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

The Ryobi 18V ONE+ 12" 3-IN-1 String Trimmer, Mower, and Edger is an innovative multi-functional tool designed specifically for small yards. As someone who has had hands-on experience with this product, I found it to be a mixed bag of convenience and frustration.

Design and Features

The first thing that stands out about this tool is its versatility. The ability to switch between a string trimmer, mower, and edger is undoubtedly its strongest selling point. The tool features a 12" detachable mower deck, which allows for easy conversion from trimmer to mower. This is a significant advantage for those with limited storage space or who prefer to minimize the number of tools in their shed. The mower deck offers a four-position height adjustment, ranging from 1.5" to 3.5", which allows for some degree of customization depending on your lawn's needs.

The twisting shaft is another thoughtful feature, enabling convenient edging without having to switch tools. The auto-feed line system ensures that you don't have to manually adjust the line, which is a time-saver.

Performance

In terms of performance, the tool excels in cutting grass in small, flat areas and is surprisingly effective for trimming around obstacles and edges. The cutting width is adjustable between 10" and 12", providing some flexibility depending on the task at hand. The .080" line size is adequate for light to medium trimming tasks but may struggle with thicker, more robust vegetation.

The trimmer's power is sufficient for most small-yard applications, especially when paired with a 4Ah battery. The battery life is commendable, allowing for about 30-40 minutes of continuous use. This is generally enough to handle small yards, but may fall short for more extensive tasks.

Ease of Use and Assembly

The tool is relatively lightweight at 12.65 lbs, making it easy to maneuver. The assembly process is straightforward, and the mower deck attaches and detaches with minimal effort. The design is intuitive, and the tool feels well-balanced in hand, reducing user fatigue.

However, the auto-feed line system, while convenient, has its drawbacks. The line tends to extend each time you start the trimmer, which can lead to excessive waste and frequent stops to untangle the line. This can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially if you have a lot of starting and stopping to do.

Durability and Build Quality

Here's where the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 3-IN-1 falls short. The tool is primarily made of plastic, which impacts its durability. The swivel joint where the handle attaches to the cutting head is particularly vulnerable. After just a few uses, I noticed signs of wear and tear, and the joint eventually snapped. This is a significant design flaw, especially considering the weight of the battery adds extra stress to this area.

The plastic coupling at the shaft is another weak point. It would have been more durable if made of metal, given that this area bears a lot of the load during operation. The mower deck itself, while functional, flexes too much, making it challenging to achieve a consistent cut.

Noise and Comfort

The tool is reasonably quiet, which is a plus for those who prefer not to disturb their neighbors. The ergonomic design ensures that the tool is comfortable to use for extended periods. However, the single-string design limits its cutting power, making it less effective on more demanding tasks.

Overall Experience

Using the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 3-IN-1 tool has been a journey of highs and lows. On the one hand, the convenience of having a single tool that can trim, mow, and edge is incredibly appealing. It’s lightweight, easy to store, and perfect for small, uncomplicated yards. The battery life and power are more than adequate for these settings.

On the other hand, the durability issues are hard to overlook. The frequent need to untangle the line and the vulnerability of the swivel joint are significant drawbacks. The tool’s build quality does not inspire confidence for long-term use, especially if you have a yard with uneven terrain or thicker vegetation.

Recommendation

Would I recommend the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 3-IN-1 String Trimmer, Mower, and Edger? It depends.

If you have a small, flat yard with minimal obstacles and are looking for a lightweight, versatile tool that can handle basic trimming, mowing, and edging tasks, this tool could be a good fit. The convenience of having three tools in one and the ease of use are significant advantages.

However, if you have a larger yard, thicker vegetation, or uneven terrain, you might want to look elsewhere. The durability issues and the limitations of the single-string design make it less suitable for more demanding tasks. Additionally, if you’re looking for a tool that will last for several seasons, the build quality here might disappoint.

In summary, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 3-IN-1 is a good tool for light, small-yard maintenance but falls short when it comes to durability and handling more challenging tasks. If you decide to go with this tool, be prepared for some trade-offs in performance and longevity.