String trimmers Archives - The Lawn Review

February 8, 2023April 1, 2024

Ryobi 40V vs 18V Electric String Trimmer: Comparison Guide

Ryobi’s 40V and 18V battery lines mirror each other – but I like the Ryobi 40V trimmer better because it has more power and runtime. They have a ton of the same products in both 18V ONE+ configurations and 40V – including string trimmers. We got the opportunity to try both and do a side-by-side comparison.

To make it fair, we had to take one of the more powerful 18V weed eaters from Ryobi and compare it to the Ryobi 40V Expand-It series weed eater.

We were pleasantly surprised with the performance of both, but had to pick a winner between the two. If you’re in the market for a new string trimmer and are confused as to why Ryobi has two different battery offerings, you’re in the right place. Because before this article, we had the same question.

Jump ahead:

Power Comparison
Durability test
Usability and feel
Cost and value
Final review: Ryobi 18V vs 40V weed eater
Battery-powered weed eaters

Comparing the Ryobi 40V vs 18V String Trimmers

Ryobi makes great power tools and I want to kick off this comparison with a piece of advice. If you ALREADY OWN either the 18V ONE+ battery or the Ryobi 40V battery – you should go with the trimmer that corresponds with it. You can buy the tool-only version of either trimmer and save a ton of money. Now let’s jump in.

Power comparison: Ryobi ONE+ 18V vs 40V weed eater

When evaluating a string trimmer to see how powerful it is, the easiest thing to note is the difference in voltage. Yes, 40Vs are bigger than 18Vs – so right away you can infer that the 40V is the more powerful of the two assuming all else is the same.

But it’s also worthwhile to note that cutting swaths are a huge factor in evaluating both of these as well. The larger the cutting swath, the more power you’re able to get. For example, most commercial string trimmers have 17-19” cutting swaths. The 18V ONE+ Brushless String Trimmer has a 13 inch cutting swath. Compare that to the Ryobi 40V weed eater’s 15 inch cutting swath.

It’s clear that the 40V is the winner of this battle, but it was designed to be the winner. The ONE+ series of tools is mostly designed for lighter duty jobs, smaller yards, etc. But that doesn’t mean that it still can’t be the right string trimmer for you. Let’s keep going deeper.

Winner: Ryobi 40V String Trimmer

Durability of Ryobi’s 18V and 40V weed eaters

When it comes to durability in weed eaters, there are really two things that matter:

The type of motor
The type of weed eater string

When it comes to motors, brushless motors are the far superior choice to brushed. We did a full write up of Ryobi’s brushless motors and compared them to the old brushed-style of motors, but it really comes down to how the motor spins. Brushless motors use magnets to spin the motor and generate the transfer of power from the battery. This is opposed to brush motors that use friction, generate heat, and ultimately burn out.

Brushless motors are the way to go. Fortunately, the Ryobi ONE+ weed eater has a brushless motor, but sadly the 40V Expand-It series that can hold attachments does not. I can feel the Expand-It getting hot when I use it, sometimes overheating on my warm when I am using the trimmer. They’ve recently upgraded this one to a brushless motor, so if you can find that one then it is definitely the winner.

Other than the motor build, these two are very similar in the durability category. The first thing I would do with BOTH of these weed eaters is change out the weed eater string to a more durable one. I had the stock weed eater string on this and it was so lame. Changing it out made a MASSIVE impact. We developed our own weed eater string and tested it in the Ryobi 40V. It was life changing.

Winner: Ryobi ONE+ 18V String Trimmer

The Ryobi 40V series is a bit heavier but has more power

String trimmers need to not only be powerful and durable, but easy to use. A few things I take into account when comparing weed eaters is the weight, balance, and handling.

The last thing you want when walking around your yard trying to do precision work is to have a clunky, difficult, shoulder-crushing tool. The ONE+ 18V Ryobi string trimmer comes in at 7.3 lbs whereas the 40V string trimmer is 11.3 lbs. Those 4 pounds are definitely going to be felt after you’ve been carrying this around for a few minutes.

Another thing I look at in these string trimmers is length. Short weed eaters are more difficult to use and require you to lean way down to the ground to get a good cut. Both of these are right around 5.5 feet long, making them a great length. It’s a tie here.

The ONE+ series is better for light duty handling.

Lastly, I look at how they handle – the Ryobi 40V has an adjustable D-loop handle that’s also found on the 18V weed eater. They will handle almost identically given their similar build. The one thing that gives the 40V a competitive edge (pun intended) here is that it has the ability to take on a ton of other weed eater attachments. This can save you big money in the long run.

So the 18V string trimmer is lighter, but the Ryobi 40V has more functions due to the attachments.

Winner: It’s a tie!

Which Ryobi Trimmer is the better investment?

Cost is important! One thing that both of these weed eaters share is a battery system that works with a TON of other tools. The 18V ONE+ battery series has a ton of tools, all of which tend to be lighter-duty like their slightly smaller 18V backpack sprayer. The 40V battery system also works with a lot of heavier duty tools like the blowers and mowers.

You can grab the 40V Expand-It weed eater for around $180 from Home Depot or grab the tool-only version on Amazon for about $125.

The 18V ONE+ weed eater can be found on Amazon for an ever-changing price, but a good one is around $150. They’re also for sale at Home Depot.

Final ranking: Ryobi 40V vs 18V String Trimmer

This is a tough one. My first piece of advice is to go with whichever one you already have the battery for. This allows you to grab the tool-only version and save a ton of money.

If you own neither Ryobi batteries already, I think the 18V string trimmer is the best bang for the buck. It has a brushless motor, a great price, and has all the bells and whistles you want out of a weed eater. My only advice is to change out the weed eater string.

The 40V is also a good option if you want to add on a blower or mower at some point in the future and can grab the brushless edition.

Why we review lawn tools

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

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

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 type: Brushless vs brushed

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.

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.

July 12, 2022April 2, 2024

5 Battery Powered Lawn Combo Kits For All-in-One Shopping

The best lawn mower and trimmer combo kit is the Greenworks 40V 21 inch mower and trimmer kit. Not only do you get a sweet mower and trimmer, but you can save a bunch of money on lawn tools from Greenworks in the future by using the same 40V battery across dozens of tools.

Gotta love it! This photo came from one of our giveaway winners!

Best Mower Trimmer Combo (all-around): Greenworks 40V 21 inch mower and trimmer

5 Best Electric Lawn Mower and Trimmer combo kits

Alright y’all – let’s get to it. After about 19 hours of research and testing, we decided to bring you the best of the best.

We cut out combinations that could be purchased individually because that isn’t super helpful or convenient if you are trying to bundle these. We also disqualified combos that were insanely expensive. No thanks!

5. Toro Flex Force 60V Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit with mower and trimmer

The Toro Flex Force 60V Cordless 2-Tool Combo kit is the second most expensive set on this list. And there’s a reason why. It has a 22 inch walk-behind mower (meaning it is self-propelled) and a 16 inch trimmer. That’s pretty sweet. 16 inch trimmers are definitely in the commercial range and can be used by professional landscapers. The Toro Recycler mower has a brushless motor which means it is built to last and deliver more power than its brushed counterparts.

The mower can cut about ⅓ of an acre in 40 minutes. This is a little bit more than the average homeowner needs, but no complaints from me.

Toro has high quality stuff, but doesn’t have quite the experience in the electric space yet. For commercial gas-powered equipment, I’ll take Toro all day. In the electric world, they are still newbies.

You can grab this kit from Home Depot for about $100 less than it was this time last year.

4. Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21 in Mower and String Trimmer Kit

I love Ryobi products. They *mostly* have pretty high quality stuff, including their 40V HP Brushless mower and string trimmer kit.

Ryobi’s 40V series is really strong, especially since the 40V batteries can be used with an absurd amount of Ryobi products. The mower here has a cross-cut functionality, proving superior and thorough cuts to any lawn. It also has a self-propelled function and comes with two 40V batteries. At 21 inches, it’s the perfect width for medium yards, but can also fit smaller yards with ease.

The string trimmer here is nice as well. I have owned this Ryobi string trimmer for a long time and have had absolutely zero issues with it. It cuts 13-15 inches which is above average for residential weed eaters and will absolutely crush the borders of your lawn (which I love).

At a little over $800, this is the most expensive set I recommend. But it truly does serve as an investment in all of their lawn tools because you can buy the tool-only versions of any of their other 40V products, saving a boat load of money in the process.

You can grab this one from Home Depot as well.

3. LawnMaster 20VMWGT 24V Max 12-inch mower and Trimmer combo

LawnMaster is a no-name brand on Amazon but man, they have some DIRT CHEAP products. Now I can’t say that these will be found in droves, but geez, it is almost worth buying a new set each year because they are so dang cheap.

Whatever, it’s cheap. Photo Cred: Amazon.

Let me get started by saying that this mower is not very big. It is a foot wide. This is going to be able to take care of most people’s smaller lawns, but is actually great for tiny yards. Having a foot-long mower can navigate really tight corners and has more sensitivity to garden borders.

Unfortunately, I would not recommend this to anyone with a large lawn unless it is serving as a punishment. Or you can make it a part of your Subway diet – a footlong sub and a footlong mower exercise.

Anyways, you can grab this one on Amazon for a great price with a 10-inch trimmer. The trimmer looks very foreign-factory made. It will get the job done, but again is only good for smaller yards.

2. Worx 40V Lawn Mower & Trimmer Power Share Combo WG934

The Worx 40V lawn mower & trimmer power share combo (WG934) has over 21 THOUSAND reviews on Amazon, rated at 4.5 stars.

So people think it’s dang good. For a reason.

The Worx 40V mower here is cordless and covers 14 inches. Definitely better suited for smaller yards, or if you like a workout – some medium yards as well. It has something called “intellicut” which basically adjusts the output of the torque with the difficulty of mowing. It is similar to driving with cruise control where it will push on the gas if you’re going up a hill to keep the same speed. Cool.

The mower AND the GT revolution trimmer. Photo cred: Amazon.

The trimmer and edger combo here is also really nice. I’ve reviewed a ton of Worx trimmers and have always found them extremely intuitive to use. The power is nice, but another benefit of the WG934 combo kit is the ability for the trimmer to double as an edger. The GT Revolution is the name of the trimmer when its sold separately, and I think its the most popular trimmer on Amazon. Is this…3 tools in one? Is that cheating?

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

1. Greenworks 40V 21 inch Mower and String Trimmer Kit

The Greenworks 40V 21 inch Brushless and Cordless mower is an absolute beast. The fact that it comes with a full-body, grown-man string trimmer is a huge plus. And it is a great price.

We love the 40V Mower, blower, and trimmer because you can build your entire garage around it. The 40V line from Greenworks covers over 60 products. Once you get this set, you’re set. Snow blowers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, pole saws – you name it, they’ve got it covered in this line.

The mower has a steel deck, which makes it one of the most durable cordless mowers in the game. The brushless motor on this also gives it longevity and more torque. Between these two features, this mower is indestructible.

The TLR-favorite Greenworks has really great products. The 12 inch string trimmer that comes with this is perfect for small to medium yards and even includes a brush guard to keep it from tearing into garden beds.

I can’t say enough good things about this set. It is on sale for a great price on Amazon or you can grab it straight from Greenworks’ website.

Why we review lawn tools

What to look for in an electric lawn mower

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

Brand quality
- Quality is going to be super important here. Everyone is in the electric mower game these days and there are a ton of junky mowers out there. Avoid anything from a weird brand on Amazon that takes 9 years to ship. It is probably being 3D printed in a Laotian bathroom. Go for brands that have consistent quality and focus on the details, not just flashy colors.
Metal where it matters.
- Most electric mowers are plastic-y. Probably to reduce the weight of the mower so that the battery can get you further, but it feels cheap. Make sure to get metal where it matters – namely the deck. The deck is the part that covers the blades. Don’t get plastic here – a rock can rip through it.
Battery interoperability.
- A ten dollar word used here, but really just make sure to buy a mower with a battery that is compatible with other electric tools. Ryobi has this, so does Dewalt, and so do some of the Greenworks products. This will save you garage clutter and plug space.
Self-propelled or not.
- I actually don’t like the self-propelled feature. It doesn’t help you that much and it drains battery – I would pass here. This is a marketing gimmick in my opinion.

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

What to look for in a cordless string trimmer

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

Feel – Obviously this is subjective, but feel is everything to me. I have had weed eaters in the past where the handle is off to the side, making me torque my shoulders and back. 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 king here. They are longer lasting and more durable. Regular brushed motors are fine, too. The key difference here is that brushless motors use magnets, instead of friction, to power the motor. This means less heat, more durability, and a longer life. Brushed motors will still do the job, however they tend to have a shorter life. Brushless motors are relatively new, so if you have had an electric tool back in the day, it was probably brushed.
Interchangeable batteries – Get a dang tool that has batteries that you can use with other batteries. C’mon people – save money by doing this! You don’t have to keep buying new battery sets. There are a lot of tool companies that have batteries that work with a ton of different tools. But some of these companies have a bunch of different battery types. Be careful!
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 create a straight line for edging.

You can also improve any weed eater to become a freaking beast with the right weed eater string. We developed our own after testing out dozens of strings and combining all the best elements.

How to instantly improve your weed eater

March 19, 2022April 2, 2024

7 Makita String Trimmers That Make Your Lawn Pop

The best Makita weed eater is the XRU02Z for smaller yards or the XRU15PT for larger yards. Both Makita string trimmers have solid brushless motors, high RPMs, and decent cutting swaths. As a part of the Makita battery system, they also have batteries that can be used with tons of other tools.

You can read more or jump on over to Amazon to buy the top two below:

Best Makita weed eater for large yards: Makita XRU15PT cordless weed eater

Best all-around Makita weed eater: Makita XRU02Z Cordless Weed Eater

The Best Makita Weed Eaters: Ranked

Today we are going to review a list of weed eaters available from Makita. The names are not the most intuitive and can definitely be confusing. They also have letters at the end that signify whether or not they come with batteries.

If you can fight through it, just focus on each individual review. If the names confuse you, just click the link we provide to get more detail.

Let’s get started!

Makita XRU15PT and XRU15PT1 cordless weed eaters

Great one to start with! These are two of the higher end weed eaters offered by Makita and they pack a punch. Let’s dig deeper.

Just taking a quick break next to this tree.

The specifications of this Makita weed eater

The XRU15PT and XRU15PT1 both come with a brushless motor. These produce less friction so last longer and are more durable. This Makita cordless weed eater comes with three speed options ranging from 3,500 rotations per minute up to 6,500 for maximum power.

Additionally, these cordless Makita weed eaters come with a 15 inch cutting swath, which is definitely large. The end also has a “bump action” heading that allows for more string to be released while using.

The benefits

A few things I pointed out in the specifications are huge benefits.

The XRU15PT and XRU15PT1 Makita weed eaters are powerhouses. Durable, long-lasting motors, high speeds, large cutting swath, and two 18V batteries.

These Makita weed eaters can tackle any job. I’m not kidding.

Potential downsides

I honestly don’t see any downsides to these weed eaters. Maybe if you are looking for a smaller job or live in a townhome, these are going to be overkill. They are also slightly pricier than other weed eaters, but you get what you pay for.

Makita XRU15PT vs XRU15PT1 string trimmers

These are identical weed eaters, but the XRU15PT1 comes with four batteries instead of two. It is more expensive for the additional batteries, but you really don’t need them unless you are in the commercial landscaping space.

How to buy

We recommend purchasing these weed eaters on Amazon. They occasionally run pretty steep sales, so you can click here to check the price. If you don’t like Amazon, you can also grab it at Home Depot for a reasonable price.

Makita XUX01ZM5 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless Weed Eater

The Makita XUX01ZM5 is a cordless weed eater that offers multiple attachments. Many brands have similar attachments and I think they are a great value. Let’s break this one down.

The specifications

The Makita XUX01ZM5 has a brushless motor with three speeds, ranging from 4,200 RPM all the way up to 7,100 RPM. It also has a variable speed trigger that gives you ultimate power over the cutting speed.

The number of attachments that work with this weed eater seems to be growing every day, with tools like pole saws, different weed eater styles, and garden tillers.

The benefits of this Makita string trimmer

The benefits to this Makita cordless weed eater with attachments (which are super convenient) are much more than I expected. It is truly one of the most powerful one made by Makita and I think I know why.

This thing needs to have maximum power delivery if it can also be compatible with pole saws and garden tillers.

It’s tied down, but the trigger is super easy to use.

I also love the squeeze handle on this one, as it gives you more options with how to activate the power system. This Makita trimmer doesn’t have the standard “trigger” that can only be pulled from one angle.

Potential downsides

This weed eater is on the heavier side at about 10 lbs. While this is fine,your shoulder may become more tired over time.

You also are buying a full system, not just a weed eater. This means you might be sacrificing a little bit of comfort with each tool in exchange for the convenience of one single tool.

How to buy Makita cordless weed eater

The Makita XUX01ZM5 is available on Amazon and seems to go on sale quite a bit. We recommend checking the price by following this link.

Home Depot also sells this weed eater and has a great return policy.

Makita XRU23SM1 and XRU23Z 18V Weed Eater

The Makita XRU23 series of weed eaters is an 18V battery-powered tool. The XRU23SM1 and XRU23Z are the same weed eater, but the Z does not come with a battery.

Let’s break down this tool.

The specifications

The XRU23SM1 and XRU23Z Makita weed eaters come with a brushless motor that gives out up to 6,000 RPMs of power at a 13 inch cutting width.

The 18V battery will give you about an hour of runtime before requiring another charge. It weighs about 12.38 lbs.

The benefits of a bigger Makita weed eater

The brushless motor on this Makita weed eater means you are getting durability and a long-lasting piece of electric equipment. I’m a big fan of this only requiring one 18V battery instead of two, saving you money and charging space.

Another thing I like about this Makita weed eater is the price. The price on this weed eater is the lowest of all of the ones we have reviewed thus far. This is a high quality mid-range weed eater.

Potential downsides

If you have a really large yard, this might not be the best weed eater for you. For starters, its cutting width is not the largest for Makita weed eaters. The weed eater only supporting one 18V battery means you are limited to about one hour.

Otherwise, this is a great weed eater for the average residential homeowner.

How to buy

We recommend checking the price on Amazon and comparing it to the price at Home Depot. Both change a LOT and are always neck-and-neck.

Makita XRU02Z and XRU02SM1 cordless weed eaters

The Makita XRU02Z 18V weed eater is one of the most popular weed eaters. Not just Makita, but everywhere. It has a ton of reviews on Amazon and is averaging 4.5 stars. Not bad.

Let’s check out why.

The specifications of this smaller Makita weed eater

The Makita XRU02Z and XRU02SM1 comes in at about 7lbs, making it one of the lightest and smallest weed eaters.

But don’t be fooled. This one surprisingly has the highest rotation speeds, with about 7,800 rotations per minute. Wow.

The cutting diameter is a little smaller at just over 10 inches.

The benefits

Where do I even start? This is the most powerful weed eater Makita offers, yet it is also the smallest and most affordable.

This weed eater offers 45 minutes of run time and it lonely takes 30 minutes to charge.

If you are a homeowner with a small to medium yard, you simply cannot find a better all-around cordless weed eater.

Potential downsides

The Makita XRU02Z and XRU02SM1 are definitely designed for the modern homeowner, so don’t use this if you are a professional landscaper.

Otherwise, I cannot think of any meaningful downsides.

How to buy

The Makita XRU02Z and XRU02SM1 are available for darn good prices on Amazon. The tool only version (without a battery) is currently under $100 and its not even on sale.

My recommendation: click here to check for a sale on Amazon, then find out if it is on sale at Home Depot – both are great options.

How to instantly improve your weed eater

Our recommendation for the best Makita Weed Eater

With these Makita cordless weed eaters, it’s hard to go wrong. But we have to pick a winner.

And we have to go with the XRU02Z and XRU02SM1 weed eaters. They are simply powerful, inexpensive, and easy to use.

Grab yours for a great price on Amazon or check out the price at your local Home Depot.

Why we review lawn tools

Makita is making lawn equipment?

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

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

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

But why is Makita making lawn equipment NOW?

Good question. One thing I can tell you is that it is currently March of 2023 and Makita has a relatively small presence and market share in the lawn tool space.

Please bookmark this page and see where they are in 2024. We have it on good authority that they are making a massive push into this space.

So – sit back and watch them take over.

We recently reviewed Makita’s Cordless Blower series as well, check it out here. We also did a dive on the Makita’s crazy quiet cordless lawn mowers.

What to look for in a cordless weed eater

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

Feel – Obviously this is subjective, but feel is everything to me. I have had weed eaters in the past where the handle is off to the side, making me torque my shoulders and back. Bad.
Motor – brushless motors are king here. They are longer lasting and more durable.
18V vs 36V batteries – 36V Makita batteries are going to last you a lot longer than 18V. Good for those with bigger yards.
Curved vs Straight shaft – I always, always, always prefer straight shafts. They are so much easier to use and control.

Otherwise, make sure to get a full kit if you don’t have any Makita batteries. If you do already have some 18V batteries, grab the tool-only version to save a good chunk of change.

If you’re looking to upgrade the weed eater string, check out our size guide.