Need some cordless weed eater suggestions please

[awp_101]

After 4 years or so of use, it looks like the battery on my Ryobi weed eater is about to keel over so I'm about to be in the market for either a replacement battery or weed eater.

We're on a roughly 1/3 acre corner lot so there's lots of fence line to maintain. Battery run time and speed of recharging is more important to me than the ability to run off an extension cord as a secondary power source. I don't have a budget yet but inexpensive (as opposed to cheap) is always welcome.;) I haven't started looking yet so right now I'd cap it at $150 max but that's very arbitrary right now.

Thanks!

[Bratch]

If you like the weedeater I’d just replace the battery. We have a 40V and 80V Kobalt weedeater and have to replace the batteries every couple years. Last time we just bought a blower that came with a compatible battery. I think batteries dying is part of the game.

[Welder]

The only cordless one I've used is the Milwaukee M18, and I don't have anything to compare it to. It uses tiny line from the factory which isn't very tough, and I'm going to change that. Just ran out of line last Fall. I like that it's quiet and has good power which lasts a considerable time when a 12.0Ah battery is attached...about the same amount of time as a tank of fuel through my old 31cc Ryobi 2-stroke. The 9.0Ah batteries last awhile in it, too, but much under that would get annoying if you have much trimming to do.

It's about double your current expected buy-in price, and I didn't shop features when I bought it; I bought it because I'm heavily invested in M18 tools anyway and nothing else made sense. Plus I found it on closeout at my local hardware store for $200 last year with a 9.0Ah battery.

I thought it'd be a novelty, but actually I pick it up sooner than I pick up my Ryobi...no fussing with choke, I've got enough batteries to run it for a week straight, no loud 2-stroke, etc. It just needs heavier line.

[Spartan1980]

For what it's worth I have a Kobalt 40V lawn mower and blower. One battery between the two and it's still hanging. When it goes I'll buy a new battery. Normal residential lot so I have about a 1/4 to 1/3 acre?

I use the lawnmower for inside corners, planters and tight spots then a pass around the edges. Then I hop on the Toro Timesaver ZTR (residential grade). The ZTR is overkill but I can be done with all of it in about an hour if I don't dick around but I usually end up at about 2 hours. Weedeating and edging take longer than mowing. One charge leaves me with a little charge left over after two mowings. I'll eventually buy a Kobalt weedeater since I could use the same batteries and sell my Echo gas powered. It's sure nice to not have to go get gas, oil, etc.

[Coyotesfan97]

I have a DEwalt40V MAX XR String Trimmer that eats weeds pretty easily. It has good battery life and the batteries interchange with the blower I have.

[littlejerry]

The basic Ryobi 40v has served me well on 0.5 acres for the last 4 years. I have 2 batteries, it usually takes 0.5-1 full battery to trim the yard, and then 1 full battery to run the edger along the driveway and walkway.

[awp_101]

For what it's worth I have a Kobalt 40V lawn mower and blower. One battery between the two and it's still hanging. When it goes I'll buy a new battery. Normal residential lot so I have about a 1/4 to 1/3 acre?

I use the lawnmower for inside corners, planters and tight spots then a pass around the edges. Then I hop on the Toro Timesaver ZTR (residential grade). The ZTR is overkill but I can be done with all of it in about an hour if I don't dick around but I usually end up at about 2 hours. Weedeating and edging take longer than mowing. One charge leaves me with a little charge left over after two mowings. I'll eventually buy a Kobalt weedeater since I could use the same batteries and sell my Echo gas powered. It's sure nice to not have to go get gas, oil, etc.

I may go the Kobalt route because I do my yard a similar way (edge, trim, push mower for the edges and tight spots then riding mower). I have lousy luck with gas trimmers and I think the 15 y/o push mower died over the winter so going with a good battery system for everything but the riding mower makes sense.

[Pyromancer]

I've had the ryobi expand it-40 volt tools for about 5 years (Wacker, blower, hedge trimmer). Weed Wacker is great, powerful, and easy to string. Only problem is if you drain the battery too low it goes into sleep mode. System thinks the battery is dead, as it doesn't have a boost feature. Stock up on a spare battery and don't run them completely dry.

[Snapshot]

I was already using the Milwaukee M18 line of tools so went with that for a weed whacker. Certainly not the least expensive & the big batteries (which are nice both for runtime and balance) are also expensive. But it has been working well on my medium size suburban property for a couple of years, much handier than the gas powered Echo it replaced.

[mtnbkr]

I have the Kobalt 80v stuff. Not because I need 80v equipment, but because it's what Lowes puts on the deepest sales. I got my mower and string trimmer, with 3 batteries and two chargers, for less than I could get a 40v mower alone. I've had my mower and trimmer for 2 seasons, this will be my 3rd. Just today I bought a Ryobi edger attachment for the trimmer.

My parents (now just my mom) bought into the same ecosystem and have those two tools as well as the blower and chainsaw. Those tools have been in service for 4 years. Shortly after they bought the mower and saw, I used the saw to cut down several small to medium sized trees in their yard. I had to use all the batteries to down, limb, and cut the trunks into manageable lengths, but it did the job.

Bottom line, I'm impressed by the Kobalt 80v line. I certainly don't need that much power in my own yard, but when I use those tools at my mom's, I'm reminded they are a legitimate replacement for gas power even in a proper yard.

ETA: The best time to buy Kobalt 80v gear is in the late Fall through late Winter. Lowes puts the 80v stuff on deep sales during that time, especially just before Thanksgiving through mid January. I bought my string trimmer, with battery and charger, for less than the battery would have cost alone.

Chris

[mtnbkr]

going with a good battery system for everything but the riding mower makes sense.
That's what my mom does now. She has about half an acre and does the bulk of it with the riding mower, uses the Kobalt 80v mower for the detail areas, and the trimmer for the normal string trimmer duties. She has mowed the entire yard with the Kobalt mower when the riding mower has to go into the shop.

Chris

[Spartan1980]

I have the Kobalt 80v stuff. Not because I need 80v equipment, but because it's what Lowes puts on the deepest sales. I got my mower and string trimmer, with 3 batteries and two chargers, for less than I could get a 40v mower alone. I've had my mower and trimmer for 2 seasons, this will be my 3rd. Just today I bought a Ryobi edger attachment for the trimmer.

My parents (now just my mom) bought into the same ecosystem and have those two tools as well as the blower and chainsaw. Those tools have been in service for 4 years. Shortly after they bought the mower and saw, I used the saw to cut down several small to medium sized trees in their yard. I had to use all the batteries to down, limb, and cut the trunks into manageable lengths, but it did the job.

Bottom line, I'm impressed by the Kobalt 80v line. I certainly don't need that much power in my own yard, but when I use those tools at my mom's, I'm reminded they are a legitimate replacement for gas power even in a proper yard.

ETA: The best time to buy Kobalt 80v gear is in the late Fall through late Winter. Lowes puts the 80v stuff on deep sales during that time, especially just before Thanksgiving through mid January. I bought my string trimmer, with battery and charger, for less than the battery would have cost alone.

Chris

Another thing is if you already have a mower or some of the other tools, you can usually by a standalone tool (without battery or charger) off the Lowes website and get free shipping to the store. That's how I bought my blower. I'd definitely want two batteries if I had the trimmer and/or edger to go with the mower but I might could squeak by with one battery if I didn't take too long. These batteries do have some leg to them. To add to my post above: The 40V blower works quite well too and it's much quieter than a gas model.

[awp_101]

Thanks everyone! Had to make a decision on one today so I can use it tomorrow. Ended up with an EGO 56v (https://www.lowes.com/pd/EGO-Power-56-Volt-Max-15-in-Straight-Cordless-String-Trimmer-with-and-Battery-Included/1003130700).

I was all set to get the Kobalt when I remembered the oldest boy has a small yard and does everything with cordless equipment. I also know he obsessively researches his purchases so I asked what he had. Turns out he's got a full Ryobi set up that was given to him but if that hadn't happened, he was ready to start buying the EGO equipment.

[LittleLebowski]

The basic Ryobi 40v has served me well on 0.5 acres for the last 4 years. I have 2 batteries, it usually takes 0.5-1 full battery to trim the yard, and then 1 full battery to run the edger along the driveway and walkway.

Mine caught on fire the first time I used it, turns out this is common. First time a Ryobi let me down.

[idahojess]

Mine caught on fire the first time I used it, turns out this is common. First time a Ryobi let me down.

Yes, but did it take care of the weeds?

[JAD]

Mine caught on fire the first time I used it, turns out this is common. First time a Ryobi let me down.

I am really interested in the details.

[pangloss]

Thanks everyone! Had to make a decision on one today so I can use it tomorrow. Ended up with an EGO 56v (https://www.lowes.com/pd/EGO-Power-56-Volt-Max-15-in-Straight-Cordless-String-Trimmer-with-and-Battery-Included/1003130700).

I was all set to get the Kobalt when I remembered the oldest boy has a small yard and does everything with cordless equipment. I also know he obsessively researches his purchases so I asked what he had. Turns out he's got a full Ryobi set up that was given to him but if that hadn't happened, he was ready to start buying the EGO equipment.

I'm late to the thread, but I think your EGO is the current version of what I have. Mine is a few years old now, and I've been extremely pleased with it. I bought an EGO leaf blower that uses the same battery. I think they are fantastic, and if I needed to buy another weed eater tomorrow, I'd get another EGO and not give it a second thought.

[EricM]

This deal (https://www.toolup.com/promotions/milwaukee-string-trimmer-blowout) showed up in my inbox this morning -- free pole saw, hedge trimmer, or edger attachment thrown in with the Milwaukee M18 Fuel string trimmer kit with HD9.0 battery for $299.

I'm mostly Milwaukee these days but currently using Dewalt for outdoor tools because reasons. I'm specifically curious about the Milwaukee pole saw attachment. My current Dewalt pole saw (https://www.dewalt.com/products/outdoor/chainsaws/20v-max-xr-brushless-cordless-pole-saw-tool-only/dcps620b) has the motor in the head next to the chain, putting more weight at the far end of the pole. I've never used any other pole saw but I find maneuvering it to be a handful, especially with the extension, even with a big battery as counterweight. With the Milwaukee having the motor in the shared power unit, it seems there would be a lot less weight on the business end and it might handle a quite a bit better. Any of the Milwaukee guys (@Welder Snapshot rob_s) have any experience with the Milwaukee pole saw? Any chance someone could put just the pole saw attachment itself on a postal scale? The end section of my Dewalt, with the saw head and ~2' of pole, chain installed but no oil, weighs 5 lb 2.6 oz. I'm curious how much lighter the Milwaukee would be.

[Snapshot]

I don't have the M18 polesaw, and really don't need it for my property. But now, thanks to certain people, I want one. :rolleyes:

[rob_s]

This deal (https://www.toolup.com/promotions/milwaukee-string-trimmer-blowout) showed up in my inbox this morning -- free pole saw, hedge trimmer, or edger attachment thrown in with the Milwaukee M18 Fuel string trimmer kit with HD9.0 battery for $299.

I'm mostly Milwaukee these days but currently using Dewalt for outdoor tools because reasons. I'm specifically curious about the Milwaukee pole saw attachment. My current Dewalt pole saw (https://www.dewalt.com/products/outdoor/chainsaws/20v-max-xr-brushless-cordless-pole-saw-tool-only/dcps620b) has the motor in the head next to the chain, putting more weight at the far end of the pole. I've never used any other pole saw but I find maneuvering it to be a handful, especially with the extension, even with a big battery as counterweight. With the Milwaukee having the motor in the shared power unit, it seems there would be a lot less weight on the business end and it might handle a quite a bit better. Any of the Milwaukee guys (@Welder Snapshot rob_s) have any experience with the Milwaukee pole saw? Any chance someone could put just the pole saw attachment itself on a postal scale? The end section of my Dewalt, with the saw head and ~2' of pole, chain installed but no oil, weighs 5 lb 2.6 oz. I'm curious how much lighter the Milwaukee would be.

I have that pole saw, along with the extension and some of the other attachments (I started with the pole saw). My wife uses it, not me :cool: but she loves it.

Thanks for the link BTW, I suspect that M18 chainsaw is headed to my house shortly...

[BN]

I need a new trim mower. We have a lot of trees that I can't get under with the Kubota with roll bar. Thinking about a self propelled EGO. Leaning toward electric over gas.

[Stephanie B]

Cordless weed-eater:

70011

[Coyotesfan97]

Cordless weed-eater:

70011


I’m sure other places have them too but there’s people who’ll rent you a herd of Goats for weed control. AZ DOT uses them around the convergence of the 101 and 202 in the fenced areas.

[David S.]

Necro threading.

My three DeWalt 40V batteries won't take a charge.

I use my string trimmer and blower fairly hard, so I prefer the semi-pro over the consumer grade gear. I was satisfied with the 40v series.

Since I have to change eco systems anyway, is it worth looking outside of DeWalt 60v?

[DMF13]

I've had a Ryobi 40v string trimmer for about 4 years, for use on a corner lot about the same size as the OP. If I'm just trimming along the borders, and spots I can't hit with the riding mower, a 4Ah battery is plenty. However, I use it as an edger, I go through 2 batteries, and most of a third.

I'm pretty happy with it, I just wish it had a wheel use as an edger. Ryobi had a version like that, but the design was bad, and the one I had wrapped out after just a few uses. Ryobi replaced it under warranty, and that one died too, and they replaced it with the current version, that I've been using for the last several years.

I also have a Ryobi 40v leaf blower, hedge and hedge trimmer.

My point is, if you like it, have the chargers, and if you have any other 40v Ryobi tools, I'd suggest just getting a new battery.

[David S.]

I forgot to mention that Dewalt 40v batteries were discontinued a few years ago, which is why I’m not just replacing them.

[LittleLebowski]

Necro threading.

My three DeWalt 40V batteries won't take a charge.

I use my string trimmer and blower fairly hard, so I prefer the semi-pro over the consumer grade gear. I was satisfied with the 40v series.

Since I have to change eco systems anyway, is it worth looking outside of DeWalt 60v?

The Milwaukee M18 trimmer will wear you out. I think I did half an acre of heavy wild grass on a 6.0 before I wore out 😁. Super easy to wind the new line into as well. And the tree saw attachment for this rocks. I’ve used the hell out of mine, love it.

[MickAK]

The Milwaukee M18 trimmer will wear you out. I think I did half an acre of heavy wild grass on a 6.0 before I wore out 😁. Super easy to wind the new line into as well. And the tree saw attachment for this rocks. I’ve used the hell out of mine, love it.

The DeWalt 20V version is a pain to load new line on. Otherwise works extremely well. I wish I had gone red tbh but I'm too invested in yellow to switch now.

[David S.]

The DeWalt 20V version is a pain to load new line on. Otherwise works extremely well. I wish I had gone red tbh but I'm too invested in yellow to switch now.

I’ve seen a bunch of folks recommend replacing the factory head with the Echo Speed Feed. (https://a.co/d/bTOCqwM). It appears to be super easy to reload.

I went ahead and picked up a DeWalt 60v trimmer/blower combo, along with the above head.

[EricM]

I’ve seen a bunch of folks recommend replacing the factory head with the Echo Speed Feed. (https://a.co/d/bTOCqwM). It appears to be super easy to reload.

I went ahead and picked up a DeWalt 60v trimmer/blower combo, along with the above head.

I've had the 60V trimmer and blower for several years and been happy with both. I'd suggest ordering the larger guard, going from this (https://www.ereplacementparts.com/guard-assembly-p-2818716.html) to this (https://www.ereplacementparts.com/guard-p-2818717.html). (Double check if that's the right part for your model though, there have been at least a couple different FlexVolt trimmers.)

You might also give the OEM head a try first, if you can potentially still return the Speed Feed. IIRC DeWalt changed the head design, so some of the early complaints don't apply to the current head, even on the same model of trimmer.