Black & Decker NEVER AGAIN on my shopping list.

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Black and Decker GL720
★☆☆☆☆
1.4
15.0% of users recommend this

darkh0rse's review of Black and Decker GL720

“Black and Decker NEVER AGAIN on my shopping list.”

★☆☆☆☆

written by darkh0rse on 12/04/2012

Had the GL720 (Type 1 / last made May 2007) and bought in 2008 or 2009 (I am not sure). As I have "other" cord cutting machines ( B & D GL690 mainly for edging AND a large Petrol Husqvarna for scrub and heavy weed infestation)the GL720 was a medium size machine to use when trying to not disturb the neighbours. The amount of use has been probably 2 hours per summer and assuming 2008 then three summers equals 6 hrs use. This year ten minutes and guess what? The cutter no longer worked but motor did. Stripped it down(I have been involved in service and repair of domestic appliances since 1955 / yes 57 years experience) and yes you've guessed it. Belt was off and the nasty plastic pulley had melted which appears to be a common thread through 28 out of 29 prior reviews. Only one review in favour and that probably because the novelty had not worn off from new purchase / use and pending failure is not a considered option.
I honestly wished I knew then about product reviews and was able to find out about products in advance. My computer did not arrive until Dec 2009.
Even if I had a computer then probably may not have been so many bad reviews and probably I would not have had the experience to aquire info.
Interestingly the parts required for ALL types ( Type 1 / 2 / 3 & 5 - there having been four obvious production batches etc) which means that
ALL variants have been produced using the same motor, primary drive cog,
drive belt AND the AWFUL PLASTIC "shaft driving" cog that melts.
Black & Decker have been responsible for producing a product that is not
fit for purpose and although Supply of Goods Act places responsibility upon the retailer ( six year limit ) I cannot return the product for a refund to the retailer ( B & Q ) as I no longer can prove date of purchase.

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