Skil Brushless 40V 16 In. Power Head String Trimmer Kit

Why I reached for the Skil 40V trimmer

I’ve been shifting more of my yard tools to battery power, and a multi-head trimmer was next on the list. The Skil 40V trimmer checked the boxes I care about: brushless motor, a respectable 16-inch cutting swath, and an attachment-ready power head so I’m not collecting a different motor for every yard task. After several weeks of trimming, edging, and general cleanup around fences and beds, here’s how it actually performs.

Setup and first impressions

Out of the box, assembly is straightforward: power head, straight steel shaft with the trimmer attachment, guard, and adjustable auxiliary grip. The fit and finish feel solid—no slop at the coupler, and the steel shaft inspires confidence when you’re working around hard edges or chain-link. The battery included is a 40V 4.0Ah pack, and the charger is Skil’s 150W Auto PWRJUMP. I appreciate that this is a true kit; you’re not left shopping for a battery the same day.

The auxiliary grip slides and rotates so you can tune the balance for your height and preferred stance. That matters here, because at around 10 pounds with the battery, it’s not the lightest cordless option. With the grip set a couple inches forward of center, the tool balances well and doesn’t fight you when edging vertically.

Power and cutting performance

This trimmer offers two speed settings. I used low for general lawn trimming and high for heavier growth, weeds around the fence line, and along the back slope where grass gets lanky. On low, it cuts cleanly with minimal line wear; on high, it has enough bite to knock down thicker, stalky weeds without bogging. If you’re coming from a mid-size gas trimmer, high speed feels familiar in cut speed but without the vibration and fumes.

The 16-inch swath (you can also set it to 14 inches) makes a noticeable difference in productivity. On open stretches, the wider swath reduces passes, while switching to 14 inches helps in tight beds. The default 0.080-inch twisted line strikes a good balance of durability and clean cutting; it doesn’t shred fast on fence posts, and it leaves a neat edge along sidewalks. I didn’t need to oversize the line to get satisfying results.

Line management: bump and reload

The head uses a dual-line bump feed that’s consistent. A light tap advances the line reliably without spitting out inches at a time. The standout is Skil’s Twist Load head. Instead of tearing the head apart, you thread a length of line through both eyelets, center it, then twist the head to wind. My first reload took maybe two minutes as I learned the feel; after that, it’s a sub-minute task. If you hate fiddling with spools, this feature alone is a stress reducer.

A small tip that improved my results: cut the line ends on a sharp angle before threading. The beveled tips slide through the eyelets more easily, especially if there’s a bit of dirt in there.

Runtime and charging

With the included 4.0Ah battery, I can trim and edge an average suburban yard on a single charge. Continuous runtime depends heavily on speed and how much you’re pushing the tool. In my use, low speed delivers the better part of a yard’s worth of trimming with plenty in reserve; high speed, used consistently, will shorten that. The practical takeaway: use low wherever you can and toggle to high only when growth demands it. It’s an easy habit because the two-speed selector is right at the thumb.

The 150W Auto PWRJUMP charger is legitimately handy. If I forget to charge after a session, a short top-off is enough to finish the job next time. You’re not waiting all afternoon for a full battery. If you already own other Skil 40V tools, the battery cross-compatibility is another bonus.

Ergonomics and balance

Weight is the only trait that gave me pause at first. It’s not unwieldy, but at 10 pounds you’ll feel it during longer sessions, especially if you’re edging with the head rotated vertically. The adjustable auxiliary grip helps a lot—slide it forward until the head naturally wants to hover at your working height, and you’ll reduce wrist fatigue. Vibration is low for a trimmer with this level of power, and the trigger modulation is smooth. Noise is far below any gas trimmer I own; I still wear hearing protection, but I don’t feel like I’m announcing to the neighborhood that it’s yard day.

One thing I’d add if you plan to run attachments or spend an hour at a stretch: a shoulder strap. There’s no built-in hook, but a simple loop around the shaft behind the grip does the trick and lightens the load on your arms.

Attachment-ready power head

The coupler locks positively, and the power head is clearly designed for multi-head use. Swapping in another attachment is fast and doesn’t require tools. This is the type of system that saves space and money if you plan to add an edger, brush cutter, or pole saw down the line. As with any multi-head setup, verify compatibility before buying third-party attachments—stick with Skil-branded options or check for confirmed fit to avoid frustration.

Durability and weather resistance

The straight steel shaft and overall construction feel robust. I’ve bounced the guard off stone and concrete plenty; it’s scuffed but intact. The head hasn’t shown any tendency to bind or jam, even when trimming damp grass. The IPX4 rating means it’s fine with spray and light moisture. I’ve used it on dewy mornings without issue, but I avoid working in steady rain, and I store the battery indoors.

Regular maintenance is simple: brush grass out of the guard, check the line length, and keep the battery contacts clean. The brushless motor means there’s no maintenance there, and it likely contributes to the smooth feel and efficiency.

Edging and finesse work

Flip the trimmer to edge sidewalks and driveways and it behaves predictably. The longer reach from the straight shaft helps keep posture upright, and the guard provides a good visual reference to keep the line in the groove. For delicate work around ornamentals, low speed is gentle enough to avoid blasting mulch everywhere. The dual-line configuration leaves a tidy cut, and the twisted line seems to fray less than standard round line when you’re creeping close to stone.

What I’d improve

• Weight: It’s manageable, but lighter would make it friendlier for long sessions or for users with smaller frames. A included strap would help.
• Speed switch placement: It’s accessible, though a trigger-integrated turbo could be even more intuitive for quick bursts of power.
• Line visibility: The line length indicator notches are subtle. A high-contrast marker on the guard would make quick checks easier.

None of these are deal-breakers, and they’re common trade-offs in the 40V class, especially for a multi-head system that needs a stout shaft and coupler.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners with small to medium yards who want one battery platform for trimming and future attachments.
• Anyone transitioning from gas who still expects a strong cut and a wide swath without fussing over maintenance.
• Users who value quick, frustration-free line changes.

If you regularly clear heavy brush, run daily on acreage, or insist on ultra-lightweight tools, you’ll want to look at dedicated, higher-voltage or pro-grade gear—or at least budget for a second battery and a strap.

The bottom line

The Skil 40V trimmer hits the sweet spot for most homeowners: enough power to replace a mid-size gas trimmer, a practical 16-inch swath, and a genuinely easy-to-use Twist Load head. Runtime with the included 4.0Ah battery is sufficient for typical weekly maintenance, and the 150W charger makes quick top-offs painless. Ergonomics are good, and while the tool isn’t featherlight, balance and low vibration keep it comfortable.

Recommendation: I recommend the Skil 40V trimmer for homeowners who want a capable, low-maintenance string trimmer with room to grow into a multi-head system. It’s powerful, thoughtfully designed, and backed by a battery/charger combo that makes yard work simpler. If you need pro-level brush clearing or prioritize the lightest possible tool, consider other options—but for regular trimming and edging, this is a dependable, frustration-free choice.