Question
Hi:

Not sure this falls under your expertise.  I have about 90 feet of ten foot high cedar hedge, and another 30 feet of eight foot high cedar hedge.  My 16" black and decker hedge trimmer died at the end of this season, and I am in the market for another trimmer.  B & D has a 24" dual action trimmer with a different design on the teeth--designed to cut up to 3/4" branches.  Do you have any experience with this trimmer?  I wonder if it does a good job on the basic new growth trimming, or if it is designed more for rough cutting.

I don't like the handle design--liked my old straight line design, which I could handle one handed.  New curved designed seems to require two hands, but the longer reach and lower vibration may offset the handle issue.  

Rick

Answer
Hi Rick,

While I think the dual action model will provide as fine a cut as the standard trimmer,if you are not going to be cutting 3/4" branches on a regular basis I see no reason to purchase it. Number one it is more expensive, but more importantly, the dual action model is a full 2 lbs heavier than your current 16" model. While that may not seem like a lot, when you have that much hedge to trim I think you'll really feel the difference.

Black & Decker does make a standard 22" trimmer that is somewhat lighter than the dual action model, this might be the better option for you if you only need it to trim new growth.

Hope this helps.

Vito