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Recommendations for Cordless Trimmers and Edgers.

What do you think: Black and Decker or Ryobi or Stihl (super pricey) or...?

I've used electric trimmers for the longest time and the hardest part of trimming my driveway (it's huge) and sidewalks and then blowing them clean is the long cord hassle.

My wife suggested I get a cordless trimmer and blower. (I didn't know such animals existed - yeah, I'm a caveman...)

The reviews uniformly state the cordless blowers aren't very strong - even Stihl doesn't get high marks for this item.

I'd like to go all cordless if I can find a blower that works well.

Most of the reviews for the trimmers, irrespective of mfg., are generally high with the greatest complaint being battery times.

Any of you have experience with these gadgets?

If so, what do you suggest?

Thanks!

When you say cordless, do you mean gas or battery operated? I use gas powered have good results from using Echo from Home Depot. I have not interest in battery powered equipment such as that.

I've had a Ryobi trimmer for a couple of years. It's affordable and reliable. And the ONE batteries work in all their tools. I have several Ryobi tools and just 3 batteries and 1 charger. Just got their flood light yesterday, it lights up the whole back yard. If your just using them around the house, I think Ryobi is a great value.

for Gas powered:
I have used for several years a Toro and now a Craftsman after my Toro power died after 5-6 years.
this is 2 pieces, 1 power unit and several heads
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-30cc-4-c ... ckType=G11" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

With the 2 piece you can buy edger, blower and other attachments and only need 1 power unit.


For battery:
I havent tried any, I like the power of gas!

mojo84,

Sorry I wasn't clear.

By cordless, I was speaking of battery powered.

eureka40,

Hey, that's good info.

Thanks!

Teamless,

Gas power is something I'd like to stay away from if (it's a big if) the battery powered trimmers and blowers do a good job.

Abraham wrote:Gas power is something I'd like to stay away from if (it's a big if) the battery powered trimmers and blowers do a good job.

Using battery-powered lawn tools is probably going to be a lot like hunting elk with a .22lr. I tried electric for a few weeks before going with the TroyBilt Trimmer Plus system (one engine and shaft, various attachments, of which I have the edger, trimmer, tiller, and blower). I have been using it for 8 carefree years. In fact (shame on me) I have only changed the oil once in those 8 years.

This Echo PAS system does well for me:

http://m.homedepot.com/p/ECHO-17-in-21- ... lsrc=aw.ds" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

mojo84 wrote:When you say cordless, do you mean gas or battery operated? I use gas powered have good results from using Echo from Home Depot. I have not interest in battery powered equipment such as that.

In my experience electric trimmers and blowers are under powered compared to gas operated models. For me, the hassle of buying and using gas is worth it.

Edited to add" I absolutely hate the sound of gas-powered lawn mowers, trimmers and blowers. That said, I have guess I have learned to live with my decisions on the lesser of two evils.

Your mileage may vary, but here's my experience.

I used a Troy-bilt gas trimmer for a long time, but it seemed that every season, I'd have to take it in for service because it wouldn't start (though I faithfully drained the gas every year).

So, I tried a battery powered B&D. We have a corner lot, and it seemed I initially had to change batteries halfway around the yard. That was OK, as I had multiple batteries (I had hedge trimmers and several drills that used the same batteries). Then it became three times. When it became four (as the batteries began to wear out), I decided I needed my drills to much to keep wasting expensive batteries.

I bought a fully electric trimmer and an extension cord. That was almost three years ago now. I've been far less frustrated than with gas and battery. To be fair, my front yard doesn't have many trees, so it's probably easier for me than it would be for many others. That said, if it were a problem, I think it would be cheaper to get 2 or 3 extra extension cords than to go through lots of batteries I would lay them out at strategic points, and just unplug the first and plug in the second and keep going.

Battery powered tools have come a long way in the last few years. The lithium ion batteries store much more energy and last much longer than the older batteries used to. For example, I use this mower now.............

http://www.amazon.com/GreenWorks-25302- ... +lawnmower" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Granted my yard is not huge, but I can easily cut the front and back on one charge and have power left over. It's so quiet I can cut at 7:00 am on Sunday morning and not disturb anyone. If you don't have a huge estate, battery powered tools is the way to go, for me anyway.

I use the homeowner grade Stihl combination systems and am very impressed with the quality and versatility. The initial buy in is a bit expensive but the modular attachments help offset that cost.

eureka40 wrote:I've had a Ryobi trimmer for a couple of years. It's affordable and reliable. And the ONE batteries work in all their tools. I have several Ryobi tools and just 3 batteries and 1 charger. Just got their flood light yesterday, it lights up the whole back yard. If your just using them around the house, I think Ryobi is a great value.

I have the Ryobi system as well. But to date only the drill & reciprocating saw. They are the One+ 18v batteries and last a long time. I have 2 hi capacity batteries that came with the drill and I'm planning on getting the trimmer attachment to go with it, among other things.

I've had Stihl for about 10 years. I did get the multi use motor that can accept different attachments. Stihl may be pricey, but they are worth it. Look at what is in the trailers for landscapers. Most, almost all, of the ones I see are Stihl.

joe817 wrote:

eureka40 wrote:I've had a Ryobi trimmer for a couple of years. It's affordable and reliable. And the ONE batteries work in all their tools. I have several Ryobi tools and just 3 batteries and 1 charger. Just got their flood light yesterday, it lights up the whole back yard. If your just using them around the house, I think Ryobi is a great value.

I have the Ryobi system as well. But to date only the drill & reciprocating saw. They are the One+ 18v batteries and last a long time. I have 2 hi capacity batteries that came with the drill and I'm planning on getting the trimmer attachment to go with it, among other things.

I'll be getting that recip saw soon. Those ONE+ batteries are great and they don't cost that much. The tools don't cost much either.

The Ryobi One 18V stuff is REALLY good for the price. Right now Home Depot has a 2-pack of their 4 amp hour batteries for $99. Those will last a LONG time in a trimmer or blower.