stihl grass trimmer


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After a new test, we chose Ego ST1511T Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload. We added the Worx WG170.2 GT Revolution 20V PowerShare trimmer and trimmer as an option for small lawns.
After a new test, we chose Ego ST1511T Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload. We added the Worx WG170.2 GT Revolution 20V PowerShare trimmer and trimmer as an option for small lawns.
Only through the graceful rotation of the trimmer-tall grass around the mailbox, front steps, fences and flower beds-can the property look truly polished. We have tested cord cutters on overgrown areas and steep hillsides, and we once razed 12,598 square feet of overgrown fields to the ground. The Ego ST1511T Power+ trimmer with Powerload is the best of these tools (also called weeder or weeder 1).
Ego’s ST1511T is far superior to other brands in terms of running time and power. Its telescopic shaft and handle are easy to adjust, making the tool very comfortable to use, even for long periods of trimming.
Compared with other wireless trimmers, the Ego ST1511T Power+ string trimmer with Powerload is at a different level. This trimmer cut the one-inch thick knotweed like grass, while others pitifully beat the thick stalks with the rope. Considering all this power, you would think this trimmer would be noisy. But it is the quietest tool we have tested, and the buzzing sound like a hair dryer sounds more pleasing than the whine of competitors. This model is the latest in a series of successful Ego trimmers, and is known for its easy-to-adjust telescopic shaft and quick-adjustable auxiliary handle. This makes it suitable for all heights and body types.
Ego ST1511T is as powerful and economical as gas tools, but without messy fuel, foul-smelling exhaust, or time-consuming maintenance. It is also the most powerful cordless trimmer we have found. After a single charge, it has enough running time to trim a 1-foot-wide grass strip, which is almost two-thirds of a mile long. Ego is equipped with a button-type line loading system, which eliminates the typical cumbersome process of placing new lines on the spool head. There are multiple systems that can do this, but Ego is the simplest system we have tested. It is not the lightest trimmer we have tried, but its excellent balance and handle adjustment make it one of the easiest trimmers to swing and manipulate in a narrow position. This model replaces our previous choice, Ego ST1521S, which is almost identical, except that it does not have a telescopic shaft and an easy-to-adjust handle.
Ego ST1521S is very similar to our main shifter, but lacks a telescopic shaft and quick handle adjustment.
If Ego ST1511T is not available, we also like Ego ST1521S Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload. This is the previous generation of Ego string trimmer, and it has many of the same factors as the ST1511T’s success: long battery life, excellent power, and easy cord replacement. The significant difference is that it does not have a telescopic shaft or a quick adjustment device on the handle, so it is not flexible enough for different heights. The prices of the two trimmers are usually about the same, so we recommend choosing this model only if the ST1511T is out of stock and you can’t wait.
This Ryobi is not as powerful as the Ego model. But it is compatible with Ryobi’s Expand-It attachment system, which means it can double as a tiller, brush cutter, etc.
If you are looking for a trimmer that doubles as a multifunctional lawn tool, we also like the Ryobi RY40270 40V brushless Expand-It string trimmer. Although it cannot cut tall and very thick weeds as easily as Egos, it still has the ability to cut through dense grass and has enough running time to handle large properties. However, unlike Egos, Ryobi is also “accessory ready.” Therefore, you can remove the trimmer head and replace it with any number of other yard tools, such as pole saws, brush cutters, or small field cultivators (all sold separately). Ryobi’s price is usually about the same as Ego ST1511T. But, again, Ryobi is not as effective on thick things. It is also heavier and louder, and it does not have the ergonomic ease of use of a telescopic shaft or instant handle adjustment. Ryobi uses a hand-cranked reel mechanism, which makes thread loading easier than the old model, but not as good as our main choice of button system.
Worx is light weight, has various ergonomic adjustments, and is not as functional as other products, but it is very suitable for small lawns.
If you only have minimal trimming needs, we like Worx WG170.2 GT Revolution 20V PowerShare String Trimmer and Edger. It is much smaller than the Ego ST1511T and far less powerful, but it performs well on the grass. It has ergonomic adjustments that some competing models do not have, making it suitable for people of all sizes. This model is equipped with a small set of wheels that can be adjusted to convert the trimmer into a trimmer, or even a very small miniature lawn mower. We found that Worx is quieter than its competitors. And its price is in the middle range of the price of similar models.
Without a battery, Echo can run uninterrupted. But it does require you to maintain the engine and keep the gasoline on hand.
We think that most people can use cordless trimmers. But in some extreme cases, the uninterruptible power supply of the gas model is more suitable (for example, clearing a large area or remotely trimming a large property). For this, we like Echo SRM-225 String Trimmer. Its price is usually comparable to Ego ST1521S, so for high-quality gas trimmers, its price is low. In our own tests, Echo can handle waist-high weeds and 3-foot-high grasses without any problems, and received a lot of positive feedback on the Home Depot website.
Ego’s ST1511T is far superior to other brands in terms of running time and power. Its telescopic shaft and handle are easy to adjust, making the tool very comfortable to use, even for long periods of trimming.
Ego ST1521S is very similar to our main shifter, but lacks a telescopic shaft and quick handle adjustment.
This Ryobi is not as powerful as the Ego model. But it is compatible with Ryobi’s Expand-It attachment system, which means it can double as a tiller, brush cutter, etc.
Worx is light weight, has various ergonomic adjustments, and is not as functional as other products, but it is very suitable for small lawns.
Without a battery, Echo can run uninterrupted. But it does require you to maintain the engine and keep the gasoline on hand.
Since 2013, we have been introducing guidelines for outdoor power equipment, including lawn mowers, snow blowers, and leaf blowers. All these studies and tests have given us a firm grasp of what is a good lawn equipment. It gave us an in-depth understanding of the various manufacturers and their reputations in terms of quality, usability and customer service.
I also have extensive experience in thread cutting. I currently live in New Hampshire and have about 2 acres of mowed lawn. After each cut, I use the string trimmer around the stone walls, flower beds, paths, and chicken coops for about 30 minutes. I still have about half a mile of electric fence, which I need to maintain with trimmers all summer (any blade of grass that grows to touch the fence will reduce its effectiveness).
Harry Sawyers, the editor of this guide and former professional gardener, tested many trimmers on his Los Angeles property, which was too steep in many places to be trimmed. In this case, the typical local practice is to scrape it off with a trimmer so that there is nothing to burn when the fire season arrives.
String trimmers (also called weeders, trimmers, whips, or weeders) are the perfect complement to lawn mowers and can add a beautiful, refreshing effect to your lawn. Lawn mowers are suitable for open areas, while string trimmers are used to clean edges and all places that lawn mowers cannot reach: corners, gaps, and narrow areas between and under hedges; narrow paths and steep slopes ; In close range near mailbox poles, raised beds, trees and lamp posts; along fences and walls.
Our trimmer recommendations are for people who need reliable and powerful tools to help with post-mowing cleanup and weed removal. We are not looking for a professional-grade tool that can be used all day to level hay fields, or it must be durable enough to be used consistently and sturdy. We are looking for a product that is convenient for intermittent and regular use, and has enough power to deal with grass, dense weeds and occasional stalk shrubs.
In this guide, we focus on rechargeable cordless trimmers that are powerful enough to cut from simple lawn grass to overgrown weeds. Compared with the gas string trimmer, the cordless model is quieter and requires almost no continuous maintenance. It can start at the push of a button, does not emit exhaust gas, and can “refuel” without running to the gas station alone. Over the years, our tests have proven that the best cordless tools have running time and cutting capabilities, and are suitable for all but the most extreme cleanup tasks. Considering all these features and conveniences, the price of a cordless trimmer is roughly the same as the gasoline model-if you take into account the long-term cost of buying natural gas and oil and the maintenance time, the price is even lower. In some extreme cases, only pneumatic tools can do it-we have a pneumatic tool that can meet these requirements. But these rarely apply to most people’s needs, so the rest of this section outlines our standards for cordless trimmers.
Power: All the cordless trimmers we see can trim ordinary lawn grass, but we want a trimmer that can also handle tall or dense weeds. This is where we start to see significant differences between the models. Weak trimmers move hard in more difficult conditions, either being tied up with grass or pushing it down instead of cutting the grass. In deeper bushes, only a few models can cut very thick plants, such as plump Japanese knotweed. Although this is an area where lawn mowers are really needed, it is gratifying that some trimmers can handle it in a critical juncture.
We did see some very light trimmers, which are perfect for smaller lawns. They use thinner ropes and can cut grass and some weeds, but they have difficulty dealing with thicker and thicker plants.
Running time and charging time: Cordless trimmers are usually equipped with a battery, so it is vital that they have the right running time. When we brought trimmers (40 volts and above) to overgrown fields, even the worst-performing cordless model cut more than 1,000 square feet of thick, dense grass. Translating this into more practical terms, they can clear a 1-foot-wide grass belt around the entire football field. The best-performing trimmer can cut approximately 3,400 square feet, which means trimming the same 1-foot length around the perimeter of more than three quarters of a football field. This is a lot. Remember, we tested under very difficult cutting conditions, and the tool was rotating at the highest speed. Under normal conditions, the running time may be longer.
But charging time is another matter. Most of these trimmers use large batteries, and they may take a while to fully charge. Because the battery is completely depleted during use, we want a tool with the shortest possible charging time to minimize downtime.
Comfort and balance: From an ergonomic point of view, the trimmer is nothing more than a long rod with a weight on each end. They can be difficult tools to handle, so during our testing, we looked at the overall balance of each model and how easy it is to carry each model. Some have clips for shoulder straps, which is a nice touch. Equally important: how mobile and responsive they are. A successful model should have a high level of precision on the trimmer head to facilitate the mowing of the grass-without harming the flowers.
Easy thread replacement: Through continuous whipping and cutting, the rope of the trimmer breaks at a relatively fast speed, so it is not uncommon that a new rope must be installed on the trimmer every few times. For a long time, placing a new rope on the trimmer has been the most frustrating aspect of the rope trimmer, but new models make this easier by winding the thread into the tool head through an automatic or manual system.
Debris protection: There is a protective cover under the trimmer’s head to protect the feet and calves from flying debris. In our tests, we found that wider protection is better. Some models (usually models designed for professionals) have narrow guards, they stop some but not all of the debris, and let our legs and feet be dyed green at the end of the trimming process. The larger guards can’t stop everything, but they do better.
Cost: Unlike outdoor equipment such as chainsaws and lawn mowers with trimmers, wireless connectivity does not result in a price premium. The best straight-shaft gas trimmers mostly cost between US$175 and US$250, which is about where solid cordless trimmers above 40 volts land. Again, this is only upfront pricing, and does not take into account long-term costs such as natural gas and maintenance (which will increase the cost of the gas trimmer). Small trimmers powered by 18-volt and 20-volt batteries are usually in the $100 range.
Looking at the model to be tested, we rejected any product with a price of more than $250. This is because we have found that there are too many highly rated models in the range of $150 to $250 to justify exceeding the mark. This decision eliminates cordless models from professional names—such as Husqvarna and Stihl—providing trimmers that do not even include batteries in the $300 range. You don’t need to pay that much for basic lawn maintenance.
To understand how trimmers handle different grasses and plants, we tested them on a rural property in New Hampshire that required a lot of pruning: 187 feet of stone wall, 182 feet of fence fence, 180 feet of garden fence , 137 feet of flower beds, 150 feet of debris around various structures and sheds, 51 feet of debris pruning (around trees and large rocks), and an additional 556 square feet of hillside open space (it’s too dangerous to use a lawn mower). We also use many of them to clean up the hillsides of Los Angeles, which are overgrown with 3-foot-high grass, saplings, and nettle thistle.
We used trimmers between the rose bushes, the edges of the driveway, and around the fire pit. During the test, we focused on overall ease of use, balance, ergonomics, handling and noise.
To compare running time and power, we drag many trimmers to the overgrown field, drain their batteries by clearing large patches of dense grass and dense weeds, and then calculate the total area that each tool can handle. In order to test the upper limit of each trimmer, we compared each trimmer with a lot of Japanese knotweed.
Finally, to confirm our findings, we spent several years using our picks and other major competitors to meet our daily string trimming needs in various properties.
Ego’s ST1511T is far superior to other brands in terms of running time and power. Its telescopic shaft and handle are easy to adjust, making the tool very comfortable to use, even for long periods of trimming.
Of all the trimmers we have tested, the Ego ST1511T Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload combines raw cutting capabilities, skills, handling, convenience and running time in a way that no one else has. It also has the simplest line load system we have tested, as well as telescopic shafts and quick handle adjustments to suit people of all heights. All Ego trimmers we tested have a marathon-like running time, which is usually nearly 40% longer than other trimmers (more than 50% in most cases). ST1511T can cut thick grass, rough weeds, and even 1 inch thick knotweed without slowing down. All of these cutting capabilities are achieved through a smooth, variable-speed trigger, which makes fine work as simple as a powerful clear cut. Although none of the trimmers we tested was quiet, the Ego ST1511T sounded the best, with a deep hum rather than the high-pitched screams of some other trimmers. This Ego completes the packaging with excellent balance, comfortable grip and simple collision feed line advancement.
On the thick Japanese knotweed, Ego goes straight through the 1-inch thick stem, as if they didn’t exist at all.
The power and running time of the Ego ST1511T is much higher than other trimmers we have seen. We conducted a battery test on the earlier model, and Ego reduced approximately 3,400 square feet of dense fields of grass, weeds and shrubs (an area of ​​nearly 60 x 60 feet) after a single battery charge. At the time, the second best trimmer only cut about 2,100 square feet (almost a 40% reduction); besides that, others cut 1,600 square feet or less (less than 50% of self-finishing). From the perspective of Ego’s performance, it can trim a 1-foot-wide grass after a battery charge, which is two-thirds of a mile long. It is easy to handle all but the most expansive lawns. Knowing this, it’s no surprise that the Ego ST1511T can meet the pruning needs of a large New Hampshire property on a single charge (this requires nearly 900 linear feet of pruning and an additional 556 square feet of pruning. In a flat area, the lawnmower can” t arrives).
If you do encounter a dead battery, Ego’s charger can be fully charged in about 40 minutes. If you wish to obtain a guarantee for a second battery (although we do not think it is necessary), you can use an additional battery, ranging from US$150 to US$400 depending on the ampere hours.
The power of the Ego is as impressive as its run time, and none of the other trimmers we tested can match its absolute cutting strength. When pruning in the field or on the slopes of Los Angeles, we never stop, hesitate or even slow down when using Ego. It cuts at the speed at which we swing the trimmer head. Other trimmers tie themselves to tall grass, or (when facing dense patches) push the grass down instead of cutting it. On the thick Japanese knotweed, Ego goes straight through the 1-inch thick stem, as if they didn’t exist at all. Other trimmers either take longer to complete this operation or cannot cut at all.
But Ego is not just for clearing fields and destroying the invasive Japanese knotweed (though it is really great). The trimmer has two speeds and a variable speed trigger. This setting allows you to fully control the cutting head, allowing you to find the cutting speed suitable for the task, from removing thick weeds to fine work around perennials and delicate surfaces such as painted siding or grids. In those finer areas, we switch to a low speed setting, so we can keep the ease of pulling the trigger completely, but will not let the trimmer at its highest speed.
In addition to its function, running time and control, the ergonomic design of the tool is the best we have tested. The weight of Ego is slightly more than 10 pounds, so it is not the lightest in its class. But it is still very easy to manage due to its good balance and the added telescopic shaft and quick adjustment on the handle (on the previous Ego model, the handle can only be moved by loosening a series of screws). These two features allow Ego’s ergonomic design to be customized for various heights and types, which we have never really seen on these larger trimmers. If you use the trimmer as a trimmer, the quick handle adjustment can also easily replace the handle.
Ego is a two-wire device, which means that two strings extend from the cutting head. And it is equipped with a 0.095 inch trimmer cord, which is located on the thicker side, which helps the trimmer’s cutting ability (there are a variety of 0.095 cords to choose from). This kind of Ego can accept smaller wires, as the company representative told us, “It will actually increase the running time, but it will pass more wires, because the thinner the wire, the more breakage.” We tested all the more The powerful units are two-wire cutting machines, most of which use 0.095 wires.
The Ego has the simplest line load system we have ever used, and the process is described in detail in the Ego ST1510T manual (PDF). When all the ropes are used up, simply thread about 16 feet of rope through the trimmer head so that there are 8 feet sticking out on each side, and then open its lid. Then just press a button and the thread will automatically retract into the trimmer head, so the entire tool is ready to use in a few seconds. It’s hard to exaggerate this improvement over the usually worst aspect of using string trimmers. For most other trimmers, you need to disassemble the entire trimmer head and manually wind the new thread onto the spool (this is always a tedious process). Ego’s system is a much-needed improvement in this area.
If the string breaks when you trim, Ego can easily advance the collision feed line. Just tap the bottom of the trimmer head on the ground, and a piece of rope will be fed in from the inner spool inside. The small edge on the underside of the debris shield cuts the end of the rope to an appropriate length. The spool can hold approximately 16 feet of rope, so you will get a continuous supply, which is essential for longer or more aggressive pruning processes.