If youre working all day on a lawn crew or even just putting the finishing touches on your own lawn, you want the lightest weight you can get without sacrificing the power you need. Its fantastic when youre reclaiming overgrown areas or simply have a lot of lawn to maintain. Popular Mechanics participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. We put each trimmer through its paces in a variety of real-world scenarios: manicured grass, weedy grass, and natural areas featuring coarse, weedy seedlings and vines. Models with a universal connection can use attachments from other brands, opening up far more choices. For gas-engine trimmers, we wanted to judge whether the power they provided was offset by their noise and weight. Its a 2-speed attachment-capable trimmer using a universal connection system, opening up more options beyond DeWalt attachments. The Greenworks Pro 80V Cordless String Trimmer is a quality trimmer that adapts for a variety of other functions with attachments such as a brush cutter. We got our team together to determine top picks for a range of priorities. . This gives you many more options for ways to use your trimmer. If you decide to only buy Ryobi products, youll find pretty much everything you need for any DIY job you can conceive. Its most at home in the country and likely a bit too much trimmer for a small suburban yard. Ryobi vs. Skil: Which Has a Better Product Portfolio? If youre plugged into DeWalts FlexVolt system, the large 60-volt battery that comes with the trimmer also works in its circular saw, big drills, pavement breakers, power cutters, and more. All of the speed settings provide enough power for average jobs. Stihl HSA 56 Cordless Hedge Trimmer. EGO Power+ ST1511T Cordless String Trimmer, Makita XRU15PT1 36V LXT Brushless String Trimmer. The handle is adjustable as well. Ryobi has a large catalog of 18V ONE+ power tools and accessories, with over a hundred power tools such as drills, blowers, foggers, drivers, work lights, and more. Price and value: ECHO vs Stihl. Source: lawnmowerreview.org The gtech cordless grass trimmer gt 3.0 review. #10 is how well does it work when you are not replacing line. By any name, it is a handheld power tool that spins a line head by means of either a gas engine (in almost all cases burning a gas-oil fuel mixture) or a lithium-ion battery and a DC motor. A Look At Ryobi's 18V Blowers (An Overview): Price Overview: The 18V blowers were pretty close in price, when comapring the bare tools alone and they were one of the more affordable cordless tools offered by Ryobi, in general. Their 20V Powercore line-up includes around a dozen reciprocating saws, jigsaws, circular saws, and their 12V Powercore line-up includes four saws as well. HART stepped up big time this year and now has a brushless 15-inch carbon fiber shaft model for its 40V line. If you want a neatly cut yard, youll have to trim its grass. Offering battery mowing performance based on a long-lasting lithium-ion battery and a brushless, electronically controlled electric motor. Get the EGO Power+ ST1511T Cordless String Trimmer at Ace Hardware, Lowes, or on Amazon. That piqued our interest. Push the new fuel lines into the tank. Other professional brands hit several of the same elements, but none of them put them together as completely as Husqvarna. The Best Battery Trimmer Option Handy outdoor power tools make quick work of tackling overgrown weeds and grass, giving the yard a tidy look and trimming hedges and shrubs. The same company also manufactures tools for Ridgid, Milwaukee, Dirt Devil, and Vax. While their power saws are good enough for professional use, in general, their other tools arent robust enough for long-term daily use. If you can get a fully-loaded battery-powered string trimmer that meets your performance needs and comes in under 10 pounds, thats a big win. EGO. We also evaluated how easy it was to load fresh line into the head; every machine needed it after its session. Skil is one option and its a compelling high-value pick. The overall knife length bumps out slightly to hit 25 inches. Having a large cutting swath helps you clear large areas faster or gives you a more generous border for your mower. Whats the best battery-powered string trimmer for your needs? With speeds up to 3400 SPM and a Pro-level capacity of 1 1/4 inches on a set of 26-inch knives, its one of the few models available for work involving branches over an inch thick. Some models offer 26 inches and Makita even has one option that gets you 30 inches of cutting length. Makitas XHU07 18V hedge trimmer is a model we keep turning to frequently. Husqvarna has a couple of battery hedge trimmers to choose from and their 520iHD60 is our pick for the tough jobs professional landscaping crews tackle. Battery-powered string trimmers have a distinct advantage over gas-powered trimmers when it comes to noise pollution. The trimmer includes a two-speed switch and can be adjusted to cut 13 to 15 inches in width. If your runtime needs are greater, look for a string trimmer that balances the efficiency of a brushless motor, uses 0.095-inch line, and possibly comes with a higher-capacity battery. Note that the engine takes a 50:1 fuel-oil ratio, the same type of two-stroke fuel reserved for professional chainsaws and leaf blowers. It comes with two 20-volt batteries and a battery charger, and the battery lasts for up to 20 minutes on a full charge. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field. You can get this one at Lowes for $149.99 with a 2.0Ah battery and charger. Shoppers can purchase this model as a kit that includes a dual battery charger and two sets of batteries, or as tool only for those who already have items from the Makita 18V tool platform. Although its most at home in the pleasant suburbs, it definitely has enough punch to slice a tall weed. Higher torque holds keeps the head spinning better in tough cutting situations, even when its highest RPMs are lower than low-torque gearing. That control is also improved with a telescoping shaft length; you adjust it to suit your tastes, and the shaft is carbon fiber. Ryobi sells power tools, outdoor power equipment, lighting, lifestyle and recreation, generators, cleaning storage, hand tools, batteries, and accessories. Note that some pole hedge trimmers are standalone tools while others are part of a multi-head attachment system. The battery saws stop the second you let go of the trigger, massive safety feature. Husqvarna CEORA Puts A Futuristic Spin On Professional Turf Care Were big fans of the technology surrounding autonomous lawn care [], Now Thats Using Your Head: EGO Brings Popular PowerLoad Feature To Multi-Head System There are so many tools you need [], Having used dozens of laser distance measures from various brands, its clear some key features make a difference. Its also known for its bright green color. Ryobi vs. Stihl Trimmer Review and Why I'll NEVER buy another 4 cycle engine 14,776 views May 24, 2020 81 Dislike Share Save DIYHomeTogether 93 subscribers Review of the Ryobi x430 - 4. The low-speed setting also extends string life. When you run out of string, feed a precut length of string through the head and press the rewind button at the end of the shaft. 1. After that, we took the trimmer head apart inspected how much dirt got in, if any. Slip the gadget over the bump feed button on the bottom of the line head and crank it. Now that theres a new commercial lawn mower, whispers of further Milwaukee OPE expansion are in the wind, so keep your eyes open in case something new in the string trimmer department shows up. Now it manufactures a wide variety of tools. With a long, straight shaft and high-power cutting head, this 10.4-pound trimmer feels like a pro-quality tool. Skil is an American power tool brand that first became known for its saws. The tools weve tested so far on the 40V HP Brushless line have been big improvements over the last 40V generation, bringing Ryobi up a level compared to where they were. The trade-off is a heavier design8.7 pounds without a battery. In our tests, this trimmer performed very well in weed-free grass as well as weedy lawn areas. Its fold-down line guard is mounted on the housing above the trimmer head and acts as a bumperwe find that it does prevent you from moving too close to a vertical surface and striking it with the spinning line. Theres lots of additional good info here, though its a bitRead more . Its an excellent candidate to replace gas equipment for medium to large landscapes, though the price may be too high for budget buyers. 8. Stihl has a great lineup of electric outdoor products and you could buy a mower, trimmer and blower that all could run on the same battery or couple of batteries. The Ryobi string trimmer has a blade . They seemed like a good choice a few years ago with 60volt batteries and a full line including blowers string trimmer hedge trimmer and chainsaws. This cordless string trimmer operates with a 20-volt battery that can last for up to 20 minutes, and a spare battery is included. Off the clock, his faith and love for his family are his top priorities, and you'll typically find him in the kitchen, on his bike (he's an Ironman), or taking folks out for a day of fishing on Tampa Bay. In 1995, Skil became a subsidiary of Bosch. Skil is also a decent choice for DIYers, but Ryobi has the edge over Skil in this category. The harder you work the string trimmer, the tougher the machine you need to buy. Read this Pro Guide First. Capped at $160 for the entire kit, we looked for something powerful that also included the battery and charger. Skils history is even older. Pros and Cons of Ryobi vs Stihl Blower. So to help consumers make the right choice, we tested some of the most popular string trimmers around to find out how they perform under real-world conditions. The STIHL hedge trimmers are specially designed for use in park and landscape maintenance, as well as for large private estates. They use 36-volt, 40-volt, 56-volt, or even 82-volt battery packs. We consult with innovators in the technology and design of tools to gain a broader grasp of where these products fit and how they work. Most battery-powered string trimmers are fine in this category. The lowest sips current from the battery and provides great control, particularly when you turn the trimmer vertically like an edger. In general, there are four main types of hedge trimmers you can get that work on battery power. Both have nicely designed, soft-grip, ergonomic handles, and comfortable, easy-to-access trigger operating systems. Also, consider learning how to trim at low speed when the grass isnt as thick. Sporting 24-inch blades with a 3/4-inch cutting capacity, it steps the speed up higher than most to 3400 SPM. As long as youre getting at least 5000 RPM, you should be in good shape. As DeWalt continues to build out the 60V FlexVolt line of lawn care products, the DCHT870 is worth considering. Stihl was already doing a great job in the professional battery-powered lawn care department, but the 135 line takes it a step further with even better performance and durability. EGO vs Ryobi Line Trimmer billybrown on 12/01/2022 - 19:26 Last edited 18/01/2022 - 23:26 Tossing up between these two: EGO ST1302E 56V 2.5Ah ARC-Lithium Cordless Brushless Power+ 330mm Line Trimmer Combo Kit $399 https://sydneytools.com.au/product/ego-st1302e-56v-25ah-arcl. Its safety latch and trigger are easy to squeeze, and the rabbit/tortoise icon on the speed switch nearby is clearly visible, as is the switch easy to move. Very helpful. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn income when you click on an Amazon link. WG163 GT 3.0 20V PowerShare 12" Cordless String Trimmer & Edger uses 180W max engine power than most other trimmers and edgers on the market, and it offers up to 70% faster runtime than competitors; with WG163 GT, you can cut your lawn faster and more . You have to . Thats a trade-off were happy to make at this price point. For the latest flagship string trimmer, that means impressive cutting power. Here are some of the specific types of products you can purchase from Ryobi: Combo Kits Drills Impact Drivers Ratchets Circular Saws Miter Saws Jig Saws Table Saws Sanders Glue Guns Routers Ryobis 40V HP Brushless hedge trimmer makes a strong case with its 1-inch cutting capacity and longer 26-inch knives. Add to that, automatic line loading with EGOs PowerLoad feature makes string trimmers with it the easiest to load weve ever used. Some manufacturers make great mowers/blowers, some make better trimmers. Anybody who has used a gas-engine trimmer can pick it up, purge the carburetor, choke the machine, and start it with a couple of pulls. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); See our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Would love your thoughts, please comment. In our tests, the EGO string trimmer showed ample power to cut through everything in its path, including overgrown, weedy grass; privet seedlings; and honeysuckle vines. The adjustable trimmer head and upper handle let users customize the working angle, but the process of doing so proved clunky: The user must reach down and turn a rather stiff knob at the connection point between the shaft and cutting head to unlock and relock the angle for each adjustment. Pro Tool Reviews is a successful online publication that has been providing tool reviews and industry news since 2008. Want to see our top overall string trimmer picks, including gas models? This ones not cheap at $249 bare and $389 as a kit with two 5.0Ah batteries. Alternatively, you can just buy the XHU08 and get the 30-inch knives as the standard set. HLA 135 K Skin Only. This is another model that comes with a rotating handle and the design team kept the HedgeSweep bar to help clear branches as you trim. 24 inches is a pretty good baseline to look for. Pull start vs. battery start: With a gas model, the pull start may be an issue for some seniors. RYOBI ONE + 22-inch 18-Volt Cordless Battery Hedge Trimmer. of your reviews list tool weights, but some dont, and some dont specify whether its the tool only weight or with a battery, and if w/battery what size? 1.6M views 7 months ago Battery-Powered Weed EatersTested: EGO, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Ryobi, Kobalt, Makita, Atlas (Harbor Freight), Greenworks, and ECHO. The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. We realize not everyone is in a place to jump onto Makitas ConnectX system. It was the closest one to using a gas powerhead. Along with battery type, consider how much operating power the battery has, which is measured in volts. Model# P2039VNM (83) $ 239 00. . Makita uses the same batteries for their 18V and 18V X2 products, and DeWalt FlexVolt batteries are backward compatible to 20V Max tools, giving you an option to run both higher power OPE for some tools and 18V/20V Max on others. It feeds out string automatically. Handles on the snath allow the user to hold the scythe and stand upright while swinging the blade horizontally at ground level to cut grass or brush. Theres a reason we picked EGOs Line IQ trimmer as our best overall for homeowners. However, Itd sure be nice if you could list (tool only) weight specs for each hedger + the weight range of the battery options. Price: $289 bare, $439 with 4.0Ah battery and rapid charger. This device has one of the longest-lasting batteries that we've tested, and in "savE" mode, it further increases battery life by reducing the chain speed for less than heavy-duty tasks. Plus, theres an Automatic Torque Drive feature that auto-adjusts the speed to match what youre cutting. The RYOBI P2030 is a small electric string trimmer and edger. NiCad batteries suffer from memory effect, meaning if the battery is used before it has fully chargedor if its recharged before its power depletesit will remember the earlier charge level and wont hold a longer charge in the future. Off the clock, his faith and love for his family are his top priorities, and you'll typically find him in the kitchen, on his bike (he's an Ironman), or taking folks out for a day of fishing on Tampa Bay. First, the Stihl trimmer model has sufficient power to go through sections of the lawn packed with heavy grass. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); See our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. The top models are capable of hitting 6500 RPM and there is a significant difference in how fast you can complete your trimming duties at higher rotational speeds. Greenworks Pro 60V line has a few options and we like the ST60L04 as the best overall balance of performance and price for trimming. However, it can be more convenient to purchase a kit with multiple batteries in order to have one on the charger while the other is in use. The DCST972X1 nestles nicely into that line as a hard-charging trimmer that slashed through the tough stuff almost as readily as gas-engine trimmers. On the clock, Kenny dives deep to discover the practical limits and comparative differences for all kinds of tools. Look for this one at your favorite retailers for $179 as a bare tool or $349 with an 8.0Ah High Output battery and charger. Auto and button feeds eliminate the need to bump the spool, which can reduce the risk of damage if bumped too hard, but many commercial-type trimmers still use bump feed because its quick and easy. It gets even better, though, because this model is also part of the Whisper Series, boasting 60% quieter operation than a comparable gas model thanks to specifically focusing on the pitch of the sound. If you're in the market for a keenly-priced cordless hedge trimmer with a decent cutting length (50cm) and excellent run time (up to 50 minutes) then pop this winner on the . If you have a large yard, it may be better to invest in a separate edging tool. Makita packs 30cc gas power equivalence into a sub-10-pound package with the ConnectX string trimmer. The XRU09PT1 is powered by a pair of 18V LXT Lithium-ion batteries, giving you enough juice to clear . In todays world of Internet news and online content, we found that more and more professionals researched a large majority of their major power tool purchases online. As the head moves around on the Sun Joe SJH902E, you can attack the hedges from different angles to get clean and shapely cuts, no matter the situation. (small) chainsaw. Its not nearly as easy as a chainsaw or reciprocating saw with a pruning blade, but you dont have to stop what youre doing and grab another tool. *Prices are valid from the 26/12/2022 to 31/01/2023. It also provides a surprisingly high power-to-weight ratio. Hardly any maintenance. Most of the time, a hedge trimmer with a 3/4-inch cutting capacity is plenty. In 1961 the company began manufacturing offset printing presses and began production of power tools in 1968. These extremely comfortable cordless trimmers with mowing head, direct drive and large cutting radius offer outstanding trimming power for greater efficiency, mobility and silent operation. To qualify as a top pick, a string trimmer should be durable, powerful, and easy to operate. Theres one key thing to note about Pro Tool Reviews: Were all about the professional tool user and tradesman! As you move along the desired borders, keep the head balanced and even. Balance is a consideration and the trimmers that have the best typically mount the motor on the trimmer head to counter the battery weight on the back. This means that the Ryobi blower is slightly lighter than the Stihl blower. Those who are still unsure about how to use a battery string trimmer may find the following answers to common questions about these tools helpful. If a hedge trimmer is the first piece of battery-powered lawn equipment youre buying, pay close attention to the battery platform youre buying into. The lawn care side of their business is making a similar reputation for itself and Skils PWRCore 40 brushless hedge trimmer follows suit. Price: $199.99 with 2.5Ah battery and charger. The Ryobi blower weighs in at just over 9 pounds, while the Stihl blower weighs in at 11 pounds. Its well-balanced design, with the heavy battery in back offset by the long straight shaft and ideally positioned grips, made it comfortable to work with and more agile than others we tested. This year, we set a price limit on our best budget battery-powered string trimmer recommendation. The following battery-powered string trimmers are at the top of their class. If you are looking for a power tool brand ideal for professionals, then you might want to skip this article and check out my list of the best brands instead to find another one that suits your needs.