Ryobi 40V Brushless Attachment Capable 15" String Trimmer

The Ryobi 40V Brushless Attachment Capable 15" String Trimmer (Model RY40207BTL) is a versatile addition to any homeowner's arsenal of yard tools. With its brushless motor, adjustable cutting width, and compatibility with multiple attachments, it promises a lot. However, from my own hands-on experience, it's a mixed bag of impressive features and frustrating design flaws.

Power and Performance

One of the standout features of this trimmer is its brushless motor. The brushless technology genuinely enhances the power and durability of the tool. When operating it, I noticed a significant difference in torque and overall cutting efficiency compared to my older gas-powered trimmer. The motor is also quieter, which is a blessing for early morning yard work without disturbing the neighbors.

The trimmer offers two-speed settings, and I found the lower setting adequate for most of my trimming needs. The higher setting came in handy for thicker patches of grass and edging tasks. The variable speed trigger is responsive, providing excellent control over the trimming speed.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is often a concern with cordless tools, but the 40V battery on this trimmer is impressive. On a single charge, I could trim my entire yard, which includes a lot of edging around landscape blocks and a long stretch of creek frontage. The battery lasted about 30 minutes on the high setting and longer on the low setting. The included fast charger is efficient, taking roughly 30 minutes to recharge the battery fully.

However, I did encounter a hiccup with the battery. Initially, one of the batteries failed to hold a charge, which was disappointing. Ryobi’s customer service was helpful in troubleshooting, but the replacement process was sluggish.

Ease of Use and Comfort

The trimmer is relatively lightweight at 11.7 lbs, and the adjustable front handle allows for a comfortable grip. Being 6 feet tall, I appreciated not having to hunch over while trimming. The longer shaft also helps in reducing back fatigue, making it easier to cover larger areas without strain.

However, using the trimmer for edging was awkward. The unit's balance is slightly off, making it cumbersome to handle when tilted for edging. The large, bulky trimmer head also posed a challenge. The string sits higher off the ground, requiring me to tilt the trimmer at an uncomfortable angle to achieve a clean edge.

Attachment Capability

One of the main selling points of this trimmer is its attachment capability. I tested it with various Ryobi attachments, including a blower, edger, and pole saw. The powerhead handled each attachment well, providing consistent performance across different tasks. This feature adds significant versatility, making it a valuable investment if you already own or plan to purchase other Ryobi attachments.

String Loading and Bump Feed Head

Loading the string into the bump feed head was straightforward, thanks to the Reel Easy+ system. The included speed-winder tool made the process even simpler. However, the bump feed mechanism itself was problematic. It worked fine initially but soon started sticking, requiring manual intervention to release the string. This issue significantly hampered the trimming process, as I had to stop frequently to fix the string.

Durability and Build Quality

The build quality of the trimmer is a mixed bag. While the motor and shaft appear sturdy, some plastic components, such as the support handle, felt flimsy. The handle broke during my first use, which was disappointing. Given the price point, I expected more robust materials, especially for parts subjected to stress.

Assembly and Instructions

Assembly was relatively straightforward, but the multiple manuals were confusing. Each component—the motor head, charger, and trimmer attachment—came with its own set of instructions, making the process more complicated than necessary. The manuals also contained irrelevant information, such as instructions for gas engine maintenance, which added to the confusion.

Final Verdict

The Ryobi 40V Brushless String Trimmer has its strengths, notably its powerful motor, long battery life, and attachment capability. These features make it a versatile tool for various yard maintenance tasks. However, its cumbersome design for edging, problematic bump feed head, and some durability issues are significant drawbacks.

Would I recommend this trimmer? It depends on your specific needs. If you already own other Ryobi 40V tools and attachments, this trimmer could be a valuable addition due to its compatibility and power. However, if you prioritize ease of use and durability, you might want to consider other options. The tool has potential, but its design flaws and inconsistent performance may make it frustrating for some users.