Photo: Black & Decker
What We Like
- Powerful and reliable 20V battery
- A convenient cordless operation
- A decent 6-inch cutting capacity
- High 14-foot overhead reach
- Lightweight design simplifies handling
- Easy tool assembly and disassembly
- Low-noise and zero-emission tool
What We Don’t Like
- No automatic oiling system
- The pole is not telescoping
Bottom Line
The reliable battery power, hassle-free cordless operation, and lightweight build of this pole saw make it ideal for regular home garden pruning.
Introduction
If you’re looking for a pruning pole saw that combines reliable battery performance with the convenience of cordless operation, choose Black & Decker LPP120.
Powered by a reliable 20V Max* Li-Ion battery system, and without limiting power cords constantly getting in your way, you can count on this pole saw to support flexible and extended garden pruning of high branches thanks to its decent 14-foot overhead reach.
Black & Decker LPP120 Review
Photo: Black & Decker
Performance: Efficient and Convenient Cordless Operation
Even though many cordless tools (including pole saws) are stereotyped as being inferior to corded, ones, the LPP120 does not fit within this narrative.
Its battery-powered motor delivers reliable cutting performance across a wide range of cutting applications and techniques. It is especially suited for cutting small branches of up to 6 inches in diameter, using its heavy-duty 8-inch cutting bar.
With this cutting capacity, expect the saw to cut through small and mid-sized intrusive branches with relative ease.
And when you attach the fiberglass cutting extension the saw allows a useable length of 6.5 inches, or 10 inches, and manages a maximum reach of 14 inches. You will be able to easily reach and cut tall tree limbs in your garden, with this saw.
When you want to work around notorious branches, the saw’s in-line power-head offers good maneuverability with enhanced visibility, even helping to minimize strain from awkward positions.
It’s also worth mentioning that since this pole saw is battery-powered, it is very eco-friendly to use. The tool releases zero emissions to the atmosphere, thus reducing your carbon footprint while offering maximum productivity.
The LPP120 does, however, miss out on an automatic oiling system, which would simplify chain and bar lubrication and reduce maintenance demands.
But you can achieve the same manually, through regular lubricating. Simply use the small oil bottle provided to drizzle oil on the bar and chain, periodically.
Handling and Ease of Use: Lightweight with a Firm Grip
Your LPP120 comes with a superior-grip handle that is wrapped in rubber so that your hand is constantly comfortable and is less susceptible to strain.
If you’ll be taking the pole saw out for day-long cutting, the grip supports extended tool operation while minimizing fatigue, a common productivity barrier.
The firm grip doesn’t just deliver comfort but also enhances tool handling so that you’re in total control over it without risking accidental slippage, which is potentially hazardous.
To keep the saw’s weight as low as possible, the tool adopts a lightweight fiberglass pole. This material, unlike some metals, is also durable and less prone to rusting and other forms of wear.
Unfortunately, the saw’s pole is not the telescoping type. This means that for you to extend it, you will need to attach a separate extension part to it, a process that can be cumbersome if done frequently.
The pole saw’s net weight is 6.3 pounds, which is notably light for such tools. You should not experience any challenge carrying it out of the garage and around the yard.
Something worth noting about the pole saw’s weight is that it is well-distributed on both ends of the tool so that even when you’re holding it high and cutting tough branches, you still retain control of the tool.
Battery: Powerful and Long-lasting
Powering the LPP120 is a powerful 20V Max* Lithium-Ion battery, which delivers some impressive power to match the performance of the saw’s motor.
Black & Decker notes that this battery is built for high-endurance and promises up to 5 times better charge retention compared to similar NiCad batteries when not in use.
According to the manufacturer, a single charge will manage to cut up to 100 1-1/2-inch pine branches. While these specs are impressive for a battery-powered unit, expect the saw’s performance to vary depending on factors such as type of tree, and even battery power.
If you want to get the best battery performance from the saw, you can opt for higher-capacity batteries such as the 20V, 3.0Ah Black & Decker LB2X3020-OPE, or the 20V, 4.0Ah Black & Decker LB2X4020.
Your LPP120 comes with a 20V Max* smart battery charger by the same brand. While this charger is optimized for fast battery recharges, actual re-charge time varies depending on battery health and capacity.
Finally, because the saw uses a 20V battery that’s part of the brand’s 20V Lithium-Ion Power Connect System, then you can use other Black & Decker tools’ 20V batteries to power this one as well because they are interchangeable.
Price: Worth the Premium Value
Even though the LPP120’s price is not in the budget category, it reflects the premium quality associated with the Black & Decker brand, especially when it comes to power tools.
This pole saw guarantees reliability and increased productivity thanks to the cordless operation, which is powered by a heavy-duty and long-lasting 20V Max* battery.
You’re getting a decent number of cuts per a single charge, and the 8-inch bar complements this performance by cutting branches of up to 6 inches in size.
And because of the pole saw’s lightweight design, you can operate it for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. Finally, it is a zero-emission and low-noise tool that is very eco-friendly.
A pole saw that rivals the LPP120 in performance and efficiency is Greenworks PS24B210. Its battery is marginally larger, at 24V, and has a higher rated recharge speed of 45 minutes. When doing some busy yard work, this recharge speed can prove to be time-saving.
The PS24B210 has a 3-piece aluminum shaft with a total length of 9 feet and a maximum reach of 11 feet. It’s evident that in the height department, the LPP120 wins by a decent margin.
Both saws have 8-inch bars, which means that they have similar cutting capacities. But when you have a tool that reaches higher branches, it can prove more valuable in the long-term, so you’re better off sticking with the LPP120.
Verdict
A reliable battery-powered cordless pole saw that offers high operating convenience and flexibility, low-noise, and emission-free light-duty pruning.
The LPP120 relies on a 20V Max* Li-Ion battery to deliver a good number of cuts on softwood while supporting extended running with its lightweight design and cordless operation. A decent 14-foot overhead reach supports cutting of high branches.
Specs
- Product Name: Black & Decker LPP120
- Product Brand: Black & Decker
- Power Source: Battery-powered
- Power Input: 20V (1.5Ah, 2,0 Ah, 3.0 Ah, 4.0 Ah)
- Blade Length: 8 inches
- Overall Length: 115 inches
- Branch Size: 6 inches
- Maximum Reach: 14 feet
- Power-Head Type: In-line
- Pole Material: Fiberglass
- Product Weight: 6.3 pounds
- Warranty: 2 years (limited)
Key Features
- High-performance 20V Max* Li-Ion battery offers durability and good charge retention
- The 20V Max* battery delivers up to 100 Cuts of 1-1/2-inch pine branches per charge
- A strong 8-inch bar and chain cut branches of up to 6 inches in diameter
- A lightweight fiberglass center extension offers an additional reach of up to 14 feet
- The in-line power-head enhanced both maneuverability and visibility between branches
- Easy assembly and disassembly simplify tool storage and transportation
- A lightweight 6.3-pound design boosts ease of handling and reduces fatigue
- The low-noise, emission-free, and eco-friendly noise reduces your carbon footprint