Cordless String Trimmer Owners: Weigh-in

[d33pt]

Had an 18v Ryobi for about 5 years before it burned up. I'd always overuse it though, until the motor was hot and sometimes smoking. I'm surprised it lasted that long. It had switch problems, but I was able to fix it and bypass the safety.

Its convenience was great though and I still had the 18v batts, so I bought another. I mostly use it on my neglected backyard instead of a mower.

 

[ajchien]

Ive only had the Ryobi 18v for about 7 months now. It's been doing fine with weekly use in SoCal. My yard is only 8000ish sq ft. Trimming next to brick walls and edging is most of the use.

 

[MixManSC]

I bought the previous generation B&D string trimmer and blower on clearance a couple of years ago from Lowes (it was all display ones on the clearance rack). Managed to get a total of 3 of the batteries (both myself and Lowes had missed the extra battery buried in one of the boxes ), the blower with the vac option, the regular blower, and the string trimmer.

The ones I have are with the brush motors and are the "40V" variety which is really the same as the 36v but with a small initial boost in power. I'm now starting on my third season with them.

The charger that I got is incredibly basic and slow but it does charge the batteries just fine. I've never actually tried to determine or payed attention to when the light goes out indicating the charge is complete. I always just stick on on and swap them out the next day on the way out until all 3 are fully charged again....

On the string trimmer I'm very impressed. It is a smallish one but works very well and with the variable speed control I can go for about 20 minutes before needing to swap batteries. The line feed is somewhat unique in that there is no bumping, no need to slow it down, nothing at all to do. It is fully automatic and so far works perfect. You can get a little 2 pack of replacement line spools for about 5 bucks. For that price I'm not going to bother with rolling my own. So far I have only replaced the spool once. The trimmer also has a nifty latch on the shaft that you push and it rotates and locks the head 90 degrees for edging. This also works fairly well although on heavy edging (where you are basically digging a bit of dirt up as well) and on very heavy thick weeds or grass it can bog down some but not terrible at all. Just have to back off a little and take a little less down at once.

On the blowers..... they blow. Not very well though. I guess I'm spoiled coming from my old Echo backpack. The blowers on these are pathetically weak even on their maximum power setting. They will move a few dry leaves no problem and will do a quick job of blowing the dust off of things. However they are not going to do anything once the leaves are blown into much of any sort of a mound to push around and certainly nothing with any sort of dampness. I've not even bothered trying the vac function of the one. It does work and to its credit it does do fine blowing pine straw and a few leaves off the patio around the pool and driveway as well as getting the leaves out of the river rock in the front yard. You just are not going to use this for any sort of fall "yard" blowing. It simply does not have to power to push around a large volume of leaves.

I think if I were to really want to go all out on electrics that I'd probably take a very close look at the Ego stuff. The reviews are excellent on them. My yard is about 2/3 of an acre but I have a 16x32 inground pool and a building near the same size pushing what I have to mow and whatnot way down. Even with that I still have a Ariens (Husqvarna) 40" rider, still have to keep a 22" pusher for an annoying hill in the front yard that a rider cannot traverse, string trimmer, blower, hedge trimmer, and an edger. I actually have a traditional gas single purpose edger which does great but its so much more convenient to just use the string trimmer that I'm probably going to sell that. If it would work out nice (and I could afford it) if I could just get the Ego push mower, blower, string trimmer, and hedge clipper reducing my gas powered to just the riding mower. That would be a pricey move though.

 

[mrvm]

This HD deal is only targeted for owners of Ryobi 18V batteries and users expecting light-duty performance from string trimmer/hard surface blower. I have used both Ryobi power tools for nearly 5 years for light trimming and blowing away clippings. Not the strongest lawn equipment but makes use of my 18V batteries while blowing the neighbor's effing leaves back on their property

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-ON...-and-Blower-Sweeper-Combo-Kit-P2013/205436804

 

[olytdi]

OP here. So Amazon offered me $25 credit for the dismal battery performance but I passed. The Black and Decker is going back.

Looking like the Echo 58v "commercial grade" trimmer is needed by homeowners these days!

 

[ron350]

Wow 13 pounds is getting kind of heavy.

One if these days a company will have a battery vest or belt that you plug into.

 

[acer66]

Wow 13 pounds is getting kind of heavy.

One if these days a company will have a battery vest or belt that you plug into.

Main thing is how it is balanced, we tried all the ones HD sold two years ago and went with a 40V Ryobi one,
the cheaper actually because the other ones had some issues, may it be more vibrations etc..
If I remember correctly the more expensive Ryobi had the tendency to get wrapped in longer grass.
Ex still uses it, .8a property with a bunch of raised beds etc. she is very happy,
but she added a shoulder strap, I never had the need for one.

This is the one.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-40...3425?N=5yc1vZbx8iZ1awZ1z0u9q5Z1z0yje9Z1z0ylm1

 

[Ign]

I've been using my 40V Ryobi every day for a little bit (need to limit my time or the vibration really gets my forearms). I really like it and would say its as powerful as the inexpensive corded ones I was buying.

In one of the HD reviews a reviewer noted that they had problems w the line breaking, so they "stepped up" to .080 twisted line and that solved their problem. I thought great, I'll do the same......but when I bought my trimmer it already came w .080 twisted, so I figured the reviewer was mistaken.

I did note, however, that the line in the provided spool wore down very quickly. It never broke off at the head requiring re-stringing (thankfully) but I had to baby it & avoid rocks, twigs, concrete foundations etc.

Well I ran thru the provided spool and bought a 3 pack of the Ryobi .080 twisted line. The replacement line is noticeably, dramatically, definitely better. At first I thought I was imagining it, but as my confidence grew I would baby it less and less, letting it hit rocks, twigs, oak brush etc. It holds up way better.

So as much as I hate to sound conspiracy-theorist-esque, I think they include a lower quality line in with the tool.

 

[cheechi]

Gas powered Ryobi's of different generations have had .080 or .095 really hard round orange line. Stuff lasts forever. I had a 4 cycle from ~01 finally used the spool at my parents house up a few years ago. I know for sure it had never been respooled because I would have done it.

We used to have a drainage ditch in the front before they came and put in sidewalk. It was too steep for any push mower and the city when they did come buy just trimmed it flat didn't get down in there. I did at least monthly. Also used it as an edger. That line is crazy tough.

When I bought a refurb yellow '26' model they just finished phasing out, I think it's the same line. Put about 4 hours on it and I don't think I've bumped it more than twice.

 

[Fugio]

We got the 24v Ryobi about 2 years ago. I thought my wife was nuts for buying it. But I was wrong. It works GREAT!

And now they make the plastic whirling blades of death especially for that model so no more string! Love it!

 

[olytdi]

Yeah, I'm at a loss as to what to get. I did send the 40V B&D back to Amazon for full and hassle-free return.

After going through that, I decided to fabricate a new handle for my 12V lead acid B&D trimmer. It's worked out well and is robust so perhaps I'll just limp along with that for another 10 years! I think LI battery tools will evolve favorably but they're not yet ready for prime time with regard to trimmers IMHO.

 

[Ign]

Yeah, I'm at a loss as to what to get. I did send the 40V B&D back to Amazon for full and hassle-free return.

After going through that, I decided to fabricate a new handle for my 12V lead acid B&D trimmer. It's worked out well and is robust so perhaps I'll just limp along with that for another 10 years! I think LI battery tools will evolve favorably but they're not yet ready for prime time with regard to trimmers IMHO.

Not willing to try the Ryobi? It's back to $139 (40V) in stores but if you have a HD near risk seems low. Keep your receipt and toss it on the returns counter?

A comparison of the 40V Ryobi vs B&D would be interesting and might help others.

 

[Parrothead]

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.

Well, I said I'd update after a few uses, and here's the lowdown. In a well taken care of yard, it worked very well. I trimmed between the fence posts (split rail), edged the curb and driveway, and trimmed around trees on a wooded lot. Absolutely no complaints at all. Only used one battery too. If I were trimming thick brush, maybe not, but for most suburban lawns I would be very pleased. Is it as powerful as a gas trimmer? No not close, but for most suburban lawns those are overkill anyway.

I'd recommend it and buy it again.

 

[stikman56]

What I've learned here...stay away from Craftsman and Troybilt. Don't know about the others. I have a used Featherlite now and it's working well for me.It's cheap too though.

 

[Ign]

What I've learned here...stay away from Craftsman and Troybilt. Don't know about the others. I have a used Featherlite now and it's working well for me.It's cheap too though.

Cordless, as in battery powered?

 

[ddawg16]

Another vote for the Ryobi.

All my cordless tools are Ryobi so it makes since to only have one type of battery.

 

[stikman56]

Cordless, as in battery powered?

Ooop, disregard that last statement. Brain power diminished, been sick the last couple of days.

 

[Ainsley]

I have the larger 18V LXT makita trimmer and really like it. Works well for my small yard and it's simple with no maintinance. Where I work we have stihl and makita brush cutters and while they have awesome power they're heavy and not very maneuverable for edging. Plus they require regular maintinance.

 

[Piggywutz]

I'm three years in with a 18v Ryobi. I got it at HD for 89 bucks. I have no complaints. I use it for grass trimming around my fence and other landscape features. I have 3/4 acre yard and the battery still has juice when I am done.

For any areas of thick weeds and brush I have an old gas Stihl to use if I need more power. I was skeptical of the Ryobi when I bought it but if it died tomorrow I would buy another one in a heartbeat.

 

[CD1]

Purchased a Stihl FS-38 a few days ago and am very please with this trimmer.

I've used it twice and it has performed as expected. I have a half acre lot so, I have no need for a straight shaft trimmer, although if I had more acreage I would have a more powerful trimmer.

 

[janetfdoss]

Amazon is best place to buy this because i have purchased many things from there and never have faced any issue with the tools and machines.

http://www.loveandbuyit.net/product/barbie-happy-family-pregnant-midge-baby/

 

[CD1]

Amazon is best place to buy this because i have purchased many things from there and never have faced any issue with the tools and machines.

Amazon has great product deals, but you cannot purchase any Stihl products there, only at a servicing dealer!

I have made three purchases via Amazon in the last week for repair parts for appliances. All purchases were the lowest price and free shipping to boot!

 

[rice rocket]

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.

I bought this w/ the blower last year after having similar disdain for carbs as you. Regretted that pretty quick, the B&D 20V stuff is pretty gutless (even in the high performance mode), it'll do grass, but forget weeds. Battery life *****, and the charger takes damn near forever too. My father took it because he wanted the leaf blower.

I picked up a McCulloch 22cc gas trimmer for $69 two days ago, and it works great. It's actually a useful tool rather than just being a grass strangler.

I'd step up to at least a 40v; that Echo 58v caught my eye, but at 5x the price, I'll just ride this one out and see where it leaves me.

 

[Mister_A]

I haven't handled one, but I just did a bunch of research on cordless platforms to make a different purchase, and it looked to me like if you want to coordinate power supply with other cordless landscaping tools (and maybe any other tools), your "solid choice" is really Ryobi One+. 3 year warranty on the batteries, I think.

I picked up a B&D 20V Max saw and was baffled and enraged at how little power it had, so I wouldn't be looking at anything on that platform, personally. Ryobi One+ is, by all accounts, the best value for money at those price levels, although still far from Makita LXT (which has a great selection of landscaping tools, but $$$).

Ryobi One+ is the platform I'm putting the girlfriend on when her next garden gizmo dies.

 

[gravelydude]

I am using the Stihl cordless line. I have the straight shaft trimmer (FSA85), chainsaw, pole trimmer (chainsaw), and blower. All are awesome tools. They use a lithium-ion pack that is made in Europe; not in China. I have had the chainsaw and string trimmer for over 3 years. There has been no loss in battery life or power. The charging is fast (about 45 minutes for large battery that has been fully depleted). The charger features a cooling fan that avoids the issue of delayed start on a hot battery. Charging always starts immediately. This is definitely not an economy line. But, with acreage both in Florida and North Carolina; I use all the tools almost every day. I am not an occasional user. At my age, I don't like dealing with noise, fuel, or maintenance issues. Have pretty much eliminated these issues. Not for every one, but I highly recommend.

Jack

 

[turfgnome]

The only cordless trimmr i have ever liked is the core trimmers, and I have tried all of the ones mentioned.

 

[Ign]

I haven't handled one, but I just did a bunch of research on cordless platforms to make a different purchase, and it looked to me like if you want to coordinate power supply with other cordless landscaping tools (and maybe any other tools), your "solid choice" is really Ryobi One+. 3 year warranty on the batteries, I think.

I picked up a B&D 20V Max saw and was baffled and enraged at how little power it had, so I wouldn't be looking at anything on that platform, personally. Ryobi One+ is, by all accounts, the best value for money at those price levels, although still far from Makita LXT (which has a great selection of landscaping tools, but $$$).

Ryobi One+ is the platform I'm putting the girlfriend on when her next garden gizmo dies.

Agreed but 18V isn't enough for many of us or for certain tools (chainsaw). I'm still wanting to see a mainstream bigger platform come out w yard tools. DeWalt's doing it in a line trimmer, but only 20V Max.

Other candidates are Milwaukee M28 - if they'd do brushless and bring us the foreign-market 5.0 batteries it might perform as well as Ryobi's 40V. Otherwise the best bet for "mainstream" is gonna be batteriesX2 ala Makita's chainsaw. If Milwaukee would double M28 on certain tools they'd put the hurt on the new Echo 58V stuff. (For those who don't know Milwaukee does appear to be reviving M28 w a brushless SDS hammer drill)

 

[Mister_A]

Agreed but 18V isn't enough for many of us or for certain tools (chainsaw). I'm still wanting to see a mainstream bigger platform come out w yard tools. DeWalt's doing it in a line trimmer, but only 20V Max.

Definitely not for a chainsaw, no, but I'd observe that I didn't see OP mention a chainsaw. I think his need for one is speculation on our part.

So, I guess this comes down to OP's non-weed-trimmer needs. He says "small lot homeowner", and unless I misunderstood, he's been living with a 12V for a long time? A hedge trimmer, weed trimmer, blower, One+ would be a good platform. If he wants more power and a chainsaw or has an open field to tend to behind his house that we don't know about, well, yeah, horse of a different color.

 

[chrisexv6]

DeWalts string trimmer is 40v isn't it? Along with their other recent yard tools.

Lowes was offering a second battery with purchase recently

 

[Ign]

I've still been using my Ryobi 40V nearly everyday. I get about 25 min runtime under HEAVY use, honestly heavier than the unit is likely built for (I live on 35 acres and we've had a very wet May and early June, making for very happy weeds). The other day I was going at some weeds just above waist height and they were quite wet for an extended period. Finally started to smoke the motor just a little, lost a tiny bit of the magic smoke and got just a little of that sweet electric-motor-burning smell if I put my nose close to the head. I let it cool and it's still working well.

However in the heavy stuff (even if dry) it can be more of a weed strangler than weed whacker. I'm very much eyeing the Echo with dual .095 lines vs my single .080 line. But there's little incentive to get the Echo right now (no sales or promos) and I'm holding out until at least June 16/17 for the Milwaukee New Product Symposium to see if they announce anything.

That said, thus far I've beat on my Ryobi far more than the average suburban homeowner ever would (I have NO actual lawn) and it's been a champ for what it is. Again, I have the "lesser" 40V model which is NOT the Xpand-It system, meaning my motor is down at the head and I have only a single .080 line. The Xpand-It unit goes for about $30 more right now, moves the motor up to the handle, and has dual .080 lines with bump-feed head, and has options for either 13" or 15" swing.

 

[MashBill]

I've had good luck with the 40v Toro.

 

[Viggen337]

DeWalts string trimmer is 40v isn't it? Along with their other recent yard tools.

Lowes was offering a second battery with purchase recently

Yes, their main line of cordless yard tools are 40V. I'm surprised nobody mentioned this until now.

I was looking for a replacement for my 4-cycle Troybilt straight-shaft trimmer (I know, I know... now I know better than to ever buy any of their garbage. GJ didn't educate me in time to avoid that mistake!) My Troybilt was meticulously maintained, and I never ran ethanol fuel in it EVER. I still wound up having problems with it when I tried using it this season, so I finally got fed up and went shopping.

Now, my wife has been wanting to buy a cordless trimmer for years because she can't handle the powerful gas trimmer, but I have always hated the idea of dealing with one. After so many bad experiences with NiCad batteries on power tools and yard tools (including the 18V B&D trimmer that my in-laws have) I hated the idea of walking all the way back to the house from the far end of the property to change out the battery pack. After having a pretty powerful Troybilt (when it would stay running...) I was sure it would be underpowered and I would eventually regret buying it...

I don't.



As you can see, I wound up buying the 40V XR brushless trimmer at Lowe's (the 4.0 Ah battery version). I got the deal on the free second battery they were running. I haven't received the second battery yet (it was a mail-order rebate that DeWalt will ship to me) but to be honest, I haven't needed it!

I have almost 1.5 acres on a very narrow lot that is heavily wooded along the property lines in the back. I have about 320 linear ft of picket fence that I trim from both sides, along with tons of trees, beds, sidewalks and other obstacles. I spend anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour trimming, every time I mow. I have never killed this battery before finishing. Unless I let the yard go a little too long since the last time, it usually shows 2 bars left out of 3 when I start from a full charge. I have done the yard twice on a single charge more than once!

It has a bump feed and will run .095" line like my Troybilt, and has handled everything I've thrown at it so far. It is well balanced and has a high-low switch to help conserve battery life. It still has a variable speed trigger, and I hardly ever need the high setting.

Honestly, the only improvements I can think of would be:

1. Shoulder strap, similar to the Troybilt (pictured). This would be really handy for my wife, who is only just over 5' tall, to help her control this trimmer a little easier.

2. Rotating head for edging, like some other trimmers have. I make due by rotating the entire trimmer, which isn't as awkward once I got used to it. At least I can do it without burning myself or worrying about fluids like I did with gas trimmers.

My neighbor was VERY skeptical of electric trimmers and saw me using my new one. I loaned it to him, and he did his whole yard with it. He wouldn't stop grinning, and he brought one home a week later.

I haven't used any other "modern" electric trimmers, and being a DeWalt guy I guess my opinion is subjective, but take it for what it's worth. I love it.

 

[BD1]

I bought the 58-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless String Trimmer with 4 Ah Battery from Home depot when Menards had their 11% rebate sale. Home depot did match it. http://www.homedepot.com/p/ECHO-58-...rimmer-with-4-Ah-Battery-CST-58V4AH/205565995

Works great and last about a hour on FAST . Does they same job as my gas Stihl does. Takes about a hour to charge and good to go . I did add a shoulder strap which really helps. I like the .095 line which is what my Stihl gas job uses.