Name: Stihl FSA 57 Weed Eater
Brand: Stihl
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

July 4, 2022April 28, 2024

Testing Out Stihl’s New Electric String Trimmer: The FSA 57

Stihl’s FSA 57 String Trimmer is one of their most popular battery-powered string trimmers, but is still a deviation from their well known, powerful gas powered weed eaters.

Bottom Line: The Stihl FSA 57 provides more power than other Stihl battery weed eaters but doesn’t have a great battery support system and isn’t worth the money (in my opinion).

Let’s get started:

Stihl FSA 57 Power
Ease of Use
Durability
Cost
The official Stihl FSA 57 review
Gas vs Electric String Trimmers

Stihl FSA 57 String Trimmer: Features and Benefits

Alright folks, let’s get into it. Today we are going to check out the power, ease of use, durability, and cost of this string trimmer. Throughout the post I’ll do quick comparisons to the gas counterpart, the classic FS 56 RC gas trimmer. If you’re interested, we’ve compiled a huge list of Stihl string trimmers here.

Stihl does have a new one of the FSA 45 String trimmer, which is kind of like this one’s little brother.

Power output is not great

The Stihl FSA 57 trimmer can have its power measured in a few ways. The first of which is rotations per minute. Honestly, this is a really tough one to relate to as it takes a huge difference in the number of rotations per minute to notice a difference when trimming.

The power signal I am looking for is cutting swath, or width of the cutting path. This helps you understand just how powerful your electric Stihl weed eater is going to cut.

The Stihl FSA 57 weed eater comes in at an 11 inch cutting swath. Honestly, a little disappointing. Don’t get me wrong, 11 inches is definitely enough for the average homeowner, but from Stihl I expected a bit more. For other electric comparisons, some of the Makita trimmers and EGO string trimmers run 13 to 15 inches.

If you have a small to medium-sized yard, 11 inches is going to be perfect. But if you are the type of guy that likes to have more power accessible, then you may want to keep looking.

It is easy to use

What the Stihl FSA 57 weed eater lacks in power, it makes up for in ease of use. I mean the whole dang trimmer weighs 7.5 lbs – with a battery! Not only is this thing super lightweight, but it has a ton of features that make it very simple to use.

Some of the features on the Stihl FSA string trimmer are inherent to all battery powered trimmers. Namely – the battery power. Think about it, no more oil and gas mixtures or difficult cold starts with this. You just pop the battery, squeeze the trigger, and go.

Another cool feature that makes this easy to use is the adjustable shaft. It can change in length with a pretty easy telescoping function. I’ve always found it easy to make trimmers as long as possible to extend your reach, especially if you’re tall like me.

It also comes with an auto-feeding head, which is pretty standard on most new trimmers these days. The last cool piece is the brush guard on the head, which comes standard on some of the Greenworks trimmers, Worx weed eaters, and Kobalt trimmers as well.

The auto-feeding head on the Stihl FSA 57.

It is unclear how durable this weed eater is

Durability is a common question I get with battery powered trimmers. Mainly because gas powered trimmers are just built differently. The commercial string trimmers in particular are made to toss into the back of a trailer and speed from one lawn to the next.

Residential battery-powered trimmers just aren’t. They have way more plastic components and can’t handle the same brush as most gas powered trimmers. Not true of all of them, but definitely true of the Stihl FSA 57 string trimmer.

One thing that really upsets me about the Stihl FSA 57 is that it doesn’t say anything about having a brushless motor. I’m absolutely shocked and frankly expected more from Stihl.

Brushed motors are still fine, but the standard in high-end string trimmers is a brushless motor these days. I think that tells you about all you need to know about this trimmer – Stihl clearly does not think it is a high-end trimmer.

Sad.

Cost

Hate to say sad again so quickly, but sadly you have to contact your local Ace Hardware to get the price for this bad boy. Mine had it for $199, but I actually returned it :(.

The official review: Stihl FSA 57 String Trimmer

Well folks, I don’t do this often but I have to officially say that I am not a fan of this string trimmer. While it is super convenient, easy to use, and perfect for those with a small yard, it is definitely an apple that falls far from the tree.

This product is simply not very durable and not up to the standards I would expect from Stihl. If you’re going to grab some battery-powered products, I’d find another brand like Ryobi or Greenworks that can give you more products along a single battery line.

If you’re going to go with Stihl, I’d get gas for now.

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.

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 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.

Where you might recognize Stihl equipment.

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

How to instantly improve your weed eater

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

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

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

Gas vs Electric String Trimmer

When purchasing a piece of lawn equipment in 2023 it’s important to understand your power source options. It basically boils down to gas or electric. Electric trimmers are typically easier to start and usually maintenance is a breeze. They also have less of a noise and environmental impact. Electric trimmers are usually a good bet for small to medium-sized jobs.

Trimmers powered by gas usually end up having more power and are more suitable for larger, more commercial type applications. This is mainly due to the issues the professionals have with keeping them charged. But not all of us are professionals, we just want a badass string trimmer from Stihl.

June 30, 2022April 2, 2024

5 Kobalt Blowers Great for Fall Leaf Clean-up

Kobalt leaf blowers are popular electric handheld blowers that can be purchased at Lowe’s and a few other places. The best Kobalt blower is their 80V Max handheld brushless leaf blower (that I am holding below).

Why do I like them?

They’re one of the better looking electric lawn tool brands on the market.

They also are very well built and high quality machines. For real. They are manufactured by our friends over at Greenworks, but wrapped in Kobalt colors and sold at Lowe’s. Greenworks is legit and this is a really nice way to get a quality product in your garage or shed.

Anyways – let’s check out some of their best electric handheld cordless blowers.

5 Best Kobalt Blowers: 2024

Okay before I jump into the Kobalt leaf blowers, I just want to say that some of this comes down to personal preference. Some if doesn’t. I’ll make sure to give you a heads up when something is just personal preference and when some things are better for certain people. It will make more sense as we move along.

5. Kobalt 40-Volt Max 480 CFM 110 MPH Handheld Cordless Electric Blower

The Koablt 40V Max 480 CFM 110 MPH blower is one of the most popular, but also the weakest of the blowers. Not only does it have the lowest CFM output, but also the slowest speeds on this list.

I’d recommend this blower for anyone who is doing light work around the house. Great activities for this blower include doing a quick blow of the sidewalk, driveway, or garage. If you are a woodworker not looking to create a storm with saw dust, this is an awesome tool to help crush saw dust without it blowing back into your mouth.

One downside to this blower is that it doesn’t have a brushless motor. This means it won’t quite have the torque or long-life that its brushless counterparts have.

A positive to this blower is that the 40-Volt Max line of batteries from Kobalt are very popular, meaning you can save big money by purchasing the “tool only” version of this blower if you have the battery already. This puts the blower at just under $100 which is actually an amazing deal.

You can get the tool only version here on Amazon for a great price.

4. Kobalt 80-volt Max 580-CFM 145-MPH Brushless Backpack Cordless Electric Leaf Blower

The Kobalt 80-Volt Max 580 CFM backpack blower is something out of a sci-fi movie. When you think of backpack blowers, you think of ultimate power. The pinnacle of power in the landscaping game – and almost all of them are gas-powered.

It is really cool that Kobalt offers this product, but it may be a tad unnecessary. It is actually less powerful than our number one recommended Kobalt blower, but actually does put out the highest speeds.

While it won’t be quite as powerful as its gas-powered counterparts, it can still be a really slick tool. For starters, it is way more comfortable to carry around than a handheld blower if you have a big yard. You get to bear a lot of the weight on your back, instead of your shoulders and wrists.

It’s also significantly lighter than gas backpack blowers because it doesn’t have all the dang fuel sloshing around in the back.

This one is definitely up there for those that are looking for a powerful backpack blower that is light and requires ZERO maintenance. And oh yeah, it is an insanely, insanely low price.

3. Kobalt 24-Volt MAX 500 CFM 120 MPH Brushless Handheld Cordless Blower

A couple of things I really love about the Kobalt 24V Max 500 CFM 120 MPH brushless blower.

Yeah, you should probably connect these two pieces.

In the name, you get to see a couple of my favorite things: 24 Volts and the fact that it’s brushless. Please don’t be fooled by the lower MPH output here. The fact that this Kobalt blower has 500 CFMs means that it powerfully moves air, but has a wider nozzle that lowers the speed. This is great for larger yards with big piles of leaves.

The Kobalt 24V max blower essentially sends a wide path of air out at a lower speed, exchanging speed for width. Perfect for landscapers or places with heavy leaves. One downside is that wet leaves and wet grass will be more difficult to remove than a higher MPH blower.

I also love that this has a brushless motor and is a part of the 24V series. The 24V series is one of the most popular lines for Kobalt, so you can save big on batteries if you already own some Kobalt 24V stuff or plan to in the future.

This one can be purchased for a great price on Amazon or at Lowe’s.

2. Kobalt 80-Volt MAX 500 CFM 125 MPH Brushless Handheld Cordless Blower

This thing just straight up looks cool. Sleek. Black. Means business.

The Kobalt 80V MAX 500 CFM blower is very nice looking.

It also has a brushless blower and is super similar to the 24V blower above, except it has a slightly more tapered nozzle that adds 5 more MPH to the blower. It also runs on 80V batteries, which makes it compatible with some of the higher powered tools offered by Kobalt.

If you’re looking for a cool looking blower that will last you a long time, look no further. This one has the best aesthetics, is second best in handheld power, and allows for you to build a great line of 80V products around it from Kobalt.

It’s surprisingly under $200 and can be found on Amazon for a nice discount.

1. Kobalt 80-Volt MAX 630 CFM 140 MPH Brushless Handheld Cordless Blower

Number one. Wow. Well we are a little biased here at The Lawn Review because we did a full YouTube breakdown of this one and fell in love.

If you want to know why it’s #1, check out our video here.

It has so many great features including:

Thumb-controlled cruise control

An excellent 80V battery

A male model

A brushless motor

It is also available on Amazon for a little steal or you can pick it up at Lowe’s.

Why we review lawn tools

About Kobalt

Kobalt power tools have been a trusted name in lawn care for generations. Kobalt’s lineup of cordless and corded tools is designed to help normal folks like us get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Today, Kobalt is known for its innovation and quality, with its products being used in most of the world’s garages. Kobalt’s products are designed to stand up to the toughest lawn conditions, and the company has a darn good reputation. When it comes to power tools, Kobalt is a name that you can trust.

We’ve reviewed some Kobalt lawn mowers and one of their awesome Kobalt string trimmers here.

What to look for in an electric blower

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

CFM – Cubic feet per minute. This is a measure of air output on the blower. Higher CFM = more power, but not necessarily more miles per hour. High CFM with a wide nozzle = lower MPH. High CFM with a narrow nozzle = high miles per hour. Ideally, you want both a high CFM with a narrow to medium nozzle for most residential jobs.
Usability – what is the point of having a blower if it is hard to use? Have to get one that is lightweight, easy to start, and has some functions that make your life easier.
Motor type – brushless motors reign supreme. Cooler running motors with more torque, a longer run-time, and last many more years. Brushless is a no brainer when picking a blower.

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

A Warning

WARNING: If you have a MAX version battery, make sure to get a compatible blower. If you don’t have the MAX version, make sure you get a blower that doesn’t take MAX batteries. This confuses a lot of people because it isn’t super clear online. MAX batteries don’t work with non-MAX tools. Don’t shoot the messenger!

June 25, 2022April 28, 2024

The WORX Hydroshot Is Great for Outdoor Enthusiasts

WORX Hydroshot is a portable power washer that can provide instant power using any water source. The Hydroshot is not your run of the mill power washer in any way. But the WORX hydroshot is a tool that once you use, you cannot imagine not using.

Bottom Line: The first time I used it, I was skeptical. Now, I will be in the most random locations and suddenly think “Wow, the hydroshot would be really helpful here”. You can grab yours from Worx or on Amazon.

But anyways, let’s check out what makes this product so dang cool. Jump ahead using below links:

Power
Nozzles
Usability
Comfort and Feel
Cost and Value
Official Hydroshot review

Features and benefits

Have you ever siphoned gas? If you haven’t, you likely will here soon with the insane gas prices (this was written in June of 2022 when I paid over $50 to fill up my wife’s Camry). The Hydroshot has a similar capability, except it can propel the liquid pretty dang fast. Let me explain.

If you’re looking for another option, check out our review of the Kobalt’s version of the power washer.

The Hydroshot has low PSI

Before you get your hopes up, this is not a pocket pressure washer from the year 2343 that will allow you to blast away the space debris from your rocket ship.

It is a portable power washer that allows for you to do light-duty stuff from basically wherever. It sits at about 450 PSI, which is well below the range of a conventional pressure washer. Most electric pressure washers that you can use on driveways and graffiti run somewhere around 2000-2500 PSI.

So, what do we make of the 450 PSI on the Worx Hydroshot 40V WG644?

450 can still be a heck of a lot when used the right way. I would NOT recommend this for pressure washing your driveway. I would recommend it for a ton of other things around the house, boat, car, or outdoor activity.

450 PSI is still going to be enough to thoroughly clean off an off-road bike with caked on mud. It is the perfect thing to blast off sand–covered kayaks and paddleboards. And those are all things where a normal pressure washer just wouldn’t have the portability.

The hose that it comes with has a floating ball that allows you to use this at the lake!

The Worx Hydroshot has a few different spray patterns

It would be a crime if I talked about the 450 PSI power on the Worx WG644 and didn’t talk about the nozzles that it comes with. It has a rotating head with four nozzles that range from 0 degrees to 40 degrees.

These nozzles have different spray patterns that cover different sized areas. The zero degree nozzle on the Worx Hydroshot is going to be pretty dang strong. Like it would hurt if you had it sprayed on your skin.

The 40 degree nozzle is going to be most like a “mist” with its wider spray pattern, but will still be able to deliver some power when used up close and personal.

Using the Hydroshot is super easy and can be done anywhere

Well this is where basically no other pressure washer on the planet can compare with the Worx Hydroshot pressure washer. It simply isn’t fair. This thing is meant to be taken anywhere and can frankly be used wherever there is a water source.

Water source doesn’t mean hose! You can also hook up a soda-bottle looking attachment that’s filled with water for ultimate portability – making it look almost like a water gun.

There is also a cool attachment that allows for you to draw water from any body of water – like a lake, pond, or swimming pool. You simply toss in the hose with the filter into the body of water, connect it to the HydroShot, and do your thing.

It has a nice little bobber like any old fishing line that allows it to float when you toss it in so that you’re not sucking up a bunch of sediment.

I got this image off of Amazon but it looks like she has it connected to a bucket of water…wow.

This is perfect for the paddleboard and kayak folks that are wanting to clean their equipment off without having to worry about getting the car dirty before heading home.

Wow.

Comfort and Feel: WORX Hydroshot sweet spot

The Worx Hydroshot has a huge benefit of weighing 7 lbs. Now for someone like me who bench presses 9 million pounds, I don’t even know I am holding it.

Just kidding, of course. I bench 10 million.

But for real, this thing is so lightweight and compact that it feels like a super soaker on steroids. It has a nice long lance as well that allows you to extend your reach pretty significantly if you have a larger item you’re trying to clean – no desperate reaching.

I love this personally for my car tires. I am taller than most and whenever I wash my car, I always have to get way down to scrub the detailed parts by hand. This wand allows me to stand there and knock it all out without worrying about missing any spots or doing any damage to parts of the wheel. Pretty sweet stuff.

My only complaint on this one is that it requires two 20V batteries, making it slightly heavier and bulkier once it is completely fitted out. It is also a bit of a hassle having to make sure both batteries are charged, but it does come with a dual port charger that lets you do them at the same time.

Still better than gas!

The Hydroshot is inexpensive

This thing comes in at about $200 last time I checked. Anything less than that is a steal. While I mentioned the downside of having two batteries, the full kit comes with both and a charger. Having the WORX 20V batteries on hand is fantastic if you own any other Worx products or are considering adding more tools to your garage or shed.

The benefit of getting two batteries as a part of this purchase.

Official Review

If you’re in the market for a do-it-all pressure washer – keep looking. But if you’re an outdoor or backyard enthusiast who can also think of a million uses for this product like I can, then you’re going to have this as a permanent fixture at your side.

It has decent power, amazing portability, and is super convenient for anyone who gets things dirty. You can grab it with batteries and a charger on Amazon for a great price right now. That’s a steal.

Why we review lawn tools

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 even made this cool wheelbarrow we reviewed.

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 Hydroshot is definitely an innovation.

We’ve reviewed a ton of WORX products, from their leaf mulcher to their popular string trimmer.

But if you’re looking at power cleaners – check out the Greenworks version for comparison sake.

June 20, 2022April 28, 2024

My Favorite Blower Ever: EGO’s 765 CFM Leaf Blower

EGO’s 765 CFM leaf blower is almost too good to be true. The EGO LB765 bower is extremely powerful, durable and easy to use.

We got our hands on it and compared it to a trusty Stihl gas blower and a competitor Ryobi blower.

It wasn’t even close.

You’ve got to check out our experience because it was truly mind blowing for us. We’ve reviewed a TON of electric blowers, but never a handheld tornado.

We have video proof.

Check it out.

What to look for in an electric blower
EGO LB7654 Versatility
Ease of use
Battery Life
Power
Cost and value
Official review and how to buy the EGO blower

My experience with this blower: Features and benefits

If you’ve ever used an EGO product before, you know that it is simply powerful. They don’t miss when it comes to making products that can go toe-to-toe with their gas counterparts. The future is definitely battery powered and EGO has positioned themselves to be a leader in the space as they slowly replace gas-powered tools. In fact, EGO even has a battery-powered multi-tool with a ton of attachments that rocks.

This blower is no exception. Let’s get right to it.

Check out how this compares to the 650 CFM blower or the new Enhulk 930 CFM leaf blower.

Versatility of EGO’s 765 CFM blower

The EGO LB7654 blower has a ton of different ways it can be used. Yes, it can blow off your neighbors toupee but it can also be used more gently.

Pulling the trigger changes the amount of air coming out of the blower.

You see, the EGO blower has a variable speed trigger (pictured above) that allows you to go from 280 CFMs to 580 CFMs with a gentle pull of the trigger. This has solved the problem of my angry wife yelling at me for blowing too much mulch out of the garden bed. A literal life saver.

Simple cruise control function on the EGO LB7654.

The EGO LB7654 also has a cruise control function that can serve as a separate trigger that holds itself in place, allowing you to relax your hand and not have to squeeze the trigger to an exact speed. Wow! Looks like EGO heard the feedback from the hand cramp crowd.

Lastly, the EGO 765 CFM blower has a turbo button. Yes, a turbo button.

This button is what takes you from the trigger-maximum of 580 CFMs to 765 CFMs. Truly, like NOS in Ja Rule’s car in 2 Fast 2 Furious.

Now that we’ve covered the motor and controls, let’s talk about the nozzle versatility as well.

This blower comes with a tapered nozzle, a flared nozzle, and the standard nozzle. You can even remove them and go nozzle-less. This is usually done by car fanatics that like to hand-dry their car like a hair dryer.

Battery life on EGO 765 CFM blower

The EGO 765 CFM blower has a 5.0Ah battery that comes standard with this blower (if you don’t get the tool-only version). This battery touts a 90 minute run time with the EGO LB7654 blower. So we put it to the test.

While my normal blower job (stop laughing) lasts about 25-30 minutes, we actually zip-tied the turbo button down to see how long it would run. Here were our results:

Full-turbo: 17 minutes
High-speed non-turbo: 25 minutes
Lowest setting: 140 minutes

Pretty impressive!

Ease of use of EGO LB7654 blower

The EGO LB7654 blower definitely has some of the typical features we love about battery-powered products. Specifically, you just pop in the battery, pick it up, and get going. No cranking a cord or changing oil or whatever.

Coming in at 12.2 lbs, or less than my 3 month old baby girl, this thing is relatively lightweight.

We’ve talked a bit about the cruise control function, but just wanted to reiterate how great this is for making it an easy to use and easy to control tool. It felt great to just walk around and be able to quickly adjust the speed without having to hold my finger in the exact position and hope it doesn’t move.

One thing that is noticeably different about this EGO blower (and EGO products in general) is that it feels genuinely sturdy. It doesn’t feel like it is a bunch of cheap plastic that has superb power. The EGO LB7654 feels well-constructed and sturdy, which is a differentiator in the battery powered lawn tool space.

There’s also a nice rubber molded handle that makes lugging this thing around easy on your hands, forearms, and ultimately your shoulders.

One other cool thing about this blower is the battery power indicator level. Most batteries, like Ryobi, only have four indicator lights that tell you where you are. EGO has 5 indicator lights, giving you a slightly better range to work off of when estimating how much time you have left until recharge.

EGO 765 CFM Power compared to Gas

Saved this one for last because it is the most tantalizing but also the most obvious. First things first, this sucker has a brushless motor. Automatic huge checkmarks in the power department and basically everywhere else.

But to really compare it to some of the legends out there, we compared it to my trusty Stihl blower. The Stihl blower is one of the most dependable, popular gas blower on the market.

I did look stupid, however I learned a lot.

We first compared the two blowers using a wiffle ball around the backyard. Not super indicative of which one is more powerful, although the EGO seemed to have more of a direct line of power.

The next test we did was side-by-side comparison with two piles of damp grass. This one was extremely easy to declare a winner. The EGO absolutely demolished the pile of grass, sending it into a million smithereens, whereas the Stihl moved the grass, but more so tumbled it over.

Wasn’t even close – the EGO blower crushed the gas blower.

Cost and value

This blower and battery come in at just over $300 – and while that seems like a steep price, let me remind you that this thing is going to last you a while. The brushless motor and simple, but solid, construction means this thing can hang in your garage for quite a few years.

EGO LB7654 Power+ blower: Final review

The EGO 765 CFM blower crushed every test we put it through. Not only is it extremely versatile and easy to use, but the battery life lasts way longer than advertised and has a ridiculous turbo button that blasts away gas competitors.

You can grab this one on Amazon with the battery, or get the tool only version for significantly cheaper on Amazon as well. You can also grab this blower at Lowe’s.

What to look for in an electric blower

Blowers come in a bunch of shapes and sizes but there are two basic things you need to understand:

Brushless – a type of motor that does not rely on friction for generating power. This engine type uses magnets for a longer lasting, more efficient power generation. Brushless motors also have more torque and are more durable.

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

MPH – miles per hour. The speed at which the air travels.

June 15, 2022April 28, 2024

The Milwaukee M18 Mower Is Expensive. Is it worth it?!

The best (and currently only) Milwaukee lawn mower is their BEASTLY M18 series self-propelled mower. We bought it for over $1,000 and don’t regret it.

What was the result? Well, we went to Home Depot and bought this bad boy – straight up. Then we used it in our yard, my mother-in-laws yard, and my neighbors yard all in one day.

Well, unlike their peers who made 100 different battery-powered mowers, Milwaukee just made one.

For real? They just made one mower?

Bottom line review of the Milwaukee M18 Mower: The Milwaukee M18 mower is absolutely worth the price. Because when you put in as much thought and focus into a single item, you get amazing results. You can watch our video review of this mower on our YouTube channel here.

So let’s check out the best (and only) Milwaukee lawn mower: the M18 FUEL Brushless Cordless 21 inch walk behind dual battery self-propelled mower.

Best Milwaukee lawn mower: Milwaukee M18 FUEL self-propelled mower

It’s honestly hilarious because it is the only Milwaukee Lawn Mower. Therefore the best AND the worst. But who wants to read about the worst Milwaukee lawn mower? Not me. Anyways, let’s get started.

The Milwaukee M18 mower is more powerful than my Honda mower

If there’s anything you can be confident about when buying a Milwaukee lawn mower, it is going to be the power. Milwaukee is notorious for making powerful products that deliver without fail.

So when it comes to lawn mowers, you have to know that the power is there. And it is. It’s always hard to evaluate power without measuring horsepower or cc displacement or whatever can be compared with gas mowers, so let’s get a little more qualitative.

After a few cuts it got some nice grass clippings.

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel mower is going to at least be as powerful as a 200cc lawn mower. For comparison sake, one of the most popular gas mowers, the GCV170 from Honda has 170ccs. So even more powerful.

At the end of the day, you just want to make sure it cuts every blade of grass without being weak. I’m here to tell you that it does.

The Milwaukee M18 mows smoothly and efficiently

Second most important thing in a Milwaukee lawn mower is the feel. If you’re going to be making a bunch of laps in your yard, you don’t want it to be too heavy to the point of becoming super difficult to push. You also don’t want it to be plastic-y and lightweight, unable to keep a straight line.

The M18 Fuel mower has a metal deck, which makes it a little heavier than most electric mowers. Bad thing, right?

Well, it makes up for it by coming with a nice self-propelled function that helps push it along (if you need it).

These knobs pull out and help you fold it down.

Whenever I use an electric mower, it still feels weird to me that it isn’t loud. The noise is always a little weird to me – like a blender at a smoothie shop. I’m still getting used to the noise, but am growing to like it because I can listen to music or a podcast while I mow.

This Milwaukee mower is also extremely easy to maneuver and feels exactly like my first mower did when I made turns.

Milwaukee built a rugged steel deck and brushless motor that makes the M18 mower super durable

When I consider durability in lawn tools, there are a few things I keep in mind. One of the top considerations is the brand’s quality and reputation. Milwaukee is one of the few brands that does not put out any suspect tools.

A lot of the other brands have lower-power tools that are relatively inexpensive to market to a different segment of customers. Milwaukee doesn’t have time for that. They only put out bangers.

Oneother thing I love about this mower is the steel deck. Steel cutting decks are way more durable than their plastic counterparts, with the ability to keep it together even under potentially harmful scenarios. This means no cracking, no chips, no breaking. The steel deck here is going to last you for a long time (forever).

The mower has some nice bells and whistles

The Milwaukee M18 mower does not try to have all the bells and whistles – it’s just a rock-solid, heavy-duty push mower.

But it does have some features that have serious utility. The first of which is three cut styles: mulch, bag, and side discharge. Go with what suits you, but I generally mulch my grass and leave it in the yard. This is controversial. Deal with it.

Another cool thing about this mower is that it goes to full throttle in less than one second. Which means you can just crank it and roll. A nice little touch.

This mower is worth the hefty price tag

The Milwaukee M18 mower comes in at just over $1,000 for the mower with batteries and a charger. You can get it for a bit less if you get it without batteries in case you already have some.

The M18 battery series serves over 200 tools and is an extremely reliable and intelligent battery.

I know what you’re thinking – a whole rack for a mower? Yeah, it is a little steep. But like I said, Milwaukee just has one mower and it is pretty dang good.

The official review: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21 inch mower

This Milwaukee mower not only comes with the power that you trust from all Milwaukee tools, but is also extremely dependable.

The price is a little steep, but this mower is exactly what you would expect from a Milwaukee product. Durable, consistent, and relentless about getting the job done.

You can grab it from Home Depot – check the price here – and a variety of other places.

Why we started The Lawn Review

We also did a nice review of their weed eater.

What to look for in a battery powered lawn mower

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

Brand quality
- Quality is going to be super important here. Everyone is in the electric mower game these days and there are a ton of junky mowers out there. Avoid anything from a weird brand on Amazon that takes 9 years to ship. It is probably being 3D printed in a Laotian bathroom. Go for brands that have consistent quality and focus on the details, not just flashy colors.
- Luckily – Milwaukee carries really good brand quality. They’re well known for making durable, powerful, trusted tools
Metal where it matters.
- Most electric mowers are plastic-y. Probably to reduce the weight of the mower so that the battery can get you further, but it feels cheap. Make sure to get metal where it matters – namely the deck. The deck is the part that covers the blades. Don’t get plastic here – a rock can rip through it.
- Again, Milwaukee has you covered ehre.
Battery interoperability.
- A ten dollar word used here, but really just make sure to buy a mower with a battery that is compatible with other electric tools. Ryobi has this, so does Dewalt, and so do some of the Greenworks products. This will save you garage clutter and plug space.
Self-propelled or not.
- Some people love it – I am indifferent. It’s a great feature for hills, uneven surfaces, or if you don’t like to push your push mower.

If you’re interested in learning more, check out our electric lawn mower buying guide.

About Milwaukee tools

Milwaukee tools have a long history of being tough and durable. Milwaukee is a brand that has been around for over 100 years, and it has a well-deserved reputation for making high-quality tools. Milwaukee tools are used by professionals all over the world, and they are known for being able to withstand heavy use.

Milwaukee makes a wide variety of tools, from hand tools to power tools, and they are used in a variety of industries, from construction to automotive. Milwaukee is a brand that is trusted by professionals, and Milwaukee tools are built to last.

We noticed that Milwaukee was starting to make a splash in the lawn tool industry, so we have been trying to get our hands on any Milwaukee products that we can.

June 6, 2022April 27, 2024

I Tried It: Kobalt 40V Max String Trimmer

Kobalt’s 40V string trimmer is one of those cool blue lawn tools that can be found at Walmart, Lowe’s and Amazon. Their 40V MAX lineup of tools is pretty expansive and known for being powerful.

Kobalt has some nice lines of batteries. A 40V line, a 40V MAX line (yes, there’s a difference), and some 80V products as well.

Bottom Line: The Kobalt 40V Max String Trimmer is a great lawn tool because it has a brushless motor, a wide cutting swath, and a nice battery series. You can grab it on Amazon or at Lowes.

Let’s break it down:

Features review
Cons
A secret about Kobalt
Overall Kobalt 40V string trimmer review
What to look for in a string trimmer
About Kobalt

Kobalt 40V Max cordless string trimmer: Features and benefits

This weed eater is plastered all over Lowes, but you have a ton of others to choose from like EGO’s weed eaters and a bunch more. Here are some of the unique elements of the Kobalt 40V MAX string trimmer.

It is powerful

Kobalt’s string trimmers mostly come in a 40V battery package, meaning it is optimally designed for yards up to ½ acre. Some people think this sounds weak, but honestly most yards are under a ½ acre – so what does it matter?

Yes, if you are trailblazing in the woods then you may want to step it up to a gas-powered or commercially-focused string trimmer. But most of us aren’t.

When comparing sizes of Kobalt string trimmers, you want to think about the cutting swath, or width of the cutting path. This is where I like to go slightly bigger. A 15 or 16 inch cutting swath can handle thicker areas of grass and brush. Another benefit to larger cutting swath string trimmers is that they do a tremendous job replacing edgers.

If you are looking for power, most of us are going to be totally content with the 40V max battery offered by Kobalt. If you are wanting to really “max” out the power, go with the 15 or 16 inch model.

If you like this one, check out the The 24V Edition which is smaller and cheaper.

Kobalt’s string trimmer is very comfortable to use

Feel is everything.

If you’ve ever used a traditional gas-powered string trimmer, you know how heavy and unwieldy they can be. And if you’ve ever tried to use one for an extended period of time, you know how quickly they can start to hurt your back and shoulders. For me, I am very tall and get wonky shoulder pain pretty quickly.

I love these types of handles that have a “butterfly” trigger.

The Kobalt 40V string trimmer is a game changer in this regard. It’s incredibly lightweight and easy to use, and the battery is positioned perfectly to give it a nice balance. Plus, the adjustable handle means that you can customize it to fit your height and reach. In other words, it’s the perfect tool for anyone who wants to get their yard work done without having to deal with the pain and discomfort of a gas-powered trimmer.

I love having longer, straight string trimmers because they have a nice see-saw effect that, when balanced appropriately, make the job easy. Longer shafts also allow for surgical precision – like using a paintbrush.

You can use the Kobalt 40V Max battery with a ton of other tools

Battery life is everything and it is also nothing. The 40V line of string trimmers from Kobalt throws out “half an acre” of run-time. But what does that mean? Surely, you can’t trim your entire yard like a mower if it is half an acre?

It’s tough to say. Battery life is dependent on the work being done – is it some super thick brush you are cutting? Are you edging and digging into the ground? Are you starting and stopping a lot? Are you using it on a low-speed setting?

Nice looking battery! Has a good battery life indicator on it.

There are a ton of variables, but expect this to last for about 30-45 minutes with normal use. I have never run into a problem with battery power when I have been trimming, but if I tack on edging to that and then put the battery on the blower and do some blower work – then yeah, my battery starts to run lower.

Tough to say here, but I think the more important point is to make sure you have a fully charged battery, grab a battery that can be used in a bunch of different tools, and don’t expect to be able to go all day.

The cons

As much as it pains me to complain about the Kobalt 40V string trimmer, I have to bring to light a few things. I am not a fan of the motor on this. It is a brushed motor, not brushless. This means that it may not last as long as its brushless counterparts, will get hotter, and has slightly less torque.

I have also read that some online ordering can be sketchy. One reviewer at Amazon said that they bought the tool-only version and it looked like someone bought the full version, took out the battery, and then made someone pay for both separately.

Sounds weird.

One secret

The same company that makes motors for Greenworks makes them for Kobalt. Greenworks has a great reputation. While I’m surprised this isn’t brushless, this is probably going to be the best non-brushless electric trimmer series on the market.

Kobalt 40V MAX string trimmer: Review and recommendation

The jury is in: this is a good string trimmer. It is a GREAT string trimmer if you already have 40V MAX batteries, because you can get the tool only version for significantly cheaper.

It is a good string trimmer if you’re new to electric tools and are looking to start with the Kobalt series.

It is a bad string trimmer if you are working commercially or have over ½ an acre of land you’re trying to clean up.

You can grab it on Amazon here for a great price, or you can check out the selection at Lowe’s.

Why we review lawn tools

How to instantly improve your weed eater

What to look for in a cordless string trimmer

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

Feel – Obviously this is subjective, but feel is everything to me. I have had weed eaters in the past where the handle is off to the side, making me torque my shoulders and back. Bad. You are going to be using this often and for a long time, so make sure it is comfortable.
Motor – Brushless motors are king here. They are longer lasting and more durable. Brushless motors also produce more torque and less heat.
Batteries – If you want to save money, make sure to stick to one battery line from one brand. Batteries aren’t cheap!
Curved vs Straight shaft – I always, always, always prefer straight shafts. They are so much easier to use and control. Curved shafts are better for smaller areas that require “mowing”, whereas straight shafts are better for precision and clean lines.

About Kobalt lawn tools

Today, Kobalt is known for its innovation and quality, with its products being used in most of the world’s garages. Kobalt’s products are designed to stand up to the toughest lawn conditions, and the company has a dang good reputation. When it comes to power tools, Kobalt is a name that you can trust.

May 29, 2022March 15, 2024

EGO Split Shaft vs Straight String Trimmer (Explained)

EGO string trimmers come in all shapes and sizes. And while each is their own special snowflake, you still have to take one home at the end of the day. So which will it be?

You have a ton of options in front of you, but now you have to pick between a split shaft and straight shaft string trimmer.

So how do you pick?

Let’s weigh out the pros and cons to both, keeping in mind you’ll need this trimmer for a specific purpose – and the audiences for both are way different.

Let’s get going!

EGO String Trimmers: An overview

EGO string trimmers are quickly becoming the go-to choice for both residential and commercial users. And it’s no wonder why… These devices are highly effective at removing unwanted growth, whether it’s weeds in your garden or overgrowth on your commercial property. But what really sets EGO string trimmers apart is their innovative design. Unlike traditional weed eaters, EGO string trimmers use a powerful battery that provides extended run time and consistent power.

As a result, you can get the job done faster and easier, without having to worry about running out of gas or dealing with messy oil changes. In addition, EGO string trimmers are backed by a 5-year limited warranty, so you can be confident that your investment will last. Whether you’re a professional landscaper or a weekend gardener, EGO string trimmers are the smart choice.

EGO String Trimmers: Split vs. Straight Shaft

Okay, let’s settle this. A lot of confusion around this. Some of you may have seen the EGO split shaft or you may have heard it called the EGO hinge shaft.

A nice looking split shaft. Is that good? Bad? Something else?

Either way, we need to get to the bottom of it.

EGO String Trimmer Shaft Differences

EGO string trimmers come in both carbon fiber and aluminum shafts.

When I think of carbon fiber products, I think of them as generally lighter. This is not the case, however. The aluminum shafts versions of these string trimmers are about 7 lbs. The carbon fiber shafts range from 7.5 to 12 lbs.

The key difference in carbon fiber and aluminum is that the carbon fiber trimmer shafts are more geared towards commercial use. Why? Because commercial landscapers are throwing stuff in the truck and speeding to the next site. They want the durability that a carbon fiber shaft offers.

A straight shaft! Typically used on commercial landscapers trucks.

What’s the difference between the split shaft and the straight shaft on the EGO trimmer?

The main difference is that the split shaft can fold in half before it is fully assembled, whereas the straight shaft comes in one, long piece.

In fact, the split shaft is never meant to be folded in half again after initial assembly. This is likely for storage or shipping reasons with certain retail stores.

Don’t let this impact whether or not to buy a straight vs split shaft string trimmer. Ultimately, they are both the same and offer no material difference in functionality. Sadly, this trips a lot of people up.

So it’s not a multi-tool power head?

Nope, EGO does offer a separate multi-tool power head, but the split shaft, or hinged shaft, is NOT that.

The EGO power head can be purchased separately and has the following attachments:

Extension
Edger
Hedge Trimmer
Pole Saw
String Trimmer
Cultivator
Bristle Brush
Rubber Broom

This is definitely convenient, especially if you consider purchasing a trimmer and blower combo kit.

So what’s the best EGO string trimmer?

For residential use, I would probably grab the EGO Power+ 15” string trimmer with powerload.

This one has a really nice, wide cutting swath. I also like that it has a brushless motor, variable trigger speed, and powerload technology (basically helps you reload replacement trimmer lines really quickly.

It has a carbon shaft just like the commercial ones, which means it will last quite a while.

And to break the stigma, this one actually has a split shaft. Shows you how much I am not concerned about that feature.

You can grab the EGO POWER+ 15” string trimmer on Amazon for a nice price!

If you already own the 56V battery, you can get the tool-only version for an insane price on Amazon as well.

The Best EGO Weed Eater String

We developed our own weed eater string using dozens of different strings with an EGO weed eater. It absolutely rocks and turned our EGO weed eater from good to great. Check it out below!

Why we review lawn tools

What to look for in a cordless string trimmer

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

Feel – Obviously this is subjective, but feel is everything to me. I have had weed eaters in the past where the handle is off to the side, making me torque my shoulders and back. Bad. You are going to be using this often and for a long time, so make sure it is comfortable.
Motor – brushless motors are king here. They are longer lasting and more durable. Brushless motors also produce more torque and less heat.
Batteries – Not as much a concern with the EGO products as they all run off of the 56V battery line.
Curved vs Straight shaft – I always, always, always prefer straight shafts. They are so much easier to use and control. Curved shafts are better for smaller areas that require “mowing”, whereas straight shafts are better for precision and clean lines.

Otherwise, make sure to get a full kit if you don’t have any of the EGO batteries. If you do already have some 56V EGO batteries, grab the tool-only version to save a good chunk of change.

May 27, 2022April 2, 2024

Ryobi vs Sun Joe Pressure Washers: Side-by-side Comparison

Ryobi and Sun Joe pressure washers are both electric, light duty tools that are extremely popular. When comparing the two, I liked the Sun Joe SPX3000 – but still think you can do better by grabbing the Sun Joe SPX3500.

So today we have decided to compare the Ryobi 2300 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer (Home Depot’s best seller) to the Sun Joe SPX3000 (Amazon’s best seller).

If you are looking for a pressure washer for use around the house, then you have undoubtedly stumbled upon both of these in your quest.

Ryobi vs Sun Joe Pressure Washer: A Breakdown

Now that we know what to look for in a pressure washer, we can apply some scrutiny to both the Sun Joe SPX3000 and the Ryobi 2300 PSI Electric pressure washers. Beware, it could get ugly.

We do compile a list of the some nice, inexpensive Sun Joe pressure washers and the some equally nice electric Ryobi pressure washers if you are looking for something else.

Ryobi and Sun Joe have similar PSI and power

The Sun Joe SPX3000 is not called the SPX3000 because of its PSI. In fact, the SPX3000 only has 2030 PSI. Do not be confused by this.

The Ryobi 2300 PSI pressure washer has…..2300 PSI. True to the name.

Actually looks more powerful, but has about the same

Obviously 2300 PSI is greater than 2030 PSI. This is actually not that big of a difference when it comes to the type of work you’ll be doing. When you actually get into the 3000 PSI range is when you can start talking about graffiti removal, concrete removal, etc. Anywhere in the 2000s is going to be household type of work.

Advantage: It’s a tie!

Ryobi has better nozzles than Sun Joe’s pressure washers

Now that we have pinpointed nozzles as an important feature, let’s see how the Sun Joe SPX3000 and the Ryobi 2300 PSI electric pressure washers stack up.

The Sun Joe SPX3000 comes with five quick-connect nozzles. They say quick connect because you can simply slide them on and off with a cool little contraption on the side of the nozzle. The SPX3000 has 0, 15, 25, and 40 degree tips plus a soap spray tip.

The Ryobi 2300 PSI electric pressure washer comes with the same tips as the SPX3000, but with an additional “turbo nozzle”. The turbo nozzle provides essentially the same exact power as the 0 degree nozzle, but over a much wider area.

Here you can see that the Turbo is the same as 0 degree, except wider.

The key benefit provided by this turbo nozzle on the Ryobi pressure washer is for those that are wanting to blast away dirt from larger areas. This turbo nozzle is ideal for cleaning off a sidewalk or a driveway. The 0 degree nozzle has the same power, but can only cover a small area because of how narrow the stream is.

Advantage: Ryobi 2300 PSI electric pressure washer.

Ryobi has better wheels on their pressure washer

Okay so both of these pressure washers have wheels. Most do. But there’s a big difference between a horse and buggy and a Ferrari.

The SPX3000 from Mr. Joe has a big set of wheels on the back, basically making it function like a dolly. Tilt outback and move it. Actually, this thing sort of looks like a vacuum anyways so maybe that’s a better comparison. The wheels on this are what I would consider “dinky”.

Yeah, I said it. They are plastic, not very functional, and don’t adapt well to not a completely smooth surface. All of this negativity to basically say this could topple over relatively easily. And that’s actually one of the most frequent complaints this product receives.

On the other hand, the Ryobi 2300 PSI has two big rubber wheels that allow for easy transport. One thing I love about the design of the Ryobi 2300 PSI is that it has a metal bar that extends down from the front and makes it extremely sturdy. I grabbed the top and gave it a nice rock side-to-side and it didn’t budge. Good stuff.

Advantage: Ryobi 2300 PSI electric pressure washer.

Sun Joe’s SPX3000 is easier to use than Ryobi

Usability and feel are extremely important when it comes to using a pressure washer. You will become best buds with this tool because you will hold it for HOURS. So you better like how it feels.

Candidly, most pressure washer wands are the exact same. Same trigger, mostly plastic body with a metal barrel. Not a big distinction between these two as the nozzles on both are quick-connect.

Both have a 25 ft hose so will take you the exact same distance. Both have similar entry points for the hose on both the machine and the wand.

These two pressure washers from the wand up are about the exact same.

The only real differences in usability are the difference in cord length and in weight. The cord on the Ryobi 2300 PSI is about 5 feet longer than the Sun Joe. A modest extension that is slightly better.

The SPX3000 weighs only 31 lbs whereas the Ryobi 2300 PSI is about 49 lbs. That makes a big difference for a lot of people.

Only weighs 31lbs – can’t get much better than that.

Advantage: Slight advantage to Sun Joe SPX3000 here.

Neither pressure washer is reliable

Let’s get straight to it: both of these pressure washers have had some complaints about reliability. One I have personally experienced and the other I’ve only heard.

My neighbor has the Ryobi 2300 PSI and it collects dust in his garage. Why? Well – the o-ring around the hose nozzle broke off, so it leaks out a ton of the pressure and is now useless. He plans on buying a new one.

The SPX 3000 I haven’t had any issues with. BUT there are a lot of complaints about the plastic portion that connects the entry hose to the body of the pressure washer having significant leaks.

This claim is backed up by the creation of the SPX3500, which is the exact same as the SPX3000 but with a metal connection piece. Hmmmmmm…….

Anyways, I hate to do this again but..

Advantage: Nobody.

The Sun Joe SPX3000 is less expensive than the Ryobi pressure washer

The SPX3000 retails around $200 but can often be found for around $170, which is a good deal.

The Ryobi 2300 PSI pressure washer comes in a lot higher at your local Home Depot (check price here because it changes often).

Do I need to do one of those advantage things here, or is it clear?

Advantage: Sun Joe SPX3000 pressure washer

Overall Comparison: Ryobi 2300 PSI vs Sun Joe SPX3000

A few things I like about the Sun Joe SPX3000: it’s lightweight, affordable, and just about as powerful as the Ryobi 2300 PSI.

What I like about the Ryobi 2300 PSI: sturdier, more powerful, and has an additional nozzle?

Which one would I pick?

Y’all are going to hate me for this, but I would actually go with the newer, not as popular version of the SPX3000, the Sun Joe SPX3500.

It costs slightly more than the SPX3000, is as powerful as the Ryobi 2300 PSI and has fixed the hose leakage issue and is a bit sturdier.

You can grab the SPX3500 on Amazon for a killer price.

Sun Joe SPX3500

The informed consumer’s choice.

More powerful than the SPX3000.
More affordable than the Ryobi 2300 PSI.
More reliable than both the SPX3000 and the Ryobi 2300 PSI.

Get the most recent price on Amazon.

We did a full review of the SPX3500 electric pressure washer here.

We also did a SPX3000 vs SPX3001 pressure washer comparison here.

Why we review lawn tools

We also compared a Sun Joe and Greenworks pressure washer.

What to look for in a pressure washer

You gotta know what to look for on these Mr Joe’s bad boys! Each one looks basically the same, has a complex acronym name, and comes in a similar color.

Nozzles Matter

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

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

Soap tank

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

I recommend a soap tank for cars and windows.

Wheels on pressure washers

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

Hose types

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

Portability

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

Totally depends on the job you are trying to do.

Don’t want to buy? Check out renting a pressure washer instead.

May 25, 2022April 2, 2024

EGO 56V vs Ryobi 40V Mower: Which Is Better?

The EGO 56V vs Ryobi 40V electric lawn mower is the clash of the titans. Two of the most popular mowers on the planet – head-to-head. I like the EGO 56V mower better than the Ryobi 40V mower because it is

In one corner, the stocky, sturdy, heavy-hitting Mike Tyson of mowers – the EGO 56V SelectCut Self-propelled mower.

In the other corner, floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee, the Muhammad Ali of mowers – the Ryobi 40V self-propelled lawn mower.

This battle is a true fight to the finish.

Let’s break down the winner below.

Comparisons:

Battery Life comparison on the Ryobi and EGO mower
Storability comparison
Using the EGO and Ryobi mowers
Comparing the costs on the EGO and Ryobi mowers
Overall Winner

Also – check out the comparison of Ryobi’s 40V HP to Milwaukee’s M18 mower for a premium mower comparison.

EGO 56V vs Ryobi 40V mower: Comparison of benefits

Two of the hottest mowers on the market square off today. Let’s check out how these differ so that you can make an informed decision before ponying up some cash.

For a full breakdown of EGO’s mowers, check our our post highlighting all the different EGO Select Cut and Select Cut XP features.

Battery Life: EGO 56V vs Ryobi 40V mowers

So much to talk about when it comes to battery life. First, if you haven’t already, you should check out our battery guide for commonly asked questions among the biggest lawn tool battery brands.

But today we are here to talk about the EGO 56V vs Ryobi 40V mower batteries. In its simplest form, the EGO 56V *ON AVERAGE* has about 15 minutes more battery life than the Ryobi 40V mower. 60 minutes on the EGO 56V whereas the Ryobi 40V runs for about 45 minutes (in case you couldn’t do math).

There are major factors here that influence battery life in mowers. The first is the density of the grass – obviously more density of grass is going to require more output and a slower pace. The next major factor is blade height – same issue as grass density.

The last major consideration is the self propelled function. We felt that the self-propelled function on the EGO 56V was STRONGER than the Ryobi 40V. And the battery lasts longer.

The winner of this category: the EGO 56V mower.

Storability of EGO compared to Ryobi mowers

I know you’re already sick of me saying this but the Ryobi 40V and EGO 56V mower store folded in half in basically a completely identical way.

So it’s a tie, right?

WRONG!

The EGO mower has a simple snap that you lift, telescope the poles inward, then fold over. The Ryobi 40V has a few other points that you have to tinker with before folding in half.

This is one of those things you just can’t do with a gas mower. You try folding it in half and you will end up with oil all over the engine and the floor of your garage. Another huge benefit to both of these mowers.

But the winner of this category? The EGO 56V mower.

Mowing Experience: EGO 56V vs Ryobi 40V mowers

This is a really dense topic, so let’s break it into chunks.

Mower Deck comparison

The first thing I looked at with both of these mowers was the deck. First eye test for me is whether or not one was metal. Nope, both are plastic.

Second eye test was width. The Ryobi comes in at 20 inches whereas the EGO 56V mower is 21 inches. Advantage: EGO (unless you have a smaller yard).

The last deck portion I looked at was the height adjustment. They are the exact same on both mowers.

Maneuverability

The second thing I looked at with both of these mowers was maneuverability. Maneuverability is huge and this one was pretty clear.

The Ryobi 40V mower is extremely lightweight. It is so easy to maneuver around corners because you can lift it and reset it without trouble. The EGO mower, however, is a lot heavier and bulkier, making it more difficult to maneuver.

Self-propelled function

Next, the self-propelled functions were brought under the microscope with these mowers. The EGO 56V mower’s self-propelled function is like a Ferrari. It lurches you forward and does way more of the work than the Ryobi. The Ryobi’s self-propelled function was a bit delayed and slightly weaker.

Sound

The EGO is WAY louder than the Ryobi. About all we have to say about that.

Overall experience

This is a tough one. On one hand, you have a super lightweight mower that is quiet and easy to maneuver with the Ryobi 40V mower. On the other, you have a heavier, sturdier mower that has a beast of a self-propelled function but is louder.

Both have tradeoffs and can be great in their own ways. It’s a tie!

Cost and value: EGO 56V vs Ryobi 40V mowers

The EGO 56V select cut series is generally $30-$50 more than the Ryobi 40V mower across, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Amazon.

Overall Impression: EGO vs Ryobi Electric Mowers

This one is tough! They are similar in performance and have a ton of the same features.

The EGO 56V mower is sturdier, feels powerful, and has a killer self-propelled function. The Ryobi 40V is a little lighter, more “plastic-y”, and slightly less expensive.

If we had to pick one, we would have to give a slight edge to the EGO 56V mower, but it’s totally our preference.

You can grab the EGO 56V mower on Amazon for a great price, including a tool-only version that’s significantly cheaper.

Similarly, the Ryobi 40V mower is available from Home Depot for a great price.

If you’re looking for something more affordable, check out the budget-friendly lawn mowers (they’re really cheap).

If you’d like to see how EGO compares to Kobalt mowers, you can read more here.

Why we review lawn tools

What to look for in an electric lawn mower

Brand quality

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

Metal where it matters.

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

Battery interoperability.

A ten dollar word used here, but really just make sure to buy a mower with a battery that is compatible with other electric tools. Ryobi has this, so does Dewalt, and so do some of the Greenworks products. This will save you garage clutter and plug space.

Self-propelled or not

I actually don’t like the self-propelled feature as much as others.. It doesn’t help you that much and it can drain the battery some. Older people and those with hills seem to love them, though.

We’ve done a full review of the Ryobi 40V mower (the sweet classic version before they got expensive) and also listed out some really nice Ryobi mowers – where we ranked this one number one.

May 20, 2022April 2, 2024

4 Makita Hedge Trimmers With Great Battery Systems

Makita Hedge Trimmers are easily top-of-the-line cordless hedge trimmers. Makita just makes quality products. And they keep getting better.

I am calling it now – watch for Makita to make a massive push in the lawn care industry over the next year or so.

Makita hedge trimmers are undoubtedly going to be high quality. Because Makita makes extremely high quality power tools and is using the same technology in their yard tools.

***SPOILER: ALL-AROUND Best Cordless Makita Hedge Trimmer: The Makita XHU07T Hedge Trimmer

The Best Makita Hedge Trimmers (RANKED)

While I think just by making this list any of these are good purchases, there are a few that really catch my eye as supreme. Let’s break them down.

4. Makita XHU04PT 36V 25.5 inch Hedge Trimmer

Great news folks, if you own other 18V Makita products, like their mowers or blowers, then you’re in luck.

The Makita XHU04PT 36V 25.5 inch Hedge Trimmer is one of the best on the market, and it comes at a great price. It has a six speed dial, which allows you to adjust the speed to suit your needs. It can also run two batteries, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power. The only downside is that it is a little bit heavier when it runs two batteries, but this is offset by the fact that it is a great price. The Makita XHU04PT 36V 25.5 inch Hedge Trimmer is a great choice for anyone looking for a quality hedge trimmer.

You can get the tool only version for an absolute steal if you already own the 18V batteries.

Either option is available at Amazon for a NICE price.

3. Makita XNU01T Brushless Cordless 18V 20” Articulating Pole Hedge Trimmer Kit

If you’re serious about your shrubbery, then you need the Makita XNU01T brushless cordless 18V 20″ articulating pole hedge trimmer. This is the tool that the professionals use to create pristine bushes. It has amazing reach, so you can trim even the tallest hedges without breaking a sweat. It’s also lighter than its gas-powered competitors, so you can use it for longer without getting fatigue. And it can run for a really long time on a single charge, so you never have to worry about running out of power in the middle of a job. Plus, it can cut at many different angles, so you can get those perfect curves or straight lines every time. And if that’s not enough, it even folds in half for easy storage.

This thing allows you to work wonders on humongous bushes.

To create manicured bushes and creations, grab this product on Amazon (it’s decently expensive but pretty dang cool).

2. Makita XHU08Z and XHU08T 18V LXT Brushless Cordless 30” Hedge Trimmer

The Makita XHU08Z 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 30″ Hedge Trimmer is a great hedge trimmer…if you’re a giant. It’s slightly longer than I prefer, which is why I ranked it #2. It has great features including a brushless motor, speed control, and a rotating handle, but is a little too big. When Makita says “30 inches,” they mean it.

Long, strong, down to get the friction on!

This thing is massive. If you’re looking for a hedge trimmer that will make your neighbors think you’re landscaping for the zoo, then this is the one for you. But if you’re like me and prefer something a little more manageable, then you might want to look elsewhere.

It’s a lot of hedge trimmer, but a great option if you have a place to store it.

This one you can get at Home Depot for a dang steal.

1. Makita XHU07Z and XHU07T 18V Brushless Cordless 24” Trimmer

Makita’s XHU07Z and XHUO7T 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 24″ Hedge Trimmer is the best hedge trimmer on the market, hands down. It’s the perfect length, has a rotating handle for easy maneuverability, and variable speed control so you can adjust according to the thickness of your hedges. Plus, Makita’s exclusive anti-vibration technology means that you can use this trimmer for hours on end without feeling any fatigue. And finally, the Makita XHU07T is built to last, so you won’t have to replace it anytime soon. So if you’re looking for a top-quality hedge trimmer that will make your life easier, look no further than the Makita XHU07Z.

The reason I ranked this Makita hedge trimmer number one is that it has a brushless motor. These types of motors last way longer and have more torque.

This one can be grabbed from Makita’s website – definitely on the higher end but worth the money.

Why we review lawn tools

Makita is making lawn equipment?

Yep, Makita has been around since 1915 and started making power tools back in 1958. They are best known for their pneumatic tools, their drills, and other construction site tools.

They’ve always had great corded and cordless tools, so I am honestly surprised it has taken them this long to make a push into the cordless lawn tool space.

But not that they’re here, they aren’t going anywhere. With competitors pouring into the space like Dewalt and Milwaukee, it only makes sense to take what they do best (battery powered tools) and put them in mowers, blowers, and more.

But why is Makita making lawn equipment NOW?

Good question. One thing I can tell you is that it is currently March of 2022 and Makita has a relatively small presence and market share in the lawn tool space.

Please bookmark this page and see where they are in 2023. We have it on good authority that they are making a massive push into this space.

So – sit back and watch them take over.

What to look for in a cordless Makita hedge trimmer

Cordless hedge trimmers are a great addition to any gardener’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 cordless hedge trimmer:

Length: Cordless 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.
Ease of use: Cordless hedge trimmers should be easy to operate, with comfortable handles and simple controls. Look for a model that is lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Battery life: Corded hedge trimmers need to be plugged into an outlet, which can be inconvenient and restrict your range of motion. Cordless models run on batteries, which will need to be recharged after a certain amount of use. Choose a model with a long battery life so that you can work uninterrupted.

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

If you like cords, check out our list of the other great corded hedge trimmers.