Tag: Electric tools

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Ryobi 40V vs Milwaukee M18 Lawn Mower Comparison

metal deck on milwaukee m18

Ryobi vs Milwaukee mowers are two premium electric mowers found side-by-side at Home Depot. Ryobi has a TON of mowers they sell and have been in the game for a long time. Milwaukee, well, they just have ONE mower. And it’s a beast.

Me with the Ryobi 40V brushless mower.

Bottom Line: Ryobi’s mower is cheaper, but the Milwaukee M18 is probably the best electric mower I have ever used. You can check the price of the Milwaukee online at Home Depot here.

We’ve been lucky enough to get our hands on both and have some opinions. So let’s walk through what we like (and dislike) about both.

Oh yeah, and BOTH the final listing of our favorite electric mowers.

I bought and tested the Ryobi 40V and Milwaukee M18 mowers

I saw these two side-by-side at Home Depot and they were both extremely expensive. Needless to say, my wife was not happy when I came home with two more lawn mowers and $2,000 spent.

But it had to be done. I put these through my normal gauntlet, which includes testing it on my tall fescue grass, checking out the self-propelled functions, evaluating the battery run time, and finally comparing it to my gas mower.

Things got interesting. And I’m still in the dog house.

Milwaukee M18 vs Ryobi 40V HP Mower: Features breakdown

When I’m looking at both the Milwaukee and Ryobi mowers, I’m asking myself – why the price difference? Before we get there, let’s do a deep dive into the power, ease of use, durability, and value of each of these mowers. If you want to go deeper, we’ve done a full review of the new Milwaukee M18 mower and ranked the some of our favorite Ryobi lawn mowers.

The Milwaukee M18 mower is more powerful than the Ryobi 40V mower

Comparing power on electric motors is difficult because they don’t have ccs or horsepower definitions that you find from the classic gas-powered mowers. Instead, metrics like torque are used to compare to traditional mowers. 

Up close on their battery enclosure.

Let’s break down the specifications on the Milwaukee mower first. It has a large 21 inch deck with a variable speed self-propelled function. 21 inch decks are standard cutting widths on push mowers, so we can check that box. One thing that Milwaukee boasts is their POWERSTATE brushless motor, which gives more torque than a 200c gas mower. 

That is really impressive. Honda makes some great mowers, but even their old classic and my personal favorite Honda GCV190 mower doesn’t have that kind of power. 

The Ryobi 40V HP mower also has a 21 inch deck with SMART TREK adaptive variable speed self-propelled functionality, just like the Milwaukee mower. One differentiator is that it has multiple blades that help cut faster and more evenly than single blade mowers. Their HP brushless motor and HP battery work together to deliver higher performance (HP) to the mower.

Easily the best looking Ryobi mowers.

It’s interesting assessing the power between these two just using the specifications, but the Milwaukee mower feels more powerful. Maybe it is the metal deck or maybe it is truly the motor design, but it feels just as powerful as my gas-powered mower. 

The winner of this power battle is the Milwaukee M18 Mower.

Both Milwaukee and Ryobi have super easy to use mowers

Evaluating how easy it is to use a lawn mower means checking out all the features that make it convenient, including bells and whistles. I’ll break out each element of both mowers in easy-to-understand ways that help you know what you’re buying. 

The M18 Milwaukee mower has some great features:

  • REDLINK PLUS – a battery and mower chip system that helps maximize the communication between the two to optimize performance (Ryobi has this, too)
  • High Lift Mode – pulls air through the bottom of the mower and lifts up the grass, making it easier to cut
  • Front and side LED lights (cool for at night use)
  • The M18 battery works with over 200 Milwaukee tools
  • Single point height adjuster means you don’t have to change the height settings on both wheels
  • 12 Amp-hour batteries for serious power and capacity (up to ¾ acre or 60 minutes)
  • Over 80 lbs

The last point is a contentious one but I actually like heavier push mowers. They hold a straight line much better and make mowing easier. 

This mower is an absolute unit.

Milwaukee nailed it with this one, but let’s check out some of the specs on the Ryobi 40V HP brushless mower:

  • LED headlights
  • Cross cut multi-blade system
  • 70 minutes of run-time (compared to Milwaukee’s 60)
  • HP battery system and chip that give you better performance (like Milwaukee’s REDLINK)
  • Ability to use with Ryobi’s 40V HP 50 other tools

These both have a ton of bells and whistles, but I actually like Milwaukee’s better. They have clearly put a lot of thought into making this a premium mower and don’t even sell another kind. It is designed to be near perfect, especially for someone who takes a lot of pride in their yard. Specifically, I like their high lift mode that pulls air up for easier cutting. Toro’s SmartStow mower (the new battery-powered version of the Recycler) has this one as well. 

I also appreciate that Milwaukee has the same M18 battery across all their tools. You can save some serious money on batteries by using this mower if you already own Milwaukee M18 tools. Ryobi is still building out their 40V HP series, so it isn’t quite as expansive. I also think Milwaukee overall is a more “premium” brand than Ryobi.

Winner: Milwaukee M18 FUEL Mower

The Milwaukee M18 mower is more durable than Ryobi 40V mower

If I’m going to drop darn near a grand on a battery-powered mower, the thing better last until I can pass it down to my unborn children. So durability matters big time. 

The most important thing in anticipating the longevity of a mower is the motor. Brushless motors (as mentioned at the beginning of this article) are the new wave in electric tools and should be mandatory. They provide more torque, a cooler running engine, and a longer life.

Fortunately, both the Ryobi 40V and Milwaukee M18 mower provide a brushless motor – a huge benefit when compared to brushed. Check that box.

The next thing I look for is the construction of the deck. Metal matters here – it is much more durable and provides additional weight that is extremely helpful in keeping the mower straight. The M18 mower is forged with a steel deck whereas the Ryobi 40V HP mower has a plastic deck. It is still made from tough material and comes with a lifetime warranty, but it isn’t as nice as metal.

Milwaukee has a great steel deck.

Using the Ryobi mower, it felt like the mower was almost too light. I blame the plastic deck for this, but it popped around when I hit tufts of grass and felt like it got out of control.

Winner: Milwaukee M18 FUEL Lawn Mower

Milwaukee’s mower is more expensive than Ryobi’s 40V mower

Okay it seems unfair that Milwaukee’s M18 mower has one every competition so far with Ryobi’s 40V HP mower, but it comes with a price. A big one.

Milwaukee’s M18 mower comes in at over $1,000. Is it worth it? It depends. If you have Milwaukee batteries already and/or want a PREMIUM walk-behind mower, then yes. You can grab it at Home Depot.

The Ryobi 40V HP mower costs about $750 from Home Depot (only place you can buy). So 75% cheaper than Milwaukee.

Plastic deck is NOT great.

Here’s my advice: the Ryobi 40V HP mower is still a premium mower that’s better than 75% of mowers on the market. But if I don’t already own Ryobi 40V HP batteries, I’m going to go with a cheaper mower of similar quality with a metal deck, like the Greenworks 80V Pro electric mower from Costco.

Final Review: Ryobi vs Milwaukee mower

Now that we’ve considered power, usability, durability, and cost we have a pretty good understanding of which mower is better. It’s clearly the Milwaukee M18 FUEL mower winning the competition against the Ryobi 40V HP mower.

Is the cost worth it? Maybe. But if you’re going with a premium mower, it is definitely the cream of the crop. 

Lastly, if you want to check out some other mowers out there for a fair comparison, check out how we rank these against EGO mowers.

Why you can trust 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 testing tools 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 I look for in a battery-powered lawn mower

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

Ryobi and Milwaukee 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.

Recognizable for quality.

Ryobi and Milwaukee both have TONS of different tools. Milwaukee puts a ton of thought and research into developing a new product and then BAM – it’s a hit.. Extremely well designed and durable, easy to use, and powerful. Ryobi also has a ton of products across several different industries and seems to be more focused on quantity than quality. 

But that doesn’t mean Ryobi doesn’t have some bangers. There are some great Ryobi weed eaters and Ryobi pressure washers that include gas and electric version, but there are also amazing Milwaukee string trimmers in that same 18V FUEL lineup.

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. Luckily with Ryobi and Milwaukee, they have batteries that can be used across a TON of their products – both indoor and outdoor.

Milwaukee has some great products like their hedge trimmer in the same FUEL lineup called M18 and even some great Milwaukee blowers from that same lineup.

If you have more questions, check out our list of exactly how we pick our favorite mowers.

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4 Electric Riding Mowers That Made Me Rethink Everything

Electric riding lawn mowers are an excellent way to stay on top of yard work without having to pay for gasoline. You’ll also love not dealing with the headache-inducing maintenance that some gas-powered lawn mowers require. 

As the shift to all things electric grows, so does the supply of electric riding lawn mowers on the market. If you’re dead set on buying an electric lawn mower or even still on the fence, read on to see the best electric riding lawn mowers – I bet we can do some convincing.

We tried our best to stick with just pure electric lawn tractors, but couldn’t resist throwing in a zero-turn in our top picks.

Best Electric Riding Mowers, Ranked:

  1. Greenworks CrossoverT Riding Lawn Mower
  2. EGO Power+ Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
  3. Club Cadet XT1 LT42E Electric Riding Lawn Mower
  4. Ryobi 100 AH Electric Riding Mower

The Best Electric Riding Lawn Mowers: 2023 Ranking

Finding the best electric riding mowers wasn’t too tall of an order. A few of these we’ve used personally and frankly, the market still isn’t very large. The bold companies that have put these out there are making a big bet on the future – and I think they’ll be right.

1.) Greenworks CrossoverT Electric Riding Lawn Mower

Greenworks dubs itself the “final evolution of lawnmowers.” When you see the specs and features of the CrossoverT Riding Lawn Mower, you’ll see why. My favorite thing about this mower is that it cuts up to 2.5 acres on a single charge and only takes 90 minutes to recharge. 

Holy smokes, those are some great numbers. 

Not only that, but this electric riding mower comes with six 8.0 Ah batteries and three dual-port turbochargers. Again, you can use these same batteries on any of your Greenworks 60V products. 

Aside from its quick recharge time, the CrossoverT is super comfortable, with padded seats, foldable armrests, and advanced back support. Moreover, you won’t waste any energy thanks to innovative microchips that monitor the grass quality in real time. The mower boasts high-torque rear-wheel drive that lets you climb 15-degree inclines – basically better than my car. 

I also love that there’s built-in theft protection – the perfect way to protect your precious investment. To add the cherry on top, the CrossoverT requires absolutely no maintenance other than recharging and sharpening the blades as needed.

It is truly a beast.

Why this mower made our list:

  • Runs for up to 60 minutes with the included 8.0Ah batteries
  • 90 min charge time (!)
  • Cut like a professional with SmartCut Technology that auto-adjusts and senses grass thickness
  • Features a high-padded seat and armrests
  • Designed with an integrated cargo bed that can hold up to 200 lbs. of yard supplies, like big bags of mulch

The folks at Greenworks absolutely crushed it with this riding mower. While it isn’t a zero-turn, it’s a great, affordable electric lawn tractor that absolutely slaps. They sell these at Tractor Supply Co (we have no affiliation) for $4,500 MSRP. 

2.) EGO Power+ Electric Zero-Turn Lawn Mower

Delivering all-electric power comparable to a 22 HP engine (like the one on this Toro zero-turn mower), the EGO Power + Zero-Turn Lawn Mower never fails to deliver. Compared to other electric mowers on the market, this EGO product stands out because it holds six batteries – four of which are included. It also has swanky features like premium LED lights, a USB charging port, and Bluetooth technology. Not bad.

Pretty sophisticated control panel.

It still delivers some serious cutting width, up to 42 inches (about twice the average push mower). This is on the lower end of zero-turn mowers and about average for regular riding mowers. 

Looks pretty dang sweet.

With an adjustable hydraulic seat (WITH ARMRESTS!), you can rest assured knowing you’ll stay comfortable as you accelerate up 7 MPH (or 8 MPH in travel mode). The EGO zero-turn mower can cover up to two acres on a single charge, and recharging only takes a few hours. Given its premium features and three driving modes (Control, Standard, and Sport), some might call this product the Bugatti of electric mowers, and rightfully so. 

Summarizing what we loved about the EGO Power+ Zero-Turn Mower:

  • Supports up to six batteries for longer run time
  • It boasts the electric equivalent of a gas-powered engine with 22 HP
  • Can cut up to two acres of lawn without a recharge
  • Comes with three different driving modes: Sport, Standard, and Control 
  • Features a premium LED interface that gives you complete control over the mower
  • It has a separate charging cord that allows you to charge all the batteries at once
  • You can pop a battery off and straight into your EGO blower or EGO weed eater

These things are absolutely sick, but they come at a cost. If you’re dedicated to electric riding mowers, then you’re going to have to show it at the cash register. You can grab this one from Lowe’s (we have no affiliation) for $5,500. This is on the higher end for a zero-turn mower, especially one with limited run-time, but it’s still great for a homeowner with less than 2 acres.

3.) Cub Cadet XT1 LT42E Electric Riding Lawn Mower

You may have seen the LT42E posted up outside of Home Depot next to its gas counterpart, the Cub Cadet XT1 LT42. The Cub Cadet XT1 LT42E might not seem like the most innovative electric mower, but it provides great bang for your buck. This all-electric mower can mow two acres (roughly 1 ½ hours) on a single charge. It also doesn’t fade as the battery power starts to decline, meaning you won’t have to re-mow areas of grass – most lithium Ion batteries operate this way. 

More expensive but really snazzy.

Recharging the battery takes around four hours, so it’s not as fast as the Greenworks CrossoverT, but still reasonable. When it comes time to recharging the battery, you can use a standard 110-volt outlet. 

There are two brushless motors that fuel the mower’s steel direct drive and twin-blade cutting deck. And since the mower is completely electric, you’ll never need to shift between gears – just push a button and get ready to rumble. You’ll also enjoy a comfortable ride with a premium adjustable cut-and-sew seat. Since this mower isn’t the cheapest product on the market, you’ll be glad to know you get a three-year limited residential and four-year limited battery warranty.

The highlights:

  • Mow up to two acres without recharging the 3000Wh lithium-ion battery
  • Comes with a (somewhat) fast charger that only takes four hours to recharge the battery
  • Features four-gauge wheels for anti-scalping and a 1” – 4” cutting range
  • Forward speed of 5.5 MPH and reverse speed of 3 MPH
  • Comes with a three-year limited residential warranty and a four-year warranty on the battery

This mower is great for a mid-size homeowner’s lawn. I wouldn’t let it do anything super heavy duty, but it is definitely well constructed. 

One downside of this mower is that Cub Cadet doesn’t have a ton of battery-powered items, so you won’t gain any economies of scale with this battery.

You can check out the price of this one exclusively at Home Depot – where they seem to be selling a lot of them.

4.) Ryobi 100 AH Electric Riding Mower

Ryobi turns it up a notch with its 100 AH Electric Riding Mower. This low-maintenance mower has no filters, spark plugs, or belts. It can run up to 2 ½ hours per charge (approximately 2 ½ acres). It has a sleek black and yellow design paired with a comfortable, well-adjusted seat. 

This one made our list of the crazy Ryobi mowers, coming in at #7 and being the only riding mower.

Minimalistic but still great!

If you want to mow at seven in the morning without waking up your kids, this Ryobi mower will do the trick with its quiet cutting and cruise control. The mower features three cutting options – bagging, side discharge, and mulching. It comes with a three-year warranty, and if you ever run into issues, you can take the mower to one of 300+ service centers nationwide. 

This is definitely the lightest-duty mower on this list, only able to boast a 38 inch cutting deck, but still with an impressive run time. It also is  the lowest price, so is actually one of pound-for-pound strongest electric riding mowers on the market.

Summary of why we liked this mower:

  • Get up to 2 ½ hours (2 ½ acres) per charge despite having a smaller cutting deck
  • Quiet cutting keeps you from waking up your neighbors (this is a negative if you don’t like them)
  • 12-position manual deck adjustment – wish this was electric but still nice
  • Get the job done quickly with a maximum speed of 7 MPH
  • Comes with a three-year limited warranty for extra protection

All-in-all, this one is a really good value if you are more price sensitive. It isn’t quite as comfortable as the others, but will definitely get the job done. 

This one is available for just over $3,000 at Home Depot , which is a crazy good value.

The Bottom Line on electric riding mowers

If you’re considering investing in an electric riding lawn mower in 2023, you can’t go wrong with the EGO, Greenworks, Cub Cadet, and Ryobi brands. These companies offer some of the most inventive electric riding lawn mowers that make mowing fun – not a chore.

And that’s what it’s all about, right?

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 testing methods are…unique.

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

What We Look for in Electric Riding Lawn Mowers

There are various things we consider when looking at electric lawn mowers that make or break their performance. Before pulling the trigger on one of these, make sure you’ve done your research (or just keep reading our recommendations).

Battery life on electric riding mowers

The ideal electric lawn mower should have a good runtime (ideally two hours or more). It shouldn’t take more than four hours to recharge the battery. If an electric mower has a low runtime and high recharge time, cutting your lawn will become a much more difficult feat.

Further, you should be able to pop off one of the batteries and use it with a blower, trimmer, or other lawn tool. This is how you can save some serious money – buying the tool-only version of other tools in the same battery line.

Comfort

Additionally, an electric riding lawn mower should have a comfortable and adjustable seat. After all, you’ll ride it for at least an hour a week – you don’t want dreaded back pain. It sounds ridiculous to make this a sticking point, but it HAS to be comfortable if you are sitting on this bad boy for a while.

Easy to use and control

Moreover, we look at the different cutting options the lawn mower offers. The electric riding lawn mowers we hand-selected have multiple cutting options – bagging, side discharge, and mulching. Lastly, the riding mower should be easy-to-use and relatively maintenance-free.

It’s also really cool that riding mowers can double as little ATVs that pull trailers around your yard.

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Sun Joe vs Greenworks Electric Pressure Washers

Sun Joe vs Greenworks pressure washers is like comparing Toyota and Honda. Both brands of pressure washers are known for being extremely popular, easy to use, and affordable. I like the Greenworks pressure washer because it is slightly higher quality.

If you haven’t read some of our other posts about Sun Joe Pressure Washers, you may know that the best selling Sun Joe pressure washer of all time is their SPX3000. But it actually isn’t their best one. The SPX 4600 is actually their most powerful and expensive pressure washer, which is a great comparison to the Greenworks PRO 2300 PSI Brushless pressure washer.

Bottom Line: You can grab the Greenworks 2300 PSI pressure washer from Greenworks website directly or from Amazon for a great price.

Jump ahead:

Sun Joe vs Greenworks: Best Electric Pressure Washer Comparison

I think by now we understand a few things: Sun Joe and Greenworks make great products, but have a significant range of power and cost. That’s why we need to compare their top dogs and evaluate their power, durability, and extra features. There’s a reason these two are top sellers – they are the best analog to gas-powered pressure washers.

Let’s start with power!

The Greenworks pressure washer provides more power than Sun Joe

When it comes to looking at power on a pressure washer, there are two main components I look at: PSI and GPM. PSI stands for pounds per square inch and is a measure of the pressure. It sounds simple, but it gets more complex because GPM is also in the mix. GPM stands for gallons per minute, and measures how much water is coming out, or how wide the stream is. The nozzle tip then can pare that down to zero degrees, forty degrees, or anywhere in between to help focus the stream to accomplish your job.

It looks really nice.

It’s similar to blowers that have MPH (speed) and CFM (area). You ideally want a combination of both PSI and GPM to have an efficient tool.

The Greenworks 2300 PSI pressure washer puts out 2,300 PSI of pressure at 2.3 GPM. This is not only pretty powerful, but also a much larger GPM than most other pressure washers. On the other hand, the Sun Joe SPX4600 puts out 3000 PSI at 1.3 GPM. 

That’s a big difference.

What’s more is that Greenworks is rating their PSI at the consistent running pressure of the tool. Sun Joe is rating theirs at the initial pull of the trigger, when the PSI build up is the highest. In reality, the Sun Joe pressure washer rates at 2,300 PSI as well. Is that false advertising? Maybe.

The 3000 PSI pressure washer has even MORE power.

So when it comes to power, the Greenworks pressure washer and the Sun Joe pressure washer actually put out the exact same PSI when they’re fully running. The main differentiator is that the Greenworks pressure washer has an additional 1.0 GPM of flow, making it the far more effective and efficient pressure washer.

Don’t be fooled – the winner of this competition is the Greenworks 2300 PSI pressure washer.

Want to see how Greenworks and Ryobi pressure washers compare?

The Greenworks is a more durable pressure washer

Durability in pressure washers is more than just the motor. While motors are important, it’s also necessary to look at fittings, hose types, and overall construction. One of the most popular pressure washers, the Sun Joe SPX3000 has a plastic fitting for the output hose, which is known to crack and has likely cost the company millions in returns. 

The nozzle that people hate on the SPX3000.

Starting with motors, the most important thing to have is a brushless motor. To be clear, both the Sun Joe and Greenworks pressure washers have brushless motors. Brushless motors are cooler running, provide more torque, and overall are more durable. So this is a great start.

One differentiator on the Greenworks pressure washer when compared to the Sun Joe is the fact that its brushless motor, coined “TruBrushless” comes with a 10 year warranty. Folks, that is EXTREMELY compelling. You basically won’t have to worry about the motor….EVER. The Sun Joe only has a 2 year warranty.

Otherwise, both have metal fittings for hose output connection and both have sturdy metal bases that allow for them to not tip over when the hose gets pulled (believe me, it’s common). 

Sturdy construction helps this one.

The last thing I will say about this Greenworks 2300 PSI pressure washer is that it is PWMA certified, which means the Pressure Washer Manufacturer Association has taken it apart and certified all of its specifications as legit. Sadly, Sun Joe’s SPX4600 may not pass that test.

Winner: Greenworks 2300 PSI pressure washer.

Both pressure washers have similar usability features

Once you’ve checked the boxes on both power and durability, the last part is checking out what kind of “nice-to-haves” each of these pressure washers have. 

Has a lot to like!

Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the SPX4600’s features:

  • Onboard detergent tank for soap, up to a full gallon
  • Total stop system that preserves energy
  • 34 inch wand, 20 foot hose, 35 foot power cord
  • 5 nozzles (including a soap nozzle)

Let’s compare that to the Greenworks 2300 PSI:

  • Onboard detergent tank
  • 25 foot hose, 35 foot power cord
  • 5 nozzles, including a soap and a turbo nozzle

They both have on board nozzle holder that allows you to store them and they both have big big back wheels that make transporting it easy.

Winner: It’s a tie!

The Greenworks pressure washer is less expensive

The Sun Joe SPX4600 comes in at $359 (when not on sale) whereas the Greenworks 2300 PSI comes in at $329 when not on sale.

Currently you can get the Greenworks on Amazon or on the Greenworks website. It tends to go on sale frequently, so make sure to keep checking the price.

The Sun Joe SPX4600 is also available on Amazon for an ever-changing price, but can be found on Sun Joe’s website as well.

It’s tough to compare the two when their prices swing wildly, but at its MSRP the Greenworks is the more affordable of the two.

Winner: Greenworks 2300 PSI pressure washer

Greenworks vs Sun Joe Pressure Washer: Winner

This one was not what we expected when we started doing our research. At first glance, the Sun Joe pressure washer appears to be the better option. But after applying some of the knowledge we’ve gained over the past few years and looking closer, the true winner is the Greenworks 2300 PSI TruBrushless Pressure Washer. 

It has more power, an insane warranty, and a better price with all the same bells and whistles. You can grab it today on Amazon and keep it going under warranty for the next 10 years.

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 our products.

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

What features to look for in a pressure washer

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

Nozzles Matter

  • When choosing a pressure washer, you should pay attention to the nozzles included in the package. Two types of spray nozzles are available, adjustable spray nozzles that can be controlled and quick-connect nozzles with predefined spray patterns.  
  • The predefined spray patterns typically come in different angles, allowing for you to quickly switch between a broad, lower pressure spray or a narrow, higher pressure stream.
  • Quick connect nozzles are super convenient, but they’re almost like airpods – you can lose them!
The bare wand without nozzles attached.

Soap tank availability

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

Wheels on pressure washers

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

Hose types

  • There’s a big difference between how easy or difficult it is to use a pressure washer based on the kind of hose that comes with it. Stiff, rigid hoses make it extremely difficult to have any maneuverability without messing up the job or knocking over the base.
  • Length is also important for pressure washer hoses as you can end up in a tight spot, literally, if you don’t have enough reach.
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Milwaukee’s M18 Weed Eater Passed the TLR Test

Milwaukee’s M18 weed eater is a freak of nature. I like the Milwaukee string trimmer because it comes from a super deep bench of M18 batteries and has unbelievable torque and power despite low voltage.

But when they make a lawn tool, it does not miss. If you don’t believe me check out their lawn mower or their sweet cordless hedge trimmer.

Bottom Line: The Milwaukee M18 string trimmer has an impressive cutting swath, great battery system, is comfortable and easy to use, and a highly durable motor. This weed eater is darn near perfect. You can grab it from your local Home Depot by using this link.

Jump ahead:

Milwaukee M18 Brushless String Trimmer: Features and benefits

We already know Milwaukee’s M18 series is built to provide serious power, so let’s break down exactly what makes this a great weed eater. I’m going to look specifically at power, comfort, durability, and price. All of these things together paint the picture of how much value this weed eater has.

This string trimmer provides serious power

Weed eater power is impacted by a few things. One of the most important is the battery voltage, but also the cutting swath and rotations per minute, or speed, of the string trimmer.

When I look at voltage, usually lower voltage means less power. Somehow, Milwaukee has managed to make their 18V battery provide more power than other 18V battery lines, like Ryobi. Interestingly, they have a High Output battery line that performs better in different temperatures and overall delivers power more efficiently. While you won’t get the same power as you would from an one of the EGO 56V weed eater, it is going to still be a noticeably powerful tool.

The next way to look at power is the cutting swath. The gold standard for a battery-powered weed eater is about 15 inches. Anything above a 15 inch cutting swath puts you in commercial territory. The Milwaukee M18 string trimmer has up to a 16 inch cutting swath, putting it right at the top of the competition. 

Lastly, RPMs are also a good indicator of how much power is being delivered. At 6,200 RPMs, this is up there as one of the most efficient weed eaters, providing a ton of spinning force which will help rip through grass with ease. 

Comfort and usability

The next most important thing to assess after power is how comfortable the M18 weed eater is to use. Frankly, there is nothing particularly special about the Milwaukee M18’s design to imply that it is more or less comfortable than other weed eaters.

Here are some features that come with many other battery-powered weed eaters that are also on the Milwaukee M18 weed eater:

These are relatively common across the dozens of weed eaters we have used, so there isn’t really anything special here. One thing I do NOT love about this weed eater is the battery placement. The M18 battery is at the very, very tip of the weed eater instead of embedded lower in the handle, making the balance a little trickier. It requires a minor increase in downward force / torque of the shoulder that makes it uncomfortable after a few minutes of use. 

Hate to say it, but the Milwaukee 2828 M18 Weed eater is very “average” in the comfort and usability department. 

One last thing I want to point out with this weed eater that’s a huge advantage is the length. At almost 74 inches long, it is the ideal length for a straight shaft weed eater. Longer shafts allow  you to be more precise when cutting.

The weed eater has a durable brushless motor

If you’ve read any of our other reviews, you will know how much emphasis we place on brushless motors. They are EVERYTHING in battery-powered tools and of course super important for weed eaters. 

Brushless motors provide more torque, a cooler running motor, and a more durable life than their brushed counterparts. When it comes to electric tools, they should really be required. I would never buy a brushed motor again. 

Luckily, the folks at Milwaukee included a brushless motor on the M18 string trimmer kit. This instantly puts it in the upper tier of weed eaters in the ranks of durability because it will outlast every single brushed motor out there. 

Another great thing about this one is that the M18 battery system is darn reliable. You can use it on so many of the other Milwaukee tools and because they have 200+ tools on this system, you are going to have no concerns about the durability of the battery. 

Again, Milwaukee backs up their tools AND batteries with a 3 year warranty. If you’re worried about durability – don’t be. 

It’s not all that expensive either

The Milwaukee M18 weed eater comes in at a STUNNING price of just under $200 – including the M18 battery. I was simply aghast when I saw the price. If you already have the M18 battery, you can buy the tool-only version for $180. 

Holy cow – this little piece of news changes the whole game. You can grab this at Home Depot for a great (ridiculous) price.

Best Weed Eater String for Milwaukee Weed Eaters

The Milwaukee M18 weed eater can take .080” or .095” weed eater string. We developed our own weed eater string after testing dozens of strings and combining the best elements of each into one .095” string. We think it absolutely rocks, but we are biased. It does fit in this weed eater and will definitely add more power. You can grab it below for a really low price.

Final Review: Milwaukee M18 Weed Eater

At first glance, I love the Milwaukee M18 weed eater. I thought: “Milwaukee makes freakishly powerful tools – so this one has to be great”. I saw it was brushless and had a big cutting swath, which confirmed my beliefs. But nothing about it really seemed special. It has totally stock features and doesn’t stand out from the crowd.

But then I saw the price and thought “Wow” this is a super valuable weed eater. It has amazing power, great durability, and an awesome warranty – all for under $200. 

If you’re in the market – and PARTICULARLY if you already own Milwaukee products – then you won’t regret buying this bad boy.

Why we review weed eaters

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

How we spend our time.

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

How to instantly improve your weed eater

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

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

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

What to look for in a weed eater

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

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Greenworks vs Ryobi Electric Mowers Comparison Guide

Greenworks vs Ryobi is like asking to compare Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. Two young studs taking the field and destined for greatness. I like the Greenworks mowers better because they have metal cutting decks and generally come in at a lower price.

Both Greenworks and Ryobi have become masters in the battery-powered lawn mower game – and for good reason. They make high quality lawn mowers and have a TON of different types.

We have even reviewed the some great Ryobi mowers and our favorite Greenworks mowers – that’s a LOT of lawn mowers.

Today, we are going to put two of their best mowers head-to-head. We’ve done a ton of research and found that two of their mowers are extremely similar. Let’s figure out which one is best.

Let’s put the Greenworks 48V push mower up against the Ryobi 40V HP mower in a battle for the ages.

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Ryobi 40V vs Greenworks 48V Mower: Comparison Guide

Greenworks vs Ryobi – the ultimate head-to-head challenge to see what the top dogs can bring to the table. Let’s assess each of these for power, durability, ease of use, and price. Here we go!

Power: Ryobi’s 40V HP vs Greenworks’ 48V (2×24)

To properly evaluate power, there’s a bit of science that goes into it but also other considerations beyond formulas. For starters, typically higher voltages mean more power if you are operating in a vacuum. But we aren’t operating  in a vacuum, we are operating in the real world. Scientifically, the combined 48Vs in the Greenworks mower would impute a higher power output than the 40V of the Ryobi mower.

They’ve always been good.

But let’s take a deeper dive. The Greenworks 48V mower and the Ryobi 40V HP mower both have about 45 minutes of run-time and up to ½ acre of coverage on a single charge. 

Ryobi has a function called HP, which basically means that the motor and battery are designed to work together to produce optimal power output. Greenworks is really combining two 24V batteries, which doesn’t seem to have the same level of connection to the motor that Ryobi is describing. 

I have to give a slight edge to Ryobi in the power game, solely because they have thoughtfully approached the connection between their brushless motor and their batteries – to deliver maximum output. 

Greenworks is still a great choice, but didn’t “feel” as powerful when we ran them side by side.

Winner: Ryobi 40V HP

Durability: Metal vs Plastic deck on Greenworks and Ryobi

Next up after reviewing power is the necessary focus on durability. I’ll be the first to admit that battery-powered mowers aren’t perceived as anywhere near as durable as gas-powered mowers. 

But that doesn’t mean there are more durable battery powered mowers than others. Ryobi and Greenworks are a really great example here because they have one major difference: the composition of their decks.

Metal > Plastic.

The cutting deck is what houses the blades and what the motor sits on top of. In the Ryobi mower, there is a plastic cutting deck which allows it to be lightweight, but more susceptible to cracking, scraping, and chipping. The Greenworks 48V mower has a metal deck, which is exactly what every gas mower carries. It makes the mower heavier, but actually gives it some momentum, keeps the mower on a straight path, and protects it from breakage. 

Another key thing to notice here is that both mowers have brushless motors. Brushless motors can be contrasted with traditional brushed motors in that they have less friction, provide more torque, and a longer life. They are the superior key to motor durability and a non-negotiable when buying any electric lawn tool. 

Because of the metal deck, I have to give this category to Greenworks.

Winner: Greenworks 48V Mower

Ease of use: Greenworks compared to Ryobi

There are a lot of things to consider when evaluating a mower for ease of use, but none that are as important as how the mower feels. Feel is so important because despite all the bells and whistles and performance highlights that a mower might have, if it feels off you are going to have a bad time. 

One thing that is often overlooked is the weight of the mower. Believe it or not, lighter isn’t always better. When I was mowing with the Ryobi 40V HP mower for the first time, it felt like every little bump in the grass would throw off my trajectory. It felt like I didn’t have great control because it was too light. 

Kinda got tossed around by grass.

On the other hand, the Greenworks 48V mower weighs about 20 lbs more. Not super noticeable when you are using the mower, but it feels like you handle rough patches better. It can push through things, not around things, which makes a huge difference.

I also like how both of these mowers have easy push-to-start functions, grass collections bags, and are foldable for easy storage. 

Battery-powered mowers are super easy to use, but the feel of the Greenworks mower was much more comfortable and straightforward (literally).

Winner: Greenworks 48V mower.

Price and warranty comparison on Greenworks and Ryobi

The Greenworks 48V mower has a 3 year tool and battery warranty. Not bad! But Ryobi has a  5 year tool warranty and a 3 year battery warranty. It’s going to win the warranty challenge

As far as price is concerned, you can get the Ryobi mower from Home Depot for about $399.

The Greenworks mower is available on the Greenworks website and often goes on sale on Amazon for a really good price.

Ryobi wins the warranty competition, but it’s a tie on price.

So which is better? Ryobi or Greenworks mowers?

It is a tough call, but someone has to make it. While I like Ryobi’s HP series and their effort to optimize performance with their 40V battery and brushless motor, but favor Greenworks when it comes to reliability and ease of use.

If I had to boil it down to an absolute winner, it would be the Greenworks 48V mower by a hair. 

You really can’t go wrong with either. In fact, if you already own Ryobi’s 40V products, then you’re better served buying the tool-only version of the mower and saving a ton of money. 

You can grab the Greenworks on Amazon today – check to see if it’s still on sale.

Oh – and one of these made our top battery powered mower ranking. The Greenworks is actually also made our list of the premier mowers at Walmart.

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. 

We spend our days analyzing mowers.

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

What we look for in battery-powered lawn mowers

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

Looking for more power? Check out the Greenworks 80V mower review.

Ryobi vs Greenworks 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 other Ryobi products we’ve reviewed.

Ryobi and Greenworks both have TONS of different tools. In my experience, when Greenworks puts out a higher-end product, it’s a beast. Extremely well designed to be durable, easy to use, and powerful. Ryobi also has a ton of products across several different industries and seems to be more focused on quantity than quality. 

But that doesn’t mean Ryobi doesn’t have some bangers. There are some great Ryobi weed eaters and Ryobi pressure washers, but there are equally as good Greenworks pressure washers.

Metal where it matters: the decks

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. Luckily with Ryobi and Greenworks, they have batteries that can be used across a TON of ther products – both indoor and outdoor.

The same battery used in this Greenworks mower is the same one that can be used to power their cordless shop-vac.

They’ve got great tools!

If you have more questions, check out our guide to electric lawn mowers.

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EGO Select Cut vs Select Cut XP Mowers: Compared

EGO Select Cut and Select Cut XP mowers carry many features that are honestly really confusing. EGO has 13 push mowers on their website. They are all roughly the same size, the same battery voltage, and look the same.

So what’s the difference? Why is one $900 and the other $350? These are the questions we are here to figure out today.

Bottom Line: EGO Select Cut differs from EGO Select Cut XP in that the XP version has more torque.

It’s no secret that EGO mowers absolutely crush the battery powered lawn mower game. They are some of the most powerful, longest lasting, and convenient tools on the market. So deciphering how to know what you’re buying and making the right decision is important.

Let’s get it figured out, together.

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Breaking down EGO’s mower lingo

If you are like me and were at one point staring at all the different mowers that look the same, then you may wonder what the words EGO uses actually mean. 

One of the classics from EGO.

We spent some time reading through what all of these actually mean and which ones we think you should buy. Here is our quick dictionary for reference when reading through each of the mower’s names.

Power+ naming

Power+ just references EGO’s battery powered line of tools. Basically everything of theirs is Power+. It’s their standard naming convention and basically EGO’s last name. 

Self-propelled function

The self-propelled function is an optional function you can use to move the mower forward using a trigger on the handle. It is really nice for moving the mower over banks and hills or for adding some additional power to a thick cut of grass. The downside is that it can drain your battery – use carefully!

EGO Touch Drive Explained

Touch Drive is a function that allows you to more easily control the self-propelled function. Whereas self-propelled EGO mowers without touch drive use a squeeze trigger, Touch Drive mowers have a trigger inside the handle that allows you to use your palm to initiate the self-propelled function, then a speed dial to adjust how quickly it moves.

EGO Peak Power Explained

Peak power allows you to combine any two EGO batteries to operate the mower (saving you money if you already own one).

EGO Select Cut Definition

Select Cut refers to more than one mower blade on the bottom of the mower.

EGO Select Cut XP Definition

Select Cut XP is a designation given to the highest torque Select Cut option that EGO offers.

EGO Speed IQ

Speed IQ is a tool that automatically adjusts the speed of the self-propelled function based off of the terrain. It will slow down to make sure thicker areas get fully cut and speed up over areas that you may have already passed or aren’t as resistant. 

EGO Select Cut vs Select Cut XP vs Regular Mowers Explained

EGO’s mowers come in Select Cut, Select Cut XP and Regular variations. The main difference among all of these is the amount of torque the motor puts out.

Select Cut as a term refers to the multi-blade system used by the mower. Select Cut XP simply refers to the additional torque offered by XP motors. The EGO Select Cut motors put out about 7 pounds of torque whereas the Select Cut XP puts out about 8.3 pounds. 

EGO Select Cut XP is definitely more powerful than Select Cut and their regular mowers. If you have thick grass or just like dominating the grass when you mow, Select Cut XP is a really great option.

The regular option or non-Select Cut XP and non-Select Cut has a single blade on the bottom – which is also true of many traditional gas-powered mowers.

The 3 Best EGO Mowers: Ranked

Now that we have broken down all the complex lingo related to EGO mowers, let’s use them to formulate and rank the best ones. One thing we want to make sure to take into account is VALUE. 

Sure, the best EGO mower will probably be the most expensive, so we try to really break it down to assess which is the best EGO mower for the money.

Buckle up.

1.) EGO Power+ LM2021 20-Inch Walk Behind Mower

This is not a popular opinion. If you read other folks’ reviews of EGO mowers, this one probably won’t make the list. But we are different here at The Lawn Review and are giving you the absolute insider’s take. 

We don’t just sort mowers by the best seller and then regurgitate the specifications to you. We are actually going to break down exactly why this one is our absolute favorite. 

Nothing beats a steel deck.

If I could draw up the perfect lawn mower in a lab, this one would be darn near close. It has all of my favorite things including:

  • The only EGO mower with a steel deck. Metal decks are way more durable, temperature resistant, and provide a little more weight to keep the mower balanced. 
  • Of course it has the brushless motor and 56V battery system.
  • Easy push button start
  • Folds in half for storing in the winter (or between mows)
  • One of the longer run times at over an hour

This one doesn’t have all the bells and whistles. It’s basically a super durable, not complicated, efficient battery powered mower that is the easiest comparison to gas-powered mowers.

We love this mower because it lacks some of the complexities that drain the other mowers’ batteries like self-propelled functions and multiple blades and variable speeds.

You just push the mower like you always have. But to put the cherry on top, this is one of the most affordable EGO mowers on the market. The price is always changing, but we’ve found it to be the lowest when you buy it off of Amazon.

2.) EGO Power+ LM2133 21-Inch Select Cut Lawn Mower

Next up on the list is the LM2133 mower from EGO. This one does have some bells and whistles, but doesn’t go too overboard. This has all of the standard beautiful features in an EGO mower (56V battery, 21 inch deck, brushless motor), but also has some nice extras.

This EGO mower has the Select Cut functionality, which if you reference our dictionary above, would know that it has multiple cutting blades. The multiple blades help work together to finely mulch the grass, allowing you to move faster and make fewer passes in your yard.

Multiple blades.

You can grab this one on Amazon as well for a great price. If you want to boost the run time from 45 minutes to 65 minutes, get the tool-only version and buy a separate 7.5 Ah battery. This one comes with a 5.0 Ah battery that may not fully get you where you need to go.

3.) EGO POWER+ 21″ Select Cut XP Mower with Touch Drive LM2156SP

This one is obviously the Cadillac of EGO mowers. It comes with every bell and whistle. The belle of the ball. But it comes with a price.

Here are some of the features that make this one unbeatable:

  • Select Cut XP functionality means that this is the highest torque EGO mower on the planet
  • Also has Touch Drive self-propelled functionality, making it the easiest to use and control
  • Longest run time at 75 minutes because it comes with 10.0 Ah batteries, basically double the Ah of their other mowers
Just a freaking beast.

So this is the most powerful, longest running, easiest to control EGO mower. It is truly probably the best battery powered mower available from a technical specification perspective. But it doesn’t have a steel deck, which makes me sad. 

You can buy this one at Ace Hardware for a pretty penny (anywhere between $800-900). We wrote about this one extensively – you can check out our full review of the EGO Select Cut XP LM2156 or LM2150 here.

EGO Mowers: Cutting Through The Noise

I hope this article has provided some clarity around all the different features EGO offers on their mowers. Frankly, they are all trademarked and difficult to understand. 

When you feel confused, take a step back and think through the most important questions: how does this mower perform? Will it last me a long time? How long is the run time? How much does it cost?

Those will steer you past any flashy slogans or popular products to the one you can rely on.

Why we review lawn tools

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

How we spend our time now.

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

What to look for in a battery-powered lawn mower

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

EGO 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.

It’s true.

EGO is known for making seriously high quality, dense lawn tools. Yeah, we used the word dense here because when you pick up their tools they feel solid as a rock. We’ve reviewed a ton of EGO products and made YouTube videos covering EGO’s leaf blowers and EGO’s mowers.

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.

Most EGO mower’s have a plastic deck.

EGO sadly makes quite a few mowers with plastic decking, but a couple with metal decks. While I prefer metal decks, EGO’s reinforced plastic is actually quite durable. It won’t kill you to use a plastic deck, but it can help it last much longer.

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. Luckily with EGO, they only have a 56V battery line, which can be used across all of their products. The only difference you’ll see is in the amp-hours, which increases the amount of time you can spend doing the job. 

If you have more questions, check out our guide to electric lawn mowers

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8 Weed Eaters With Handy Attachment Systems

The best weed eater with attachments is the EGO Multi-Head system because it has amazing power and a ridiculous amount of quality attachments.

Weed eaters with attachments transform your most basic lawn tool into a Swiss Army Knife. Yeah – I first experienced this with my Ryobi Expand It weed eater and have since tried and tested a bunch of these bad boys.

I’ve put a bunch of these battery powered weed eaters with attachments to the test and continue to come back to the one that’s our favorite: the EGO Power+ multi-head system (although it has one big drawback).

Here are my favorite weed eaters with attachments, ranked after some serious testing.

  1. EGO Power+ Multi-Tool Weed Eater Attachment System
  2. Greenworks 40V 14” Brushless Weed Eater Attachment System
  3. Kobalt 24V Connect Multi-Head Weed Eater Power System
  4. Dewalt 60V Max Weed Eater Attachment System
  5. SKIL PWRCORE 40 Weed Eater Attachment System
  6. Worx Nitro 40V Power Share String Trimmer Attachment System
  7. Makita 18V LXT Couple Shaft Power Head
  8. Ryobi 40V Expand-It Attachment System

Honorable mention: The Greenworks Pro 60V 16 inch weed eater.

Ranking Battery Powered Weed Eaters with Attachments

When we were testing these tools, we accidentally used the best one first, so all the others didn’t seem as good. It’s kind of like going house hunting and going to the biggest, nicest house first. Either way, the rest were all fine tools but didn’t hold a candle to the number one spot.

1.) EGO Power+ Multi-Head Weed Eater Attachment System

EGO’s multi-head attachment system is a dang beast. If I could create one of these in a lab, this one would be it. And when we switched out the weed eater string to the GrassKicker string, it just became an absolute unit. Unfair.

It survives a lot.

We made a full Youtube video highlighting the attachment system, but will profile it again here.  

  • It uses EGO’s 56V battery system which can be used with ALL of their other tools
  • The weed eater attachment system has a brushless motor
  • It has molded grips which make it easy to use whether you have the weed eater or the pole saw attachment going
  • We dropped it a few times and scratched it up without a problem
  • We’ve put it through the absolute ringer, testing it’s run time and durability very aggressively
  • Every attachment it comes with is a freak of nature – with the hedge trimmer attachment being our absolute favorite
One of our favorites

This one is a ridiculous standalone weed eater, but the attachments we bought were the edger, hedge trimmer, cultivator, snow shovel, and pole saw. All of them work insanely well and you would hardly think they were part of a universal system like this. 

This one is also a beast.

The only drawback / complaint about this weed eater attachment system is that the attachments ARE NOT universal. You have to buy EGO’s attachments and they won’t work anywhere else. It isn’t the tools themselves, but how they attach to the power head. Bummer – but honestly if you buy this you will never desire another tool again.

We got ours with all the attachments on Amazon for a great price last year.

2.) Greenworks 40V 14” Brushless Weed Eater Attachment System

Greenworks is an underrated lawn tool brand. All of their tools are super high quality and legitimately well constructed. They did it again with their 40V brushless weed eater attachment system. 

This one has a lot of the same things I loved about the EGO product, including a brushless motor, super comfortable handles designed to additional attachments, and variable speed. 

A really sweet tool.

The weed eater attachment system has a loop handle around the trigger which makes it great for using as a hedge trimmer or pole saw without sacrificing any discomfort when used on the ground as a weed eater. There are both 14 inch and 16 inch varieties and I prefer the 16 inch  for the weed eater. A larger cutting swath means more power and a crisper looking lawn.

The downside from this Greenworks weed eater attachment system is that it’s confusing as heck. It’s difficult to find the attachments on the website, but we had some luck on Amazon. 

You can grab a hedge trimmer attachment, edger attachment, cyclone blower, cultivator, and disk blower, and pole saw attachment from what we could tell. 

This one is a really great tool if you can get the right attachments. It’s available on Amazon for a ridiculously low price. Of course, we recommend trading out the weed eater string with GrassKicker right away to give it a big boost.

3.) Kobalt 24V Universal Connect Multi-Head Weed Eater Power System

Kobalt is a name that you see plastered all over Lowe’s website. They have never been extremely popular, but it doesn’t mean they don’t make some ridiculous lawn tools. 

The Kobalt Universal Connect Power Head is one of those underrated, overlooked options because Lowe’s stacks the shelves with EGO products. But don’t overlook this one.

Kobalt’s Connect System is a truly universal attachment system that has some serious perks. Here are a few things I like about it:

  • 24V  MAX battery works with a ton of other Kobalt tools
  • A brushless motor, of course
  • An adjustable handle that can slide lower or higher
  • Rubber molded grips

Kobalt’s weed eater attachment system offers some tools that you don’t see anywhere else. Take for example their universal connect dethatcher attachment. That is really freaking cool. Although it may not be the most practical, running this dethatcher attachment over your yard once per year will help bring your yard back to life.

Kobalt’s power head is sneaky good and resembles my SKIL one.

If you don’t like the Kobalt attachments, heck, go grab some attachments from anyone else and use them instead.  But if you own any Kobalt products already, you will save big by using this power head system with your existing 24V MAX batteries.

You can grab this online at Lowe’s – which is where we got it.

4.) Dewalt 60V Max Weed Eater Attachment System

We were surprised, too. Dewalt makes some seriously powerful lawn equipment and actually makes a nice handful of Dewalt weed eaters. It’s low-key one of the best weed eater attachment systems but we ranked it so low because Dewalt’s 60V Max lawn tool lineup is just not very deep. 

But it has all the amazing features that you would expect from a ridiculous weed eater. My favorite part is that the Dewalt 60V Max String Trimmer has up to a 17 inch cutting swath. This size cutting swath rivals most gas weed eaters. And remember my advice: get a good attachment system that first has a good weed eater. 

Dewalt weed eater with attachments.

This weed eater with attachments has a brushless motor and universal attachment capabilities. Some of the attachments include:

  • Hedge trimmers
  • Pole saw
  • Brush Cutter
  • Edger
  • And a little blower

This is another one of those made-in-a-lab type of tools that is almost too good to be true. You can get it from Home Depot for a very good price.

5.) SKIL PWRCORE 40 Power System

SKIL’s PWRCORE 40 System is a really cool, brand new tool that just came out on the market. We did a full length video and a full SKIL PWRCORE review, but were super impressed with this tool.

We tested this bad boy!

In particular, we liked that this Power Head had:

  • Brushless motor for long life
  • A PWRJUMP charger that rapidly charges the battery to 30%, then slows down
  • A huge cutting swath at 15-17 inches
  • Universal attachments

While this one didn’t quite have the run time that it claimed, it is still a great option for those of us with smaller yards.

6.) Worx Nitro 40V Power Share String Trimmer Attachment System

This attachment system from Worx is probably their biggest and baddest lawn tool. They have a ton of smaller weed eaters that are more about convenience than power, like the Worx GT revolution.

The Nitro 40V Power Share system is made for pure power, though. It’s got a 15 inch cutting swath which puts it on the higher end of battery power weed eaters. Worx’ 40V Max system is a great battery line that you can use on their mower as well, making this one pretty useful for current Worx owners. 

From a cost perspective, this one is super competitive because all of the dang attachments are so cheap. And much to my surprise – this one also has a brushless motor. My previous experience and misconception with Worx was that they only had brushed products. Glad to see they’ve stepped up to the plate.

Worx stepped it up!

The attachments on this weed eater are super affordable compared to some of the others. Each attachment is around $100 – way cheaper than what you would get if you bought the tools independently. Oh, and they’re all universal attachments as well. 

This one is a really high value purchase if you are looking for a good balance of quality and cost. Right now it’s on a massive sale on Amazon that makes it even more competitive.

7.) Makita 18V LXT Couple Shaft Power Head

Makita makes really high quality equipment like their regular Makita weed eaters and Makita leaf blowers. But man, I can’t figure out who their audience is. Their tools are SO expensive that if I had to pay for them, I might as well just pay someone to do my lawn. This is by far the most expensive power head, which is why it is so low on this list. 

But darn it if it isn’t super high quality. A few really good things about this weed eater with attachments:

  • Makita’s 18V line can be used on lawn tools and their handheld power tools, making this a better value if you save money on batteries
  • They of course have a brushless motor
  • Super high RPMs on their 3 speed settings
  • An insane amount of attachments. I mean insane!

To this last point, Makita has some baller attachments including both straight and curved shaft weed eaters, cultivators, several different hedge trimmer attachments, a blower, a sweeper, a pole saw, and more.

Love it, but so expensive.

But again – all the attachments are expensive as heck. Super high quality, super high price – that’s the Makita way. 

You can grab this one at Home Depot, or actually get it at a reasonable price on Amazon (check this often).

8.) Ryobi 40V Expand-It Attachment System

Last but also least is the Ryobi 40V Expand-it series. This is one of the first tools I owned and it disappointed me in some ways. I’m not saying it’s for nobody, but it wasn’t for me long-term. It is a great price, but not the weed eater attachment system worth investing in for more than a few years. 

Good for beginners.

I will say that the weed eater attachment works very well, but the others have not lived up to the hype. I had a blower attachment with this that I replaced three times due to it breaking. Over the course of two years!

I like that this Ryobi weed eater with attachments has an easy way of storing and hanging the attachments, is relatively easy to use and lightweight, and has variable speed control. But it has a brushed motor that almost always felt overheated when I was using it. 

The weed eater isn’t bad!

I bought this one when I was on a tighter budget and I think if that’s you – this can be a good tool. But expect to outgrow it quickly and don’t go overboard with the attachments. It’s also on a fire sale over at Home Depot right now.

One last benefit so I don’t completely scare you is that the 40V battery can be used on TONS of tools. I really like having it to use on my Ryobi 40V blower and Ryobi 40V mower as a back-up battery.  

Why we review lawn tools

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

How we spend our time now.

As 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.

How I tested these weed eater attachment systems

I tested these weed eaters with attachments over the course of a few years. I started with my Ryobi Expand It attachment system, then tested out the EGO multi-head (my number one choice). Since then I’ve used the SKIL PWR CORE, and slowly gotten experience with each of the others.

I test a few things on each of these – mostly related to how comfortable it is to use, the number of attachments, whether or not my attachments are universal, the cutting swath, and finally the battery system.

All of these pass my testing with flying colors, which is why I put them on my list.

How to instantly improve your weed eater

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

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

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

What to look for in a battery-powered attachment system

If I would have read this article a few years ago, I would have made a different decision and likely saved hundreds of dollars. But I learned the hard way and want to make sure you don’t have to.

Here are the things I look for in a battery-powered attachment system:

A brushless motor

The first time around, I bought a brushed motor and I deeply regretted it a few months later. The main difference between brushed and brushless motors is how electricity is transferred from the battery to the motor. Brushed motors have a process that relies on friction. I quickly realized this when the palm of my hand was getting extremely hot while using the attachment system.

Brushless motors run cooler, more efficiently, provide more torque, and last longer. They are quickly becoming the gold standard in battery-powered lawn tools – but not everyone has caught up.

Universal attachments

Some of these weed eater attachment systems have the ability to take on any attachments. That’s a benefit to those of us that are looking to save money or have an existing attachment system that’s broken but the attachments work just fine. You can find attachments on Facebook marketplace or other second-hand stores for a way cheaper price. 

A high performing weed eater

Don’t just buy a weed eater with attachments because it is attachment capable. Buy a battery-powered weed eater that freaking dominates and also has the ability to add attachments. 

Good attachments

If I don’t mention this, I will get an email from one of you saying “you didn’t say to buy one with good attachments” so here you go. Obviously you want an attachment system that can accommodate high performing attachments that you will actually use. Avoid bundles that give you attachments that aren’t as good as the individual tools. The goal is to replace your other tools, not supplement them with an additional cost. 

How to turn your weed eater into a beast

Shameless plug here, but we were able to take our battery powered weed eater from “okay” to “absolute beast” by changing out the weed eater string. We tested dozens of different weed eater strings and each of them had 1-2 good characteristics, but none had the whole package.

So we made our own. Introducing GrassKicker weed eater string. It is the perfect thickness, shape, and color to absolutely shred whatever job you’re doing while still fitting every weed eater on the market. You can grab it here:

Bottom Line: Weed Eaters with Attachments

Remember to keep in mind that we are looking for a brushless weed eater first and then attachments second. Get you a weed eater with attachments that is going to last a long time and replace the dinky old tools you inherited from your parents.

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5 Powerful Dewalt String Trimmers: Tested & Ranked

The best Dewalt String Trimmer is the Dewalt 20V Max brushless weed eater because it is a part of a large battery 20V battery system, has a brushless motor, and is relatively inexpensive.

String Trimmers are a new world for Dewalt. They have a pretty dominant Dewalt blower collection, they’ve got a nice battery powered Dewalt mower that we reviewed, and they even have some pressure washers.

But before you make a decision to pull the trigger on a Dewalt String Trimmer, make sure you understand exactly what you’re looking for and which Dewalt string trimmer is right for you and your job. 

Jump ahead to the best Dewalt String Trimmers Ranking:

  1. Dewalt 20V Max Brushless Weed Eater
  2. Dewalt 60V Max Attachment Capable Brushless Weed Eater
  3. Dewalt 60V Max Weed Eater
  4. Dewalt 27cc Gas String Trimmer
  5. Dewalt Trimmer Blower Combo Kit

Dewalt Weed Eaters: Ranked

When looking at the Dewalt weed eaters, I’m taking a few things into consideration. The true balance to finding the right string trimmer is assessing the price vs the usability and power. Of course you want the one that feels the easiest to use, has all the bells and whistles, and has extreme power. But not everyone can afford that. So here is how we approach it through the lens of value.

1.) Dewalt 20V Max Brushless Cordless String Trimmer Kit

We put this one at number one because it has all the bells and whistles and is extremely price competitive. It isn’t perfect. I wish it was a tad longer and had a little bit bigger cutting swath, but otherwise it’s darn near perfect. As part of Dewalt’s 20V Max series of tools, you can use the same battery you use for your power drill on this weed eater. Which means you can buy this version tool-only. Tool-only means that it doesn’t come with a battery, which saves you about $60 on the purchase price. Cha-ching.

Here’s what we love about this Dewalt weed eater:

  • A brushless motor that is going to last a LONG time
  • It weighs less than 9lbs, making it easy to use when walking around your yard or garden bed. 
  • Straight shaft that can split for easy storage.
  • Easy to load spool to add more weed eater string whenever you need it.
  • Ability to use 20V Max battery system from other tools you may already own.
  • Variable speed trigger so that you have total control over how much speed you want.
Has all the great pieces at a great price. Best Value.

Basically, this is as close to the whole package as possible without going over $250. These are for sale at Home Depot but can also be found on Amazon for an even lower price.

To us, this one is the most valuable Dewalt string trimmer money can buy. 

2.) Dewalt 60V Max Brushless Attachment Capable String Trimmer Kit

If the number one result is the most valuable Dewalt weed eater, then this one is the most versatile. We’ve reviewed quite a few attachment capable string trimmer kits and really loved the EGO Multi-Head, but this one is giving it a run for the money. It even made our list of the weed eaters with attachments.

The 60V Max Brushless attachment capable weed eater from Dewalt brought out ALL the bells and whistles when they made this one. When you buy this, you also have the ability to buy attachments like: a blower, pole saw, hedge trimmer, edger, and a brush cutter. So basically this has swiss army knife potential. That’s what I’m talking about.

Can save you a ton of money.

But don’t let the cool attachments overshadow just how sweet the weed eater is.  The weed eater alone is an absolute unit and even touts itself as being better than some of the popular EGO weed eaters. 

Here’s their evidence for making such a bold claim:

  • Brushless motor (EGO has this, too)
  • Up to 17 inch cutting swath (EGO’s is 15)
  • 12.8 lbs with the battery (EGO’s is 14.1)
  • Ability to add universal attachments, which allow you to use attachments from several other brands (EGO’s are custom fit to their tools)

The Dewalt 60V Max attachment capable weed eater is a dream. If you are a Dewalt loyalist, this tool is peak perfection – especially if you already own the battery.

This one can be grabbed from Home Depot for about $350 or from Amazon for about $320.

3.) Dewalt 60V Max Brushless Cordless String Trimmer

This 60V Max weed eater from Dewalt is really similar to the one above, but doesn’t come with the attachment capabilities. If you’re looking for JUST a baller weed eater, then this one is a great option. 

This Dewalt weed eater is an amped up version of our number one choice. But here’s the crazy thing: it can be backwards-compatible with the 20V Max series of batteries. This is a crazy tech capability because the 20V Max series of batteries are much more popular. 

Raw power

Think about it: if you have 60V Max batteries already or are building out your lawn tool collection around the 60V Max series, then this is a great investment because you can use the same batteries across all the tools. But what if you already own a Dewalt power drill with a 20V Max battery? Well….you’re still in luck because this weed eater can take those batteries as well.

Dewalt really thought through their customer base and how they can best provide solutions that meet their needs. The reverse compatibility is a huge advancement for saving them money and basically making it universally compatible with Dewalt’s entire line of products.

This one also has all the must-haves: variable speed trigger, brushless motor, straight shaft, decent length, and a 15 inch cutting swath. This Dewalt weed eater is SWEET.

You can grab it at Home Depot for about $300 but I’ve seen it for less on Amazon.

4.) Dewalt 27 cc 2-Stroke Straight Gas String Trimmer

Dewalt is not known for their gas-powered tools and definitely lesser  known in the lawn space. So this one seems risky. But the specifications on it are all extremely positive.

At first glance, this one reminds me of the ECHO SRM 225 or the Stihl FS 56 RC. Let me explain more:

  • 27 cc 2-cycle engine is more than ECHO’s and right in line with Stihl’s
  • A massive 17 inch cutting swath is best-in-class for gas weed eaters
  • It is attachment-capable, which is a huge money saver
  • It comes with a shoulder strap for saving your back

Dewalt really did a great job thinking through this product and designing it for homeowners with big yards and even for commercial use. It’s a dang beast.

Not bad!

One complaint I have is that the shaft length is a little on the shorter side for me. Otherwise this thing is sweet.

What really sells this one for me is that it has a 3 year limited warranty. A lot of these weed eaters have different warranties for commercial or residential use. Dewalt went all out with the 3 year warranty, which I appreciate since they aren’t well known in this space.

This one is available at Home Depot for a REALLY good price. Like a shockingly good price. We don’t get any benefit when you buy from them, but I think this is the place to get it.

5.) Dewalt 20V Max Trimmer Blower Combo Kit

We’ve written extensively about some of the trimmer blower combo kits that can save you a ton of money. Dewalt made the list. Now I know this is kind of cheating to have a combo kit on here, but it should be a part of the consideration process if you are in the market for a new battery-powered line of tools.

That’s what I love about battery powered lawn tools – you buy a kit like this one and you only have to buy one battery. That saves generally about $50-100 depending on the brand. That’s the way to go.

BOTH!

This features a 20V string trimmer similar to our number one option and a really great 20V Dewalt leaf blower that has made our top Dewalt blower list. 

The package together doesn’t fall squarely in this article, but I want to make sure you all understand how great of a deal it is if you’re considering joining the Dewalt family.

This one can be found on Amazon together for a ridiculous price but is also available online at Home Depot.

Best Weed Eater String / String Trimmer Line for Dewalt

Most of these Dewalt weed eaters come standard with a 0.80” weed eater string. It’s fine and all, but I totally leveled up my weed eater when I moved to the GrassKicker weed eater string. 

Yes, we developed it because we got tired of buying weed eater string that broke or didn’t give our yard the look we wanted. And we were shocked at the difference it made.

Our GrassKicker weed eater string fits into every Dewalt weed eater and will make a noticeable difference in the cut. It basically replaced my edger altogether and lasts WAY longer than the stock weed eater string.

Final thoughts: Dewalt’s weed eater collection

While they aren’t a household name (yet), Dewalt is moving into the game with some great products. You can’t go wrong with any of these, it really comes down to how big of a job you have in front of you.

All of these have a great warranty and most of the battery-powered tools will work – as long as you stay in the MAX series of batteries.

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. 

This is how we spend our time.

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

What to look for in a weed eater

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

Feel

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

Motor

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. 

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Ryobi Brushless vs. Brushed Motors: Difference Explained (2024)

Ryobi brushless and brushed tools are big names in the lawn tool space. Brushless motors are superior technology that allows for cooler running motors, better durability, and more efficient torque.

Although it may be hard to figure out from the box or product description, there’s actually a huge difference. Today, I’ll walk through what the difference is and make some product recommendations from Ryobi for their brushless motor line of tools. 

My goal is to make this not overly technical, but just give you the quick and dirty explanation that can help you decide whether or not to spend more money.

In short, YES – it is worth it to spend the extra money for brushless lawn tools. If you want to know why, keep reading or skip ahead using the below links:

Brushless vs brushed Ryobi tools

I’m trying to avoid getting too technical here, so let me break down what brushed vs brushless motors do and how this impacts Ryobi tools.

Brushed motors (Regular) from Ryobi

Brushed Ryobi motors have an internal, stationary magnet surrounded by a mobile rotor. The brushes make physical contact with the rotor to transfer the electricity from the battery to the rotor. It essentially causes the rotor to move by changing which side of the motor is magnetic.

It sounds complicated, but here’s what you need to know:

  • The brushes making physical contact with the rotor means that there is increased friction
  • With increased friction, you get heat
  • Heat is going to generally wear down things like plastic and other parts inside of lawn tools
  • This leads to a reduction in lifespan and durability of the product
  • It’s also less efficient than brushless because you are losing energy to heat instead of to power

On a positive note, up until a few years ago (and still to this day), most products are brushed. It’s been the standard for a long time. I have a hedge trimmer from the 90s that’s brushed and still works fine because I barely use it.

But in general, these aren’t as reliable and will get bent out of shape over time and ultimately stop working. 

Ryobi’s Brushless motors

Brushless motors flip the engineering of brushed motors on their head. Basically instead of having the mechanical action of the brushes, a different type of current is used to cause a magnetic field that rotates and moves the magnet. 

It’s almost like an invisible motor, totally driven by an electric current and magnets instead of manual transferral of voltage. 

For those that aren’t nerds, here are some of the impacts:

  • More torque due to no heat loss 
  • Cooler running motor
  • Longer life

Which is better – brushed or brushless Ryobi tools?

It’s pretty clear that Ryobi’s brushless tools are better than their old brushed motors. If you aren’t convinced by the increased power of their new brushless lineup, you should be convinced by the durability. 

Brushless motors are akin to the lithium-ion battery instead of the old nickel hydride batteries. They last a lot longer and perform way better. 

Our favorite Ryobi Brushless Lawn Tools

We’ve written a ton of reviews about some of Ryobi’s best brushless tools. Let me save you some time and give you the best from each category.

Best Ryobi Brushless Blower

Ryobi came out with a new 40V Brushless Whisper series blower and it is sweet. We put it in a head-to-head challenge we called the Ryobi vs EGO blower battle. 

Ain’t it a beaut?

Here’s what we love about the Ryobi 730 CFM 40V Brushless Whisper blower:

  • It’s quiet – well, kind of. It makes a different noise which definitely isn’t loud but also isn’t the best sound in the world.
  • This Ryobi brushless blower has a really cool handle that allows you to control the speed and set a cruise control with your thumb
  • It also has a turbo button that takes it all the way up to 730 CFMs or 190 MPH. That’s pretty dang fast.
  • The Ryobi 40V comes with two 4.5 Ah batteries and a charger.
  • Total time to charge the leaf blower from completely dead to fully charged was 53 minutes. Not bad!

It’s easily the most powerful handheld cordless blower that Ryobi offers. You can grab it from your local Home Depot or grab it on Amazon for a great price.

Best Ryobi Brushless Mower

We did a full ranking of the best Ryobi lawn mowers and found the Ryobi 20 inch 40V Brushless Smart Trek Self-Propelled mower was the best. They have a few mowers that look just like this one and even have a newer model, but I really like this one from 2022 because of its simplicity and price.

Coolest looking one.

Here are a few things I liked about this one:

  • Brushless motor (duh)
  • I like that it is black and not neon yellow
  • The self propelled function works really well
  • It is extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver
  • This Ryobi mower has some really easy-to-use tools
  • You can use the 40V battery with everything

This one is also available on Amazon for a really good price, but can also be bought at Home Depot if you want the newer model.

You can also see how this Ryobi 40V mower compares to the Greenworks 48V mower.

Best Ryobi Brushless Weed Eater

When it comes to Ryobi Weed Eaters, we loved the Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V brushless 13 inch weed eater. This brushless weed eater from Ryobi comes as a part of their 18V ONE+ series of tools, which is a great collection for the homeowner with a small to medium sized yard. 

This is the one.

Here’s why we picked it over a bunch of Ryobi weed eaters:

  • It has a decent sized cutting width at 13 inches. Many of the smaller ones are at 10-11 inches  which is frankly too small to do any kind of edging work. 
  • It’s one of the only Ryobi weed eaters with a brushless motor
  • It’s super easy to handle with it’s large D-shaped handle
  • This one is well-balanced which means you won’t torque your shoulder when carrying it around

This one is a no-brainer if you’re looking for a brushless Ryobi weed eater. I got mine at Home Depot when I first moved into my house, but you can also get it on Amazon for a great price.

Best Ryobi Brushless Pressure Washer

I probably go a little over the top with my recommendation here, but I am blown away by this Brushless Ryobi Pressure Washer. 

Pure power.

The Ryobi 3000 PSI 1.1 GPM electric pressure washer won both our best Ryobi pressure washer AND best electric pressure washer rankings. It’s a beast. Here’s why I am obsessed with it:

  • Best-in-class pressure for an electric pressure washer at 3000 PSI
  • Large soap tank
  • Nozzles built into the tip that allows you to just rotate the tip to change the angle
  • Big never flat wheels

It’s truly top-of-the-line when it comes to electric pressure washers. The fact that it has a brushless motor and will last longer than the others is a huge bonus.

This one is a legend and can be bought online at any local Home Depot for a great price. 

Final words: Ryobi’s brushless vs brushed motors

Like I said at the beginning, brushless motors make a difference and I highly recommend going with them if you are a DIYer. 

If this is your first time buying a lawn tool and know you won’t use it often, you can get away with it being brushed and probably be fine. I would buy cheap and have low expectations, however.

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. 

This is our job.

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

About Ryobi

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

Ryobi tools are fan favorites mostly because they are good-enough quality, are relatively low cost, and make just about every tool under the sun, which allows you to reuse their batteries and save a ton of money. 

Some of their awesome tools – the backpack sprayer.
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What Is A Lawn Edger? (+ Best Edgers in 2024)

Lawn edgers are some of the most satisfying tools on the planet because they create a perfect, crisp border around your lawn. You can mow your lawn and remove leaves, but the job isn’t complete without an edger. 

Using a lawn edger is what caused my neighbor to go from “you have really nice grass” to “you have the best lawn in the neighborhood” (true story). Many people try to use weed eaters as lawn edgers, but honestly they can’t quite make the yard look as nice.

Today I’ll walk through exactly what an edger is, how it compares with trimming, then some of the best lawn edgers we’ve used.

Let’s do it.

So…what exactly is a lawn edger?

As the name suggests, a lawn edger is a tool that trims the edges of your lawn’s boundaries. For example, you can use an edger to trim the grass that borders your driveway or mailbox. A freshly-edged yard leaves your property uniform and square. 

Edgers can also be used around garden beds, separating mulch from the grass and creating a distinct garden bed that “pops”.

You wouldn’t go to the barber and only cut the hair on the top of your head without trimming the sides. The same applies to your yard – an edger finishes the job while boosting your home’s curb appeal.

Edging doesn’t take a professional; anyone who can operate a mower can also master the art of edging. If you already use a landscaping company to service your lawn, they should use an edger after mowing. But if you mow your property yourself and don’t have an edger yet, you’re in luck. A quality edger will only set you back a couple of hundred dollars (and trust me, they’re worth the investment).

If you’re looking for an extra crispy lawn, make sure to read our guide on how to sharpen mower blades.

What’s the difference between trimming and edging?

Let’s set the record straight here. Edging and trimming are two very different things that are often mixed up. 

Edging utilizes a motorized blade that digs into the dirt between a hard surface (street, driveway, sidewalk) and your yard. Edgers push up dirt and dig a small little trench that cleanly separates the yard and surface. Edgers can do a little bit of trimming if grass is growing over the surface, but are not designed for full-scale grass shredding.

What it looks like to edge with a trimmer.

Trimmers are used to cut stray grass not reached or not accessible by mowing. Trimmers can also be used to cut the grass between hard surfaces and the yard, but don’t quite have the capability to edge as well as an edger does.

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My favorite edgers

What better way to start 2024 than with a new lawn edger? If you’re looking for a new edger, you have a lot to choose from – how do you weed out the duds? You’re in luck – we did the hard work for you already. Check out our article on the top battery lawn edgers. 

After comparing dozens of lawn edgers, the below options made the top of our list:

  1. Greenworks Pro 80V 8-Inch Brushless Edger
  2. Greenworks 40V 8-Inch Brushless Edger
  3. EGO Power+ ME0800 8-Inch Edger Attachment and Power Head

These battery-powered lawn edgers are affordable and offer long-lasting quality and durability (the best of both worlds). 

We used this EGO edger attachment and loved it.

You can also purchase a trimmer and an edger combo to get the most out of your money. While a trimmer does most of the heavy lifting, an edger will make your neighbors stop and stare. 

Another angle of what these bad boys look like.

If you’re a new homeowner or want to spruce up your lawn, a trimmer and edger combo is a great thing to have in your arsenal. 

How to use a weed eater to edge your lawn

You can do some moderate edging of your lawn with a weed eater. The trick is to have the right weed eater string.

When I was using the stock weed eater string that came with my Ryobi weed eater, I thought it was doing a good job. Then after doing a ton of research and developing the 

Manual vs. Motorized Edgers: What’s the Difference?

Lawn edgers come in all shapes and sizes. They also come as manual or motorized. Manual edgers are handheld tools not powered by an engine or battery. Many of these edgers resemble shovels with an inverted cutting tip that penetrates the soil and shapes the grass. It looks like a shovel without any type of curvature. Manual edgers are much cheaper to purchase (and operate) compared to motorized edgers.

In fact, we reviewed the cost of manual edgers on Amazon and home improvement stores and found that the average prices range from $30 to $60. 

Although the price of a manual edger might seem tempting, remember that they require a lot more work. Not only that, but customer reviews are mixed. Many reviewers say the blades break or bend easily. Therefore, you may have better luck with a motorized edger if you don’t mind spending the extra money.

A battery or engine powers a motorized edger. Using a motorized edger is much less labor-intensive compared to a manual edger. However, a motorized edger will set you back at least $100 for a high-quality product. A motorized edger is usually the best route unless you have a very small yard.

The Two Types of Electric Lawn Edgers

Out of all the lawn edgers available on the market, electric edgers are becoming the most prevalent. Consumers have two options when purchasing an electric edger: Corded or cordless.

If you buy a corded lawn edger, you’ll have to keep it plugged in as you use it which can restrict the distance you travel. On a positive note, you won’t have to worry about losing battery life.

A corded Worx edger.

On the other hand, a cordless lawn edger can be operated without plugging it into a power outlet. But despite the cordless option, you’ll still need to charge the battery from time to time using a cord provided with the edger.

The price difference between cordless and corded isn’t significant. As a result, many homeowners prefer a cordless edger because they don’t want to worry about tripping over a cord (can you blame them?). They also don’t need to purchase an extension cord to reach all corners of their lawn.

Edgers often come as attachments for attachment-capable multi-tools. These can easily be swapped out to save money on tools and batteries (not to mention storage space).

Frequently Asked Questions

If my guide on lawn edgers has sparked your curiosity, you’re in for a treat. I put together a list of the most common questions we get from our community on Youtube.

What is the difference between a lawn trimmer and an edger?

The main difference between trimmers and edgers is the depth at which they cut. Trimmers are used for all purpose lawn trimming and have a more shallow cut. Edgers go deeper to form a border around your lawn or garden bed.

What is an edger used for?

You don’t necessarily need a lawn edger, but they’re definitely a must-have if you want a clean and squared lawn. Not to mention, you can get one for around one hundred dollars or less.

How much does professional edging cost?

Most lawn care companies offer to edge as part of their services. That is, they’ll mow your lawn first and edge it after. If you just want a company to edge your yard (and not mow it), you can expect to pay less than two hundred dollars.

Lawn Edgers at a glance

A well-manicured law requires an edger – a tool that trims the areas of the lawn that the standard lawnmower can’t reach. Professional lawn care companies will edge your lawn after cutting it, but you can also do it yourself. Lawn edgers are cheap, easy to operate, and boast advanced features like depth and speed control.

You should also consider a trimmer and an edger combo if you want to pamper your lawn and save your hard-earned money. I’m certain that no matter which edger or edger and trimmer combo you use, the results will leave you more than satisfied. 

Why we review lawn tools

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

How we spend our time these days reviewing lawn tools.

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

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