Ryobi 18V ONE+ 9" Edger Kit

Maintaining a well-manicured lawn can be a meticulous task, and having the right tools can make all the difference. Recently, I had the opportunity to use the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 9" Edger Kit, and I wanted to share my experience. This cordless edger is designed to keep your driveways and sidewalks looking sharp with clean, defined edges.

Assembly and Initial Impressions

Assembling the Ryobi edger was a breeze. The handle and battery snapped into place with minimal effort, and within minutes, I was ready to put the tool to the test. The lightweight design, coming in at 8.2 lbs, made it manageable and easy to maneuver. The overmold handle added to the comfort, allowing for a firm yet comfortable grip during use.

Performance and Usability

The Ryobi edger is powered by an 18V ONE+ 2Ah battery, which I found to be a double-edged sword. On one hand, the edger is cordless, offering the freedom to move around without being tethered by a power cord. On the other hand, the battery life left much to be desired. During my first use, the battery lasted around 15 to 20 minutes, which was just enough to edge a small section of my yard. For larger properties, you might find yourself in a cycle of edging and recharging, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.

The tool features a 4-position depth adjustment, ranging from 0.25 inches to 1.5 inches. This allowed for a customizable cutting experience, a feature I appreciated when tackling different types of edges. The 9-inch blade cut through overgrown grass and small roots with ease, delivering precise and clean lines. The front and rear wheels provided stability, making it easier to maintain a straight path.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a significant concern with the Ryobi edger. The included 2Ah battery simply doesn’t hold a charge long enough for extensive edging work. For my medium-sized yard, I found myself needing multiple batteries to complete the job in one go. If you're already invested in the Ryobi ONE+ system and have additional batteries on hand, this might not be a deal-breaker. However, for those new to the Ryobi ecosystem, the additional cost of extra batteries can be off-putting.

Charging the battery is relatively quick, but the downtime between charges can be an inconvenience. During my use, I noticed that the battery tended to get quite hot, which caused the edger to shut down temporarily—a safety feature, no doubt, but still an interruption in workflow.

Durability and Maintenance

While the Ryobi edger is built to be lightweight and easy to handle, I found that it lacked in durability. After several uses, the wear on the blade was minimal, but the battery performance seemed to degrade faster than expected. Additionally, the housing occasionally got clogged with dirt, requiring me to stop and clean it out. This was a minor inconvenience but something to be aware of.

Additional Features

One feature that stood out to me was the adjustable cutting depth. Depending on the type of edge I wanted, I could easily adjust the depth to achieve the desired result. This flexibility is a nice touch for those who want more control over their lawn's appearance.

Another aspect worth mentioning is the tool's noise level. Compared to gas-powered edgers, the Ryobi edger is significantly quieter, making it a more neighbor-friendly option for early morning or late evening yard work.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Easy to Assemble: Quick and straightforward assembly process.
• Lightweight and Maneuverable: Easy to handle, even for extended periods.
• Adjustable Cutting Depth: Offers flexibility for different edging needs.
• Cordless Convenience: Freedom to move around without being limited by a power cord.
• Quiet Operation: Comparatively quieter than gas-powered alternatives.

Cons:

• Short Battery Life: The included 2Ah battery doesn’t last long enough for larger jobs.
• Frequent Recharging: Interrupts workflow, especially for bigger properties.
• Durability Concerns: Housing can get clogged with dirt, and battery performance may degrade over time.
• Cost of Additional Batteries: For those not already invested in the Ryobi ONE+ system, the need for extra batteries can be a significant additional expense.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 9" Edger Kit is a mixed bag. It offers ease of use, adjustable cutting depth, and the convenience of a cordless design, making it suitable for small to medium-sized yards. However, the short battery life and potential durability issues may be a deal-breaker for some.

If you're already a part of the Ryobi ONE+ system and have extra batteries, this edger can be a valuable addition to your gardening toolkit. However, if you're new to Ryobi or have a large property, you might want to consider other options or be prepared to invest in additional batteries.

Overall, I would recommend this tool with reservations. It excels in convenience and ease of use but falls short in terms of battery life and durability. For those with smaller yards or existing Ryobi ONE+ users, it's a worthy investment. For others, it might be worth exploring alternatives.