Ryobi 18V ONE+ 12" 3-IN-1 String Trimmer, Mower and Edger Kit

As someone who loves maintaining a pristine yard but often battles with the limitations of space and tool storage, I was eager to try out Ryobi’s 18V ONE+ 12" 3-IN-1 String Trimmer, Mower, and Edger Kit. The promise of a versatile, lightweight tool that could handle multiple yard maintenance tasks seemed like a dream come true. Here’s my detailed experience with this all-in-one yard tool.

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

Straight out of the box, the Ryobi 3-in-1 tool impresses with its compact design. Assembly was straightforward, even for someone who isn’t particularly handy. The instructions were clear, and within a few minutes, I had the trimmer, mower deck, and edger attachments ready to go. The tool’s lightweight construction is immediately noticeable, which is a big win for anyone who has struggled with heavier, gas-powered equipment.

Versatility and Ease of Use

One of the standout features of this tool is its versatility. The transition between the trimmer, mower, and edger functions is intuitive and quick. The mower deck attaches and detaches with ease, and the shaft twists seamlessly for edging. This level of convenience can’t be overstated, especially for those with small yards or tricky areas that are hard to reach with traditional mowers.

Trimming and Edging Performance

As a string trimmer, the Ryobi performs admirably. Its 10"-12" adjustable cutting width is perfect for typical yard maintenance. The auto-feed line system is a nice touch, eliminating the need to bump the head to advance the line. This makes the trimming process smoother and less frustrating. The tool’s lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver around trees, bushes, and other obstacles.

Edging with this tool is also straightforward. The shaft twists easily, allowing you to switch from trimming to edging without any hassle. This function worked well for me, delivering clean, precise edges along my walkways and flower beds.

Mowing Capabilities

Using the Ryobi as a mower was where my experience became a bit mixed. The 12" mower deck, while convenient, struggles with anything beyond light grass and weeds. The 4-position height adjustment (1.5" - 3.5") is useful, but I found that the highest setting didn’t hold as well as I’d hoped. The tool worked best in a back-and-forth motion, similar to using an upright vacuum cleaner, rather than the straight-line path typical of traditional mowers.

For small, flat areas, the mower function is adequate. However, it’s less effective on thicker grass or uneven terrain. The single cutting line also means it’s not as powerful as dual-line trimmers, which can lead to uneven cuts and the need for multiple passes.

Build Quality and Durability

This is where the Ryobi 3-in-1 tool falls short. Despite its appealing design and functionality, the build quality leaves much to be desired. The use of plastic components in critical areas, such as the handle and the connection between the shaft and the motor, is a significant drawback. After a few uses, I noticed some flexing in the handle when attached to the mower deck, which raised concerns about long-term durability.

Unfortunately, my concerns were validated when the tool snapped at the joint connecting the handle to the motor unit after a few weeks of use. This was particularly disappointing given the otherwise positive aspects of the tool. It’s clear that while the design is innovative, the materials used don’t support the tool’s intended functionality over time.

Battery Life

One of the highlights of the Ryobi 3-in-1 tool is its battery life. The included 4.0Ah battery provided ample power for nearly two hours of trimming and mowing. The battery gauge is a useful feature, allowing you to monitor remaining power easily. Charging the battery was also quick, making it convenient to get back to yard work without long delays.

Overall Performance

The Ryobi 3-in-1 tool excels in convenience and versatility. It’s perfect for light yard maintenance tasks and is particularly well-suited for small yards or areas that are difficult to reach with larger equipment. The ease of switching between trimming, mowing, and edging functions is a significant advantage, and the battery life supports extended use without frequent recharges.

However, the tool’s performance is hampered by its build quality. The reliance on plastic components in critical areas leads to durability issues, which can render the tool unusable after a relatively short period. This is a significant drawback, particularly given the tool’s price point.

Final Recommendation

Would I recommend the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 12" 3-IN-1 String Trimmer, Mower, and Edger Kit? It depends on your specific needs. If you have a small yard with light maintenance requirements and value convenience and versatility, this tool could be a good fit. Its lightweight design and ease of use are significant benefits, and the battery life is impressive.

However, if you need a more robust tool for thicker grass, uneven terrain, or extended use, you might want to look elsewhere. The durability issues are a major concern, and the tool’s performance as a mower is limited. For those who prioritize longevity and heavy-duty performance, investing in a more durable, higher-quality tool would be a better choice.

In conclusion, the Ryobi 3-in-1 tool is a convenient and versatile option for light yard maintenance but falls short in durability and robustness. It’s a tool that promises much but ultimately delivers a mixed experience.