Cordless string trimmer? Do they last?

[berettafan]

I think my echo gas trimmer has given up. Have some dewalt stuff so thinking maybe try a cordless. Has anyone had luck with them long term?

If not should i buy another echo or maybe try a different brand like stihl?

[Norm K]

Three seasons with an EGO trimmer and blower. They've been great tools with zero issues.

_

[70SATMan]

I’ve a Dewalt 20/60v Flex and love it. Had it about two years. I get about 40 minutes off the 60v battery using full speed in the heavy stuff. The battery really helps the overall balance. Much easier on the ears. I also have the Dewalt 20/60 hedge trimmers.

[wilnj]

Like every other question, the answer is that it depends.

I have a Ryobi 25cc string trimmer that’s going on about 15-20 years or so. It has had the carburetor and fuel lines replaced 1x. And I’ve run pre-mixed fuel for the last 12 years or so.

But I only have a 50x100 lot. It’s run time 1x per week for about 10-15 minutes. Once it gets really hot, it’s very finicky to re-start. I should buy the proprietary tool to set the jets or cut the slots back into the adjustment screws but I haven’t bothered.

If I had a lot 2 or 3x larger, it might be worth a bigger investment but this was a hand me down when mom downsized her home and I’ve only got about $30 into which includes the carb kit from Amazon and a new string head. $60 if you count the premium for buying pre-mix vs mixing my own but I’d likely also have another carb replacement in the mix if I weren’t using pre-mix.

[cstreit]

I have the Lowes brand. (cobalt)I’ve had it three years with zero issues. 1/2 acre lot and one battery charge does all the trimming.

My small gas engine lawn tools never lasted 2 years before they started having issues. I don’t have them any more.

I’m happy with mine

[jrj3rd]

Picked up a Stihl battery trimmer and have been using it all spring....my echo gas trimmer is for sale....

[john70t]

Make sure it uses the same battery as their other power tools.

[masraum]

I've got a Ryobi 18V and it works well.

[aschen]

3-4 years on my ego trimmer and mower, have worked really well no issues

I dont think I could go back to 2 smoke trimming, electric is about 1000x more pleasant to use.

unless you are responsible for edging an entire golf course, angry electrons are a no brainer IMHO.

[Cloggie]

My gas powered trimmer and Honda lawnmower were bought in June 1990.

Both run fine, start fine, perform as new.....the trimmer is starting to smoke a little.....

I see no reason to change either of them, if they were to die, I would replace with gas.

As a side note I also have a Honda snowblower, its quite entertaining to see the electric guys struggle and wait for me to come over and do the heavy stuff.....

D.

[matthewb0051]

We HAD a Ryobi w 18V and it wouldn't make it thru an entire yard of trimming. Yard was normal size

[aschen]

Ryobi is a budget brand good enough for many, but you may want something a little higher end or at least multiple batteries for alot of yards.

18v 4ah ryobi batteries are less than 80whrs, 56v 2.5ah battery in an ego for example (the smallest they make) is like 170 Watt hours.

I can trim my entire yard 2 and a half times with the ego but I only have around 1/4 acre. It also fully recharges in 40 min because it comes with a 200watt charger.

[asphaltgambler]

I have an older Black & Decker 12V unit that is 1 level above Fischer Price. But, the original one lasted so long, I wore out the head. Then finally the motor quit, and can only find NOS or factory refurbished ones online. I have since replaced it 2 additional times but cannot complain at all. I have 4 extra batteries in rotation on 3 chargers. My place is just over an acre in the country and I weed-eat just about the entire property.

So my use is waaaay past what this thing is designed for but I also have other B&D older cordless tools that take the same battery. If this one goes, I'll likely buy the same again, if I can find one online.

I've looked at the Stihl Cordless trimmers, but it's the battery prices that are $$. I'm waiting this out for now, keep what I have.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by aschen

electric is about 1000x more pleasant to use.

unless you are responsible for edging an entire golf course, angry electrons are a no brainer IMHO.

If there's an electric tool that does the job, absolutely.

Originally Posted by matthewb0051

We HAD a Ryobi w 18V and it wouldn't make it thru an entire yard of trimming. Yard was normal size

We don't trim that much, but I think the battery (4ah) lasts 30-45 mins for me which gets my trimming done.

Originally Posted by aschen

Ryobi is a budget brand good enough for many, but you may want something a little higher end or at least multiple batteries for alot of yards.

Yes, we've got three 4ah batteries and chargers. I bought several tool-kits (tool, battery, charger) when there were sales.

[stevej37]

I bought a new Echo gas trimmer a couple seasons back. It works great...but the next one will be battery powered....because of lighter weight and less noise.

[hbueno]

Originally Posted by Norm K

Three seasons with an EGO trimmer and blower. They've been great tools with zero issues.

_

Same for me except I have the string trimmer and hedge trimmer. I wonder how long the batteries will last but no complaints to date.

[Baz]

I love my cordless power tools but for yard work I still use Echo 2-cycle and a Toro 22" recycler gas mower.

I do have an additional hand-held blower that is a cordless Ryobi that I've had over 10 years for supplemental at home.

Just checked....21 SRM-225 units in stock at my local HD....$229 plus tax......

https://www.homedepot.com/p/ECHO-21-2-cc-Gas-2-Stroke-Cycle-Straight-Shaft-Trimmer-SRM-225/100675439

[Baz]

Also FYI, repairs for Echo are usually fuel related - a new fuel filter or fuel line can resolve. If you need a new carb you can get an aftermarket one from eBay for only $10....

Carb For Zama Carburetor Rb-K93 Echo A021001690 GT225, Pas225, Srm225 Trimmer

[gr8fl4porsche]

Just broke out my EGO trimmer for season #2 - excellent so far.

No complaints. Battery sat all winter and did not require a recharge to make it a full lap around
my property.

[john70t]

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

Then finally the motor quit,

Motor wear is usually over-working it or bad bearings.

Keep them clean by blowing out all the internals/moving parts every time with the air compressor. Run it while... Shiny.
Batteries like to be indoors during the winter.
etc