Black & Decker® Launches Three New 36 Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Outdoor Products to Kick Gas This Spring

New string trimmer, hedge trimmer and cordless sweeper vacuum offer the power users need minus the hassles of gas

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Feb 15, 2012, 02:34 ET

TOWSON, Md., Feb. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Power up this spring with three new 36 Volt Lithium-ion cordless outdoor tools from Black & Decker® (NYSE: SWK), including a String Trimmer/Edger (LST136), Hedge Trimmer (LHT2436) and a first-to-market Cordless Sweeper and Vacuum (LSWV36). With the 36 voltage outdoor system being one of the highest rated cordless systems on the market today, the Black & Decker 36 Volt line offers power, runtime and versatility, all without the weight, noise and hassles of gas-powered equipment.

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"Many consumers continue to put up with the hassles of gas-powered tools because they think it's a necessary tradeoff to get the job done," said John Weetenkamp, director of outdoor marketing for Black & Decker. "As new battery technology and smart tool designs deliver high levels of product performance, we will continue to see consumers trade in their gas yard tools for easy-to-use cordless options like the Black & Decker 36 Volt Lithium-ion line."

Black & Decker's new lithium-ion product line offers customers numerous benefits over older battery technologies and gas options, notably the ability to put more power into a small and compact battery. Lithium batteries have a longer lifecycle than other types, and they also hold their charge longer when taken off the charger. This means that once charged, a lithium battery is always ready to use.

Black & Decker delivers power and convenience with the introduction of its new 36 Volt Lithium-ion String Trimmer/Edger. The exclusive PowerCommand® dial lets the user adjust the motor power up or down for specific cutting needs. Dial the power up for whacking down thick overgrowth, or dial the power down to conserve battery power in normal cutting conditions and extend runtime to trim up to a mile long strip on a single battery charge*. Additional settings provide combinations of power and runtime to tackle a variety of turf conditions. The new 36 Volt Lithium-ion String Trimmer/Edger is 28 percent lighter**, has 77 percent less vibration*** and is significantly quieter****. It also comes with a Fast Charger which enables users to get back to work quickly.

Two additional powerful tools new to Black & Decker's 36 Volt Lithium-ion outdoor system include the 36 Volt Lithium-ion Hedge Trimmer, a very light yet mighty tool to cut through thick overgrowth of up to 3/4" in diameter, and the 36 Volt Lithium-ion Sweeper Vac, the first tool available on the market that easily converts from sweeping to a handy outdoor hard surface vacuum. Additional features and benefits on these new tools include:

	13" 36V Lithium-ion Cordless String Trimmer/Edger (LST136)	24" 36V Lithium-ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer (LHT2436)	36V Lithium-ion Cordless Sweeper Vacuum (LSWV36)
Application	Trimming and edging tasks in the yard, including thick grass and tough overgrowth.	With up to 3/4" in diameter cutting capacity of branches, it provides fast trimming of hedges and shrubs.	Sweep or vacuum debris from outdoor hard surfaces like decks, sidewalks, driveways, around pools or garage floors.
Innovative Feature and Benefit	PowerCommand® – extends battery runtime without sacrificing power to cut in tougher conditions	PowerDrive™ Transmission – design provides more cutting force to cut two times more branches at one time⁺	Vacuum Mode – The only cordless sweeper to offer a vac feature together with the blower
Est. Retail Cost	$169.99	$149.99	$149.99

The Black & Decker 36 Volt Lithium-ion cordless outdoor products are backed by a full three-year warranty and 30 Day Risk Free Trial. The string trimmer and hedge trimmer are now available in major retail stores where Black & Decker products are sold, and the sweeper vac will be available in late spring 2012.

*Linear cut on Power Command setting 1 at a 3 MPH walking pace.

**Black & Decker Model # LST136 with battery vs. Homelite® UT32600 with a full tank of gas.

*** Black & Decker Model # LST136 vs. Homelite® UT32600 vibration at main handle.

**** Black & Decker Model # LST136 vs. Homelite® UT32600 measuring sound power.

⁺Branches up to 3/4 inch wide, compared to the Black & Decker model NHT524.

About Black & Decker
Since 1910, Black & Decker has been setting the standard for innovation and design of power tools, accessories, outdoor yard care equipment, home cleaning products, automotive and lighting products, hardware and other home improvement products. The inventor of the first portable electric drill with pistol grip and trigger switch, Black & Decker has evolved from a small machine shop in Baltimore, Maryland to a global manufacturing and marketing powerhouse with a broad line of quality products used in and around the home and for commercial applications. When users need to get work done, they trust Black & Decker for the products that will get the job done efficiently and reliably. For more information on Black & Decker's extensive line of products, visit www.blackanddecker.com or follow Black & Decker on Facebook and Twitter.