Cordless string trimmer recommendations wanted

[830singleshot]

My old cord string trimmer bit the dust. Bought another cheap one and the line dispenser is complete junk.

I have a pile of Ryobi 18v tools that have been real workhorses. One that would use my existing battery system would be nice but I think the main point is the line dispenser. Even better if you can put one of the aftermarket ones designed for a gas model.
Does such a creature exist?
Recommendations?

 

[Ton ton]

I use a Milwaukee M18 Fuel weedeater. I like it.

 

[Kaervak]

I have the Craftsman C3 version of this Ryobi string trimmer and I'm very pleased with it. Plenty of power and doesn't stall out. The best thing you can do is upgrade to the 0.80 sized trimmer line. It's substantially stronger and will outlast the 0.065 stuff that it comes with.


https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-O...tring-Trimmer-Edger-Tool-Only-P2052/202556442

 

[M635_Guy]

I have the Kobalt 80v - good power and battery life, is compatible with lots of standard add-ons (I have the edger and pole saw from my last trimmer) and overall seems pretty good. I also have the blower, and chose the 80v Kobalt because I'm probably getting the lawn mower whenever my 20+ y.o. Craftsman/Honda mower dies...

Would highly recommend it. I got this before I made the jump to Milwaukee, but would probably do it again for the sheer power. I hope Lowe's/Kobalt stick with the damn batteries...

 

[Handyandy23]

I've had the Ryobi trimmer / edger (P2008A I believe it's the model number) for a couple years and I really like it. The string auto feeds on startup, so you just have to let off the throttle and then back on to feed. The edger function also works well, the head rotates 90 degrees with the push of a foot pedal.

I don't have a big yard, so one charge lasts me several trims. Lots of power for what I need. So much nicer than having to mix oil and gas and pray that it starts.

If I can sell my gas mower I'll also pick up a Ryobi 18v mower to complete the set.

 

[frank001]

I have a WORX 20v battery trimmer that I like. Been using it about 4 years. Battery lasts a good long time and has good power. I also have several other WORX garden tools that use the same battery.

 

[acer66]

Pretty happy with the 40v ryobi that has interchangeable heads so I can use a blade when things get out of control, beating the **** out it for years.
Burned the motor on the regular model with a non interchangeable head though.

 

[oilslick]

I'm interested as well! I was likely going ryobi or dewalt since they appeared to have good bang for the buck.

 

[Den69rs96]

I used my dads Ryobi 18v. It’s nice, but light duty. It’s fine if you just need to trim grass around your house. I didn’t like how every time I turn it on it seemed to automatically extend the trimmer line even if it didn’t really need it.

My dads trimmer wouldn’t cut it for me. My yard is surrounded by woods and brush and every week I’m cutting it back. I currently have a Stihl km110r and it has a lot of power and has no issue with the brush. So if you have thick weeds and light brush, I would recommend something with 40v or more.

 

[stonesfan68]

I have the first generation Milwaukee M18 trimmer and it has been great. I highly recommend it.

 

[Voi]

One that would use my existing battery system would be nice but I think the main point is the line dispenser. Even better if you can put one of the aftermarket ones designed for a gas model.

Does such a creature exist?

I have two Makita trimmers that are identical except for the heads they take. The current generation was designed to take aftermarket heads as I understand it. The head that came with it is nice so I haven't yet bought an aftermarket one.

I think the sales rep said it was arbor diameter & forward/reverse threads that was the difference.

The Ryobi 18V trimmer seems to get a lot of positive comments. I would certainly look into it further to see if it fits your needs since you're already in the battery system.

Even if it doesn't take aftermarket heads see if one of their stock heads has an easy reload feature.

 

[Ramsaywj]

After many purchases of gas powered trimmers I found that starting 2 cycle models from Ryobi, McCullah, Troy built were not worth the money. I went on line and found Honda makes a couple different 4 cycle trimmers. While much more expensive than the 2 cycle brands, the fact that you no longer mix gas with 2 cycle oil and parts like trimmer line and filters are always available are good reasons to pay more. But, the most important value is they start usually with one pull every time. Prime, pull and start. Mine is now about 10 years old. It has out lasted all my other trimmers and still starts with one or no more than two pulls. I think I paid $369 for it.

 

[Ton ton]

Ramsaywj, what is the weight difference between 4 cycle and 2 cycle? Just curious.

 

[regguy1]

EGO 56 volt sold by Home Depot. Power of a gas model and easy to reload the line.
It's top rated in consumer report tests

 

[smokeysevin]

I have an older model ryobi 40v and have had 3 batteries fail just out of warranty. The actual trimmer/power head is nice and I have no real complaints about it but the batteries seem to not have a good enough protection circuit on them which then disables them in the chargers.

Sean

 

[fartymarty]

EGO 56 volt sold by Home Depot. Power of a gas model and easy to reload the line.
It's top rated in consumer report tests

Ditto! I even made a rack for it so it can stay in the garage instead of being out in the garden tools/junk shed.

 

[HFlashman]

EGO string trimmer! Even better than their 7.5 amp lawn mower which is fantastic.

 

[Technologyteacher]

Another satisfied Ego User here

 

[JimH]

I got an EGO this year. As much power as my Stihl gas trimmer. So far I’m really pleased with it.

 

[Tallpilot]

Ego certainly seems to be the best for lawn equipment, my neighbor has just about everything they make. I just bought the Milwaukee trimmer with quick lok because I have a big investment in Milwaukee. Northern Tool had it for $229 with a free 5.0 battery. The 8.0HO in the kit is probably better but not worth 70 more bucks. Eventually I will pick up the edger attachment.

 

[davethorik]

I recently bought the M18 fuel trimmer. It kicks ****, and you get about 1 hr runtime on a 9.0 battery. I love mine.

 

[Tallpilot]

I recently bought the M18 fuel trimmer. It kicks ****, and you get about 1 hr runtime on a 9.0 battery. I love mine.

Nice. I've got a 3,000 square foot yard so I need about 10 minutes.

 

[wcnichols]

I have had an EGO for 5 years now and love it.

 

[99LeCouch]

Ego trimmer owner here. Mine's the carbon shaft one with the auto line winder. Had it about 3 years now, and it works very well. It'll handle thick weeds with zero issue. Mine gets about 45 minutes of half-throttle trimming per charge. It runs longer feathering the trigger. For trimming against hard surfaces, barely on will cut the grass fine. For chain-link fence trimming, half power will cut nicely. Tall grass and weeds are no problem. Zero regrets about getting it.

 

[Bulletproof90]

Just picked a DeWalt 20 Volt Max that I really like so far. $200 at HD, less Military discount. Tap on the ground for easy line advancement, and plenty of power.

 

[Ton ton]

I recently bought the M18 fuel trimmer. It kicks ****, and you get about 1 hr runtime on a 9.0 battery. I love mine.

Even better with 12.0 Ah battery.

 

[ddawg16]

I also have the Ryobi 18v trimmer.....I've had it about 4 years....0 issues.

Except for a spare leaf blower, I have no corded lawn tools. My mower is the Ryobi and uses the same 18v batteries

 

[powertrip]

Ryobi 40 volt. I've had it for 5 years. Still works fine and the original battery still holds a good charge. When it dies, I'll buy another Ryobi 40 volt to replace it. I picked up a 40 volt blower and hedge trimmer 2 years ago and no complaints on those either. Ryobi days is coming up at Home Depot around fathers day. There is usually some sort of sale on them.

 

[davethorik]

Nice. I've got a 3,000 square foot yard so I need about 10 minutes.

I have a small home on a large single lot, a garage, a few trees, utility poles, and street signs. I can usually get that done on 1 bar of the 9.0 battery. Then i slap the battery in the blower and use the rest of it just blowing what i weed whacked

 

[830singleshot]

Thanks for all your suggestions.
I live on a chunk of rock in the Texas hill country. Mow about 6 times a year. I'm going to check out the Ryobi trimmer that you pull half the line through and wind it up. The father's day sale should be starting soon so hopefully I can catch it on sale.
Thanks again.

 

[PCMusicGuy]

I have the Milwaukee M18 quick lok trimmer. It works well for my tiny suburban back yard.

 

[dnschmidt]

Roberto Ricardo. He's my landscaper. Can't be beat.

 

[GeoBruin]

I have the dewalt flexvolt trimmer. I don't have a huge yard so I don't come close to putting it through its paces but it has been reliable and works well. I don't think I've ever taken it off the low setting.

 

[Jim_No_Garage]

Just bought my Dad a Ryobi 40V for an early Father's Day gift as his trimmer died. He's 86 and not up to starting small 2 stroke engines so battery operated makes sense.

My BIL has the 20V Ryobi that they seem to be marketing now as 18V. I should have considered that because of the larger battery sharing tool list. Oh well.

Cheers

Jim

 

[wkndwarrior29]

If you are just trimming grass, consider a black and decker. I have a 20v and easily get 40 minutes of run time out of a small battery. It is not extremely powerful and only has one string line - but in 1.5 years I haven't had to replace the pre loaded head yet. Also works great for edging. I think it was $70 with a battery.

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk

 

[Parrothead]

If it were me and I was already in the Ryobi, I’d buy the best 18v version available. On a residential lot it will do all you want.

One thing that gets left out of the equation when buying a trimmer is the string. I’ve found it makes a HUGE difference. I couldn’t believe the difference between types and how the trimmer preformed. The stock, prewound B&D string was okay, the generic knockoff prewound was terrible, and the Grass Gator Shaped line is infinitely better. I’d put it up against most homeowner grade trimmers now.

I’m using a Black & Decker 20v trimmer with a generic 5.0Ah battery, and on a wooded lot it does everything I’d ask of it.

Your friend has shared a link to a Home Depot product they think you would be interested in seeing.

12 in. 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless 2-in-1 String Grass Trimmer/Lawn Edger w/ (1) 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger
https://www.homedepot.com/p/204630469


Project Farm has tests on string (He buys all the product for testing)

and

 

[lardy1]

If you are just trimming grass, consider a black and decker. I have a 20v and easily get 40 minutes of run time out of a small battery. It is not extremely powerful and only has one string line - but in 1.5 years I haven't had to replace the pre loaded head yet. Also works great for edging. I think it was $70 with a battery.

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk

I've had the same for four or five years. I did invest in a bigger battery. I haven't had any problems and get plenty of run time. I've nothing to compare it to, though.

I'm thinking about buying their battery powered pole saw.

 

[MFortie]

Very happy with our 58v Echo. We have the blower and chainsaw that use the same battery and they work well also. I’m actually very surprised at how well the chainsaw works.

My wife bought them because she didn’t like dealing with my gas tools - heavy, sometimes finicky to start; I was very skeptical at first, but after trying them I’m a convert.

We’re on 5.5 acres in the mountains of San Diego county. No lawn; mostly used for weeds & brush control and cutting firewood.