Author: Alex @ TLR

Alex is not a lawn care natural. He had to learn things the hard way. But after stumbling through his first few seasons of lawn care, he learned a lot. Mostly - what not to do. Alex has become one of the country's advocates of battery-powered lawn tools, quoted in the Washington Post among other highly visible publications. Alex started The Lawn Review with his friend Tyler - who you may see in some of the videos on this website - to help normal people like you understand how to take care of their lawn themselves with the best tools possible. Alex has thousands of hours of experience using hundreds of different lawn tools and has found exactly what to look for in each type of tool. He speaks with deep experience not only about the boring technical specifications, but what the tool actually feels like when you are using it, what to look for before you make a purchase, and how the lawn tool measures up when you factor in price.
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This Pole Saw Makes Tree Pruning A Breeze

Greenworks 40V 8 inch pole saw review

The Greenworks 40V 8-inch cordless pole saw is one of the coolest tools I’ve had the pleasure of using. If you have never used a pole saw, I have two recommendations: use one as soon as possible because they are awesome and get this Greenworks pole saw because it is so easy to use. 

Let’s get started reviewing this pole saw so that you can get off your computer and start sawing stuff with a pole. 

Greenworks 40V 8-inch Cordless Pole Saw (20672) Feature review

Let me start off by saying the Greenworks 40V 8-inch Cordless Pole Saw (20672) is a beast. I would recommend it to just about anyone. That being said, it may not be the perfect fit for you. Check out each of the features and how they align with your needs. Let’s get started!

Length and power

Pole length and power on the Greenworks 40V pole saw are relatively synonymous. While the battery delivers 2 Ah of power, the length is really the biggest driver of power.

Long, powerful, perfect.

Think about it: when you are using a manual hand-saw or even a bread knife, what makes the biggest impact? It is all about using long, consistent strokes over a specific area. This goes with just about any similar action: filing nails, grating cheese, etc..

This power will be enough to break through most backyard limbs and branches without a concern. While you may not be knocking down sequoias, you will  have just about all the power you need for residential jobs. 

8 inches is huge!

8 inches is definitely on the smaller side, but has its advantages. One advantage of a smaller pole saw is that it allows you to be much more nimble. There is nothing more frustrating than getting the saw to the point in the tree that you want, only to be unable to fit it into a tight spot. An 8 inch pole saw allows you to do that.  

Length on the 8″ pole saw

No jokes allowed. Pole length is another super important feature. The worst case scenario is trying to reach up to a spot and have it be just out of reach. With a chainsaw on a stick, the situation can get super hairy. Avoid ladders, uneven ground, or anything else that could disrupt your stability.

The pole length on the Greenwork 40V pole saw can extend all the way out to 11 feet. I don’t know about you, but that is pretty darn good. With the way my vision is going, that’s probably as far as I can see anyways.

Having an extendable pole (main feature of the Greenworks 40V pole saw) will allow you to reach new places, have a safer cutting experience, and get the job done higher up the tree than most competitors.

Using a pole saw is easy

Comfort and ease of use are the big differentiators when it comes to a pole saw. You can have the most powerful pole saw on the planet, but if it is hard to use or uncomfortable, it is barely worth the scrap metal. 

The Greenworks 40V 8-inch pole saw has a custom molded grip at the trigger point. This makes sure that you have a solid grip on the power delivery control at all times. It also has intuitive grips where you twist to extend out the pole.

Another thing I love about the Greenworks 40V pole saw is that it has an instant electric start. Nothing more annoying than having to crank on the gas pole saws 10-20 times. This one is super easy to use.

Alternatives like Sun Joe

The Greenworks 40V cordless pole saw definitely has some good competitors. Worx has another pole saw that is pretty darn great, too. When it comes down to it, I love Greenworks’ commitment to quality and focus. They don’t miss when it comes to yard equipment. 

Lot of tools can beused with this bad boy.

Cordless pole saw cost

The Greenworks 40V 8-inch Cordless Pole Saw 20672 is on a freaking sale right now on Amazon. It typically lists for $230 but is on sale for a major discount. This is the time of year to grab it, so make sure to get it while it’s hot.

The official review: Greenworks 40V 8-inch cordless pole saw

CategoryGreenworks 40V pole sawCompetitor’s pole  saw
PowerAverageAverage
Brand reputationAbove averageAverage
ComfortAbove averageAverage

Gotta give it to Greenworks here – they just make high quality products. If you are looking for an around-the-house pole saw, look no further. 

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

We take tool testing seriously.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

Greenworks products

Greenworks makes some of the best battery-powered and electric lawn tools on the planet. A few reasons why I am extremely bullish on this brand taking over the market:

  1. Quality
    • Greenworks has some of the highest quality battery-powered tools on the market. I attribute this mostly to their focus. Whereas some other brands (cough cough *Ryobi*) make a million products, Greenworks is focused on high quality tools. Although they have a smaller selection, the engineering and lasting life on each of these are worth it. They have awesome lawn mowers, pressure washers, and more.
  2. Power
    • Greenworks products are generally high power. For example, they have a leaf blower that is just as strong as a backpack blowers. They also have some really nice lawn mowers that can easily replace any gas-powered push mower as well. 
  3. Looks
    • Greenworks products have the best looks of all battery-powered tools, hands-down. Most of their products are all-black, with a darker neon green accent. Much less gimmicky and plastic. 

What should I look for in a cordless pole saw?

When purchasing a cordless pole saw, there are a few items you need to check before getting started. Below is a guide to help you figure out what to look for in a cordless pole saw.

  1. Pole length
    • This might seem like an obvious answer, but you want to make sure you can find a pole saw that extends to the desired length before buying. The last place you want to be is on top of a ladder while extending out a dangerous piece of equipment. Get a pole saw that extends to the right height while allowing you to keep both feet safely on the ground.
  2. Saw length
    • Another way to put this is how big of a job do you have? The bigger the branch, the bigger the saw you will want. Large saws also have drawbacks, particularly the fact that they are harder to navigate and are heavier. If you just want to do some basic saw work, then you will be just fine with a smaller saw length (about 8 to 10 inches).
  3. Comfort and ease of use
    • This is everything. There are fewer jobs that have potential for horrible things to happen than a pole saw. Just ask my dad who spent a few weeks with a pirate patch. Make sure the pole saw has comfortable grips and an intuitive use before buying. This doesn’t mean you need to try it out in person – it just needs to have a design that makes sense.
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I’ve Owned The Stihl FS 56 RC String Trimmer for Years: My Experience

The Stihl FS 56 RC and RC-E are really powerful, reliable string trimmers. I have owned my Stihl FS 56 RC for about 5 years and have no complaints.

If you’re looking for an affordable, reliable string trimmer look no further! The Stihl FS 56 RC Brush cutter is the real dang deal. Relatively lightweight but more than capable power makes this straight shaft trimmer hard to turn down.

Let’s get started – jump ahead using the below links:

Stihl FS 56 RC Trimmer Features

As discussed earlier, it’s important when buying a trimmer to make sure you’re getting a clear understanding of the product’s power, comfort level and ease of use before purchase. There’s nothing worse than buying something that has great power or fuel efficiency that ends up weighing as much as an elephant. Let’s jump in to what makes the FS 56 RC unique.

Power 

This trimmer boasts a capable 27.2 CC 2 cycle gas powered engine. Compared to other trimmers of it’s size and price range and some we’ve reviewed recently, this is actually on the high end of power. Compared to an alternative competitor such as the ECHO SRM 225 (which we reviewed here).

Nice shaft length (no jokes).

 That’s than enough power to keep cutting as long as you have line to feed it. I really haven’t experienced this bogging down at all in my experience.  

Comfort Level

This trimmer has a straight shaft which makes it really easy to handle for taller people like me. I had an echo curved shaft that was very difficult on my back. This engine also runs very smoothly so it reduces vibration on your hands and forearms which is good for days where you’ve got a lot of cleaning up to do.

Also, not super duper heavy at 10.6 lbs which is also great for long days on the job. Once you get it started the comfortable and adjustable handle on the shaft make customization pretty simple as well. If you have longer arms, just slide the handle down the shaft and retighten.

Starting and using the weed eater

The Stihl FS 56 RC Trimmer is relatively easy to use. It boasts the Easy2Start technology which makes start-up a breeze. It’s pretty initiative, honestly. You start it up just like you would any other trimmer. You push the primer bulb about 5 times and move the choke position to closed and pull. Usually starts on the first pull for me.

Stihl FS 56 RC.

While using you basically just pull the trigger right below the engine housing to power the spinning action. If you need more line you just bump the trimmer cutting head on the ground while holding the trimmer and it should release more line for you.

The downside

The only qualm I have with the decision on this is when I go to refill the cutting head with trimmer line. Man, it is super frustrating for me. I don’t know exactly how it’s supposed to fit when I reattach the spinner to the head itself. I feel like I do the same thing over and over until it locks into place. It’s pretty hard to explain so just watch our view video review and you’ll know what I’m talking about. 

Trying to replace the line is difficult

The Official Stihl FS 56 RC Trimmer Review

This is another situation where I’m not going to tell you to buy something I wouldn’t buy myself. I have bought this and I LOVE it. I use it almost every time I mow. I’ve had it for several years and it’s never missed a beat. It’s easy to start, easy to maintain and has everything I’d need in a trimmer. It’s not super expensive for a gas trimmer.

It’ll run you about $220 but in my opinion, it’ll be well worth it. You can grab it at an Ace Hardware near you by following this link, (for about $200) or get it from Stihl’s website directly.

You know what you’re getting with Stihl and this is no exception. Another A+ in my book! 

Why we review string trimmers and weed eaters

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

We take tool testing seriously!

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

How to instantly improve your weed eater

Upgrade your weed eating game with the ultimate GrassKicker Weed Eater String! While weed eaters and lawn edgers are great tools, it’s not complete without the right string. Our specially crafted line is designed to enhance your weed eater’s performance and give you flawless edges around your yard and garden.

Don’t settle for subpar string that breaks easily and leaves ragged edges. Our team has scoured the market and combined the best colors, shapes, thicknesses, and materials to create a superior line that cuts more cleanly and lasts longer.

With GrassKicker, you can take pride in your perfectly manicured lawn and make a lasting impression on your friends and family. And who knows, your envious neighbors might just start dropping by more often! Don’t wait, elevate your weed eating game with GrassKicker Weed Eater String today! Click the link now to buy.

Stihl’s reputation

Stihl is still at it! Pumping out high quality product after high quality product. They’re thought of as one of the GOATS of the yard product game. The boys in orange are known to have a superior product to their competitors. The Stihl FS 56 RC Trimmer is a top notch trimmer that falls right in line with some of their other awesome products.

They also sell some sweet chainsaws.

The world’s largest chainsaw manufacturer, the company moved some operations to Virginia in the 1970s and opened up their first factory dedicated to a single chainsaw. They have continued to master their craft and expand their product offers in the lawn care space.

Stihl has a great reputation that many commercial landscapers rely on each day. Many residential owners will be more than pleased with their products.

Gas vs Electric String Trimmer

When purchasing a piece of lawn equipment it’s important to understand your power source options. It basically boils down to gas or electric. Electric trimmers are typically easier to star and usually maintenance is a breeze. They also have less of a noise and environmental impact. Electric trimmers are usually a good bet for small jobs.

Trimmer powered by gas usually end up having more power and are more suitable for larger, more commercial type applications. Because some electric trimmers receive power by a cord they’re not super mobile, gas powered weed eaters can go where you can go. If you want to trim up the moon, it can go with you.

Either way you go, you need to make sure you have the right size weed eater string.

What to look for in a gas powered string trimmer

When looking to purchase a gas powered weed eater there are a few key things to keep in mind. It is always important to understand the power of the machine you are wanting to buy. A good indicator of the power is cubic centimeters or “CC’s”. 

Other considerations are comfort level (straight vs curved shafts, weight), how the line in the trimmer advances (single line vs dual line, bump heads vs automatic feed), and whether or not it has the ability to add attachments. It’s important to find the right balance for your particular yard and personal strength. 

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7 Best Cordless Trimmer and Blower Combo Kits

The best cordless trimmer and blower combinations are the ones that work together like MJ and Pippen. My favorite is the Greenworks 40V string trimmer and blower combo because it has a great battery system, brushless motor, and is very inexpensive.

Here’s a scenario. You just mow your lawn with one of our top-ranked electric mowers. You pop the battery off, and get to trimming around your driveway and garden beds with the trimmer, then quickly pop the battery onto your blower and finish the job.

You can grab the best string trimmer and blower combo on Amazon for a great price.

This is the dream scenario – efficient, seamless, emission free, and easy. While many of these tools can be bought directly from the manufacturer, Home Depot, or Lowes – we have found Amazon has them bundled into easy to assemble and low-cost kits. The trimmer and blower combinations listed below are going to get you there. 

The top 7 trimmer and blower combinations

7. Craftsman V20 String Trimmer and Blower Combo Kit, Cordless (CMCK297M1)

Craftsman provides some great household tools, from air pressurizers to vacuums. Craftsman does a great job in their V20 series by providing a pair of tools that help roll-up your garage into a convenient and easy-to-use kit.

Let’s start with the Craftsman V20 string trimmer. The string trimmer has an automatic line advancement, meaning you won’t have to constantly stop to lengthen the string in the trimmer when it runs low. The trimmer can also function as an edging tool, providing even more versatility to the overall combo kit.

The blower is also perfect for homeowners doing smaller jobs. A 350 CFM, 100 MPH blower has variable speed controlled by a trigger to match the size of the job. While this isn’t the most powerful blower on the market, it is definitely enough power to clear out your garage, patio, deck, or driveway. 

This product comes in at a great price and is actually listed as “Amazon’s Choice” for string trimmer and blower combo kits. You can find it on Amazon for a DEAL. Grab it today to take on any job around your home.

Sleek Craftsman design looks great in the garage.

6. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* POWERCONNECT 10 in. 2in1 Cordless String Trimmer/Edger + Sweeper Combo Kit (LCC222)

This one is super popular – and for good reason. The price on this blower combo kit is nearly impossible to beat.

One thing I love about both of these tools is that it takes Black and Decker’s super popular 20V max battery. For example, I have this battery and use it on my power drill. I could easily take it off of that and pop it onto the blower or trimmer.

While the trimmer here is pretty basic, it is going to be just fine for small yards. If you live in a townhome or otherwise have a tiny yard, this is all you will need.

The blower will leave a lot to be desired from a power perspective. It is super small and has an even smaller opening. BUT – this  may be all you need if you have a small yard. And as a positive, it is super quiet. Like eerily quiet.

You can buy this for right a super low price on Amazon, where it has almost 7,500 reviews (averaging 4.5 stars).

The low power, high value trimmer and blower kit.

5. Dewalt String Trimmer, DCST925 and DCBL720 Combo Kit (DCKO975M1)

While Dewalt isn’t recognized as much as some of the others for breadth of lawn equipment, they definitely have a solid core product line. We have reviewed their battery-powered mower in addition to the blower featured in this combo kit.

To summarize, the blower is pretty good but not great. It has a wide opening, which allows for a large jet stream of air, but the speed of the air isn’t as high as I would like. We review the whole thing in this blower review.

The string trimmer looks really sweet. In particular, we really like the squeeze handles at the top. Many manufacturers have normal triggers, but the squeeze triggers are so much easier to use and don’t cramp up your hands. 

This kit is great, but is a little on the pricier side. You can grab this kit on Amazon for cheap or so, depending on where you grab it. Check it out on Amazon to see where the best deal is today.

Dewalt has the great handle on the trimmer.

4. WORX WG928 GT 3.0 Grass Turbine 2 20V Batt/Charger Included String Trimmer Blower Combo Kit, Black and Orange

Well, that’s a mouthful but I wanted to make sure you knew which one I was talking about if you are perusing the online stores.

Here’s the thing I love about WORX. They have some great trimmers that double as edgers (see our GT Revolution review here). The trimmer listed here looks like it could double as an edger as well, has an intuitive, adjustable handle, and (my favorite) a battery that goes underneath the handle. The GT 3.0 trimmer is great trimmer aside from this combination kit.

The blower is okay. Probably on the lower end as far as speed goes. But that’s alright – you don’t need a ton of power unless you have a large yard or are working with wet leaves/grass. Remember to mow while it is dry and you will be fine.

Buy this trimmer and blower combination set on Amazon (currently on sale). This is a good deal – and people love this combo set. It has almost 17,000 reviews – by far the most of any of the combo kits out there.

The awesome trimmer and blower in the Worx combo kit.

3. EGO Power+ ST1502LB 15-Inch String Trimmer & 530CFM Blower Combo Kit with 2.5Ah Battery and Charger Included, Blower & Trimmer, Black

Why can’t they just name these products something simple? Like “EGO Combo kit” or something?

Anyways, this is one of the more impressive combo kits on the market. EGO has great stuff, but they tend to be pretty expensive. This combo kit is no exception. 

The blower is a beast at 530 CFMs, which means it is probably blowing air well north of 100mph (not listed in the specs). It also has a brushless motor, which means it is built to last. You can’t get much higher quality than this EGO blower. 

The trimmer looks pretty standard – it is definitely bigger than most of the other trimmers on this list at 15 inches. Both of these products take a 56V battery – which can be used with a bunch of their other products.

As far as combos go, this one can handle much more than small yards. I think this would work for medium to large yards as well (if  that suits you).

You can find it on Amazon for a good price today. I definitely recommend for larger yards.

EGO has the coolest looking lawn tools.

2. Ryobi One ONE+ 18-Volt Lithium-Ion String Trimmer/Edger and Blower Combo Kit 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger Included

While I am not a huge fan of Ryobi’s ONE+ series, I have to give it to them – this battery can do just about anything. I generally prefer the tools in their 40V battery line because they are heavier duty than the 18V battery in the ONE+ series. 

The main thing you are getting with this purchase is convenience. This is a relatively small Ryobi trimmer that can double as an edger (sorta). It is 10 inches, making it one of the smaller trimmers on here.

The blower will be great for things like a garage or patio, but honestly won’t get you very far in a bigger yard. The reason I ranked this set so highly is because Ryobi’s 18V battery in the ONE+ series can be used in a ton of other tools. That takes this product from a 2-tool kit, to about a 100-tool kit if you have the battery. 

The price is pretty dang good as well, selling for a good deal on Amazon right now, including the battery. Go grab it on Amazon and start building out your tool collection today.

Ryobi ONE+ blower and trimmer are super convenient.

1. Greenworks 40V Cordless String Trimmer and Leaf Blower Combo Kit, 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included

Greenworks is hands down one of my favorite lawn tool brands on the market – especially in the battery-powered world. They differentiate themselves on one thing: quality. The 40V combo kit here is no exception.

The trimmer is relatively basic, but also comes with a nice edging guard that helps you edge the yard as well. It is 12 inches, putting it right in the sweet spot for edgers here. It also has the automatic line advancement, meaning you won’t have to take any breaks to readjust the trimming  line.

The  blower is great as well. It has over 390 CFM of power at 110 mph speeds. This is perfect for small jobs around the yard as well as patio, deck, garage, or any other hard surface. 

You will get 45 minutes of run time with these, which is more than enough for even medium sized yards. The 40V battery also works with 60+ other lawn tools from Greenworks including mowers, chainsaws, and anything else you could ever need if you move to a larger yard.

You can grab this bad boy on Amazon today for a ridiculously low price. There is a reason over 7,000 people have rated this combo kit 4.5 stars.

My favorite – Greenworks high quality blower and trimmer kit – for cheap.

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

We take our tests seriously.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

The benefits of a battery-powered trimmer

There are a few reasons to check out an electric weed eater when picking out your next lawn and garden tool kit. As compared to gas-powered weed eaters, electric weed eaters tend to be easier to use and maintain. At the end of a long winter season, you may have to refuel your gas powered weed eater and crank it a few times before you can get it to start. With electric weed eaters, you simply place the battery and you are ready to go. 

Another benefit to electric trimmers is maintenance. You will not have to do anything to maintain an electric trimmer other than change out the line. No oil change, no filter change, and no messy gasoline spills. Just the normal string change and you are good to go.

Benefits of battery-powered blowers

Obviously you have two options when selecting a leaf blower: electric or gas.They are worlds apart in just about every aspect. Electric leaf blowers tend to be cheaper, less powerful, but easier to maintain. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I used to have a Ryobi leaf blower attachment that came on their 3-in-1 tool kit. I have now gone through two of the leaf blower heads in which they start making a high pitch scraping noise when I am using it. 

There are exceptions in the electric leaf blower world. One of those is the Ryobi 40V Brushless whisper series blower. It is quiet, extremely powerful, and built to last. It is, however, one of the most expensive electric blowers you can buy.

Gas blowers are superior from a power and durability standpoint. They are super strong, last many seasons, and quickly get the job done. They do require maintenance, gas, and crank-starts, which are a little more difficult for most people. I always recommend an electric blower for smaller yards, whereas larger yards are better served with gas blowers.

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The Stihl MS 251 C Chainsaw Is Perfect for Backyard Use

Stihl’s MS 251 C is the chainsaw for you if you’re looking for a chainsaw that’s the perfect combination of efficiency and power, ideal for the average homeowner and not too terribly expensive.

Simple, elegant, powerful.

Bottom line: The Stihl MS 251 C is my personal chainsaw and I love this dude. Stihl slapped so many cool features on this guy. It’s simply a must have if you want to be a cool dad or mom. I did a full video review of this chainsaw on my YouTube channel – check it out!

This chainsaw is specifically targeted for small commercial applications or homeowners with a few acres or so. I don’t fall into either of these categories honestly but I still love this guy. It’s always fun to hear the neighbor’s dogs go nuts when I fire this bad boy up! 

Let’s get started:

Stihl MS 251 C Chainsaw Functionality

Let’s get into the meat of the article now. As stated previously, this is one of my favorite tools I have. It’s the perfect blend of efficiency and power. This powerful yet efficient chainsaw boasts a 20% fuel savings and 50% emission reduction. Them Stihl boys done did it again! This is the perfect chainsaw for homeowners in my opinion. This guy will last you a long time but won’t break the bank like some of the other heavier duty models will. 

Using the Stihl MS-251 C

One of my favorite features, in theory, is the Quick Chain Adjuster. It’s a little spinny wheel next to the crankcase cover that allows you to adjust the chain tension without the need for additional tools. 

Quick Chain Adjuster yo.

However, at The Lawn Review, we’re committed to giving you practical, HONEST, feedback on the products we review. This one is a miss for me. It gets gunked up way too easily and I end up having to take the cover off to make the necessary adjustments. 

Another key issue I’ve experienced is the “gear” in the crankcase being a bit too short. This can cause the chain to slide or “bounce” out to gear and off the bar. This could be a huge safety issue and a pain in the butt to be honest. 

Like a hot knife through butter.

A feature I’ve enjoyed is the Master Control Lever. This is a single lever that operates the choke, starting throttle lock and controls engine shut off. I actually really enjoy that and think it simplifies operation quite a bit.

Dependability

Because it’s a Stihl, made in the beautiful US of A, you can safely assume the MS 251 C chainsaw is well made with  top notch parts. Stihl doesn’t use junk in my opinion. As long as you don’t forget to use bar and chain oil like I have done, this should last you for a decade or more. It also comes with a sweet 2 year warranty so long as you use Stihl oil. 

Power

This chainsaw has more than enough power to get all the residential jobs done you can think of. I’ve run this thing through logs I thought it would for sure get hung up in. It has about 45 cc engine output so it’s more than capable to get the job done. 

Stihl’s MS251C is a beast!

The Official Review of the Stihl MS 251 C Chainsaw

I wouldn’t tell you to buy something I wouldn’t buy myself – I bought this and I love this chainsaw. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone with an acre or more with a reasonable amount of trees. Or if you want to be a cool mom or dad. That being said, most chainsaws in residential communities are probably unnecessary.

Pretty cool screencap from our video – check it out and subscribe on YT!

But I bought it and am extremely happy I did. At $400 from most retailers this is going to be one of the more expensive tools you buy besides your mower but this a very well made product from a well respected company in Stihl. 

You can grab this chainsaw at Ace Hardware where Stihl has an exclusive relationship.

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

How we test some of these.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

Stihl’s reputation

Stihl is widely regarded as one of the GOATS of the yard product game. They are know to have a superior product to their competitors. The Stihl MS 251 C chainsaw is one of their best selling products because it is something they have completely mastered.

The Stihl family moved to Virginia in the 1970s and opened up their first factory dedicated to a single chainsaw. They have continued to master their craft and expand their product offers in the the lawn care space.

Stihl also makes these backpack blowers.

Stihl has a great reputation that many commercial landscapers rely on each day. Many residential owners will be more than pleased with their products.

We at the Lawn Review are big fans of Stihl and have reviewed a ton of their blowers.

Chainsaws vs Axe vs Handsaws vs Loppers

When purchasing a chainsaw, it’s important to understand if you actually NEED a chainsaw. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a loud and proud product but when it’s as expensive as most chainsaws are, it makes me wonder… Is this the right tool?

All virtually do the same thing, which is make big pieces of wood smaller. However, each one is targeted for different tasks and frequencies. If you’re cutting down a small tree, clearing some brush or splitting some logs an ax is probably all you’ll ever need. If, however, you’ve got A LOT of small trees to take down, or some big branches to remove then a chainsaw is probably better for you.

Busted through this fast!

A handsaw is somewhere between, usually like a branch that is 2 to 3” in diameter that you want a clean cut for, like removing a branch close to the trunk of a tree. And last but perhaps my most favorite and often used, a lopper.

A lopper is great for things you could use a handsaw or axe for, it’s basically a big shear blade with long handles. I use the heck out of it in my lawn. 

What to look for in a chainsaw

A solid chainsaw is one of the most important tools a homeowner can have. Buying the right one is absolutely essential to your kids thinking you’re a cool mom or dad. Chainsaws come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, types, models and flavors. There’s a chainsaw for most any application imaginable. Most saws are either gas or electric powered. Depending on your application of course, most people can get away with a 14” bar and chain. Unless you’re cutting up massive trees you probably don’t need anything bigger than that. 

Mine is looking beat up these days!

In addition to that, most people nowadays can probably get away with an electric model vs a more powerful, smoother cutting gas powered model. But it’s all personal preference. However, honestly I tend to always go with the bigger more powerful engines because I think they’ll last longer. So far that’s proven to be true, but I could just be wasting money. 

Chainsaw safety

Just make sure your chainsaw has some of the newer safety features. One of my favorites is the kickback reduction feature. Kickback reductions can be in the form of the chain or bar itself. Basically these just prevent you from cutting too aggressively which prevents your saw from bouncing back on you. Or a chain brake which causes the chain to stop when it hits something hard or moves too abruptly. This prevents you from losing one of your digits or head! You only have 10 of them! 

Check out our Dewalt electric chainsaw review here.

Other features that are nice to have are more comfort-centric. These include tool-less tensioners, mufflers, etc.

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3 Best Ryobi Leaf Blowers: Side-by-Side Comparison

The best Ryobi 40V blower is the Brushless Whisper series blower that is ultra powerful, quiet, and comes with a huge battery.

Ryobi 40V blowers come in many shapes, sizes, and strengths. Today, we are going to check out the Brushless Whisper series, the 110 MPH 525 CFM Jet-fan blower, and the RYOBI 40V 155 MPH 300 CFM Cordless Battery Jet Fan.

To be frank, I have not been a huge fan of Ryobi’s battery powered line. I have their 3-in-1 ExpandIt Ryobi 40V weed eater. This has a blower attachment and it has broken twice. Yep, twice. I have attached it, turned it on, and it has made a high pitched screaming noise and then lost about half of its power. That’s a 40V blower, these are 40V blowers – needless to say it is going to take a lot to impress me. 

Let’s check out what we will review today:

The Ryobi 40V blowers: Feature reviews

Let’s check out some of the features and break down what they really mean for us at home…staring at a wet leaf stuck to our driveway….and eventually walking up and scraping it off with the tip of the blower (not that this has ever happened to me). 

Power

Power surprisingly varies quite a bit between these: let’s investigate.

Brushless Whisper Series

The Ryobi 40V Brushless Whisper blower is the industry’s most powerful cordless (electric) handheld (not backpack) blower. It comes with a “Speed Tip” that allows it to reach up to 190 MPH. Most handheld electric blowers come in at around 90 to 125 miles per hour, so this is actually a pretty significant boost. 

The brushless motor has a big part of how this blower is so powerful. The ability to not crush itself with heat and friction allows it to retain energy for actually doing its job instead of just getting hot for no reason. 

The Ryobi 40V blower from the “Brushless Whisper Series” is a powerful cordless blower. Despite the name sounding like a candle from the Bath and Bodyworks, this blower means business. 

Ryobi Brushless motors on leaf blowers

Although this sounds like an ASMR experience, it’s actually a powerful facet of a motor. A brushed motor means that there are blocks of carbon connected to a spring. These spin and change the magnetic polarity inside of a motor. Sadly, these can wear out overtime and otherwise cause significant heat while operating.

The Ryobi 40V Brushless Whisper blower in all its glory.

Brushless motors include a computer chip that charges magnets and does not have any of this friction happening. The runtime is increased by about 50% when compared to brush motors. This also allows the motor to be much quieter, which is where the “Whisper” portion of the name comes in. 

110 MPH 525 CFM Variable-Speed Jet Fan

This blower is more recognizable because it is one of the more affordable battery powered blowers offered by Ryobi. It looks similar to the Brushless Whisper blower above, except has a wider opening.

To be honest, not a huge fan of the power of this blower. While the CFM is high, indicating a higher power output, the nozzle of this blower is really wide. So it is not a focused stream, but more of a wall of air that doesn’t do all that much good. This is good for very light work such as dry leaves or saw dust, but not for bigger jobs that require a faster air stream.

See how it has a really wide opening – almost a straight tube?

I would compare the power of this to the Dewalt blower we reviewed.

RYOBI 40V 155 MPH 300 CFM Cordless Battery Jet Fan

The 155 MPH 300 CFM Jet Fan is a mouthful, but also one of the lighter, easy to use blowers offered by Ryobi. I recently purchased this item and when it came, I had my doubts.

Now, I didn’t expect for it to be as strong as a backpack blower, but I was shocked at how good of a job it did, especially compared to my old 40V attachment. This thing did a pretty good job, especially compared to the one above. I took it out to my back deck and was able to blow most leaves off, with the exception of some that were stuck between boards or wedged up against the side of the railing. Not bad!

Ryobi 40V blowers: Durability

If you read the opening paragraphs of this review, you would know that I have gone through two Ryobi 40V blowers in the past few years. They keep breaking and grinding and squealing. One difference between the one that I own and this one is that this is a dedicated blower. My Ryobi 40V blower is an attachment and a total joke.

Brushless Whisper Series

The key differentiator is again the brushless motor. Without all of the friction inside of the motor, the brushless motors last way longer. Ryobi knows that and has backed it with a five year warranty. 

Frankly, the five year warranty is the longest I have seen on the market. That’s exceptional, especially for a battery-powered product. To top things off, the battery has a three year warranty. 

110 MPH 525 CFM Variable-Speed Jet Fan

I can’t knock this blower too much because it really is a standard electric blower. It does not have a brushless motor meaning that at some point, it is going to burn out. Whether or not that happens after 2 years or 3 years, it won’t last as long as the Brushless Whisper.

RYOBI 40V 155 MPH 300 CFM Cordless Battery Jet Fan

The 155 MPH 300 CFM blower is similar to the above. Probably a similar piece of equipment, but has less CFMs, meaning the engine isn’t moving as fast. This might make it last a tad longer. It still will not stack up to the Brushless Whisper series blower.

Battery Life on Ryobi 40V blowers

Let’s talk more about the battery on these blowers. The Ryobi 40V Brushless Whisper blower has two 4.0 Ah batteries with a 40V rapid charger. This charger will juice the batteries up four times faster than a standard charger. Basically it can charge a battery from empty to full within about 40 minutes. 

While this does require the two batteries, it really can last for quite a while. I would say blowing leaves across a few acres would be easily doable with this battery life. These are the same batteries that power their mower, if that tells you anything. It mentions a 2 hour runtime, which is quite impressive. I have not used it for that long.

The other ones just require one 40V battery, which is great for charging purposes, but is going to run for about half as long. I imagine again that you will never fully run through the battery just blowing leaves.

Something great about these batteries is that they can be used with over 50 other Ryobi products. This really helps if you do have the mower or trimmer or any of their other products. Basically it can save you some money by purchasing the tool-only option that comes without the battery. 

Experience

It is all about the experience. What it sounds like and feels like. Let’s jump in.

Brushless Whisper Series

The whisper series name cracked me up, but after doing some more research on decibel levels I am shocked. This blower comes in at about 57 dB. That means absolutely nothing to me, so let me compare it to something else you may know. An electric toothbrush weighs in at about 55 dB of noise. The Ryobi 40V blower is stunningly quiet. 

One thing I cannot stand about my neighbors is the lawn care company they hire. They come in with these massive backpack blowers that are insanely loud. For some reason, they blow the entire street with absolutely no regard for human life. Truly, I cannot understand for the life of me why someone would want to use one of those blowers when you have one of these available and have a smaller job.

An older model of the 40V Ryobi Blower that is frankly pretty weak.

110 MPH 525 CFM Variable-Speed Jet Fan

Nothing sexy about this one. As I mentioned before, this is a very “stock” battery powered lawn mower. I don’t give this one a great experience score because it is going to be louder than the Brushless Whisper series AND the one below, with actually doing a worse job of blowing. You hate to see it!

RYOBI 40V 155 MPH 300 CFM Cordless Battery Jet Fan

This blower was slightly louder than I would have liked considering the lower CFM. But overall, this is a really light blower. Super easy to use and hangs down low to the ground, which is great for a tall freak like me. This was fun to use and I recommend it for lighter jobs, like your deck, garage, or patio. I got mine off of Amazon for a great price.

Usability

Usability is one of THE most important elements of a blower. It has to be comfortable and easy to use.

Brushless Whisper Series

Another great feature on the Ryobi 40V blower is the speed controller trigger and cruise control. This allows you to not have to squeeze and pass, but to simply adjust the cruise control and let your hands relax a little bit. 

Up close view of the trigger and cruise control of the Ryobi 40V blower.

This also includes a “turbo” button as though it is straight out of Fast N’ Furious, which increases the power. A potential situation here is that you are blowing dry leaves at a medium speed and realize that a wet leaf is stuck to the pavement at the bottom. You can press the turbo button and it will maximize the output of the blower for as long as its pressed, then will return back to the speed you had set previously.

110 MPH 525 CFM Variable-Speed Jet Fan

As mentioned in the name of the blower, this one has a nice variable speed trigger. This lets you pull the trigger up from a slight blow to all the way maxed out.

Scratching my head at who would want a blower to do a “soft blow”, but it is there if you want it. Another cool part about this one is that it can lock a speed in place. Not my cup of tea because I always max out, but some people might like it.

RYOBI 40V 155 MPH 300 CFM Cordless Battery Jet Fan

This one had the simplest functionality. Just a squeeze trigger and that’s about it. For me, I hold the trigger down the whole time on full blast, so it didn’t make that much of a difference.

As I mentioned earlier, it is super light and easy to use. Even with it hanging down lower, I did not feel much of a shoulder strain after about 20 minutes.

Assembly of the Ryobi 40V blower series

Okay – making some assumptions here, but I recently unpacked the 155 MPH 300 CFM blower and set it up. The others look to be even easier to assemble, but this one required about 20 seconds of assembly.

I bought the tool-only version because I have a 40V battery ready. This saved me about $40-50 which was huge!

I’ll frame out the step by step below:

It came shipped in this box! Not even a normal cardboard box could contain it!
When I unboxed it, it came like this. Just the long end of the blower and the main piece of equipment.
I immediately tossed out the instructions because I am a man suffering from toxic masculinity.
I simply snapped in the longer end of the blower to the main blower piece.
This shows how to assemble the whole thing – not sped up at all.

Ryobi 40V Blower prices

Let’s dig into the prices!

Brushless Whisper Series

Okay – I have spoken pretty glowingly about this blower so far, but one setback is the price. You can get some Ryobi blowers for less than $100 and this one will cost you over $300 for the tool + batteries. It is a great deal in that it reduces your time out in the yard. You can check the most recent price on Home Depot’s website.

Here is why I think it is worth it:

  • Five year tool warranty and three year battery warranty
  • Interchangeable battery with other Ryobi products
  • Strongest electric blower on the market
  • Easy to use and quiet

Folks, I have seen enough. I am officially recommending this blower. 

Curious at how the price of this one stacks up? Check out our lawn equipment cost guide.

110 MPH 525 CFM Variable-Speed Jet Fan

This one has been given an official “meh”. It comes in around $130 for the tool-only version. It is fine, but won’t last you very long and will keep you out in the yard for a while.

Don’t just take my word for it – check out the reviews and price on Home Depot – a lot of people love it (including me).

RYOBI 40V 155 MPH 300 CFM Cordless Battery Jet Fan

This one is better! Not as nice as the Brushless Whisper blower, but definitely gets the job done efficiently. I bought the tool only version at Home Depot and have loved it so far.

The official review: Ryobi 40V blowers breakdown

FeatureBrushless Whisper110 MPH 525 CFM Variable-Speed Jet Fan RYOBI 40V 155 MPH 300 CFM Cordless Battery Jet Fan
Difficulty to useEasier to use cruise control functionAverage usabilityAverage usability
DurabilityVery durable and backed by warrantyNot that durableAverage durability
MaintenanceEasiest to maintain Easiest to maintain Easiest to maintain
ValueHighest valueLowest valueMedium value
For lots <10,000 sq. ftHighly recommendedRecommendedHighly recommended
For lots <1 acreHighly recommendedNot recommendedRecommended
For lots >1 acreHighly recommendedNot recommendedNot recommended

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

Ryobi 40V products

The Ryobi 40V series of products is supposed to be the convenient, all-in-one way to use one battery for hundreds of pieces of equipment. It is kind of weird how this builds brand loyalty and works to an extent. 

Step back and think about it – a battery takes up 8 inches of space in the garage, but having hundreds of big, interchangeable electric tools is supposed to be convenient? Isn’t that backwards? Shouldn’t they be making more compact tools or innovating in some other way? 

Enough of my soapbox. I’ve reviewed a few of their other products like the infamous Ryobi brushless lawn mower that I secretly love and similar products like Dewalt’s self-propelled lawn mower and 20V hedge trimmer that I did a full YouTube review about in my early days (and even a nice 60V chainsaw). Ryobi is about the same, but if you like neon green then go for it. 

If you want to see the Ryobi 40V vs the super powerful EGO 56V blower, check this out!

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7 Best Black and Decker Electric Hedge Trimmers

The best Black and Decker Hedge Trimmers is the Black & Decker 20V MAX 22 inch hedge trimmer because it is cordless, has decent length, and a strong battery system that works with other tools.

Let’s walk through our favorite black and decker hedge trimmers for everyone’s budget.

Top Black + Decker hedge trimmers:

Best Black and Decker Hedge Trimmers: Ranked in 2024

Let’s hop right in and rank these bad boys! It was tough to rank all of them, but I think we NAILED IT.

7. Black + Decker 40V Max Lithium Ion 22-inch Cordless Trimmer

  • What to love: This trimmer comes in at 22-inches long, putting it at the longer end of Black and Decker trimmers. It also has a wrap-around handle, meaning you aren’t having to torque your wrists at weird angles to get a good cut. 
  • What to not love: This trimmer has a 40V battery, which (in my experience) is less common among Black+Decker products. Also, this thing costs around $100, which is more expensive than most other hedge trimmers, but it is currently on sale on Amazon.

Look, it’s last on the list but it’s competing with 45 other trimmers. It is a great trimmer, especially if you are shorter and have a 40V battery already. 

Sadly, I have neither of those things. 

For those of you that are looking to get a premium hedge trimmer and could use the 40V battery with other tools, buy the 40V Max Lithium Ion 22-inch Trimmer on Amazon for a great price.

This bad boy is long!

6. Black and Decker 18-Inch Electric Hedge Trimmer (BEHT200)

The Black +Decker 18-inch Electric Hedge Trimmer is pretty basic – and that’s why I love it. First of all, it requires an extension cord. This can be a positive or a negative depending on your perspective. Sure, there’s no battery, but you also have to schlep around a cord and worry about chopping it in half. 

The 18-incher from Black and Decker is the perfect size, is super light-weight, and the same wrap around handle as the last trimmer. It also has a full-length handle, meaning your index finger won’t feel all the pressure (literally).

  • What to love: No battery running out, super lightweight, extremely inexpensive.
  • What to not love: Cord can drag you down. 

Right now, this puppy is selling on Amazon for less than $50. Yep. It is an incredible deal and will take care of pretty much any job you have. If you’re fine with an extension cord, then this will allow you to get going in your yard without any problem at all.

Grab it on Amazon today for astonishingly cheap.

The handle on this is really nice and out of the way of the cord.

5. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer with Power Command Powercut, 22-Inch (LHT321FF)

Well, if it sounds like it means business, it probably does. This thing has the bells and whistles. Let’s check it out:

  • What to love: This is one of the longest hedge trimmers offered by Black and Decker at 22 inches. It also comes with a PowerCut button that provides additional power to cut through thicker branches. I also love the 20V battery, as this is what fits my current Black + Decker power drill.
  • What to not love: This trimmer has a higher price tag than most, but is honestly worth the money if you do a lot of trimming.

I gotta say, this is currently “Amazon’s Choice” for cordless trimmers. If you want to get the job done quickly, this thing will get you there. Grab it on Amazon (it’s currently on sale), and get started on those bushes today.

The extra power button is mindblowing.

4. Black + Decker Electric Hedge Trimmer, 16-inch (BEHT100)

The 16-inch BEHT100 from Black and Decker is a hedge trimmer that is simply….simple. It is the most basic, barebones trimmer offered by them. This means it is one of the smallest and lightest machines they sell.

  • What to love: The price. This thing currently costs $29 on Amazon. Unreal. It also is super lightweight (4 lbs). If you just want something inexpensive to get the job done, this is going to be just fine. 
  • What to not love: If you are looking for heavy duty action, it simply isn’t here. This is a corded trimmer, it isn’t very long, and its handle is more of a knob. It is basic – but you get what you pay for. 

If I’m a new homeowner and my house isn’t furnished yet because I just spent my life savings, then heck yeah I am grabbing this one. It truly is perfectly fine despite the lack of bells and whistles. 

Grab it for a super low price today on Amazon (like 6,000 others have) and go take care of those dang bushes.

Simple, yet elegant.

3. Black + Decker 40V Max Cordless Hedge Trimmer, 24-inch

Okay earlier when I said that number 7 was the biggest and baddest – I lied. This one has a 24-inch blade, or two feet of blades to reach the top of the bushes. It can also handle up to 6000 sq/ft of hedges before it needs to be charged. That’s insane.

  • Here’s what I love: The length is great, and as tall as I am I still cannot reach the tops of some of these even taller bushes. It has a nice wrap-around handle as well. 
  • Here’s what I don’t love: It is one of the heavier trimmers, at almost 7 lbs. It is also the most expensive. But again, you get what you pay for – and this is a lot of trimmer.

If you don’t mess around, grab this on Amazon for the best price I’ve seen. If you already have the battery, you can actually get it in Amazon for half-price if you get the tool-only version.

Looks sort of like one of those sharks.

2. BLACK+DECKER Electric Hedge Trimmer, 17-Inch (BEHT150)

So, this is basically the same as number four. Except an inch longer and basically the same price – why not go for it?

  • What to love: The price. This thing currently costs $32 on Amazon. Unreal. It also is super lightweight (4 lbs). If you just want something inexpensive to get the job done, this is going to be just fine. 
  • What to not love: If you are looking for heavy duty action, it simply isn’t here. This is a corded trimmer, it isn’t very long, and its handle is more of a knob. It is basic – but you get what you pay for. 

This one is perfect for new homeowners or people that are doing some relatively light work. This makes the most sense when you are shelling out a bunch of money for new lawn equipment. 

And it is precisely why I would just go grab it on Amazon for super cheap – an amazing price right now.

1. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer, 22-Inch (LHT2220)

The best. I mean all the great things I have pointed out in the other trimmers – this one has. Not only is it 22inches, 20V battery powered (the more common battery type among Black and Decker products), has an amazing squeeze trigger, and a full-grip handle – it is also an amazing price. 

Currently it is available on Amazon for $89 – which is unheard of. It is super easy to use, comfortable to handle, super powerful, and light. 

If I’m grabbing a new hedge trimmer, hands-down I am getting this one. If you already have the battery like me, then you can get it on Amazon for super cheap of course – an absolute steal.

Just a beast. A no brainer.

Why we review lawn tools

We review lawn tools for the same reason you visited our site today. It is darn near impossible to figure out what to get for your yard. There are so many technical terms, online weirdos, and oddly named tools that make it difficult to really know what you are buying.

Our unusual testing methods.


Well, we at The Lawn Review got fed up with it and decided to translate this into English. Less focus on the technical specifications and more focus on how the tool works and whether or not you need it. 

So let’s get started!

What to look for in a Black + Decker Hedge Trimmer

When I’m looking for a Black + Decker Hedge Trimmer, I honestly don’t care that much about the specifications. It is something I am going to be holding up, sometimes over my head, with sharp blades. So I want to know what it feels like to use. These things can take your finger off (or worse) if you aren’t careful. 

That’s why I look at these few things:

  1. Weight – I don’t want something that is super heavy or hard to maneuver
  2. Power source – I either want to go battery-powered for full freedom, or get a hedge trimmer that can hold on to the dang cord and not easily unplug
  3. Handle and comfort – The handle needs to be intuitive, easy to use, and hopefully anti-vibration
  4. Blade length – I’m super tall, so I don’t have an issue with shorter blades, but longer ones obviously get you further.

With these things in mind, let’s rank the best available Black + Decker trimmers. Most of these are corded and a few even make our list of the best corded hedge trimmers.

Looking for cordless? Check out our best cordless hedge trimmers ranking.

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My Stihl BG86C Is A Reliable, Trusty Handheld Blower

The Stihl BG 86 C blower is a mid-sized handheld blower that is perhaps the single best blower ever created. No joke. This Stihl blower is super powerful yet nimble and light enough to use residentially. It’s the perfect pairing of performance and manageable size. 

Simple, yet elegant design. Love that it can sit on the ground like this – easy to start.

The Bottom line: I have owned the Stihl BG 86 C blower for four years and recommend it in the “gas-powered” category because it is lightweight, easy to start, powerful enough, and comfortable to use.

I did a full length video review of this blower on my YouTube channel.

Jump ahead using the below navigational links:

The Stihl BG 86 C Blower: Feature review

When it comes to a Stihl handheld blower, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. First is power, then comfort, durability and price. Let’s get started below.

Power output

The Stihl BG 86 C puts out a whopping 190 mphs of air flow. If you compare this to most other handheld blowers, it is definitely in the top 25% or so. Most handheld blowers, especially battery-powered blowers, will only reach speeds of 150 MPH unless you really pony up the dough.

Worn and battle tested, but works like a dang charm!

As discussed in the video review above it produces 15 Newtons! No, not fig newtons… A Newton is the force needed to move 1 kg of mass at the rate of 1m/sec2. What does that mean? Not really sure. But it sounds cool. 

In comparison, the heavier duty has-powered backpack blower we’ve reviewed previously, puts out only 5 more N’s. Pretty good for a handheld! 

This engine also boasts 1.07 bhp of power output, which is decent for a blower it’s size.

My experience using this for 4 years

Usability is probably the most important feature of any lawn tool. Sure, the blower can have a ton of power, but if it is difficult to use, how on earth are you supposed to get your job done? 

I like things that make life easier. The BG 86 C makes blowing pretty easy. For starters, it only weighs 9.9 lbs.. Not bad!

Put to the test vs a battery blower!

Another thing I love about the Stihl BG 86 C blower is the anti-vibration technology. For us Tennesseans living in a deciduous rainforest, the Fall can be a problem. There will be several weekends a year where I put in about 10 hours on the blower collecting leaves. I simply cannot imagine holding onto a piece of vibrating machinery without some sort of system to lessen the strain. That’s where this technology really comes in hand (get it?!).

Another thing I love about this blower is the soft grip handle. Again, 10 hours in 2 days can do a number on your beer holders. So the soft grip handle really helps me! 

Of course, the Stihl BG 86 C comes with their Easy2Start technology. The geniuses at Stihl came up with something my little pea brain can’t really comprehend so I’ll let them tell you themselves “This advanced starting system is designed to make starting STIHL products fast and easy. The specific system may vary by model, but in each case, a quick pull overcomes the engine’s compression to minimize the strength and effort required to start. Available on selected products..” – Mr Stihl. 

Maintaining my blower

As with most Stihl products, not much maintenance is required on this dude! You will want to make sure to use a 50:1 oil to gas mixture but otherwise will only have to do the occasional filter and spark plug change.

With adequate maintenance, the BG 86 C should last you a decade of mowing seasons.

Stihl BG 86 C Price

The Stihl BG 86 C blower comes in at anywhere between $250 and $300. That is honestly pretty reasonable for a blower. Especially one of Stihl’s high quality. This thing should, no joke, last you like 10 years. 

If you’re interested, one of the only online places you can buy it is Ace Hardware. You can click this link to go straight to their online store page, buy it online, then go pick it up curbside.

The official review: Stihl BG 86 C Blower

FeatureStihl BG 86 CComparable blowers
Difficulty to useEasier to useAverage usability
DurabilityBetter durabilityAvg. durability
MaintenanceLow maintenanceAverage maintenance
ValueHigher valueModerate value
For lots <10,000 sq. ftHighly recommendedLess recommended
For lots <1 acreHighly recommendedLess recommended
For lots >1 acreLess recommendedLess recommended

Why we review leaf blowers

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

How we spend our time.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

Leaf blowers: Electric vs. gas

Obviously you have two options when selecting a leaf blower: electric or gas.They are worlds apart in just about every aspect. Electric leaf blowers tend to be cheaper, weaker, and only last a few seasons. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I used to have a Ryobi leaf blower attachment that came on their 3-in-1 tool kit. I have now gone through two of the leaf blower heads in which they start making a high pitch scraping noise when I am using it. 

Comparing the two.

There are exceptions in the electric leaf blower world. One of those is the Ryobi 40V Brushless whisper series blower. It is quiet, extremely powerful, and built to last. It is, however, one of the most expensive electric blowers you can buy.

Gas blowers are superior in almost every way. They are super strong, last many seasons, and quickly get the job done. The reason you see every professional lawn care person using a backpack blower is because they work extremely well. Let’s dig into that more below.

Stihl’s reputation

Stihl is an industry leader when it comes to yard products, but is probably most known for chainsaws and backpack blowers. The BR350 backpack blower is one of their best selling products because it is something they have completely mastered.

These things arae super powerful.

The Stihl family moved to Virginia in the 1970s and opened up their first factory dedicated to a single chainsaw. They have continued to grow and pioneer the lawn care space, most notably with backpack blowers.

Stihl has a great reputation that many commercial landscapers rely on each day. Many residential owners will be more than pleased with their products.

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11 Popular Greenworks Lawn Mowers: Reviewed & Ranked

The best Greenworks electric lawn mower is the Greenworks 80V 21 inch mower – which I bought last year and still use as my primary lawn mower. This mower has a super durable motor and cutting deck, a great price tag, and looks pretty darn cool as well. Greenworks makes super high-quality mowers and have slowly started taking up the battery-powered mower space.

If you found this article, you probably saw Greenworks mowers on Amazon, where they absolutely dominate and have super low prices. They can also be found at Costco, or directly on Greeenworks’ website.

Let’s sum up our findings from today:

The Ultimate Greenworks Electric Mower Ranking

I broke down the complete list of the best Greenworks electric mowers and ranked these suckers from worst to best (although all are pretty good).

11. Greenworks 18-inch 12 Amp Corded Electric lawn mower

The Greenworks 18-inch 12 Amp Corded electric lawn mower is basic. In fact, some might call it boring. But boring can be beautiful sometimes. If you look at the picture below, you might think “that is extremely simple”. 

The thing is that this mower is not going to be complex and not have all these weird functions and stuff you have to modify. It is straightforward. And that’s nice.

I have it at the bottom of the list not because it is simple, but because it is on the smaller side of mowers and still requires an extension cord. This doesn’t have the bells and whistles, but does still have a metal deck – meaning it will last a while.

You really can’t go wrong with this one. And it is for sale for a pretty dang good price on Amazon.

Simple, classy, elegant.

10. Greenworks G-Max 40V 20-inch cordless 3-in-1 lawn mower

The Greenworks G-Max 40V 20-inch mower comes across as extremely aggressive. In fact, it’s the opposite of the one above. It has ALL the bells and whistles. 

A 20 inch steel deck means it is going to be durable and allows for mulching, bag collection, or side discharge. This gives you some flexibility in how you groom your grass. The mower also detects when it is getting kickback from dense grass and will increase the blade speed to push through the job.

It takes two batteries and can cut the majority of home’s grass in a single charge. 

If you are looking for a heavy (it weighs 60 lbs) duty electric mower, you truly cannot go wrong with the G-Max 40V 20-inch mower. You can buy it today on Amazon for just under $400.

Probably the best looking Greenworks mower.

9. Greenworks 48V 20” Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower

I love this dang mower. It comes with a few great things, chief of which is the brushless motor. Brushless motors last longer, require less energy, and don’t overheat the electrical unit. To me, they are non-negotiable when buying electronic equipment.

This mower also has a 20 inch steel deck and LED headlights, for all those times you mow in the middle of the night. There is also a “turbo” button which appears to speed up the blades just like in the previous mower. 

It truly is an amazing, long-lasting mower that can be purchased on Amazon today for right at $399.

This one is pretty neat – one of the only 48V mowers.

8.Greenworks 21-inch 40V Self propelled cordless lawn mower

The 21 inch deck on this mower makes it one of the larger mowers that Greenworks makes. As I mentioned previously, I’m not the biggest fan of self-propelled mowers – BUT – a LOT of people are. Their muscles simply aren’t as large as mine. 

It is definitely a sleek looking mower with the majority of the body being black. This is the perfect mower for someone with a larger yard who gets tired pushing for a long time. 

At a slightly higher price point, this mower is currently available on Amazon. 

This mower is pretty slick!

7. Greenworks 25302 20 inch 40V Twin Force Cordless mower

The Greenworks 25302 is one of the earlier models made by Greenworks. It doesn’t have a steel cutting deck, but it is one of the lighter mowers for its 20-inch size. 

It has a 40V battery that can be used in a ton of different Greenworks products and will run for about an hour. There is also an opportunity to add a second battery to it for it to go even longer. 

This mower is great, not intimidating, and has wonderful reviews on Amazon by older women. If this sounds like you, then buy it on Amazon and join the club.

6. Greenworks 10 Amp 16-inch corded mower 25142

The Greenworks 10 Amp 16-inch corded mower is a plug-in, mostly plastic mower. So why did I rank it so high?

THE PRICE! It is an amazing price on Amazon if you’re interested in buying.

This mower is a simple design and basically all you will need for a thorough cut. It is one of the premium corded (requiring an extension cord) mower on the market. A great thing about this mower is that its super light, easy to start, and easy to store. 

This one is perfect for first time homebuyers with a smaller yard. Buy it now on Amazon for about half of the price of the other mowers.

5. Greenworks 40V 21 inch cordless brushless push mower

This is one of the better looking mowers offered by Greenworks, IMO. It is almost pure black, has a big ole steel cutting deck, and looks like any other gas mower on the market. 

It comes with a nice mulching bag, but can also do mulching or side discharge (this is what I do). One thing I love about this mower is of course the BRUSHLESS MOTOR. It will last you for a long time.

Greenworks also does a great job of making easy-to-store mowers that can fit into a tight space in your garage or shed. If you want one of the better looking electric mowers on the market, buy this mower on Amazon (lowest price I could find).

Mean looking and ready to get pushed.

4. Greenworks 48V 17” Cordless lawn mower

Okay, so it may not make a ton of sense that this one ranks so highly but I will explain why. It is a 48V mower that is 17 inches wide, making it great for small yards. The beauty in this mower is that it can be purchased in a combination set.

Yep, you can get it with a blower, a trimmer, or both. It will also come with a dual battery charger, which is super convenient for all of the different tools. 

I recommend going with this one if you are looking for an all-in-one solution. This set is great for those that are new homeowners, wanting to make the switch to electric, or have a smaller yard. 

You can get the full set on Amazon for a decent price and save a ton of money on battery costs. Grab it today to grab all the lawn tools you will ever need at the same time.

Best mower for getting a combo kit.

3. Greenworks 12amp 20-inch 3-in-1 electric corded lawn mower

Not gonna lie, this thing is pretty sweet. While it is a corded mower, I ranked it so highly because of its simplicity. Yes, you will need an extension cord, but this thing is built to last. It has a 20 inch steel deck which is amazing for longevity.

Another thing I love about this mower is the PRICE. To my knowledge, this is one of the least expensive 20 inch mowers on the planet. Right now, it is on sale on Amazon for about a 10% discount.

There is a reason it has almost 10k reviews on Amazon – its really popular, light, easy to use, and will last a long time. The Greenworks 12A 20 inch corded mower has all the perks of the big battery-powered mowers, but technically has unlimited run time. 

Go ahead and treat yourself to this mower on Amazon because it is as simple as hooking up a vacuum – and actually way less expensive.

2. Greenworks 40V Push Lawn Mower, 16 inch electric lawn mower

Okay so I had absolutely no choice but to rank this one higher than the mower above because it has some similar attributes. Both are at an incredible price point in their category and both are wildly popular.

This mower runs off of a 40V battery that can be used with a ton of other Greenworks tools. This bad boy is simple to use, small enough to tackle tight spaces, lightweight, and easy to store.

And did I mention the price? It is running about $50 under its list price right now on Amazon. It also has the option to add compatible tools like chainsaw, blower vac, trimmer, and leaf blower that all use the same battery. BRB going to go buy it on Amazon….

This is currently 20% off on Amazon, so I’d give it a look as the least expensive.

Popular, inexpensive, light.

1. Greenworks Pro 80V 21-inch Brushless self-propelled mower

How can I not but make this the number one Greenworks mower in 2022? This mower is the biggest, baddest Greenworks mower on the market. Coming in at 21 inches with a nice steel deck, this mower is ready for any size job. In fact, it’s larger than my current gas push mower.

Benefits of the top Greenworks mower

It is also self-propelled, meaning it can help move along the job for you. Not to mention the brushless motor. The Greenworks Pro 80V mower is simply the Cadillac of electric mowers. 

Another thing I love about this product is that the 80V battery can also be used with a ton of other tools that Greenworks offers, and they are all the most powerful and longest lasting. 

You can grab the mower alone, or with an edger, trimmer, or blower. If you already have the 80V battery, you can buy just the mower alone and save a ton of money (like $200 of savings).

This mower is on sale right now and Amazon says it is a “Limited Time Deal”, so if you are in the market – I would grab this one today.

Pretty dang sweet mower

Conclusion: Best Greenworks electric lawn mowers

When it comes to Greenworks mowers, you really can’t go wrong. It is important to find a mower that fits all of your needs, including price point, size, storage, power, and battery compatibility.

We are huge fans of Greenworks because they make top of the line battery-powered equipment. 

Why we review lawn mowers

We started The Lawn Review out of frustration. Looking for lawn tools was like trying to read the assembly instructions on a Swedish bookshelf from Ikea. A bunch of words that don’t really mean anything and don’t tell me how the experience of owning the lawn tool.

How we spend our time.

We want to be different. While we are experts in the field, we almost NEVER use technical jargon and are much more focused on the usability, experience, and value of each product.

Greenworks brand and reputation

Greenworks sells lawn tools like blowers, pressure washers, trimmers, and just about anything else you can think of. They are not often found in the big box stores, but have an amazing online presence, particularly at Amazon. 

We love their blower!

I love Greenworks products and have reviewed quite a few. One thing about their products consistently stands out: they make some powerful stuff. This means they are not just getting cheap parts and calling themselves a mower company – they take the time to truly develop high quality tools that can pack a punch.

A great example of this is their 80V blower, which made our list of top blowers. 

What to look for in a battery-powered lawn mower

When looking to purchase an electric lawn mower, you need to make sure you understand what things matter. You will get hit with a lot of technical specifications and marketing tactics. Totally forget them and focus on the things that impact you. Below are my recommendations:

  • Brand quality. Quality is going to be super important here. Everyone is in the electric mower game these days and there are a ton of junky mowers out there. Avoid anything from a weird brand on Amazon that takes 9 years to ship. It is probably being 3D printed in a Laotian bathroom. Go for brands that have consistent quality and focus on the details, not just flashy colors.
  • Metal where it matters. Most electric mowers are plastic-y. Probably to reduce the weight of the mower so that the battery can get you further, but it feels cheap. Make sure to get metal where it matters – namely the deck. The deck is the part that covers the blades. Don’t get plastic here – a rock can rip through it.
  • Battery interoperability. A ten dollar word used here, but really just make sure to buy a mower with a battery that is compatible with other electric tools. Ryobi has this, so does Dewalt, and so do some of the Greenworks products. This will save you garage clutter and plug space.
  • Self-propelled or not. I actually don’t like the self-propelled feature. It doesn’t help you that much and it drains battery – I would pass here. This is a marketing gimmick in my opinion.

You can read a more in-depth guide to making your first purchase in an electric lawn mower here.

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7 Ryobi Lawn Mowers We Absolutely Love

Ryobi battery-powered lawn mowers have burst onto the scene and are now one of the leaders in the electric mower world. The best Ryobi battery-powered mower is the Ryobi 40V Brushless SmartTrek mower because it is the most affordable while still maintaining really high quality.

I first got my hands on my Ryobi mower back in 2022 when my friend let me borrow his for one of my YouTube video reviews. I loved that I could quickly pop off the 40V battery and put it in my Whisper series blower.

Here are my choices for best Ryobi lawn mowers in 2024 after testing:

How I tested these Ryobi mowers

As I mentioned earlier, I got the Ryobi 40V mower from a friend last year and fell in love – so started trying out a bunch of different ones that I could grab from my local Home Depot. I’ve spent a lot of money buying lawn mowers and testing them, documenting it all on Youtube.

When I am testing these mowers, I am looking for a few things: power, ease of use, battery-run time, and the right technical specifications, which I try to break down in plain English.

7. Ryobi 38 inch 100 Ah Battery Electric Rear Engine Lawn Mower (RY48111)

The Ryobi 38 inch riding mower is extremely unique. In fact, I didn’t even know it existed before I did all of this research. This is not your typical riding lawn mower. The unique design on the 48V Brushless 38 in riding mower allows for a nice clean cut for much larger lawns. 

I know what you’re thinking – how does this thing run on batteries? Well, it is much different than other battery-powered mowers in that it plugs in like a dang Tesla. And it can run for up to 2.5 hours on a single charge. 

The more I read up on it, the more I love it. When I first sat on this one outside of Home Depot (they let me ride it around), I was shocked at how comfortable it was and how intuitive it was to use – just like my truck. I actually think this is one of the better (if not best) electric riding mowers I’ve seen. Good job Ryobi!

The absolute beast of an electric riding mower – the Ryobi Ry48110.

This one is available at Home Depot for a surprisingly good price. 

6. Ryobi 13 in ONE+ 18V Cordless Battery Walk Behind Push Mower

Sorry y’all – I am a little biased here. I am not the biggest fan of the 18V ONE+ series and am a much bigger fan of the Ryobi 40V series. 

The 13in mowing deck on this mower is simply tiny. When thinking about mowing your lawn, think about how wide of a path you need and the number of those paths to complete your yard. At just over a foot wide, this will leave you outside in the sun for longer than you may like. 

My neighbor let me borrow this one for testing since he has Ryobi’s super lightweight weed eater – the 18V ONE+. This uses the same battery and was equally lightweight for a mower.

A little too small! (Photo Cred: Home Depot)

If you have a small yard however, this may fit you really well – just like it did for my neighbor. But for the price, I think you can do better. Check out our guide to mowers for small lawns – you may find a better one over there.

This one is for sale from Home Depot.

5. Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless 16in. Cordless Battery Walk Behind Push Mower

This one is similar to the one above, but a few inches wider. If you have a <10,000 sq.ft plot of land, then this is actually a great mower. It is small enough to navigate nooks and crannies, but wide enough to knock out a few more passes in the yard. 

The one positive I will say about the 18V ONE+ series is that the battery can easily be popped back into the other indoor tools you may already own. While I like the longer battery life of the 40V, I can see the appeal of the 18V series for folks with smaller yards/projects. 

Okay! I can work with this.

If I’m picking a mower in the ONE+ HP 18V series, I’m going with this one. Go buy it online and pick it up at Home Depot.

4. Ryobi RY40180 40V Brushless Lithium-Ion Cordless mower kit

Okay, now we are talking! My Ryobi 40V Brushless Lithium-Ion mower (why are the names so dang long?) is a great mower. The cutting deck is a nice 20 inches, meaning you can cover much more ground than the mowers in the ONE+ series. 

This mower is really light, and folds in-half for a super compact storage design. This would fit underneath some stairs in your garage, or in a shed or even a closet. It also comes with a nice bag for collecting grass clippings.

And the best part – you can pop off the 40V battery and stick it right onto your Ryobi trimmer or blower.

Watch out! It’s got headlights!

3. Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21 in. Mower

Another mouthful of a mower, but it is pretty sweet. This is far and away the heaviest duty push mower that Ryobi offers. It has dual blade technology, similar to the rival EGO 56V mower. It is actually probably a direct response to the competition from EGO, since it has almost all of the same exact features, including the higher price.

Me with this mower

The beautiful things about this mower:

  • 21 inch cutting deck
  • 40 V battery that can be used with a ton of other Ryobi tools
  • Incredibly quiet
  • Self-propelled
  • Comes with two batteries
  • Dual blade technology adds some more power.

You can’t go wrong with this one if you are looking for a high end mower and are a Ryobi loyalist. It isn’t available on Amazon from what I can tell, but I have seen it at Home Depot for a reasonable price.

2. Ryobi Lawn Mower 20in 40V Lithium-Ion Brushless mower

This is similar in voltage and size to the mower above, but comes in at a way lower price point. It is essentially a barebones Ryobi mower, with still some of the features we love. It doesn’t have a self-propelled function, but it does have a brushless motor.

It doesn’t sacrifice quality for price, but it does sacrifice bells and whistles. It’s a great, quality mower that is on the lower end of the price range.

Brushless engines on Ryobi’s lawn mowers are manufactured to be quieter, use less energy, and last longer than standard electric motors. When it comes to electric mowers, you want something that will last you for a long time – just like gas mowers do. 

So quiet it just snuck up on you.

With the Ryobi 20in 40V brushless mower, you get a battery-powered mower that is an absolute unit. We recommend grabbing it from Amazon for a great price (compared to >$500 for other brands) or buy it online from Home Depot.

They’ve recently updated this one for 2024 and made it look a little bit cooler, with a darker tint over the battery and a boxier look. It is honestly the same exact thing but costs $100 more! Don’t fall for it. See how this one stacks up against the Greenworks 48V mower.

1. Ryobi 20in 40-Volt Brushless Smart Trek Self-Propelled Walk Behind Mower

Yep – it is official. Love at first sight is real. This Ryobi 40V mower which I wrote extensively about here is very similar to the mower above (both have brushless engines, 20 inch cutting decks, and 40V batteries), but has a few key differences.

The first difference – it is black! And looks way cooler than the other ones (in my opinion). 

Yup, we own it ourselves.


The second difference – the Smart Trek self-propelled feature. For those that have never used a self-propelled mower, they are awesome. Basically, they move for you – only light pushing and steering required. I ranked this number one because it has the most luxurious experience, best motor, and great interchangeable battery. When I was testing it, I loved how light it felt and how surprisingly well it did with my tall fescue.

As compared to other mowers like the EGO 56V mower, this one is lighter and easier to control. We did a full YouTube video review of this one if you want to check it out.

The Ryobi 20in 40V Self-propelled Mower from Home Depot, where it is almost exclusively sold!

Why I started The Lawn Review

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

We take tool testing seriously.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

Ryobi tool batteries used for mowers

You may have found this page because you already have a bunch of Ryobi tools and have the batteries. If you didn’t know, you can buy the tool-only version of Ryobi mowers and save a ton of money. 

The 40V battery with my string trimmer.

Tool-only versions come without any batteries and can accept ones you have from other tools. They are way less expensive and allow you to pop your battery off another tool right into your mower (and vice versa).

Another benefit of tool-only products is that you won’t take up another plug on the wall in your garage. Avoid the mess!

Make sure you know exactly what to look for in an electric lawn mower by checking out our guide.

Are Ryobi Lawn Mowers any good?

In short, yes they are great lawn mowers but differ widely in their style and application. You also get what you pay for with Ryobi lawn mowers – if you are expecting to spend under $300 – you will get a budget mower (albeit a good one).

Ryobi makes great products in general and if you go with the 40V battery line, you can build out your entire shed with the a single battery, saving you tons of money.

Conclusion: My Experience with Ryobi Mowers

My Ryobi mowers actually rock! They are quiet, hold their charge, and tend to last longer (if you get Brushless). We highly recommend getting one of these mowers if you are looking for a nice mower to complement your Ryobi collection.

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We Bought & Compared Worx and Black & Decker String Trimmers

Worx and Black + Decker are two super popular string trimmers for folks like you and me on a budget. The WORX GT Revolution is a better overall weed eater for homeowners, but the Black and Decker comes in at a lower price point.

The Black and Decker can turn on its side with a wheel.

The WORX GT Revolution and Black and Decker 14 inch weed eater are two of the best budget-friendly and lightweight weed eaters you can buy. Let’s break down which is better for you.

Jump ahead using the below links:

Feature comparison

Now that we understand what we are looking for, we can roll up our sleeves and compare these two. Let’s start with comfort.

Worx is a more comfortable trimmer than Black & Decker

As mentioned previously, comfort is super important in a string trimmer. You frankly have to hold the trimmer at a weird angle, which ends up torqueing my upper back. 

Both of these trimmers have adjustable handles, meaning you can change the ANGLE but not the LOCATION of the handle. Changing the location would be ideal, but changing the angle will get you close enough. 

Let me show you the below picture and ask you: which do you think is more comfortable? 

The battery beneath the handle on the Worx, but behind the handle on the Black + Decker.

While the Black and Decker handle looks more like a typical power drill handle, it’s actually going to give you more problems than the Worx trimmer. You see, the battery location being at the very tip of the handle means that it is going to weigh that end down. This then forces your other arm to push down on the handle (which is super close), and causes you to pull up on the trigger. 

This action-counteraction is normal, but starts to really wear down your back when you are trimming over a long period of time or being particularly meticulous. Frankly, it makes it hard to control. 

The Worx battery is just under the handle, which is still going to cause the action-counteraction we saw in the Black and Decker, but to a lesser degree.

The more comfortable string trimmer is the Worx GT Revolution.

Black and Decker has more tools to use with the batteries

Let me get this out of the way right now – battery life is super hard to measure in tools like these. So instead, I am going to talk about batteries more broadly. 

Worx and Black and Decker both have 20V batteries with 2 Amp Hours (measure of power). They are going to be very similar in battery life and power output – so no concern there.

This is kinda convenient.

One area that you want to be sure to watch out for is how many other products you can swap out the battery for. Work has a ton of other products that use the same battery, but honestly – Black and Decker might be the best in the game at this.

Black + Decker has power tools, lawn tools, and even home cleaning tools that all can take the 20V battery used on this trimmer. That means one plug, one charger, and you’re good to go. 

This is nice.

Worx is growing their line, but doesn’t quite have the scale or the dominance in this space that Black and Decker has had for decades.

The advantage here is clear: Black and Decker wins this round.

The Worx String Trimmer has some cool advantages

Something neat about both of these trimmers is that they come with a funny looking wheel on the top. Well, the wheel isn’t just for toying around with – it can serve as a guide wheel for a relatively light-duty edger. 

While most edgers come with a big metal blade, much of the simpler jobs can be done with the normal string trimmer. Simply turn the tool on its side, let the wheel balance, and let it rip. This will give you nice, clean lines around your driveway or sidewalk.

One thing that gives Worx a *slight* advantage in this category is the brush guard that it has. 

The trimmer head on the Worx string trimmer with a collapsible brush-guard.

This metal thing is collapsable, so when you convert it from a string trimmer to an edger, simply push it in and keep going. The metal brush guard helps you from running the string into brick or wood that quickly deteriorates the integrity of the trimmer line. 

Price comparison

The Worx WG163 GT trimmer is for sale right now for a super low price. It includes two batteries and a charger as well.

The Black and Decker is on sale for even less here. This comes with one battery – but can also use the battery from any of the Black and Decker tools you might already own. 

The overall review: Worx vs Black and Decker String Trimmer

We have reviewed the comfort, battery life, usability, and price of the Worx string trimmer and the Black + Decker string trimmer that we thought was super light. I’ve gotta say – this is one of the tougher comparisons I have done.

Overall, I think the Worx is the better tool. BUT is it $30 better? It depends. If you already have a Worx piece of equipment and can reuse the battery, I say go with Worx. 

If you are completely new to battery powered cordless lawn equipment, then I would grab the Black + Decker for a lower price. Once you have the battery, then this will help you as you choose your next set of tools.

Why we review string trimmers

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

We take tool testing seriously.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

Worx and Black and Decker: A history

A LOT of people are buying these trimmers – and for a good reason (we will get to that in a minute).

Worx has some crazy tools.

Something that many of you may be scratching your head around is….what is Worx? It isn’t quite the household name that Dewalt, John Deere, or some of the other big name brands. Worx has quietly been creeping into the marketplace and has found their niche in electric lawn tools. 

Black + Decker is also a ubiquitous household name. Virtually every garage has some sort of Black and Decker tool stored away in it. One of the first tools I owned was a Black and Decker power drill that I still use to this day. 

To add more confusion, these two brands even have the same color scheme. And to take things even further (!), the color scheme is the same as Home Depot. I mean, c’mon people, get it together. 

What to look for in a string trimmer

I have an electric string trimmer. It’s a Ryobi 40V string trimmer that can handle attachments and it gets the job done. But I have had some ups and downs and learned things the hard way. 

Some fancy, expensive Ryobi trimmer.

As someone who didn’t grow up with a green thumb, I am a self-taught lawn tool expert. Which means I have made a lot of mistakes and wasted a LOT of money. You don’t have to be like me – so check out what to know before you buy.

  1. Make sure you buy a tool that has a battery that fits other tools
    • Why waste time and wall space with a million different batteries in your garage? Simply flip the same one in and out and get on your merry way. 
  2. Comfort is king – find a trimmer that has some adaptability with the handles to tailor it to your fit
    • I am very, very tall. The mixture of my height with the weird, stiff handle on my Ryobi 40V means that I often finish trimming in pain. Don’t do that. 
  3. Find a trimmer with easy-to-advance trimmer line.
    • This means when you inevitably lose some of the trimmer line, you can easily bring out more trimmer line without having to slow down too much. 

If you’re looking to upgrade your weed eater, make sure you right-size your weed eater string.

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