Battery powered line trimmer

A battery powered line trimmer for cutting vegetation, the trimmer comprising:

• an elongated shaft having a forward end and a rearward end;
• an electric motor having an output member for rotating a cutting line, the electric motor affixed to the forward end of the elongated shaft and aligned relative thereto so that the output member extends downwardly and has a generally vertical axis of rotation when the trimmer is oriented in an operative position, wherein the elongated shaft inclines rearwardly from the electric motor and the cutting line rotates in a plane generally parallel to the ground;
• a battery pack affixed to the rearward end of the elongated shaft;
• a front handle cooperative with the elongated shaft having a grip for one hand of an operator located rearward of the electric motor and forward of the center of gravity of the trimmer in the operative position;
• and
• a rear handle cooperative with the elongated shaft having a grip for the other hand of the operator located forward of the battery pack and rearward of the center of gravity of the trimmer in the operative position, wherein the front and rear handles are located above the center of gravity of the trimmer in the operative position, and the electric motor and battery pack spaced apart locations result in a ratio of moment of inertia about a vertical axis extending through the center of gravity to mass is in excess of 150 inches-squared and a mass moment of inertia about a vertical axis extending through the center of gravity greater than 60 slug-inches-squared, but less than 150 slug-inches squared, so that the trimmer remains relatively stable in the hands of the operator when the cutting line strikes an object imposing a reaction torque on the trimmer.