Category: Comparison Guides

The place to compare lawn tools side-by-side

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5 Classic Honda Pressure Washers For Home Use

honda pressure washer

Honda pressure washers are extremely popular. My favorite pressure washer with a reliable Honda engine is the Simpson Megashot 2800 PSI pressure washer.

My Dewalt Pressure Washer with a Honda Engine.

There are a few reasons why Honda is the small engine provider of choice for a lot of these brands: they’re extremely reliable (just like their cars), everyone recognizes them, and they are flat out powerful.

Today, I’m going to walk you through an overview of Honda pressure washer engines then highlight which Honda pressure washers are our favorites. 

Let’s get started!

Best Honda Pressure Washers, Ranked:

  1. Simpson MegaShot 2800 PSI 2.3 GPM
  2. Craftsman 3300 PSI 2.4 GPM Gas Pressure Washer
  3. Simpson PowerShot 3300 PSI 2.5 GPM
  4. Simpson MSH3125 MegaShot 3200 PSI
  5. Ryobi 3100 PSI 2.3 GPM Pressure  Washer

How I tested these Honda pressure washers

I have been using pressure washers for decades. Basically, my “friend” would always get me to come help him with pressure washer and paint jobs – he owned his own business. That’s when I really started to pick up on the power differences in pressure washers and did some early stage testing.

Now I own and have tested over a dozen pressure washers and love my job. When I’m testing these pressure washers, I am always looking to evaluate the actual PSI that comes out, portability, convenience, and of course what type of job I am doing.

Best Honda Pressure Washers: Ranked

I’m going to rank the Honda pressure washer engine primarily from the lens of a normal homeowner looking for a powerful, reliable pressure washer that is likely available at their local home improvement store. I’ll also throw in a bonus ranking for the best Honda commercial pressure washer. Let’s get after it.

1. Simpson MegaShot 2800 PSI 2.3 GPM pressure washer

The Simpson MegaShot 2800 PSI 2.3 GPM (MS60773) pressure washer made the top of our list for a few reasons. For starters, it is in the sweet spot for power for the average homeowner. 2800 PSI isn’t going to blast away the most insane paint stains, but it will definitely be enough to get your driveway clean. 

What I really appreciate after reviewing a bunch of electric pressure washers with similar PSIs is just how much more efficient gas pressure washers are when it comes to gallons per minute. While this Simpson MegaShot pressure washer is in the same power ballpark as many electric pressure washers, it does so much more efficiently with more volume to help tackle jobs more quickly. 

Here are some more features we love about this Honda pressure washer:

  • Never Flat tires which means you won’t have to worry about keeping the air pumped up, or heaven forbid, replacing the tires
  • A 25 foot hose that’s very durable
  • The lovely Honda GCV170 engine
  • 4 quick connect nozzles that make changing out tips extremely easy (just don’t lose them)
  • A steel frame that keeps it upright and is crazy durable

Oh – and the best part is that it comes in at just over $350 and can be bought at Home Depot online.

Classic Honda Pressure Washer.

There’s a reason this one is so popular. It has everything the average homeowner could want in a pressure washer that’s built to last. 

2. Craftsman 3300 PSI 2.4 GPM Gas Pressure Washer

If you’re looking for a power upgrade from the Simpson pressure washer above, you may be looking for the Craftsman 3300 PSI 2.4 GPM pressure washer. Craftsman is a dominant brand in the lawn tool space because they make everything. Mowers, blowers, chainsaws and way, way more. 

But they also make some sweet pressure washers. This one is very similar to the Simpson that we ranked number one but has 20% more PSI and 0.1 more GPM. It isn’t going to be a crazy noticeable difference when you use it, but you’ll be able to feel the power when you start applying it to the pavement. This one can definitely be used for some paint stripping, so be careful if that’s not what you’re going for. I’ve used a pressure washer similar to this to get some old paint off of my front porch and it worked like a charm. 

Photo cred: Lowe’s – where you can grab this.

Here are a few other features that stand out with this Honda pressure washer:

  • The powerful Honda GCV200 engine
  • 1 foot tall never-flat wheels – super easy to move around and won’t get popped.
  • 5 quick connect nozzles, including a “second story nozzle” that shoots the water high up for window cleaning
  • A large soap tank on board
  • Easy storage
  • A 30 foot hose for 5 feet of extra reach above the Simpson

It was honestly tempting to get this bad boy as number one on our list, but at just under $500 I thought it might be out of most folks’ budgets (including mine). 

All-in-all, if you can make the leap to this one it is going to be just a s reliable and comes with even more power. It’s also available at Lowe’s or online at several places.

3. Simpson PowerShot 3300 PSI 2.5 GPM pressure washer

This one is a big leap from the other two because it can truly serve in both a commercial and residential setting. It’s a great mixture of power, beauty, and versatility.

Let’s start with looks – the dang thing just looks cool. It comes with big, thick, rubber tires that allow you to take it over gravel or other rough terrain. Never Flat tires are amazing for around the house, but get you into trouble for uneven surfaces.

Classic foldable design.

But what you can’t see is the work Simpson took to make the plunger pump deliver even higher pressure at the tip of the nozzle. The hose itself is 1/16th of an inch bigger, allowing for maximum water delivery to help demolish whatever is in its path. 

Here’s what stood out to us about the Simpson PowerShot:

  • It has a Honda GX200 engine
  • Has PowerBoost technology (the  improved plunger pump)
  • A thicker hose
  • The all-terrain tires

One major drawback to this one is that it doesn’t come with a soap tank and doesn’t have a variable speed design. So basically it can only be used for pure power delivery. It’s like Shaquille O’Neal – only has one speed and that is pure power.

This thing can be picked up from Home Depot online or in-store for a really good price.

4. Simpson MSH3125 MegaShot 3200 PSI Gas Pressure Washer

Have to love what Simpson has here and I’m honestly surprised to see this one at such a good deal.

Earlier in this ranking I spoke about how the Honda GCV200 series is a step up from the GCV190. But the GCV190 motor was still a beast and was a part of some of the most popular pressure washers and lawn mowers of all time. 

Steal on wheel(s).

The MegaShot 3200 PSI pressure washer has a GCV190, and while it isn’t the newest, shiniest thing on the block, it still has insane performance. Here’s what I love about the Simpson MegaShot:

  • Same thick tires as the one above
  • Great PSI at 3200 and equally great GPM at 2.5
  • 5 Quick connect heads
  • A great warranty
  • A 25 foot hose

But the best part – this thing is currently on sale at Amazon for about $320.

It’s also for sale at Home Depot – make sure to price compare!

5. Ryobi 3100 PSI 2.3 GPM Pressure  Washer

While this one barely missed our list of our favorite Ryobi pressure washers, it is still a solid choice. Ryobi makes some great products and while they aren’t as commercially focused or experienced as Simpson or Craftsman, they make some great budget friendly pressure washers.

Not bad! Photo cred: Home Depot – where you can grab it.

But there’s still a lot to like about this one. Here are some of our favorites:

  • Honda GCV170 engine
  • 5 nozzles just like the others
  • Onboard soap tank
  • A 35 foot hose, which is significantly longer than the others
  • 12 inch Never Flat tires

On paper, this thing is sweet. While I would rather take the Simpson home with me and introduce it to my parents, this one is a great alternative if you are a Ryobi loyalist.

My neighbor owns this one and sadly one of the O-Rings broke on the hose intake connection point. While this is anecdotal and a one-time occurrence, I can’t help but question the long-term durability of this Ryobi pressure washer.

Either way, this pressure washer comes in at just around $450 and is available at Home Depot. 

Why we review pressure washers

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 – reviewing and comparing lawn tools.

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 features to look for in a Honda pressure washer

Honda pressure washers make it relatively easy to knock off one of the biggest must-haves on your list: a reliable and powerful engine. But there are a few other things we recommend truly making sure are available when searching for a new pressure washer.

Nozzles Matter

  • When choosing a pressure washer, you should pay attention to the nozzles included in the package. Two types of spray nozzles are available, adjustable spray nozzles that can be controlled and quick-connect nozzles with predefined spray patterns.  
  • The predefined spray patterns typically come in different angles, allowing for you to quickly switch between a broad, lower pressure spray or a narrow, higher pressure stream.
  • Quick connect nozzles are super convenient, but they’re almost like airpods – you can lose them!

Soap tank availability

  • Additionally, you may want to consider a soap tank-equipped pressure washer. Some of these pressure washers have “foam cannons” where you can simply add some soap and it will mix it in with the water. Pretty cool.
  • I recommend a soap tank for cars and windows.

Wheels on pressure washers

  • Despite these seemingly minor features, they can have a big impact, especially with larger units. No sense in lugging around one of these in your yard and tripping all over the place.
  • Some pressure washers have a tendency to flip over and be top heavy, so make sure the base is sturdy.
  • If you’re on the job site, keep an eye out for never-flat tires that will protect the wheels in case there are spare nails laying around.

Hose types

  • There’s a big difference between how easy or difficult it is to use a pressure washer based on the kind of hose that comes with it. Stiff, rigid hoses make it extremely difficult to have any maneuverability without messing up the job or knocking over the base.
  • Length is also important for pressure washer hoses as you can end up in a tight spot, literally, if you don’t have enough reach.
  • Check out the two great pressure washer hoses that we compared for an upgrade

Don’t want to buy? Check out your options for renting a pressure washer.

Honda GCV170 vs GCV200 Pressure Washer Engines

You may remember the old GCV160 and GCV190 from Honda, particularly in a lot of their older lawn mowers, like the Honda HRN mower.

With the new Honda GCV170 and GCV200 pressure washers, they’ve simplified the design of their engines and added a few upgrades to help distinguish them even further from the competition. 

Let’s check out the upgrades:

GCV170 and GCV200 Pressure Washer Engine Upgrades

I’m going to try to keep it not too technical here, but the GCV170 and GCV200 have some very fuel efficient upgrades in addition to making them more compact, lightweight, and easy to start and maintain, including:

  • Overhead valve configuration allowing for increased power output
  • More torque across the entire spectrum of RPMs
  • An Auto Choke System
  • Bigger fuel opening to reduce spills
  • Easy access maintenance points
  • Cycloflow technology which makes the engine easier to start
  • It’s lighter

GCV170 vs GCV200 engine comparison

The major difference between the GCV170 and the GCV200 Honda pressure washer engines is in how much power they can put out across the range of RPMs. 


At 2500 RPMs, the GCV170 puts out about 4 HP whereas the GCV200 puts out 4.5. At the top of the range, the 170 puts out nearly 5 HP whereas the GCV200 is going to be above 5.5.

Both are marked improvements above the GCV160 and GCV190, respectively. 

Here’s a cool chart that Honda put out to highlight the differences:

This is a great explainer.

GPM and PSI on electric pressure washers

GPM stands for gallons per minute. This measures how quickly water is leaving the end of the electric pressure washer. PSI stands for pounds per square inch and is a measure of pressure that is being applied out of the electric pressure washer.

If this is confusing to you, you’re not alone. In reality, if you are looking for power, you want both. They work hand-in-hand to deliver water from the machine at a high rate and effective and efficient volume.

For reference, a pressure washer can have a high PSI but a low GPM, meaning it is able to have a high pressure but generally not over a large area. Having both a high PSI and high GPM means that it’s coming out fast and it’s producing a more effective stream.

Likewise, you can also have a low PSI and higher GPM. This is a good ratio for cleaning cars because you get a lot of water at a safer pressure.

Final words about Honda pressure washers

What is there to say? You still drive by 1984 Honda Civics every day. Honda builds stuff that is meant to last. But their small engines are set apart because they aren’t only super reliable – but freakishly powerful as well. 

You’re in good hands with Honda pressure washers – especially if you are checking out the new GCV200 or GCV170 series from them. 

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5 Durable Huqsvarna String Trimmers for Any Yard

The Husqvarna 128LD is the best Husqvarna string trimmer because it is affordable, easy to use, and can work for both residential and commercial landscaping.

The classic.

Husqvarna string trimmers are some of the baddest on the market. Bad in a good way, of course. They are extremely powerful, reliable, and trusted by folks all across the industry. But there’s a ton of them. I’m talking about over 20 different string trimmers made by Husqvarna.

So, let’s get started.

Jump ahead:

Only the best Husqvarna String Trimmers

Husqvarna weed eaters will be evaluated by the above criteria, but also with price in mind. Husqvarna products aren’t sold everywhere and can often be found at Lowe’s or some specialty heavier equipment stores. Let’s jump right in!

Best Husqvarna String Trimmer for Residential Use: 128LD

When it comes to residential use, I have way more options and am going to really care about the experience. I want something easy to use, affordable, and can get my yard looking pristine on the first pass.

We love the Husqvarna 128LD string trimmer. It has a ton of power, comes at a decent price point, has the reliability of gas power, and is a beast. Here’s what we love about the 128LD for homeowners:

  • 17 inch cutting swath – which is professional grade and more than you’ll get from any battery operated weed eater.
  • Lightweight at around 12lbs, which means you won’t destroy your shoulder lugging this around your yard.
  • Straight shaft – which is always preferred for residential string trimmers.
  • Easy to start thanks to the Smart Start recoil system that Husqvarna has put in their fuel pump.
  • A detachable shaft which makes transporting or storage easier in your garage.
Photo cred: Husqvarna.

The 128LD was designed for homeowners to bring the power of commercial use to the budget and comfort level of the normal person. It’s also decently affordable at just under $250 and can be found at Lowe’s. 

I also like the loop handle on this which lets me crank it on its side to use for edging our yard as well. 

Best Husqvarna String Trimmer for Commercial Use: 525L

When it comes to commercial use, you want something that is comfortable and reliable. Easy to start and isn’t going to give you a ton of problems. The name of the game is speed.

The Husqvarna 525L commercial string trimmer is my favorite because it has a huge cutting swath, is light as a feather, and doesn’t go overboard with features – which makes it an incredible price.

In particular, I like that the 525L has:

  • A straight shaft that is just about 6 feet long, giving you serious precision. It’s almost a foot and a half longer than the weed eater above.
  • An 18 inch cutting swath for serious power and easy edging in addition to trimming
  • Super lightweight at under 10 lbs, easy to carry around and toss in the back of the truck
  • One of the lowest priced commercial string trimmers by Husqvarna at just around $350

One thing not on the list of things I like is that the 525L doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles. In my experience, the more new parts and computer controlled pieces on board, the likelier it is to break or be more expensive to service.

They all look the same honestly.

With this one, it’s always been an air filter, spark plugs, new weed eater string and that’s about it. You can also buy brush cutting blades or a harness later, but those are nice-to-haves.

Best Battery Operated Husqvarna String Trimmer: 325iLK

When it comes to battery-powered and electric weed eaters, I’m known to have a lot of opinions. In particular, we’ve spent extensive time reviewing one of the market leaders for a multi-head attachment system, the EGO Power+ Multi-Head Combo Kit. We loved it and EGO is super popular because they have a great battery system that works with tons and tons of tools. 

The EGO Multi-Head System.

Husqvarna has their own. The Husqvarna 325iLK string trimmer attachment system is pretty sweet as well. Knowing that Husqvarna is best-in-class with quality is what makes me feel like this system is going to be perfect for Husqvarna loyalists. But not for everybody. 

Here’s what I like:

  • Quick click operating system that allows you to easily detach and attach the attachments
  • An adjustable handle that is helpful when you move from things like a hedge trimmer attachment to a string trimmer attachment
  • A brushless motor – an absolute must-have that means it’s going to be more durable
  • It’s 70 inches long which gives you serious room for things like trimming hedges
  • A massive 16.5 inch cutting swath, which puts in the highest class for battery powered weed eaters

Here’s what I don’t like:

  • 40V 4Ah battery means that you aren’t going to get a long run-time with this.
  • Husqvarna is relatively new to the battery game – if you have another battery powered tool, I’d stick with that line and save big money on batteries.
Photo cred: Husqvarna.

It has pros and cons for sure, but I would definitely stick with gas if I am doing anything more than a small to mid sized yard. Husqvarna has a ways to go when it comes to maturing and refining their battery line-up, but this is a great start for anyone looking to dive in.

Best Curved Shaft Husqvarna String Trimmer: 122C

I am notoriously not a fan of curved shaft string trimmers but some people are and they have good use cases. Curved shaft is great if you hold the string trimmer face down instead of sideways. It’s helpful for cutting long grass where most areas can’t mow. 

The Husqvarna 122C string trimmer is a great curved shaft string trimmer for exactly that kind of use. Another great application for this is for really small yards or side yards that are narrow between houses. Basically, any type of domestic use is great but these are not often used in commercial settings. 

Not my cup of tea.

Here’s why we picked the 122C out of all of Husqvarna’s curved shaft weed eaters:

  • It’s dirt cheap without sacrificing quality
  • It’s got a 17 inch cutting swath, which is huge for a trimmer of this size
  • Extremely light

Guys, I’m admittedly not a huge fan of these and think they’re way too short to be practically used. If you’re going to grab one, I’d grab this one since it’s under $175. 

Best String Trimmer Line for Husqvarna String Trimmer

The best Husqvarna weed eater string is our .095” green, triangle-shaped weed eater string.

We tested dozens of weed eater strings in a bunch of different Youtube videos. Through this process, we discovered this was the perfect combination of attributes to make an indestructible, powerful, and highly visible string trimmer line. 

Final thoughts on Husqvarna and their weed eaters

Husqvarna weed eaters, like all of their other tools, are freaks of nature. Super well built, durable, and powerful lawn tools that will outlast  most, if not all, of your other tools.

You can grab some of these at Lowe’s or go straight to their website and get them shipped to your house. 

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. 

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.

About Husqvarna

Husqvarna is one of the most respected names in lawn care. Not only are they producers of great, high quality lawn care tools for residential property owners, but they also create really great machinery for commercial use in parks, golf courses, and all over construction sites.

These bad boys are serious.

Husqvarna’s bread and butter is the heavier, commercial machinery for sure. For example, they don’t have a huge presence in the push mower space, but have some absolute units in the zero-turn mower space. Likewise, they produce big boy commercial lawn mowers and chainsaws that you will see clearing forests. 

That being said, you can see how all of Husqvarna’s industry experience could lead to them making the best weed eaters known to man.

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 – 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.
  • Gas vs Battery Powered Motors – brushless motors are king if you are looking for a battery powered string trimmer.. They are longer lasting and more durable. Regular brushed motors are fine, too. The key difference here is that brushless motors use magnets, instead of friction, to power the motor. This means less heat, more durability, and a longer life. Gas engines are what they are – will last you your whole life but require quite a bit of maintenance, fuel, and are way noisier. But they are generally much more powerful.
  • 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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5 Powerful Electric Pressure Washers That Rival Gas

Electric pressure washers are on the rise because they have two underrated qualities: they are quiet and they are super easy to start. My favorite electric pressure washer is the Greenworks 3000 PSI pressure washer because it is extremely durable and provides a LOT of power.

You’re going to sacrifice a bit of power when it comes to these, but how much power do you need? For most homeowners, electric pressure washers are going to be more than enough power. 

I’ll explain more later, but my electric pressure washers are the second most satisfying tool on the planet. My sister-in-law bought one and finds excuses to use it. She is about as girly-girl as they come and she is constantly on the search for grime to blast away outdoors. 

But pressure washers are hard to compare. They all look the same, they have a ton of acronyms, and they cost a nice chunk of change. 

So today, we are going to break down what to look for in a pressure washer and give you the 5 best electric pressure washers in 2024.

We’ve reviewed all of these at length and even recorded videos of us using several of them on our YouTube channel.

Let’s get started. 

How I tested these electric pressure washers

I tested these electric pressure washers by checking out a few things. Obviously the PSI and GPM matter as well as the other technical specifications, but it’s also important to measure performance, bells and whistles (like number of nozzles and soap tanks), and portability.

I am using this pressure meter to test the claims!

With each of these, I did an actual test of the pressure (not the advertised test) and a similar test for gallons per minute using a 5 gallon bucket. It was a labor of love doing all this testing, but it helped me help you.

Seriously Powerful Electric Pressure Washers

Whereas most folks make you scroll down to the bottom to see the number one choice, I like to start at the top to not waste any of your time. I also think the number one choice is the absolute best, so you may not even need to scroll further. 

Here we go!

Updated Number One: Greenworks 3000 PSI pressure washer

The Greenworks 3000 PSI electric pressure washer is a VERY solid pressure washer. I got it, tested it extensively, and posted a review of it on my Youtube channel.

Not only does it look cool, but it is easily the best electric pressure washer I’ve ever used. Here are a few features that made me obsessed with it:

  • One of the highest PSI electric pressure washers on the market
  • A brushless motor that comes with a ten (10) year warranty. That is a crazy warranty and lets you know just how well this is constructed.
  • Really easy to store and wheel around. The wheels are huge and are never-flat, so you don’t have to worry about filling them up with air.
  • It comes with a ton of nozzles, including a turbo nozzle, that all store super conveniently on a little dashboard.
  • A high quality hose and a really good waterproof extension cord both come included in the purchase.

This thing did a great job cleaning off my deck and even concrete pavers in my backyard. I was impressed. It is also for sale on Amazon for a really good price.

1b. Ryobi 3000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer

We wrote about this Ryobi 3000 PSI electric pressure washer (which also ranked #1) on list of Ryobi Pressure Washer ranking. When I opened this post I said that electric pressure washers often exchange power for convenience and ease of use. The Ryobi 3000 PSI electric pressure washer does both.

We bought this one for our giveaway winner.

Yep – 3000 PSI is right up there with the Dewalt gas pressure washers and a whole bunch of others. This means you can likely take it beyond some household applications, such as spraying off graffiti or stripping paint off a fence. You can also tone it down to be used for washing a car or pressure washing your driveway.

While this has a really strong PSI, it is a little light on the GPM. Again, this means that you’ll have a strong stream but not quite the widest spray or most efficient surface.

But hey, it’s electric and this is about as good as it gets.

Here’s what I love about Ryobi’s 3000 PSI pressure washer BESIDES the power:

  • A push-button start
  • Never-flat tires that allow you to easily stroll it around a job site
  • A brushless motor
  • A big soap tank
  • BUILT IN NOZZLES on the tip of the sprayer, a cool treat

It’s easily one of the most powerful electric pressure washers on the market and the most powerful on today’s ranking. It’s extremely dynamic which is why we gave it such high marks.

It is a bit on the pricier side at about $450 and can be found at Home Depot.

2. Sun Joe SPX3500 2300 Max Psi Brushless Induction Electric Pressure Washer

Sun Joe is a slightly lesser known brand which is an offshoot of Snow Joe (and they also have Aqua Joe). They have one of the most popular pressure washers ever made and the top-seller on Amazon (also #5 on our list), the Sun Joe SPX3000. 

Definitely a cooler color scheme

The Sun Joe SPX3500 is basically the culmination of all the feedback received about the SPX3000. They went back and made it slightly more powerful, easier to carry around, more durable, and fixed a common problem – the hose connector. It used to be plastic and now it is brass on the 3500.

At 1.5 GPM, this is going to be more efficient at household jobs than the Ryobi, but won’t be able to deliver quite the same pressure.

Here’s what else we like about the SPX3500:

  • A solid 2300 PSI
  • The addition of a brushless motor
  • Black color – better looking
  • The ability to add a bunch of attachments
  • 1.5 GPM for an efficient job

Many people overlook the 3500 because it isn’t as popular as the 3000, but it went ahead and fixed all the complaints and is the superior option. 

Let me be clear – this is not the most powerful pressure washer in the world and doesn’t claim to be. But as far as electric pressure washers go, this one does a heck of a job.

You can grab it on Amazon for an extremely low price and I think that’s the only place you can get it.

3. Greenworks pro-2300 Max PSI 14 Amp brushless electric pressure washer

Greenworks is a great brand. They spend a lot of time making sure their claims are true and that their products hold up well. They nailed it with their PRO series 2300 PSI pressure washer. This  thing is sweet and the only reason I ranked it number three and not number two is that it is a bit more expensive than the Sun Joe.

Dominant.

Here’s what I love about this one:

  • Extremely sturdy – often underrated feature but it’s got a sturdy base and won’t topple over when you’re at the end of the hose
  • It has a brushless motor with water pressure-sensing technology that makes sure you have a consistent amount of pressure
  • It has a 25 foot hose and a 35 foot electrical cord which means you can go further than most
  • The power cord has an inline GFCI (little box with buttons), meaning you can plug it into just about any outlet without it getting in the way
  • It’s got a 2.3 GPM flow rate, which is extremely efficient. This means it is virtually the same pressure as the Sun Joe above, but at a much more efficient rate. Is it worth the extra money? I can be convinced by a good sale…

We’ve spoken with the guys at Greenworks who oversee pressure washers and they’re legit. They definitely know what they’re talking about. We’ve done a compilation of the Greenworks pressure washers, and this one is still number one – even when we compared it to the Sun Joe SPX4600.

If you’re looking for quality, this one is going to be your best bet. Just be prepared to pay a premium (which most of us will).

It’s available on their website or from Amazon for a moderate price, but still lower than most gas washers.

4. Worx Hydroshot Power Washer

While the Worx Hydroshot isn’t your classic pressure washer, I had to put this in the top five because it is so dang cool.

The Hydroshot is a battery-powered power washer that is totally portable. All you need is a body of water or a bucket and you’re good to go. It comes with this cool hose attachment that you can toss into a lake and use to wash off your bike, paddle board, or camping equipment.

You can also toss it in a bucket and wash off your kids shoes or your dog before getting back into the car. It’s like a high powered water gun designed to clean things.

Not your grandpa’s pressure washer.

Heck – you can even connect it to your pool and do some patio chair cleaning. The cool part about this is that it has a rotating nozzle on the end that can go from gentle spray to intense stream. 

These are really handy and if you’re an outdoor junkie, they are probably one of the coolest gifts you can buy.

You can grab it on Amazon for a great price (right now its like 40% off).

5. Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 Max PSI 1.76 GPM 14.5-Amp Electric High Pressure Washer

Yep, we still put the Sun Joe SPX3000 on this list because it is so dang popular. One of the best selling pressure washers of all time, they’re in hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of garages across the country. 

We like the SPX3000 because it is super simple to use, provides decent power, and is dirt cheap.

We made a full Youtube video about the SPX3000 and even compared it to the next best seller on Amazon. It was quite the battle.

Just a classic.

But the SPX3000 is great for toting around your yard and cleaning off fences, windows, cars, mailboxes – whatever. It is the small-to-medium sized homeowner’s dream. I wouldn’t take it to any work site, but for about 80% of Americans, this is the perfect combination of price, power, and ease of use. 

The great soap canisters.

We love that this has a soap tank and a bunch of detachable nozzles that make it extremely flexible and great for anything light duty.

Why we started The Lawn Review

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

How we spend our weekends.

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 pressure washer

You gotta know what to look for on these pressure washers. Some of these pressure washers look identical, but have small, nuanced differences that you need to keep an eye on.

Pressure washer nozzles

When choosing a pressure washer, you should pay attention to the nozzles included in the package. Two types of spray nozzles are available, adjustable spray nozzles that can be controlled and quick-connect nozzles with predefined spray patterns.  

The predefined spray patterns typically come in different angles, allowing for you to quickly switch between a broad, lower pressure spray or a narrow, higher pressure stream.

Quick connect nozzles are super convenient, but they’re almost like airpods – you can lose them!

Soap tanks on a pressure washer

Additionally, you may want to consider a soap tank-equipped pressure washer. Some of these pressure washers have “foam cannons” where you can simply add some soap and it will mix it in with the water. Pretty cool.

I recommend a soap tank for cars and windows.

Wheels are important

Despite these seemingly minor features, they can have a big impact, especially with larger units. No sense in lugging around one of these in your yard and tripping all over the place.

Some pressure washers have a tendency to flip over and be top heavy, so make sure the base is sturdy.

Pressure washer hose types

There’s a big difference between how easy or difficult it is to use a pressure washer based on the kind of hose that comes with it. Stiff, rigid hoses make it extremely difficult to have any maneuverability without messing up the job or knocking over the base.

Portability and weight

Even if this has the drawback of making the unit less powerful, a portable, smaller pressure washer will be a better choice if you have to move around or carry the unit with you. Most of us do this, especially if you are doing the exterior of your house.

Totally depends on the job you are trying to do.

Pressure washer motor type

We are looking for brushless motors as they are more reliable, more powerful, and have a much longer life. 

Not interested in buying? Try renting a pressure washer.

GPM and PSI on electric pressure washers

GPM stands for gallons per minute. GPM measures how quickly water is leaving the end of the electric pressure washer. PSI stands for pounds per square inch and is a measure of pressure that is being applied out of the electric pressure washer.

Here’s how it looks on the real deal.

If this is confusing to you, you’re not alone. In reality, if you are looking for power, you want both. They work hand-in-hand to deliver water from the machine at a high rate and effective and efficient volume.

For reference, a pressure washer can have a high PSI but a low GPM, meaning it is able to have a high pressure but generally not over a large area. Having both a high PSI and high GPM means that it’s coming out fast and it’s producing a more effective stream.

Likewise, you can also have a low PSI and higher GPM. This is a good ratio for cleaning cars because you get a lot of water at a safer pressure.

So what’s a good PSI for a pressure washer?

It depends on the job you want to do. For heavy duty jobs, you will need 3000 PSI pressure or higher. This is for things like stripping graffiti and is not as common for homeowners, unless you have teenagers.

Anything under 1000 PSI is going to be pretty weak, but still has a place – like cleaning the mud off of a dirt bike or washing down a surf board.

Between 1000 and 3000 PSI is the sweet spot for most homeowners. This will provide a decent amount of pressure to do things like cleaning windows, cars, driveways, patios, decks, etc. Obviously the higher up you go, the stronger job you can do. And per our lesson above, the more GPM, the faster you can get the job done.

Best Electric Pressure Washers: Parting Thoughts

As long as you’re getting an electric pressure washer with a good motor that is easy to use and delivers the power you want, then you’re going to get a good piece of equipment. There are definitely more than 5 good electric pressure washers on the market, but the ones that made this list are ones we’ve found to be both reliable, popular, and affordable.

Is gas more your thing? Check out the Honda GCV pressure washer series.

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5 Best EGO Weed Eaters I Tested This Year

EGO Weed Eaters are top of the line battery-powered tools. My favorite EGO weed eater is the ST1511T because it has serious width and is highly reliable – from the motor to the cutting head.

We’ve reviewed a TON of EGO content and recorded quite a few YouTube videos with their stuff, even giving away an EGO 765 CFM blower at one point – totally free!

But today I want to break down their new line of weed eaters. They basically all look the same, vary wildly in price, and have features that I haven’t seen anywhere else.

So buckle up and let’s get going.

Full ranking of EGO weed eaters:

  1. EGO Power+ ST1511T 15 inch Weed Eater
  2. EGO Power+ ST1623T 16-inch string trimmer
  3. EGO Power+ MHC1502 string trimmer and attachment kit
  4. EGO Power+ ST1502 Battery String Trimmer
  5. EGO Power+ ST1524 String Trimmer

5 EGO Weed Eaters (Ranked)

One thing that I love about EGO’s weed eaters is that they are all straight shafts. Which means they check one of my boxes already. They also all have a brushless motor and use the awesome 56V battery that EGO has so famously committed to. The main differentiating points with these weed eaters are the bells and whistles, so I’ll be extra sure to pick those apart and the minute differences that can cause $100+ swings in each of these.

Let’s get started:

1. EGO Power+ ST1511T 15 inch 56V PowerLoad Weed Eater with Telescopic Aluminum Shaft

I like to cut right to the chase and start with number one – the EGO ST1511T. I’m not sure what the numbers mean, but I know what I love about this EGO trimmer.

This thing has Powerload technology, which if you reference our dictionary above means that you can run the line through the head of the trimmer, press a button, and it will automatically wind it to the appropriate length. On this weed eater, that is a 15 inch-wide cutting swath which is the gold standard for residential weed eaters. 

The absolute must-haves that this one has: a brushless motor, a 45 minute run time (with the 2.5 Ah batteries, you can go higher if you want), and the ability to carry a .095 inch weed eater string. The EGO ST1511T weed eater checks the boxes. Now for the bells and whistles.

Best value in our opinion. Photo cred: Amazon.

This one has two-speed settings, which in reality I always use max speed for a weed eater unless I’m trying to be extra delicate around a bed of flowers or something. But the reason I really liked this one is that it has a telescopic aluminum shaft. That’s a fancy way of saying you can super easily change the length of this without it being complicated.

For me, this was a huge selling point. If you spend any time using a weed eater, you know how easy it is to tweak your back. You can either deal with it, get a strap, or get a weed eater like this one to be perfectly sized to your dimensions. 

For me, this was the winner. It also comes with a foldable split shaft that allows you to fold it if you’d like.

You can grab this one at a number of places, but I’ve found Amazon to be super convenient and often has the best price. You can grab it on Amazon here to see the most recent price or from your local Lowe’s using this link.

2. EGO Power+ ST1623T 16-inch 56V PowerLoad String Trimmer

So this is a slightly more powerful, pimped out version of our number one rating. As a reminder,  this is probably the premium EGO weed eater, but I chose my number one option because it is about $100 cheaper and has nearly similar performance.

The belle of the ball.

The ST1623T EGO weed eater also has a 56V battery, brushless motor, Powerload technology, and more. But it really differentiates itself with the Line IQ technology, which keeps the string at a specific length (16 inches) regardless of whether or not some breaks off.

Up close on the Line IQ.

This Line IQ technology from EGO sounds great, but it can also rip through trimmer line really easily. Usually you can tell that you’re losing string when it starts to rip off and you notice it getting shorter. This is a good sign that you need to back off whatever surface you’re cutting against. With the ST1623T and Line IQ technology, you will quickly burn through string before you learn your lesson. 

Otherwise, this weed eater comes with a carbon fiber shaft and a 4.0 Ah battery, which will give you a nice run time of about an hour. 

This one is also available on Amazon and if you’re looking to spend a bit more, you can get it for a decent price – still better than most gas trimmers. This one is also available at Lowe’s for a great price.

3. EGO Power+ MHC1502 Multi Combo Kit Power Head

We LOVE the EGO multi-tool combo kit. In fact, we did a super long YouTube video about it and have written extensively about it. Yeah, it is kind of cheating that this isn’t purely a weed eater, but if you’re looking for a solid weed eater that can also add on basically every other lawn tool, then this is a no-brainer. 

The attachment still slaps.

The weed eater attachment is great and honestly one that we use all the time, including in some of our biggest weed eater videos. It still has a 15 inch cutting swath and is backed by a brushless motor. 

The full power head.

We love the edger attachment but were most surprised with how great the hedge trimmer attachment was. 

Either way, this is a great one that can be bought at a ton of places, but we got ours on Amazon and bought like 5 different attachments for it. 

4. EGO Power+ ST1502 56V String Trimmer

The EGO ST1502 is a great string trimmer and I can’t knock it at all. It is totally fine,but it doesn’t quite have the bells and whistles the others do.

This thing is more like the Honda Civic of the EGO weed eater world. Reliable, dependable, nothing that can really go wrong. I like that. In fact, it is very similar to our number one option, it  just doesn’t have the cool telescoping handle and the Powerload technology.

But if you’re a normal guy or gal, this thing is going to fit you just fine. I would definitely grab this one if I were testing out EGO for the first time. It’s a low-risk, low-reward weed eater.

Some of the features include a 15 inch cutting swath, a brushless motor, variable speed control (which is actually way better than only having two speeds), and a split shaft for folding. 

Again, not all the bells and whistles but this also means fewer parts that can break down.

This one is also competitively priced and can be found on Amazon.

5. EGO Power+ ST1524 15 inch String Trimmer with Carbon Fiber Shaft

Just like the number four EGO weed eater being a step down from the number one weed eater, this one is a step down from the number two.

It DOES have all the bells and whistles, with the exception of a telescoping shaft. Again, this one has the beautiful brushless motor, variable speed control, a 15 inch cutting swath, Powerload technology and even a freaking sweet black carbon fiber shaft.

The black shaft is really sleek.

This one frankly looks the coolest out of all the EGO weed eaters, but it doesn’t have Line IQ and is even more expensive than our number one choice.

If you have more money than you know what to do with, this one is absolutely sick. But for those of us not dripping in cash, this  one may be too expensive.

The EGO ST1524 string trimmer sometimes goes on sale on Amazon (currently 30% off), but if not then you’re going to pay a heavy price. 

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.

The bottom line: EGO Weed Eaters 

When I’m looking for a weed eater, the two non-negotiables I have are a brushless motor and a straight shaft. EGO crushes it in both categories, plus adds a ton of cool features. You really can’t go wrong with any of them, but I really liked the PowerLine function and the telescoping shaft. I didn’t like the Line IQ technology and the standard weed eater string that came with the weed eaters.

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 weekends.

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. 

Why would I buy a battery-powered weed eater?

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

With the EGO 56V weed eater and other electric weed eaters, you simply place the battery and you are ready to go. 

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

If you are a EGO loyalist and have one of their mowers, then you can actually use this same 56 volt battery in both the mower and the trimmer. More on that later. 

Translating EGO’s language

If you’ve been browsing EGO’s website, they have a bunch of different features that have fancy names, but don’t really make intuitive sense. We’ve done the research (and used just about every tool of theirs under the sun) to help decipher and decode what these folks are talking about.

  • Power+: basically anything from their 56V line, which is their most popular battery series line, is Power+. 
  • Powerload: The patented powerload technology basically just means that after you put the weed eater string through the head and even it out, that it will self-wind itself (with some help) to wind it all in there.
  • Line IQ: This is a device that keeps the cutting swath at the ideal length at all times. Most other string trimmers just have string that breaks off and you can bump the head to make it a little longer. 
  • Carbon fiber shaft: the shaft is made of carbon fiber which is super strong and light material.
  • Telescopic shaft: you can change the length of the shaft to be shorter or longer.
  • Brushless motor: a motor powered by magnets instead of brushes that generate electricity. Results in more torque, a cooler motor, and longer life. 
  • Cutting swath: the width from point-to-point of the sides of the weed eater string.

I think that covers it and will help make sense of the descriptions we use when talking about each of the EGO weed eaters.

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5 Powerful ECHO Weed Eaters (+1 bonus): Buying Guide

The best ECHO weed eater is the ECHO SRM-225 because it is inexpensive, extremely reliable, and powerful enough for both commercial and residential lawn care.

My neighbor also has one and every time I walk on the sidewalk by his house, I can’t help but admire the insane borders he’s created around his yard. And he doesn’t even own an edger. 

But today, I’d like to walk you through the definitive ranking of ECHO trimmers. I recently walked into Home Depot and noticed that there are like 6 or 7 ECHO weed eaters side-by-side and you can’t tell much of a difference except for the price and can’t even really pull them off of the rack to compare.

Which is exactly why we are going to break it down for you today. 

Let’s get started!

Here is our ranking of the best ECHO weed eaters:

  1. ECHO SRM 225 weed eater
  2. ECHO GT-225 weed eater
  3. ECHO SRM 2620 weed eater
  4. ECHO SRM 266 weed eater
  5. ECHO DSRM 2600 Battery-powered weed eater
  6. ECHO SRM 410X weed eater

Check out how ECHO stacks up against Stihl.

Best String Trimmer Line for ECHO Weed Eaters

We developed our own weed eater string that absolutely slaps. Extremely powerful, durable, and visible. We tested it against DOZENS of different strings. You can check it out on Amazon here.

Best ECHO Weed Eaters: Ranked

Let’s jump straight into the rankings. I will preface this by saying it is my opinion, not gospel. I am speaking from the point of view of a homeowner, not necessarily a professional landscaper, although I do try to view each weed eater holistically. Let’s get going.

1. ECHO SRM-225 Weed Eater

The ECHO SRM 225 that my neighbor has is like ordering an old fashioned at the bar. You know what you’re going to get. And it has amazing power, consistent results, and amazing durability. There is a reason that this is their best selling string trimmer.

It’s got everything that I look for in a gas-powered weed eater. Let’s start breaking it down:

  • 17 inch cutting swath. Holy cow. That is a massive cutting swath area and can almost (probably) replace your lawn edger altogether. This is a top-of-the-line cutting swath not found on any kind of battery-powered weed eater.
  • 21.2 cc engine – this is about what you expect from a high end residential weed eater. Not too much, not too little – just right.
  • It is about 60 inches long, or 5 feet. I love when long weed eaters because it gives you more precision and flexibility when cutting and often gives you a straighter line. 
  • Speed-feed head. This is a registered trademark of ECHO, but it basically allows you to quickly reload weed eater string without having to disassemble the whole head. 
The cutting head with speed feed technology.

Like I mentioned before, this has just about everything you would want in a weed eater and comes in at one of the lowest prices you can get for an ECHO weed eater. Its MSRP is about $230, but it is currently on sale at Home Depot. 

The only thing I would change is upgrading the weed eater string from the stock crossfire string.

2. ECHO GT-225 Weed Eater

The ECHO GT-225 is a somewhat lighter version of the SRM 225 above. It has a smaller cutting swath, a curved shaft, and doesn’t have a speed-feed head, but is otherwise very similar.

While I prefer straight shaft string trimmer, I recognize there is still a place for curved shaft string trimmers. Curved shafts are great for using on flat surfaces where you aren’t necessarily trying to shape something. Think areas that are too small for traditional mowers where you still need to mow down some grass.

They’re also great around light poles, mailboxes, or other solid structures. I think you lose a bit of visibility and reach when you use them, so I always go for straight shafts.

That being said, the GT-225 still has a nice engine and all the same bells and whistles as the SRM-225. So I have to give this one the best curved weed eater made by ECHO award. 

Still super popular and is actually about $50 cheaper than the SRM 225, coming in at around $180.

3. ECHO SRM-2620 Weed Eater

The SRM-2620 is a beast. I think it may be the best all-around weed eater for commercial landscapers. It is extremely powerful and surprisingly light. This isn’t one I would use for tinkering around the yard as I am simply unworthy. 

I would consider this one an SRM 225 on steroids. It has the below similarities:

  • A 6 foot long straight shaft
  • A 17 inch cutting swath (which is huge)
  • Weighs around 12 lbs without any fuel
  • Speed feed head

The main difference in this one is that it comes with a 25.4 cc engine, whereas the ECHO SRM 225 has a 20.2 cc engine.

Nice straight shaft!

Us normies wouldn’t notice the difference, but if you are using these string trimmers for hours per day, you understand the difference in 5 cc of power output. 

It also costs about $120 more than the SRM 225, with the MSRP around $360. You can go to ECHO’s website to find a retailer near you, though I’ve seen these at Home Depot.

4. ECHO SRM-266 Weed Eater

The SRM 266 is a slightly toned down version of the 2620 above. They are nearly identical, with the following differences:

  • The 266 has a smaller fuel tank, at about 16 oz compared to the 2620’s large 20 oz fuel tank.
  • The 266 doesn’t have 1.62:1 gear reduction as found on the 2620. 
  • The 266 is slightly heavier by about 2lbs, which is odd because the engine area is a little bit smaller
  • The 266 is about $40 cheaper
Indistinguishable from the one above.

Otherwise, they are the same length and have the same cutting swath. I don’t totally understand why ECHO made these two different weed eaters, but I don’t make the rules. 

5. ECHO DSRM-2600 Battery-powered weed eater

Uh….this thing is a monster. Doing research for this article, this is actually the first time I’ve seen ECHO’s battery-powered weed eater line and quite frankly this thing smacks. 

The DSRM-2600 has all the things you would want in a sweet battery-powered string trimmer, with one major flaw. This ECHO electric weed eater has a 17 inch cutting swath, which is about 2 inches more than any other battery-powered weed eater I’ve reviewed (which is a lot).

It also matches EGO’s battery powered weed eater line by including a 56V battery. One beautiful thing that ECHO did with their battery-powered motor is including a nice brushless motor. Brushless motors provide more torque, cooler motors, and a longer life. They’re table stakes for electric weed eaters.

One major downside to this one is that the run time is only 26 mins with the 2.5 Ah battery. With the 5.0 Ah battery, you’ll be able to get 54, but even that is subject to dropping if you are stopping and going a lot or cutting thick brush. 

Look at that battery!

Neither of those are great if you are a professional. This is where many battery powered weed eaters get into trouble. They start to max out power, which is great, but you trade off time. Most people that need a lot of power ALSO need time. The technology just isn’t quite there yet. 

One other downside is that you may not use these batteries for much else, unless you want to start using ECHO’s battery line for everything else, which is possible. If you have other battery-powered tools, this may just take up another plug in your garage.

We’ve developed a weed eater string that can turn wimpier electric weed eaters into beasts. That means you can get performance + a longer lasting battery. Heck yeah.

6. ECHO SRM 410X Weed Eater

The SRM 410-X is barely a weed eater. It is actually illegal in 15 countries, including Guam. 

That part isn’t true. But this thing is INSANELY powerful, so I had to put it on the list. The numbers on this (price included) are astronomical. All of which I’ve never seen before. So here they are:

  • 42.7 cc engine. Yes you read that right, that is OVER DOUBLE the SRM 225. 
  • A 20 inch cutting swath. The next highest I’ve seen is 17 inches. HOLY COW
  • 33.8 fl oz fuel tank. I mean???
  • A 60.2 inch shaft length, which is OVER 5 feet long.
  • Almost $600
An absolute unit.

This is easily the most ridiculous string trimmer I’ve ever seen. And I love it. I want to own this thing so badly I might just go by it right now. I just know I would tear up my yard if I got this thing. It’s an absolute jack hammer.

And for that – it had to make the list.

ECHO Weed Eaters: Parting Words

ECHO weed eaters / string trimmers are workhorses. Super reliable, super durable, probably the F-150 of weed eaters (I just made some people mad).

One thing to remember is that each of these come with a 5 year residential, 2 year commercial warranty. They put their money where their mouth is when it comes to durability, making a product you can trust. 

If you’re not interested in ECHO or looking to compare, check out the competitor Husqvarna weed eaters.

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. 

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 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 – I’m looking for some dang power, but not so much that I shred the weed eater string every five seconds. A moderate amount of cc displacement is great with me. Anything too high is really a waste of money for me.
  • 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. 

Weed eater string makes all the difference, which is why we broke down the right weed eater string for ECHO tools.

Looking for a battery powered weed eater? Check out EGO’s lineup of electric weed eaters.

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5 High Quality Husqvarna Riding Mowers

Husqvarna riding mowers are super recognizable and known for one thing: quality. My favorite Husqvarna riding mower is the YTH24V48 because it has a massive cutting deck but is still easy to drive and relatively cheap.

They sell a handful of riding mowers that are absolute beasts and targeted for homeowners that give a crap. 

Every Husqvarna riding mower comes with a powerful engine that is outsourced to Kawasaki, Briggs and Stratton or Kohler – all magicians in the small engine game.

Today we will break down which Husqvarna riding mowers are the best and will take into consideration size, build quality, bells and whistles, and cost. 

Let’s get started.

***SPOILER***: Recommended Husqvarna Riding Mower: YTH24V48

Best Husqvarna Lawn Tractors: Ranked

Now that we understand how amazing the products are that Husqvarna makes, let’s start breaking down a ranking of their best riding mowers. You honestly can’t go wrong with any of these, but I am going to rank them holistically. 

1. Husqvarna YTH24V48 Riding Mower

I put the YTH24V48 at number one for a few reasons. Before I get into that, I just want to highlight the naming convention here. The 24 means it is a 22 HP engine and the 48 means it has a 48 inch wide cutting deck. 

Yes, that is a four foot wide cutting deck on a riding mower. Some are bigger, but this is also bigger than many zero-turn mowers. Heck yeah.

Simple, beastly, inexpensive.

In fact, one of the top reasons I ranked this number one is because it is the biggest and baddest riding mower from Husqvarna that can still fit in your garage (hopefully). The others really start to top out space and require a separate shad or even a whole spot in your garage.

Another reason I ranked this one number one is that it was the best value. Not the cheapest, but pound-for-pound most value dense. 

Here’s why I think so:

  • Super wide cutting deck without being obnoxious, the perfect size
  • Hydrostatic transmission operated by a pedal
  • Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin 24 HP engine, putting it top of class for riding mower horsepower
  • Cast Iron front axle, meaning it won’t bend or break

All-in this thing has an MSRP value of $2,799. Husqvarna uses local dealers to help you find a sales location. You can find yours by clicking here.

2. Husqvarna YTH18542 Riding Mower

The Husqvarna YTH18542 is second for me. This is the base model for Husqvarna’s YTH series and reminds me a lot of the classic, famous John Deere E100. Both are base models of brands that are known for quality and durability. 

I’ve done a full review of the Husqvarna YTH18542 that I placed at number two here, but will try to summarize why I like this riding mower so much. It is honestly extremely similar to the YTH24V48 with a few exceptions. For starters, this has a single cylinder engine instead of a twin cylinder. It also is about 10 inches narrower and 6 less horsepower. 

Slimmer but still a beast!

All of these are differences likely not noticed by the average homeowner looking to cut their yard, outside of how dang wide the 24V48 is. But many of the features are exactly the same, including:

  • The super sturdy cast iron front axle
  • Attachment-capable system for year-round use, for things like snow plow attachments or pull-behind trailers
  • Hydrostatic transmission for smooth gear changes

All-in-all this is a great entry point into Husqvarna for first time riding mower buyers. The price point is a huge reason that this one is so popular and widely recognized. 

This thing has an MSRP value of $2,399, or about $400 cheaper than our top ranked model. Husqvarna uses local dealers to help you find a sales location. You can find yours by clicking here. 

3. Husqvarna TS 354XD Riding Mower / Lawn Tractor

The Husqvarna TS 354XD is hands down the absolute most powerful and freakishly badass riding mower Husqvarna offers. At first glance, it is noticeably dominant. It stares you in the eyes until you back down.

What I ride on to pick up your girl for a date. Photo cred: Husqvarna

Just kidding. But it does have a super high-back chair with armrests that make it seem like the most comfortable riding mower in existence. 

The things that really set apart this mower are:

  • A 54 inch cutting deck, which rivals most zero-turn mowers and is 4.5 feet wide. Holy guacamole. 
  • A 24 horsepower engine, yes please.
  • 6 anti-scalp wheels that keep the blade stable when you’re going over steep banks and hills
  • A front brush-guard
  • A Kawasaki engine

I mention the Kawasaki engine here because when it comes to larger engines, Husqvarna tends to use Kawasaki engines instead of Briggs and Stratton. 

The TS 354XD truly does rival the size of zero-turn mowers, so if you’re more of a lawn tractor guy and don’t need a zero-turn, this thing is your best bet. This has added functionalities and attachments that you can buy that make this more functional than just a lawn mower. This riding mower is truly a year-round utility vehicle that happens to cut grass.

At close to $5,000 MSRP, you know it means business. 

4. Husqvarna TS 242XD Riding Mower

If you’re looking for a mower with almost as much functionality as the TS 354XD but you aren’t quite ready to drop 5k, then check out the TS 242XD. 

The TS 242XD is a toned down version of the TS 354XD, but it still has some of the features that make it incredible for over $1,200 cheaper. Sadly, the really cool high-back chair with armrests doesn’t come with this one. 

But here are the things that DO come with it that make it an incredible option for those that are still looking to have a year-round lawn tractor. 

  • 2 cylinder Kawasaki engine (21.5 HP)
  • Front brush guard
  • Hydrostatic transmission

The main differences (outside of aesthetics) are the fact that this mower cuts a foot more narrowly than the other and has 2.5 less horsepower.

Nice side profile! Photo cred: Husqvarna

It’s a great entry point into year-round lawn tractors that are attachment capable and do way more than just cutting your grass. 

It comes in at $3,700 and can be purchased at your local Husqvarna dealership.

5. Husqvarna TS148X Riding Mower

The TS148X Riding Mower is a great lawn mower. I mean that because it isn’t going to do all of the crazy things that the other TS series mowers are doing, but it also isn’t as highly priced. 

So yes, you are not getting a brush guard and a bunch of insane attachments on this one, but it is a high quality, powerful lawn mower that is great for cutting grass.

It still has a 24 horsepower engine with a Briggs and Stratton Endurance V-Twin engine and cuts 4 feet wide. It is most similar to the YTH24V48, but comes in at a higher price and doesn’t have all that many differences. I still prefer the YTH24V48 for several reasons, but if you can’t get your hands on it, this is a great, slightly more expensive alternative.

Photo cred: Husqvarna

This one comes in at close to $3,100 MSRP, making it a great mower but slightly overpriced compared to our number one choice. That’s why we ranked it last on this list (but at least it made the list!).

The Bottom Line on Husqvarna Riding Mowers: They’re good

You really can’t go wrong with Husqvarna’s riding mower and lawn tractors. You can close your eyes and throw a dart at their catalog and end up being fine. But if you’re picky or have certain jobs you want to do, some of these are going to suit your needs better. 

For us, we loved the YTH24V48 because it’s powerful, wide, but not over-the-top and very fairly priced. 

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. 

About Husqvarna

Husqvarna is one of the most respected names in lawn care. Not only are they producers of great, high quality lawn care tools for residential property owners, but they also create really great machinery for commercial use in parks, golf courses, and all over construction sites.

They’re well known for these bad boys.

Husqvarna’s bread and butter is the heavier, commercial machinery for sure. For example, they don’t have a huge presence in the push mower space, but have some absolute units in the zero-turn mower space. Likewise, they produce big boy commercial lawn mowers and chainsaws that you will see clearing forests. 

That being said, you can see how all of Husqvarna’s industry experience could lead to them making the best riding mowers for homeowners. 

What to look for in a riding mower

With the dawn of zero turn mowers, electric riding mowers, and flying hovercraft mowers with drone weed whackers (only kidding), the classic lawn tractor is often overlooked.

The reality is that lawn tractors are great machines that still have a place in the modern lawn care garage. Lawn tractors are great for people with a half of an acre up to two acres. They are also fine for people with more than 2 acres with few obstacles to navigate.

The zero-turn mower craze is largely hyped up for the average homeowner by the admittedly cool features. The downside of these mowers is the massive price tag and difficulty with storage. 

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5 Inexpensive Troy Bilt Lawn Mowers That Last

The best Troy Bilt Lawn Mower is the Troy Bilt TB100 push mower – I should know, I have owned it for seven years.

What can get more patriotic than an American made lawn mower brand with Red and White colors?

The reason Troy Bilt mowers are so popular is the fact that they are relatively inexpensive and extremely reliable. This is coming from someone who has done minimal maintenance and maximum abuse to my first mower ever, the Troy Bilt TB160.

But Troy Bilt has a lot more to offer than cheap push mowers. They have a bunch of self-propelled mowers, lawn tractors and even some sweet zero-turn mowers.

So – let’s figure out the best in each category and take EVERYTHING into consideration. 

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Yeah…it is a lot. So we should probably get started.

The Best Troy Bilt Mowers for Every Job

Now that we know what we are looking for, let’s dig right in, starting with push mowers and finishing with zero turns.

Best Troy Bilt Push Mower: TB100

Guys I am super biased here but I actually think the low-end Troy Bilt TB100 is the best push mower. Why? Well I’ve owned it for over 5 years and it starts on the first try every time. I’ve pushed this thing through some extremely thick and wet grass and choked it dozens of times. I’ve even forgotten to do oil changes and the thing still runs just fine.

Trusty. Rusty.

The thing is, Honda has stopped making lawn mower engines, so Troy Bilt has switched over to Briggs & Stratton, another really high quality brand. The thing is a dang beast.

Here’s what I love about the Troy Bilt TB100:

  • Incredibly easy to start
  • Minimal maintenance (yearly oil change)
  • Super simple
  • Very inexpensive
  • Right-sized cutting deck at 21 inches

Yes, the TB100 can withstand the most abusive of owners. Honestly, it was the first mower I bought in my first home with my first yard. I assembled it right out of the box without any clue of what I was doing.

Basically, if you aren’t a lawn nerd like me and want a super easy and effortless mower on the cheap, this is one of best gas push mowers that you can buy. Sad that I can’t get the TB160, but this one is a really good alternative.

It’s available from Home Depot for a great price, but the price is always changing. Check it by clicking here.

Best Troy Bilt Walk-Behind Mower: TB230B XP

Yes, there’s a difference between walk-behind mowers and push mowers. They look the same and you sort of push both of them, but walk-behind mowers are easier. Walk behind mowers are self-propelled, meaning they creep forward and assist the push mower operator (you). 

Self-propelled mowers are pretty dang sweet, especially if you have steep banks and hills. It takes a surprising load off and is a great option for gas powered mowers because there is no battery to destroy.

Pretty dang sweet.

Anyways, Troy Bilt has also mastered this one with the TB230B XP. It is very similar to the TB100 in size, but has 15% more cutting power and a ton of other bells and whistles.

Here is what I love about the TB230B XP mower. 

  • Super easy to start “ReadyStart” system
  • Front wheel drive is the superior self-propelled mechanism
  • Bigger wheels than the other models
  • Hose adapter to wash out the deck

This honestly reminds me a lot of the Toro Recycler mower. They look the same and have a ton of the same features. Both are classic brands that have long dominated the residential lawn care space.

You can grab this one online at Home Depot and pick it up or ship it.

Best Troy Bilt Wide Area Mower: TBWC28T

Wide Area Mowers are essentially walk-behind mowers with a really big head. They are super wide, allowing for fewer passes in the yard. They’re perfect for residential professional landscapers who bounce from house to house for smaller yards.

Our HOA contracts with a company that mows a ton of people’s smaller lawns with a wide area mower. They’re super efficient for this very specific purpose. It’s essentially almost the width of a lawn tractor, but for areas that a lawn tractor would have a tough time navigating. 

Troy Bilt made an extremely aggressive looking wide area mower in the TBWC28T. It will absolutely destroy grass for any professional landscaper or with anyone with a medium sized yard that doesn’t want to store a lawn tractor. 

Here are some cool things about the Troy Bilt TBWC28T:

  • A 28 inch cutting deck – about 30% wider than the other mowers
  • This cool vacuum chute that launches grass clippings into a bag
  • Self-propelled
  • Speed adjustment lever

This thing is honestly for pros and the price reflects it. The other two mowers above are both under $500 and this one is nearly $1,400. Yikes.

Looks like a transformer.

But if you are cutting lawns as part of your job, this thing will get paid back in no time. Oh, and the 3 year warranty on these things is a great peace of mind. 

This thing is available online from Troy Bilt.

Best Troy Bilt Lawn Tractor: Pony 42 Riding Lawn Mower

I can hear Peyton Manning calling this one out from the line of Scrimmage. “Pony….42”. But seriously, this mower is pretty sweet. Lawn tractors are great for those of us with a larger yard. Sure, you can cut it with a push mower but it would take all afternoon. Even with a walk behind.

Lawn tractors are a great middle ground before you get to zero-turns, which are just freaks of nature.

Anyways, for most people’s yards and most people’s budgets, lawn tractors are perfect. Enter the Pony 42 Riding Lawn Mower from Troy Bilt. It has a pretty sweet 500cc engine (the push mowers were like 140cc for reference) and a 42 inch steel deck. The Pony 42 has enough power to get the job done without going overboard. It isn’t quite a zero-turn, but still has an 18-inch turning radius – not bad. 

She thinks my tractor’s sexy.

I chose this one over the Bronco for two reasons – the price and the availability. The Bronco 42 is a higher end version of this mower with more power. It is not really necessary for the average homeowner in my opinion, unless you are clearing some serious brush.

Here are a few things that stand out to me about this one:

  • Very affordable
  • Large cutting deck
  • Spacious seating / easy entry
  • Briggs & Stratton engine

The cool thing about these lawn tractors is that they are available with a ton of accessories that can add new features, like massive bagging systems and snow plows.

I compare this one to the legendary and iconic John Deere E100 as they are both barebones lawn tractors from reliable brands.

You can grab the Pony from Home Depot for an awesome price.

Best Troy Bilt Zero-Turn Mower: Mustang Z46 Zero-Turn Rider

It just sounds cool. But Troy Bilt nailed it with this one. Frankly, I don’t see a ton of these out and about and they are relatively hard to find, but they’re really well made. 

Zero turn mowers differ from lawn tractors in that they are faster and more nimble. They’re built for commercial use from professional landscapers. The reason I picked the Mustang Z46 is mostly because it has middle-of-the-pack power but a wide cutting deck. There’s no point in getting one of the Z42 models if the cutting size is the same as a residential lawn tractor. 

That being said, there’s a lot to like about this Mustang series mower:

  • A twin-cylinder Kohler engine. Kohler engines are in some of the most expensive, premium zero-turn mowers on the planet. It reminds me of the the massive Ariens IKON XD 52 zero-turn, a much bigger mower with a similar engine.
  • Anti-scalp wheels that are less abusive to the grass but still have crazy torque and speed
  • Hydrostatic transmission that makes driving and accelerating extremely smooth
  • Quality construction from thick aluminum
  • Built in Ohio, the heartland of America!

A few things I don’t love as compared to other zero turn mowers include no armrests and a manual crank-shaft cutting height. It’s the 21st century and we need luxury.

A serious machine.

But all-in-all, this is a really nice zero-turn mower that comes in at an amazing price at just over $3,000.

Yeah, that sounds like a lot but the value is pretty wild. 

The bigger, badder version of this one is on Home Depot for a higher price.

Summary: Troy Bilt Mowers for everyone

To close us out, you can’t go wrong with a Troy Bilt. They are super well known in the residential lawn care space and are really starting to carve out their presence in the larger zero-turn game. 

The engineering is there and if you have access to grab one of these, then I would put them right up at the top of the list with their competitors like Toro and Husqvarna.

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 we look for in a lawn mower

There are a ton of different mowers we are checking out today, so I’ll give you the skinny on what I am evaluating in each.

Push / Walk-Behind Mowers

When I’m looking at a push mower I want to know a few things. First, I consider the build quality and the engine type. My TB160 has a Honda engine, which I love. I’m also looking at deck size and construction to see if it is sturdy and the right fit for the size of my lawn.

Then next I look to see if it has a self-propelled function and if it does, if it’s front wheel drive or rear wheel drive (it makes a difference). 

Lastly, I’ll look for other bells and whistles that set it apart from others. Mostly the starting function and a whole bevy of other options that can distinguish it with something fancy (if I want to spend more money). 

Lawn Tractors

With the dawn of zero turn mowers, electric riding mowers, and flying hovercraft mowers with drone weed whackers (only kidding), the classic lawn tractor is often overlooked.

The reality is that lawn tractors are great machines that still have a place in the modern lawn care garage. Lawn tractors are great for people with a half of an acre up to two acres. They are also fine for people with more than 2 acres with few obstacles to navigate.

The zero-turn mower craze is largely hyped up for the average homeowner by the admittedly cool features. The downside of these mowers is the massive price tag and difficulty with storage. 

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.

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. 

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4 Best Stihl String Trimmers (w/ Prices): 2024 Update

The best Stihl String Trimmer is the Stihl FS 56 RC or RC-E because it is affordable, great for commercial or residential landscaping, and extremely reliable.

Stihl string trimmers are the standard when it comes to landscaping. Just about every landscaper you see around town is going to have one of these bad boys strapped to the back of their trailer. 

Now that’s why they are so dang popular. But there are many classes of Stihl weed eaters – residential, landscaping / professional, and even battery-powered. I’d like to cut through all of the options and bring the best right up to the top for you. 

Ready?

Let’s get started.

Curious at how Stihl stacks up vs ECHO?

The Ultimate Stihl Weed Eater Buying Guide

To really cut to the chase, we distilled down the dozens of Stihl weed eaters to a concise list, by category of user. No need to do a Top 10 when you just want the best, right?

Most Powerful Stihl String Trimmer for Landscapers: Stihl FS 240 R

When you’re looking for a weed eater as a landscaper there are a few things to keep in mind. First is how effective and reliable the machine is, second is how efficient it is, and third is how it feels to use. 

All of these are related to speed. Speed is the name of the game in landscaping. More jobs = more money. You aren’t going to be nearly as fast with a dinky weed eater that you’re constantly having to mess with. 

Meant to be on a landscaping trailer.

The Stihl FS 240 R is the answer to the speed issue. Here are a few of my favorite things about this Stihl Weed Eater:

  • A large fuel tank. Having a larger fuel tank allows for less re-fuels which means you can spend more time getting the job done.
  • Massive cutting width. The 16.5 inch cutting swatch on the FS 240 R is best in class. Having a big cutting swath means you can tackle thicker brush and absolutely devastate any grass. Another huge time saver.
  • An easy way of starting the string trimmer. This automatically returns the throttle to the start setting whenever the trimmer is stopped. Another time saver.
  • A shoulder strap. Again, not having to take breaks on your arms or shoulders when using this is going to get you from one job to the next in less time.

Stihl consulted with professional landscapers with each element of this design. Every element of it was meant to be focused on one thing: empowering the landscaper to move from one job to the next while providing consistent reliability.

You can check out more details on Stihl’s website.

The Stihl FS 240 R costs about $670, which is very expensive but also saves you a ton of time on the job. Tough balance. It goes on sale at Ace Hardware.

Best Stihl Weed Eater for Green Landscaping: Stihl FSA 130 R

Green landscaping is using battery-powered lawn tools to get the job done instead of exclusively gas-powered tools. It is a growing trend, but still not the most practical way to run your landscaping business.

Frankly, gas-powered tools get the job done faster because refueling is way quicker with gas than it is with a battery. Most batteries take a few hours to fully charge, which is precious time you don’t have on the job site. Even if you buy multiple batteries, they still have to charge somewhere sometime. 

But Stihl has recently entered the battery-powered string trimmer space and has a mostly residential line of weed eaters (see below for more). The new FSA 130 R however, was designed for landscaping applications. 

The Stihl FSA 130 R differentiates itself from its gas counterparts by selling itself as the quiet weed eater. The reason this sells well with landscapers is that it simply isn’t practical to be an entirely gas-free landscaping company (yet). They aren’t going to be interested if that’s the angle Stihl takes.

So Stihl is playing this really well. Landscapers can use this for properties that require quiet environments. Think schools, churches, hospitals, etc. that are customers of the landscaping company. Having quiet features is a huge benefit to them. 

Simple speed control lever.

Here are some of the features on this that really make it best in class:

  • Extremely light at only 8.6lbs, compare that with almost 15 on the gas one above
  • No maintenance other than replacing string 
  • Starts with the push of a button
  • Has a quiet motor
  • Comes with separate “quiet” string trimmer line

Essentially, this is the ninja of commercial landscaping. 

See how it plugs in?

One major downside to Stihl’s commercial battery line is that you have to wear the battery as a backpack. You’re reading that right. There’s a backpack that fits their battery and connects to the tool with a cable. It’s weird and bulky, but it does give you the flexibility to have significant run time that an attached battery can’t do without throwing the tool out of balance.

Kind of weird.

If you’re interested in more, check this one out on Stihl’s website.

The Stihl FSA 130 R costs about $500, which is a heck of a lot of money.

Best Stihl Weed Eater for Home / Residential Use: Stihl FS 56 RC-E

Not a commercial landscaper and just want a really high quality and reliable weed eater? Well Stihl has you covered here, too. 

We’ve written extensively about the Stihl FS 56 RC-E, which we also did a YouTube video review about as well.

The Stihl FS 56 RC-E is an amazing all-around weed eater for home use. Made right here in America, it provides the power and reliability of the commercial series at a size and price that fit the average homeowner’s needs well. 

Me using the Stihl FS 56 RC-E around my house.

I’ve owned this string trimmer for a few years and it has continued to be one of the most reliable tools in my shed. Here are a few things I love about it:

  • High end power with 5 more ccs of output than its ECHO SRM 225 competitor
  • Straight shaft and lack of vibration
  • 10.6lbs, super light for a gas powered weed eater
  • Easy 2 Start technology helps reset the choke and allows you to start on the first pull
Easy2Start – they mean it!

One complaint I have after owning this for a few years is that replacing the line is super difficult. It’s always a tedious task and it still takes a lot of guess-and-check for me to get it done right. 

I got mine at Ace Hardware, but the Stihl website should be able to guide you well.

The Stihl FS 56 RC-E comes in at about $229, which you can grab at Ace Hardware.

Best Stihl Weed Eater for Small Yards: Stihl FSA 57

So you want a Stihl weed eater but don’t need anything big and fancy, just a reliable and easy to use trimmer with the brand power of Stihl?

Maybe you just downsized and sold your big bad gas trimmer?

Whatever your situation, if you have a small yard then you don’t need to go overkill and spend too much money. Stihl is trying to build a bigger footprint in the homeowner sector and has launched their battery line to appeal to lighter-duty needs. 

The Stihl FSA 57 (one of their newest) battery weed eater (which we reviewed as well in a long form post) is a great tool for the average homeowner in a smaller house. I love that it still has a straight shaft and it’s super easy to use.

As compared to the commercial line of battery lawn tools that require a backpack that you plug the tool into, the residential weed eaters from Stihl have a nice little battery you can pop right on. I also love that WITH the battery, this string trimmer comes in at 7.5 lbs. That is maybe the lightest weed eater on record. 

Look who they are marketing to…

Lastly, this thing has a really cool feature that auto-feeds string trimmer line when it gets short. Huge timesaver. 

The auto-feed feature is great.

One thing I don’t love about this Stihl weed eater is that it doesn’t have a brushless motor, meaning it may have a tendency to not last quite as long as its brushless counterparts. It also only has an 11 inch cutting width, which is probably fine for most small yards but definitely weaker than the bigger string trimmers out there. 

The Stihl FSA 57 Weed Eater comes in at about $199. 

Fuel Mixture for Stihl Weed Eater

Stihl Weed Eaters take a 50:1 gas to oil fuel mixture ratio. You can measure this out yourself or grab a pre-mixed fuel mixture from Stihl on Amazon.

Best Weed Eater String for Stihl String Trimmers

We developed the world’s best weed eater string by testing dozens of weed eater strings and taking the little elements of each one that we like the most. We found that a .095″, green, triangle shaped string was the most visible, durable, and had the best performance. It is incredible.

Final words about Stihl Weed Eaters

Stihl Weed Eaters are top of the line for a reason – they consistently deliver the most power, the best user experience, and absolutely unbeatable reliability.

From landscapers to homeowners, Stihl’s lineup is impressive. 

Not a Stihl person? Try our list of the competitor’s leading ECHO weed eaters here.

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. 

Stihl’s reputation

Stihl is still at it! Pumping out high quality product after high quality product. They’re thought of as one of the GOATS of the yard product game. The boys in orange are known to have a superior product to their competitors. The Stihl Trimmers are obviously no exception to their already super strong lineup.

The world’s largest chainsaw manufacturer, the company moved some operations to Virginia in the 1970s and opened up their first factory dedicated to a single chainsaw. They have continued to master their craft and expand their product offers in the lawn care space. They have amazing blowers like the Stihl BG 86 C and the Stihl BR600 backpack blower.

Stihl has a great reputation that many commercial landscapers rely on each day. Many residential owners will be more than pleased with their products and they’ve recently launched a new battery line-up.

Gas vs Electric Weed Eaters

When purchasing a piece of lawn equipment in 2023 it’s important to understand your power source options. It basically boils down to gas or electric. Electric trimmers are typically easier to start and require little to no maintenance.

They also have less of a noise and environmental impact. Electric trimmers are usually a good bet for small jobs.

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

If you want to know more about weed eater string, check out our guide to finding the right weed eater string.

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5 Ryobi Pressure Washers With Serious Power

The best Ryobi Pressure washer is the electric 3000 PSI Ryobi pressure washer because it is reliable, requires no maintenance, and still has most of the power you would find from a gas powered Ryobi pressure washer.

The electric Ryobi 2000 PSI pressure washer.

Ryobi pressure washers are high quality and have a bunch of models tailored for different types of jobs. You’ve got your light duty, around-the-house pressure washer all the way to your gas-powered, super-powerful pressure washer. 

Today, let’s walk through exactly what to look for in a pressure washer, which one is right for you, and the best Ryobi pressure washer for each type of job,

SPOILER ALERT: 

The Best Ryobi Pressure Washers for Every Occasion: Breakdown

Well folks, we now understand what to look for in a pressure washer and the basic answer is: it depends. So let’s break down some scenarios where you might want a certain Ryobi Pressure washer and give you the best one for that scenario. Ready? Break.

Most Powerful Ryobi Pressure Washer

Sometimes, you just need some raw freaking power. I’m talking absolutely shredding off some paint on your deck, getting rid of graffiti, or stripping grime from a driveway. 

You need a pressure washer with higher PSI (pounds per square inch). Basically PSI is a measure of water force coming out of the pressure washer. High PSI = more power. You can modify this further by changing the angle at which the water comes out, with 0 degrees being the most powerful. 

Made for job sites.

Ryobi has a great solution here. The Ryobi 3600 PSI gas pressure washer with a Honda engine is an absolute unit. As made abundantly clear in the title, it has 3600 PSI, which means it is the highest PSI pressure washer offered by Ryobi. 

Basically any professional job you would do with a pressure washer can be tackled with this thing. It really is great for the true pros who use these day in and day out. Here’s what I love about this pressure washer:

  • Extremely powerful engine
  • 35 foot hose, meaning you can cover a large area without having to move the entire base
  • Ability to fold down for easy placement in your truck
  • Flat-free tires. Take comfort on the job site by knowing you’ve got tires that aren’t going to pop and force you to lug this thing around.

Honestly, this thing is made for professionals. It has all the bells and whistles that make it bulletproof and can be used in industrial settings. 

Great example: used outside of a warehouse.

You can grab this thing at any old Home Depot (link will check the price). It will set you back about $750 – an investment that will  make you a return after the first job.

Best Gas Pressure Washer: Ryobi 3200 PSI Pressure Washer

I know what you’re thinking – didn’t we just cover the most powerful Ryobi pressure washer and it was gas?

Yes, but the 3200 PSI pressure washer is also really good. It’s almost as powerful, but is $400 cheaper. So you’re getting a less industrial, slightly less powerful pressure washer for a WAY better price.

What really sets this Ryobi pressure washer from the rest of the gas-powered gang is the combination of power and residential usability. Or put more simply, the fact that it was designed for the normal dude. 

Convenient soap tank.

A few things I like about it:

  • It comes with a three-year warranty.
  • Soap tank gives you flexibility with lighter-duty jobs
  • It has accessory storage built into the tool, so no losing pieces
  • A nice Kohler engine, which is reliable AF
On board accessory storage

As far as gas pressure washers go, this thing is top notch. For the normal homeowner, this Ryobi 3200 PSI pressure washer will be your best friend. Reliable, powerful, and has all the “extras” that make it really attractive to operate.

This one can be found on Amazon for a great price, but also at Home Depot where they have an exclusive contract..

Best Ryobi Electric Pressure Washer: Ryobi 3000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer

Most folks think that once you go over to the world of electric tools, you end up with dinky, weak tools. And that’s partly true. There are some WEAK electric tools out there.

But the Ryobi 3000 PSI pressure washer is NOT one of them. We JUST broke down a really nice, 3200 PSI gas pressure washer. This is right up there with that one in terms of power, just a slight downgrade. But here’s what you get in return:

  • A much quieter running machine
  • Push-button start
  • No maintenance

Seems like a decent trade for a 200 PSI difference. This thing is a freak and there’s a lot to like about it.

No keys, push to start.

When it comes to electric motors, the most important thing you can have is a brushless motor. And this Ryobi pressure washer has got it. It also comes with an additional “turbo nozzle” which apparently speeds up the cleaning job. 

Still has never-flat tires.

This 3000 PSI Ryobi pressure washer has all the same attributes as the industrial-grade pressure washer we reviewed at the beginning. A 35 foot hose, flat-free wheels, and more. It is quite literally the best electric pressure washer we have reviewed – PERIOD. 

Would not guess its electric looking at it.

It also comes with a 3 year warranty, which is great for dispelling concerns around the reliability of electric pressure washers. It also has a Brushless Ryobi motor which is amazing.

Oh yeah, this one also is our top OVERALL electric pressure washer, too.

This one looks like it’s exclusively available at Home Depot for right at $400.

Best Light Duty Ryobi Pressure Washer: Ryobi 1800 PSI Electric Pressure Washer

Not everyone needs to pressure wash their entire driveway or remove graffiti or remove deep grease stains from the back of an 18 wheeler. 

Some people just want to wash off their deck, their outdoor patio furniture, or their car. So no reason to shell out $300 on a top-of-the-line pressure washer from Ryobi. 

If you’re one of these people, then you need a light-duty pressure washer. The Ryobi 1800 PSI pressure washer is right up your alley. 

These are great pressure washers because they are extremely simple, super portable, and really easy to store. The 1800 PSI pressure washer is a great one because it is about the size of a lunchbox. It comes with a handle. Compare that to the 74 lbs of the most powerful pressure washer listed above.

Its a lunchbox.

It comes with a soap nozzle, meaning you can strap soap right onto the front and get your car foamy and soapy before a deep wash. It is really the perfect pressure washer for stuff around the house. 

Its so tiny.

It doesn’t come with a brushless motor or any of the other bells and whistles, but it is about ¼ the price of the others. 

This is the pressure washer I would recommend to my mom and dad, who live in a townhome. It’s the perfect tool for washing their front door and front porch, their windows, their cars, and their metal fencing. 

This one is on sale for a jaw-dropping price on Amazon.

Best all-around Ryobi pressure washer

I think I did a good job making it obvious that I have a love affair with the 3000 PSI electric pressure washer from Ryobi. It not only has the power and durability of the industrial-grade pressure washers, but it comes with insane reliability. The brushless motor and three year warranty were what took this from a “wow” to a “holy crap”.

Completely unrivaled.

If you are in the market for a pressure washer and are willing to shell out a little dough, I would definitely go with this one. You can grab it at Home Depot online or maybe in store.

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. 

Basically 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. 

About Ryobi

I’m sure you already know a ton about Ryobi or at least own a few of their tools. They are HUGE in Home Depot. We love Ryobi products and have written extensively about dozens of their tools. Here are a few of our favorite Ryobi products:

What to look for in a pressure washer

You gotta know what to look for on these pressure washers. Some of these pressure washers look identical, but have small, nuanced differences that you need to keep an eye on.

  • Nozzles Matter
    • When choosing a pressure washer, you should pay attention to the nozzles included in the package. Two types of spray nozzles are available, adjustable spray nozzles that can be controlled and quick-connect nozzles with predefined spray patterns.  
    • The predefined spray patterns typically come in different angles, allowing for you to quickly switch between a broad, lower pressure spray or a narrow, higher pressure stream.
    • Quick connect nozzles are super convenient, but they’re almost like airpods – you can lose them!
  • Soap tank
    • Additionally, you may want to consider a soap tank-equipped pressure washer. Some of these pressure washers have “foam cannons” where you can simply add some soap and it will mix it in with the water. Pretty cool.
    • I recommend a soap tank for cars and windows.
  • Wheels on pressure washers
    • Despite these seemingly minor features, they can have a big impact, especially with larger units. No sense in lugging around one of these in your yard and tripping all over the place.
    • Some pressure washers have a tendency to flip over and be top heavy, so make sure the base is sturdy.
  • Hose types
    • There’s a big difference between how easy or difficult it is to use a pressure washer based on the kind of hose that comes with it. Stiff, rigid hoses make it extremely difficult to have any maneuverability without messing up the job or knocking over the base.
    • If you want to upgrade, check out our pressure washer hose comparison
  • Portability
    • Even if this has the drawback of making the unit less powerful, a portable, smaller pressure washer will be a better choice if you have to move around or carry the unit with you. Most of us do this, especially if you are doing the exterior of your house.
    • Totally depends on the job you are trying to do.

Check out how Ryobi and Greenworks’ top pressure washers compare!

Pressure washers: Gas vs. Electric

Gas pressure washers have been around forever and probably aren’t going anywhere – but electric pressure washers are on the up and up like all the other lawn tools.

Electricity and water! What can go wrong?

The maintenance and cost of gas pressure washers are greater, including things like air filter changes, spark plugs, and more. Gas pressures are also insanely loud. However, electric washers simply have a power source and a button and are far quieter.

There’s a big trade-in for power and convenience with pressure washers, with gas being much more powerful and electric being much more convenient. 

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EGO 650 vs 765 CFM Leaf Blower Difference Explained

The EGO 650 CFM and 765 CFM are two of the most popular battery powered leaf blowers. The two blowers are virtually identical, with the 765 CFM having noticeably more power and a higher price tag.

Not convinced? Go read some of the comments on our YouTube review of the EGO 765 blower.

They are some of the sleekest and most powerful lawn tools on the planet. And there’s a good reason why.

We’ve written extensively and made a TON of video content about these blowers purely out of requests. We are even giving one away this month to one of our lucky newsletter subscribers. 

These bad boys can be found on Amazon or at Lowe’s, where EGO has some exclusivity, but not at Home Depot.

Let’s check out why these two blowers are quickly becoming famous, then compare them to see which one makes the most sense for you.

Jump ahead:

The EGO 765 CFM blower: Overview

The EGO LB7654 blower is an absolute unit. One of the most powerful handheld electric blowers (I think it actually may be THE most  powerful) on the planet, it was designed for absolute lawn enthusiasts.

This was the zip tie test.

Here are a few things we love about this blower:

  • It’s really versatile. It has a nice variable speed control trigger on the side with a cruise control function. This is awesome for taking the stress off of your fingers when trying to keep the blower at a consistent speed. 
  • The EGO 765 comes with a few different nozzle heads. As I’ve come to learn (shoutout to our YouTube subscribers), a lot of folks use these blowers to dry off their cars. There’s some versatility with this as though EGO kept that in mind when making it. 
  • It has a really nice molded rubber grip that makes it easier to hold onto. It is a bit heavier than other electric blowers, so it’s a thoughtful touch.
  • The 5.0 Ah battery has a run time of 25 minutes while on full-speed. With the turbo button, you can get 17 minutes of run time. Yes, we actually tested this with zip ties. We are weird but are dedicated to you. 
The speed control thumb thingy.

EGO 765 Specifications Breakdown

Pop quiz – if this thing has 765 CFMs coming out of the end, do you think it is a wide-mouthed blower with a lower speed? 

Well, it’s not. It actually has BOTH super high CFMs AND high MPHs. It’s sort of a freak of nature like that. This means that the blower can do big piles of leaves AND use an extreme jet stream to destroy wet, stuck leaves. 

That’s what makes this blower really stick out. The turbo button takes this blower to a level no other electric handheld blower has been before. 

Comparing the 765 CFM to a Stihl gas blower.

We compared the EGO 765 CFM blower to our Stihl BG86C handheld gas blower and it was pretty wild. On turbo, the EGO was actually more powerful. 

At just over 12 lbs, it is noticeably heavier than a lot of other electric blowers. You can separately purchase a sling that helps offload some of the weight. Some of our YouTube commenters that purchased the tool talked about the strain on their wrists turning it side to side. But it was also noted that the exchange in power made it worth it. Up to you!

The EGO 650 CFM Blower: Overview

The EGO LB6504 blower is also a freak of nature. If it weren’t for it’s bigger brother, the 765 CFM blower, this would still be one of the most powerful handheld blowers on the planet. 

The EGO 650 CFM blower has many of the same features as the EGO 765 CFM blower, including:

  • A cruise control button. It isn’t as easy to use as the 765 blower because it doesn’t have the thumb-controlled portion, but it does have a little knob that you can twist to set the speed. 
  • The turbo button cranks this up to 650 CFMs, which is still extremely high!
  • Multiple nozzles, including a flat nozzle that is really great for blowing leaves around your patio or near the end of your driveway. Talk about a jet stream. 
  • A brushless motor that can also be found on the 765. Brushless motors use magnets to power the motor instead of brushes. This allows for a cooler running motor, more torque, and significant durability. It’s a must have for an electric lawn tool. 

EGO 650 CFM Blower Specifications

Just like its 765 CFM big brother, the 650 CFM blower marries both high CFMs and high MPH to produce an absolute wind cannon. 

Photo courtesy of EGO.

In contrast to the 765 CFM blower, the 650 CFM EGO blower weighs about 2.5 lbs lighter, putting it back into the normal range of handheld blowers. This is a lifesaver for anyone with wrist or shoulder issues, giving you more mobility when moving the blower side to side.

EGO 765 CFM vs 650 CFM Blower: Similarities and Differences

Since these blowers look almost identical, I wanted to summarize the notable differences between the two blowers. Let’s start with similarities:

Comparing it to the gas was a joke!

Similarities between EGO 765 and 650

  • Aesthetics – unless you’re up close you can’t tell them apart
  • Both have cruise control
  • Both have a turbo button that amps up the CFMs
  • Both take the 56V battery
  • Both are extremely well-made

Differences between EGO 765 and 650

  • CFM and speed differences, obviously
  • 765 weighs 2.5 lbs more than the 650
  • 765 costs about $50 more than the 650
  • 765 comes with a nice thumb adjuster on the cruise control
Both take this great 56V battery.

So which is better? EGO 765 CFM vs 650 CFM blower?

Tough to give a concrete answer here. So I’ll do my best: the 650 CFM blower is a better value for the normal homeowner. It packs more than enough power, is $50 cheaper, and still comes with all the perks of the 765 CFM blower, just a little bit weaker. Either way, these are for sale for a cheaper price on Amazon than they are at Lowe’s.

The EGO 765 CFM blower is on Amazon for a little a great price with the charger. Without the charger it comes in at just about $50 less (but changes all the time).

The EGO 650 CFM blower is on Amazon for a great deal with the charger. Without the charger, it is on sale for UNBELIEVABLY Low (this is a steal).

The 765 CFM blower, however, has unrivaled power and speed. There are definitely times where the additional speed boost would come in handy, so it is also a great option. Also, if you just LOVE EGO products and want the newest and best tools, you have got to go with this one.

The Bottom Line: 765 vs 650 CFM EGO blowers

At the end of the day, they both have incredible specifications, amazing warranties, and extreme power. You can’t go wrong. Do you want to shell out a bit more money for some crazy power? That’s what you need to ask yourself. 

Oh and by the way, we own the 765 CFM blower 🙂.

Check this out if you want to see us compare the EGO 765 CFM blower to the Ryobi 730 CFM 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. 

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:

  • CFM – 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.
  • Motor type – brushless motors reign supreme. Cooler running motors with more torque, a longer run-time, and last many more years. Brushless is a no brainer when picking a blower.

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

About EGO

EGO is still relatively new to the lawn tool space. They started back in 2014 and have absolutely exploded in recent years. They are owned by the parent company Chervon, which also make SKIL and FLEX brand tools. 

EGO has quickly become synonymous with power. All of their tools (including the blowers we are reviewing today) are top-of-the-line when it comes to power. When we’ve gotten our hands on the products, the first thing we always think is “solid”. Their products are generally heavier than other brands and feel really tight and well-constructed. 

Becoming fast favorites by homeowners.

Their mowers are heavier, stronger, and faster. Their EGO string trimmers are freaks of nature. Everything is built for performance.

So let’s look at the 650 and 765 CFM blowers.

What are CFMs in leaf blowers?

I know I briefly touched on this a few paragraphs above, but the distinction is important – especially for comparing these two.

CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. Basically it is a measurement of airflow out of the end of the blower. The typical relationship you see is the higher the CFMs, the wider the mouth of the blower. It can also result in lower miles per hour of air speed, because so much more air is moving out of a wider opening. 

It’s like taking a deep breath, relaxing your mouth and blowing out compared to taking the same breath and whistling. Same amount of air is coming out, but just much faster when you whistle. 

High CFM blowers, wide mouthed blowers are great for moving large piles of leaves. Lower CFM blowers that are narrow are good for providing a jet-stream of air that is great for wet grass clippings and small amounts of leaves. 

Keep that in mind as we move forward.

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