Ryobi 40V 15" String Trimmer

As someone who has spent considerable time maintaining lawns and gardens, I was eager to put the Ryobi 40V 15" String Trimmer to the test. This trimmer boasts a fair number of features that promise to make yard maintenance less of a chore and more of a streamlined task. With its 40V battery system, adjustable cutting width, and compatibility with various attachments, I had high hopes for its performance.

Initial Impressions and Assembly

Out of the box, the Ryobi 40V String Trimmer feels solid and well-constructed. The assembly process was relatively straightforward, although aligning the internal shaft with the power handle took a bit of effort. The lack of detailed assembly instructions was a minor inconvenience, but nothing a bit of common sense couldn't overcome. One thing I did notice was the weight of the unit. With the battery attached, it is on the heavier side, which might be a consideration for those who prefer lighter tools.

Performance and Power

When I first powered up the trimmer, I was immediately impressed by its power. The 40V battery delivers performance that rivals, if not surpasses, some gas-powered trimmers. The variable speed trigger is a fantastic feature, allowing for precise control, especially when working close to delicate plants or edging along hard surfaces like driveways and sidewalks.

The adjustable cutting width, ranging from 13 to 15 inches, is another thoughtful feature. For larger areas, the 15-inch setting covers more ground quickly, whereas the 13-inch setting is ideal for more detailed work. The bump feed head is designed for easy line reloading, and I found that it generally worked as advertised, allowing me to reload the line in under a minute.

Battery Life

Battery life is always a crucial factor with cordless tools, and the Ryobi 40V String Trimmer does not disappoint. On a full charge, the 4Ah battery provided nearly an hour of continuous use. This was more than enough to tackle the trimming needs of my 1-acre yard. The battery also charges relatively quickly, taking about an hour to go from empty to full. This means that with an extra battery on hand, you could potentially work non-stop.

Usability and Comfort

Using the trimmer is mostly a pleasant experience. The center handle is well-placed, providing a good balance that makes the trimmer easier to maneuver despite its weight. However, after extended use, the weight does become noticeable. A shoulder strap would have been a welcome addition to help distribute the load more evenly and reduce fatigue.

One drawback I encountered was the design of the spool system. Reloading the spool can be a bit of a hassle. The process requires a fair amount of force to lock the spool back into place, and the line occasionally jams inside the spool. This can be frustrating, especially if it happens frequently.

Versatility with Attachments

One of the standout features of this trimmer is its compatibility with Ryobi's EXPAND-IT attachments as well as other universal attachments. I tested the edger attachment and found that it performed adequately for grass edging. However, it struggled with tougher vegetation, stalling out more quickly than a gas-powered edger would. Despite this, the ability to switch between various attachments adds a layer of versatility that is hard to beat.

Durability and Build Quality

Durability is a mixed bag with this trimmer. While the motor and battery system seem robust, some of the plastic components, like the spool cover, feel less durable. In my experience, the spool cover developed a small crack after a few uses, which was disappointing. Additionally, the plastic housing of the edger attachment showed signs of wear and tear relatively quickly.

Noise and Safety

One of the advantages of the Ryobi 40V String Trimmer is its relatively low noise level compared to gas-powered models. This makes it more pleasant to use for extended periods and less disruptive to neighbors. Safety features are adequate, with a well-designed guard to protect against flying debris. However, the guard's position is somewhat high, which means that debris can occasionally reach the user.

Overall Value

Considering its price point, the Ryobi 40V String Trimmer offers a good balance of power, versatility, and convenience. It's an excellent option for homeowners with small to medium-sized yards who want to avoid the hassle of gas-powered tools. The long battery life and quick charging time are significant advantages, as is the ability to use various attachments.

Final Recommendation

Would I recommend the Ryobi 40V 15" String Trimmer? Yes, but with some reservations. If you have a small to medium-sized yard and value the convenience of a cordless tool, this trimmer is a solid choice. Its power, battery life, and versatility make it a valuable addition to your lawn care arsenal. However, if you have a large property or require a tool that can withstand heavy-duty use, you might want to consider other options. The issues with the spool system and some of the plastic components' durability are factors to keep in mind.

In summary, the Ryobi 40V String Trimmer is a powerful and versatile tool that performs well for most residential yard maintenance tasks. While it has some minor drawbacks, its benefits far outweigh them, making it a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.