How much does a Stihl weedeater cost?

Stihl weed eaters cost around $250 to $350 depending on the model type.

What is better a Stihl or Echo?

Stihl and Echo both make amazing products, but Stihl edges out Echo slightly.

Does Stihl make a 4 stroke weed eater?

Yes! The Stihl FS 131 is a 4 stroke weed eater.

What does Stihl FS stand for?

FS stands for Freischneider, the German word for line trimmer.

Lawn Tool Reviews Archives - Page 6 of 11

April 21, 2022March 15, 2024

Giraffe Tools Grandfalls Pressure Washer: 2024 Update

The Giraffe Tools Grandfalls Pressure Washer has pulled the future into the present.

You know how they always say work smarter, not harder? Well the Grandfalls Pressure Washer does both.

Just pulls it right back in. And pulls me right back in.

Now that I have experienced a retractable pressure washer, I kind of want a retractable everything. Retractable toothbrush. Retractable refrigerator. Just imagine the possibilities here.

Let’s check out how the Giraffe Tools Grandfalls Pressure Washer stacks up!

Check out our other pressure washer reviews here. Or click to jump ahead to the below sections!

Grandfalls pressure washer benefits
Pros and cons
Final ruling
Giraffe Tools 101
What to look for in a pressure washer

Giraffe Tools Grandfalls Pressure Washer: Features and Benefits

So now that we know what we are looking for, we need to see how this one stacks up. Trying not to spoil it, but I think you can put 2 and 2 together to see that this thing is already checking boxes. Nevertheless, read on!

Functionality of the Grandfalls pressure washer: Soap Dispenser and Nozzle types

Here is where I am a total noob. I don’t often use a soap dispenser because for most applications, I am trying to murder whatever piece of dirt is in front of me. I know many, many people use their pressure washers infused with soap to clean off their cars, but I am simply a violent individual.

That being said, this did come with a cool soap bottle that can be added on for when I do go to anger management and finally reconcile with other applications for pressure washers.

One cool thing about the Grandfalls Pressure Washer is that it comes with a bunch of different nozzles. I tested out each one and could think of a few uses for each. They also come with a cool tactical-style holder that slides on the nozzle.

I can neither confirm nor deny how many times I said “Say hello to my little friend” while holding the sprayer.

Retractable hose pressure washer nozzles: A bit more

The nozzles range from 0 to 60 degrees, giving you a ton of options. As I was displaying the pressure washer to my wife, she was giving me countless chores she would like completed.

The windows. The driveway. The patio. The back deck. Sadly, I could complete all of these with the Grandfalls Pressure Washer. And now I am mad at them for not giving me an excuse to get out of chores.

The nozzles pop on and off of this cool holder on the wand.

Power of the Grandfalls Pressure Washer

I have to say, I was most surprised by the power. I have used and reviewed plenty of electric pressure washers. I was floored by this one. It was MUCH more powerful than I expected.

My hose has pretty weak water pressure, so I didn’t expect much from this motor because it does not have much to work with.

But wow – the 0 degree nozzle on this one was blowing a stream that would have made Bulbosaur jealous. See picture below where I took the 0 degree nozzle to a portion of my brick walkway. I don’t even have to tell you where I used it- just see for yourself.

The Giraffe Tools Grandfalls Pressure Washer delivers up to 2200 PSI – wow.

Obvs. the bottom right is what I sprayed. Na doi.

Usability

The retractable reel function

Now this is the sweet part. While I got this set up inside my garage, it actually reaches around to the furthest corner of my back deck. 100 feet. I will not let my neighbors know as they could actually use it without a problem.

I love how easy this was to use. When I first started nervously pulling the hose out as far as it could go, my concern was that getting it back in the mount would be a mess.

As you can see below, the retractable system pulls it from side to side to make sure the hose is retracting back smoothly and efficiently. It looks almost like a typewriter when you are putting it back in, slowly moving to the side.

This was awesome for me because it neatly arranged the hose in a perfectly organized way.

The trigger

No complaints here. This has a nice squeeze trigger functionality that is super easy to use. It isn’t too tense and is comfortable to hold in place – no need to constantly fight against it and wrestle it to squeeze it all the way.

It comes with a nice safety lock that prevents it from being pulled while unraveling and prevents my kids from getting into it and pressure washing their eyes out.

I know the Giraffe Tools Grandfalls Pressure Washer comes with a nice little holder for the sprayer, but I couldn’t help myself. I had to have it rest on the bike rack for ultimate aesthetics.

Pros and Cons of the Giraffe Tools Grandfalls Pressure Washer

Let’s take a quick dive into the pros and cons of purchasing this pressure washer.

Pros:

Probably the coolest pressure washer on the market
Not super loud
Incredibly easy to use and store
Multiple functions from light washes to absolute dirt destruction

Cons:

Tough to install – need to have it hang on something very sturdy
Didn’t have an easily apparent place to put the electric cord
Set up instructions difficult to understand, but pretty intuitive to figure out

The final ruling: Giraffe Tools Grandfalls Pressure Washer

Okay here it is. This is by far the coolest pressure washer you will ever use. Not too loud, not too expensive, extremely versatile and even more transportable. I don’t think you will come across a better all-in-one pressure washer – especially electric.

Just turn that orange knob and you’re ready to go.

We have reviewed plenty of pressure washers, and 100% honestly and truthfully – this is our favorite. It is a genius idea and will surely be a huge hit as more and more people learn about it.

You can check the price of the pressure washer 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.

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 Giraffe Tools

To be fair, I had never heard of Giraffe Tools before. But a few years ago, I had never heard of Tesla either (I am what many would consider a moron).

But after doing some digging, they have basically mastered the art of retractable tools. They have products like air hoses, regular hoses, pressure washers, and more – all retractable.

Y’all we are in the 21st century. Why do we still settle for messy piles of kinked hoses? You deserve better.

Giraffe Tools was kind enough to send us this retractable pressure washer to be put under the microscope by yours truly. Let me tell you – I liked what I saw and think you will, too.

What to look for in a pressure washer

Some common considerations for those looking for a pressure washer include the following:

Ability to add soap to the hose instead of schlepping around a bucket with soap
Multiple nozzle types for whichever job you need
Length of pole and hose (if cleaning exterior of house, not having one of these could limit how high you can reach)
Storage capability and maintenance requirements
PSI level for either commercial or residential use

April 13, 2022March 19, 2024

Scott’s EdgeGuard Broadcast Spreader Reviews (6 years later)

The Scott’s Edgeguard Broadcast Spreader is proof that you can’t get those pearly whites without a toothbrush, you can’t get that perfect ‘doo without a hairbrush, and you can’t get that beautiful lush green yard without a broadcast spreader. In all disciplines, there’s a product, and equally as important, there’s a tool that applies the product.

When it comes to applying seed, fertilizer, pre-emergent, etc., the broadcast spreader is the cog that makes the wheel turn. It doesn’t get the love it deserves – always the bridesmaid and never the bride. Today, we’re going to be talking about the MacDaddy of them all – the Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Spreader.

This is the piece of equipment that you need before laying down any of the Scott’s products that bring your lawn to the next level. Why do we recommend this specific spreader? Have no fear, I’ll break it down for you below:

Scott’s EdgeGuard broadcast spreader overview
Rate setting
Yard size recommendations
Scott’s EdgeGuard Broadcast Spreader cost

Breaking down the Scott’s EdgeGuard Broadcast Spreader

Let’s get started with our breakdown of this broadcast spreader

Scott’s EdgeGuard Technology

In my opinion, the most useful feature on this broadcast spreader is right in the name. The tool comes with Scott’s patented EdgeGuard technology which is designed to keep product where it belongs and away from landscaping, driveways, and sidewalks. This allows you to have the accuracy of a drop spreader, but with the reach and coverage of a broadcast spreader. The best of both worlds!

Look at the Edgeguard as a knight in shining armor, protecting your beds from receiving unwanted fescue seeds (far and away the best type of grass, IMHO) from your beautiful flower beds. The flap that controls your spreading circumference is able to be slid back and forth depending on your need. Seeding right next to a bed? Move that sucker to the halfway position, and you won’t see any seed thrown to the right-hand side of the spreader. In the middle of your yard? Open that sucker up and let the seed spray!

Rate Setting on the Scott’s EdgeGuard Broadcast Spreader

Possibly my favorite feature on this piece of equipment is the intuitive rate setting knob.

The Scotts Edgeguard has 14 setting levels for how much you want to disburse and exactly where you want to throw it. This prevents burning or overseeding your lawn. The best thing about it is, when you buy a Scotts product, whether that be fertilizer, seed, or pre emergent, it tells you exactly what setting to use on your broadcast spreader. I know in my case; I always tend to lean on the side of overseeding.

This feature, paired with the setting recommendation on the Scott’s products, completely removes the guesswork from the process – saving time AND money.

Scott’s Broadcast Spreader Yard Size

In the broadcast spread game, let’s face it: size matters. The Edgeguard certainly doesn’t struggle with that. This thing holds enough product to cover 15,000 square feet. Unless you live at the Biltmore, that’s plenty of capacity for more than 99.9% of residual properties.

Nothing worse when spreading seed than running out of product mid-yard and forgetting exactly where you left off after refilling. It’s also very compact, making it easy to store in your garage or crawlspace during the off-season.

Scott’s EdgeGuard Broadcast Spreader Cost

You might be asking – a tool this useful, that saves me THIS much time and money, must cost a fortune. Well brother, you are in luck. The Scott’s Edgeguard Broadcast Spreader comes out at a measly $64 on Amazon. Additionally, this product literally pays for itself in less than a year.

With how expensive seed and fertilizer have gotten over the past decade, this product allows you to throw down exactly as much as you need for your yard, removing the issue of lost product in beds and ancillary areas.

Final recommendation: Scott’s EdgeGuard Spreader

To my point in the introduction, if you’re going to go through the trouble of applying product to your lawn, whether that be seed, fertilizer, pre-emergent, herbicide, etc., a broadcast spreader is vital to the process. It the cog that makes the wheel go around.

If you are going to grab the Scott’s Turf Builder (check out our review here), then you’ll want this product.

If you’re in the market for a spreader, the Scotts Edgeguard Broadcast Spreader is going to be the best bang for your buck, and has some incredible features and benefits that simplify the process and take the guess work out of the game.

Grab one from Home Depot today to get your lawn back to green.

Why we review lawn tools

Why to fertilize your lawn using a broadcast spreader

Before we dive into the specifics of the Scotts Edgeguard Broadcast Spreader, I want to back up and explain what a spreader is and what makes it crucial for the development of a lush, green lawn. Why do you need a spreader? Honestly, it’s all about timesaving and efficiency. Getting an even coating of fertilizer or seed over your lawn by hand is nearly impossible. Of course, you can do it by hand, but it will take MUCH longer, and you will likely end up applying product unevenly.

There are two main types of spreaders, and I’ll explain the difference in applications below:

Drop Spreader

Drop spreaders are slightly more accurate than broadcast spreaders, as they distribute even rows of fertilizer precisely where you want it (similarly to a lawn mower, if you don’t go over a specific area under the spreader, it will not receive product). These are best used for smaller lawns, usually those under 5,000 square feet. Drop spreaders cover a smaller surface area of lawn per pass compared to broadcast spreaders, which means it’ll take a bit more time to fertilize your lawn.

Broadcast Spreader

Broadcast spreaders distribute fertilizer in a fan-like pattern in all directions and cover a wider area per pass than drop spreaders. The rate you walk and the spreader’s hole size (In Scott’s Edgeguard’s case, the rate setting knob) impact how much product is distributed. Broadcast spreaders distribute less product toward the edge of its broadcast range.

Some broadcast spreaders, the Scott’s Edgeguard in particular, have a side-shield feature that allows you to block off half of the spreader, which is particularly helpful for applying product around the perimeter of your lawn and avoiding driveways, sidewalks, and garden beds

With a broadcast spreader like the Scott’s Edgeguard, you’re able to cover more lawn in a less amount of time. And with the Edgeguard technology that I’ll explain below, it has the benefits of both drop spreader and broadcast spreader.

We’ve done a full breakdown of drop spreaders vs broadcast spreaders here.

March 28, 2022April 21, 2024

A Wheelbarrow With 8 Different Uses: Unreal

This Worx Aerocart 8-in-1 wheelbarrow can barely be called a wheelbarrow. It’s more like a transformer.

The amount of time and frustration this wheelbarrow has saved me is worth about 10x the actual price.

But before I get ahead of myself, let’s check out what makes this wheelbarrow so great.

WORX 101
What to look for in a wheelbarrow
Benefits review
How to Buy
Official Review

Why we review lawn tools

We have a rigorous product testing strategy.

About WORX

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

They offer low price, medium-to-high quality products that….work. Worx is super popular on places like Amazon, but also have a presence in some of the big box stores. Worx started off in lawn equipment and took off like a rocket, but are now transitioning into new products. One hallmark of Worx’ brand is that of innovation. And let me tell you – the Aerocart wheelbarrow is an innovation.

My experience with wheelbarrows

If you are anything like me, you grew up with a simple metal wheelbarrow with a halfway inflated front tire that flipped onto its side every time you went to pick it up.

You can check out our Wheelbarrow Buying Guide here.

And then later on you evolved to one of those big plastic wheelbarrows with two legs. Which seems great, but when you try to move it you can only waddle like a penguin or scrape your achilles tendon into oblivion.

If you cannot tell, I have had a hate-hate relationship with wheelbarrows my entire life. Until now.

What to look for in a wheelbarrow

When purchasing a wheelbarrow or yard cart, I try to look for things that don’t hurt me. Let me explain:

Load reducing features: Anything that will use leverage to make the load feel lighter and not destroy my hands and back.
Multiple functions: Because if you are going to take up space in the garage, you darn well better do more than just haul dirt.
Tires that don’t go flat: These are super important for steering, supporting weight, and providing a safe experience.
Sturdy: One rule here – don’t fall over.

Guys its a wheelbarrow – this shouldn’t be hard. Do not hurt the operator and you are in the top decile of wheelbarrows on the market.

So where does the Worx WG050 Aerocart fit in?

I’m glad you asked.

Worx WG050 Aerocart 8-in-1 review

I said we would be reviewing a Worx wheelbarrow and I was wrong. Because this is sort of a cheat code hybrid device that is absolutely insane. Here we go.

Load reducing benefits

The Worx WG050 comes with something called “Turbo Lift”. While it may sound like this comes with blasters that will send it into space, it is actually just a simple lever system that makes a lot of weight feel like a little.

Remember those science projects in middle school where you could use a see-saw looking thing to lift a lot of weight with barely any effort?

This is basically the same thing, except in wheelbarrow form. The Worx wheelbarrow has the Turbo Lift leverage system to make 200 lbs of wheelbarrow weight feel like 17 lbs.

I could make a joke here but will not.

All to say: the main benefit here is that this will save your back big time. Instead of doing a deadlift to get this thing moving, you can pick up something significantly less heavy. Talk about a freaking benefit.

Multiple functions

I think the dead giveaway that the Worx Aerocart 8-in-1 has multiple functions is that it is called the Worx Aerocart 8-in-1.

Here are the 8 functions in the Worx Aerocart Wheelbarrow:

Wheelbarrow
Hand truck / dolly
Extended dolly
Bag holder
Cylinder holder
Rock and plant mover
Trailer mover

Yeah, it is a little bit of a stretch. I mean I am technically a bag holder every time I go anywhere with my wife (I’m whipped).

Needless to say, the two main functions I use with this are wheelbarrow and hand truck. And these work super well.

It’s great that this wheelbarrow can do so much, providing you with a ton of options if you choose to get fancy.

Tires that don’t go flat

This is honestly number one for me. Back in college I volunteered at a summer camp doing manual labor (all in the name of Jesus!). One of our tasks was to take all the sand that had spilled over into the lake and put it back on the sand volleyball court.

I almost died. The dang wheelbarrow was full of wet sand and I had to push it up a steep ramp WITH A FLAT TIRE. I mean this piece of junk was useless. The more wheelbarrows I have come in contact with, the more I realize what a pain it is to have to get the pump out every time I use it so that it isn’t a useless sled.

The Worx Aerocart wheelbarrow has never-flat tires. They are basically rubber tires that don’t require air. And yes, Worx included a graphic that shows like forty different screws embedded in the tire to prove it.

Whoever used this must have had bigger problems than a flat tire.

Sturdy

Last but not least, a wheelbarrow has to be sturdy. And the Worx Aerocart Wheelbarrow is that.

I’m talking NFL linemen-level sturdy.

Because most of these dumpy wheelbarrows can tip over pretty easily. Then your entire day is ruined.

I have owned one of those gray Scott’s wheelbarrows before that is absolutely sturdy. A big plastic hunk that is essentially a square. The thing that sucked is that it had two rigid plastic legs that were so thick and in the way. Whenever you pushed the wheelbarrow, you could only take tiny penguin-like steps to avoid smashing your feet under the legs.

I like the Worx wheelbarrow because it has a super intuitive design with four legs that lift up when you do. They tuck back under the wheelbarrow until you’re ready to set it down again.

Genius.

Worx Aerocart Cost and Value

The Worx Aerocart fluctuates in price, but averages about $200. Before you guffaw or even snort, think about this – this is 8 different tools. 2 of which will absolutely be used on the regular.

The value here is enormous, which is what made us buy it in the first place.

No regrets.

Buy Worx Wheelbarrow Aerocart

The Worx Aerocart wheelbarrow can probably be found in most major retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot. Make sure to check if it is in stock online before you go.

Alternatively, you can check the price on Amazon and have it shipped directly to your home.

The official review: Worx Aerocart Wheelbarrow

This thing is a beast that we use at least a few times per month. We highly recommend this product and have had no issues during our ownership.

Make sure to check out our video review as well.

Own this product? Go let us know what you think on our Facebook page!

March 10, 2022April 21, 2024

I Keep The Kimo Cordless Blower In My Coat Closet: Here’s Why

The KIMO Cordless Blower is perhaps the greatest blower on the market for less than $80. The Kimo blower is super easy to use, can be stored just about anywhere, and is surprisingly powerful.

The KIMO 20V cordless blower might look miniature but trust me, it packs a serious punch. This is a tool I promise you won’t be disappointed. Let me tell you why.

Every time we have friends over, just after I get out of the shower and get dressed up, right before people begin to arrive… My wife asks me to blow off our front and back porch.

Seriously, it’s like clockwork.

She has some sixth sense for when I’m clean. Then she asks me to fire up a gas blower just to clean off a few leaves. I then go through the whole evening smelling like gasoline.

Well, this mighty mouse has been an absolute godsend! Guess what… 10,136 reviews with an average of 4.3 stars on Amazon… Looks like quite a few other people agree with me too.

Let’s dive in to what makes the KIMO 20V blower something I simply cannot do without.

KIMO Overview: Who are they?
KIMO cordless blower features and benefits
Official Review
How to buy (and where the sale is)

KIMO Cordless Blower: Features

The KIMO 20V leaf blower has a lot to like, and leaves little to be desired. PUN INTENDED. One of the most important items you need in your arsenal for keeping a top notch lawn, the leaf blower is an essential. Let’s check out some of the features in this interesting blower and vacuum combo kit.

Benefit #1: Weight

At a measly 1.76 lbs, this blower is the absolute epitome of the word light. Seriously, it’s insanely light. But it’s weird, it doesn’t really feel super cheap to me like I’d expect with something of this size.

It’s a solid, well built plastic in my opinion. This makes my wife’s last minute chores much less likely to cause me to break into a disgusting sweat! Add that to the list of things I like about this product.

Benefit #2: Power

Again, at such a small size, you’d expect this thing to generate only a soft gentle breeze. THINK AGAIN. No joke. Because the opening on this guy is so narrow, you actually get a super strong, concentrated blast of air. Don’t get me wrong, you’re not going to be able to clean up your fall leaves with this guy but it does what it’s supposed to do!

The picture below is to illustrate the variability in power based on how hard you pull the trigger. So if you only need a little bit of air and don’t want to ruin your mulch beds or something then just pull the trigger a little bit. If you need a little more juice then pull it all the way. The KIMO 20V blower will generate upwards of 150 CFM.

Benefit #3: Durability & Warranty

Like I said earlier this blower feels extremely durable for a plastic blower. It doesn’t feel like that cheap plastic crap you can get from other brands. This product feels like it’s built to last in my opinion. The parts feel well made in opinion.

In fact, KIMO touts their battery as being able to be charged 1000 charge cycles. That’s a considerably high number of charges if you think about it. I mean I probably charge once a week? Maybe… So that’s 1000 weeks.. Minimum. Like a bunch of years!

The KIMO 20V blower actually also has a high efficiency, 20,000 RPM copper motor, that not only helps with the power output, it also ensures that it will last you a long time. Honestly, you can rest easily knowing this has a good motor in it.

In the event that something does go wrong, KIMO offers a 24 month warranty on all their products. So if something does go wrong, just email kimo-support@kimotools.com and they say they’ll reply and ship you a new one in 12 hours. Pretty unreal customer service in this day and age.

Benefit #4: Cost

Honestly, this is where this product is in a league of it’s own for me. It blows 150 mph. It has a 24 month warranty, it doubles as a vacuum, it’s insanely light and easy to store AND it’s under $100 dollars?! Once I saw that price on Amazon I new I had to give it a shot.

At the time of this posting it’s actually on sale too for 20% off. So it’ll run you about $79 + tax. In my opinion, this is a steal.

I realize I’m extremely excited and love this product but honestly you guys need to give this one a try. There’s no way you will be disappointed with this.

The Official Review: KIMO 20V 2-IN-1 Cordless Blower

Yes.

This one is a SOLID yes for me. I laughed when I opened the box. I thought, “there’s no way.”

This guy did not disappoint.

Did I mention you get a vacuum attachment with it too?

Don’t miss out on the 20% off deal on Amazon for the KIMO 20V 2-IN-1 Cordless Blower

Why we review lawn tools

KIMO 20V Products

I’ll be the first to admit. Honestly, I’d never even heard of this brand before my mom surprised me one spring afternoon and ordered me one off Amazon. But honestly after checking out there product offerings, I was pretty impressed!

They definitely specialize more in the handheld DIY type products but they also have some cool landscaping products too! They even have this absolutely sick looking 6 inch cordless chainsaw that has 736 positive reviews!

Another benefit of this brand is their stuff is super affordable compared to the competition. A $67.99 blower?! I mean come on. I’d spend that every day and twice on Sunday not to have to reshower after my wife sees a few leaves next to the front door.

February 27, 2022April 21, 2024

Finely Shred Leaves Into Dust With The Worx WG430

The Worx WG430 13A electric leaf mulcher is a great tool for finely mulching your leaves before storing them in trash bags. This leaf mulcher will save a ton of space in your garbage bin and reduce the number of trips to the dump.

Bottom Line: The WORX WG430 13 AMP Electric Leaf Mulcher is basically a blender on stilts for leaves. It is also extremely fun and satisfying to use. You can grab it for a great price on Amazon here.

Make sure you check out our YouTube channel for a full video review of this product as well!

Let’s get started:

Feature review: Worx electric leaf mulcher
Where to buy Worx mulcher
WORK and their reputation
What to know before buying a leaf mulcher

WORX WG430 13 AMP Electric Leaf Mulcher: Feature Review

Honestly, this is probably one of the most unique and interesting products I own. I think it’s so cool. It’s quite the conversation starter with the neighbors. I will say that essentially a weed eater flipped upside down on top of stilts can pose a bit of a safety risk, but as long as you’re smart about where you put your french fry holders you should be good to go. So before we start, please please please wear some heavy duty gloves while operating.

We spent a couple of hours researching this product and comparing it to others. But there is no replacement for owning the product and using it regularly throughout the Fall months (which we have). We can tell you from first hand experience, this thing rocks.

Spinning leaves into shreds

The WORX WG430 13 AMP Electric Leaf Mulcher has, you guessed it, a 13 AMP motor. This motor provides enough power to shred up to 53 gallons of leaves per minute. Honestly, that is such an absurd statistic to me. How in the world did they measure that? They would’ve had to have TONS of leaves to build enough of a dataset to measure that. What does a gallon of leaves even look like? Does it taste like chocolate milk? Bizarre way to measure IMO opinion. But hey, we’re here for it.

Whatever gets the job done, and boy does this get the job done. I grinded up my backyard’s leaves in a fraction of the time and space it would’ve taken me to bag them by hand. Seriously, normally it takes me about 4 hours to actually bag up all the leaves. This took me about an hour because this guy straight SHREDS.

Me to my wife after I finish mulching leaves for two hours.

Durability of Worx leaf mulchers

When I first fired this alien spaceship looking thing up I thought, “there’s no way this thing lasts. This will have to overheat.” But alas, I was wrong! The Worx WG430 has a clean air motor cooling system. What does that mean? This means that cool air is filtered and pushed through the motor to keep the internal components nice and chilly.

The WG430 also boasts a “blade-less mulching system.” How does that work? It’s basically weed eater line attached to a spinning top. If you had an actual metal blade in that thing, the minute you accidentally throw a rock in that it would most likely break and cause you to install a whole new blade. With this using plast line, if something unfortunate like that happens, you just have to add some new line. Just like you do with your trimmer. So while this may sound like a headache, it actually saves you in the long run.

The feeder system to this is made out of a super thick and durable plastic so you know it can hold up to the tree garbage you throw it’s way. After hours of use, mine barely has a scratch on it.

This also breaks down super easy which makes storage a breeze. Which is great because this is a bit of a bulky product when it’s all put together in my opinion.

Comfort and Ease of Use

The Worx WG430 leaf mulcher is perhaps the very definition of comfort. Instead of having to open up and awkwardly cram in leaves into a bag like a goober as your husband or wife stands there laughing at you as the leaves invariably blow away in the wind and you start crying and her or she tells you to pack your bags and leave, you can quickly and easily shred them and have them fall straight into a bag right below the apparatus. Seriously though, the sheer concept of this machine revolves around comfort.

The height is an appropriate height for most people. It stands about 3 to 4 feet off the ground so it’s right in line with where it should be for safe #ergonomics. This allows for minimum strain on the back muscles.

To operate is a breeze. Add a bag below the opening. Turn it on. It spins. Fast. You add leaves. It shreds. It dumps shredded leaves into bag. You continue to add leaves until the bag is full. Turn off and change bags. Wha lah. Simple as that.

Alternatives to the WORX leaf mulcher

There are definitely some copy cats out there. One thing that distinguishes the Worx 13 A leaf mulcher is the aforementioned trimmer line inside instead of a blade. This thing is definitely built to last.

As folks who personally own and use this leaf mulcher on the reg (regular for you boomers), we can say it works really well.

The Official Review: The WORX WG430 13 AMP Electric Leaf Mulcher

As I said in the intro. You didn’t know you needed this product. We’re here to tell you, you need this product. I promise you, if you have even a couple shade trees in your yard you’ll thank us for this. This guy will run you about $150 bucks on Amazon, but the time and bags you save using this super cool product will more than pay off in the long run.

This is not a want, this is a NEED. Grab the Worx WG430 today on Amazon and get shredding.

Why we review lawn tools

WORX products

Who is WORX? Are they misspelling my 9 to 5? Nope, Worx has been quietly chipping away at the market share that John Deere, Stihl and others have held for so many decades. They have found a niche in electric and battery-powered lawn tools.

They offer low price, medium-to-high quality products that….”Worx”. WORX is super popular on places like Amazon, but also has a presence in some of the big box stores. Worx started off in lawn equipment and took off like a rocket, but are now transitioning into new products. One hallmark of Worx’ brand is that of innovation. And let me tell you – the leaf mulcher is innovative.

Worx and their electric equipment are some of the most “electric” lawn tools on the market. You can check out their trimmer and their crazy new robotic lawn mower.

For example, the WORX 13 AMP Electric Leaf Mulcher has 4,131 reviews on Amazon. That’s quite a few reviews about an obscure product like a leaf mulcher. A LOT of people are buying this mulcher – and for a good reason (we will get to that in a minute).

What should I look for in an electric leaf mulcher?

Let’s face it, you probably didn’t even know this product existed, so you probably have no idea what makes one better than the rest. Right? I’ve actually researched these quite a bit and there’s a few things that I think are important when thinking about acquiring one of these helicopter things. Displayed below are the top three things I’d look for when on the market for a leaf mulcher.

Powerful mulching capability

It’s always about power, baby. We live in a day and age where we need things done quickly and efficiently. The last thing you want on a nice cool spring or fall afternoon is to collect all your leaves and get them set up by your leaf mulcher. Only to have to sit there feeding small little handfuls of leaves into the machine because you can’t overload it or it’ll crap out on you. It’s important that the tool has enough power to blend up the leaves into nice little pieces to maximize the space saving capability this type of product provides.
You can also use the Leaf Mulcher as a way to create fertilizer that is an organic alternative to Miracle-Gro!

Durability and lasting past one Fall

Right behind power is the need for this type of tool to stand the test of time. This is the type of product that usually stays on for a long period of time as you collect more leaves to add to the grinder. This tool could easily overheat and quit on you if it’s not durable enough. It also will be beat around a good bit with sticks and moving around the yard. It could easily fall over in your shed or something so it’s got to be made with good material.

Comfort and Ease of Use

There are quite a few things that could be bundled into this category but it’s important. How hard is it to turn on? How tall does it stand? How difficult is it to add and remove bags? How wide of an opening does it have? These are important questions to ask when you’re thinking about purchasing this piece of equipment.

February 23, 2022April 21, 2024

The Worx Landroid is a Great Budget Robot Mower for Small Lawns

The Worx PowerShare Landroid Robotic Lawn Mower has just been gifted to us from the future. The Jettson’s lawn mower has finally made an arrival and we are here for it. If you have a Roomba or Shark robotic vacuum, then you get the idea. A mower that does your lawn for you.

Thought we would have flying cars and world peace by 2024? Even better – we have autonomous lawn mowers.

Bottom Line: The WORX robotic mower is not my cup of tea, but is a great option for those with small yards. A similar and better robotic mower is the Husqvarna Automower which you can check out here.

Who should buy a robotic lawn mower?
Work WR165 Feature Review
Worx Landroid model and costs
The official review

WORX WR165 Landroid S 1/8 Acre Robotic Lawn Mower: Feature review

Alright, these things are immensely complex and technical, so we are going to do our best to simplify it for you.

How does the Worx WR165 Landroid lawn mower work?

Similar to robotic vacuums, the Landroid requires connectivity to Wifi to operate and can be controlled from your smartphone. Again, if you have ever used a Roomba, this is super similar. The Landroid will map your yard and work on a set schedule, feeding you real-time information about the mowing job it is doing.

What really sets the Work WR165 landroid mower apart is that it takes into account weather data in addition to your personal preferences to find the best schedule to mow your lawn. Another super interesting thing is that the mower does not mow in straight lines. Weird, right?

An interesting device that is more powerful than it looks.

Well if you have used a robotic vacuum, you know why it does this. It goes in zig-zags that ensure it doesn’t miss any spots in your yard. Yes, you might lose those precious stripes in your yard – BUT – the landroid cuts super evenly, so you end up with a smooth finish.

One thing to know is that the Landroid will require you to lay down a wired perimeter (think electric fence for a dog) to keep the Landroid out of your neighbor’s yard. This part is really important. It isn’t simply a self-mapping set-it-and-forget-it lawn tool. It requires a bit of preparation and planning to ensure you are giving it the proper boundaries.

Power

Power and cutting width are important for traditional mowers because they are ways of communicating one important thing: your time!

Conventional wisdom goes out the window when evaluating the Worx Landroid because time matters WAY LESS. You just turn it on, go watch the game, and let the robot do its thing.

The Worx Landroid WR165 S ⅛ acre has a 7 inch cutting deck. Which is small. But again, who cares? You don’t need a massive steel cutting deck that can clear your whole lawn in a few passes. This robotic mower requires you to operate it for ZERO passes.

Performance

The Worx Landroid comes with a floating blade disc that automatically lifts when encountering rough terrain. This means you won’t end up with big bald spots in your yard if you let this mower do its thing. Many riding mowers have the same feature on a much larger scale.

The Worx Landroid also comes with a brushless motor, which are longer lasting, more efficient motors in battery-powered equipment. Interestingly, the Worx landroid comes equipped with intelligent navigation, meaning it can quickly navigate narrow paths (instead of getting stuck).

The full installation kit, see video below.

The last neat tidbit I will give you on this is that it takes the same batteries as any of your other 20V battery Worx tools. This is huge.

What about the bag on the Worx landroid?

What about it? It doesn’t come with one and quite frankly, doesn’t need one. Before you bag-lovers have a conniption, let me explain.

The Worx Landroid does not come with a bag, but cuts the grass into fine pieces – which is actually better for your grass’ nutrition. Many lawn experts actually recommend not using a bag ever because of the nutritional benefit of recycling the clippings.

How long does the Landroid take to mow my lawn?

Well, it depends and also doesn’t really matter. Just like robotic vacuums, it gets to cutting your yard when it gets to it. Basically, it will make sure your lawn is cut over the course of a week to ensure that it is evenly mowed.

That is a super weird concept to me, but it makes a lot of sense if you think about it.

The battery life depends on the density of grass and terrain, but generally can go for about two hours.

Can the Worx Landroid mulch leaves in the Fall?

Again, it depends. It can definitely chop up leaves as it moves through your yard, but will probably have a tough time with big leaf piles. Too much density will kill the battery.

WORX Landroid models and costs

The WORX Landroid comes in quite a few sizes and variations that impact the cost. See our guide below:

Category	Worx Landroid WR165	Worx Landroid WR140	Worx Landroid WR143	Worx Landroid WR153	Worx Landroid WR155
Cutting width	7 in.	7 in.	7 in.	9 in.	8 in.
Cutting Capacity	⅛ acre	¼ acre	¼ acre	½ acre	½ acre
GPS locating if stolen	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
Work Landroid Cost	$912	$814	$1,189	N/A	$1,385
Best deal	Amazon	Amazon	Amazon	N/A	Amazon

The official review: Worx Landroid WR165

As you can see above, the WR165 is the best bang for the buck for smaller yards. This is a weekend-changing product that can save you a ton of time, provide a quality cut, and make all your neighbors jealous.

**At the time of this post the WR165 went on a MAJOR sale (down almost $300). Make sure to check the below link to Amazon to check the price. If its not on sale, I recommend the WR140, which covers more yardage for a better price.**

We recommend grabbing it on Amazon while it is still on sale. You can grab it today and start cutting ASAP by following this link directly to the Amazon deal.

Why we review lawn tools

Worx brand reputation

They also sell this crazy ergonomic wheelbarrow.

And also sell this cool standing leaf blender.

Who should buy a robotic lawn mower?

This is a question we get a ton from our visitors. Robotic lawn mowers are good for a few people:

You have a lot of money and don’t want to spend time mowing
- How much do you make per hour? How much are you willing to pay to not have to get in the yard? Most lawn care companies cost around $40-50/week to come mow your grass. The robotic lawn mower can cost around $1,000 or less. You do the math!
You are older and don’t want to schlep around a mower
- Perfect population here. If you are older and don’t want to push a mower over your dense grass, just set the robot mower down and let it do its thing. No worries about falling or staining your shoes or any of the other pains associated with mowing.
You are a tech nerd/early adopter/lawn tool enthusiast
- I mean, it’s pretty cool. You don’t even need to be a nerd to appreciate how cool this is. Has anyone started a business where they buy a bunch of these and go set them in people’s yards and charge them for lawn care? You could mow several yards at once. Did I just give away a billion dollar idea?

February 21, 2022April 21, 2024

This Pole Saw Makes Tree Pruning A Breeze

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

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

Greenworks
What should I look for in a cordless pole saw?
Greenworks pole saw feature review
Pole saw cost and where to find the best deal
Official review: Greenworks 8-inch 40V cordless pole saw

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

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

Length and power

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

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

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

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

Length on the 8″ pole saw

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

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

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

Using a pole saw is easy

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

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

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

Alternatives like Sun Joe

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

Lot of tools can beused with this bad boy.

Cordless pole saw cost

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

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

Category	Greenworks 40V pole saw	Competitor’s pole saw
Power	Average	Average
Brand reputation	Above average	Average
Comfort	Above average	Average

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

Why we review lawn tools

Greenworks products

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

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

What should I look for in a cordless pole saw?

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

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

February 19, 2022April 21, 2024

I’ve Owned The Stihl FS 56 RC String Trimmer for Years: My Experience

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

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

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

Stihl 101
Gas vs electric trimmers
Stihl FS 56 RC features
The final grade

Stihl FS 56 RC Trimmer Features

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

Power

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

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

Comfort Level

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

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

Starting and using the weed eater

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

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

The downside

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

The Official Stihl FS 56 RC Trimmer Review

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

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

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

Why we review string trimmers and weed eaters

How to instantly improve your weed eater

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

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

Stihl’s reputation

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

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

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

Gas vs Electric String Trimmer

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

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

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

What to look for in a gas powered string trimmer

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

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

February 16, 2022April 21, 2024

The Stihl MS 251 C Chainsaw Is Perfect for Backyard Use

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

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

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

Let’s get started:

Stihl MS 51 C: Feature review
The official grade: Stihl MS 51 C
Stihl’s reputation
Tree cutting tools: Compared
Chainsaws 101

Stihl MS 251 C Chainsaw Functionality

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

Using the Stihl MS-251 C

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

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

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

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

Dependability

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

Power

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

The Official Review of the Stihl MS 251 C Chainsaw

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

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

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

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

Why we review lawn tools

Stihl’s reputation

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

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

Stihl also makes these backpack blowers.

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

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

Chainsaws vs Axe vs Handsaws vs Loppers

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

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

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

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

What to look for in a chainsaw

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

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

Chainsaw safety

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

Check out our Dewalt electric chainsaw review here.

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

February 8, 2022April 21, 2024

My Stihl BG86C Is A Reliable, Trusty Handheld Blower

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

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

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

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

Jump ahead using the below navigational links:

Feature review
The official review
Where to buy
Electric vs. Gas: Blower showdown
Stihl’s reputation

The Stihl BG 86 C Blower: Feature review

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

Power output

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

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

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

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

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

My experience using this for 4 years

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

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

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

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

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

Maintaining my blower

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

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

Stihl BG 86 C Price

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

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

The official review: Stihl BG 86 C Blower

Feature	Stihl BG 86 C	Comparable blowers
Difficulty to use	Easier to use	Average usability
Durability	Better durability	Avg. durability
Maintenance	Low maintenance	Average maintenance
Value	Higher value	Moderate value
For lots <10,000 sq. ft	Highly recommended	Less recommended
For lots <1 acre	Highly recommended	Less recommended
For lots >1 acre	Less recommended	Less recommended

Why we review leaf blowers

Leaf blowers: Electric vs. gas

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

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

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

Stihl’s reputation

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

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

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