IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE! MOW IT DOWN WITH BLACK & DECKER'S GRASS HOG
Written: Jul 02 '02 (Updated Jul 02 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: An ergonomic dream-no stress on the back or arms
Cons: Danger, danger, danger--too easy to accidentally start
The Bottom Line: An excellent low cost tool, which is fast and easy to use, especially for those who find yard work physically challenging.
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| IShopAlot's Full Review: Black & Decker 12" Automatic Feed Trimmer / Grass ... |
Ever wish you could level a jungle like Arnold and his crew in “Predator?” Well if your jungle is in your own backyard, now you can!
I recently received a letter, informing me that because I had weeds that exceeded 4” in my front yard and on the side of my house, I would be charged all related clean-up and administrative fees related to having them removed if done by the county. Hey, I didn’t want that!
Due to bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and back problems, I can’t push a lawn mower around so I had to look for an acceptable alternative. I had recently purchased a hedge trimmer, which worked very well, but it wasn’t appropriate for lower level weeds and grass. So I stopped by the local Home Depot to see what my options would be. I headed to the “weed whacker” section and found several electric and gas models displayed. My need was for something light weight and easy to handle, so gas models were out of the question. I picked up the electric models and tested them for comfort and weight and found, to my surprise, the model that met my needs was a mere $29.95. What a bargain! I left with Black & Decker’s Grass Hog and a package of three spare trim line spools, at a cost of over $13 (not quite as good a bargain.)
Now I’m not one to sit down and read through instruction manuals, so I judge the assembly of a product on how few mistakes I make putting it together, without benefit of instructions. There were only two pieces to the Grass Hog. The twist-on plastic guard seemed to go on easy enough, but kept detaching until I found the small screw that needed to be tightened to hold it firmly in place. Oh well, it was only one boo-boo. Once the screw was tightened, however, I was set to go.
And go I did! My front yard is sloped in two directions and has some irregular areas. The Grass Hog turned out to be just what I needed. I don’t think, even if I could, I’d go back to a lawn mower now. I was able to get all areas while standing up straight so there was no stress on my back whatsoever. The handle design was also perfect for me. At the end of the “wand,” is a grip-like handle, with the switch embedded. On the length of the wand itself, is another adjustable handle for stability. Both can be held with arms comfortably straight and relaxed for no strain. So I held the switch-loaded handle with my right hand and the lower handle with my left, which was very comfortable indeed. I must mention the one caveat with this handle design here—I can’t tell you how many times I picked up and gripped the handle, including the switch, only to engage the switch and start the Grass Hog without meaning to. Fortunately, the plastic guard did its job well and I didn’t shred my pants or legs! Care must be taken due to this handle/switch design aspect of the product.
My front and side weeds were a breeze and the Grass Hog ate them up and spit them out with ease. It also, however, ate up and spit out a full reel of trim line material on just the front yard, which is just average in size. It worked so well I decided to tackle the back yard. Now that was a different story. My former “live-in” gardener had stopped caring for it two years ago and it now consisted of regular weeds, long wheat-like weeds, all entwined with sticker bushes. And I’m talking major sticker bushes. The Grass Hog worked equally as well on all the regular type of weeds, and even ate through some of the smaller-diameter sticker stalks. It was not able to overcome the heavier stalks of 3/16 of an inch or larger. These stalks are not the regular consistency of weeds, but more like woody stalks and therefore not something the Grass Hog was designed to handle anyway. After all, it is named the Grass Hog. But for grass and normal weeds, it did a fine job. You can even tilt it and it will cut right down to the bare earth.
I give the Grass Hog two big thumbs up. It’s light enough to pick up with my little finger and it did everything I needed it to do, and I was able to do it all myself. You will need to do some raking and pick-up, as the Grass Hog has no catch bag like a lawn mower.
I have to again caution—there is a definite danger of gripping the and squeezing the switch when picking the Grass Hog up, and it eats trim line as fast as it eats grass. But for me, it definitely is the best alternative for a do-it-yourself lawn and clean up project.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
IShopAlot
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Member: Robin E.
Location: Northern California
Reviews written: 52
Trusted by: 13 members
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