blade with a 20V MAX lithium-ion battery system, promising reduced vibration, comfortable handling, and enough run-time for typical suburban trimming chores.
What’s included
Design and ergonomics
The first impression is how light it feels in use. At about 5.7 pounds with the battery, the LHT2220 sits in a sweet spot where it’s substantially easier to maneuver than corded 22-inch trimmers and less tiring overhead. The full wraparound front handle is a key design touch: it gives a cushioned, secure grip whether cutting horizontally, vertically, or when shaping the top of a hedge. The soft-grip surfaces help tame hand fatigue on longer jobs.
A big selling point is the dual-action blade system. By moving two blades in opposition, the trimmer reduces vibration compared with single-action designs. Black+Decker advertises roughly 40% less vibration; in practical use that translates to steadier cuts and less user strain across extended sessions.
Cutting performance and capability
The 22-inch alloy-steel dual-action blades provide a generous cutting sweep for hedges and medium shrubs. The maximum single-branch capacity is about 3/4 inch (roughly 19mm), which covers most ornamental bushes, boxwoods, laurels, and young growth on larger shrubs. Dual-action blades produce cleaner edges and fewer ragged cuts, which helps hedges heal faster and look neater.
Key specification snapshot
| Specification | Figure |
|---|---|
| Blade length | 22 inches |
| Maximum branch cut | 3/4 inch (≈19 mm) |
| Tool weight (with battery) | 5.7 lbs |
| Voltage (max/nominal) | 20V / 18V nominal |
| Claimed coverage per charge | Up to ~3,000 sq ft |
Battery, runtime and power system
This trimmer uses the 20V MAX lithium-ion battery platform. One practical advantage: the battery is compatible with other Black+Decker 20V MAX garden and workshop tools, so users who already own compatible batteries can swap them in. Black+Decker’s runtime claim — up to about 3,000 sq ft per charge — is reasonable for light-to-medium pruning and shaping when using a mid-capacity battery. Actual runtime depends heavily on branch thickness, cutting style, and battery amp-hour rating.
Charging is straightforward with the included LCS20 charger. The included battery will typically recharge in a few hours; an additional battery of equal or higher capacity is a common accessory purchase for users who frequently work across larger properties.
Real-world use cases and limits
This tool is best suited for:
It is less ideal for:
For many homeowners the tradeoff is clear: cordless convenience and reduced vibration for slightly reduced raw cutting power compared with pro-grade gas or heavy corded models.
Maintenance and safety basics
Keeping a hedge trimmer working reliably is straightforward if a few basic steps are followed:
For safe operation:
Performance tips and best practices
Value and who should buy it
For the suburban homeowner who trims hedges seasonally or maintains ornamental shrubs, this model offers excellent value: it’s lighter than many corded alternatives, easy to control, and integrates into Black+Decker’s battery family. The included battery and charger make it a ready-to-use kit out of the box.
Shoppers with very large properties, extensive woody pruning needs, or professional landscaping workloads should consider more powerful gas or commercial-grade battery systems with higher amp-hour batteries.
Bottom line
The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 22-Inch Hedge Trimmer brings cordless convenience, reduced vibration, and solid cutting capability to routine trimming tasks. It shines where balance, ease of handling, and cleaner cuts matter most: shaping hedges, trimming boxwood, and sculpting ornamental shrubs around the yard. With sensible maintenance and the occasional spare battery for larger jobs, it’s a dependable homeowner choice that keeps the garden tidy without the hassle of cords or fumes.
FAQ
Runtime varies with branch thickness and cutting intensity, but typical household trimming (light–medium growth) is in line with the manufacturer’s claim of covering up to ~3,000 sq ft per charge on a mid-capacity battery. For continuous heavy cuts or dense woody shrubs expect noticeably shorter run time; a second battery is a smart backup for larger jobs.
Its maximum recommended single-branch capacity is about 3/4 inch. It will handle green wood and smaller dead wood comfortably, but forcing branches thicker than that risks blade damage, reduced battery life, and jamming. For significantly thicker trunks, use a pruning saw or a more powerful tool.
Yes — the LBXR20 20V MAX battery is part of Black+Decker’s 20V MAX ecosystem, so it will fit many of the brand’s cordless tools. That interoperability is handy for homeowners who already own compatible batteries and chargers.
Regular cleaning and light oiling after use will keep the blades cutting smoothly. If the blades become dull over time, they can be sharpened or professionally serviced. Periodically inspect for nicks or chips and avoid hitting hard objects like wire or metal.
At about 5.7 pounds with the battery, it’s relatively light for a 22-inch cordless trimmer and balances well thanks to the wraparound handle. Users report less fatigue than with many corded or heavier gas models, though any overhead trimming will cause some arm strain over time.
This model uses a full-length trigger with no dedicated long-term trigger lock, so users must keep pressure on the trigger during operation. Some reviewers have noted that a latch or lock for continuous operation would be helpful for long runs, and many users work in shifts or use short breaks to manage hand fatigue.
As with most electric garden tools, it should not be used in heavy rain or with soaked vegetation. Moisture increases the risk of electrical issues and can accelerate blade corrosion. If the plant material is wet, allow it to dry before trimming where practical.
Yes. It’s user-friendly, includes a battery and charger, and offers a balance of reach and runtime suitable for most first-time buyers who maintain medium-sized residential hedges and shrubs.
Bought one after reading this review — overall pretty happy. The ergonomics are legit; holding it at an angle for shaping didn’t leave my hands screaming.
Battery life was okay for my 40-foot hedge (one full battery, slowish cuts), but I did have to finish the thicker bits with hand shears.
Wish the blade guard snapped on a little easier.
For the price ($99.98) I think it’s a solid buy if you’re a homeowner, not a pro.
Thanks for the clear verdict in the article.
Yep — I keep a second battery on a slow charger nearby. Better than stopping for 20-30 mins to recharge. Also, try trimming at a slightly higher angle to reduce binding on the thicker stuff.
Glad it helped, Oliver — the review notes that runtime is fine for routine jobs but heavier, woody growth can drain a battery faster. Using a second battery or charging mid-job is a common workaround.
I had the same issue with the guard. A quick tweak with a flathead and some silicone grease made it easier to snap on/off. Not ideal, but worked for me.
I liked the low vibration claim, but mine still transmits a noticeable buzz to the handle when cutting bigger branches. Not painful, but you can feel it. Maybe mine’s an outlier.
Also, the housing feels a bit cheap (plastic) around the motor — I worry about longevity if you bump it a few times.
That said, the blade is sharp and the cut is clean for small hedges.
Anyone else have long-term durability thoughts?
Thanks for the feedback, Sam — the review does mention that it’s aimed at homeowners, which often means compromises in housing materials to keep weight and cost down. Vibration reduction helps for usual trimming, but larger branches will still create more feel-through.
If longevity is a top priority, consider spending more on a professional-grade trimmer with metal-reinforced housing. For occasional homeowner use, many find this model acceptable.
Same here — no cracks, but I avoid using it as a lever. If you use it like a pro tool every day, I agree it might wear faster.
I’ve had mine 2 seasons and the plastic looks fine. No cracks yet. I baby it (no dropping) so take that for what it’s worth.
Fair price for a cordless kit including battery and charger. I picked mine up when it was on sale for around $80.
Pros: light, easy to use, good for shaping.
Cons: not ideal for very thick branches, battery could be stronger.
If you’re on a budget and want a no-fuss trimmer for hedges around the house, this is a good compromise.
If you find a used one cheap, check battery health. Batteries degrade and replacements can be pricey.
I bought mine during Prime Day for $75. Worth watching the seasonal promotions.
Pro tip: look for bundled kits with the battery that are the same voltage as other tools you own — then you can swap batteries and save.
Can you link the deal? I’m watching for discounts too — Amazon sometimes drops it during weekend sales.
Thanks, Derek — the review’s price-to-performance takeaway matches your experience. Sales make it a very attractive option for homeowners.
Short and sweet: solid beginner trimmer. Cuts cleanly, battery lasts for most yards, don’t expect to run a tree-cutting service with it.
Question for others: any tips on sharpening or maintaining the blades?
For maintenance, keep the blades clean and lightly lubricated after use; check the manual for sharpening specs. Many users lightly file nicks or take it to a small engine shop for professional sharpening when needed.
I use a fine file for small nicks and spray a thin layer of lubricant after each use. Helps keep the cuts smooth and reduces binding.
Don’t over-sharpen — too thin and they can chip on hard wood. Gentle touch works best.
This review convinced me to stop procrastinating and trim my hedges — did it today, super simple and quick. Quiet enough that I didn’t scare the neighbor’s cat 😂
Haha, same here. My dog barked less than when I mow the lawn. Small victories.
Happy it got you moving, Nina! The review specifically noted its lower noise profile for a cordless trimmer.