Tag: Electric tools

Posted on

What Does Brushless Mean On A Weed Eater? (Answered)

Brushless motors on weed eaters means that it is a motor that operates with less friction, more torque, and a cooler operation. Brushless motors last longer and are great innovations.

Brushless motors are big deals when it comes to weed eaters. Practically every “high-end” weed eater has a big advertisement about brushless motors.

Back in my day, we didn’t have brushless or brushed or anything fancy – we didn’t even really have electric motors. But this new generation of battery-powered weed eaters is different. 

They pack a serious punch and have a price that makes you really think twice. 

Is brushless worth it? How does it compare to gas? All that and more answered.

What does brushless mean on a weed eater?

Brushless as advertised on a weed eater refers to the motor. Brushless motors are designed differently to leverage frictionless magnets to power a motor. 

Weed eaters with brushless motors tend to last longer, be more durable, and provide more torque. When you see brushless listed at the top, you can know that this is a higher quality electric motor than traditional brushed motors. What you also might notice is a higher price point compared to other weed eaters – including some gas-powered weed eaters.

In my opinion, brushless weed eaters are worth the additional cost as they will last significantly longer than others.

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.

Brushed vs Brushless Weed Eaters

Brushless weed eaters have a frictionless, efficient motor design that leverages magnets instead of the friction electron transfer required from brushed motors. 

You may notice that brushed motors get hot, don’t last as long, and are overall found on weaker, smaller lawn tools. Brushless motors provide a cooler running motor, are more durable and efficient, last longer, and provide more torque. 

When I was picking out weed eaters, brushless was the first non-negotiable I had on my list. I chose to pay more for brushless because I want a tool that will last longer and won’t get so hot.

Brushed motors are often found on lower-end weed eaters and corded weed eaters (often one in the same).

Are brushless tools better?

Brushless tools are better for those looking to have more efficient lawn tools with a longer life. They are not better for those looking for cheap lawn tools that will simply get the job done. Many first time homebuyers settle for brushed, corded weed eaters just to check the box.

In my opinion, making a minor investment in brushless tools will pay off in the long run. Having to replace the tools entirely in half the time as you would with a brushless tool can quickly cost you way MORE than you would have paid to just buy a brushless weed eater in the first place.

Gas vs Brushless Electric Weed Eaters

When it comes to gas vs electric weed eaters, it’s important to weigh out the pros and cons. Both are great options, but in my opinion – built for different audiences.

Here are some pros to brushless electric weed eaters compared to gas-powered weed eaters:

  • No fumes
  • Super easy to start
  • No maintenance
  • Can use the batteries to power other tools
  • Extremely simple

But gas-powered weed eaters have benefits, too. Some of their benefits include a longer run-time and more power.

My gas-powered Stihl weed eater.

I think the gap is narrowing in power between the two, but a really nice brushless weed eater with power comparable to gas is pretty expensive. Most can be found for around $200 or $250, but some can be north of $350.

3 Best Brushless Weed Eaters

I’ve used a ton of really good brushless electric weed eaters, but here are a few of my favorites:

EGO Power+ST1623T 16 inch 56V Weed Eater

This weed eater was the number one choice of ours on our list of best EGO weed eaters. There are a bunch of reasons why, but mostly because it has an awesome mix of price, power, and ease of use. 

It has this cool Powerload technology from EGO that allows you to simply drop some weed eater string in, and it will automatically wind it up for you. Kind of nice. 

But what really sticks out is the 16 inch cutting swath. This is technically in the commercial category and will be an absolute freak of nature when it comes to power. This is our favorite. 

You can grab this one on Amazon for a really good price.

Makita XRU15PT1 Weed Eater

The Makita XRUP15PT1 weed eater is an equally dominant weed eater but with a slightly smaller cutting swath at 15 inches as compared to the EGO’s 16 above. One big differentiator in Makita’s favor is that it takes the 18V batteries that can be found on so many other Makita tools, including Makita’s mowers.

This weed eater works really well for large yards and is my favorite Makita weed eater that compares to commercial landscaping power. It is definitely on the pricier side, but will truly last a long time. It of course has a sweet brushless motor and is backed up by Makita’s ridiculous power. 

You can grab it at Home Depot or at Amazon (I suggest trying to price compare using our links).

Dewalt 20V Max Brushless Cordless Weed Eater

Yes, we were extremely surprised, too, when we put together our list of best Dewalt weed eaters. We honestly weren’t expecting much when we tried these out but WOW – they were seriously powerful.

Of course Dewalt is a household name in the power tool space, but they have truly mastered electric tools and translated that into the lawn care space. Similar to the Makita weed eater above, the Dewalt 20V Max weed eater is a really high quality weed eater. 

We like Dewalt’s because you can buy the tool-only version if you already have a Dewalt 20V Max battery and save a ton of money. 

These are on sale at Home Depot and can also be found at Amazon (where it was cheaper). 

My experience with brushless weed eaters

I’ve used a ton of electric weed eaters and a whole lot of brushless ones. Every time I’ve used a brushless electric weed eater, I’ve felt a difference in torque and sustained power.

They outlast brushed weed eaters, are bigger and more powerful, and don’t get hot when I use them.

I’m super bullish on the future of brushless tools and brushless weed eaters specifically. While I’d like to see the price come down on these tools, I suspect most folks will have these in their garage.

What to look for in a weed eater

Weed eaters AKA string trimmers come in all shapes and sizes. They aren’t highly complicated pieces of equipment, but they do have a few nuances. Here is how we evaluate a weed eater at The Lawn Review.

Feel

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

Motor

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

Curved vs Straight shaft

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

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. 

Our jobs.

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. 

Posted on

Corded vs Cordless Weed Eaters: My Surprising Choice

Both corded and cordless weed eaters offer serious benefits over gas-powered equipment. But when you look at the two side-by-side, there’s a stark difference. I prefer cordless weed eaters, but corded weed eaters still have a solid place in my lawn.

They’re both electric but why do they operate so differently? Which one is better? Which string trimmer is cheaper?

We’ve tested DOZENS of corded and cordless weed eaters and have noticed a few things that make corded great for one crowd and cordless weed eaters for another crowd.

Let’s explain. 

How I test out corded and cordless weed eaters

When I’m testing out corded and cordless weed eaters, there are a few things I keep in mind. The first part of my testing method is all about comfort and usability. There are some weed eaters that just fit better in the hands of some people than others. Another thing I look at is the weed eater string and cutting swath size. Those both indicate how much brush the weed eater can handle and how much power can be delivered.

Simply put: I use them a LOT.

I’ve tested dozens of corded and cordless weed eaters and have reviewed a ton of them on this site and my Youtube channel. 

When I recommend a corded weed eater

Corded weed eaters honestly sound a little old school. I imagine using my corded weed eater with my Walkman and wired headphones trying to trim up my lawn while holding my Walkman flat to ensure the CD doesn’t skip. 

Gotta love how light it is. Or how strong I am.

In reality, corded weed eaters still have a place in the 21st century. I love some of these lightweight corded weed eaters because they are incredibly easy to use and simple. In fact, for many first time homeowners or elderly folks, I recommend corded weed eaters. Here’s why:

Pros of corded weed eaters

Corded weed eaters are great for new homeowners and/or elderly folks because they:

  • Are generally extremely cheap
  • Fit small yards really well
  • Never run out of power
  • Require no maintenance
  • Are very light

But I don’t recommend corded weed eaters for everybody.

Cons of corded weed eaters

Corded weed eaters are simple and lightweight, but aren’t right for a lot of folks. Here are some cons:

  • Not very powerful
  • Tend to be smaller and weaker
  • Limited reach due to extension cord
  • Not attachment capable

When I recommend a cordless weed eater

Cordless weed eaters AKA battery-powered weed eaters are great for just about anyone. While they haven’t quite built themselves up to the power and run-time of gas-powered weed eaters, they still pack quite a punch. Compared to corded electric weed eaters, they tend to be much larger and more powerful on average. 

Some cordless weed eaters that operate on a low battery voltage, like the WORX GT Revolution, are still reminiscent of our corded electric friends. The main difference is the ability to use batteries across other tools and to walk further away from your garage without worrying about an extension cord. 

Here are my favorite things about battery-powered weed eaters.

Pros of cordless weed eaters

Cordless battery-powered weed eaters have some great features:

  • Cordless (duh)
  • Can use batteries across many other tools, saving you money
  • Larger cutting swaths
  • Attachment capabilities
  • Longer and easier to navigate with if you’re taller

Cons of battery-powered weed eaters

While they are darn near perfect, they aren’t all the way there. Battery-powered weed eaters still have some weaknesses, such as:

  • Limited run time with batteries requiring re-charge
  • More expensive
  • Heavier
  • Still not as powerful as gas

How to improve the performance of an electric weed eater

When I first started using my electric weed eater, I was kinda bummed at the lack of power. One thing I realized quickly was that the lack of power wasn’t necessarily coming from the weed eater motor or battery itself, but the dinky string that came with it.

It’s freaking sweet.

From that point on, I was on a mission to find a weed eater string that unleashed the full power of my weed eater. That’s why I created the GrassKicker weed eater string. I tested about 10 other strings that were for sale at Home Depot and found the best characteristics of each and combined them into a single string.

When I first put it in my Ryobi weed eater, I was floored. It is a silly product, but man did it make a difference.

Corded Weed Eaters: My Recommendation

After using this weed eater for the first few years of my lawn care journey, I can’t recommend it enough to new homeowners. My Black and Decker 6.5A, 14 inch string trimmer was a reliable source of performance for many years. I called it “Old Faithful”.

Yes, this is not the flashiest weed eater, but it fit my modest budget in my first home. I also liked that it was corded because I could hardly remember to take care of anything and didn’t trust myself with charging the batteries.

This one is also super lightweight and despite being small, has a cool feature: you can turn it on its side and use it as an edger as well. 

I got mine on Amazon back in the day for a really good price.

My favorite Cordless Battery-Powered Weed Eater

A contentious topic but one I don’t shy away from, the battery powered weed eater competition is muy caliente. So spicy that I wrote an entire long form post breaking down some of my favorite (based on experience) battery powered weed eaters. I broke it down into a bunch of different categories, but I am going to just share my absolute favorite.

The EGO Power+ Multi-Tool attachment system with the 15” string trimmer is my favorite. Here are the reasons why:

Basically, I use it for just about everything I do around the yard except for mowing. It is way more than just a cordless weed eater – it is a cordless EVERYTHING.

You can also grab this one on Amazon for a great price.

Corded vs cordless electric weed eaters: Which is better?

If I haven’t made myself clear at this point, you haven’t been reading. Both are great options, but I prefer cordless weed eaters. Corded weed eaters are still a great choice if you are elderly, have a small yard, or a tight budget. But cordless weed eaters have made such drastic improvements in power and usability that they are now freaks of nature. 

Why we review lawn tools

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

How we test out tools.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

Posted on

String Trimmers vs Lawn Edger: There’s a Time for Both

The differences between a string trimmer and an edger are often confusing. In fact, it isn’t that common to see even professional landscapers using an edger.

So why do I need one?

I have an edger attachment on my Ryobi weed eater and I LOVE it. But I don’t use it every time I mow. Could I live without it? No.

But some people can. Let me explain further.

How to instantly improve your weed eater

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

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

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

The Difference Between A String Trimmer And Edger

A string trimmer is used to cut pieces of grass missed by your mower whereas an edger is designed to cut a border around your yard.

The differences seem stark, but many people try to use a string trimmer to edge around their yard. String trimmers are much more versatile than edgers in that they can be used around the edges of a yard like an edger, but can also cut through thick brush and tall grass.

String Trimmers and Edgers are often sold in combo kits or multi-tool attachment heads. These allow you to buy one power head (like my EGO multi-tool) and change out the attachments, saving you money. 

While many folks buy string trimmers as a standalone item, it is more rare to buy an edger-only tool that is not part of an attachment system.

Can A String Trimmer Be Used As An Edger?

Yes – to a point. String trimmers don’t cut as deep as edgers do, so can only do light edging.

My edging and trimming routine looks something like this: 

  1. After the first mow of the year, I’ll go really deep with my edger and create a sweet border around my yard.
  2. Over the next few weeks, I’ll still edge my lawn – but only use my string trimmer and not my edger. This is purely for touch-ups on the border.
  3. Every month, I grab my edger and give it another whirl.
  4. The process repeats until I stop mowing for the year.

It is important to make sure to use the edger at least monthly because the deeper border it creates will slowly fill with grass clippings and dirt that won’t be removed by the weaker weed eater.

Do You Really Need An Edger?

In my opinion, yes. If you want a pristine looking yard with clean borders, you just won’t get that “professional” look without an edger. 

If you don’t care as much about how your yard looks and think you can get away with a weed eater – then sure it is possible. For me and my yard, an edger is a super important part of my lawn care routine.

In fact, the biggest difference I noticed in my yard was after I started edging. This actually made people stop their car when I was outside and tell me my lawn looked nice. Isn’t that what every man wants?

Should You Trim and Edge Before Mowing?

I think you can, but the best time to trim and edge your lawn is after mowing. When you are pushing or riding around in a big bulky mower, there are going to be some nooks and crannies that you just can’t reach. 

After mowing is the best time to grab your trimmer and clean up those missed spots from mowing. Then after you’ve trimmed and the grass is all cut, you have the right time to begin edging. 

The Right Time To Edge Your Lawn

The best time to edge your lawn, according to my personal edging, trimming, and mowing routine, is at the beginning of the season. Over the course of the winter, grass is still growing but at a much slower rate. Snow, rain, and the other elements combine to cause the edges around your yard to become frumpy.

At the beginning of the mowing season after your first mower and trimmer session, go over the edges at length with an edger and dig up all the dirt. It is helpful to first trim as though you’re edging to get some of the leg work out of the way.

Your edger will (and should) clog up a few times from all the dirt. Just give it a tap on the ground and get back to work. For the remainder of the year I will simply touch up my yard with a string trimmer around the edges and pull my edger back out once a month or so to really refine the edges again.

Some of my favorite Lawn Edgers

If you are going to buy a standalone edger, I recommend purchasing a battery-powered edger. These are much easier to start, quieter, don’t make you smell, and require no maintenance. Here are a couple of my favorites:

Greenworks 40V 8” Edger

I love Greenworks for a few reasons. They make really great products at competitive prices. I’ve talked to a few guys on their engineering team and they are legit nerds – they love the technical stuff involved in battery-powered tools. 

That’s fancy.

And that’s what you want from an edger manufacturer. This one is powerful, uses their 40V battery line which can be used with dozens of other Greenworks tools, and has a brushless motor. It also has a nice little wheel at the back that guides you along a straight path.

You can grab this one on Amazon like we did for a great price.

Dewalt 60V Max Edger

This one is a step up in price and power. If you are super serious about edging with a battery edger – this one is a good chunk of change…but it is sweet.

This edger has a sweet sloped shaft that makes edging way smoother than with most straight shafts. Dewalt’s 60V series is also really great to use with stuff like their chainsaws and their Dewalt blowers.

That’s a nice gentle slope.

Dewalt’s edger can be bought on Amazon for a great price. While it is made for edging, it also has the ability to take on Universal Attachments, so can actually become a very powerful multi-tool.

Some Amazing Trimmer Edger Combo Kits

A great way to save money on lawn tools is to buy combo kits. Whether it is a mower trimmer combo kit or even a trimmer edger combo kit – you can save big on bundling.

Here are a few of our favorite weed eater combo kits:

EGO Multi-Head Power Tool

This is my go-to edger and string trimmer combo kit. EGO knocked it out of the park with this multi-head tool. You can read more about our review of this tool here or watch our video review on Youtube.

This combo kit is SWEET.

Basically, this thing has the same power as many of the gas string trimmers I’ve used and the edger attachment is an absolute unit. One major upside here is that the EGO 56V battery can be used with all their other tools – like the famous EGO mowers or their super powerful leaf blowers.

The edger attachment rocks.

This one is available at Lowe’s or online from Amazon. It is WELL worth the price and happens to be on a great sale on Amazon.

Ryobi 40V Expand-it Weed Eater and Edger Kit

This was my first weed eater attachment kit, and it had some great ups and downs. But all-in-all, I still think it was a great purchase. I use the weed eater often and the edger still keeps going despite being over 6 years old at this point. 

Old faithful.

Some of the other attachments stink, like the blower attachment, but I wouldn’t worry about that if you are looking for a good trimmer and edger kit. 

One thing I like about this one is how easy it is to use. I took the shield off of the trimmer and it works like one on steroids. I also swapped out the weed eater string on it and turned it into a freaking machine.

The new version is even nicer.

The edger has stood the test of time and is what started to drop my neighbors jaws all those years ago. I got mine at Home Depot – which has recently upgraded it into a much nicer version.

How I Test Out String Trimmers and Edgers

I test out string trimmers and edgers by…using them for decades. I used to own landscaping company and have used gas, corded, and battery versions of all of these tools. My lawn being good looking is important to me – and so I try to relay everything I learn to the next generation of first-time homeowners.

This one sucks though haha.

When I am testing these tools I am always assessing comfort and ease of use, power, price, and durability. I’ve learned a lot the hard way and hope to help you avoid going down the wrong path.

Why we started The Lawn Review

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

How we spend our time now.

As guys who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

Posted on

Gas vs Electric Weed Eaters: Which is ACTUALLY Better?

Electric and battery powered weed eaters are superior to gas powered weed eaters.

Gas and electric weed eaters are two tools that can accomplish the same task: putting the final touches on your yard that make it look amazing. I own both a Stihl FS 56 RC gas-powered weed eater and an EGO 56V electric weed eater (among many, many others) and want to break down why I basically never use my gas-powered weed eater anymore.

Yes, it is controversial and I get a lot of comments from folks (especially commercial landscapers), but I can’t deny reality. 

In all honesty, both are great options and have a bunch of pros and cons – so making a choice is personal preference. Today, I’ll break down my experience with both types of tools and which is the best for each type of operator.

How I tested both gas and battery-powered weed eaters

The short answer is: I used both hundreds (if not thousands) of times. I started with my gas-powered weed eater when I owned a landscaping company and used it as my go-to for anything involving trimming. When I moved into my house, I started using a battery-powered weed eater. 

These are sweet.

Needless to say, I’ve dealt with just about every type of weed eater you can use. Tons of different gas-powered ones from folks like ECHO and battery powered and electric string trimmers that you’ve probably never even heard of. 

When I put them to the test, It is usually a combination of power, handling, and ease of use that I evaluate.

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.

Maintenance comparison: Battery vs gas

The most shocking transition for me when moving from gas to battery-powered weed eaters was the lack of maintenance. If you’ve ever owned a gas-powered weed eater, you know that the maintenance schedule can be kind of intense. For example, below is the maintenance schedule for Stihl’s FS 56 RC (which I own):

I’ve got a headache.

Here is the maintenance schedule for my battery-powered weed eater:

Yeah it is nothing.

While I am obviously trying way too hard to be funny here, the fact is that battery powered weed eaters require zero maintenance. Yes, you’ll have to replace the weed eater string every now and then but I don’t consider that maintenance.

Gas-powered string trimmers are just tough to maintain – you have to mix oil and gas (which isn’t that hard), but also do things like replace spark plugs, air filters, and all the other moving parts that seem to want to implode all the time. For me, the battery-powered weed eater was so much easier to use.

Run-time comparison: Gas vs Electric string trimmer

Comparing run-times on gas and electric weed eaters is a little silly. When using a gas powered weed eater, you can refill the tank as much as you need and it can run forever. As long as you have gas, you have power.

It can run forever.

With electric weed eaters, it is more complicated. Corded string trimmers have unlimited run time as long as you keep them plugged into the wall and pay your electric bill. 

A cord can keep this running forever.

Battery-powered weed eaters provide a limited amount of run time, dependent on the amp-hours of the battery (boring science stuff). You can have multiple batteries that can keep you running as well, so could theoretically have unlimited run time.

The real question is: how much run time do you need with a battery powered weed eater? 

How long does a battery-powered weed eater last?

For most battery-powered weed eaters, you can expect a 30-45 minute run time.

Battery powered weed eater run time is totally dependent on the amp-hours (Ah) of the battery. Additionally, things like cutting swath, how thick of brush you are cutting, and weed eater string size can all cause fluctuations in run-time.

This Skil 40V has a great run time.

The higher the Ah on the battery, the longer the run time you will get. Higher voltage batteries, thicker weed eater string, and a larger cutting swath all allow for increased power as well, giving you the ability to cut through thicker brush for longer.

Comparing power on gas and battery powered weed eaters

When I first got my battery-powered weed eater I was super skeptical. As a gas loyalist, making the switch was pure blasphemy. I hid it from my friends and neighbors and was scared to use it for a long time. Which is why I still haven’t thrown out my gas-powered weed eater.

But boy, was I shocked by the power output on this thing. It can BLAST through grass and has virtually no difference in power from my Stihl weed eater. 

My EGO weed eater.

But don’t get all angry yet – this isn’t true for every battery-powered weed eater. In fact, many are simply wimpy (say that 5 times fast). Here are two I recommend.

Two most powerful battery-powered weed eaters

The first most powerful battery-powered weed eater that I recommend is the Makita XRU15PT1 36V weed eater. It has the following accolades that make it a beast:

  • A brushless motor
  • 15 inch cutting swath
  • Three speed options (can help preserve battery life)
  • A ton of other Makita power tools you can use the batteries with

In short, it is designed just like a gas-powered weed eater and has a super trusted name behind it (Makita) that has been in the battery-powered tool space for a LONG time. It’s for sale on Amazon for a pretty good price.

The next weed eater I recommend is the EGO 56V Multi-Head system. It is the one the weed eater I use the most because it is so dang convenient AND extremely powerful. I drop in my homemade weed eater string and this thing absolutely rocks. 

My edger attachment.

I not only use this as my weed eater of choice, but I also add the edger attachment and a few other attachments that make it darn cool. You can grab it from Amazon for a great price here. 

Ease of use 

Ease of use was the main reason I’ve started using my battery powered weed eater more than my gas powered one. Insane, already mentioned maintenance schedules aside, there is nothing more I love than walking into my shed and simply popping the battery on and getting started.

From a feel perspective, my EGO weed eater handles exactly like my gas weed eater. In fact, it may even be a little bit lighter. Either way, compared to my gas weed eater the trimming experience is about 7x easier.

Just slide it on and get to work.

With my gas weed eater I walk outside, make sure it has gas, press the bulb to prime the engine 5x, make sure the choke is in the closed position, pull the cord a few times and then hopefully get it started.

Battery powered weed eaters are so much simpler. For me, it is way easier to choose battery over gas when I know that I will get started way quicker.

Price comparison: Battery vs Gas Weed Eaters

For a decent gas-powered weed eater, expect to spend around $250-$300. For battery weed eaters, you’re looking at $300-350.

There’s a huge range in prices between battery and gas-powered mowers. In general, a comparable gas-powered weed eater is often slightly cheaper than a battery-powered equivalent. That’s because gas-powered weed eaters ON AVERAGE are more powerful than battery-powered weed eaters.


Since battery powered weed eaters are newer and have different technology, a high-powered one is often more expensive.

Which is better: Gas or Battery powered weed eaters?

In my opinion, battery powered weed eaters are better for homeowners and gas are better for landscapers.

Battery powered weed eaters are easier to use, require no maintenance, have a great run time, can be just as powerful, and don’t leave a gasoline smell on you.

Gas powered weed eaters often can handle thicker brush and don’t require recharging, making them great for moving from job to job as a commercial landscaper.

One day, technology will likely catch up and allow for easy recharging or really long battery life at a reasonable price. I predict most landscaping companies will be using battery powered everything in the next decade.

Why we created The Lawn Review

The reason we started the Lawn Review in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And they aren’t 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. 

Posted on

Ultimate Electric Weed Eater Buying Guide: 2024 Update

Electric weed eaters are the future. In fact, we are so confident in that that we’ve purchased probably ten of them here at The Lawn Review and used a dozen more. And yes, we’ve done some crazy stuff in our extensive testing – including cutting through a foam pool noodle to test it out. 

Needless to say, we are experts in all things electric and battery-powered weed eaters. We are oddly obsessed with them, so decided to put the findings of all of our rigorous tests into writing. 

Today, I’d like to walk you through exactly what I look for when looking for an electric weed eater to make it easier for you to buy when scrolling through the options. 

Bottom Line: One of my favorite electric weed eaters is the Milwaukee M18 weed eater. It has a strong motor, great battery system, and is really easy to use.

What we look for in an electric weed eater

After owning probably ten of these and testing out another 10-15, we’ve developed some strong opinions on what to look for in a weed eater. So, I am going to speak mostly from personal experience here, but will tell you how I would make one if I had a lab to make all this. 

Getting the right battery line in an electric weed eater

The very first question I ask when someone asks me what kind of weed eater to get is: “do you already own a battery-powered lawn tool?”. If so, my first recommendation is to start your search with the brand you already own. If you have a Ryobi 40V leaf blower, then I say start looking at Ryobi 40V weed eaters (I own both).

My Ryobi battery works with my blower and mower.

The reason I say this is because you can buy many lawn tools as “tool-only”, meaning you can buy it without the battery and save anywhere between $60-$100. It’s a no brainer to narrow the search to those right away. 

If this is their first foray into battery-powered tools – then I recommend brands I’ve had the most success with personally. The one weed eater I’ve been most impressed with and has the most gas-like power is my EGO 56V string trimmer. If they are looking for something on the lighter side, there are a number of smaller weed eaters from Black and Decker or others that are good alternatives.

Understanding power on weed eaters

Battery weed eaters have power measurements in a couple of ways: rotations per minute (RPMs), battery voltage, cutting swath, and string size. None of them are absolute in their measurement. For example, Milwaukee makes an 18V weed eater that I absolutely shred with and is powerful as all get out. Worx has a 20V weed eater that is small and relatively weak feeling. 

My EGO string trimmer has a decent cutting swath.

What I look for in power is mainly the cutting swath of the weed eater. This is the best indicator of power to me because even at lower RPMs, the greater the length of the string, the faster the tips are moving (its science). 

Gas powered weed eaters typically have 15 to 19 inch cutting swaths. Electrics range from 10 to 17 inches. Again, my EGO weed eaters are at the 15 inch range and even a couple of the Dewalt ones I’ve tried get up there.

Luckily, this isn’t something you need to overcomplicate. Look for about a 15 inch cutting swath and the required battery voltage to make it spin will follow. 

Feel and comfort is important when using a weed eater

An underrated quality in a weed eater, it is absolutely imperative that you find one that is comfortable to you. My neighbor has a super small, lightweight Ryobi weed eater that has basically no functionality. He has back pain and is about twice my age. 

I prefer a much longer, more powerful weed eater that I can use with a variety of attachments. I am well over six feet tall and younger. 

There is a huge element to personal preference in the feel and comfort category, but I can tell you what I do when I’m looking for a weed eater. I first check to see whether or not the weed eater has a D-loop handle. D-loop handles make it easier for me to grab and hold at multiple angles. Compare that to some weed eaters that have a foldable handle that isn’t adjustable and forces you to hold the trimmer a single way.

This is a D-loop handle, which comes on many weed eaters.

The other things I am checking for:

  • Whether or not there’s a variable speed trigger that gives me control of the speed
  • Molded grips that make holding on easier on the hands
  • Where the battery connects to see how weight will be distributed
  • How easy it is to change out the weed eater string / string trimmer line

All of these have an impact on my experience as someone using this tool. 

Attachment capabilities make weed eaters amazing tools

Please, please do not skip this section. Having a weed eater with attachment capabilities is an absolute game changer. It can turn your weed eater into a Swiss Army knife. Let me go further.

My EGO Multi Head string trimmer.

One of the first battery powered weed eaters I owned was the Ryobi 40V Expand-It. I still use it every now and then, but it has the ability to have a weed eater, blower, edger, and more attachments. Basically you can take them off and change them out without having to buy a full tool and battery system each time, saving me hundreds of dollars. 

My SKIL PWR CORE attachment system.

Some tools we’ve used in this lineup are my Ryobi but also the EGO multi-head we spent a lot of time testing and the SKIL PWR CORE weed eater system that I was not super impressed with when using.

My attachment capable weed eater system.

Motor types on electric weed eaters

Electric motors are different from gas-powered and definitely more simple. There are two main types: brushed and brushless. Brushed motors are the traditional electric tool motor and are fine, but most electric tool motors are being made with brushless motors now.

Compared to brushed motors, they provide more torque, run at a lower temperature, and are more durable. There’s a ton of science that goes into them, but when you see it advertised on a weed eater or really any other lawn tool – I recommend taking it seriously. They are legit.

Corded vs cordless weed eaters

Corded and cordless weed eaters are great alternatives to gas-powered string trimmers when it comes to residential use. The order of power is usually gas > battery > electric. The order of convenience is battery > electric > gas. Make sense?

My corded Black + Decker weed eater.

I’ve used a few corded weed eaters but generally try to avoid them because I don’t like being limited by an extension cord and always yank it around like I’m vacuuming. That being said, one major benefit to my corded weed eater is that I don’t have to charge a battery or anything. 

Cordless is definitely my preference and has tons of great options. If you’re going for an electric weed eater, I recommend using a battery-powered system that you can build your battery lawn tool set around. 

Gas vs electric weed eaters

When it comes to picking a weed eater, the first decision you’ll come across is whether or not to buy a gas-powered weed eater. They’re the incumbent – and ran the string trimmer world for decades. And just like cars, they still reign supreme for a lot of applications.

And I still have a gas-powered string trimmer.

Gas powered weed eaters have a few benefits when compared to electric weed eaters:

  • They generally have a larger cutting swath
  • Most gas weed eaters can fit thicker weed eater string
  • Gas string trimmers are easier to run for longer periods of time and don’t require charging
  • They often have a higher power output
  • When well-maintained, gas string trimmers can last many years

But battery-powered weed eaters have some advantages to gas:

  • No maintenance
  • No fumes
  • Way quieter
  • Super easy to start

In short, it comes down to your application. I would almost never recommend an electric weed eater to a professional landscaper. For my neighbors who often ask me which is better, I recommend them trying my battery-powered weed eater to see how satisfied they are with the performance.

Bottom Line: Our experience testing electric weed eaters

If you came up to me on the street and asked me what electric weed eater you should get, I would say it needs to fit these criteria: 15 inch cutting swath, brushless motor, D-loop handle, battery line with significant voltage and Amp-hours, and attachment capability. There are tons of those out there, but we really loved our experience with EGO. We don’t have an affiliation with them or anything – but have been so impressed by their multi-head system.

Common questions about electric weed eaters

Are electric weed eaters worth it?

Electric weed eaters are great tools for homeowners and with the right one, can last a long time. They are definitely worth it for home use.

What is the best electric weed eater you can buy?

In my experience, the best electric weed eater is the attachment capable EGO Multi-Tool.

Do electric weed eaters work well?

Electric weed eaters work very well for home use but are limited in commercial use.

What size electric weed eater do I need?

The perfect size electric weed eater for home use is anywhere between 14-16 inches of cutting swath.

How long do battery powered weed eaters last?

Battery powered weed eaters can last about 35-50 minutes depending on intensity of use.

How much does a battery weed eater cost?

Battery weed eaters can cost anywhere from $125 to $400 depending on the size, voltage, and quality of construction.

Why we started reviewing weed eaters

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

We test lawn tools – for real.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

How to instantly improve your weed eater

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

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

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

Posted on

5 Lightweight String Trimmers That Make Trimming Easy

The best lightweight string trimmer that I have used is the Greenworks 40V 12 inch cordless string trimmer because it is durable, has a decent cutting swath, and is part of a large 40V battery system. Lightweight string trimmers are game changers for your neck and back.

It doesn’t have to be this way. My parents (senior citizens) and my wife (woman) love using smaller weed eaters because  they’re just easier. And they aren’t hardcore perfectionists like me who are obsessed with having heavy-duty tools. 

But anyways – I have gotten a lot of questions lately over on our Youtube channel about what the best lightweight weed eaters are, mostly from older women. Let’s break it down today!

Here is our list of best lightweight string trimmers:

  1. Greenworks 40V 12 inch Cordless String Trimmer
  2. Ryobi ONE+ 18V 10 in. Cordless Battery String Trimmer and Edger
  3. Black and Decker 14 inch String Trimmer
  4. WORX WG162 20V Cordless String Trimmer
  5. Sun Joe TRJ13STE Trimmer Joe 13” Weed Eater

5 Lightweight Electric Weed Eaters: Ranked

Many of these weed eaters I’ve gotten to use after borrowing from my neighbors, parents, or in-laws that told me how great they were. I’m taking into account my personal experience, my parents’ enthusiasm, and the specifications that make these the best.

1. Greenworks 40V 12 inch Cordless String Trimmer

We liked the Greenworks 40V 12 inch cordless string trimmer because it has much of the same performance as a big weed eater, but is noticeably lighter. Coming in at right at 9 lbs, this one is going to mostly feel like a bigger EGO string trimmer, but provide less fatigue (and less power).

We liked this tool because the Greenworks 40V battery series can be used with a ton of other Greenworks 40V products as well. There are a ton of those, including a big ole chainsaw, a bunch of their mowers, and more.

We have it here with their 40V mower that we got.

But for this string trimmer, I particularly loved the molded handle grip that takes even more force off of your fingertips. It also has a slightly bent D-loop handle that isn’t a fake plastic-y type of handle. Together, these make the 9 lbs feel even lighter. 

While this isn’t the highest performing weed eater – a cutting swath of 12 inches – it is definitely a good cutting swath for smaller yards without crazy amounts of thick brush. It’s a great weed eater for a homeowner with a generally well-maintained yard. I also really liked the variable speed trigger on this, which lets you have complete control over how hard you are trimming.

You can grab this one from the same place we did – Amazon – for a great price WITH a battery. 

2. Ryobi ONE+ 18V 10 in. Cordless Battery String Trimmer and Edger

So my neighbor has the Ryobi ONE+ 18V cordless string trimmer and I had spotted him using it one day when I went up and asked him about it. He recently had back surgery and was finally back to playing golf. He liked this tool because it was taking the weight off of his back and was extremely easy to use.

While it doesn’t look like much, this Ryobi string trimmer made it super easy for my elderly neighbor to get back to taking care of his yard, which I can definitely appreciate. At first glance, this weed eater doesn’t appear to meet any of the criteria I laid out below. It has a curved shaft (if you can call it that), it isn’t very adjustable, it’s got a tiny cutting swath – but man if it isn’t lightweight.

Looks a little goofy but it works and my neighbor loves it.

Coming in at 4 lbs, this may be the lightest electric weed eater on the block. Whoever designed this made sure that it was all about convenience – which is what so many of us care about anyways. It has these features as well:

  • Automatic line advancement meaning you don’t have to flip it over and pull out more line when it inevitable breaks off
  • The 18V battery that can be used with a ton of other Ryobi 18V ONE+ tools (like this backpack sprayer of theirs)
  • A dang 3 year warranty
  • An insane price

Look – this electric string trimmer isn’t all about power – and that’s fine. But I challenge you to find a lightweight, easier to use weed eater on the block. You can find this one a number of places, like Home Depot (where my neighbor got it) for a really low price.

3. Black and Decker 14 inch String Trimmer

The Black and Decker 14 inch corded electric string trimmer was the first string trimmer I ever owned. I did a full write up about it last week because I found it in my garage and got nostalgic. It’s ranking high up here because it lasted me about six years and could keep on going if I hadn’t upgraded it.

This one is super convenient because it has a handle that rotates that lets you go from trimming to edging – really quickly. I like the fact that it has a cord because it makes it both extremely cheap and I never have to worry about charging batteries. 

Either lightweight or I’m super strong (Answer: Both).

Another cool thing about this trimmer is that it can retract into itself and fold the handle up, making it fit into a space the size of a locker. It can easily hang on a nail in the garage. When using it, I can extend the trimmer, rotate the head, and balance it along a wheel to do some light edging work as well. 

This one got me through many years in my first home on a budget. You can check the latest price on Amazon here, but it is dirt cheap.

4. WORX WG162 20V Cordless String Trimmer

Next up is the WORX WG162 20V string trimmer. This one is battery-powered and WITH the battery comes in at 5.5 lbs and without the battery weighs 4.5 lbs. That is incredibly lightweight.

Here are some other things that we like about this trimmer:

  • 20V battery works with a ton of other Worx 20V tools
  • 12 inch cutting swath is slightly larger than a few of the competitors
  • Telescoping head lets you adjust the length of the trimmer or collapse it for easy storage
  • The head pivots for edging just like the Black and Decker above

One thing I don’t love about this trimmer, which is why it is ranking below the others, is that it only has a single speed. I like having as much control as possible (which my wife loves), so having a single speed really limits what I can do. In particular, it makes it hard for me to cut around delicate flowers without being absolutely surgical and/or wreckless.

A nice, simple, reliable, inexpensive string trimmer.

Either way, this is still a great, lightweight string trimmer and marketed almost exclusively toward women (just my observation!). But given the lightweight feel and the ease of use – it is also a great lightweight string trimmer for seniors. 

This one, like most Worx products, are found almost exclusively at Amazon – where the price is pretty ridiculous (low).

5. Sun Joe TRJ13STE Trimmer Joe 13” Weed Eater

One that definitely flies under the radar, the Sun Joe electric string trimmer and edger is nearly identical to the Worx one above. The main difference is that it has a slightly larger cutting swath at 13 inches and is a corded electric string trimmer instead of battery.

Weighing in at 5 lbs (and no additional battery to weigh it down further), this thing is on the list because it is featherlight. Oh – and it is also featherlight on the wallet. This thing is under $40. Yes, if you’re on a budget and looking for something light and easy – you aren’t going to do much better than this. 

Look familiar? Like the Worx one above with a paint job?

This is the ultimate string trimmer for people with tiny yards and aren’t snobby about their tools. Sun Joe is not big in the lawn care space (yet), so you aren’t going to be building out your full suite of lawn tools with them. We have the Sun Joe dethatcher and have used a few other Sun Joe tools and honestly – they aren’t bad.

So – what do you have to lose? 40 bucks? That’s like a dozen eggs these days.

Go grab it on Amazon right now before hyperinflation takes it to the price of a normal weed eater.

Why we created The Lawn Review

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

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

What to look for in a 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. With the ones on this list, feel is less important because they’re so dang light. It is hard to torque your back or shoulder when there isn’t a ton of weight working against you.

Motor 

Brushless motors are the best type of motors for electric lawn tools. They also produce more torque and less heat. They’re harder to find in lower-end lawn tools like the ones on this list. But if you can get one – it is good as gold and will last a long time.

Power Source

Depending on your situation, you may need to consider the power source. If you have a large yard with a lot of acreage, you may need gas to cover the whole area, while smaller yards (an acre or less) can get away with a battery or corded tool. These ones are all either battery or corded electric. If you get corded, just make sure you have a nice extension cord.

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.

Bottom Line: Lightweight weed eaters

Y’all the good thing about these lightweight weed eaters is that they all get the job done and are lightweight on the wallet as well. The toughest choice you’ll make from this list is whether or not you want a battery or corded electric string trimmer.

Either way, your back will thank you for the featherweight tool and your lawn will look as good as new.

Posted on

Toro Power Sweep Blower Reviews: 6 Years Later

The Toro Power Sweep comes from a household brand known for creating top notch tools for landscaping, lawn care, and other home equipment. Oh yeah, and the sales to back it up – including one from me who bought this a few years ago for my first house.

But does this budget conscious product live up to the powerhouse name?

The Toro Power Sweep boasts nearly 1,300 reviews on Home Depot with an average 4.7 out of 5 star rating. Not too shabby for a $60 blower. This is the main reason I bought it back when I was a lawn tool noob.

At first glance, this puppy seems like a great buy. Lots of reviews, high rating, low cost. What’s not to love? 

This was the first blower I ever owned. When I was a new homeowner, not making a ton of money, and needed to purchase several tools on a budget, this was an easy decision. But that was nearly 6 years ago. So does it hold up? 

Let’s get started:

Toro Power Sweep 160 MPH 155 CFM Review

You’re standing at Home Depot (or maybe shopping online) and want to figure out whether or not this thing is garbage. Well – its been sitting in my garage since 2017 and I still use it every week – so here are my thoughts.

Mine is obviously the older model but still works great.

CFMs and Power

CFM is basically the performance of the blower when combined with MPH. How efficiently does it move leaves and debris around?

I gotta be honest, while the Toro Power Sweep served its purpose for me when I was on a budget, it comes clocking in at only 155 CFM. For comparison sake, EGO has two blowers that boasts 765 CFM & 650 CFM. Nearly 5 times as powerful! And I’ve been using this thing for six years! 

At 160 MPH, you’re still getting good speed but it’s in a concentrated, flat nozzle instead of a large, round nozzle. If you put a large, round nozzle on this blower it would basically be a hair dryer.

It’s a classic case of you get what you pay for.

Yes, it’s cheap and serves its purpose. But if you live in the Southeast like me, you spend a lot of time blowing leaves in the yard. You blow the yard, then turn around and it seems like there’s a fresh layer of leaves laid everywhere.

Looking back, I think I would have bit the bullet and spent more money to save time in the yard.

However, if you live in Texas, Arizona, or other areas where you don’t have a lot of trees and just need to blow grass clippings or debris out of your garage, this blower is still a great value.

Usability & Reliability

A big positive for the Toro Power Sweep Blower is that it’s very lightweight. It’s only 4.6lbs and since it’s not that powerful, it won’t have a lot of pressure pushing against your shoulder to keep it steady. 

This can come unplugged if you don’t use the anchor back there at the top.

On the reliability side of things, like any other corded blower, as long as you have access to an outlet, you have power. However, if you have a large yard with a lot of acreage, you’ll need a very long extension cord to be able to cover your entire yard. 

Not to mention, most people’s preference now is to cut the cord and go battery powered when it comes to electric tools. At this point in my life, there are few things more annoying than accidentally pulling the extension cord out of the wall and untangling the cord.

But then again – I’ve used it for six years and haven’t had any issues with reliability. It just won’t die. There’s also a great Toro Ultra 3-in-1 blower like this that is awesome.

Cost and where I bought this blower

This blower comes in at a whopping $59 from Home Depot which is hilarious. Much like the Costco hot dog, the price on this thing is somehow immune to inflation because that’s how much I paid for it back in 2017.

Simple to use – just a single button.

My Experience: Toro Power Sweep Review

Drum roll please….. It’s a strong maybe. 

If you don’t have a lot of trees that drop leaves and don’t have a large yard, then this is a great buy and it’s super cheap.

BUT…

If you have a large yard or (not and) you live in an area where it’s raining leaves everyday in the fall, pass on this one and get something stronger, like the EGO 765 CFM Blower.

They’re more expensive, but you’re buying your time back. 

And what’s the point of spending time working on your immaculate lawn if you don’t have enough time to sit back and enjoy it at the end of the day?

Why we created The Lawn Review

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

Yeah, we’ve review a lot of blowers with our face.

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. 

Toro and Innovation

Something that many of you may be scratching your head around is….what is Toro? They’ve been around since 1914 and started out by building the top engine for US farm tractors during the industrial revolution. ‘MERICA!!! 

Shortly after, in 1922, they started specializing in golf course fairway care equipment, and fast forward 100 years, they naturally branched into home lawn care equipment.

One of the greatest GOATS of all time.

Needless to say, Toro has been around quite a while, has established itself as a top seller in the marketplace, and has found a niche in electric lawn tools. 

Check out our review of a popular battery powered Toro Mower here.

They offer low price, medium-to-high quality products that….work. Toro is super popular in some of the big box stores like Home Depot. 

What to look for in an electric blower

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

CFMs on blowers

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

Usability

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

Reliability

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

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

Posted on

5 Battery Chainsaws For Residential Use + 1 Surprise

Battery chainsaws are some of those tools I didn’t expect to be as powerful as they are. When I think about chainsaws, my mind immediately goes to the tree removal services that are dangling way up in the air with a super powerful gas chainsaw tethered at the hip.

But not all chainsaws are like that. For example, where I live in North Carolina, we get hurricanes that fell trees left and right. Just about every neighbor of mine has a chainsaw for the inevitable storm that takes down one of our Bradford Pears or Oaks. 

Let’s get started with our list of the top battery chainsaw for home use:

The biggest surprise that I want to add to this list: the Wild Badger Cordless Chainsaw

Battery Chainsaws For Homeowners: Ranked

Let’s jump right into our ranking of the best battery chainsaws for home use with our number one pick.

Greenworks Pro 80V 16 inch cordless chainsaw

The Greenworks PRO 80V 16 inch cordless battery chainsaw is the best battery powered chainsaw for home use. It has the ultimate combination of power, durability, battery life, and price.

We chose the Greenworks Pro 80V chainsaw after using it head-to-head against our Stihl MS251C chainsaw – where it won handily against a gas powered counterpart.

Here are a few things we loved about this chainsaw:

  • Brushless motor – which is an absolute must in any of these 
  • 80V battery can be used in a bunch of other tools – like their 80V lawn mower
  • 120 cuts per charge (with 2.0 Ah battery) – also helps you know when you’re getting low
  • Equivalent power to a 42cc gas engine (where most gas chainsaws are)
  • Electronic chain brake reduces risk of kickback by shutting off if kickback occurs

It has a great length at 16 inches that is going to get through just about any tree that gets knocked down around your home without being so big that you can’t handle the small stuff.

Here’s our 18 inch.

We also love that you can save BIG money on this tool if you already own a Greenworks battery. While some of the others on this list, you’re looking at spending well over $300 – this one is on sale on Amazon right now for about $200. If you get the tool-only version, you’re looking at significantly less.

You can’t get that with some of the bigger names – both a great tool and the extensive usability with other lawn tools that run the whole spectrum. 

Nice little safety feature on this one.

Around the home and in the yard, this is pound-for-pound the best battery chainsaw money can buy. 

EGO Power+ 56V 18” electric chainsaw

What can we say? We are suckers for EGO products because they rule. They hands down have the best feel when using them and just about every tool they make is on par with gas-powered tools (like their EGO 765 CFM blower).

So obviously, they knocked it out of the park with their 18 inch battery chainsaw. It is by far the best analog to a gas powered chainsaw on this list – mostly because it has a crazy powerful motor, a big ole battery, and super long bar. 

At 18 inches of bar length, this is probably a little too much power for the average homeowner – but if you already have EGO products you might as well get it. At a 45 cc gas equivalent displacement measurement, this thing is true gas-like power (which I think is EGO’s motto). 

A few other bells and whistles include bright LED light, which is actually helpful for chopping down a fallen tree early in the morning, a brushless motor, a tool-free chain tensioning system, and a 5.0 Ah battery.

The 5.0 Ah battery here is definitely going to add a little bit of weight to this already large tool. It does offer up to 300 cuts (tested on a 4×4), which is more than you’ll ever need most likely. 

The good news is – if you already have the battery, this tool is about $100 cheaper than if not. You can grab it on Amazon for a reasonable price here.

Ryobi ONE + 18V Brushless 12 inch Cordless Battery Chainsaw

On the lighter side of things, Ryobi’s ONE+ 18V Brushless 12 inch cordless battery chainsaw is a great tool for smaller jobs. If you are just taking down the occasional branch here and there or cutting up a little bit of firewood – this thing is perfect.

The best part is that the Ryobi ONE+ series has a TON of 18V tools you can use both in your lawn, but also your garage and even inside your house. The reason I chose this cordless chainsaw to be on our list isn’t because it’s the most powerful, but because it is the easiest. 

Small and mighty.

This is one of the best battery chainsaws for women (according to my wife) because it is lightweight and really easy to use around the yard. 

Not only is it great for around the yard – but it comes with a dang brushless motor, a 4.0 Ah battery and can still cut up to a 20 inch diameter.

This is an incredible product for the size and may be pound for pound be one of the best chainsaws on this list considering the voltage.

This Ryobi chainsaw can be found at Home Depot for a great price.

Dewalt 60V Max 16in. battery chainsaw

Dewalt is a bit of a lurker in the lawn tool space because they simply aren’t well known.The folks you trust with your power tools in the garage or workshop are the same ones making these lawn tools. And they’ve been making brushless motor, heavy-duty products for years. So why not trust their Dewalt mower or Dewalt weed eaters?

We did a full review of the Dewalt 60V Flexvolt chainsaw here that you should check out if you want to learn more about this product. But here are the highlights:

  • Dewalt 60V battery can be used with a ton of other Dewalt 60V tools
  • Big 16 inch cutting length
  • Brushless motor
  • All the safety features you’d want
  • Easy to start and put together
  • Automatic oiler

It looks and feels just like the EGO and Greenworks one, but doesn’t come with the same breadth of tools as the others – so sadly it is down further on this list.

Photo courtesy of Home Depot (linked below).

But this battery chainsaw is perfect for anyone who is a Dewalt loyalist or already owns the 60V battery. It is also available at Home Depot for a reasonable price.

Stihl MSA 120 C-BQ electric chainsaw

The Stihl MSA 120 C-BQ we also did a long form review about. And honestly we nailed it. But it is growing on us. We’ve deepened our research on it and had some bad first impressions that got us started off on the wrong foot.

For starters, Stihl makes incredible tools and is known for their chainsaws. But the transition to battery is a really tough move for a brand like Stihl because they have everything to lose. The motors are completely different, so how are you supposed to copy the quality that you’ve had for years in gas-powered over to battery?

And they just can’t do it. So sadly, they aren’t meeting the expectations of their gas counterparts. That isn’t to say that this is a bad chainsaw – heck we put it on the list for a reason.

Using the gas one myself in this picture.

The Stihl MSA 120 is a fine chainsaw that has all the bells and whistles you could want – and even a brushless motor. Stihl did a good job keeping most of the body intact with this chainsaw.

Stihl’s battery chainsaw isn’t all bad.

But Stihl just doesn’t have a big presence in the battery world yet so you can’t do a whole lot with these batteries in terms of using them on other tools. So if you are going to buy a one-off battery powered chainsaw, you don’t get the value from this one that you do on some of the others. For that reason, it falls down to the bottom of our list. 

For background, some of the other brands like Greenworks STARTED as a battery company. They understand the battery process and electric motors like the back of their hands. Then they started building tools around it. Stihl is starting from the other side and quite frankly hasn’t caught up yet. I do think at some point they will get more even in terms of quality, but not sure if they can ever be perceived as leaders in the battery space. 

Frequently asked questions about battery chainsaws

We are going to keep adding to this list as we get questions from readers and viewers of our Youtube channel – so feel free to ask away!

How long will a battery chainsaw run?

Battery chainsaw run time is totally dependent on the voltage and the amp hour of the battery (mostly the amp-hour). The higher the Amp hours, the longer it will run. 

This obviously depends on the type of cutting you’re doing, but many measure the run time in terms of number of cuts – which I’ve seen range from 100 cuts to 300 cuts. Make sure to check that out before you buy one.

Are battery chainsaws any good?

Yes – they work very well for residential purposes but still have a long way to go for professionals.

The main reason I don’t recommend battery-powered for professionals is that your battery can die and leave you in a bad spot. Up in a tree, almost finishing a precarious cutting job and boom – you’ve got to reset and have a dangerous tree swaying around above you.

Do battery chainsaws need oil?

Yes, battery chainsaws need oil for the chain. Most come with an automatic chain oiler that will keep it nice and oiled for you.

One thing to note is that battery chainsaws with automatic oilers need to be stored flat so that the oil doesn’t drip out all over your garage (I learned this one the hard way).

Is an electric chainsaw powerful enough?

Electric chainsaws are powerful enough for homeowners looking to cut firewood, chop up a tree that fell down, or saw through thick branches. 

As mentioned earlier, I don’t recommend electric chainsaws for professionals. Not because of the power, but because of the battery run time. 

Why we started The Lawn Review

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

We take tool testing seriously.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

What to look for in a battery chainsaw

Battery chainsaws for home use are nuanced machines that in many ways differ from their gas counterparts. Let’s break down what we look for in one of these bad boys.

Bar length

The length of the bar is the length of the cutting area. Generally, the larger bar means more cutting ability. If you’ve ever used a hand saw for example, you know that you don’t just go really fast back and forth with a small section of the saw. The proper way to use a saw is to move it the entire length of the saw in a controlled manner.

You can think about that similarly with bar length. More cutting area = more cuts that are going to happen which means the faster the job gets done.

Battery run-time

I can’t think of a battery powered tool that is more important to have a solid run time. If you are in the middle of chopping down a tree, it could be extremely dangerous to run out of battery. Make sure to opt for a battery with not only higher voltage, but more importantly higher Amp-hours. Amp-hours are important in determining the amount of battery run-time.

Usability and safety

Again, these are probably some of the most dangerous tools that you will use. Make sure it has safety features like kickback prevention, a safety mechanism, and is easy to use. Chainsaws that are difficult to handle, put you in awkward positions, or don’t feel natural will be the reason an adverse event occurs.

Make sure to pick it up and put your hands on it first – I’d rather use a dull chainsaw that was comfortable than a sharp one that felt uncomfortable.

Posted on

Black & Decker 14-inch String Trimmer Review: 2024

The Black & Decker 6.5-Amp, 14-Inch String Trimmer was the first string trimmer I ever owned. Put simply, this weed eater gets the job done while still being a super budget friendly and lightweight tool.

In all it’s condensed glory!

Black and Decker String Trimmers are nearly a household name. I mean who doesn’t own a Black and Decker product? Even my two year old son has a toy Black and Decker tool box!

But there are so many options with Black and Decker trimmers that it is nearly impossible to compare. 

Bottom Line: The Black and Decker 14 inch trimmer is one of the best lightweight and light duty string trimmers on the market at a ridiculously low price on Amazon.

Jump ahead:

Black & Decker String Trimmer, 6.5-Amp, 14-Inch: My Experience

Black and Decker sell a million weed eaters. How did I pick this one? Well, I just scrolled on Amazon and found a cheap one. I had a really small yard when I first bought it, so I wasn’t looking for anything fancy (and couldn’t afford fancy).. I’ve changed and now like really fancy things (but still can’t afford them).

The Black and Decker 14 inch trimmer is easy to use

This Black & Decker string trimmer feels natural to hold. Whether you prefer to hold the handle from the side or from the top, this features a twist and lock mechanism for your preference. I usually go from the side so I can use it for edging.

The twist and lock mechanism.

It’s also very light weight at only 5.3 pounds, so your arms won’t get too tired holding it. For comparison sake, many gas powered weed wackers are over 10 pounds plus the weight of gas in the tank.

Lastly, this tool features a small plastic wheel that you rest on the ground while edging the curb. This helps guide you to keep a straight line for perfectly edged grass.

The little wheel that helps me edge.

One thing I love about it is the automatic feed spool feature, which will automatically send out more trimmer lines when you start to run low. The feature itself is cool, but the actual weed eater string in the replacement spools is super cheap. I knew that when I bought it, but you can’t do a great job edging your lawn without a thicker string.

This all may seem like great features… but it’s not all sunshine & rainbows. More on that in the price & value section below.

Black and Decker’s 14 inch trimmer is corded

This particular tool isn’t battery-powered, but is a great corded electric string trimmer. While it isn’t going to provide you the same portability that a battery powered string trimmer provides, it gives you reliable power without being concerned about the battery charge. As long as your house has power, you have power. Your only concern with this will be making sure you have a long enough extension cord to cover your yard.

The 6.5 amp motor isn’t as strong as a lot of the gas powered string trimmers on the market, but most of our readers don’t need the biggest and baddest on the market. At some point, there’s a diminishing return for how much you pay. My personal opinion, if you’re buying a string trimmer to clean up your edges and trim close to your home, you really don’t need too much more than what this tool offers.

If you have dense brush, a larger yard, or just love power – there are some great gas powered weed eaters from ECHO or even Stihl that will get you there.

The Black and Decker 14 inch String Trimmer is cheap

While this Black & Decker string trimmer has some great features, I wouldn’t feel good just making you seem like it’s everything you need for under $60. Yes, it’s very cheap, which made it a good option when I was young, didn’t have a lot of money, and was a new homeowner acquiring a lot of tools at once to take care of my yard.

But it’s true what they say… you get what you pay for.

The locking mechanism comes undone fairly easily, causing the shaft might twist and turn while you’re trying to get clean edges… which means not clean edges. 

The small plastic wheel is nice, but it only works well if the locking mechanism is working to keep it twisted at the right angle. Otherwise, it will just fall over or the friction from the wheel will pull it back. In general, the locking mechanism is definitely a “loose lock.” Like one of those annoying doors in your house where the deadbolt doesn’t quite fit into the door frame. 

It’s either really light or I’m really strong.

But once again, this puppy is only going to run you $60 (at the time of this writing) and it’s tough to beat that price. Mine lasted me for years, so I was certainly willing to overlook a few annoyances to save a lot of money. 

The Final Verdict: Black and Decker string trimmers

The Black & Decker 6.5 amp, 14-inch String Trimmer is an excellent lawn tool. It’s incredibly budget friendly, does what a string trimmer is supposed to do, without all the unnecessary bells and whistles that usually make tools “look cool” but don’t add to performance.

If you’re on a budget and don’t mind dragging a cord behind you, this is the string trimmer for you. You can grab this one on Amazon for a really good price.

Why we review string trimmers

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

We take tool testing seriously.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

What to look for in a 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.

Luckily, with corded weed eaters you don’t have a battery or gas tank that adds extra weight – but you do have to pull the cord around with you.

Motor 

brushless motors are king here. They are longer lasting and more durable. Brushless motors also produce more torque and less heat. With Black and Decker having a more “budget-friendly” line, you may not be able to find this without spending the big bucks. EGO weed eaters, Milwaukee’s M18 weed eaters, and some Ryobi weed wackers all have brushless motors.

Power Source

Depending on your situation, you may need to consider the power source. If you have a large yard with a lot of acreage, you may need gas to cover the whole area, while smaller yards (an acre or less) can get away with a battery or corded tool.

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.

Posted on

Greenworks 80V Electric Mower Reviews: My Experience

My Greenworks 80V Mower is a bit of an enigma. I love Greenworks and they make great products, so I am scratching my head a bit.

My 80V mower is a beast. Basically the same amount of power as my gas Honda mower with the convenience of battery. 

But it also had a few problems. A battery that didn’t work. A really hard time trying to back it up when in self-propelled mode. 

Today – I will break down our brutally honest (as always) thoughts about this mower.

Jump ahead:

How I tested out this Greenworks 80V mower

I got this Greenworks mower sent to me by the folks at Greenworks (they don’t pay us or anything). After assembling it, I went straight out into my yard and played with every function on it as I took it to my tall fescue.

I tested out the battery run time, the bells and whistles like self-propelled functions, how it did with my grass, and finally how it compares to my gas mower and other battery mowers I’ve used.

Basically, I put this thing through the dang GAUNTLET and documented it all on my YouTube channel – check it out!

Greenworks 80V Mower: Feature review

The Greenworks 80V mower is one of the most confusing I’ve ever reviewed. There are some features that are great and I really love. Then there are some that leave me scratching my head and wanting to ask Greenworks, “What were you thinking?” or “Did you even take this through quality control?”

It reminds me a lot of Thanksgiving dinner. We’re all happy to be there and enjoy time with family… but once I’ve been hanging around each other for a few hours, and my crazy uncle has had a few too many Miller’s, it just starts turning into nonsense. 

Looks great on its face!

That being said, the big question is if this one gets the TLR stamp of approval or denial. Without further adieu, here’s the review of the Greenworks 80V Mower:

Ease of use on the Greenworks 80v mower

Starting off with the ease of use, I really like the feel of this mower.

Most electric or battery powered mowers have a hard plastic deck, which can feel fragile and low quality. Greenworks chose a 21” steel deck, like most gas-powered mowers, making it much more durable. Because of the heavy steel deck, I never felt like I was being jostled around my yard as I was going over bumps & divots while mowing. 

I also like that it is featured with a cruise control speed setting. For some of our readers, this is a key feature if you have a hilly yard and want some assistance from the mower pushing up hills. It’s also great to go at a slower pace when I’m going through damp or thick grass to make sure I get a quality cut and prevent the mower motor from overworking. 

Easy to figure out!

As for the downsides… Greenworks is a great partner, but we’re not going easy on them. One of the most frustrating things about this mower was that the bottom flap on the backside would roll under the mower and prevent it from rolling backwards and the back tires wouldn’t roll at all. This caused me to pivot a lot more and tore up my yard in several spots.

Seems like something is wrong with the back tire.

Then there were several times where I would turn on the turbo button and it would cut off. I still can’t figure out what was going on, but it’s frustrating that a key selling feature wouldn’t work at all.

Power output: Greenworks 80V mower

I really loved the brushless motor on this. If you’re not familiar with brushed vs. brushless motors, brushed motors require a brush in the internal components of the motor to convert the energy from the battery to the energy in the motor. Brushless motors typically use magnets for this process. Long story short, it simply means there is less friction to convert the energy, which means less energy to produce power, less wear & tear on the motor, and longer lasting batteries. Anytime I see “brushless” on a tool, it’s typically the better performer.

A nice comfortable handle helped me feel better.

On top of that, when I hit the turbo button, this bad boy hits 3200 RPM!! Impressive for a battery powered mower, since that’s comparable to most gas-powered mowers performance.

Battery life of the 80V battery on Greenworks mower

Because this Greenworks battery powered mower has a steel deck, I anticipated the battery life would be lackluster. After all, it would make sense that more power would be needed to move a heavier mower. I was pleasantly surprised to get about 65 minutes of run time, giving it an edge over other brands like Ryobi & Ego. This is one of the best run times for battery mowers. I have a little under a half acre, so this was plenty of run time for me. 

Pretty cool to have both.

If you have a bigger lawn the handles have an indicator to show how much battery life you have, which can help you plan out if you’re going to need additional batteries (I always like to grab extra batteries anyway, just in case).

This is supposed to automatically switch over..but didn’t!

That being said, one of the major downsides was that this mower is supposed to automatically switch to the second battery when the first one dies. That didn’t happen. I had to take out the battery, pop it back in, and restart the mower. So a key feature and selling point of this Greenworks mower was a total bust.

Price and value

When looking at any mower, it’s going to come down to the overall cut quality. When we combine ease of use, power output, battery life, and performance, the cut quality was top notch and I was satisfied with how my yard looked at the end of an honest day’s work in the lawn.

The price, at the time of this writing, is $629. Which can be on the pricier side of mowers, but it does come with a 4 year limited tool & battery warranty. That can be a great perk, knowing that I am getting a tool that Greenworks will replace for the next 4 years.

Why we I started The Lawn Review

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

We take tool reviews seriously!

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

What to look for when buying a battery-powered lawn mower

If you’re looking for a new battery powered mower, you need to make sure you understand what things matter on the mower. You will get hit with a lot of technical specifications and people throwing acronyms at you.

Below are my main criteria when buying a mower.

Battery-powered mower brand quality

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

Some brands I trust off the top of my head are: Greenworks, Milwaukee, Makita, Toro, EGO, and Kobalt. SOME Ryobi mowers, although myself and others have had some problems with reliability. Brand quality matters, but it’s also important to look at the specs on each.

Luckily, Greenworks is on this list so we are in good shape!

Metal where it matters: the deck 

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

Battery interoperability.

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

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

The Greenworks 80V series is a good one – including their awesome blower.

Self-propelled or not

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

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

Our Review: Greenworks 80V Mower

Does this get the TLR stamp of approval?

Reluctantly, I’m going to give this a yes. Like 55% approval rating. Barely making the cut (pun intended).

Though there are some downsides (battery not switching, not rolling backward, turbo cutting off), I think the pros outweigh the cons. The battery life is top notch, I couldn’t ask for better cut quality, the steel deck made it easy to handle, and the warranty is a great add-on to make my money stretch for at least 4 years. 

If you’re in the market for a mower this season, the Greenworks 80V Mower is a great choice and can be found on Amazon or at Costco.

Exit mobile version