Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13" String Trimmer/Edger Kit

When tackling yard work, finding the right tools can make all the difference. Recently, I had the chance to try out the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13" String Trimmer/Edger Kit (model P20180), and I’m here to share my experience with this versatile piece of equipment.

First Impressions and Assembly

Straight out of the box, the trimmer appeared robust and well-made. The assembly process was straightforward and didn’t take me more than 15 minutes. A quick glance at the instructions clarified the steps, but even without them, the parts fit together logically. It’s an approachable task, even for those who might not be particularly handy.

Design and Features

The Ryobi trimmer boasts an adjustable cutting width, ranging from 11 to 13 inches. This flexibility is handy for both precision trimming and larger areas. The motor, powered by an 18V ONE+ 4Ah battery, offered promising power potential. The auto-feed head is an intriguing feature, designed to reload the string with each trigger pull, aiming to reduce downtime.

One of the most appealing aspects of this tool is its dual functionality. The pivoting head allows it to switch from a trimmer to an edger with a simple foot pedal action. However, this feature wasn’t without its quirks, which I’ll dive into shortly.

Performance as a Trimmer

Using the trimmer around my medium-sized yard was a generally pleasant experience. The motor felt powerful enough to handle typical grass and weeds. The adjustable cut swath allowed for versatility, which was useful when navigating tighter areas versus open spaces. The variable speed trigger provided a decent level of control, helping to manage battery life more effectively during lighter tasks.

However, the auto-feed head, while a promising feature, didn’t perform consistently. At times, the string would advance correctly, but there were moments when it jammed or broke frequently, causing some frustration. This inconsistency meant stopping more often than I’d like to manually adjust or refill the spool.

Performance as an Edger

Switching to the edger mode was where the tool truly revealed its limitations. The pivoting mechanism, intended to make the transition seamless, sometimes filled with grass and dirt, making it difficult to operate smoothly. Additionally, the design required me to hold the unit nearly upright to maintain a proper edge, which was not ergonomically friendly. Being on the shorter side, I found it tiring after just a few minutes.

The placement of the wheel also restricted the direction of edging, requiring a right-to-left motion which wasn’t always intuitive for the layout of my yard. The cut produced by the edger was wider than I preferred, resulting in a less tidy finish.

Battery Life and Practical Use

The battery life was acceptable for a smaller yard. On a full charge, the 4Ah battery managed to last around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the intensity of the task. For my yard, this was sufficient, but for larger properties, multiple batteries or frequent recharges would be necessary. The charger worked efficiently, bringing the battery back to life within a reasonable timeframe.

Weight and Comfort

Weighing in at 6.9 lbs, the trimmer is relatively lightweight, but the balance felt a bit off. The cutting end seemed heavier, which might take some getting used to. Over extended periods, especially when edging, this imbalance could contribute to user fatigue.

Durability Concerns

The tool’s build quality left some concerns regarding its durability. While it felt sturdy initially, the motor’s placement at the bottom made it susceptible to debris and moisture, which might impact its longevity. Furthermore, the pivoting mechanism’s tendency to jam raised questions about long-term reliability.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

The Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13" String Trimmer/Edger Kit offers a blend of features that cater to both trimming and edging needs, making it a versatile tool for yard maintenance. Its ease of assembly, adjustable cutting width, and variable speed trigger are definite positives. The battery life is decent for small to medium-sized yards, and the shared battery system with other Ryobi tools is a considerable advantage.

However, the tool falls short in a few critical areas. The auto-feed head is inconsistent, the pivoting mechanism can jam, and the ergonomics of the edger mode are less than ideal, especially for shorter users. Durability concerns also loom large, given the motor’s vulnerability to debris and moisture.

Would I recommend this tool? It depends on your specific needs. If you have a small to medium-sized yard and primarily need a trimmer with occasional edging, this tool could suffice, especially if you already own other Ryobi tools and batteries. However, if you require a more robust edging capability or have a larger yard, this model might not meet your expectations. Investing in a more powerful, dedicated edger or a trimmer with a more reliable auto-feed system could save you time and frustration in the long run.