If you’re looking for a capable and affordable trimmer to tame your yard, you’ve likely come across the Kobalt brand. This Kobalt KHT 240 review aims to give you a clear, practical look at whether this 24-volt string trimmer is the right tool for your garden.
It’s a popular choice for homeowners who want a battery-powered tool without the high cost of some pro brands. We’ll look at its power, battery life, ease of use, and where it really shines or falls short, so you can make a smart choice.
Kobalt KHT 240 Review
Let’s start by getting to know the basic specs of this tool. The Kobalt KHT 240 is a cordless, battery-powered string trimmer that runs on the Kobalt 24V MAX platform. It’s designed as a lightweight option for typical suburban yard work like trimming grass, touching up edges, and cutting down light weeds.
It comes as a “tool-only” option, which means you buy the trimmer itself and the battery separately. This is great if you already own other Kobalt 24V tools. Often, you can also find it in kits that include a battery and charger, which can be a better value if your starting fresh.
What’s in the Box and First Impressions
When you take it out of the box, the first thing you’ll notice is its relatively simple design. Assembly is straightforward, usually involving just attaching the guard and the handle. The build feels decent for the price—it’s not super heavy-duty, but it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy either.
Here are the key components you’ll get:
* The trimmer shaft and motor head
* A safety guard
* An adjustable auxiliary handle
* A spool of 0.065-inch diameter trimmer line
* The manual and any wrenches needed for assembly
The balance is pretty good. The motor and battery are positioned near the top, which helps prevent fatigue in your arms during longer sessions. The shaft is not adjustable, so make sure the lenght feels comfortable for your height before purchasing.
Performance and Power in Real Use
This is where the rubber meets the road. The KHT 240 is powered by a brushless motor, which is more efficient and durable than older brushed motors. For everyday grass trimming around flower beds, fences, and trees, it has plenty of power. It slices through standard lawn grass easily and without bogging down.
However, its limits become apparent with tougher jobs:
* Thick, Overgrown Weeds: It can struggle with dense patches of weeds, especially if they have woody stems.
* Tall, Damp Grass: If you let your lawn go too long or try to trim wet grass, you’ll notice a significant drop in performance and battery drain.
* Edging: It doesn’t have a quick-convert feature to turn it into an edger. You can still edge with it by tilting it, but it’s not as precise or easy as a dedicated edger or a model with that feature.
The automatic feed spool (AFS) works okay. It bumps the line out when you tap the head on the ground, which is convenient. Sometimes it can be a bit inconsistent, leading to minor frustration if the line doesn’t feed when you need it to.
Battery Life and Runtime
Battery life is the biggest question for any cordless tool. The performance here depends entirely on which Kobalt 24V battery you use. A smaller 2.0Ah battery will get you about 20-25 minutes of continuous runtime on light trimming. Stepping up to a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah battery is a game-changer, easily doubling that time.
For a typical suburban yard of a quarter-acre or less, a larger battery is usually sufficient for all the trimming. If you have a bigger property, you’ll definitely want to have a second battery charged and ready to go. The good news is the batteries charge relatively quickly, usually within an hour for the smaller ones.
Ease of Use and Key Features
This trimmer scores high on user-friendliness. It’s light, starting at just over 8 pounds without the battery, so most people can use it without strain. The controls are simple: a trigger switch and a safety lock. The handle adjusts to different positions, which is a nice touch for comfort.
Here are some stand out features:
1. Variable Speed Trigger: You can control the power by how hard you squeeze, helping to save battery on lighter jobs.
2. Straight Shaft: This is better for reaching under bushes and fences than a curved-shaft model.
3. Bump Feed Head: The head is easy to reload with new trimmer line when you run out.
One minor annoyance is the lack of a shoulder strap attachment. For longer sessions, carrying all the weight with your hands and arms can become tiring, even though the tool itself is light.
Pros and Cons Summary
Let’s break down the clear advantages and drawbacks.
Pros:
* Very affordable, especially if you already own Kobalt batteries.
* Lightweight and well-balanced, reducing user fatigue.
* Quiet operation compared to gas trimmers—no fumes or pull cords.
* Enough power for 90% of common lawn trimming tasks.
* Brushless motor offers better longevity and efficiency.
Cons:
* Struggles with heavy-duty weed cutting and tall, wet grass.
* Battery life with the smaller packs may be insufficient for larger yards.
* No easy conversion for edging.
* The build, while decent, isn’t as rugged as some higher-end commercial brands.
Who Is This Trimmer Best For?
The Kobalt KHT 240 is an excellent fit for a specific type of gardener. It’s ideal for you if:
* You have a small to medium-sized, well-maintained yard.
* You value a lightweight, quiet, and low-maintenance tool over raw power.
* You are already invested in the Kobalt 24V ecosystem.
* You want a reliable tool for weekly upkeep, not for reclaiming a neglected field.
It’s probably not the best choice if:
* Your property is over half an acre with lots of tough trimming.
* You frequently deal with overgrown areas with thick weeds.
* You need a tool that can also edge neatly with a simple switch.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Taking care of this trimmer is simple, which is a major plus. After each use, just wipe it down to remove grass clippings and moisture. Regularly check the spool head for tangled line and clear any debris wrapped around the guard.
Every few uses, it’s a good idea to:
* Inspect the trimmer line for wear and refill the spool before it’s completely empty.
* Check that all screws and the handle are tight.
* Clean the air vents on the motor housing to prevent over heating.
* Store the tool and battery in a dry place, out of direct sunlight.
Final Verdict
The Kobalt KHT 240 is a solid, value-oriented string trimmer that does its main job very well. It removes the hassle of gas and cords, making weekly lawn maintenance quicker and more pleasant. While it has clear limits in power and runtime, it delivers reliable performance for the average homeowner’s regular trimming needs. For the price, it represents a good investment for keeping a tidy yard without breaking the bank or your back.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Kobalt KHT 240 powerful enough for my yard?
For most average-sized yards with regular grass, yes, it is powerful enough. If you have very thick, persistent weeds or a very large property, you might want to consider a more powerful gas or 40V+ battery model.
What batteries are compatable with the KHT 240?
It uses any Kobalt 24V MAX battery. For best results, use a 4.0Ah or higher capacity battery for longer runtime.
Can you use it as an edger?
Not officially. It doesn’t have a rotating head to lock into an edging position. You can manually tilt it to edge, but it’s less accurate and convenient than a dedicated feature.
How do you load the string trimmer line?
It uses a common bump-feed head. You typically remove the spool, wind about 20 feet of 0.065-inch line onto it, thread the ends through the eyelets, and reassemble. The manual provides clear diagrams.
Where can I buy replacement parts like the trimmer head?
Replacement spools, lines, and even heads are widely available at Lowe’s (where Kobalt is sold) and through various online retailers.