Ryobi Edger / Trimmer Battery Life

[cls89]

1. I'm looking for a tool that I can use for edging. The current Ryobi 18V Trimmer I have is good for trimming around the fence line, trees, obstructions, etc. I need a tool that is good at establishing a nice easy edge along the concrete walkways / driveway. Trying to do it with the current trimmer is very inefficient. The thin line constantly breaks and without some type of wheel / guide it's difficult to keep a straight line.

2. The Ryobi 18V Edger is what I'm mainly looking at because it's a dedicated edging tool, but the reviews suggest short battery life (10-15 minutes) which is what concerns me. Keep in mind, I live in an 1950's urban area and the lot size is only about 1/10th of an acre so very small. So, the battery might be just enough. Not sure if anyone else has experience with this edger.

3. The other option is to purchase a Ryobi 18V String Trimmer/Edger. The reviews on this unit suggest a longer battery life when cycling. The dual option allows me to flip the trimmer and use it as an edger. It also comes attached with a guide wheel to help keep a straight line. Only disadvantage is the string line is not as effective as the blade that comes with the edger.

Looking for some advice on these options.

 

[Kurt4440]

I have a Ryobi 18v long shaft trimmer and have used a Ryobi edger. My suggestion is to buy the edger and more batteries if you have a small property.

I used my Tanaka gas edger to establish the initial edge for the woman with the Ryobi edger. You will need to maintain the edge so you are not trying to cut back too much.

 

[VolvoRyan]

I actually love the 13" string trimmer. The 4aH battery lasts a long time. We live on an acre with a lot of fence, and I can get 75% done on a 4ah battery. I have a few batteries. The auto-feed filament is a little... decadent... but awesome. You do have to run the Ryobi filament. Aftermarket cartridges ****. It breaks, and is cross threaded. The Ryobi brand filament is surprisingly durable.

I don't really use it for edging. Just have to keep the house presentable enough....

-Ryan

 

[desertdog256]

I have the Ryobi string trimmer that has the wheel and pivots to operate like an edger. It’s not bad for maintaining an edge, but I would say it was frustrating to create an edge with it. At my previous home I used a bladed edger to establish the edge and then used the string to keep it trimmed. Not saying you couldn’t do it all with the string, but I got frustrated when the grass was thick.

As far as battery life goes, the unit you linked comes with one 2ah battery. I don’t know exactly how long it will last, but I can tell you I would want multiple 4ah batteries charged and ready for heavy yard work. I would plan on being able to swap in a fresh battery at some point.

If you are invested in the Ryobi platform for other tools that‘s easy to do. If the one Ryobi tool is all you have, then the upfront cost for batteries adds to your investment.

That being said, I bought my first Ryobi stuff in the 2000’s or early 2010,s. I know they are over 10 years old, maybe closer to 15. I have about a bazillion Ryobi drills, saws, etc. as well as hedge clippers, string trimmer, and blower. Along with that about half a dozen chargers and I don’t even know how many batteries.

 

[cls89]

I have the Ryobi string trimmer that has the wheel and pivots to operate like an edger. It’s not bad for maintaining an edge, but I would say it was frustrating to create an edge with it. At my previous home I used a bladed edger to establish the edge and then used the string to keep it trimmed. Not saying you couldn’t do it all with the string, but I got frustrated when the grass was thick.

As far as battery life goes, the unit you linked comes with one 2ah battery. I don’t know exactly how long it will last, but I can tell you I would want multiple 4ah batteries charged and ready for heavy yard work. I would plan on being able to swap in a fresh battery at some point.

If you are invested in the Ryobi platform for other tools that‘s easy to do. If the one Ryobi tool is all you have, then the upfront cost for batteries adds to your investment.

That being said, I bought my first Ryobi stuff in the 2000’s or early 2010,s. I know they are over 10 years old, maybe closer to 15. I have about a bazillion Ryobi drills, saws, etc. as well as hedge clippers, string trimmer, and blower. Along with that about half a dozen chargers and I don’t even know how many batteries.

This is what I was thinking. The Ryobi string trimmer that the wheel and pivots to operate like an edger would be a good option for maintaining the edge, the only problem is establishing that initial edge. It's interesting the string trimmer comes with 4ah battery, but the edger comes with 2ah battery.