Category: Comparison Guides

The place to compare lawn tools side-by-side

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Greenworks vs Ryobi Electric Mowers Comparison Guide

ryobi self propelled mower

Greenworks vs Ryobi is like asking to compare Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. Two young studs taking the field and destined for greatness. I like the Greenworks mowers better because they have metal cutting decks and generally come in at a lower price.

Both Greenworks and Ryobi have become masters in the battery-powered lawn mower game – and for good reason. They make high quality lawn mowers and have a TON of different types.

We have even reviewed the some great Ryobi mowers and our favorite Greenworks mowers – that’s a LOT of lawn mowers.

Today, we are going to put two of their best mowers head-to-head. We’ve done a ton of research and found that two of their mowers are extremely similar. Let’s figure out which one is best.

Let’s put the Greenworks 48V push mower up against the Ryobi 40V HP mower in a battle for the ages.

Jump ahead:

Ryobi 40V vs Greenworks 48V Mower: Comparison Guide

Greenworks vs Ryobi – the ultimate head-to-head challenge to see what the top dogs can bring to the table. Let’s assess each of these for power, durability, ease of use, and price. Here we go!

Power: Ryobi’s 40V HP vs Greenworks’ 48V (2×24)

To properly evaluate power, there’s a bit of science that goes into it but also other considerations beyond formulas. For starters, typically higher voltages mean more power if you are operating in a vacuum. But we aren’t operating  in a vacuum, we are operating in the real world. Scientifically, the combined 48Vs in the Greenworks mower would impute a higher power output than the 40V of the Ryobi mower.

They’ve always been good.

But let’s take a deeper dive. The Greenworks 48V mower and the Ryobi 40V HP mower both have about 45 minutes of run-time and up to ½ acre of coverage on a single charge. 

Ryobi has a function called HP, which basically means that the motor and battery are designed to work together to produce optimal power output. Greenworks is really combining two 24V batteries, which doesn’t seem to have the same level of connection to the motor that Ryobi is describing. 

I have to give a slight edge to Ryobi in the power game, solely because they have thoughtfully approached the connection between their brushless motor and their batteries – to deliver maximum output. 

Greenworks is still a great choice, but didn’t “feel” as powerful when we ran them side by side.

Winner: Ryobi 40V HP

Durability: Metal vs Plastic deck on Greenworks and Ryobi

Next up after reviewing power is the necessary focus on durability. I’ll be the first to admit that battery-powered mowers aren’t perceived as anywhere near as durable as gas-powered mowers. 

But that doesn’t mean there are more durable battery powered mowers than others. Ryobi and Greenworks are a really great example here because they have one major difference: the composition of their decks.

Metal > Plastic.

The cutting deck is what houses the blades and what the motor sits on top of. In the Ryobi mower, there is a plastic cutting deck which allows it to be lightweight, but more susceptible to cracking, scraping, and chipping. The Greenworks 48V mower has a metal deck, which is exactly what every gas mower carries. It makes the mower heavier, but actually gives it some momentum, keeps the mower on a straight path, and protects it from breakage. 

Another key thing to notice here is that both mowers have brushless motors. Brushless motors can be contrasted with traditional brushed motors in that they have less friction, provide more torque, and a longer life. They are the superior key to motor durability and a non-negotiable when buying any electric lawn tool. 

Because of the metal deck, I have to give this category to Greenworks.

Winner: Greenworks 48V Mower

Ease of use: Greenworks compared to Ryobi

There are a lot of things to consider when evaluating a mower for ease of use, but none that are as important as how the mower feels. Feel is so important because despite all the bells and whistles and performance highlights that a mower might have, if it feels off you are going to have a bad time. 

One thing that is often overlooked is the weight of the mower. Believe it or not, lighter isn’t always better. When I was mowing with the Ryobi 40V HP mower for the first time, it felt like every little bump in the grass would throw off my trajectory. It felt like I didn’t have great control because it was too light. 

Kinda got tossed around by grass.

On the other hand, the Greenworks 48V mower weighs about 20 lbs more. Not super noticeable when you are using the mower, but it feels like you handle rough patches better. It can push through things, not around things, which makes a huge difference.

I also like how both of these mowers have easy push-to-start functions, grass collections bags, and are foldable for easy storage. 

Battery-powered mowers are super easy to use, but the feel of the Greenworks mower was much more comfortable and straightforward (literally).

Winner: Greenworks 48V mower.

Price and warranty comparison on Greenworks and Ryobi

The Greenworks 48V mower has a 3 year tool and battery warranty. Not bad! But Ryobi has a  5 year tool warranty and a 3 year battery warranty. It’s going to win the warranty challenge

As far as price is concerned, you can get the Ryobi mower from Home Depot for about $399.

The Greenworks mower is available on the Greenworks website and often goes on sale on Amazon for a really good price.

Ryobi wins the warranty competition, but it’s a tie on price.

So which is better? Ryobi or Greenworks mowers?

It is a tough call, but someone has to make it. While I like Ryobi’s HP series and their effort to optimize performance with their 40V battery and brushless motor, but favor Greenworks when it comes to reliability and ease of use.

If I had to boil it down to an absolute winner, it would be the Greenworks 48V mower by a hair. 

You really can’t go wrong with either. In fact, if you already own Ryobi’s 40V products, then you’re better served buying the tool-only version of the mower and saving a ton of money. 

You can grab the Greenworks on Amazon today – check to see if it’s still on sale.

Oh – and one of these made our top battery powered mower ranking. The Greenworks is actually also made our list of the premier mowers at Walmart.

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 spend our days analyzing mowers.

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. 

What we look for in battery-powered lawn mowers

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:

Looking for more power? Check out the Greenworks 80V mower review.

Ryobi vs Greenworks brand quality

Quality is going to be super important here. Just about 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.

Some other Ryobi products we’ve reviewed.

Ryobi and Greenworks both have TONS of different tools. In my experience, when Greenworks puts out a higher-end product, it’s a beast. Extremely well designed to be durable, easy to use, and powerful. Ryobi also has a ton of products across several different industries and seems to be more focused on quantity than quality. 

But that doesn’t mean Ryobi doesn’t have some bangers. There are some great Ryobi weed eaters and Ryobi pressure washers, but there are equally as good Greenworks pressure washers.

Metal where it matters: the decks

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. Luckily with Ryobi and Greenworks, they have batteries that can be used across a TON of ther products – both indoor and outdoor.

The same battery used in this Greenworks mower is the same one that can be used to power their cordless shop-vac.

They’ve got great tools!

If you have more questions, check out our guide to electric lawn mowers.

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EGO 56V vs Kobalt 80V Electric Mower Comparison

EGO vs Kobalt lawn mowers is the age-old decision – especially if you’re standing inside a Lowe’s scratching your head. I like EGO, but the Kobalt 80V mower is superior because of its strong metal deck.

EGO mowers are extremely popular right now, but Kobalt has been around a bit longer and comes at a lower price point.

Both are stellar battery-powered mowers that come in at a similar price point. So how do you  pick between the EGO 56V and Kobalt 80V mower series?

For starters, there are a TON of different EGO 56V mowers, so I’ll pick the most comparable to the Kobalt 80V mower, which is the EGO LM2102SP mower.

Let’s get started!

Kobalt mowers vs EGO mowers: Head-to-head comparison

Kobalt and EGO mowers are both beasts in the lawn mower game. To ensure we are doing the best like-to-like comparison from both brands, we’ve chosen the Kobalt 80V 21-inch mower (model KMP 6080D-06) and the EGO 56V 21-inch mower (model LM2102SP). We felt these were the most similar comparison in price, size, and features. 

Which is more powerful, EGO or Kobalt mowers?

We are diving head-first. We want to know which one of these has the most power. At the same amount of resistance, higher voltage means more power delivery. Therefore, the Kobalt is the clear winner as it is an 80V system. 

In reality and out of the worlds of physics nerds, there’s more than just a simple equation. There is certainly a reality around how much power is put out by the spinning of the blades, but that doesn’t always translate to how powerful the mower feels. 

Our EGO mower feels very powerful.

Even outside of science, this EGO mower doesn’t have quite the power that the Kobalt 80V mower has. Here’s why:

  • The Kobalt 80V mower has a higher voltage on the battery
  • The Kobalt mower is about 20 lbs heavier, giving more momentum to the cutting motion and keeping the blades from bouncing off rough patches of grass
  • Kobalt’s mower has an auto-sensing technology that adjusts the performance of the motor depending on the grass conditions. 

As much as I initially thought EGO was going to crush the Kobalt with power, I’m surprised to say that Kobalt objectively wins the battle. As someone who compared the EGO 56V and Ryobi 40V mowers, the EGO felt so much more powerful because of its sturdiness. But Kobalt just happened to one-up them.

Winner: Kobalt’s 80V Max lawn mower

Well, which mower is more reliable? EGO vs Kobalt

When I evaluate the reliability of a mower there are two main things I look at: the motor type and the deck construction. As I mentioned earlier in this post about what to look for in an electric lawn mower, the motor type NEEDS to be brushless. 

Brushless motors provide more torque, a cooler running motor, and a longer life than their brushed counterparts. Up until recently, every electric motor was brushed. You’ll see some of the more premium brands using brushless now, but it will soon be the standard. 

Fortunately, both the EGO and Kobalt mowers have brushless motors. We can go ahead and check that box in both categories. 

When it comes to deck size, these two are very different. The EGO mower (just like most of the EGO mowers) has a tough plastic decking. While most folks don’t have to worry about this, there are definitely durability issues that can impact this mower. Rocks, branches, and root systems can make this decking more vulnerable to breakage. Fluctuations in temperature will also wear down on plastic over time. 

Metal deck is preferred.

On the other hand, the Kobalt mower has a metal decking that is much more durable than plastic. 

Winner: Kobalt 80V Mower.

Usability and comfort

When it comes to usability, there are a lot of different features to evaluate that are relatively subjective. Let’s take a look at the usability features of both:

Kobalt’s features:

  • Self-propelled, rear wheel drive
  • Variable speed control
  • 7-position height adjustment
  • LED headlights
  • Foldable for storage

EGO’s features:

  • Self-propelled
  • Variable speed control
  • 6 position height adjustment
  • LED headlights
  • Foldable for storage

They’re essentially the exact same if you’re just looking at the specifications. But we want a winner, so let’s look a little closer.

LED headlights can be useful…sometimes.

We personally like EGO’s height adjustment for the handles. I’ve heard from several short people that they like to push the handle bars down almost like they’re preparing to store it, but then pushing the mower from the condensed position. I can’t relate, but appreciate that people have found flexibility with this mower using that function.

It’s honestly a tie here, but I could give a slight edge to the EGO mower.

Price and warranty

Just to make things tough for us, the EGO mower and the Kobalt mower both come in at the exact same price. 

The Kobalt mower can be found on Lowe’s website (or at a Lowe’s near you) for about $699. 

The EGO is available on Amazon for the same price, but tends to go on sale frequently, so click here to check the latest price.

Both come with a limited 5-year warranty on the tool and 3-year warranty on the batteries. You can save some serious money on both if you buy the tool-only version. Here is an identical version of the EGO mower without the battery and charger for over $200 cheaper.

Final Winner: EGO vs Kobalt mower

Picking a winner between EGO and Kobalt is tough. I came into this thinking that the EGO was far and away the better choice, but after getting our hands on more and more Kobalt products – we were wrong. The Kobalt is the clear winner of this face-off because it has more power, better construction, and is available at the same price.

The surprise winner.

EGO is still a great option though and is the winner if you already own an EGO product with EGO batteries as it is much cheaper.

You really can’t go wrong with either, but if we are just evaluating the two as though you don’t own any tools – the Kobalt pulls away.

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. 

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:

EGO and Kobalt brand quality

Quality is going to be super important here. Just about 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.

So hot right now.

EGO is known for making seriously high quality, dense lawn tools. Yeah, we used the word dense here because when you pick up their tools they feel solid as a rock. We’ve reviewed a ton of EGO products and made YouTube videos covering EGO’s leaf blowers and EGO’s mowers.

Kobalt lawn mowers are known for being super reliable tools, including their Kobalt string trimmers and leaf blowers (all of which we have reviewed).

Metal where it matters: the deck 

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.

EGO sadly makes quite a few mowers with plastic decking, but a couple with metal decks. While I prefer metal decks, EGO’s reinforced plastic is actually quite durable. It won’t kill you to use a plastic deck, but it can help it last much longer.

Battery interoperability on EGO and Kobalt

 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. Luckily with EGO, they only have a 56V battery line, which can be used across all of their products. The only difference you’ll see is in the amp-hours, which increases the amount of time you can spend doing the job. 

The Kobalt 80V battery can also be used in their sweet blower.

Kobalt has a few different battery lines, with their 80V line being the premium line usable with other 80V products.

If you have more questions, check out our guide to electric lawn mowers.

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ECHO vs Stihl Backpack Blower: Comparing the Giants

Echo vs Stihl Backpack Blowers is like comparing Ferraris vs Lamborghinis. They’re both crazy good options that are elite blowers in the landscaping world.

I have a personal vendetta against backpack blowers because my nextdoor neighbor insists on using them as alarm clocks on the weekends, but I can’t deny how great of a tool they are.

When we first used the Stihl BR600 backpack blower, it felt like a bazooka was strapped to our back. But then we tried the ECHO. Then tried the Stihl again. And honestly, I felt like we had to go write this post to detail our experience.

These are two of the top backpack leaf blowers in the game – so let’s see how they stack up in every category. We chose the Stihl BR 600 to compare to the ECHO PB-770H as they are two of the most popular backpack blowers and the top of the line option from both brands.

Jump ahead:

Want to see a comparison to battery powered backpack blowers?

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 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. 

What to look for in a backpack blower

Backpack blowers come in a bunch of shapes and sizes but there are three basic things you need to understand:

CFMs on blowers

Cubic feet per minute. This is a measure of air output on the blower. Higher CFM = more power, but not necessarily more miles per hour. High CFM with a wide nozzle = lower MPH. High CFM with a narrow nozzle = high miles per hour. Ideally, you want both a high CFM with a narrow to medium nozzle for most residential jobs.

Usability

What is the point of having a blower if it is hard to use? Have to get one that is lightweight, easy to start, and has some functions that make your life easier. One thing I look for here is how the weight is distributed. I also look for things like variable speed control, sound, and how easy it is to reach or change controls like cruise control.

Reliability

It’s important to have reliable equipment – hands down. For homeowners, having a backpack blower that can easily start and requires minimal maintenance is key. The engine doesn’t get as much use as a professional landscaper, so hopefully doesn’t require the same maintenance schedule. For professional landscapers, you need to have a blower that starts quickly and isn’t a headache requiring frequent tinkering and minor replacements. 

Rugged. Trusted.

ECHO PB-770H vs Stihl BR 600 Backpack Blower

Now that we know what we are looking for in a backpack blower, we can see how both the ECHO and Stihl blowers stack up. Both brands are known for making super strong products that landscapers and homeowners love, but only one can truly come out on top. 

Let’s get started!

Power comparison

When it comes to backpack blowers, power is everything. Power is extremely important to be able to move large quantities of leaves under a quick timeline. Leaf blower power is measured in both CFMs and MPH. With backpack blowers, you really want high CFMs AND high MPH.

With high CFMs, you can ensure that there is a significant volume of air coming out of the tip of the blower. This usually is the “punch” that the blower provides and helps you cover large quantities at a time. MPH gives you the speed to make sure the large burst of air is coming out quickly. Without both, you either get a wimpy but large burst of air OR a small jet stream that doesn’t help move big piles. 

The ECHO PB-770H boasts a huge 756 CFMs and 234 MPH air speed. The Stihl BR 600 clocks in at 677 CFM and 238 MPH. These are really close figures, despite having some differences at CFM. Since they are nearly the same air speed, the ECHO must have a slightly larger opening and burst of air. Although most folks won’t recognize a difference in power, the ECHO PB-770H has a slight advantage in overall power output. 

An absolute beast.

Despite the minor power output differences, these have nearly the same engine displacement at both around 64 ccs. 

This one is so close because the engines are just about identical. Stihl has slightly more speed, but ECHO has slightly more air output. As much as I’d like to call it a tie, I actually believe ECHO’s CFM advantage puts this one as the definitive winner of the head-to-head power assessment.

Winner: ECHO PB-770H Backpack Blower

Usability features

When I’m looking at usability, the real test begins at about 15 minutes into using the blower. At that point, I’m wondering if I feel like I have complete control over the tool or if I am having to wrestle with it to get the job done.

Extra padded.

In particular, I’m gauging how my shoulder feels and whether or not my hand has started cramping due to the trigger placement and other control features.

Whereas the Stihl and ECHO blowers were super similar in power, they are much different in usability. Most backpack blowers operate by having a little handle at the midway point of the blower nozzle that allows you to control the direction of airflow. 

Stihl and ECHO have major differences in the functionality of that handle. With the Stihl BR 600, the handle that controls the direction of airflow (the steering handle) also has the throttle trigger and setting lever embedded on it. This is super helpful and convenient as it gives you total control of the blower without having to mess with other portions of the blower.

This is super convenient.

On the other hand, the ECHO PB-770H has a separate lever that controls the throttle and speed. While it is something you can get used to after a couple tries, it will never be as comfortable as the Stihl BR 600. ECHO does allow you to purchase the PB-770T, a surprisingly less popular version that has a cord that wraps around and allows you to mount the throttle on the blower nozzle.

Just not as much control.

The winner of the usability competition: Stihl BR 600.

Reliability

When I evaluate a backpack blower for reliability, there are a few things I look for. The first is how difficult the blower is to start. Nothing is more frustrating than cranking the pull cord over and over without the dang blower starting. 

The Stihl BR 600 has a purge pump primer, which allows you to prime the carburetor without flooding the engine. Basically, it limits the amount of times the carburetor can be primed, therefore limiting the number of times you pull the cord before it starts. This is a huge advantage because I just know I have flooded my engine a dozen times. 

The ECHO PB-770H does not have any specific function that protects the operator from making honest mistakes. Anecdotally, this is the blower my neighbor has and I swear I watched her crank it close to 50 times in a row the other day before it started.

The maintenance schedules on both the Stihl BR 600 and ECHO PB-770H blowers is straightforward. The classic spark plug and air filter replacement as needed and the occasional service.

Reputationally, the BR 600 from Stihl is one I’ve seen completely beaten down, scraped up, and continues to run and start super easily. I own this one and while it takes a dozen pulls, it has a nice foot plate that makes it really effortless to get started around the 10th crank or so.

Looks cooler, too.

Winner: Stihl BR 600.

Price comparison

Oddly enough, the Stihl BR 600 and the ECHO PB-770H come in at exactly the same price: $529.99. Wish I could pick a winner here, but they are exactly the same.

Our winner: Stihl BR 600 vs ECHO PB-770H Backpack Blower

After it is all said and done, this is a really tough battle. These things are super easily matched and even cost the exact same. 

But for this battle, there has to be one winner: the Stihl BR 600. 

We chose the Stihl BR 600 because it is simply easier to use and more trustworthy than the ECHO PB-700H. The features that come with the BR 600 make it easier to start and easier to control. Plus, not only do we see this every time we walk into our garage, but just about every landscaper in the country has one of these. They are the Ford F150 of the landscaping game because you just can’t go wrong with one.

Continues to last.

They sell these at Ace Hardware or you can buy them pre-owned for a few hundred dollars cheaper.

Interested in other ECHO and Stihl products? Check out our comparison of ECHO and Stihl Weed Eaters.

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3 Best Dewalt Air Compressors: 2024 Update

The best Dewalt air compressor is the Dewalt 6 gallon pancake compressor. Air compressors are versatile tools you can use for much more than inflating tires and spray painting. 

Air compressors come in all shapes and sizes (believe it or not), and there are hundreds of brands to choose from. If you’ve already started shopping for an air compressor, you’re probably overwhelmed with endless options that all look and sound the same.

I’ll walk you through my findings today and let you know about my experiences with Dewalt and air compressors.

Let’s get started! Jump ahead below

The Best Portable Dewalt Air Compressor

If you work at different job sites or don’t have easy access to an electrical outlet, a portable air compressor might be a suitable option for you. Take a look at the best Dewalt portable air compressor and the runner-up.

My neighbor is a general contractor and I got the idea for this article from him. He bounces from house to house in the same subdivision and helps the team out with whatever they need. He often grabs his Dewalt portable air compressor to contribute wherever he can. 

Dewalt 15 Gallon Portable Electric Air Compressor

The Dewalt 15 Gallon Portable Air Compressor is a solid choice if you want an easy-to-use compressor for nailing, drilling, and landscaping work. It’s also a great choice if you need to use the compressor on the go that can actually provide some serious power.  

This portable compressor is also completely oil-free and exceptionally quiet when compared to other air compressors. The device has a maximum power of 0.2 horsepower and an airflow capacity of 5.4 cubic feet per minute. Translating that into what normal people talk about, this is way less powerful than a stationary air compressor but will still be able to power all of your tools.

Portable + vertical means less space in your garage.

What I like about this Dewalt air compressor:

  • Oil and maintenance-free pump
  • 78 dB sound level which is loud but not ear-crushing
  • The wheels are big enough to run over anything lying around your garage or job site
  • Great air-tool runtimes

This one is big for a portable air compressor and weighs about 120 lbs. But it can provide solid power and a surprising amount of air. You can grab this one at Home Depot or get it delivered straight from Amazon for a great price.

Runner-up: Dewalt 4.5 Gallon Portable Electric Air Compressor

The Dewalt 4.5 Gallon Portable Air Compressor is a good option if you want something smaller. I like to describe this compressor as the miniature version of the 15-gallon alternative. It has many of the same features at a lower capacity. For instance, the air compressor reaches a maximum horsepower of 1.6 HP and has an airflow capacity of five cubic feet per minute. It only weighs 80 pounds and features 10-inch non-flat foam tires that make it ultra-portable.

Takes up more space but easy to move.

This one is really nice for dragging around with your nailer. This has more horsepower than our favorite, but honestly horsepower doesn’t mean that much with air compressors as one can be more powerful and efficient while having less horsepower. 

This one is also available on Amazon for a decent price.

The Best Dewalt Combo Air Compressor

You can save money by buying an air compressor with a nail gun. Dewalt sells two air compressor combos for a reasonable price.

Dewalt 6 Gallon 18-Gauge Brad Nailer and Pancake Electric Air Compressor Combo Kit 

Have your (pan)cake and eat it, too, with the 6 Gallon 18-Gauge Brad Nailer and Pancake Electric Air Compressor Kit by Dewalt. This duo gives you the ammo to take on the toughest projects with 5.0 SCFM at 90 PSI and 80% more usable air than competing brands. 

The pneumatic nailer boasts a maintenance-free motor and a jam-release tool that makes it easy to release nails. I love this combination because most DIY folks are looking for a set of both of these. It’s a big deal that Dewalt makes great nailers AND great air compressors. Why not knock out both in one purchase?

The ultimate DIYer kit.

The perks:

  • 1/4 in. x 50 ft. PVC hose
  • Compatible with traditional 18 ga. Brad nails that range from 5/8 to 2 1/8 in. in length
  • Features Precision Point Technology which means your nail placement is much more exact and doesn’t require actuation
  • 165 max psi 6.0-gallon tank

This one can be found on Amazon for under $250.

Runner-up: Dewalt Nailer and 120 PSI Compressor Combo Kit

Dewalt sells another compressor and Brad nailer combo kit with 120 PSI instead of 165. Since this is an older model of the combo kit, you can find it used or new on eBay and similar websites for slightly less than the 165 PSI option. 

The kit features a pancake air compressor with a nine-gallon tank capacity and 9 HP. It weighs just over 40 pounds and is easy to take with you when you’re on the go. The air compressor comes with a 25-foot air hose that’s 1/4 in thick. Like the 165 PSI model, the 120 PSI alternative is quiet with 75.5 dBA.

The highlights:

  • 75.5 dBA noise level
  • It comes with two universal couplers
  • Compatible with standard 18 Ga. Brad nails
  • Features Precision Point Technology as well which allows you to be more exact when placing the nails and not losing your spot due to actuating the tip

Oh – and the whole kit will cost you less than $250 on Amazon.

The Best Dewalt Vertical Air Compressor

Vertical air compressors have a portable design that doesn’t hinder their performance. If you’re looking for the best vertical air compressor, consider these two options by Dewalt.

We like vertical air compressors because they take up less floor space

Dewalt 27 Gallon 200 PSI Portable Vertical Electric Air Compressor

The Dewalt 27 Gallon Portable Vertical Electric Air Compressor means business. This device features 5.1 SCFM at 90 PSI, making it extremely powerful, but also can taper down the PSI to accommodate things like spray painting. 

It also has a high-flow regulator that allows the tool to intake air extremely efficiently. The air compressor is oil-free and has a low-volt, quick-start motor compatible with extension cords between 12 and 50 ft. There’s also a dual-purpose handle that makes it easy to move around while acting as a hose wrap as well.

What stands out:

  • 78 dBA for a quiet work environment
  • Easily handles large projects without issues
  • There’s a two-inch display surface that is easy to read

This one is a great vertical air compressor that can take your garage to new heights. Grab it on Amazon for a good price.

The Bottom Line on Dewalt Air Compressors

Whether you need an air compressor for inflating tires, operating your nailer, or spray painting your car, you can’t go wrong with a Dewalt product. Dewalt’s air compressors have a great reputation for their durability, ease of use, and competitive prices.

All Dewalt products come with a warranty, so if there’s ever an issue with your air compressor, Dewalt will take care of it.  

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 spend our time now.

As guys 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.

About Dewalt tools

Dewalt makes a crazy amount of products. We all know and recognize their power tool collection as one of the best. But what has been really growing for them is their lawn tool collection. We’ve been super impressed by Dewalt’s weed eaters, their line of Dewalt blowers, and even the Dewalt 20V lawn mower. 

Their mower is actually great.

And now one of my personal favorite air compressor brands is Dewalt. Based out of Maryland, Dewalt is a global manufacturer of professional workhouse solutions. When it comes to air compressors, Dewalt produces some of the most reliable products on the market but also a TON of varieties. I scoured the web to identify the best Dewalt air compressors in three categories: portable, combo, and vertical. 

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EGO Select Cut vs Select Cut XP Mowers: Compared

EGO Select Cut and Select Cut XP mowers carry many features that are honestly really confusing. EGO has 13 push mowers on their website. They are all roughly the same size, the same battery voltage, and look the same.

So what’s the difference? Why is one $900 and the other $350? These are the questions we are here to figure out today.

Bottom Line: EGO Select Cut differs from EGO Select Cut XP in that the XP version has more torque.

It’s no secret that EGO mowers absolutely crush the battery powered lawn mower game. They are some of the most powerful, longest lasting, and convenient tools on the market. So deciphering how to know what you’re buying and making the right decision is important.

Let’s get it figured out, together.

Jump ahead:

Breaking down EGO’s mower lingo

If you are like me and were at one point staring at all the different mowers that look the same, then you may wonder what the words EGO uses actually mean. 

One of the classics from EGO.

We spent some time reading through what all of these actually mean and which ones we think you should buy. Here is our quick dictionary for reference when reading through each of the mower’s names.

Power+ naming

Power+ just references EGO’s battery powered line of tools. Basically everything of theirs is Power+. It’s their standard naming convention and basically EGO’s last name. 

Self-propelled function

The self-propelled function is an optional function you can use to move the mower forward using a trigger on the handle. It is really nice for moving the mower over banks and hills or for adding some additional power to a thick cut of grass. The downside is that it can drain your battery – use carefully!

EGO Touch Drive Explained

Touch Drive is a function that allows you to more easily control the self-propelled function. Whereas self-propelled EGO mowers without touch drive use a squeeze trigger, Touch Drive mowers have a trigger inside the handle that allows you to use your palm to initiate the self-propelled function, then a speed dial to adjust how quickly it moves.

EGO Peak Power Explained

Peak power allows you to combine any two EGO batteries to operate the mower (saving you money if you already own one).

EGO Select Cut Definition

Select Cut refers to more than one mower blade on the bottom of the mower.

EGO Select Cut XP Definition

Select Cut XP is a designation given to the highest torque Select Cut option that EGO offers.

EGO Speed IQ

Speed IQ is a tool that automatically adjusts the speed of the self-propelled function based off of the terrain. It will slow down to make sure thicker areas get fully cut and speed up over areas that you may have already passed or aren’t as resistant. 

EGO Select Cut vs Select Cut XP vs Regular Mowers Explained

EGO’s mowers come in Select Cut, Select Cut XP and Regular variations. The main difference among all of these is the amount of torque the motor puts out.

Select Cut as a term refers to the multi-blade system used by the mower. Select Cut XP simply refers to the additional torque offered by XP motors. The EGO Select Cut motors put out about 7 pounds of torque whereas the Select Cut XP puts out about 8.3 pounds. 

EGO Select Cut XP is definitely more powerful than Select Cut and their regular mowers. If you have thick grass or just like dominating the grass when you mow, Select Cut XP is a really great option.

The regular option or non-Select Cut XP and non-Select Cut has a single blade on the bottom – which is also true of many traditional gas-powered mowers.

The 3 Best EGO Mowers: Ranked

Now that we have broken down all the complex lingo related to EGO mowers, let’s use them to formulate and rank the best ones. One thing we want to make sure to take into account is VALUE. 

Sure, the best EGO mower will probably be the most expensive, so we try to really break it down to assess which is the best EGO mower for the money.

Buckle up.

1.) EGO Power+ LM2021 20-Inch Walk Behind Mower

This is not a popular opinion. If you read other folks’ reviews of EGO mowers, this one probably won’t make the list. But we are different here at The Lawn Review and are giving you the absolute insider’s take. 

We don’t just sort mowers by the best seller and then regurgitate the specifications to you. We are actually going to break down exactly why this one is our absolute favorite. 

Nothing beats a steel deck.

If I could draw up the perfect lawn mower in a lab, this one would be darn near close. It has all of my favorite things including:

  • The only EGO mower with a steel deck. Metal decks are way more durable, temperature resistant, and provide a little more weight to keep the mower balanced. 
  • Of course it has the brushless motor and 56V battery system.
  • Easy push button start
  • Folds in half for storing in the winter (or between mows)
  • One of the longer run times at over an hour

This one doesn’t have all the bells and whistles. It’s basically a super durable, not complicated, efficient battery powered mower that is the easiest comparison to gas-powered mowers.

We love this mower because it lacks some of the complexities that drain the other mowers’ batteries like self-propelled functions and multiple blades and variable speeds.

You just push the mower like you always have. But to put the cherry on top, this is one of the most affordable EGO mowers on the market. The price is always changing, but we’ve found it to be the lowest when you buy it off of Amazon.

2.) EGO Power+ LM2133 21-Inch Select Cut Lawn Mower

Next up on the list is the LM2133 mower from EGO. This one does have some bells and whistles, but doesn’t go too overboard. This has all of the standard beautiful features in an EGO mower (56V battery, 21 inch deck, brushless motor), but also has some nice extras.

This EGO mower has the Select Cut functionality, which if you reference our dictionary above, would know that it has multiple cutting blades. The multiple blades help work together to finely mulch the grass, allowing you to move faster and make fewer passes in your yard.

Multiple blades.

You can grab this one on Amazon as well for a great price. If you want to boost the run time from 45 minutes to 65 minutes, get the tool-only version and buy a separate 7.5 Ah battery. This one comes with a 5.0 Ah battery that may not fully get you where you need to go.

3.) EGO POWER+ 21″ Select Cut XP Mower with Touch Drive LM2156SP

This one is obviously the Cadillac of EGO mowers. It comes with every bell and whistle. The belle of the ball. But it comes with a price.

Here are some of the features that make this one unbeatable:

  • Select Cut XP functionality means that this is the highest torque EGO mower on the planet
  • Also has Touch Drive self-propelled functionality, making it the easiest to use and control
  • Longest run time at 75 minutes because it comes with 10.0 Ah batteries, basically double the Ah of their other mowers
Just a freaking beast.

So this is the most powerful, longest running, easiest to control EGO mower. It is truly probably the best battery powered mower available from a technical specification perspective. But it doesn’t have a steel deck, which makes me sad. 

You can buy this one at Ace Hardware for a pretty penny (anywhere between $800-900). We wrote about this one extensively – you can check out our full review of the EGO Select Cut XP LM2156 or LM2150 here.

EGO Mowers: Cutting Through The Noise

I hope this article has provided some clarity around all the different features EGO offers on their mowers. Frankly, they are all trademarked and difficult to understand. 

When you feel confused, take a step back and think through the most important questions: how does this mower perform? Will it last me a long time? How long is the run time? How much does it cost?

Those will steer you past any flashy slogans or popular products to the one you can rely on.

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 spend our time now.

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. 

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:

EGO brand quality

Quality is going to be super important here. Just about 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.

It’s true.

EGO is known for making seriously high quality, dense lawn tools. Yeah, we used the word dense here because when you pick up their tools they feel solid as a rock. We’ve reviewed a ton of EGO products and made YouTube videos covering EGO’s leaf blowers and EGO’s mowers.

Metal where it matters: the deck 

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.

Most EGO mower’s have a plastic deck.

EGO sadly makes quite a few mowers with plastic decking, but a couple with metal decks. While I prefer metal decks, EGO’s reinforced plastic is actually quite durable. It won’t kill you to use a plastic deck, but it can help it last much longer.

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. Luckily with EGO, they only have a 56V battery line, which can be used across all of their products. The only difference you’ll see is in the amp-hours, which increases the amount of time you can spend doing the job. 

If you have more questions, check out our guide to electric lawn mowers

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8 Weed Eaters With Handy Attachment Systems

The best weed eater with attachments is the EGO Multi-Head system because it has amazing power and a ridiculous amount of quality attachments.

Weed eaters with attachments transform your most basic lawn tool into a Swiss Army Knife. Yeah – I first experienced this with my Ryobi Expand It weed eater and have since tried and tested a bunch of these bad boys.

I’ve put a bunch of these battery powered weed eaters with attachments to the test and continue to come back to the one that’s our favorite: the EGO Power+ multi-head system (although it has one big drawback).

Here are my favorite weed eaters with attachments, ranked after some serious testing.

  1. EGO Power+ Multi-Tool Weed Eater Attachment System
  2. Greenworks 40V 14” Brushless Weed Eater Attachment System
  3. Kobalt 24V Connect Multi-Head Weed Eater Power System
  4. Dewalt 60V Max Weed Eater Attachment System
  5. SKIL PWRCORE 40 Weed Eater Attachment System
  6. Worx Nitro 40V Power Share String Trimmer Attachment System
  7. Makita 18V LXT Couple Shaft Power Head
  8. Ryobi 40V Expand-It Attachment System

Honorable mention: The Greenworks Pro 60V 16 inch weed eater.

Ranking Battery Powered Weed Eaters with Attachments

When we were testing these tools, we accidentally used the best one first, so all the others didn’t seem as good. It’s kind of like going house hunting and going to the biggest, nicest house first. Either way, the rest were all fine tools but didn’t hold a candle to the number one spot.

1.) EGO Power+ Multi-Head Weed Eater Attachment System

EGO’s multi-head attachment system is a dang beast. If I could create one of these in a lab, this one would be it. And when we switched out the weed eater string to the GrassKicker string, it just became an absolute unit. Unfair.

It survives a lot.

We made a full Youtube video highlighting the attachment system, but will profile it again here.  

  • It uses EGO’s 56V battery system which can be used with ALL of their other tools
  • The weed eater attachment system has a brushless motor
  • It has molded grips which make it easy to use whether you have the weed eater or the pole saw attachment going
  • We dropped it a few times and scratched it up without a problem
  • We’ve put it through the absolute ringer, testing it’s run time and durability very aggressively
  • Every attachment it comes with is a freak of nature – with the hedge trimmer attachment being our absolute favorite
One of our favorites

This one is a ridiculous standalone weed eater, but the attachments we bought were the edger, hedge trimmer, cultivator, snow shovel, and pole saw. All of them work insanely well and you would hardly think they were part of a universal system like this. 

This one is also a beast.

The only drawback / complaint about this weed eater attachment system is that the attachments ARE NOT universal. You have to buy EGO’s attachments and they won’t work anywhere else. It isn’t the tools themselves, but how they attach to the power head. Bummer – but honestly if you buy this you will never desire another tool again.

We got ours with all the attachments on Amazon for a great price last year.

2.) Greenworks 40V 14” Brushless Weed Eater Attachment System

Greenworks is an underrated lawn tool brand. All of their tools are super high quality and legitimately well constructed. They did it again with their 40V brushless weed eater attachment system. 

This one has a lot of the same things I loved about the EGO product, including a brushless motor, super comfortable handles designed to additional attachments, and variable speed. 

A really sweet tool.

The weed eater attachment system has a loop handle around the trigger which makes it great for using as a hedge trimmer or pole saw without sacrificing any discomfort when used on the ground as a weed eater. There are both 14 inch and 16 inch varieties and I prefer the 16 inch  for the weed eater. A larger cutting swath means more power and a crisper looking lawn.

The downside from this Greenworks weed eater attachment system is that it’s confusing as heck. It’s difficult to find the attachments on the website, but we had some luck on Amazon. 

You can grab a hedge trimmer attachment, edger attachment, cyclone blower, cultivator, and disk blower, and pole saw attachment from what we could tell. 

This one is a really great tool if you can get the right attachments. It’s available on Amazon for a ridiculously low price. Of course, we recommend trading out the weed eater string with GrassKicker right away to give it a big boost.

3.) Kobalt 24V Universal Connect Multi-Head Weed Eater Power System

Kobalt is a name that you see plastered all over Lowe’s website. They have never been extremely popular, but it doesn’t mean they don’t make some ridiculous lawn tools. 

The Kobalt Universal Connect Power Head is one of those underrated, overlooked options because Lowe’s stacks the shelves with EGO products. But don’t overlook this one.

Kobalt’s Connect System is a truly universal attachment system that has some serious perks. Here are a few things I like about it:

  • 24V  MAX battery works with a ton of other Kobalt tools
  • A brushless motor, of course
  • An adjustable handle that can slide lower or higher
  • Rubber molded grips

Kobalt’s weed eater attachment system offers some tools that you don’t see anywhere else. Take for example their universal connect dethatcher attachment. That is really freaking cool. Although it may not be the most practical, running this dethatcher attachment over your yard once per year will help bring your yard back to life.

Kobalt’s power head is sneaky good and resembles my SKIL one.

If you don’t like the Kobalt attachments, heck, go grab some attachments from anyone else and use them instead.  But if you own any Kobalt products already, you will save big by using this power head system with your existing 24V MAX batteries.

You can grab this online at Lowe’s – which is where we got it.

4.) Dewalt 60V Max Weed Eater Attachment System

We were surprised, too. Dewalt makes some seriously powerful lawn equipment and actually makes a nice handful of Dewalt weed eaters. It’s low-key one of the best weed eater attachment systems but we ranked it so low because Dewalt’s 60V Max lawn tool lineup is just not very deep. 

But it has all the amazing features that you would expect from a ridiculous weed eater. My favorite part is that the Dewalt 60V Max String Trimmer has up to a 17 inch cutting swath. This size cutting swath rivals most gas weed eaters. And remember my advice: get a good attachment system that first has a good weed eater. 

Dewalt weed eater with attachments.

This weed eater with attachments has a brushless motor and universal attachment capabilities. Some of the attachments include:

  • Hedge trimmers
  • Pole saw
  • Brush Cutter
  • Edger
  • And a little blower

This is another one of those made-in-a-lab type of tools that is almost too good to be true. You can get it from Home Depot for a very good price.

5.) SKIL PWRCORE 40 Power System

SKIL’s PWRCORE 40 System is a really cool, brand new tool that just came out on the market. We did a full length video and a full SKIL PWRCORE review, but were super impressed with this tool.

We tested this bad boy!

In particular, we liked that this Power Head had:

  • Brushless motor for long life
  • A PWRJUMP charger that rapidly charges the battery to 30%, then slows down
  • A huge cutting swath at 15-17 inches
  • Universal attachments

While this one didn’t quite have the run time that it claimed, it is still a great option for those of us with smaller yards.

6.) Worx Nitro 40V Power Share String Trimmer Attachment System

This attachment system from Worx is probably their biggest and baddest lawn tool. They have a ton of smaller weed eaters that are more about convenience than power, like the Worx GT revolution.

The Nitro 40V Power Share system is made for pure power, though. It’s got a 15 inch cutting swath which puts it on the higher end of battery power weed eaters. Worx’ 40V Max system is a great battery line that you can use on their mower as well, making this one pretty useful for current Worx owners. 

From a cost perspective, this one is super competitive because all of the dang attachments are so cheap. And much to my surprise – this one also has a brushless motor. My previous experience and misconception with Worx was that they only had brushed products. Glad to see they’ve stepped up to the plate.

Worx stepped it up!

The attachments on this weed eater are super affordable compared to some of the others. Each attachment is around $100 – way cheaper than what you would get if you bought the tools independently. Oh, and they’re all universal attachments as well. 

This one is a really high value purchase if you are looking for a good balance of quality and cost. Right now it’s on a massive sale on Amazon that makes it even more competitive.

7.) Makita 18V LXT Couple Shaft Power Head

Makita makes really high quality equipment like their regular Makita weed eaters and Makita leaf blowers. But man, I can’t figure out who their audience is. Their tools are SO expensive that if I had to pay for them, I might as well just pay someone to do my lawn. This is by far the most expensive power head, which is why it is so low on this list. 

But darn it if it isn’t super high quality. A few really good things about this weed eater with attachments:

  • Makita’s 18V line can be used on lawn tools and their handheld power tools, making this a better value if you save money on batteries
  • They of course have a brushless motor
  • Super high RPMs on their 3 speed settings
  • An insane amount of attachments. I mean insane!

To this last point, Makita has some baller attachments including both straight and curved shaft weed eaters, cultivators, several different hedge trimmer attachments, a blower, a sweeper, a pole saw, and more.

Love it, but so expensive.

But again – all the attachments are expensive as heck. Super high quality, super high price – that’s the Makita way. 

You can grab this one at Home Depot, or actually get it at a reasonable price on Amazon (check this often).

8.) Ryobi 40V Expand-It Attachment System

Last but also least is the Ryobi 40V Expand-it series. This is one of the first tools I owned and it disappointed me in some ways. I’m not saying it’s for nobody, but it wasn’t for me long-term. It is a great price, but not the weed eater attachment system worth investing in for more than a few years. 

Good for beginners.

I will say that the weed eater attachment works very well, but the others have not lived up to the hype. I had a blower attachment with this that I replaced three times due to it breaking. Over the course of two years!

I like that this Ryobi weed eater with attachments has an easy way of storing and hanging the attachments, is relatively easy to use and lightweight, and has variable speed control. But it has a brushed motor that almost always felt overheated when I was using it. 

The weed eater isn’t bad!

I bought this one when I was on a tighter budget and I think if that’s you – this can be a good tool. But expect to outgrow it quickly and don’t go overboard with the attachments. It’s also on a fire sale over at Home Depot right now.

One last benefit so I don’t completely scare you is that the 40V battery can be used on TONS of tools. I really like having it to use on my Ryobi 40V blower and Ryobi 40V mower as a back-up battery.  

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 spend our time now.

As guys 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 I tested these weed eater attachment systems

I tested these weed eaters with attachments over the course of a few years. I started with my Ryobi Expand It attachment system, then tested out the EGO multi-head (my number one choice). Since then I’ve used the SKIL PWR CORE, and slowly gotten experience with each of the others.

I test a few things on each of these – mostly related to how comfortable it is to use, the number of attachments, whether or not my attachments are universal, the cutting swath, and finally the battery system.

All of these pass my testing with flying colors, which is why I put them on my list.

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.

What to look for in a battery-powered attachment system

If I would have read this article a few years ago, I would have made a different decision and likely saved hundreds of dollars. But I learned the hard way and want to make sure you don’t have to.

Here are the things I look for in a battery-powered attachment system:

A brushless motor

The first time around, I bought a brushed motor and I deeply regretted it a few months later. The main difference between brushed and brushless motors is how electricity is transferred from the battery to the motor. Brushed motors have a process that relies on friction. I quickly realized this when the palm of my hand was getting extremely hot while using the attachment system.

Brushless motors run cooler, more efficiently, provide more torque, and last longer. They are quickly becoming the gold standard in battery-powered lawn tools – but not everyone has caught up.

Universal attachments

Some of these weed eater attachment systems have the ability to take on any attachments. That’s a benefit to those of us that are looking to save money or have an existing attachment system that’s broken but the attachments work just fine. You can find attachments on Facebook marketplace or other second-hand stores for a way cheaper price. 

A high performing weed eater

Don’t just buy a weed eater with attachments because it is attachment capable. Buy a battery-powered weed eater that freaking dominates and also has the ability to add attachments. 

Good attachments

If I don’t mention this, I will get an email from one of you saying “you didn’t say to buy one with good attachments” so here you go. Obviously you want an attachment system that can accommodate high performing attachments that you will actually use. Avoid bundles that give you attachments that aren’t as good as the individual tools. The goal is to replace your other tools, not supplement them with an additional cost. 

How to turn your weed eater into a beast

Shameless plug here, but we were able to take our battery powered weed eater from “okay” to “absolute beast” by changing out the weed eater string. We tested dozens of different weed eater strings and each of them had 1-2 good characteristics, but none had the whole package.

So we made our own. Introducing GrassKicker weed eater string. It is the perfect thickness, shape, and color to absolutely shred whatever job you’re doing while still fitting every weed eater on the market. You can grab it here:

Bottom Line: Weed Eaters with Attachments

Remember to keep in mind that we are looking for a brushless weed eater first and then attachments second. Get you a weed eater with attachments that is going to last a long time and replace the dinky old tools you inherited from your parents.

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4 John Deere Zero Turn Mowers That Last Forever (Almost)

The best John Deere Zero turn mower is the John Deere Z330R zero-turn mower – which is great for residential use for those of us with bigger lawns. John Deere isn’t as big in the commercial space, so this one is the perfect size and price for homeowners.

The kids love them!

They’ve been dominant in the lawn care and agricultural spaces for as long as I can remember. The true patriarchs of modern lawn care. John Deere’s zero turn mowers however, have become less popular over the years. I am seeing them appear on landscaping trailers less and less these days. 

Today, we are going to break down the best John Deere Zero Turn mowers and who they appeal to the best. Let’s get started!

Our favorite John Deere Zero-Turns, ranked:

John Deere Zero Turn Mowers: Our Ranking

Let’s dive right in. John Deere has three series of zero turn mowers with varying sizes and configurations within each one. I’ll do my best to touch on the differences of each different zero-turn mower.

Looking for something smaller? Check out some John Deere lawn tractors. Electric? Consider our list of great and surprising electric riding mowers.

John Deere Z330R ZTrak Zero Turn Mower

I checked out all of the John Deere Z300 series zero turn mowers and landed on this one as the best. Frankly, it wasn’t even close. 

The Z300 series is the smaller of the three series that John Deere zero turn mowers offer. They’re all basically for residential use and start at relatively low power output and work their way up. At the highest end of the Z300 series, which is the Z330R, you can expect to reasonably cut around 4 acres before you need to step up to the Z500 series.

The Z330R from John Deere is by far the best. I know it sounds petty and I’ve referenced it in other articles, but a surprisingly large portion of my decision making comes down to the arm rests. It’s a huge differentiator if you’re out there for more than 20 minutes and makes the experience way, way better. 

Very good for residential use.

But here are a few other, probably more important things that we liked about this zero turn:

  • 23 HP engine, putting it above most other residential zero turns like the Toro TimeCutter
  • 48 and 54 inch deck options (we would do 48 for residential)
  • Accel Deep mower deck made with 10-gauge steel
  • Hydrostatic transmission
  • Fast forward speed at up to 7 MPH

One thing I don’t love about this zero-turn is the manual operation of the blade height adjustment. A few of the newer competitor zero-turns have a nice little onboard dashboard with electronics that allow you to quickly make adjustments to blade height, with gas level indicators and other bells and whistles. You won’t get any of that on the Z330R or any of the Z300 John Deere zero turn mowers. 

The control panel on this one.

Coming in at just around $4,000, these zero-turn mowers aren’t cheap. One thing I love is that these are made locally in Tennessee and come with a 3 year or 200 hour warranty, so you can rest assured that this one will last you for quite a while.

You can build your own zero-turn from John Deere’s website and at Home Depot (for a great price).

If you’re interested in learning more, we compared this one’s little brother to a Toro zero turn.

John Deere Z515E Zero Turn Mower

The Z500 series of zero-turns steps up the power and is designed for commercial use. The easiest way to spot the difference in a residential and commercial zero turn mower is the rollover bar. 

The  Z515E is the base model for the Z500 series and is the entry point into the commercial Z500 series by John Deere. While it has many features of the Z300 series, it has slightly more power and was designed with the landscaper in mind.

A few things I like about the Z515E:

  • 24 HP V-twin engine
  • 4 year warranty (instead of 3)
  • An operator station that gives you a full dashboard with controls right by your side including a fuel gauge and hour meter 
  • Total height adjustment on the steering control levers
  • Dual cup holders and a storage compartment
  • Ability to connect to the MowerPlus app for maintenance schedules

This zero-turn has a bunch of features I’ve never seen on other mowers. It’s pretty sweet. The first thing that caught my eye was how advanced the control panel was. It seems like everything on this mower was designed to create a comfortable mowing experience, including the adjustable height levers on the steering control. Most other mower brands don’t have that as an option and if they do, definitely don’t advertise it well. I’ve always just stuck with the initial setting and dealt with it.

This is a huge advancement.

A few other things that stick out to me are the accommodations made for comfort. Dual cup holders and a storage compartment can really help you feel like you can make it through the day as a landscaper. These are the small things that have helped landscaping teams feel like you’re investing in their well-being and giving them the equipment to thrive. 

Electronic fuel gauge and hour meter.

At just under $5,000, this one is definitely an investment you’ll have to make in a really nice residential landscaping mower. It can be bought and customized on John Deere’s website.

John Deere Z530R Zero Turn Mower

The Z530R comes with a few more bells and whistles than the Z515E. One of the key differences between the two is the ComfortGlide system available on the Z530 that isn’t on the Z515.

The ComfortGlide system allows for forward and backward seat movement when going over major bumps. It basically lets you feel like you are floating. ComfortGlide absorbs way more shock than the standard steel seat springs and drastically improves the mowing experience.

The Z530R series also comes with a foot lift and foot pegs, mats on the floor of the mower, and premium control levers that make the entire experience more enjoyable.

Just a few bells and whistles separate this one.

Otherwise, it is very similar to the Z515E from a power point of view.

At around $5,600 for the 48 inch mowing deck – you are paying a 10% premium for some cool features related to comfort that the 515E does not have. If you are reading this and going to be the one doing all the mowing, then this might be a worthwhile investment to get a more comfortable ride.

You can grab it right on John Deere’s website.

John Deere Z735M Zero Turn Mower

The Z735M is a huge step up from the Z300 and Z500 series John Deere zero turn mowers and is a true commercial landscaper’s dream. Let’s walk through a few of the features that make this one stand out dramatically when compared to the other two:

  • 25 HP V-twin engine that has ridiculous torque and cast iron cylinders that last forever
  • A ton of mower deck updates including a PRO mower deck that:
    • Is extremely deep which allows for air induction (pulling up the grass before cutting it)
    • Super wide discharge area so you can take on a ton of volume even when it is wet
    • Raised and reinforced front deck edge that lets you evenly pull in grass
    • A welded step for you to use when getting on board that sits on top of the deck
    • An optional mulching attachment which lets you pick where you want to put the clippings
  • Adjustable seating and storage which rivals most minivans
  • ComfortGlide suspension
  • Adjustable foot platform so tall freaks like me can fit just fine alongside short kings
They make their own engines, which is unique.
This is the mac daddy.

When you’re going big like the Z700 series, you might as well get a 54 or 60 inch cutting deck that can cut down on your mowing time.

I’m not the only one is who raving about this mower – a ton of other folks who bought it online have left extremely positive reviews despite it being a nearly $10,000 mower. 

Most are saying it’s comfortable and smooth (thanks to ComfortGlide) and note how much time it has taken off of their mow, like cutting it in half.

John Deere Zero-Turn Mowers: Bottom Line

John Deere’s zero turn mowers are a bit on the pricier side but all have two things in common: they’re extremely well made and are attentive to the details. The small things in these machines add up to really put them in a league of their own when compared to competition. 

Of course we all want power, speed, even cuts, and reliability. But the thought John Deere puts into things like cup holders, arm rests, ComfortGlide seating, steering handle adjustments, and more make you feel like they’ve mowed a lawn or two in their day. 

Why we review zero-turn mowers

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 now.

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. Always feel free to leave a comment or request a review using the form you see at the top of this page.

What we look for in zero-turn mowers

A few things to look for in zero-turn mowers are blade size, transmission, accessory capabilities and cost. Blade size is important to keep consistent with the size of your lawn. Obviously longer blades are best for larger lawns, but begin to sacrifice a little bit of the agility afforded by a smaller blade. 

Transmission is also an important consideration for a zero-turn mower. Most zero turn mowers do not have manual transmissions, but have either automatic or hydrostatic transmissions. Automatic works just like an automatic car does with a gas pedal and belts. Hydrostatic transmissions use fluid to transfer their power to the blades and the rest of the engine. I prefer and recommend hydrostatic transmissions because they typically require less maintenance and have a longer life (plus it feels a lot smoother).

Cost is generally of the utmost importance as well. Zero-turn mowers are expensive. In fact, you can buy an old Honda Civic for less than most zero turn mowers. Expect to spend no less than $3,000 for a zero turn mower. Keep in mind that these will last a long time and save you a ton of weekend time when compared to a riding tractor or push mower. Zero turn mowers are an upfront investment, but reap a huge return over time. If you own a landscaping company, you can depreciate these bad boys over time (ask your accountant).

John Deere and Gravely make great American-made mowers.

John Deere’s Accel Deep Mower Decks

The Accel Deep mower deck is found on John Deere’s zero turn mowers and is a really cool differentiator that helps you perfect your mow. Here’s how it works.

It basically is a single block of well-constructed metal that helps maintain the structural integrity of the deck. This deck also has a steel reinforced bar that keeps it together even more. 

Accel deep decks are SWEET.

The deck also comes with super easy to adjust anti-scalp wheels which help you move between different types of terrain. 

But my favorite part is the depth of the deck, which allows increased airflow that stands the grass up like it’s being pulled by a comb. A few Toro mowers also have this feature and it allows for a super even cut without missing any spots. 

You can read more about it from Hutson, Inc who wrote a long form post just on this topic.

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5 Powerful Dewalt String Trimmers: Tested & Ranked

The best Dewalt String Trimmer is the Dewalt 20V Max brushless weed eater because it is a part of a large battery 20V battery system, has a brushless motor, and is relatively inexpensive.

String Trimmers are a new world for Dewalt. They have a pretty dominant Dewalt blower collection, they’ve got a nice battery powered Dewalt mower that we reviewed, and they even have some pressure washers.

But before you make a decision to pull the trigger on a Dewalt String Trimmer, make sure you understand exactly what you’re looking for and which Dewalt string trimmer is right for you and your job. 

Jump ahead to the best Dewalt String Trimmers Ranking:

  1. Dewalt 20V Max Brushless Weed Eater
  2. Dewalt 60V Max Attachment Capable Brushless Weed Eater
  3. Dewalt 60V Max Weed Eater
  4. Dewalt 27cc Gas String Trimmer
  5. Dewalt Trimmer Blower Combo Kit

Dewalt Weed Eaters: Ranked

When looking at the Dewalt weed eaters, I’m taking a few things into consideration. The true balance to finding the right string trimmer is assessing the price vs the usability and power. Of course you want the one that feels the easiest to use, has all the bells and whistles, and has extreme power. But not everyone can afford that. So here is how we approach it through the lens of value.

1.) Dewalt 20V Max Brushless Cordless String Trimmer Kit

We put this one at number one because it has all the bells and whistles and is extremely price competitive. It isn’t perfect. I wish it was a tad longer and had a little bit bigger cutting swath, but otherwise it’s darn near perfect. As part of Dewalt’s 20V Max series of tools, you can use the same battery you use for your power drill on this weed eater. Which means you can buy this version tool-only. Tool-only means that it doesn’t come with a battery, which saves you about $60 on the purchase price. Cha-ching.

Here’s what we love about this Dewalt weed eater:

  • A brushless motor that is going to last a LONG time
  • It weighs less than 9lbs, making it easy to use when walking around your yard or garden bed. 
  • Straight shaft that can split for easy storage.
  • Easy to load spool to add more weed eater string whenever you need it.
  • Ability to use 20V Max battery system from other tools you may already own.
  • Variable speed trigger so that you have total control over how much speed you want.
Has all the great pieces at a great price. Best Value.

Basically, this is as close to the whole package as possible without going over $250. These are for sale at Home Depot but can also be found on Amazon for an even lower price.

To us, this one is the most valuable Dewalt string trimmer money can buy. 

2.) Dewalt 60V Max Brushless Attachment Capable String Trimmer Kit

If the number one result is the most valuable Dewalt weed eater, then this one is the most versatile. We’ve reviewed quite a few attachment capable string trimmer kits and really loved the EGO Multi-Head, but this one is giving it a run for the money. It even made our list of the weed eaters with attachments.

The 60V Max Brushless attachment capable weed eater from Dewalt brought out ALL the bells and whistles when they made this one. When you buy this, you also have the ability to buy attachments like: a blower, pole saw, hedge trimmer, edger, and a brush cutter. So basically this has swiss army knife potential. That’s what I’m talking about.

Can save you a ton of money.

But don’t let the cool attachments overshadow just how sweet the weed eater is.  The weed eater alone is an absolute unit and even touts itself as being better than some of the popular EGO weed eaters. 

Here’s their evidence for making such a bold claim:

  • Brushless motor (EGO has this, too)
  • Up to 17 inch cutting swath (EGO’s is 15)
  • 12.8 lbs with the battery (EGO’s is 14.1)
  • Ability to add universal attachments, which allow you to use attachments from several other brands (EGO’s are custom fit to their tools)

The Dewalt 60V Max attachment capable weed eater is a dream. If you are a Dewalt loyalist, this tool is peak perfection – especially if you already own the battery.

This one can be grabbed from Home Depot for about $350 or from Amazon for about $320.

3.) Dewalt 60V Max Brushless Cordless String Trimmer

This 60V Max weed eater from Dewalt is really similar to the one above, but doesn’t come with the attachment capabilities. If you’re looking for JUST a baller weed eater, then this one is a great option. 

This Dewalt weed eater is an amped up version of our number one choice. But here’s the crazy thing: it can be backwards-compatible with the 20V Max series of batteries. This is a crazy tech capability because the 20V Max series of batteries are much more popular. 

Raw power

Think about it: if you have 60V Max batteries already or are building out your lawn tool collection around the 60V Max series, then this is a great investment because you can use the same batteries across all the tools. But what if you already own a Dewalt power drill with a 20V Max battery? Well….you’re still in luck because this weed eater can take those batteries as well.

Dewalt really thought through their customer base and how they can best provide solutions that meet their needs. The reverse compatibility is a huge advancement for saving them money and basically making it universally compatible with Dewalt’s entire line of products.

This one also has all the must-haves: variable speed trigger, brushless motor, straight shaft, decent length, and a 15 inch cutting swath. This Dewalt weed eater is SWEET.

You can grab it at Home Depot for about $300 but I’ve seen it for less on Amazon.

4.) Dewalt 27 cc 2-Stroke Straight Gas String Trimmer

Dewalt is not known for their gas-powered tools and definitely lesser  known in the lawn space. So this one seems risky. But the specifications on it are all extremely positive.

At first glance, this one reminds me of the ECHO SRM 225 or the Stihl FS 56 RC. Let me explain more:

  • 27 cc 2-cycle engine is more than ECHO’s and right in line with Stihl’s
  • A massive 17 inch cutting swath is best-in-class for gas weed eaters
  • It is attachment-capable, which is a huge money saver
  • It comes with a shoulder strap for saving your back

Dewalt really did a great job thinking through this product and designing it for homeowners with big yards and even for commercial use. It’s a dang beast.

Not bad!

One complaint I have is that the shaft length is a little on the shorter side for me. Otherwise this thing is sweet.

What really sells this one for me is that it has a 3 year limited warranty. A lot of these weed eaters have different warranties for commercial or residential use. Dewalt went all out with the 3 year warranty, which I appreciate since they aren’t well known in this space.

This one is available at Home Depot for a REALLY good price. Like a shockingly good price. We don’t get any benefit when you buy from them, but I think this is the place to get it.

5.) Dewalt 20V Max Trimmer Blower Combo Kit

We’ve written extensively about some of the trimmer blower combo kits that can save you a ton of money. Dewalt made the list. Now I know this is kind of cheating to have a combo kit on here, but it should be a part of the consideration process if you are in the market for a new battery-powered line of tools.

That’s what I love about battery powered lawn tools – you buy a kit like this one and you only have to buy one battery. That saves generally about $50-100 depending on the brand. That’s the way to go.

BOTH!

This features a 20V string trimmer similar to our number one option and a really great 20V Dewalt leaf blower that has made our top Dewalt blower list. 

The package together doesn’t fall squarely in this article, but I want to make sure you all understand how great of a deal it is if you’re considering joining the Dewalt family.

This one can be found on Amazon together for a ridiculous price but is also available online at Home Depot.

Best Weed Eater String / String Trimmer Line for Dewalt

Most of these Dewalt weed eaters come standard with a 0.80” weed eater string. It’s fine and all, but I totally leveled up my weed eater when I moved to the GrassKicker weed eater string. 

Yes, we developed it because we got tired of buying weed eater string that broke or didn’t give our yard the look we wanted. And we were shocked at the difference it made.

Our GrassKicker weed eater string fits into every Dewalt weed eater and will make a noticeable difference in the cut. It basically replaced my edger altogether and lasts WAY longer than the stock weed eater string.

Final thoughts: Dewalt’s weed eater collection

While they aren’t a household name (yet), Dewalt is moving into the game with some great products. You can’t go wrong with any of these, it really comes down to how big of a job you have in front of you.

All of these have a great warranty and most of the battery-powered tools will work – as long as you stay in the MAX series of batteries.

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. 

This is 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.

What to look for in a weed eater

Weed eaters AKA string trimmers come in all shapes and sizes. They aren’t highly complicated pieces of equipment, but they do have a few nuances. Here is how I see it:

Feel

Obviously this is subjective, but feel is everything to me. I have had weed eaters in the past where the handle is off to the side, making me torque my shoulders and back. If you can, get as many adjustable pieces as possible to make this customizable. It doesn’t seem like you use a weed eater for a long time, but the work is precision work that requires a steady hand and focus.

Motor

Brushless motors are a non-negotiable when it comes to battery powered weed eaters. Without a doubt,  they are the best option to ensure you have maximum torque, more durability, and a longer life. These things are top notch performance and will be the only option when others start to catch on.

Curved vs Straight shaft

 I always, always, always prefer straight shafts. They are so much easier to use and control and are much longer than curved shafts. Curved shafts are good for clearing out a small piece of land unable to be mowed. But if you want to actually do some good trimming and edging, a straight shaft is much better. Curved shafts are difficult to maneuver and to create a straight line for edging. 

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ECHO vs Stihl String Trimmers: Comparison Guide

I like the Stihl FS 56 RC compared to the ECHO SRM 225 because it provides a more powerful cut. ECHO and Stihl weed eaters are the gas-powered string trimmers of choice for both commercial and residential use. Both have a reputation for raw power, insane durability, and great performance.

We have extensively reviewed ECHO weed eaters AND Stihl weed eaters and found the two that are most comparable from each brand in the residential space. 

The ECHO SRM225 weed eater and the Stihl FS 56 RC weed eater are not only the two most popular, but also extremely similar in just about every way. If you’re looking to pull the trigger (pun intended) on buying one of these, then you need to make sure you read the below deep dive.

Jump ahead:

ECHO SRM 225 vs Stihl FS 56 RC weed eater: Head-to-head comparison

Alright, y’all – let’s get to comparing these two string trimmers. We should walk through a power comparison, how these both feel to operate, maintenance, and price/value. Here we go!

Power comparison between ECHO and Stihl weed eaters

Let me start by saying in a blinded test between the two, the power output feels almost identical. I’ve used my trusty Stihl for a long time, but every time I walk by my neighbor’s lawn he has some seriously nice edges around his yard that he did with his ECHO SRM225. 

But if we want to get all technical, the Stihl FS 56 RC has about 25% more cc’s of power output. This is more than enough for the average homeowner and will really help you take it from an around-the-house weed eater to a dense brush-cutting beast. 

The powerful head of the ECHO SRM 225.

Both the ECHO and Stihl weed eaters are good for anything residential and had similar cutting power for just about everything we did in our driveway and around our back deck. The only real difference was that the Stihl felt like it accelerated more quickly than the ECHO. At top speeds, however, it was harder to tell. ECHO’s SRM 225 reaches an RPM (rotations per minute) of nearly 9,000 whereas the Stihl string trimmer reaches closer to 10,000 RPM. 

It’s clear that the Stihl is the more powerful string trimmer when compared to the ECHO. At the end of the day, both are more than enough power for residential use. But if you have any brush in your backyard that you want to slice down, the Stihl FS 56 RC is going to get it done faster.

Comparing usability between ECHO and Stihl

When I’m evaluating user experience I always use my shoulder as the gauge for how easy a weed eater is to use. What I’ve found that impacts the way my shoulder feels are two things:

  • The weight of the string trimmer
  • How long the shaft is

These two things have more impact than a harness or balance or anything else. For me, longer shafts provide more control, which may seem counterintuitive. But I liken it to a surgeon using a scalpel. I have much more nuance when controlling the weed eater when the shaft is longer. Small movements make delicate cuts and shapes in whatever I’m working on.

Me using the FS 56 RC weed eater from Stihl.

The Stihl FS 56 RC weed eater comes in at 10.5 lbs whereas the ECHO SRM 225 weighs just over 11.5 lbs. That extra pound makes a difference when you’re bent over walking around your yard for 25 minutes.

The ECHO SRM 225 has about 5 inches of length on the Stihl FS 56 RC, however. At 71 inches, ECHO trumps the Stihl’s 66 inches in length. 

This is a tough one, but I would honestly trade in the extra 5 inches for the extra pound of weight.

The ECHO SRM 225 wins the user experience comparison.

Which is easier to maintain, Stihl or ECHO?

When it comes to maintenance of weed eaters, there are only a few things to keep in mind. About once per quarter, you’ll want to replace the air filter on both the ECHO and Stihl weed eaters. With heavier use, you may have to replace the spark plug as well, but realistically that may be an every year or even every other year replacement. 

The SRM 225 is a beaut.

Otherwise, both ECHO and Stihl recommend making sure that the drive shaft is greased and the fuel filters are inspected and cleaned. Neither of these string trimmers require much maintenance, but they do have some small things to watch out for. 

Using the right weed eater string for both is important to preserve performance. Both come with a stock string trimmer line, but we recommend using our .095” green weed eater string that is triangle-shaped. 

We tested this string against a TON of other weed eater strings and it was far and above the absolute best. 

Price and value: ECHO vs Stihl

The ECHO SRM 225 comes in at about $230 depending on where you buy it, which I recommend checking the price here at Home Depot. The price on the Stihl fluctuates wildly but the Stihl FS 56 RC is about $220-250 and can be purchased at Ace Hardware.

Y’all – this is relatively straight forward. The Stihl is the better option between the two. It not only provides a more powerful cut but often comes in at a lower price. This thing is going to last you for a long time and is definitely the better value.

The Best Weed Eater String for Stihl and ECHO string trimmers

Y’all – we developed our own weed eater string that is designed to be the most powerful, durable, and visible on the planet. It is INSANELY good. Check it out below – we tested it against DOZENS of other string trimmer lines.

Final words: Stihl string trimmer vs ECHO

While I was doing the testing for this article, I really didn’t know which would be better. I loved my Stihl but thought my neighbor’s ECHO was just the same, if not better. After using both and doing some deep research on the technical specifications, the Stihl was the clear winner.

The ECHO weed eater is a bit easier to use but is more expensive than the Stihl. The Stihl is more powerful, requires about the same amount of maintenance, is lighter, and comes in at about 15% cheaper than the ECHO.

The winner? Stihl FS 56 RC. 

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. 

How we spend our time now.

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.

What to look for in a weed eater

Weed eaters come in all shapes and sizes. They aren’t highly complicated pieces of equipment, but they do have a few nuances. Here is how I see it:

Feel and Ease of Use

Obviously this is subjective, but feel is everything to me. I have had weed eaters in the past where the handle is off to the side, making me torque my shoulders and back. If you can, get as many adjustable pieces as possible to make this customizable. It doesn’t seem like you use a weed eater for a long time, but the work is precision work that requires a steady hand and focus.

Engine Type and maintenance

For residential use, you don’t need a whole lot of power, but if you’re picking between two, you might as well make a point to compare the two. More cc displacement means more power, but how efficiently is it being delivered? How easy is it to replace the air filter or spark plug?

Curved vs Straight shaft 

 I always, always, always prefer straight shafts. They are so much easier to use and control and are much longer than curved shafts. Curved shafts are good for clearing out a small piece of land unable to be mowed. But if you want to actually do some good trimming and edging, a straight shaft is much better. Curved shafts are difficult to maneuver and to create a straight line for edging. Both of these weed eaters have straight shafts, so you’re in good hands.

Not a fan!

Price and value

Of course price is important – but more important than price is how much value it provides.

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EGO 56V Blower vs Ryobi 40V Blower: Comparison Guide

EGO vs Ryobi leaf blowers is a new beef. These are the two top battery-powered leaf blower brands on the market and they’re facing off. I like the EGO blower better because it feels sturdier and is more powerful.

Rocky vs. Ivan Drago. They’re both beasts. They’ve both been working their whole life for this. 

And we are officiating. It got messy and involved an unmanned office chair spinning out of control.

Luckily, we got our hands on the EGO 765 CFM leaf blower and the Ryobi 40V 730 CFM Brushless Whisper Series blower. Here is what we tested on both:

And there was only one winner. Let’s dive right in. 

***SPOILER***: We give the advantage to the EGO 765 CFM blower because it’s more powerful with a longer run-time. You can grab it on Amazon for a great price.

EGO 56V vs Ryobi 40V Whisper Blower: A Breakdown

Let me tell you – this wasn’t an easy comparison. These are the two premier battery powered leaf blowers on the market and you honestly can’t go wrong with either.

But c’mon – one of them has to be better, right? 

Let’s find out.

User Experience: EGO compared to Ryobi blowers

Using both the EGO and Ryobi blowers, the first question we got was about sound. One of the main benefits of using battery powered blowers is that they don’t have nearly the same noise levels as gas powered blowers.

Sound and noise from EGO and Ryobi blowers

EGO had a lower-pitched whirring sound whereas Ryobi had a much higher frequency screaming noise. The Ryobi 40V blower is a part of the Whisper series of equipment from Ryobi. While it was definitely a lower decibel level than the EGO, it had an unpleasant high-pitched noise that wasn’t much better honestly.

Weight

From a weight perspective, the EGO comes in at 9.4lbs whereas the Ryobi is a little lighter right at 9lbs. Weight is important when using a blower because without a strap, you’re on the hook for holding these during the entire duration of your blowing experience. If you’re going to be out there for a decent amount of time, then you need to make sure you have a lightweight blower to get the job done. Fortunately, these are both relatively lightweight when compared to a gas blower but slightly heavier than many other electric blowers.

Exactly 9.4 lbs.

Controlling these two blowers is easy

From a control perspective, I’m looking for something that gives me total control over the speed of the blower that is easy to adjust and access on the fly.

Both the EGO and Ryobi blowers have a variable speed control trigger, meaning you can control how much power you’ve got at any moment in time. 

Cruise control thumb adjustment and turbo button.

Both have a cruise control function that can be adjusted with the thumb with the same hand that controls the variable speed trigger (for right-handers only).

Both the Ryobi and EGO blowers have a turbo button, which takes it from their base level of CFMs up to their maximum (more on that later).

Overall, both offer similar controls and come in at almost the exact same weight. If you’re looking to pick one based on user experience, the differentiating factor between the EGO and Ryobi blowers is the sound. One is louder, one has a funnier noise – it comes down to preference. Listen to both on our video to see which one you prefer.

Battery Life – EGO vs Ryobi blowers

Both the EGO and Ryobi both have lithium ion batteries, meaning they put out the same amount of power regardless of whether they have 5% battery life or 95%. 

Ryobi’s 40V battery that comes on the whisper series brushless blower is a 4 Ah 40V battery. You can use other 40V batteries from them with higher or lower Ah, but the 4.0 comes standard. The higher the Ah, the longer the battery will run. 

The EGO 765 CFM blower comes with a 5 Ah battery but can handle more as well. 

Run time comparison of EGO and Ryobi batteries

Here at The Lawn Review we like to get a little wild. So our first run-time test is going to compare the two blowers with their triggers and turbo buttons zip-tied down. 

This part took a while.

The results looked like this: 

  • EGO turbo button run time: 15 minutes
  • Ryobi turbo button run time: 12 minutes

Pretty close but 3 minutes matter when you’re standing out in the sun!

Next was the highest speed without the turbo button. Again, we used zip ties and got these results:

  • EGO full speed blower run time: 25 minutes
  • Ryobi full speed blower run time: 16 minutes

The last speed test for us was the low speed test. We zip tied these ones on the lowest setting and well….it took a while.  Here were the results:

  • EGO low speed blower run time: 157 minutes
  • Ryobi low speed blower run time: 90 minutes 

While the majority of the run time differences come down to the difference in Ah between the  two, I didn’t expect them to be that stark. The EGO definitely wins this category.

The last battery test was how long it takes to get to a full recharge using the EGO and Ryobi battery chargers. 

Here’s how long it took:

  • Ryobi 40V battery charge time: 70 minutes
  • EGO 56V battery charge time: 53 minutes

Ryobi pulls this one out with a faster battery run time at under an hour. 

The EGO blower is more powerful than Ryobi

What may be the most important category yet, things start to get really wild when we compare power. I’m talking out-of-control-spinning-office-chair-wild. 

But first, a quick intro into how power is measured in blowers. Both the EGO and Ryobi blower use brushless motors, which means they use magnets to help transfer electrons instead of brushes. Brushes were prone to become fried due to the constant friction inside of the motor, leading to early deaths and overheating.

CFM vs MPH explained

CFM and MPH are the two most important things in assessing power for the blower. CFMs dictate the amount of volume that comes out of the blower whereas MPH refers to the speed at which the air leaves. If you recall from the beginning of this post, high CFMs typically mean a big burst of air. High MPH means the air is moving really quickly. They often have an inverse relationship where one is high and the other is low. 

In both of these blowers, the CFMs and MPH are super high. The EGO has 765 CFMs when on full turbo at 200 MPH. That’s crazy. The Ryobi has 730 CFMs at 190 MPH. These are both insane when on turbo mode. 

To test this, we blew a pile of dirt off of a plywood to compare their relative power.

Scientific? No. Visually appealing? Yes.

The EGO blew away (pun intended) the Ryobi in this test. 

To take it up a notch, we decided to use the scientific and professional face test. Yes, we put Tyler’s face in front of the blowers and had him tell us which was the most powerful. The results were clear:

Okay definitely NOT scientific but fun.

The EGO was more powerful – much like sticking your head out of a plane, whereas the Ryobi was like sticking it out of a fast moving car. Neither felt good. 

Next up was the spinning chair fiasco. Nobody sustained serious injuries during this test. But we attached both blowers to the arms of a spinning office chair and turned them on to see which one would win with both blowing at the same time. 

Things got out of hand.

It was a hard cycle to stop. But the EGO won.

The EGO is definitely the more powerful of the two.

Price and Warranty: EGO vs Ryobi blower

The warranties on both the EGO and Ryobi are identical – a 5 year tool warranty and a 3 year battery warranty. They are great and this gives me a lot of comfort as an owner of both. 

The Ryobi comes in at around $300 including the blower and two 4 Ah batteries. You can grab it from your local Home Depot, where I’ve seen it for the best price.

The EGO 56V blower will cost about $320 and come with the single 5 Ah battery. It can be purchased at Lowe’s or on Amazon with the battery for a great price. 

So which is better, EGO or Ryobi blower?

Let me start by saying that I own both of these so I am trying to be as unbiased as humanly possible. The Ryobi is probably the better deal, but  the performance of the EGO is worth $20 to me. 

The EGO is slightly heavier but much more powerful and has longer lasting batteries. With the turbo button engaged, it is unrivaled in the handheld electric blower space. 

Both are great – but if you’d like to check out the EGO 765 blower, check it out on Amazon. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, we wrote a great post comparing the 765 CFM blower to the 650 blower.

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 spend our time now.

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. 

What to look for in an electric blower

 Cordless blowers come in a bunch of shapes and sizes but there are three basic things you need to understand:

CFMs on blowers

Cubic feet per minute. This is a measure of air output on the blower. Higher CFM = more power, but not necessarily more miles per hour. High CFM with a wide nozzle = lower MPH. High CFM with a narrow nozzle = high miles per hour. Ideally, you want both a high CFM with a narrow to medium nozzle for most residential jobs.

Usability

What is the point of having a blower if it is hard to use? Have to get one that is lightweight, easy to start, and has some functions that make your life easier. One thing I look for here is how the weight is distributed. I also look for things like variable speed control, sound, and how easy it is to reach or change controls like cruise control.

Motor type

Brushless motors reign supreme. Brushless motors are cooler running motors with more torque, a longer run-time, and last many more years. These are a no brainer when picking a blower.

These are three technical things you need to pay attention to when looking through the specifications. 

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