OT Battery String Trimers and

Re: OT Battery String Trimers and

John Veerkamp

I think that with the great improvements in Battery technology that for limited lower power needs that batteries are the way to go. Makes life much simpler. I've had good luck with 40V Black and Decker trimmers. Need to sell my Sthil gas chain saw and get a battery one.

Re: OT Battery String Trimers and

Gerry in the Columbia Valley

I've had good results with an 18V Ryobi string trimmer. My only issue is that the string is too light and needs to be hand fed frequently rather than a bump feed system.

Re: OT Battery String Trimers and

Barry Irby

If you already have Dewalt 20 Volt equipment and batteries and chargers, I would stick with matching equipment/trimmer. You may be able to buy a Naked tool and save money or you may want to buy the new tool with batteries and a charger. Also check and see if the the chainsaw runs on two batteries at the same time.

Battery powered tools have been "emerging technology" for a long time but 20 volts may be a fairly stable platform.

OTOH, I have met several people with Stihl equipment and none of them were disappointed after they got over the sticker shock.

NO gas!!!

Thomas T Dunlap

For years I would advise people not to buy any small gas power yard tools. Corded first now battery.

I have been happy with Dewalt battery tools so I bought the smaller top handled chainsaw, bare tool, for about $150. It works just fine using the 2A battery but just not as long. I've used it on a couple of pruning jobs that I had to climb too.

Since I'm not doing much 'for hire' treework now the DW will be just fine. I've still got my bigger Husky gas saws. When I travel I'll have my DW drills, saws, etc. and my DW chainsaw too. No stink, no mixed gas, no mess.

Almost all of the arborists I know are replacing gas trim saws with battery. More dependable, quiet etc. Husky seems to be the fav. Some climbers are taking the batter off the saw, adding a long cord, and hanging the battery from their harness. Less weight on their wrists and arms.

Every time I do use my DW I still move my left hand to the recoil! After 40+ years of pull-starting the muscle memory is strong.

Well Thanks

Mike L

I have a lot of Hilton Point invested in DeWalt tools so I will stay with them. If you didn't know you can use Hilton Points on Amazon.

Re: OT Battery String Trimers and

Dick Coers

I just bought the 20v Dewalt trimmer. But we are in a drought, and even the weeds slowed down. So haven't used it yet. I was going to get the bare tool, but then the on-line supplier I like sent me a $15 coupon. That made the trimmer with charger and 4ah battery only add $20 premium. You'll want the 4 or 5ah battery to balance the trimmer. It has two speeds plus variable. If the cutting is easy, you'll get extended life on the battery at the lower speed. Looks like a random orbit sander on the head. Hmmmm, gives me an idea!

Re: Well Thanks

Jim Smith

Hello, I have had the 20 volt Dewalt string trimmer for a year, it is a great tool, last about 25 minutes on 5 amp hour battery cutting normal grass in yard. The string is very easy to change, cut a 20ft. piece slide it thru head half way and turn head to wind it in. Would buy again. Have not cranked gas weedeater this year!!!!

Identify your need

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

If trimming around the edge of a lawn is the need I can imagine a battery machine would be effective. If the need is to whack our tough Tall Fescue pasture grass in places a mower won't go then you may need at least a mid range Stihl or equivalent. At the rate I burn gas in my trimming around the farm I know a battery machine would not suffice. The larger Stihl machines will also handle a three lobed brush blade that will whack small trees and invasive honeysuckle.

BTW, the Stihl is the first trimmer I have owned that does not wind tall grass around the head and stall. I can whack 2' high grass without problems.

Re: Identify your need

Larry Barrett

Bill, what model do you use? I have 2’ high stilt grass that I am cutting with a scythe.

My scythe is intended for wall art.

scythe questions?  go to hand too forum

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

Stihl KM 90R it think it is a midrange machine.

Neanderthal version

Jim Matthews

https://www.hardwareandtools.com/landscapers-select-34581-weed-cutter-12-inch-sling-blade-fbba-0262.html

Never run out of gas.

Easy to sharpen.

Surprisingly effective.

Re: Neanderthal version  *LINK*

Larry Barrett

When I was about 14 or 15 my Dad convinced me that using this (we called it a grass whip in those days) would improve my golf swing.

Here's my Neanderthal version. Very effective but tiring after an hour or so.


http://www.leevalley.com/en/garden/page.aspx?p=10198&cat=2,2160,40710

Re: scythe questions?  go to hand too forum

Larry Barrett

I stopped by a Stihl dealer and was amazed at the wide variety of trimmers and attachments. No one to ask/answer questions at this store, so here is next question for Bill.

What type head/string are you using that doesn't wind grass around the axle?

Head PIC

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

When I bought it I was told it would not wind grass. The head is whatever came on it. At the Stihl dealers here that cater to farms there are not so many models. Mine is midrage "professional" model. You probably need that power for tall grass.

Thank you

Lots of small stuff around flower

Mike L

beds and a little edging. So the battery one should do all right.

Thanks everyone

Mike