I Tested EGO’s new Aluminum Deck Mower (LM2200 SP)

the all new ego LM2200SP aluminum deck mower

EGO’s new aluminum deck mower might be my new favorite mower of all time. One of my major hesitations with EGO in the past has been that they almost always use plastic cutting decks on their mowers. Well – this year they decided to make a big change.

Bottom Line: The new aluminum deck mower from EGO is one of the best electric mowers on the market and has all the bells and whistles you could possibly want. You can check out the price here on Amazon.

Let’s jump right into my experience with this new EGO LM2200SP mower.

The new aluminum metal deck on the EGO mower

Obviously the most striking part of the new EGO mower is the aluminum cutting deck. If you’ve read any of my old posts about EGO mowers, you’ll know my main criticism of EGO was their plastic cutting decks.

Well they shut me up. Not only did EGO make a solid metal cutting deck for their new mower, but they made it an inch wider than their other mowers. Metal cutting decks are superior to plastic cutting decks for two reasons:

Metal cutting decks provide more weight which help stabilize the electric mower and help it mow in a straight line.
Metal cutting decks are more durable and resistant to cracks and scratches.

EGO’s Touch Drive and Select Cut function

Not only does the new EGO LM2200SP have the sweet metal cutting deck, but it also has all the bells and whistles that you would expect from a high-end EGO mower. I wrote a post where I helped break down all the unique language that EGO uses to describe their mowers, but I’ll distill down the two main terms that apply here.

EGO Touch Drive explained – Touch drive is the slick roller feature on the handle of the mower that allows you to control the speed of the self-propelled function of the mower.
EGO Select Cut – Select Cut means that the EGO mower has two blades at the bottom that allow for a super clean cut.

The new LMS2200SP comes with both Touch Drive and Select Cut. These two features combined allow for a super easy-to-use experience with an extremely clean cut. I’m not sure why this mower wasn’t considered a Select Cut XP – which is just the higher torque version of the Select Cut – since the torque on this mower is so high at 11.1 lbs.

Other nice features on the EGO aluminum deck mower

Some small features on the EGO mower that make it have a “premium” feel are the blade speed adjustment and the nice little headlights. The blade speed adjustment allows for an Eco mode that can help extend the battery run-time, but also a turbo mode for thicker brush.

The LM2200SP also features dual height adjustment on the front and back wheels so you can completely control the height of the cutting deck. It also comes with a brushless motor, just like all other EGO mowers, which makes it highly durable and able to last for well over a decade.

Lastly – this mower comes with a massive 10 Ah battery which allows for a ridiculous 70-minute run-time. This is enough power to do any normal job you would do with a push mower.

The look and feel of the EGO aluminum deck mower

Using this new mower is striking. Firing it up and starting to push it felt instantly like one of the most high quality mowers I’ve ever used. I’ve historically thought of the Milwaukee M18 as one of the most solid and powerful electric mowers on the market, but my mind has been changed.

From the solid weight to the nice self-propelled function – this mower is very premium and great to use.

I know it sounds like I am sponsored by EGO – but I’m not. I’m just glad to see them change their ways from their classic plastic deck mowers.

EGO LM2200SP vs EGO LM2156SP mower

I own both the EGO LM2200SP (the aluminum deck mower) and the LM2156SP (the EGO Select Cut XP I’ve reviewed here). Side-by-side, the new aluminum deck mower is noticeably better looking than the boxier, older looking EGO Select Cut XP.

Both have two blades at the bottom, touch-drive functionality, and take the classic EGO 56V battery – but the 10 Ah battery that comes with the new EGO LM2200SP takes the cake here.

I obviously like the aluminum deck mower a bit more than the Select Cut XP because it has just as much torque (if not more), a better cutting deck, a bigger battery, and all the same functionality.

My final review: EGO Aluminum Deck Mower

The EGO aluminum deck mower may just be the best electric mower on the market (which means I need to re-do my ranking list of best electric mowers). The new, wider 22-inch aluminum deck, the Touch Drive function, dual cutting blades, and bells and whistles make the EGO LM2200SP an absolute dream.

You can check the ever-changing price on this new mower over on Amazon.

March 5, 2024March 19, 2024

I Tested The New Toro 60V eTimeCutter Zero-Turn Mower

I tested out the new Toro 60V eTimeCutter zero-turn mower and it was a mind-boggling experience. Compared to gas-powered zero-turn mowers like the original gas TimeCutter SS4225, the brand new Toro 60V eTimeCutter was an insanely fast, quiet, easy-to-use ride.

I highly recommend you try it sometime.

Anyways, this was one of the most interesting and invigorating reviews we’ve done. I really liked a LOT about this electric zero turn mower, but think it is only good for a specific audience.

Pros of the Toro electric zero turn mower:

Extremely easy to use and turn on
No maintenance
Quiet
Super fast
Super clean cut

Cons of the Toro eTimeCutter:

Limited battery run time
Long battery charge time

Testing the Toro 60V eTimeCutter zero-turn mower: My Review

I was super excited to test out the new Toro 60V eTimeCutter because I had the identical Toro TimeCutter SS4225 gas zero-turn mower right next to it to compare. This made it super fun to not only try out a brand new electric zero-turn, but gave me a better understanding of how and why Toro designed this new mower. Here’s my experience:

The Toro 60V eTimeCutter is easy to use

The first thing I noticed when I got the Toro 60V eTimeCutter was how easy everything is to use. It came with a bunch of batteries (more on that later) that I simply pop in, turn the key to the ignition, and start moving.

I’m not saying that normal zero turn mowers are difficult to use, but the normal thoughts of fluid levels, maintenance schedules, or even the noise that the mower was about to make didn’t enter my mind. I simply turned it on and backed it out of my garage.

When you are actually running this electric zero turn full speed it feels just like any other zero-turn mower – extremely responsive steering bars, all of the same features and functionality – but just electric. After using the original Toro TimeCutter, the experience is way better. I can use this zero-turn with headphones and don’t smell like gas after.

The electric Toro TimeCutter has decent battery life

Toro isn’t known for their battery lineup, but they have slowly made a transition to electric tools through their 60V lineup. I’ve also reviewed their Toro SmartStow Recycler mower as well – one of their battery powered push mowers.

The Toro 60V eTimeCutter comes with 4 (!) 10 Ah batteries but room for up to six. These 10 Ah 60V Toro batteries are massive and come with really convenient handles that let you pull them in and out of the charging port of the eTimeCutter – which is on the back of the mower where the engine would normally be on a zero turn mower.

I ran this in my yard and my neighbors yard which is a combined 1.2 acres or so of land. The battery did totally fine. After I mowed, my friend and I actually raced the gas and the electric Toro TimeCutters and the electric won!

All that to say – the eTimeCutter’s battery run time is advertised to cut around 1.3 acres. This varies wildly depending on several things like grass type, yard shape, weight of the operator, and moisture. I easily got 1.2 acres out of it plus a race without even thinking about the batteries. I think the batteries can go even longer than advertised, especially if you buy a few more and get all six battery ports in the mower filled up.

The charge time is a different story for the Toro 60V eTimeCutter batteries. The batteries take almost four hours to completely charge. This charge time is totally okay if you are just mowing your yard and can charge them overnight, but if you mow multiple lawns – this isn’t the mower for you.

The Toro 60V eTimeCutter provided a great cut

The cut quality on the electric Toro TimeCutter is top notch. I honestly expected the electric version to be a little bit weaker (not sure why), but the cut was perfect. I went through my lawn after I cut it with the zero turn just to see if I missed any spots. The lines were perfectly smooth and even which was an amazing surprise

One thing that struck me as absolutely wild about this mower is that it was extremely fast. My friend and I did a little drag race comparison with the classic gas-powered Toro TimeCutter and the electric one pulled away pretty quickly. It gets up to 7 mph compared to 5.5 on the gas version.

Which is better: Gas or electric Toro TimeCutter?

Honestly, I liked the electric version of the TimeCutter better. It provided a quieter cut, there were no emissions, and it was faster. If you’re a homeowner and willing to shell out the money, the electric version is a whole lot more fun, quiet, and easier to maintain than the gas version.

The gas version of the Toro TimeCutter is more comfortable – it has a nice suspension system and arm rests (which are super underrated). The gas version is also a bit cheaper, too.

How much does the new electric Toro Zero Turn cost?

The 60V Toro TimeMaster will come in at around $6,500 once it hits the market this Spring.

We asked Toro for their thoughts on this mower

We reached out to the experts over at Toro and they are super excited about the new 60V Toro TimeCutter.

Sean Stebar, a Product Manager at Toro, let me know that they are super excited about the battery lineup coming out of Toro. The zero turn has “removable battery packs that can be shared from one piece of Toro battery-powered equipment to another, giving a user power to do big jobs 365 days a year regardless if it’s cutting grass, trimming hedges, or even throwing snow.”.

While batteries are a relatively new concept to Toro, I’ll be excited to see what they can pull off in this space.

My final opinion on the new 60V TimeCutter from Toro

While Toro’s electric zero turn is a bit expensive, it is the first step towards their electric future and makes me extremely excited to see what’s next. I particularly liked the handles on the battery system, the quiet operation, and the speed and control this mower had.

While it is a bit pricey, I think it will last a long time with its brushless motor and classic TimeCutter frame.

My recommendation: If you have the money, it is well spent on this mower.

February 14, 2024April 27, 2024

If You Haven’t Used A Dethatcher, You’re Doing It Wrong

The Greenworks 40V Cordless Dethatcher is an incredible tool for clearing out the top layer of your lawn and letting it fully breathe again. I got this new cordless dethatcher from Greenworks and was blown away with not only how well this worked on my lawn and how satisfying it was.

Bottom Line: I recommend grabbing a cordless dethatcher from Greenworks for a great price over on Amazon. If it is out of your price range, you can grab the corded electric version for a way cheaper price here.

Before you read any further – make sure to check out my guide on dethatching here.

How I tested the Greenworks Cordless Dethatcher

It’s really quite simple – I just took it through my yard. I dethatch a couple of times per year and have a ton of experience using both the corded electric dethatcher and other dethatchers like the Sun Joe dethatcher. I have even done a nice side-by-side comparison of those two.

Since I have used these so many times, I have a nice pattern I do in my yard that helps me evaluate the performance of each of these. This was my first time using a cordless dethatcher, so it felt refreshingly different and more convenient than when I used the corded versions.

One thing I noticed during this testing process was the lack of an extension cord made me walk a lot faster. I had to slow down multiple times to make sure I was getting a thorough dethatching.

Using the Greenworks Cordless Dethatcher In My Yard

The best time to use a dethatcher is in the Fall, right before you normally aerate and overseed. The next best time is in the early Spring before putting down your pre emergent. That’s exactly what I did this year to make sure I was starting with a clean canvas.

Here’s how the Greenworks 40V cordless dethatcher did in my lawn.

The Greenworks Cordless Dethatcher is incredibly easy to use

Getting started with the Greenworks dethatcher is a breeze. Once I assembled it, I simply squeezed the handlebars together and pressed the button on the side of the handlebars to get it started. That’s it.

Once you have it started, you can simply adjust the deck height to make sure you aren’t digging too deep or not deep enough into your lawn to get the right amount of thatch off of your lawn.

How to use the Greenworks cordless dethatcher

My simple instructions for using the Greenworks dethatcher are below:

Place the 40V battery inside the battery port
Squeeze the top handlebar and press the “start” button on the side
Start walking slowly through your lawn
Adjust the deck height as needed – raise it if you start pulling up dirt and lower it if you aren’t getting much thatch
You should be replacing the collection bag pretty frequently if you have the deck height set on the correct setting
Walking slowly is absolutely critical

Using the scarifier attachment on the Greenworks Cordless Dethatcher

The scarifier attachment is something you will want to pop on before you dethatch your lawn. A scarifier basically cuts up the thatch that is sitting on top of your soil and makes it much easier to dethatch.

Scarifiers work almost like little blenders, rotating blades vertically around to dig into the soil and chop up layers of dead grass sitting on top. I didn’t notice any thatch being collected at this point – it just preps the surface for a powerful dethatching.

Swapping out the dethatcher tines and scarifier attachment is pretty easy on the Greenworks dethatcher. There’s a little screw next to the attachments that you can hand-twist and open to place the new attachments. No tools needed!

Lastly, storing the Greenworks dethatcher is super easy. It folds in half really well at the handlebars. I only use a dethatcher once or twice per year so being able to store it in a tight spot makes it way better.

The Greenworks Cordless Dethatcher performed well

Taking the scarifier blade through my lawn followed by a nice slow-paced dethatching had my lawn looking crazy. I dethatch my lawn every year but have never pulled up so much thatch. Going cordless made the work more enjoyable because I didn’t have to lug around my extension cord or think about it at all.

The cordless dethatcher is also quiet enough that I could walk around my lawn with headphones on and listen to an audiobook while I used it.

Good performance, good experience, pretty sweet machine.

Corded vs Cordless Greenworks dethatcher

The corded and cordless Greenworks dethatchers operate nearly 100% identically. Both do a really good job of clearing out the thatch from your lawn. The main difference between the two is power source and price.

The corded electric Greenworks dethatcher is much cheaper and can run for…forever (as long as you pay your electric bill). To operate the corded version, you will need to buy a separate extension cord that can run the length of your lawn. You’ll also need to lug it around with you the entire time which can be super annoying.

The cordless Greenworks dethatcher is a bit more expensive and runs with the Greenworks 40V battery. The battery life on the cordless dethatcher is decent – about 30 minutes of runtime.

Is the Greenworks Cordless Dethatcher worth it?

The cordless dethatcher is definitely the better purchase if you already own the Greenworks 40V battery. If this is the case, you can buy the TOOL ONLY VERSION.

If you buy the tool-only version, the corded and cordless version are about the same price.

You can check out both versions here by toggling the tool-only and normal version of the dethatcher. You can also grab this cordless dethatcher over at Greenworks website here

My final review of the Greenworks Cordless Dethatcher

I have used both the cordless and corded electric Greenworks dethatcher. Getting a dethatcher is one of the cheapest ways I’ve transformed my lawn – and the most satisfying. I say yes to getting a dethatcher and that the Greenworks cordless version is a really, really convenient way to get the job done.

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.

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.

Here’s the manual for the Greenworks Cordless dethatcher:

February 7, 2024April 27, 2024

Stihl’s New Battery Powered Mower Is Actually Pretty Sweet

The Stihl RMA 510 V is a battery powered mower recently dropped onto the market by Stihl. The RMA 510V is a good battery powered mower and checks many boxes – but comes in at a premium price point. I don’t recommend it.

If you are wondering why the Stihl electric mower is a big deal, it is mostly because Stihl has historically not made any mowers. Stihl also has not been a major player in the electric space. The investment Stihl has made in their RMA 510 V electric mower signals a huge move.

Here are the pros and cons of the Stilh RMA 510 V after I tested it extensively in my backyard and even tested it against my EGO mower:

Pros:

A nice steel cutting deck
Brushless motor
Great self-propelled function
Super easy to use

Cons:

Expensive
Cannot use battery with many other tools

You can grab the Stihl electric mower at Acme Tools or Northern Tools (I’m NOT an affiliate of either and am providing a 100% honest review).

I tested the all-new Stihl RMA 510 V battery powered mower

Stihl’s RMA 510 V electric mower got shipped to my house the other day. After I got it unboxed and tested it in my backyard, here were my thoughts. As always, I am going to give you the brutally honest review only The Lawn Review provides.

The Stihl RMA 510 V mower has a durable steel cutting deck

Stihl is known for making high quality, durable products so I wasn’t surprised to see they went with a steel cutting deck on their new RMA 510 V electric mower. I liked the metal cutting deck on the Stihl mower because it provides two things.

First, the Stilh RMA 510 V’s metal cutting deck adds additional weight that improves control of the mower. Second, the metal cutting deck is highly durable when compared to competitor’s plastic cutting decks.

Stihl’s RMA 510 V battery mower has a nice self-propelled function

The self-propelled function on the Stihl RMA 510 V battery mower is super easy to activate. It’s located conveniently on the left side of the handlebars where you can quickly toggle the speed. Many self-propelled lawn mowers have a simple “on” or “off” feature instead of giving you total control of the speed.

The Stihl RMA 510 V has a nice “goldilocks” effect of letting me put it at right about ¾ full speed so I can hustle without getting too sweaty.

The Stihl mower has all the basics

I like that this mower has a seven-setting height adjustment that makes mowing your lawn in bermudagrass or tall fescue a breeze. Many folks overlook this point, but it is truly versatile all across the great United States.

The RMA 510 V is easy to use, easy to assemble, great for storage, and highly durable.

The Stihl RMA 510 V has a brushless motor – which is important.

Overall – I can’t complain about this mower. If I was handed it for free and got to take it for a spin, I would love it. But the price point is simply too high for me to take the leap when there are other more trusted brands with experience in the battery lawn mower game.

The Stihl RMA 510 V battery system is not expansive

One downside of the Stihl RMA 510 V mower is that the AP 300 S Stihl battery is simply not widely used. With mowers like the Milwaukee M18 mower or the EGO Select Cut XP – you get to use the same battery across hundreds of tools.

When you go with a battery system like Stihl’s RMA 510 V and AP 300 S, you take up charging space in your garage or shed. Not good!

Stihl’s battery mower is expensive

If you buy the full mower kit, the Stihl RMA 510 V battery mower costs you nearly $800. That is too high, in my opinion.

Alternatives:

You can get basically an identical mower with a better battery system from Greenworks (check out our review here).
EGO has a bunch of mowers that are about the same price but better (in my opinion).
Heck even Toro has a nice battery mower that is better.

My final review after testing: Stihl RMA 510 V electric mower

I don’t recommend the Stihl RMA 510 V. It has some great features and a solid build, but Stihl has just recently entered the lawn mower game and the battery and electric tool game and I don’t want to be their guinea pig.

How I tested the Stihl RMA 510 V electric mower

I tested the mower the same way I test all of the battery powered mowers I test – by ruthlessly running this mower into the ground. I lowered the deck all the way and put it into some tall fescue, ran it over some sticks, and mowed until the battery died.

The Stihl mower was crying for help by the time I was done – but it had to be truly put to the test to see how it stood up. Overall, I was impressed with how it performed, just not the price point that it is listed for.

FAQ

Here are some common questions I get about Stihl’s RMA 510 V electric mower.

What’s the difference between the Stihl RMA 510 V and the Stihl RMA 510 electric mowers?

The Stihl RMA 510 V has a variable speed self-propelled function whereas the RMA 510 does not.

Is the Stihl RMA 510 V mower worth it?

The Stihl RMA 510 V is expensive for what you get – I don’t think it is worth it.

Does the Stihl RMA 510 V have a brushless motor?

Yes, most of Stilh’s electric tools have brushless motors.

Trust me – it isn’t advertised and I’ve been corrected before!

Why you can trust The Lawn Review

What to look for in an electric mower brand

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

Battery powered mower brand quality

Quality is going to be super important here. Just about everyone is in the electric mower game these days and there are a ton of junky mowers out there. Avoid anything from a weird brand on Amazon that takes 9 years to ship. It is probably being 3D printed in a Laotian bathroom. Go for brands that have consistent quality and focus on the details, not just flashy colors.

Some brands I trust off the top of my head are: Greenworks, Milwaukee, Makita, Toro, EGO, and Kobalt. SOME Ryobi mowers, although myself and others have had some problems with reliability. Brand quality matters, but it’s also important to look at the specs on each. For example, Greenworks sells like 60 mowers, only a handful of them would I ever consider for this list. EGO also sells a bunch of mowers, and only a few are within an acceptable price range to be on this list.

Metal where it matters: the deck

Most electric mowers are plastic-y. Probably to reduce the weight of the mower so that the battery can get you further, but it feels cheap. Make sure to get metal where it matters – namely the deck. The deck is the part that covers the blades. Don’t get plastic here – a rock can rip through it.

Battery interoperability.

A ten dollar word used here, but really just make sure to buy a mower with a battery that is compatible with other electric tools. You’ll see a bunch of these brands that have battery lines that work with a ton of tools. Milwaukee, Makita, and Dewalt are all great options because you can use them for all lawn tools AND power tools – saving you a ton of money on extra batteries.

If you have more questions, check out our guide to electric lawn mowers, where we break this down into a lot more detail.

Self-propelled or not

Self-propelled mowers are lawn mowers that slowly crawl forward when mowing the lawn. They propel forward the mower, taking off a lot of the “pushing power” required by traditional push mowers.

Self-propelled mowers are ALWAYS more expensive because they have the additional power and functionality that makes life easier. They have their place, but because of the cost can often seem not totally worth it

February 1, 2024March 15, 2024

Kobalt’s 600 PSI Power Cleaner Review: Is It Worth It?

We tested out the new Kobalt 600 PSI power cleaner. This power cleaner is designed to wash away dirt and grime from surfaces from just about anywhere. The Kobalt 600 PSI power cleaner is battery-powered with Kobalt’s 40V Max battery series.

Bottom Line: The Kobalt 600 PSI Power Cleaner has all the right components and was well-built. I don’t really have a use for it but I have found a ton of people that do. You can grab it on Amazon or Lowe’s for a great price.

Kobalt 600 PSI Power Cleaner Review

The Kobalt 600 PSI power cleaner was fun to use. While I have tested many, many electric pressure washers in the past, I’ve only used a handful of power cleaners. I have also tested the Greenworks power cleaner and the Worx power cleaner which operate nearly the same as this Kobalt power cleaner.

The Kobalt 600 PSI Power Cleaner isn’t very powerful

At 600 PSI, the Kobalt Power Cleaner is not made to be a normal pressure washer. For regular electric pressure washers, anywhere between 2000 and 3000 PSI is a great range. 600 isn’t very much – but it is much stronger than a normal garden hose.

If you are the type of person to use a power cleaner then you will have appreciation for the amount of power. In previous reviews of power cleaners, I use a power cleaner to wash off pollen from patio chairs, clean off a bike, and do a quick car wash.

I’ve checked out what others use power cleaners for and it is more of the same: cleaning out animal cages, washing paddle boards and kayaks, and on-the go washing.

Kobalt’s 40V Power Cleaner is easy to use

The 600 PSI power cleaner is super easy to use although it is a bit heavy. You can connect a hose to the bottom of the power cleaner directly, which is what I did to wash off patio furniture. If you don’t have a hose you can use the tube it comes with to draw water from any area.

If indoors, it is easy to fill a bucket up with water and draw from that to clean things like bathtubs or showers. If you are outdoors, you can draw water safely from any fresh water source like a lake or pond. These are great use cases to take your power cleaner with you when you go paddle boarding or mountain biking.

The 5-in-1 nozzle tip is also a really nice feature on the Kobalt Power Cleaner. Simply twist the nozzle to change between five different spray patterns. This nozzle tip makes the Kobalt power cleaner even more portable because you don’t have to keep track of different nozzles.

Is the Kobalt 40V 600 PSI Power Cleaner worth it?

The Kobalt Power Cleaner comes in at under $200 over at Lowe’s. If you already own a 40V battery from Kobalt, then I would definitely give this one a chance. If you are looking for a nice alternative, the Greenworks 24V Power Cleaner is pretty dang good as well.

If you are looking for other Kobalt 40V products, check out some of the reviews we did:

Does Kobalt make a pressure washer?

No, Kobalt has not made a pressure washer. The Kobalt 40V 600 PSI is the closest Kobalt has come to making a pressure washer.

Why we review electric lawn tools

We started The Lawn Review out of frustration. We couldn’t find clarity around what type of products were actually good and reliable. All the fertilizers we tried didn’t work. We ended up with a dying lawn, wasted time, and wasted money.

So we started buying and reviewing lawn tools and figuring out which ones were the best. And now we’ve moved onto actually keeping that grass nice and healthy all year around.

We’ve spent thousands of hours building this content for people just like you and me – normal people.

January 29, 2024April 27, 2024

Kobalt 24V Cordless Blower Is Very Nice for Home Use

Kobalt’s 24V cordless blower is a really nice blower for the average homeowner. I got my hands on this Kobalt blower for some serious testing and have to say – it is super lightweight.

I’ve tested a few Kobalt products in my day and also own their 80V blower. I am always impressed by the build quality of Kobalt products, but they are a company that truly flies under the radar.

Bottom Line: The Kobalt 24V blower isn’t super powerful but it is powerful enough for most homeowners to clean off their porch or driveway without a problem. You can grab it for a really nice price over on Amazon.

Pros of the Kobalt 24V Blower

Turbo button for additional power
Really lightweight at just over 5 lbs
Part of a great battery series
Brushless motor
Sleek design and not-too-flashy blue color

Cons of the Kobalt 24V Blower

Relatively low CFMs and MPH
Not great for large yards

Looking for more power? Check out our video review of the Kobalt 80V Blower here.

My review of the Kobalt 24V Blower

Right after I picked up my Kobalt 24V blower I took it home and put it through the ringer. Here are some of my observations.

The Kobalt 24V blower isn’t that powerful

Don’t get me wrong, the Kobalt 24V is fine from a power perspective, but compared to some others out there it isn’t very powerful. If you don’t know what the crazy acronyms like CFMs and MPH are, read here.

If you do, the Kobalt 24V blower has up to 500 CFMs and 120 MPH. Mind you, these two specifications are fully maxed out using the Turbo button. Without the turbo button, you’re likely in the 375-400 CFM range and around 100 MPH. This is much more than a light breeze but if you check out some of the more powerful battery powered leaf blowers, you’ll see that there are better options.

The Kobalt 24V blower is perfect for around-the-house activities: blowing off the driveway, back porch, and even moving some smaller piles of leaves. It is not a substitute for a larger backpack blower, however.

Kobalt’s 24V Max Blower is super easy to use

What the Kobalt 24V Max blower lacks in extreme power it makes up for in extreme ease of use. I think this is why Kobalt’s blower is so darn popular – it is super intuitive and can be used by literally anyone with thumbs.

Once you pop on the 24V Max battery, you simply pull the trigger and you’re ready to blow. No maintenance or prep work is required to use this blower. It also has a nice variable speed trigger so you can have complete control over the speed.

What is not missing from the Kobalt 24V Max blower is the cruise control function. Since I didn’t use this for long and probably wouldn’t use it for a long, intense leaf cleaning – it really doesn’t matter. It is there if you want it.

Lastly, this blower comes in at just over 5 lbs. This makes using the Kobalt 24V blower super easy, from directing it wherever you want with ease, to making your shoulder feel normal again.

The Kobalt 24V Max Blower has a durable brushless motor

One thing I love about Kobalt is that they tend to make a bunch of quality products and hardly skimp on the necessities. The brushless motor on the Kobalt 24V Max blower means that the motor has a longer run-time, a cooler running motor, and will last for years longer than a traditional brushed motor.

The Kobalt 24V Max battery line

Kobalt’s 24V Max battery line is extensive. In addition to this blower, I’ve also used the their string trimmer in the same 24V lineup which was super powerful and an amazing tool in my arsenal.

And if you haven’t watched my video test of the Kobalt 80V blower yet – you’ll find out that Kobalt has crazy run-times on their products. Like truly absurdly long run times.

My review: Kobalt 24V Max Blower

While I can’t say the Kobalt 24V leaf blower is right for everyone, it is right for most homeowners. This cordless blower is easy to use, lightweight, and affordable. If you need more power or have a larger yard, I would look elsewhere.

If this sounds like you, check out this blower over on Amazon or at Lowe’s.

How I tested the Kobalt 24V Blower

I tested this Kobalt blower by taking it home, putting it together (took two seconds), and then walking around my yard with the blower on full speed + turbo. I used the Kobalt 24V blower on mulch, grass clippings, leaves, small sticks, and small rocks.

Why we review leaf blowers

Sounds weird, right? But we got burned dozens of times buying crappy lawn tools with impressive sounding specifications. After that happened enough times, I got serious and started to really study electric and battery powered lawn tools. Once I got wise, I started The Lawn Review to help others find lawn tools that are actually good (or bad) and give my honest, unbiased opinion of any tool I come across.

January 22, 2024April 27, 2024

The Dewalt 60V Max String Trimmer Has Extreme Power

The Dewalt 60V MAX string trimmer was delivered to my house a few weeks ago. I tested out this weed eater, putting it through the gauntlet, to see if it was truly worth the hype.

This Dewalt string trimmer review is really part of a broader set of string trimmers that I put to the test to find the best string trimmer on the planet. You can follow along on our YouTube channel, The Lawn Review.

Bottom Line: The Dewalt 60V Max string trimmer was shockingly powerful and felt very “solid”. This one has all the features I recommend in a weed eater. Grab it from Home Depot for a great price.

Dewalt 60V MAX String Trimmer: Testing each feature

I have a process when it comes to reviewing a string trimmer. I always check for power, durability, usability, and battery performance. My methods can be unusual, but I think they give you a good look into what it’s like to use this string trimmer before you buy it.

The Dewalt 60V Max String Trimmer has a powerful cutting swath

Dewalt’s 60V MAX string trimmer has the ability to level up to a 17 inch cutting swath. Folks, the larger the cutting swath, the more powerful a string trimmer is. The normal range for a battery powered weed eater is somewhere around 12-15 inches.

At 17 inches, the Dewalt 60V Max string trimmer is nearly unrivaled. I believe EGO has a string trimmer that can cut this wide but to find that width anywhere else, you would need to check out a gas-powered string trimmer.

One recommendation I have for this Dewalt String Trimmer: replace the string trimmer line right away. I don’t like the rounded, twisty kind that comes with it – I recommend using the GrassKicker weed eater string that we created specifically to replace the stock kind.

Dewalt’s 60V Max string trimmer has a durable brushless motor

One thing I love about the Dewalt products I have reviewed, like the Dewalt 60V blower and Dewalt self-propelled mower, are the fact that they come with brushless motors. Brushless motors are basically newer, higher quality electric motors that use less friction to generate power from the battery.

The Dewalt 60V MAX string trimmer has a brushless motor – meaning it has a longer run time, cooler running motor, and longer life. Dewalt backs this up with a 3 year limited warranty and 90 day money back guarantee. Pretty sweet deal!

The Dewalt 60V trimmer has a ton of convenient features

One of my favorite features of the Dewalt 60V Max string trimmer is that it has universal attachment capabilities. In fact, it is one of my favorite string trimmers with attachments on the market. Universal attachment capabilities mean that you can use any universal attachment from other brands and probably that random one you have sitting in your garage.

Not only does it have attachment capabilities, but this Dewalt 60V string trimmer has a variable speed trigger with two speed settings and a molded rubber grip and D-loop handle. These features make the string trimmer easy to hold for long periods of time. The two different high and low speed setting adjustments can be used to amp up the RPMs on this trimmer, though I would probably never take it off high.

The battery performance is as expected

The 3 Ah battery on this Dewalt 60V Max String Trimmer is pretty good. For a battery-powered tool, you get decent run time – definitely enough to trim a yard that is about a ½ acre on a single charge.

Battery performance on a string trimmer varies wildly because of different thicknesses of grass, starting and stopping, and whether or not you use the trimmer to edge. Under normal circumstances, I think you could use this string trimmer for about 40-45 minutes before the battery dies.

Lastly, this 60v Max battery series from Dewalt has a bunch of other tools you can use with it, including their blowers, chainsaws, and lawn mowers. You can save a ton of money buying the tool-only version of their tools and using one battery.

Final review after personal testing: Dewalt 60V String Trimmer

The Dewalt 60V Max string trimmer is a solid, powerful tool that will absolutely crush grass in your yard. Don’t overlook this string trimmer just because Dewalt is mostly known for their hand tools. I have tested dozens of battery powered string trimmers and this one is up at the top of the list.

You can grab it from Home Depot for a great price.

January 20, 2024March 15, 2024

I Tested A Battery Powered Snow Blower in a TON of Snow

The Wild Badger 40V snow blower is a slick battery powered snow blower that has been collecting dust in my garage for months. I didn’t get that much snow in Nashville – until last week.

The Snowmageddon that has hit Nashville has got the entire city avoiding the outdoors, except for me. I grabbed this Wild Badger snow blower, went outside, and gave it a try.

Bottom line: The Wild Badger 40V snow blower is a lightweight, super easy to use, and surprisingly effective way to clear out snow. You can grab it from Amazon for a great price.

My Wild Badger 40V Battery Snow Blower review

Wild Badger’s 40V snow blower was sent to me a while back when I did a review of the Wild Badger Battery Chainsaw and the Wild Badger mower, which was also pretty sweet. I didn’t have much use for a battery snow blower back in the late Summer but got a surprisingly large amount of snow this winter in Nashville.

The Wild Badger snow blower has some serious power

When I think about an electric snow blower, the first thing that comes to mind is that this snow blower probably isn’t cranking out a ton of power. I was surprised with Wild Badger’s snow blower because it put out some serious clearing power.

The official specifications say that this snow blower can handle snow up to 10 inches deep and 20 inches wide, which I believe given that it made light work of my 5-6 inches on my driveway. Not only did I have some deep snow, but I took it out in the freezing rain that made the snow even more wet and heavy.

From a power perspective, the Wild Badger had a great deal of force that made clearing my long driveway super easy.

Wild Badger’s battery snow blower is convenient

The 40V Wild Badger snow blower is incredible for those of us that hate the cold. Compared to a gas powered snow blower, battery powered snow blowers are way more convenient. You can walk into your garage, pop in the battery, and simply press a button to get this started. With gas snow blowers, you have to sit out in the cold and hope that it fires up after you crank the cord.

I also liked how easy this battery snow blower was for me to toggle the direction of the chute. I could easily change the angle and direction that the snow was being blown by re-directing the chute to my neighbors yard (they have annoying dogs).

Lastly, pushing this snow blower around was lightweight and easy. The handles are comfortable and intuitive to use and made the process actually kind of fun.

This battery snow blower is surprisingly durable

The Wild Badger 40V snow blower has a durable brushless motor that makes it run cooler, provide more torque, and last longer. Brushless motors are absolute must-haves when it comes to lawn tools and snow blowers are no exception.

Additionally, this snow blower has some nice, wide rubber augers on the front that won’t crack or get easily jammed up by sticks or other debris. I was surprised how well this snow blower’s augers handled the bigger bumps and clumps in my driveway.

Pros of the Wild Badger snow blower

Light
Surprisingly powerful
Really easy to control and move around
Started up with the press of a button

Cons of the Wild Badger battery snow blower

The battery life didn’t last as long as it normally might because I used it in quite a bit of snow and I have a really long driveway. It lasted for probably 25 minutes with one battery and could likely go up to 50 with both batteries.
Wild Badger isn’t a well known brand and doesn’t have an extensive suite of tools, but has been around a surprisingly long time and is about to release a bunch of other 40 and 60V tools.

Final Review: Wild Badger 40V Battery Snow Blower

All things considered, the Wild Badger snow blower was a clutch tool to have sitting in my garage. I was pleasantly surprised with this snow blower’s ability to clear a wide path, start up easily and reliably, and launch snow pretty dang far.

I would recommend this Wild Badger snow blower to just about anyone with a smaller yard or driveway as a great, low-cost battery snow blower. You can grab it for a great price over on Amazon.

If you want to learn more about Wild Badger, check out some of their info below.

Wild Badger: Feel the Wild, Harness the Power.

WILD BADGER POWER crafts premium Lawn Care tools, empowers outdoor enthusiasts with innovative, eco-friendly solutions. Our vision is to lead the industry, harmonizing nature, amplifying efficiency, and enriching lives.

What considerations should homeowners make before choosing a gas- or battery-powered snow blower?

According to Jay Thaker, Marketing Manager at Toro, when choosing a snow blower, there are three big questions we advise people to answer to determine if gas or battery would best suit your needs. Current technology has evolved so that many battery-powered units can handle the same workload as their gas counterparts, but there’s still a time and place for gas machines.

So before looking at power options answer the following:

How large is the area you need to clear?
What type of surface do you need to clear?
What kind of slope does your driveway have?

Answering these questions will help homeowners choose between single stage, two stage or a crossover model.

January 14, 2024April 27, 2024

The Kobalt 24V Max Trimmer is Cheap but not Great

The Kobalt 24V String Trimmer attachment system is not only a super powerful weed eater, but capable of carrying some great attachments like a dethatcher, edger, and tons more.

I got my hands on this Kobalt 24V string trimmer system and put it to work, testing it around my yard and cranking all the different attachments.

I’ve tested a bunch of attachment capable string trimmer systems like this Kobalt 24V model and my favorite has been the EGO multi-head. These two both sell at Lowe’s and will be side-by-side if you are making a decision.

Bottom Line: The Kobalt 24V string trimmer attachment system is a surprisingly solid, versatile system that comes in at an unbelievably low price point. If you are looking for a great alternative to some pricier systems, this is the perfect option. You can grab it at Lowe’s for a great price.

Testing the Kobalt 24V Max String Trimmer system

Once I got the Kobalt 24V Max String Trimmer out of the box, assembling it was a breeze. This comes as a split shaft, meaning it is already assembled and folded in the box. You simply snap it into place and put on the debris guard (if you want) and you’re ready to go. Here was my experience using this trimmer.

The Kobalt string trimmer has nice cutting power

The 14 inch cutting swath on the Kobalt 24V Max string trimmer system is what I call the “Goldilocks” zone. This cutting swath isn’t so large that it reaches commercial landscaping territory, demanding a ton of juice from the battery and motor.

But at 15 inches, the Kobalt 24V Max trimmer is extremely powerful for any residential job. One thing I always do when I get a new string trimmer is to change out the string from its stock version to the kind I personally made, called GrassKicker. We designed this to be durable, sharp, and highly visible.

When it comes to weed eaters, cutting swath is synonymous with power. Once I had the new string on here, the full 15 inch length was an absolute monster and a huge upgrade. The Kobalt 24V string trimmer has enough power for just about any homeowner (unless you live in a dense forest or have > 2 acres of land).

The trimmer is super durable

One thing I love about Kobalt’s 24V Max series string trimmer system is that it comes with a brushless motor. I’ve written extensively about brushless motors on lawn tools and am a strong proponent of making sure you have a brushless motor.

Luckily, the Kobalt 24V Max string trimmer has one of these motors, making it highly durable, giving it more torque, and a long life. And with all battery powered weed eaters, the Kobalt trimmer has no maintenance at all on the motor and will fire right up whenever you simply press the button.

The rest of this string trimmer has a super solid build – something that shocked me given the relatively low price. But the construction on this, especially around where the triggers are, felt solid and reliable and like it could last me for several years.

The Kobalt string trimmer attachment system is universal

My Kobalt 24V Max string trimmer just came with the multi-head and string trimmer head. Since this string trimmer system is universal, I had a ton of other attachments I could pop on easily from my experience with other attachment capable systems.

I loved that I could easily pop on an edger attachment and have a beastly battery lawn edger. Then I could grab a hedge trimmer attachment and have an extended hedge trimmer. Attachment capabilities on this trimmer make it a Swiss Army knife tool that not only saves a ton of money, but makes storage way easier.

One attachment that I got separately because I had never seen it before is the Kobalt Dethatcher attachment. And I got this attachment only because it seemed strange. Usually lawn dethatchers are oriented like push mowers, so imagining using this with one hand across my whole yard just felt…awkward.

Well my imagination was correct. This Kobalt dethatching attachment was definitely awkward haha. I could see this attachment being awesome for small areas but would go crazy if I did this all across my lawn.

The Kobalt 24V MAX system has tons of tools

One thing you need to be careful about before buying this kobalt string trimmer is the difference between 24V and 24V MAX. In many battery lines, these two are surprisingly and unfortunately INCOMPATIBLE.

On the bright side, Kobalt’s 24V Max system is huge – spanning dozens of lawn tools and even more hand power tools. From an investment perspective – I love only having to buy one or two batteries and one charger. This declutters my garage and keeps costs down when I buy the tool-only version of other tools.

The Kobalt 24V Max leaf blower is a great addition to their lineup.

Kobalt 24V Max string trimmer system is inexpensive compared to others

This string trimmer sells exclusively at Lowe’s (just like all Kobalt stuff). At under $200 for the system and weed eater attachment plus batteries and charger – you’re getting a steal. If you already have a 24V Max battery, the price drops to well below $150. Holy guacamole.

Final review: Kobalt 24V MAX string trimmer

I was pleasantly surprised by the Kobalt 24V Max attachment capable string trimmer. Sadly, I judged this string trimmer by its low price. But when I fired the string trimmer up and got to work, I ate my words.

This string trimmer gets the stamp of approval from TLR.

November 12, 2023March 15, 2024

Black and Decker HT2200 Hedge Trimmer Review: 10 Years Later

The Black and Decker HT220 is an older corded model, but it still works like a charm! It is a versatile and powerful hedge trimmer that promises to make trimming tasks easier and more efficient.

In this Black and Decker HT2200 review, I will delve into the key aspects of the HT2200, including its design, cutting power, user-friendly features, durability, and overall value.

Here’s a quick summary of my thoughts on the Black and Decker HT2200 hedge trimmer:

22-inch dual-action blade that makes cutting efficient.
Has a harder time with thicker, heartier branches.
Lightweight and well-balanced design with a comfortable grip and reduced noise levels (compared to most others).
Over a decade of use in my family with minor wear.
Limited mobility as a corded trimmer (which you should expect)
Priced around $60 for corded and $85 for electric, offering lasting value.

Like Black and Decker Hedge Trimmers? Check out our ranking of the best Black and Decker Hedge Trimmers.

Black and Decker HT2200: Features

Here’s a longer breakdown of all the great features found on the HT2200 hedge trimmer from Black and Decker.

Blade Length and Cutting Capacity

The HT2200 boasts a 22-inch dual-action blade, which means you can trim more in a single pass. This length is perfect for tackling larger hedges and shrubs without breaking a sweat. It also offers a generous cutting capacity, allowing you to take on branches up to 3/4-inch thick.

Performance and Cutting Power of the HT2200

I’ll break this up into two parts – cutting efficiency on this hedge trimmer and then how it handles.

Cutting Efficiency and Precision

When it comes to performance, the HT2200 doesn’t disappoint. The blade cuts through branches with ease, providing a clean and precise cut every time. One thing to keep in mind is to avoid attempting to cut branches that are too thick, if you have to ask yourself if a branch is too thick, it is. I’ve jammed my trimmer countless times because I tested its cutting power too far.

Handling Different Types of Hedges

Whether you’re dealing with thin, tall hedges or unruly shrubs, the HT2200 works great. It can handle most hedges that don’t have extremely thick branches perfectly. If you need to cut thicker branches, try out a saw or clippers.

Design and Ergonomics on the Black and Decker hedge trimmer

Here are my thoughts on the various ergonomic components of this hedge trimmer.

Weight and Balance

Weighing in at just a few pounds, the HT2200 is at a respectable weight. You won’t have to worry about feeling like you’re lugging around a ton of bricks while taming your hedges. Its well-balanced design also ensures that you won’t strain your arms or shoulders during extended use.

Grip and Handle Design

Black and Decker has equipped the HT2200 with a comfortable and ergonomic grip. You’ll be able to maintain a firm hold and have full control over the trimmer, even during longer trimming sessions.

Noise Levels

We’ve all endured the ear-piercing symphony of noisy outdoor power tools. Thankfully, the HT2200 is designed with reduced noise levels in mind, making your hedge trimming sessions less disruptive to yourself and your neighbors.

Durability

This trimmer has been in the family for over a decade and is still holding up strong. It has gained some minor chips and scratches over the years, but nothing significant. This trimmer is built for the long run, but make sure you take proper care of it in order for it to last.

Pros and Cons of the Black and Decker HT2200

Now that we’ve explored the features, let’s sum up the strengths and weaknesses of the HT2200 hedge trimmer.

Advantages of the HT2200 Hedge Trimmer

– 22-inch blade
– Reduced noise levels make your hedge trimming sessions less disruptive.
– Excellent cutting capability for most instances

Limitations of the HT2200 Hedge Trimmer

– As a corded trimmer, it may not offer the same mobility as gas-powered trimmers.
– The cutting capacity may not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks or extremely thick branches.

Value

This trimmer has lasted for over a decade and is currently on sale for an insanely low price on Amazon.

Takeaway: Would I buy the Black and Decker HT2200 again?

If you’re in the market for a corded hedge trimmer that combines user-friendliness, durability, and efficiency, then the Black and Decker HT2200 is definitely worth considering. It’s perfect for most average-sized hedges. Just be aware of its cutting limitations if you have more demanding trimming needs.

Overall, the HT2200 has the power to make your hedge trimming experience a breeze!

What to look for in a corded hedge trimmer

Corded hedge trimmers are a great addition to any homeowner’s toolkit. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they also offer a number of advantages over their gas-powered counterparts. However, with so many different models on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Here are a few things to look for when choosing a corded hedge trimmer:

Length of hedge trimmer

Corded hedge trimmers come in a variety of lengths, from small handheld models to larger units that can reach up to several feet. Choose the size that is best suited for your needs. I like 24 inch hedge trimmers because they have length and power while still being relatively nimble.

Ease of use

Corded hedge trimmers should be easy to operate, with comfortable handles and simple controls. Look for a model that is lightweight and easy to maneuver. I also keep an eye out for corded hedge trimmers that accommodate the extension cord by having something that keeps it from getting unplugged.

Cost

Corded hedge trimmers often are less expensive than cordless hedge trimmers. They don’t have the battery attached which saves quite a bit of money, but you do need to have a good extension cord.

You can get a very good corded electric hedge trimmer for around $100, often less. Keep that in mind when searching for a new one.

With these factors in mind, you’ll be sure to find the perfect cordless hedge trimmer for your garden.

Looking for something cordless? Check out our ranking of the best battery powered hedge trimmers.