Any decent cordless electric trimmers? or is this still an impossible feat.

Hi David,

Ryobi just came out with a new cordless string trimmer that is compatible with the 18 volt ONE+ system.  This unit is packed with features and at $39 with a 2 year warrant, very hard to beat.   It doesn't come with a battery or charger, but is compatible with all ONE+ tools even the new lithium ion batteries!    I own one and am very pleased.  It is lightweight and has great balance. 

From The Home Depot website:

New Ryobi One + Cordless 18 Volt 2-in-1, 12 In. Trimmer Edger with Auto-feed head. The Best Value Trimmer Edger available today with multiple height and grip setting to maximize ease of operation. The quiet, cordless, battery power extends use beyond any obstructions.

• 3 Position Pivoting Head For Trimming Under Obstacles
• Rotating Rear Handle Provides Edger Functionality
• Telescoping Shaft For Height Adjustment
• Auto Feed String Head - No Bumping Required
• MFG Brand Name : RYOBI
• MFG Model # : P2000

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100615514&N=10000003+90401+502008+4202

 

  David:

You are right...no good performers in this category. Cordless models are good for only light duty trimming. The best that we have seen so far is the Black & Decker Grass Hog NST2018 and its performance in heavier grass and weeds is poor.

     Peter Sawchuk

Definitely need to try the Ryobi P2000.  With the lithium ion batteries you don't get the loss of power when in use as you do with ni-cad batteries that are found on the Black & Decker units. 

Ryobi 18 volt lithium ion battery sustained power is hands down better than Black & Decker ni-cad string trimmers

I guess to get good performance from a cordless would require a motor that is either too large or too expensive for anyone to put in a trimmer.

David:

It is more that you need large battery capacity to do that much work and that means it will be very heavy for a hand held product. The latest lithium-ion battery technology will certainly help. These batteries can provide more power and run time for the same weight as the old batteries. But I expect that it will be some time before there is a good battery string trimmer that can handle heavier grass.

    Peter Sawchuk

I found a 2HP 24V electric motor on the net that is sold to people building RC battle robots. It costs about $600 and requires a bank of lead acid batteries to run (probably 6 or 8) and even then it probably only runs for 6 minutes. I figure 2HP is the power of a 2 stroke trimmer engine
What is your opinion on the 4 stroke trimmers? I need something that will cut heavy grass/weeds but is only going to be used once a week or so. The heavy duty industrial 2 stroke trimmers always seem to work better if they're used every day.
One of the local dealers sells RedMax 2 strokes if you have any opinions on those too
Thank You

   David:

The four stroke trimmers that we have tested, including the Honda, are noticeably heavier. To me this is a big draw back. In general they do not cut as well in heavy grass as the two stroke models. Although we have not tested RedMax because they commercial grade, have limited distribution and tend to be more expensive... they are very good units and appear to be quite durable. I do not think that you will be disappointed with one, except for the price. For an alternative, I recommend the Stihl FS 45 for $140. The Echo SRM-210i and Deere LT105SLE if you need a straight shaft. For the money you can not beat the Stihl.

      Peter Sawchuk