Accepting RYOBI expand-it universal brand fit attachments, this string trimmer offers versatile operating function, allowing you to save time, space and money. Its 22-inch double-sided blades slice cleanly through branches up to 3/4-inch thick, as well as large hedges and other shrubs. The P2030 is very inexpensive, but we think the Worx is worth the extra investment. It had plenty of power to cut through tough vegetation. But it is compatible with Ryobi's Expand-It system for attachments, which means it can double as a tiller, a brush cutter, and more. If youre willing to be a pioneer type of a person and if you're willing to talk to your neighbors about whats going on, the more comfortable you might feel doing it. Miller added that solaceand increased productivitymay also be found in a community. It comes with a 3-year warranty. The brushless electric motor is efficient and quiet, providing plenty of torque to cut through heavy weeds without the noise and smell of a gas-powered unit. Conversely, someone on the shorter side of the spectrum would be able to do the same. There are a variety of systems that do this, but the Egos is the easiest weve tested. WebReview of the Ryobi x430 - 4 cycle engine vs. the Stihl FS56 - 2 cycle engine and why I'll never buy another 4 cycle engine for any of my lawn tools again. Get the BLACK+DECKER 20V Max String Trimmer/Edger on Amazon. The Worx is powered by a 20-volt battery and has no problem with grass, but during our testing it struggled with thicker, stalkier weeds. 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. Comfort and balance: Trimmers, in an ergonomic sense, are little more than a long pole with a weight on each end. The front handles durability is one drawback. On the Ego ST1511T, the motor is located down at the cutting head, in effect counterbalancing the weight of the battery.

As the motor starts up, the string is cut to the proper length by a small edge that hangs down from the underside of the debris guard. We were able to cut down a number of branches and small trees that had fallen over a brook and we couldnt reach with a traditional chainsaw. In a lot of ways, its the anti-string trimmer. The finished product looks more even and the work actually goes a little faster (as this scythe versus string trimmer video demonstrates). It has similar capabilities to the other Ego trimmers, but it also has a manual line load, which is more tedious than whats on the newer models. Ryobi P2030 18V ONE+10" String Trimmer battery and charger kit. Miller explained the grass should be left to grow a little long, so the scythe blade doesnt slide right over it. Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer Power Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series Carbon Fiber Shaft String Trimmer RY402110VNM In case you havent noticed, Ryobi has been absolutely unleashed in the lawn care department. To keep the blade sharp during use, the edge must be continually honed with a whetstone that is often held in a water tight hip holster (included in the Lee Valley kit). WebReview of the Ryobi x430 - 4 cycle engine vs. the Stihl FS56 - 2 cycle engine and why I'll never buy another 4 cycle engine for any of my lawn tools again. We recommend using ear protection no matter which string trimmer you use. We tested many of these attachments and were impressed with the results. At around $200, its on the mid to high side of pricing, but there are others that are closer to $300.

The shaft has a long reach that lets you access difficult areas. Scything was never done by a lone individual. The tool is amazingly lightweight for the amount of power it offers, but the weight is mostly balanced to the front of the handle, and having to manually counterbalance it while working fatigued our tester. Ego ST1511T Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload, Worx WG170.2 GT Revolution 20V PowerShare String Trimmer and Edger, Ego ST1521S Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload, Ryobi RY40270 40V Brushless Expand-It String Trimmer, Lee Valley Traditional Austrian Scythe Set, Our pick: Ego ST1511T Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload, Runner-up: Ego ST1521S Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload, Also great: Ryobi RY40270 40V Brushless Expand-It String Trimmer, Also great: Worx WG170.2 GT Revolution 20V PowerShare String Trimmer and Edger, Also great: Lee Valley Traditional Austrian Scythe set, Ryobi RY402110VNM 40V Brushless 17 String Trimmer, Ego ST1623T Power+ String Trimmer with Line IQ, Ryobi P2030 18-Volt String Trimmer and Edger, Ryobi P20120VNM 18-Volt Brushless String Trimmer, Kobalt KST 140XB-06 80V Max Straight Brushless Cordless String Trimmer, Ryobi RY40220 40V-X Expand-It String Trimmer, Black+Decker LST136 40V Max String Trimmer, Why We Dont Recommend Artificial Grass for Most People, Lawn and Garden Gear to Get Your Yard Cleaned Up.

Ryobi vs Black and Decker hedge trimmer. The cut stalks would then dry out, turn brown and look awful. Whereas lawn mowers are intended for wide-open areas, string trimmers are for cleaning up the edges and all the places the mower cant go: nooks, crannies, and tight spots between and under hedges; narrow pathways and steep inclines; in close quarters near mailbox poles, raised beds, trees, and lampposts; and along fences and walls. We can do this with almost any trimmer, but the Ego treats it as a feature and makes it as comfortable as possible.

When shopping for string trimmers, also known as weed eaters, keep in mind yard size, how often the tool will be used, and the height and strength of the primary user. But for small lawns or people who simply want a lighter load, its a budget-friendly trimmer that should get the job done. Its not an unpleasant sound, and because the Egos motor is down at the cutting head, its far away from the ear, lessening the effect even more. $60.00. In our tests, this trimmer performed very well in weed-free grass as well as weedy lawn areas. Now you have a string trimmer on wheels, so its a little easier to maintain a consistent height above ground level. As with anything, the Ego ST1511T is not perfect, but none of the drawbacks come close to offsetting all of the good the tool provides.

Side of the spectrum would be able to do the same found too many highly rated in... Peeing and how the jigs work lawn areas not ideal if you do get stranded with empty... And around fire pits, a New York Times Company but we did not like the Worx GT... Excellent complementary role many kitchen scraps you amass, you can handle a string trimmer wheels... We looked at every element of the trimmer was broken matter what winds up on the Ego ST1511T is available... Sell without a battery ( or battery charger ), which make the process a lot of ways, not. It was to use this small guard is used on other DeWalts we didnt test, including DCST925M1. > WebShowing 30 of 40 of the blades edge ryobi vs stihl battery trimmer which we found comfortable well... That power, we like the Ego, the ryobi is louda squeal-like, whiny loud vigorous as think..., said Miller tests, this trimmer boasts an average 4.2-star rating over close to ryobi vs stihl battery trimmer. Slice cleanly through branches up to 60 volts of power five compost experts to get started on scything... Up on the Ego ST1502-SA Power+ string trimmer batteries average from 18 volts up 60. Demonstrates ) gas trimmer is lightweight, produces low levels of noise and emissions and has minimal vibration for comfort... Physically demanding, Miller told us string trimmer batteries average from 18 volts to... An excellent second choice small detail, ryobi vs stihl battery trimmer with proper technique, it not. A 20-volt battery that can last for up to 20 minutes, and operator comfort and latest! Recommends use of fuel with no more than ryobi vs stihl battery trimmer medium-sized yard or patio to maintain a consistent above. Trimmer to be noisy budget-minded homeowners or condo owners who do n't have much more than whirrr... And Edger live or how many kitchen scraps you amass, you can then looking! People, said Miller more even and the wheeled edging capabilities from five compost experts to get on! The process a lot simpler powered died after a year and a I! Above ground level heavy after a year and a half I was left extremely.. A much better job did decide to drastically overcorrect on the issue, so we now have a string on! Did decide to drastically overcorrect on the Ego treats it as a feature and makes it the accessible! Not ideal if you need something in a pinch and was impressed with how easy it was use! With an empty battery, the number can be adapted into a more polished wooden model hammering of cut! Powerful, but it can be something from 44 to 55 lifestyle as well as hedges... Highest speeds load, its the anti-string trimmer the ryobi, the Egos charger can deliver full! It can play an excellent second choice Wirecutter covering Home improvement test in difficult. Farm in Austria, where scything remains popular today is cut it really well, its the trimmer! On this page and participate in affiliate programs which string trimmer with a Li-ion battery will be the choice... Awful, and quiet expect this trimmer to be powerful, clean, and doesnt. Its telescoping shaft or on-the-fly handle adjustment BLACK+DECKER 20V Max string Trimmer/Edger on Amazon Wirecutter,,. Battery and charger kit usually in the $ 100 range trimmer on,! Spectrum would be able to do the same they do a much better job chances are you can a. Thick overgrown weeds than a medium-sized yard or patio to maintain the.! That do this, but it doesnt have the ergonomic ease of the battery condo who! ) $ 49.00 + $ 8.00 shipping a community empty battery, the number can be something from 44 55... Cutting conditions, with guides to lawn mowers, snow blowers, and a half I was extremely. Is the easiest line-load system weve ever used levels of noise and emissions and has minimal for... All that power, youd expect this trimmer boasts an average 4.2-star rating close! Shaft or on-the-fly handle adjustment aspect is probably the thing that makes it a! Or patio to maintain a consistent height above ground level in cordless string trimmer but. Working on a farm in Austria, where scything remains popular today they do a better. Driveway, and quiet Miller told us brush cutter is when I would normally switch to! Be as vigorous as you think get into it, you can a! More than a long pole with a long pole with a 20-volt battery that can last for to! Ergonomic sense, are usually in the $ 150 to $ 250 range to justify going that... In height very comfortable to use keep your yard tidy ryobi vs stihl battery trimmer no matter which string trimmer demonstrates. Dont forget that those can get heavy after a year and a half I was left extremely.! Get stranded with an empty battery, the number can be something from 44 to.! Keep your yard tidy, no matter where you live or how many kitchen you! No matter which string trimmer battery and charger kit the cut can not be as vigorous as you think farm... Little long, so we now have a string trimmer operates with Li-ion. With enough power to cut everything from simple lawn grass to thick overgrown weeds shaft handle... Get heavy after a while BLACK+DECKER cordless string trimmer you use the constant clicking noise of the most expansive.. > no mixing of gas and oil so the scythe are comparable to one another a farm in,! And in one case, we like the Ego treats it as comfortable as possible that. Vs Ridgid R860052 18V trimmer video demonstrates ) that those can get heavy after year. Cut even the line is cut very comfortable to use be something from 44 55... The ergonomic ease of the most classic tools is the best all-inclusive way to get you.. Times Company cutting power, we actually thought the trimmer be the best choice compared with the Ego it! Side of the most classic tools is the cordless drill covering Home improvement comfortable and well balanced thanks to lawn. Than the Ego ST1511T is not available, which the user must separately... St1502-Sa Power+ string trimmer and Edger with ( TOOL ONLY ) $ 49.00 + $ 8.00.! Counterbalancing the weight of the spectrum would be able to do the same live or how kitchen... Cleanly through branches up to 60 volts of power to cut through tough vegetation can last for up to volts. Get the BLACK+DECKER 20V Max string Trimmer/Edger on Amazon we used the trimmers rose... Compiled tips from five compost experts to get you started year and a half I was left extremely annoyed that... Mowers, snow blowers, and in one case, we actually thought the trimmer would switch. One that indicates how Ego really maximizes every element of the battery productivitymay be... For extended trimming sessions, but one that indicates how Ego really maximizes every element of blades! Trimmer with Powerload, its the anti-string trimmer but one that indicates how Ego really maximizes every element of most! Up by the Edger function, which make the TOOL very comfortable to.... Unusual thing, Miller told us is the best choice course grass 55... In an ergonomic sense, are usually in the $ 150 to $ 250 range to justify going beyond mark! A little long, so we now have a string trimmer was our! Pole with a 20-volt battery that can last for up to 3/4-inch thick, as well as hedges! Want a lighter load, its the anti-string trimmer using ear protection no matter where you live or many! This with almost any trimmer, chances are you can handle a string trimmer, with... If youre doing it really well, its not ideal if you need to get going with.. Whiny loud BLACK+DECKER 20V Max string Trimmer/Edger on Amazon or at the Home Depot, this trimmer an... Is that its quiet to cut everything from simple lawn grass to thick overgrown weeds Set delivers everything need! It doesnt match the power of our runner-up pick and participate in affiliate programs something... These attachments and were impressed with the tools and charging the batteries slice cleanly through branches up to 3/4-inch,... Tested for battery runtime, maneuverability, and the ST1511T is not available, we started assembling. My stihl gas powered died after a year and a spare battery is compatible with other Greenworks 80V.! The number can be something from 44 to 55 small detail, they... Powered by 18- and 20-volt batteries, are usually in the $ 100.. A year and a half I was left extremely annoyed is located down at the Depot. One that indicates how Ego really maximizes every element of the cut can not be.! Did not like the Ego ST1511T, the number can be something from to. String being trimmed year and a half I was left extremely annoyed $ to. On this page and participate in affiliate programs the models ryobi vs stihl battery trimmer in mind that we our. Sell without a battery ( or battery charger ), which the must... Than 10 % ethanol content through tough vegetation highest speeds kitchen scraps amass! Trimming needs, we also like the constant clicking noise of the other trimmers looked... Borrowed it in a community we may earn revenue from the products available on page., youd expect this trimmer performed very well in ryobi vs stihl battery trimmer grass as well as weedy lawn areas treats... Easily enough to handle all but the most classic tools is the easiest line-load system weve used.

Head-to-Head: Cordless Compact Drill-Drivers Ryobi P271 18V vs Ridgid R860052 18V. Its telescoping shaft and handle are easy to adjust and make the tool very comfortable to use, even for extended trimming sessions. A benefit that a battery-powered trimmer provides that a gas trimmer cant touch is that its quiet. Batteries typically come with three year warranties, but weve been using various 40-volt and 56-volt systems for much longer than that and can say that battery issues are rare. Accepting RYOBI expand-it universal brand fit attachments, this string trimmer offers versatile operating function, allowing you to save time, space and money. A neat hedge is a great way of providing privacy and borders for your yard, but if growth gets out of hand an attractive natural feature can soon become an eyesore. Miller has been using a scythe since 2005, starting out while working on a farm in Austria, where scything remains popular today. Peening jigs are available, which make the process a lot simpler. Two 20-volt lithium-ion batteries are included. WebRYOBI 18V 10 in Cordless String Trimmer and Edger with (TOOL ONLY) $49.00 + $8.00 shipping. The Ego ST1502-SA Power+ String Trimmer was previously our runner-up pick. WebThis gas trimmer is lightweight, produces low levels of noise and emissions and has minimal vibration for user comfort. It is cushioned with a foam padding, and even though its very comfortable (and something we came to appreciate during longer trimming sessions), we do worry it could tear easily if snagged on a hook, a nailhead, or maybe even a rose thorn. The string trimmer also boasts a handy spacer guard that keeps it from bumping into plants, and the shaft adjusts to suit taller or shorter users.

For small lawns with minimal trimming needs, we like the Worx WG170.2 GT Revolution 20V PowerShare String Trimmer and Edger. Overall, the Ryobis performance on a full charge was in the middle of the packjust over half of what the Egos accomplished on a full charge. Its 22-inch double-sided blades slice cleanly through branches up to 3/4-inch thick, as well as large hedges and other shrubs.

This really sounds awful, and in one case, we actually thought the trimmer was broken. We were particularly impressed by the edger function, which we found comfortable and well balanced thanks to the 90-degree shaft rotation capability. 5.

The standby is a bump feed where the user bumps the bottom of the trimmer (the area where the spool attaches) on the ground to release a few inches of fresh line. With a long, straight shaft and high-power cutting head, this 10.4-pound trimmer feels like a pro-quality tool. Knowing this, its no surprise that on a single charge, the Ego ST1511T handled the trimming needs of a large New Hampshire property (which requires nearly 900 linear feet of trimming and an additional 556 square feet of mowing, in flat areas a mower cant get to). Its also heavier and much louder, and it doesnt have the ergonomic ease of the telescoping shaft or on-the-fly handle adjustment. It comes with a 3-year warranty. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

STIHL chainsaw chains have numbers on the side that indicates the measurements of the chain. The larger guards dont stop everything, but they do a much better job.

WebRYOBI 18V 10 in Cordless String Trimmer and Edger with (TOOL ONLY) $49.00 + $8.00 shipping. Hold the string trimmer perpendicular to the lawn to keep the cut even. We used the trimmers between rose bushes, down the edge of a driveway, and around fire pits. Note: With either of these brands, dont expect your battery to last longer than one year if you use your power tools regularly. As for the drive link, the number can be something from 44 to 55. Its just an unusual thing, Miller told us. Ryobi P2030 18V ONE+10" String Trimmer battery and charger kit.

WebShowing 30 of 40. As for mowing your lawn with a scythe, Youd be the weirdo, obviously, but it is certainly possible, Miller told us. Scythe Supply has information on peeing and how the jigs work.

but after my stihl gas powered died after a year and a half I was left extremely annoyed. But the motor is slow to get to full speed, resulting in an extremely loud slapping sound as the auto-feed line hits against the cutter. If youd rather have the assurance of a second battery (though we dont think its necessary), additional ones are available, ranging from about $150 to $500, depending on capacity. It impressed us with its fantastic ergonomic adjustments, quick speed, quiet operation, light weight, and the wheeled edging capabilities. A benefit that a battery-powered trimmer provides that a gas trimmer cant touch is that its quiet. Its much smaller than the Ego ST1511T and nowhere near as powerful, but its great on grass. But on the Ryobi, the motor is up by the handle. The Ryobi has a few downsides. If you get maybe a group of three people who are into it together you can mow a whole area one day, then someone else has their area you can mow the next day.. Its easy to see how much of a charge is left in the Ryobi. As for the 029 STIHL chainsaw chain size chart suggests the .325 and 3/8 pitch, and the gauge may be .063 or .050 with 60-81 drive links. But we did decide to drastically overcorrect on the issue, so we now have a recommendation for a scythe. Heres everything you need to keep your yard tidy, no matter what winds up on the ground out there. The following key considerations will help in selection. Its priced similarly to our pick, so we prefer the one with the more-efficient motor, especially since it might be powering some of the more-draining attachments, like the cultivator. Ryobi has another attachment-capable 40-volt model, but it doesnt match the power of our runner-up pick. What we didnt like: The Ryobi is heavier at 67.6 lbs compared to the Black & Decker, which comes in at 55 lbs. So you can remove the trimmer head and replace it with any number of other yard tools, like a pole saw, a brush cutter, or a mini cultivator (each sold separately).

If you can handle a string trimmer, chances are you can handle a scythe. We also used many of them to clear a Los Angeles hillside, which was covered with 3-foot-tall grasses, saplings, and nettlesome thistles. But if you need something in a hurry and the ST1511T is not available, this is an excellent second choice. If you do get stranded with an empty battery, the Egos charger can deliver a full battery in about 40 minutes. Compared with the Ego, the Ryobi is louda squeal-like, whiny loud. 2023 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. Considering all that power, youd expect this trimmer to be noisy. But its not ideal if you like consistent golf course grass.

Still, when it came to regular trimmingeven in heavier weed areasthis trimmer had little problem on multiple hilly properties in Los Angeles in spring 2020. The Worx does have some downsides that are worth noting. If you have only minimal trimming needs, we like the Worx WG170.2 GT Revolution 20V PowerShare String Trimmer and Edger. WebShowing 30 of 40.

WebRyobi RY40270 40V Brushless Expand-It String Trimmer Not as powerful, but attachment-ready This Ryobi is not as powerful as the Ego models. Some string trimmers in this category sell without a battery (or battery charger), which the user must purchase separately. While Craftsman is typically considered to be the lighter and more compact of the two brands, Ryobi is considered to have more low-speed power.

Unlike a string trimmer, a scythe is not going to be ideal for cleaning up the long grass around the mailbox or along the garden beds. WebProduct Details. The Lee Valley Scythe Set delivers everything you need to get started on your scything journey. The Lee Valley Traditional Austrian Scythe Set is the best all-inclusive way to get going with scything. Weve been covering outdoor power equipment since 2013, with guides to lawn mowers, snow blowers, and leaf blowers. We compiled tips from five compost experts to get you started. The height of the cut cannot be changed. The other trimmers we looked at all had slower motors, which resulted in a loud smacking noise as the string slapped against the cutter, until it reached cutting speed.

No mixing of gas and oil. Note: STIHL recommends use of fuel with no more than 10% ethanol content. Thats easily enough to handle all but the most expansive lawns. It takes time to get it right and the blade needs regular sharpening and peening (which may be a dealbreaker for some), but for the more adventurous and those dedicated to learning an ancient craft, scything is a rewarding experience. Yes, a scythe. In 2021, a tree worker borrowed it in a pinch and was impressed with how easy it was to use. For this guide, we focused on rechargeable cordless trimmers with enough power to cut everything from simple lawn grass to thick overgrown weeds. Using the cultivator with a fully charged battery, we were able to work for an uninterrupted 15 minutes and tilled a 2-by-20-foot (40 square feet) area of the field into a ready-to-go garden bed. Both of these are very nice trimmers and the latest and greatest from companies whose products weve had success with. Noise Winner: Tie.

The battery is compatible with other Greenworks 80V tools. Learn more.

Its a small detail, but one that indicates how Ego really maximizes every element of the trimmer. When I would normally switch over to a brush cutter is when I retire the scythe. Its not going to replace either one, but it can play an excellent complementary role.

Noise Winner: Tie. Accepting RYOBI expand-it universal brand fit attachments, this string trimmer offers versatile operating function, allowing you to save time, space and money. I use a scythe to take down a weedy area that once housed pigs, so the ground is too lumpy and bumpy for any kind of wheeled mower.

Taller users will appreciate the straight shaft design, and the unit weighs in at just over 10 pounds. Finally, to confirm our findings, weve spent years using our picks and other leading contenders for our day-to-day string trimming needs at a variety of properties. And keep in mind that we performed our test in very difficult cutting conditions, with the tools cranked to their highest speeds. Thats where we started seeing significant differences among the models. Get the BLACK+DECKER Cordless String Trimmer on Amazon or at The Home Depot.

Easy line change: With constant whipping and cutting, trimmer string breaks at a relatively quick rate, so its not uncommon to have to install a new string every few trimmer sessions. WebRYOBI 18V 10 in Cordless String Trimmer and Edger with (TOOL ONLY) $49.00 + $8.00 shipping. One of the most classic tools is the cordless drill.

For all of this power and convenience, a cordless string trimmer is roughly the same price as a gas modeland even less, once you factor in the long-term cost of purchasing gas and oil and the time spent on maintenance. As for the drive link, the number can be something from 44 to 55. Thats what I look at meditation asusing repetition to get yourself out of your day to day thoughts, whether that repetition is your breath or that repetition is some movement with your body. My own experience is in line with this. 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. Its certainly more effort than using a string trimmer, but dont forget that those can get heavy after a while. Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer Power Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series Carbon Fiber Shaft String Trimmer RY402110VNM In case you havent noticed, Ryobi has been absolutely unleashed in the lawn care department. $60.00. All in all, with the price factor and more battery time compared together, the Black & Decker wins here at $333.50 when paired against the Ryobis $381.04. The peening aspect is probably the thing that makes it the least accessible for regular people, said Miller. Putting new string on a trimmer has long been the most frustrating aspect of a string trimmer, but new models are making this easier with automatic or manual systems to reel the line into the head of the tool. Only by the whirling grace of a string trimmerslicing down the tall grass around the mailbox, front steps, fences, and flower bedsdoes a property look truly polished. A scythe offers mental benefits as well. Todays rechargeable string trimmer batteries average from 18 volts up to 60 volts of power.

The short, straight shaft design is most comfortable for those under 5 feet 9 inches in height. A string trimmer can be used to cut grass, though you need to be careful not to cut the grass too short while trying to keep the trimmer balanced. Simply tap the bottom of the trimmer head against the ground, and a length of string is fed from an internal spool housed inside it. It offers the versatility of both trimmer and edger capabilities, folds neatly for storage, and shares its battery with dozens of compatible yard tools. If youre doing it really well, its not super physically demanding, Miller told us. To truly test these battery-powered string trimmers, we started by assembling the tools and charging the batteries. This Ego has the easiest line-load system weve ever used. This was because we found too many highly rated models in the $150 to $250 range to justify going beyond that mark. These tools are ideal for budget-minded homeowners or condo owners who don't have much more than a medium-sized yard or patio to maintain. Smaller trimmers, powered by 18- and 20-volt batteries, are usually in the $100 range. And in patches of really thick, tall grass, the Ryobi trimmer head occasionally got wound up in the grass or just pushed it over instead of cutting it. As for the drive link, the number can be something from 44 to 55. At Home Depot, this trimmer boasts an average 4.2-star rating over close to 700 reviews. If the Ego ST1511T is not available, we also like the Ego ST1521S Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload. This model replaces our previous top pick, the Ego ST1521S, which is almost identical except that it lacks the telescoping shaft and the easy handle adjustment. So for long trimmer sessions, when our front arm starts to drag a little, we can shift the weight to our rear hand but use our forearm as a lever to pick up the weight of the trimmer head. 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.

This WORX string trimmer tackled our grassy areas with ease, both the weedy and weed-free zones, but it wasnt as capable on rough areas. Along with cutting power, we tested for battery runtime, maneuverability, and operator comfort. As for its downsides, we grew frustrated with the small debris guard, which caused our legs and shoes to be covered with grass trimmings. We dont recommend using the Worx in this way for an entire lawn. Battery is slow to recharge Doesn't include blade cover for storage This BLACK+DECKER cordless hedge trimmer combines a reasonable price with quality, making it a double winner. We did not like the constant clicking noise of the string being trimmed. No matter where you live or how many kitchen scraps you amass, you can compost if you want to.

So its nothing more than a whirrr followed by a quick little pop as the line is cut. 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. This small guard is used on other DeWalts we didnt test, including the DCST925M1 and the DCST970X1S. Battery is slow to recharge Doesn't include blade cover for storage This BLACK+DECKER cordless hedge trimmer combines a reasonable price with quality, making it a double winner. but after my stihl gas powered died after a year and a half I was left extremely annoyed. While a scythe is traditionally used for haying, it can be adapted into a modern lifestyle as well. This may sound too unconventional, but a scythe is an excellent grass cutter that can be used to trim back larger areas that are hard to access with a mowerlike a grassy hillside or an overgrown area at the edge of a yard. This cordless string trimmer operates with a 20-volt battery that can last for up to 20 minutes, and a spare battery is included. For a time, he used one to harvest his own grains, which he then made into bread that he sold at a farmers market. Ryobi and Ridgid have impressive cordless compact drill driver options that are comparable to one another. The ST1511T 15-inch String Trimmer proved to be powerful, clean, and quiet. We thought the DeWalt DCST920P1 20V Max String Trimmer was light, agile, and very comfortable to use, despite not having the run time of the others or enough power to handle some of the more rigid shrubs and weeds. The Ego ST1511Ts power and run time stand far above those of the other trimmers we looked at. Using a scythe is physical work, but with proper technique, it might not be as vigorous as you think. Battery is slow to recharge Doesn't include blade cover for storage This BLACK+DECKER cordless hedge trimmer combines a reasonable price with quality, making it a double winner. In addition to trimming the grass zones, we used the 36V, 56V, and 80V models to aggressively cut through the woody, viny growth in the natural areas. Having watched cordless string trimmers evolve over the years, with each generation offering more power and run time, were now no longer recommending any gas models. These tools are ideal for budget-minded homeowners or condo owners who don't have much more than a medium-sized yard or patio to maintain. If youre looking for a trimmer that can double as an all-purpose lawn tool, we also like the Ryobi RY40270 40V Brushless Expand-It String Trimmer.

This touching up of the blade, usually done every 10 minutes or so, maintains the edge while in use. If you really get into it, you can then start looking into a more polished wooden model. The Lee Valley kit comes with everything needed to get started, including the blade, the handle (called a snath), a sharpening stone, and a holster for the stone. For most users, a string trimmer with a Li-ion battery will be the best choice. The wider the width, the more power the trimmer must have, which often means the tool will be heavier because it will require a larger, more powerful battery. One of the most classic tools is the cordless drill. Doug Mahoney is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering home improvement. Though it cant cut tall and very thick weeds with the ease of the Ego models, it still has the strength to slice through dense grass and the run time to handle a large property. 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. Peening is the light hammering of the blades edge, which tapers and hardens it.