Ryobi 40V String Trimmer & Blower Kit

As someone who has spent a considerable amount of time using various outdoor power tools, I was excited to try out the Ryobi 40V String Trimmer & Blower Kit (RY40940). This kit promises the power equivalent to gas tools, a feature that has become increasingly important as battery-powered tools continue to evolve. Here’s my detailed take on this combo kit.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Upon unboxing, the Ryobi kit comes with a 40V 4Ah Lithium Battery, a string trimmer, and a blower. The first thing that caught my attention was the build quality. Both tools felt sturdy yet lightweight, which is a significant advantage for extended use. The battery and charger were easy to set up, and the instructions were clear and straightforward.

String Trimmer Performance

The string trimmer features an adjustable cutting width from 13 to 15 inches, which is handy for different yard sizes and types of vegetation. I found the trimmer to be quite effective in my medium-sized yard. The auto string feed mechanism worked well, although I did have some concerns about how much string it uses. The trimmer ran smoothly and managed to cut through the grass and weeds with ease.

However, the ergonomics of the trimmer left something to be desired. At 5'8", I found the handle and trimmer angle a bit awkward, which made extended use a bit uncomfortable. Taller individuals might find it more suitable. The trimmer is lightweight, which is great for maneuverability but also makes it feel slightly less powerful than some of its gas counterparts.

Blower Performance

The blower in this kit offers a maximum airflow of 525 CFM at a speed of 110 MPH. While it’s not the most powerful blower I’ve used, it certainly gets the job done for light to moderate tasks like cleaning up leaves and debris from the driveway or deck. The variable speed control is a nice touch, allowing for more precise airflow management.

One minor issue I encountered was with the blower’s intake, which is positioned on the side. As a right-handed user, I found that it occasionally sucked in my shorts, which was a bit annoying. However, this is a small inconvenience compared to the overall ease of use and performance.

Battery Life

Battery life is often a make-or-break feature for battery-powered tools, and the Ryobi kit does reasonably well in this department. The string trimmer offers up to 71 minutes of runtime, which is more than sufficient for most residential yards. The blower, on the other hand, runs for up to 15 minutes on turbo mode, which is adequate for quick cleanups but might fall short for more extensive tasks.

Swapping batteries between the trimmer and blower was seamless, and the charger worked efficiently to get me back to work quickly. However, if you have a larger yard or more demanding tasks, you might want to consider having an extra battery on hand.

Versatility and Expandability

One of the standout features of this kit is its compatibility with the Ryobi EXPAND-IT system. This allows you to attach various accessories and convert the trimmer into other tools like an edger or a pole saw. This versatility is a significant advantage for homeowners looking to maximize their tool investment.

Durability and Warranty

Ryobi offers a 5-year manufacturer’s tool warranty and a 3-year battery warranty, which provides some peace of mind regarding the durability and longevity of the tools. In my experience, both the trimmer and blower held up well during use, showing no signs of wear or mechanical issues.

Final Thoughts

The Ryobi 40V String Trimmer & Blower Kit is a solid choice for homeowners looking for a convenient, battery-powered alternative to gas tools. While it may not completely replace the power and runtime of gas-powered equipment, it offers a good balance of performance, ease of use, and versatility.

The string trimmer’s adjustable cutting width and auto string feed make it user-friendly, although its ergonomics could be improved. The blower, while not the most powerful on the market, is effective for light to moderate tasks and easy to control.

Battery life is generally good, though the blower’s runtime on turbo mode could be longer. The ability to swap batteries easily and the compatibility with the EXPAND-IT system add to the overall value of the kit.

Recommendation

I would recommend the Ryobi 40V String Trimmer & Blower Kit to homeowners with small to medium-sized yards who are looking for a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered tools. Its ease of use, versatility, and reasonable performance make it a worthwhile investment. However, if you have a larger yard or require more powerful equipment, you might want to consider additional batteries or look into more robust options.