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http://m.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-40-V...ment-Capable-String-Trimmer-RY40220/204589659
So to preface, this is an initial impression more than a full review, as I just bought it this afternoon. Also, I have a limited history with string trimmers, mostly corded models and borrowed gassers (which I hate, since 2-strokes and I don't get along).
The one I got was Expand-It string trimmer kit from Hombre Depot. It was $149 and comes with power head, trimmed attachment, 2.4aHr battery, charger, and some extra string. Expand-It means you can put a bunch of other stuff on the power head, like a brush cutter, pole saw, blower, even a roto-tiller. The same attachments also fit different brands, like Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, etc. Ryobi also has a gas powered head to run the same attachments if you prefer.
Assembly is straightforward. Tab A into slot B kind of thing. Charge the battery up the rest of the way and you're off to the races.
Battery life is somewhat disappointing. I only got about 15-20 minutes before it was completely dead. I was working it pretty hard (my yard doesn't get weed-ate nearly as often as it should), some of the stuff should've been cut with the brush cutter attachment. But still, at 90 minutes to charge it back up that's a lot of down time. If I get the lawn mower I'll probably spring for the one with the 5.0aHr battery and see how much better it is.
Power is advertised as "gas-like," and if they're exaggerating, it's not by much. It took a lot to bog it down.
It's a bit heavier than I expected, comparing unfavorably with a gasser in my unscientific in store comparison. It's well balanced though, so it isn't bad.
Fit and finish, well, it's a Ryobi. I don't normally buy homeowner grade equipment, but anything professional grade is gas powered and again, 2-strokes are the devil. The Ryobi stickers had bubbles in them, the front handle was pretty cheap feeling. The eGo is much nicer, but I thought I'd go mid-range since yard work is more my wife's thing.
Some annoyances:
- I don't know if it is poor design, abuse, or me not noticing before, but I was constantly having to stop and pull grass out of the spool.
- The soft-start motor takes some getting-used-to, but isn't bad. Feathering the throttle isn't something you do on this unit.
- It's priced right but I'd pay $20-30 more for a kit with 2 batteries.
- A brushless motor would be nice. Make that battery last a bit longer.
Would I buy it again? Maybe. Too soon to tell, I guess I'll have to put some more miles on it. I have a sneaking suspicion that I'll wish I ponied up the extra $50 for the eGo but that remains to be seen.
So to preface, this is an initial impression more than a full review, as I just bought it this afternoon. Also, I have a limited history with string trimmers, mostly corded models and borrowed gassers (which I hate, since 2-strokes and I don't get along).
The one I got was Expand-It string trimmer kit from Hombre Depot. It was $149 and comes with power head, trimmed attachment, 2.4aHr battery, charger, and some extra string. Expand-It means you can put a bunch of other stuff on the power head, like a brush cutter, pole saw, blower, even a roto-tiller. The same attachments also fit different brands, like Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, etc. Ryobi also has a gas powered head to run the same attachments if you prefer.
Assembly is straightforward. Tab A into slot B kind of thing. Charge the battery up the rest of the way and you're off to the races.
Battery life is somewhat disappointing. I only got about 15-20 minutes before it was completely dead. I was working it pretty hard (my yard doesn't get weed-ate nearly as often as it should), some of the stuff should've been cut with the brush cutter attachment. But still, at 90 minutes to charge it back up that's a lot of down time. If I get the lawn mower I'll probably spring for the one with the 5.0aHr battery and see how much better it is.
Power is advertised as "gas-like," and if they're exaggerating, it's not by much. It took a lot to bog it down.
It's a bit heavier than I expected, comparing unfavorably with a gasser in my unscientific in store comparison. It's well balanced though, so it isn't bad.
Fit and finish, well, it's a Ryobi. I don't normally buy homeowner grade equipment, but anything professional grade is gas powered and again, 2-strokes are the devil. The Ryobi stickers had bubbles in them, the front handle was pretty cheap feeling. The eGo is much nicer, but I thought I'd go mid-range since yard work is more my wife's thing.
Some annoyances:
- I don't know if it is poor design, abuse, or me not noticing before, but I was constantly having to stop and pull grass out of the spool.
- The soft-start motor takes some getting-used-to, but isn't bad. Feathering the throttle isn't something you do on this unit.
- It's priced right but I'd pay $20-30 more for a kit with 2 batteries.
- A brushless motor would be nice. Make that battery last a bit longer.
Would I buy it again? Maybe. Too soon to tell, I guess I'll have to put some more miles on it. I have a sneaking suspicion that I'll wish I ponied up the extra $50 for the eGo but that remains to be seen.
