Black+Decker LSTE523 20V Trimmer/Edger
#14 in BatteryFull review
A budget trimmer and edger for small yards and touch ups. Look elsewhere for overgrowth or large lawns.
Amazon $109$109
The Black+Decker LSTE523 20V Trimmer/Edger is the better string trimmer overall, rated 3.2 to 3.1. The Black+Decker LSTE523 20V Trimmer/Edger leads on value and weight. The Black+Decker LST136 40V 13 in wins on warranty and swath. The Black+Decker LSTE523 20V Trimmer/Edger costs $50 less ($109 vs $159).
Black+Decker LST136 40V 13 in
#16 in BatteryFull review
An easy trimmer and edger for small, well kept lawns. Choose a trimmer with heavier line for overgrown lots.
Amazon $159$159
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Black+Decker LSTE523 20V Trimmer/Edger for value ($9.08 per inch of swath ($109 with batteries and charger, 12 in swath) vs $12.23 per inch of swath ($159 with batteries and charger, 13 in swath)) and weight (7.6 lb vs 9 lb).
- Choose the Black+Decker LST136 40V 13 in for warranty (3-year warranty vs 2-year warranty) and swath (13 in swath vs 12 in swath).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every battery string trimmer; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Black+Decker LSTE523 20V Trimmer/Edger | Black+Decker LST136 40V 13 in |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 30% | 88 $9.08 per inch of swath ($109 with batteries and charger, 12 in swath) | 61 $12.23 per inch of swath ($159 with batteries and charger, 13 in swath) |
| Line 20% | 0 .065 in line | 0 .065 in line |
| Swath 15% | 20 12 in swath | 40 13 in swath |
| Weight 15% | 90 7.6 lb | 67 9 lb |
| Warranty 20% | 25 2-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
Specifications
| Black+Decker LSTE523 20V Trimmer/Edger | Black+Decker LST136 40V 13 in | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Cutting swath | 12 in | 13 in |
| Largest line | .065 in | .065 in |
| Line feed | Push-button feed | Automatic feed |
| Shaft | Straight | Straight |
| Converts to edger | Yes | Yes |
| Takes attachments | No | No |
| Power | ||
| Engine or battery | 20 V, 2.5 Ah of battery | 40 V, 2 Ah of battery |
| Battery energy | 45 Wh | 72 Wh |
| Battery included | Yes | Yes |
| Variable speed | - | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 7.6 lb | 9 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years |