BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Pole Saw (LPP120B)

Ever tried reaching for that high branch, balancing on a ladder, and thought, “There’s got to be a better way?” Well, you’re not alone. Enter the BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Pole Saw (LPP120B)—your new best friend when it comes to keeping those pesky overgrown trees in check without risking a trip to the ER.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned pro, this cordless pole saw promises to make tree trimming a breeze. But does it really? Let’s dig in and find out.

Unboxing and First Impressions

So, what’s in the box? If you’re like me, the first thing you do when you get a new tool is tear open the box like it’s Christmas morning. With the BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Pole Saw, you’re greeted with a well-packed, no-nonsense kit: the pole saw itself, the 20V Max lithium-ion battery, a charger, and a manual that you might actually want to read this time.

First impressions? This thing looks sturdy. It’s not too heavy, feels solid in the hands, and the assembly is as straightforward as it gets. You can tell BLACK+DECKER has thought about the user here. They’ve kept it simple and functional, which is exactly what you want in a tool designed to do one thing well—trim trees.

Design and Build Quality

Let’s talk design. This saw is built with a lightweight yet durable plastic body, which is great because you’ll be holding this thing above your head for a good chunk of time. The pole itself extends from 6.5 feet to 10 feet, giving you that extra reach you need without having to channel your inner gymnast.

The ergonomics are spot on. Weighing in at just 6.3 pounds, it’s light enough to maneuver without feeling like you’re arm-wrestling a bear. The grip is comfortable, even after you’ve been at it for a while. BLACK+DECKER clearly put some thought into making this tool as user-friendly as possible.

Power and Performance

Now, the real question: How does it perform? The 20V Max battery is the heart of this tool, and it delivers. On a full charge, you’re looking at around 100 cuts on 1.5-inch branches. That’s more than enough to tackle a medium-sized tree or a bunch of overgrown bushes.

The 8-inch bar and chain are small but mighty. This saw eats through branches up to 6 inches in diameter without breaking a sweat. I tested it on a mix of softwood and hardwood, and it handled both with ease. The motor isn’t the most powerful on the market, but it’s plenty for light to medium-duty tasks.

The inline power head is a nice touch, giving you better visibility and control when you’re cutting at awkward angles. No more guessing where the chain is going to land.

Ease of Use

Putting this saw together is a piece of cake. Even if you’re not the handiest person in the world, you’ll have it up and running in no time. The pole extension is smooth and locks securely into place. When you’re done, it breaks down easily for storage, which is a plus if you’re short on space.

One of the biggest selling points here is the cordless design. No more dragging around an extension cord or worrying about finding an outlet in the middle of your yard. Just charge up the battery, and you’re good to go. It’s liberating, honestly.

Maintenance is also pretty low-key. The chain tensioning system is easy to adjust, and you don’t need any special tools to do it. Just keep the chain lubricated, and you’re golden.

Environmental Impact

We all want to do our part for the environment, right? This saw helps with that. Being battery-powered, it produces zero emissions, which is a win for your carbon footprint. Plus, you’re not burning any gas, so your wallet will thank you too.

The battery itself is efficient, holding a charge well and providing consistent power throughout its life. When it’s time to recharge, it doesn’t take all day, so you can get back to work without much downtime.

Safety Features

Safety first, folks. BLACK+DECKER has equipped this saw with some solid safety features. There’s a chain guard that keeps your hands safe and a lock-off switch that prevents accidental starts. The saw also has a low kickback bar and chain, reducing the risk of the saw kicking back towards you.

Here’s a tip: Always make sure to wear protective gear when using this saw—gloves, safety glasses, and a helmet if you’re tackling higher branches. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Comparisons

So, how does the BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Pole Saw stack up against the competition? Let’s take a look.

Compared to similar models like the Greenworks 8.5’ 40V Cordless Pole Saw and the Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Pole Saw, the BLACK+DECKER holds its own. While it may not have the same battery life or cutting power as some higher-end models, it offers a great balance of performance and price. It’s ideal for those who need a reliable tool for occasional use rather than daily heavy-duty work.

The cordless feature is a big advantage over corded models, giving you more freedom to move around. Sure, you might trade off a bit of power, but for most home users, the convenience outweighs that.

Value for Money

Is it worth your hard-earned cash? In short, yes. The BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Pole Saw offers great value for what it is—a reliable, easy-to-use tool for light to medium tree trimming tasks. It’s not going to replace your chainsaw for heavy-duty work, but for regular maintenance, it’s perfect.

The price point is reasonable, and you’re getting a lot of features for the money. The included battery and charger add to the value, especially if you already have other BLACK+DECKER 20V Max tools that can share the battery.

Final Verdict

So, should you buy it? If you’re in the market for a user-friendly, cordless pole saw that won’t break the bank, the BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Pole Saw is a strong contender. It’s perfect for homeowners who need to keep their trees and shrubs in check without the hassle of cords or gas engines.

It’s not the most powerful saw out there, but it’s more than capable of handling the kind of tasks most people need it for. Plus, it’s lightweight, easy to store, and environmentally friendly. What’s not to love?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the pole saw be used with other BLACK+DECKER 20V Max batteries? Yes, the saw is compatible with any BLACK+DECKER 20V Max battery, which is great if you already have other tools from the same lineup.

How long does the battery last? On a full charge, you can expect to make about 100 cuts on 1.5-inch branches. If you’re cutting larger branches, the battery life will be shorter.

Is the pole saw easy to maintain? Absolutely. The chain tensioning system is easy to adjust, and as long as you keep the chain oiled, you shouldn’t run into any major issues.

What’s the maximum branch diameter it can cut? The saw is designed to handle branches up to 6 inches in diameter, making it suitable for most light to medium-duty tasks.