Garden products advice

[bajaespuma]

I need a trimmer/edger (what I call a weed-wacker) and I've been seeing commercials for Ryobi products that run on a rechargeable battery that are very persuasive but I know better than to buy because of a TV ad. Several questions:

1. Are there good trimmers available that run on rechargeable batteries rather than on gas? I only have 1/3 of an acre of land to deal with and most of that doesn't require anal trimming.

2. If yes, what are the good brands?

3. Any similar advice on tillers?

 

Clueless here.

 

[ronhic]

We have an Ozito...but it is mains powered rather than rechargable. In Australia, they come with a 2 year replacement warranty...

http://www.ozito.com.au/line-trimmers

 

[combo52]

POWER YARD HELPERS

Things like hedge trimmers, weed wackers, chain saws for a 1/3 acre lot [ thats what I have ] are best as corded electric machines. The problem with battery models is that they use a lot of power having to be pluged in all the time and may not have enought charge for a really large pruning operation. Gasoline stuff is ridiculous for use just a few times per year, you spend more time getting them running and servicing them than you actually end up using them. To say nothing of the fact that gasoline outdoor power equipment  is the most expensive, dangerous, most polluting and shortest lived way to do yard work. And of the danger to your health from handling oil and gasoline and breathing exhaust fumes.

 

However I do like my rechargeable electric push mower however as I use it every week throughout most of the summer and it does a great job. 

 

[bajaespuma]

Thanks to both of you for the advice.

 

 

John, I have had corded ones and that's what I don't want anymore. The cords are a pain in the teeth and I'd rather deal with the problems of the batteries if  they're at all convenient and effective. And I completely agree with you about the gas powered ones; the last thing I want to do is to put more carbon into the air.

 

I suppose I'll have to bite the bullet and turn to CU.

 

[henry200]

Two brands of cordless electric I have been very happy with are Black & Decker and Earthwise,  both weedeaters and lawnmowers.  I have a small house on a city lot about 50x200 and I can mow/trim twice before recharging.  

 

Neil

 

[henry200]

a weighty issue

One thing I should add:  the batteries are very heavy, at least in the appliances I've owned.   The next time I'm in the market for a weedeater I'll look for one with a shoulder strap to take the weight off my arms.  Between the weight and vibration, after trimming the whole yard my arm muscles are like jelly!

 

[mattl]

A well designed product should be well balanced so the battery weight is not an issue.  Make sure you fell the unit you are interested in WITH the battery attached, that may be difficult, but can make a world of difference in the years you use it.