Ryobi 18V ONE+ String Trimmer Kit

Exploring the versatility of battery-powered lawn care tools, I recently had the chance to test out the Ryobi 18V ONE+ String Trimmer Kit, model P20130. As someone who has traditionally used gas-powered tools for yard maintenance, I was eager to see how this lightweight, battery-powered option would measure up.

The first thing that struck me about this trimmer was its compact and lightweight design. Weighing in at just 4 pounds, it felt incredibly easy to handle and maneuver around the yard, even for extended periods. This is a significant advantage for anyone who finds heavier tools cumbersome to use. The trimmer’s automatic-feed string head also adds convenience, as it eliminates the need to manually adjust the line during use.

Assembly of the trimmer was straightforward, taking less than 10 minutes before I was ready to go. The instructions were clear, although I did encounter a minor hiccup when locating a screw that was separately packaged rather than pre-installed as depicted in the diagram. Once assembled, the trimmer transitioned smoothly between trimming and edging modes, thanks to its 180-degree rotating shaft. This dual functionality is a great feature, especially for anyone looking to streamline their lawn care tools.

In terms of performance, the trimmer offers a 10-inch cutting width, which is suitable for light-duty tasks. It handled trimming around my fence and flower beds with ease, making quick work of overgrown grass and weeds. However, it’s worth noting that the tool struggled with more demanding tasks. When attempting to edge along a long driveway with sandy soil, the line frequently broke, and the tool seemed to lag in power. This highlighted a limitation of the 18V system, which may not be robust enough for larger or more intensive yard work.

The trimmer’s ergonomic design is a bit of a mixed bag. While the lightweight nature is a plus, the fixed length of the shaft can be problematic for taller users. At 5’11", I found myself stooping slightly, which led to some discomfort after prolonged use. Adjustable shafts are often a feature of more premium models, so this could be an area for improvement in future iterations of the tool.

One of the more frustrating aspects was the trimmer line feed mechanism. The automatic-feed system worked intermittently, and I discovered that the line needed to be loosely wrapped on the spool to function correctly. This required some initial troubleshooting, and even then, the line would sometimes snap off, necessitating frequent stops to adjust. This could be quite annoying, particularly if you’re trying to complete a task quickly.

The included 18V ONE+ 1.5 Ah battery provides around 20-30 minutes of run time, depending on the intensity of use. While this is adequate for smaller yards, it falls short for larger properties. The charging time is also quite lengthy, taking around 6-8 hours to fully recharge the battery. This slow charging speed can be a significant drawback if you don’t have spare batteries on hand, as it means you might not be able to finish your yard work in one session.

In addition to the trimmer, the kit includes a blower, which shares many of the same characteristics: lightweight and easy to handle but somewhat underpowered. The blower is suitable for light tasks such as clearing grass clippings or light debris from a driveway or patio. However, it struggled with heavier debris and wet leaves, which limited its utility for more extensive clean-ups.

Given these experiences, I would recommend the Ryobi 18V ONE+ String Trimmer Kit for homeowners with smaller yards who need a lightweight, easy-to-use solution for basic lawn maintenance tasks. The tool is user-friendly and offers the convenience of battery power, eliminating the need for fuel mixing and cord management. Its dual functionality for trimming and edging adds versatility, and the lightweight design makes it accessible for users of varying physical strength.

However, for those with larger properties or more demanding yard care needs, this trimmer may fall short. The power limitations of the 18V system, combined with the relatively short battery life and long charging times, make it less suitable for extensive use. Additionally, the issues with the automatic line feed and fixed shaft length could be potential deal-breakers for some users.

In conclusion, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ String Trimmer Kit is a well-designed tool with several convenient features that make it a good fit for smaller yards and lighter-duty tasks. Its ease of use, lightweight build, and dual functionality are definite advantages. However, the tool’s power limitations and battery-related shortcomings mean it may not be the best choice for everyone. If you have modest yard care needs and value simplicity and ease of use, this trimmer could be a great addition to your toolkit. For those requiring more power and longevity, exploring other options in the Ryobi range or from other brands might be worth considering.