Cordless trimming has reshaped how homeowners handle overgrown edges, and the 40V class hits the sweet spot between gas-muscle and the nimbleness of smaller platforms. A well-matched 40V string trimmer cuts a real chore down to a quick Saturday job, no extension cords, no fuel mixing, and far less noise for the neighbors. The picks below lean into different strengths, from featherweight casual cleanup to brushless brush-and-weeds workhorses. Each entry notes who it suits and where another option on this list covers a different need.
A Side-By-Side Look
Inside Each Recommended Option
This pairing covers the two chores that eat up the most weekend time: edge trimming and clearing clippings off walkways. The 40V platform pushes both tools hard enough for regular residential work, and the 2.0Ah battery keeps the trimmer moving for roughly 45 minutes per charge in typical conditions. For homeowners who want one shared battery source instead of two separate ecosystems, the Greenworks G-MAX family makes a sensible entry point.
The matched leaf blower pushes air at 110 mph and 390 CFM (cubic feet per minute, the volume of air moved per minute), which handles matted grass on driveways and light debris on decks without dragging out a shop vac. Owners commonly report that having both tools from the same brand removes the clutter of mixed chargers. This combo lands well for households wanting a tidy yard without juggling gas cans or extension cables.
The Good Stuff
- Matched battery across trimmer and blower simplifies charging routines.
- Lightweight trimmer body reduces fatigue during longer edging jobs.
- Variable-speed trigger on the trimmer helps you nudge around flower beds without scalping.
- 110 mph blower output clears patio debris in a couple of passes.
- 2.0Ah battery and charger ship in the box, ready to use on day one.
Small Caveats
- The 2.0Ah pack runs shorter than 4.0Ah options on thicker brush.
- Front-mount motor design favors balance over raw torque for heavy weeds.
Key Specs
Made For
Homeowners with small-to-medium yards who want one battery system to power both a trimmer and a leaf blower without buying two separate platforms.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Pick the BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX Sweeper & String Trimmer Combo instead if you already own BLACK+DECKER 40V batteries and want a wider model ecosystem.
The LCC340C pairs a string trimmer with a hard-surface sweeper, both running on the same 40V MAX platform. The PowerDrive transmission (a geared drive system that boosts torque at the cutting head) helps the trimmer push through thicker stems rather than just bouncing off them. An extra 2.0Ah battery comes in the box, so the trimmer can run while the sweeper charges.
The Automatic Feed Spool feeds line as you work, so you stop less often to bump the head. Lithium-ion chemistry keeps the batteries holding their charge between weekend sessions, which matters for anyone who pulls the tool out once a week rather than daily. The setup suits patios, sidewalks, and driveway cleanup as much as it does lawn edges.
Practical Pluses
- Extra battery in the box keeps a backup charged for longer jobs.
- PowerDrive transmission gives the cutting head more torque for stubborn weeds.
- Automatic Feed Spool eliminates manual line bumping mid-job.
- Sweeper pairing clears clippings and dust from hard surfaces in one sweep.
Things To Consider
- 2.0Ah packs run shorter than higher-capacity batteries on dense growth.
- The sweeper is best suited for dry debris rather than wet leaves.
Right Fit For
Homeowners with paved patios, walkways, and modest lawn edges who want a single battery platform that handles both trimming and sweeping.
Skip It When
Choose the Greenworks 40V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer if you already own a Greenworks 40V battery and just need a trimmer head.
The LST136 leans hard into runtime flexibility with a PowerCommand dial that toggles between maximum power and maximum battery life. That choice matters during a long Saturday trim: mode for thick brush near the fence line, mode for the lighter cleanup around the mailbox. The PowerDrive transmission continues to do the heavy lifting on the cutting string.
An extra 2.0Ah battery arrives in the box, which doubles the working time before a recharge. Lithium-ion batteries hold their charge between uses, so the tool stays ready without a top-up cycle. For anyone trimming a full yard on a single weekend morning, having two packs removes the wait-at-the-wall frustration.
Positive Takeaways
- PowerCommand dial lets you trade speed for runtime on the fly.
- PowerDrive transmission transfers motor torque straight to the cutting line.
- Second battery in the kit extends total working time substantially.
- Edger mode pivots out for clean driveway and walkway lines.
Honest Caveats
- 2.0Ah batteries are lighter but deplete faster under heavy loads.
- The plastic guard catches clippings, which needs occasional clearing during thick growth.
Who Should Grab It
Yard owners who want control over power-versus-runtime trade-offs and need a backup battery ready for longer trimming sessions.
Look Elsewhere When
Step up to the BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX Sweeper & String Trimmer Combo if your weekends also involve sweeping the driveway and patio.
The bare-tool trimmer skips the battery and charger, which slashes the price for anyone already running the Greenworks 40V platform. The 16-inch cutting swath (the width of grass the trimmer cuts in one pass) covers more ground per stroke than 12-inch models, which speeds up larger lawn edges. Attachment-capable heads also accept optional add-ons within the Greenworks 40V family.
For households with a stack of charged 40V packs already on the shelf, the tool-only format keeps the garage uncluttered and the wallet lighter. Just confirm your existing batteries are the compatible G-MAX 40V models before ordering. Once that battery question is settled, the trimmer itself handles typical residential trimming without complaint.
Benefits That Matter
- 16-inch swath covers more lawn per pass than smaller entry trimmers.
- No battery in the box means a noticeably lower entry price.
- Attachment-ready head adds future versatility inside the Greenworks 40V family.
Points To Note
- Battery and charger must be purchased separately if you do not already own them.
- Brushless convenience varies by trimmer generation, so check the motor type before ordering.
Best Suited To
Existing Greenworks 40V owners who want a wider 16-inch cutting path without paying for a second battery system.
Not Your Match When
Pick the Greenworks 40V 16 in Mower & String Trimmer Bundle if you do not yet own a Greenworks battery and want everything in one box.
First-time trimmer shoppers get a tidy package with a 30-foot spool of 0.065-inch line already wound and ready to install. The LST136 platform itself brings the PowerDrive transmission and PowerCommand dial covered in earlier reviews. The included line lets you start trimming without a separate trip to the hardware store for consumables.
For renters or first-time homeowners, having a trimmer that doubles as an edger is a real convenience for keeping walkways tidy. The 0.065-inch line diameter handles residential grass without wearing down as fast as thinner line, depending on the surfaces you cut against. Storage is straightforward since the shaft splits for compact garage placement.
What It Does Well
- 30 feet of pre-wound line gets you cutting on day one.
- 0.065-inch line balances cut aggressiveness with reasonable durability.
- PowerCommand dial makes the tool approachable for new users.
Trade Offs
- Spools will eventually run out, and replacements add to long-term costs.
- Battery and charger may or may not be included depending on listing variation.
Feature Snapshot
Perfect Match For
First-time trimmer owners who want a complete starter kit with line included and a simple power-versus-runtime dial.
Swap It Out When
Choose the BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX String Trimmer/Edger with 3-Pack Line for longer ownership and fewer last-minute spool runs.
This bundle delivers a 16-inch push mower alongside a 12-inch string trimmer on the same 40V platform. The mower’s rust-resistant poly deck (a molded polymer cutting shell that resists corrosion) keeps weight manageable, and the single-lever 5-position height adjustment lets you switch cut lengths without tools. A 4.0Ah battery extends runtime to roughly 45 minutes in typical grass.
The 2-in-1 deck design supports rear bagging or mulching, and the trimmer handles the edges the mower cannot reach. For townhouse owners or small-lot homeowners, this pairing replaces a gas mower and trimmer with a single battery ecosystem. The shared 4.0Ah pack lifts over to the trimmer when mowing is done, which keeps both tools moving in one weekend session.
Notable Upsides
- 16-inch poly deck weighs less than steel and resists rust over time.
- 5-position height lever adjusts cut length without separate tools.
- 4.0Ah battery delivers roughly 45 minutes of mowing runtime.
- Trimmer uses the same battery platform, removing charger clutter.
Points To Keep In Mind
- Mowing runtime varies with grass thickness and operator pace.
- 16-inch deck is best matched to small lawns under a quarter acre.
Built With In Mind
Small-lot and townhouse homeowners who want one battery system that covers both mowing and trimming without separate chargers.
Consider Something Else When
Pick the Greenworks 40V 19 in Brushless Mower & Trimmer Combo if you need a wider 19-inch deck and brushless durability for bigger yards.
The LST136 trimmer pivots between trimming and edging with a quick rotation of the shaft, and an adjustable telescoping pole lets multiple household members dial in a comfortable length. The Automatic Feed Spool keeps line coming without bumping, and the 40V MAX lithium-ion battery shows remaining power on a state-of-charge indicator so you can plan recharges.
This model suits users who care more about comfort than raw cutting swath. The 13-inch cutting width trades a bit of coverage per pass for a lighter, more maneuverable feel, which matters for anyone trimming around raised beds, narrow paths, or playground borders. Two-in-one design means no separate edger taking up garage space.
Useful Highlights
- Telescoping pole adapts to different user heights for comfortable posture.
- Two-in-one design switches from trimmer to edger without separate tools.
- State-of-charge indicator takes the guesswork out of timing recharges.
- Lighter overall feel compared with 16-inch models in the same voltage class.
Room For Improvement
- 13-inch swath takes more passes than wider trimmers on large lawns.
- Battery runtime depends heavily on grass thickness and trimming mode.
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Comfort-focused homeowners trimming small yards with lots of curves, raised beds, and narrow garden paths.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Choose the Greenworks 40V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer if wider cutting coverage matters more than the adjustable telescoping fit.
Brushless motors (motor designs without carbon brushes that physically wear, leading to longer life and quieter operation) give this combo a durability edge that brushed models struggle to match. The 19-inch steel mower deck covers wider passes, and two 4.0Ah batteries plus two chargers ship in the box so one tool can charge while the other runs. Quiet operation keeps the neighbors happy during early weekend sessions.
The combo pairs the mower with a string trimmer and a blower, which covers the three core lawn-care tasks without buying extra tools. Mulch and side-discharge options on the mower give flexibility for different grass-handling preferences. For larger properties, the brushless motor’s longer life and stronger torque justify the higher-tier positioning.
Where It Excels
- Brushless motor delivers quieter operation and longer service life.
- 19-inch steel deck handles wider mowing passes for bigger lots.
- Two batteries and two chargers keep tools running with minimal downtime.
- Mulch and side-discharge options handle varied grass conditions.
Worth Noting
- Steel deck adds weight compared with poly-deck models.
- Brushless tier carries a higher entry cost than brushed equivalents.
Quick Facts
Who Will Love This
Owners of larger properties who want a brushless motor for long-term durability plus a full mower, trimmer, and blower kit in one purchase.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
Pick the Greenworks 40V 16 in Mower & String Trimmer Bundle for smaller yards where a lighter poly deck and shorter runtime are enough.
Three pre-wound spools of 0.065-inch line ship with this LST140C kit, which adds up to a long stretch of replacement coverage before another spool run. The trimmer brings the PowerDrive high-torque transmission covered in earlier BLACK+DECKER entries, and the state-of-charge indicator on the battery shows remaining power at a glance.
Compatibility is broad across the BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX family and many legacy string trimmer models, so spools and accessories are easy to source. For households that trim frequently through spring and summer, having three spare spools removes one recurring chore from the to-do list. The 2-in-1 trimmer-to-edger pivot keeps the tool versatile for both lawn edges and walkway lines.
Useful Touches
- Three 30-foot spools extend time between replacement runs.
- PowerDrive transmission delivers consistent torque at the cutting line.
- State-of-charge indicator helps plan recharges during long jobs.
- Spool system fits many BLACK+DECKER trimmer and edger models.
Minor Gripes
- Three-pack spool bundle adds bulk to shipping and storage.
- Line feed performance depends on keeping spools clean and dry between uses.
Feature Card
Who It Suits Best
Frequent trimmers who burn through line quickly and want spare spools ready without separate orders.
Not Your Match When
Choose the BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX 13 in Cordless String Trimmer Edger if a telescoping pole matters more than spare spool inventory.
What Matters Most Before Choosing 40v String Trimmers
Cutting Swath and Yard Size
The cutting swath, meaning the width of grass the trimmer clears in a single pass, sets the pace for a Saturday morning. A 12-inch swath trims nimbly around tight garden beds but takes longer on long fence lines. A 16-inch swath covers more ground per stroke and pairs well with mid-sized lawns. Smaller 13-inch models favor comfort and maneuverability over speed.
Battery Platform and Voltage
The 40V class delivers a noticeable torque boost over 18V and 20V systems without the weight of 60V or 80V platforms. A 2.0Ah battery trims light residential growth well, while a 4.0Ah pack handles thicker brush and longer sessions. Sticking with one brand across multiple tools lets one battery serve a trimmer, mower, and blower.
Runtime and Spare Batteries
Manufacturers quote runtime based on ideal conditions, so real-world results vary with grass thickness and trimmer mode. PowerCommand-style dials that trade speed for runtime help stretch a charge on lighter work. Kits with two batteries effectively double the working window before a recharge.
Attachment Heads and Compatibility
Some 40V trimmers accept brush cutter, pole saw, or cultivator attachments within the same brand ecosystem. If you anticipate expanding into other lawn-care chores, choosing a model with attachment-capable heads keeps your options open. Bare-tool purchases make sense only when you already own compatible batteries and chargers.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Pitfalls Shoppers Hit
Assuming all 40V trimmers deliver equal runtime leads to disappointment on bigger yards. Battery capacity (Ah) matters as much as voltage, and a 2.0Ah pack runs out faster than a 4.0Ah pack regardless of platform. Buying a tool-only model without checking battery compatibility is another common slip, since some Greenworks and BLACK+DECKER 40V batteries look similar but belong to different sub-platforms.
Where The Extra Money Goes
Higher-tier 40V picks tend to add brushless motors, which run quieter, last longer, and handle heavier weeds without bogging down. Steel decks on mowers cost more than poly decks but stand up to rougher treatment. Wider cutting swaths and dual-battery kits also justify higher prices for owners with larger properties, while budget-friendly picks often skip these upgrades to hit lower price points.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a 40V trimmer battery typically last on a single charge?
Most 40V trimmers run between 25 and 45 minutes per charge, depending on grass thickness, cutting mode, and battery capacity. A 2.0Ah pack sits on the lower end, while a 4.0Ah pack usually pushes past 30 minutes even in dense growth.
Can one 40V battery power both a trimmer and a lawn mower?
Yes, many brands design their 40V batteries to swap between trimmers, mowers, blowers, and other tools. Confirm the battery model numbers match across both products before assuming compatibility, since some platforms use slightly different connectors.
What line diameter works best for residential trimming?
A 0.065-inch line is the most common residential size and balances cutting power with feed reliability. Thicker 0.080-inch line cuts through heavier brush but drains batteries faster and fits fewer trimmer heads.
Are brushless 40V trimmers worth the higher cost?
Brushless motors tend to last longer and run quieter than brushed equivalents, which matters for frequent users. Casual trimmers who use the tool a few times a season may not see enough benefit to justify the higher price.
How do I store a 40V trimmer during the off-season?
Store the trimmer indoors in a dry spot, remove the battery, and keep the line spool clean. Lithium-ion batteries hold their charge well over storage, so a partial charge before winter typically returns to usable levels in spring.
The Takeaway
The right 40V trimmer depends less on voltage and more on the yard, the operator, and how often you use it. Casual trimmers with small lots find lightweight 12 to 13-inch models comfortable, while bigger yards benefit from wider swaths and brushless motors. Pick the kit that matches your existing battery ecosystem, and the rest tends to fall into place.









