I’m a fan of my Craftsman Tools, most of which are old as Keith Richards. But I’ve become a fan once again in current months considering that I started checking the new line of Craftsman 60V Max cordless power tools. I enjoyed the light weight, high-power and long run-time of the Craftsman String Trimmer and Blower I tested previously this year.
Now as the growing season– together with the bushes hanging over the pathway to my house– have reached their heights, I aspire to put the 60V Max Hedge Trimmer through its speeds.
I had high expect the Craftsman Hedge Trimmer as I began testing. Would it measure up to the high bar set by the other Craftsman 60V Max cordless power tools?
REQUIREMENTS
Approximate. Unit Weight: 9 lbs with battery
Blade Length: 24 ″.
Blade Action: Dual (meaning both sides of the blade cut).
Blade Materials: Laser cut steel.
Cutting Capacity:.75 ″.
Battery Type: V60 MAX 2.5 Ah lithium-ion battery.
Optimum Charging Temp.: 65– 75 ° F.
Battery Charger: V60 MAX fast-charge charger included.
Approximate. Charging Time: 75 minutes.
Approximate. Run Time: 75 minutes.
Extra Features: Power Saw that allows you to cut branches as much as 1-1/2- in thick; blade sheath; part of the VERSATRACK ™ Wall Organization System.
BEGINNING.
Colorful graphics on the box let me understand that my hedge trimmer got here. As always, I tore open package, took a number of images, and laid whatever out on the floor to make sure that the box consisted of all of the components.
I wasted no time getting the battery charged. Move the battery into location.
The light will flash green while charging. To fully charge the battery takes about 75 minutes (less for the very first charge because the battery comes partially charged currently). When the battery shows a strong green light, it’s fully charged and ready to go!
When I got the battery charging, I skimmed the manual to see if it informed me anything brand-new. The instruction manual reads like ones discovered with all power tools, with a lot of cautions (like not to use under wet conditions).
Then I relied on the assembly guidelines. Nothing makes me happier than discovering that I have nothing to put together as holds true with the Craftsman 60V hedge trimmer. While waiting for the battery to finish charging, I cut the plastic tie off from around the trigger.
As soon as the battery finished charging, I moved it into the base of the hedge trimmer real estate until it made a “click.” That’s it. It’s prepared to go!
SAFETY.
As with all sharp tools, utilize some excellent common sense when “dressing” for the job. While the instructions didn’t supply copious cautions about using the tool, it’s constantly great to use security goggles and gloves. Even a little branch can do serious damage to an eyeball. As far as gloves, I like the increased grip I obtain from good quality garden gloves (which likewise put a little distance between me and anything that bites).
I would likewise suggest close-toed shoes like the LaCrosse Alpha Muddy Mule that I checked a couple of months back. Because I’m forever getting poked and scratched from branches lying on the ground, I like to protect my toes.
Start Your Brushless Motor!
As far as operating the tool, you’ll initially require to remove the sheath. It’s a tight-fitting plastic piece that slides off the blade with a little pull.
The trigger has two parts: a security lock which needs to be depressed to begin the system, and the trigger itself which powers the system. The lock is put on the trigger as a little switch.