Cordless String Trimmer Owners: Weigh-in

[olytdi]

I'm looking for a new cordless string trimmer. While my needs gravitate toward "smaller lot homeowner," I detest cheapo, poorly built, throw away tools.

I'm replacing a ten year-old B&D Grasshog that has been surprisingly robust, powerful enough, and reliable (I've replaced the gel-cell lead acid battery twice so I've gotten three years out of each battery -- four out of the original.

I'm not that keen on the new lithium battery-powered string trimmers only in that the batteries last no longer than lead acid but cost three times as much. That said, try and find a lead acid battery cordless trimmer these days.

Looking primarily at these:

This B&D is the brushless motor version of the highest rated string trimmer you'll find -- the B&D 40v cordless.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TLMU9W2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This Ryobi also gets great reviews:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-40...ble-Cordless-String-Trimmer-RY40220/204589659

Lastly, this trimmer is badass but may be overkill and swivel tilt to edge. But it has the best warranty:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/EGO-15-i...s-Brushless-String-Trimmer-ST1501-S/205678261

What say you? What cordless do you have that you'd buy again in a hearbeat? Which are the dogs and are losers?

I'm not weed whacking large areas but I really want a quality trimmer that likely will last without going industrial.

Looked at the new 58V Echo but it's way overkill for my needs.

 

[rocket06]

If you have a small yard you might be happy with a lighter, less expensive 18v. I had the Ryobi 18v and it was great. I got a little neurotic and decided I wanted the Makita 18v to go with all my other cordless tools/batteries. Gave the Ryobi to a friend. The Makita is a little more powerful than the Ryobi, especially with a 4.0 battery. I have a bigger yard (.4 acre) and both trimmers are more than adequate.

 

[CD1]

I'm also in the market for a string trimmer, but a 2-cycle trimmer is my choice.

The Echo GT-225 and the Stihl FS 38 are my two choices. I do not need a straight shaft trimmer for my half acre lot, nor the higher price or equipment weight.

Echo is offering discounts during promotions next week, and 20% off on Friday April 24th at selected dealers.

Home Depot has almost the same at the reduced price at $149.99. Check your local stores.

I do not like the Echo trimmer setup. You have to replace the line in segments when it wears down. I prefer a tap and go trimmer line advance.
I think they do offers a tap and go upgrade.

The Echo has a longer Consumer warranty and a smaller motor 21.2cc with 14.9oz fuel capacity.

The Stihl has a 2 yr Consumer warranty and a 27.2cc motor with a 11.2oz fuel capacity.

The Echo has a 16" cutting width versus the Stihl's 15" cutting width.

I am leaning towards the Stihl. It is lighter, less costly $129.95, very reliable, more powerful motor, and a price drop!

Buyer make you own decisions

 

[3rdgen]

I had the ryobi trimmer for three years with no problems at all, last year it started killing batteries for some reason. Turns out it was the charger but since then I've switched to echo and to be honest the cordless is nicer for my small lawn.

 

[Formula]

I bought a cheap Black & Decker about 5 years ago for about $40. It came with 2 batteries and it's still going strong today. I would definitely buy another B&D when the time comes.

 

[gayler]

I've had the ryobi 40 volt for a couple of years. Great trimmer for my 10000 sq ft lawn. I don't care for the line feed tho as you have to let off the trigger and let it stop to feed line instead of a bump and go

 

[todd_fuller]

I have this Ryobi: https://www.ryobitools.com/products/details/578

Picked it up refurbished from HD for $100. More than enough power and battery for my small lawn.

 

[cheechi]

Regarding Ryobi trimmers

I have owned 3 Ryobi trimmers, one of the older black/grey 4 cycle which wasn't bad, and 2 of the more recent yellow 25/26 model numbers. Regarding the attachments, since that will be the same for the engine or battery heads, they are great quality for homeowner usage. Based on that if I had a need for a cordless I would consider the Ryobi 18v.

I like to do more with the tool than just trimming and I don't know how well it would deal with the pole saw or hedge trimmer but for a string trimmer I can't see it being a bad choice based on the quality of the parts I have. I would not recommend any brush cutter blade of any kind for the battery though. The Ryobi head seems to have to work noticeably harder than my Husq head to spin the same blade.

hth

 

[jimindm]

I'm also in the market for a string trimmer, but a 2-cycle trimmer is my choice.

The Echo GT-225 and the Stihl FS 38 are my two choices. I do not need a straight shaft trimmer for my half acre lot, nor the higher price or equipment weight.

Echo is offering discounts during promotions next week, and 20% off on Friday April 24th at selected dealers.

Home Depot has almost the same at the reduced price at $149.99. Check your local stores.

I do not like the Echo trimmer setup. You have to replace the line in segments when it wears down. I prefer a tap and go trimmer line advance.
I think they do offers a tap and go upgrade.

The Echo has a longer Consumer warranty and a smaller motor 21.2cc with 14.9oz fuel capacity.

The Stihl has a 2 yr Consumer warranty and a 27.2cc motor with a 11.2oz fuel capacity.

The Echo has a 16" cutting width versus the Stihl's 15" cutting width.

I am leaning towards the Stihl. It is lighter, less costly $129.95, very reliable, more powerful motor, and a price drop!

Buyer make you own decisions

I have one of each. A few years old. Both straight shafts. Both are tap and go lines.

I do not doubt any of your specs on the two. I can tell you the stihl just plain wears me out to use very long. The echo seems like I could run it for hours and hours.

Both machines have plenty of power and work great. I do not know if it is balance, vibration or what, the stihl is just a handful.

 

[stonesfan68]

I have used the 18V Ryobi for the last three years and have no complaints. I have two full-size batteries.

If the 18V died then I'd most likely get another one. If I had a larger yard (I live in the suburbs of Houston) then I'd get the 40V version.

I don't like those gasoline-powered trimmers- they are really loud and beat the hell out of you during use.

 

[LordPsychon]

I like my 18v B&D, got it about 7 years ago and it's still in great working order...I can even get new batteries for it, a real plus in the changing world of cordless tools.

 

[cashishift]

Stihl.

Don't have any desire for battery powered lawn tools.

 

[cashishift]

I have one of each. A few years old. Both straight shafts. Both are tap and go lines.

I do not doubt any of your specs on the two. I can tell you the stihl just plain wears me out to use very long. The echo seems like I could run it for hours and hours.

Both machines have plenty of power and work great. I do not know if it is balance, vibration or what, the stihl is just a handful.

sounds like the Stihl could use a trip to the dealer for a tune up

 

[zhaddock]

I have the ryobi 24v. I bought it off woot over the winter for the cost of the batteries basically. It came with two batts and the charger. I used it for the first time this last weekend. I was VERY impressed! One battery lasted for our whole yard which is on the larger size. The head rotates allowing for use as an edger and this is where it really shined. I edged our driveway and about 200' of curb and sidewalk with it. The only thing I dont care for is that it isn't very well balanced when in weed whacker mode but I venture to guess that the 40v battery model would be better balanced with the much larger battery on the back. (I have the 40v hedge trimmer and love it too)

 

[thieltech]

i have a old stihl. awesome trimmer. found at a rummage sale and fixed up

 

[djb2]

I have a Worx trimmer that I'm pretty happy with, but wouldn't recommend it to most here.

It has the following issues:

The batteries are unique to Worx yard tools. Worx yard tools are rebranded as Craftsman and perhaps a few other brands, but don't fit anything else. I'm already spread out on four different tool battery types in just the 18V-20V range, and this is a fifth.

The spool covers are unique, can't be found locally, and expensive to mail order. Spool covers are wear items and are exposed to impacts. When they wear out or break the trimmer can't be used. You don't think about this part until after you *really need* one.

The spools are tiny. I rewind them, so the cost isn't a problem. Just the extra time to swap and later refill. If followed their marketing and used a new spool, trimming would costly.

Trivial: the charger with base is gigantic. You can't mount it without the base.

My recommendation is to buy a lithium battery trimmer in the 18V range that matches your existing tool batteries, while making certain that you can easily get replacement parts without the delay and expensive of special shipping.

 

[ryolse]

We have the Ego mower so last weekend when looking for a trimmer we went with the Ego 12" (mostly because they didn't have the 15" in stock). Best part is they both use similar batteries, the mower came with a 4 Ah and the trimmer with a 2 Ah. My biggest questions was how easy the spindle would be to rewind but when searching around on the internet there weren't many answers and the guy at Home Depot didn't know anything.

I was using the 4 Ah with the trimmer on Sunday, but would like to see how well the mower does with the 2 Ah battery next weekend when we next mow. It would be nice to swap both out in the mower because typically the mower dies half way through when the grass is tall or wet. But it charges quickly so we've never seen it as a problem.

 

[musgofasta]

Not a single complaint about my 18v Ryobi...

 

[6-Speed]

I have been using Greenworks 40V yard tools for several years now and just recently bought their 80V Pro line blower. The 80V blower is mighty powerful for a battery operated tool and the 80V 2A-hr battery recharges in 30 minutes. The 40V string trimmer works pretty good, but the line feed mechanism doesn't seem to operate smoothly.

 

[olytdi]

A number of votes for the Ryobi ONE+ 18v (of which I have 4 batts, two drills, two saws, and flashlight). Generally satisfied with the quality around the house but the online reviews aren't stellar. Seems that about 10-20% have either switch failures or line feed problems.

I keep going back to the B&D due mostly to the stellar reviews.

I like hearing about everyone's experiences though and I'm willing to be swayed!

Used my Grasshog tonight for the last time as the front handle broke clean off. B&D states "part no longer available."

I really detest throwing away a perfectly functioning tool. I may fabricate something and keep her going a bit longer. It's a 12v 5A SLA battery type, BTW.

 

[Ign]

13" 40V Ryobi is $99 today only
http://m.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-40-Volt-Lithium-ion-Cordless-String-Trimmer-Edger/203763425/

I got down around $73+tax w giftcardzen and a HF 20% coupon.

The website claims "limited quantities" but my store had a lot of them & they weren't moving as they hadn't put them up front, just back w all the other weedeaters like normal.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

I've long used Roundup for food plot activity for deer hunting and my wife and I ended up eliminating virtually all of our trimming at home by very carefully applying RU to the areas where we used to trim. It only needs to be applied twice per season and all trimming is eliminated.

You must be VERY careful not to allow the mist of the chemical to drift to areas you don't want killed. Very careful.

 

[olytdi]

13" 40V Ryobi is $99 today only
http://m.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-40-Volt-Lithium-ion-Cordless-String-Trimmer-Edger/203763425/

I got down around $73+tax w giftcardzen and a HF 20% coupon.

The website claims "limited quantities" but my store had a lot of them & they weren't moving as they hadn't put them up front, just back w all the other weedeaters like normal.

Thanks Ign.

I decided to go with the successor to the very highly rated B&D LST136 Which is found here:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00602J3V4/?tag=atomicindus08-20, the LST (check out the reviews and customer satisfaction on that puppy!)

Almost pulled the trigger on one of those but decided to spend a little more and get the new successor model which has the brushless motor but is otherwise pretty much the same. It's the LST540 found here:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TLMU9W2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Amazon had a $20 off coupon for this so it wasn't too painful ($156.00) delivered with Prime.

While in the past, to me, B&D was synonymous with cheap junk (and still may well be), their cordless string trimmers have been a bright spot and very robust.

Hope the info everyone provided in this thread is helpful!

Happy whacking...weeds that is!

 

[Shadowdog500]

I know you bought it already, but Out of curiosity how big is your yard? I don't like batteries that go dead after a few seasons, and hate two stroke engines that become a pain to start eventually, so I bought a stihl chorded weed whacked and never looked back. I have a really long extension cord that can do my entire yard. Some people complain about tangled cords which tells me that they don't know how to coil thier cords properly.

Chris

 

[TheModelAGuy]

We have used gas trimmers for home, heavy work, and ranch use for 30 years or so. Have used most common brands, including Still, Husquvarna, and Red Max. Ya get what you pay for. I've hav my RedMax for 15 yrs or so. One new head and replacing fuel lines once. It hurts a little up front but the better machines will cost a bit more and last longer. I guess the cost spread over time works out to $25 a year or so.
Many ways to dice this one........
http://www.redmax.com/products/trimmers/

 

[CD1]

I have one of each. A few years old. Both straight shafts. Both are tap and go lines.

I do not doubt any of your specs on the two. I can tell you the stihl just plain wears me out to use very long. The echo seems like I could run it for hours and hours.

Both machines have plenty of power and work great. I do not know if it is balance, vibration or what, the stihl is just a handful.

Thank you for your comment. I am still evaluating both trimmers.

 

[olytdi]

I know you bought it already, but Out of curiosity how big is your yard? I don't like batteries that go dead after a few seasons, and hate two stroke engines that become a pain to start eventually, so I bought a stihl chorded weed whacked and never looked back. I have a really long extension cord that can do my entire yard. Some people complain about tangled cords which tells me that they don't know how to coil thier cords properly.

Chris

Yeah, I think you illustrate that there are many solutions depending on your needs. Sounds like you've got a situation for which a corded trimmer works well. That's good because they're plenty powerful.

My yard isn't really that big but there's a lot of edge given I've got a small berry and fruit orchard behind deer fence and my property nestles into a vast wooded green belt. So while I don't need a whole lot of trimmer for the day-to-day, sometimes I have to get into the edge of the woods as well. The B&D 40v should handle that.

 

[Ign]

For the past several years I've used a couple of the B&D corded GrassHogs.....the auto feed head rarely lasts more than a season, and then it's all over. I tried fitting an aftermarket Gator? head but it burnt up the motor in short order.

This is one of those things that infuriates me -- how I long for an "old" bump feed head which just WORKS and should be cheaper to manufacture anyway. But I'm always swimming upstream apparently.... I also want transfer case levers on the floor.

 

[Ign]

This guy does a non-scientific ( even by his own admission) comparison of the 18V and 40V. Appears to me the 40V is certainly more "muchy" to use an Alice in Wonderland term

edit: I am unclear if his 40V is the more expensive Expand-It 15" or the cheaper 13"
I purchased for $99 less discounts.

 

[Ign]

Used my 40V some tonight. For my needs, the power is great, seems comparable to the cheap corded units I've been buying.

I swore off gas trimmers a decade ago, and it was so nice to once again have the freedom to walk all around my outbuildings without continually fighting a cord.

One reviewer on HD.com noted that the line feed on this Ryobi only feeds about 1/4" each time you let off the trigger. I agree that tends to be woefully inadequate. But if it just keeps working as-is I can deal with it.

 

[mrvm]

I have used the 18V Ryobi for the last three years and have no complaints. I have two full-size batteries

My 18V Ryobi has done a decent job for light-duty trimming on a couple rental properties. No cords, exhaust or fuels needed make it ez to use. Not strong enough for neglected yards but perfect for weekly trimmed lawns. Makes good use of the 4.0 Ah Ryobi battery deal from the HD hot deals thread.

 

[Wamsutta]

Anybody have the STIHL FSA 85 ?

http://www.stihlusa.com/products/trimmers-and-brushcutters/professional-trimmers/fsa85/

 

[Fusion13]

Going to be buying this thing this summer
http://www.dewalt.com/tools/20v-max-outdoor-power-equipment-dcst920p1.aspx

 

[SASORacing]

Echo GT-225

its just so simple but effective. a little more expensive but its "tight"

 

[loranger]

Going to be buying this thing this summer
http://www.dewalt.com/tools/20v-max-outdoor-power-equipment-dcst920p1.aspx

I was wondering when they were going to come out with this trimmer! My old 2 cycle troy bilt is starting to **** out and this looks like it might be a perfect replacement!

 

[Parrothead]

Stihl.

Don't have any desire for battery powered lawn tools.

For me it's been the opposite, I don't have any desire to deal with carbs, mixing fuel, winterization, and tune ups. Charge battery, pull trigger and go.

I just purchased a B&D 20v max from CPO Outlets for 59.99. Comes with two lithium ion batteries too. I'll report back after I use it a few times.

 

[RedRabbit]

sounds like the Stihl could use a trip to the dealer for a tune up

Agreed, I have never handled any Stihl that runs like that.

 

[olytdi]

I just picked up the new brushless 40V B&D and used it for the first time today.

Underwhelmed.

It lasted 12 minutes trimming grass before it stopped. I recharged it and then ran a test with it with no load and wide open. It lasted 18 minutes before it stopped.

I'll be calling B&D this week to discuss and probably returning the tool.

I don't need commercial grade power, but I do need something that lasts longer than 12 minutes when being used.

Damn... it had such good reviews.

Unfortunately the build quality, run time, and power increase in tandem. What I'd like is a moderately powered tool with decent build quality that runs for 45 minutes without needing a recharge. This tool is actually quite well put together and has moderate power but the battery is tiny and the run time is dismal.

But...I'm a sample size of one so maybe my experience is atypical.

 

[jd_1138]

If you don't have a modern cordless tool outfit yet, I'd recommend the Ryobi unit, and then you can use the batteries in other Ryobi tools. I have the impact, drill, circ saw, recip saw, worklight, jobsite radio, etc..

As for weedwhackers, I just bought a corded Homelite for here at my mom's house. She is going to be hiring a landscaper so no need for a lawnmower. I actually used the Homelite electric weedwhacker to "mow" her lawn a few days ago because it was getting tall and she hasn't found a landscaper yet, and I was impressed with its power. Of course, this is really tool abuse, so if the $30 Homelite dies, I won't be returning it to HD as it's my fault. Plus I like the string system (works well).

 

[bfm336]

Used the 20V Worx trimmer all last year, was my FIL's, loved it. Bought my own along with blower for $85 for the set at lowes a few weeks ago. It works great on a weekly trimmed lawn.