Features
- Powerful motor for trimming weeds
- Adjustable cutting width from 11 inches to 13 inches
- Up to 72 minutes of runtime with a 4Ah battery
- Variable speed trigger and two-speed switch for control
- Pivoting head for edging
Specifications
| Cutting Width | 13 inches |
| Line Size | .080 inches |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs. |
| Battery Voltage | 18V |
| Battery Capacity | 4Ah |
| Charger Input | 120V, 60Hz, 60W |
| Warranty | 3-Year Limited Warranty |
This string trimmer and edger is designed for maintaining medium-sized yards. It features a powerful motor and an adjustable cutting width, allowing for a balance between runtime and cutting aggressiveness. The unit includes an auto-feed head for easy string reloading and can be converted into an edger for more precise cutting.
Model Number: P2080
Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13" String Trimmer/Edger Kit Review
Maintaining a well-kept yard can be a rewarding experience, especially when you have the right tools for the job. I recently had the opportunity to test the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13" String Trimmer/Edger Kit (model P2080), and my experience was a mixed bag of impressive features and some noticeable drawbacks.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing that caught my eye was the lightweight design of this trimmer. Weighing in at just 7.5 lbs, it’s incredibly easy to maneuver, making it ideal for those who may find heavier tools cumbersome. The unit feels well-balanced, and the adjustable cutting width—from 11 inches to 13 inches—adds a layer of versatility that allows you to customize your trimming experience based on your yard's needs.
Performance
The Ryobi trimmer is powered by an 18V battery, and I found that it generally offers a decent amount of runtime. With the included 4Ah battery, I was able to get up to 72 minutes of light-duty trimming, which is more than sufficient for smaller yards. However, if you have a larger property, it might be worthwhile to invest in an additional battery to avoid interruptions.
The motor is reasonably powerful for a battery-operated unit, handling standard grass and light weeds without much trouble. It’s worth noting, though, that this trimmer is not designed for heavy-duty tasks. For thicker, more stubborn vegetation, you might find the power lacking.
Usability
One of the standout features for me was the auto-feed head. Unlike traditional tap-feed systems, the Ryobi's auto-feed advances the line automatically each time the motor stops for two seconds. This feature is incredibly convenient as it eliminates the need to bump the head against the ground. However, it does have its downsides. The auto-feed mechanism tends to waste string, which could result in more frequent spool replacements. Despite this, the convenience it offers is hard to overlook.
The trimmer also converts into an edger with a simple foot pedal mechanism. This pivoting head is a great addition, especially if you need to maintain clean edges along driveways and walkways. However, I did find the design a bit awkward. For shorter users, the angle required to edge comfortably might be too steep, causing fatigue over extended use.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is always a crucial factor for cordless tools. The 4Ah battery included with this model offers a respectable amount of runtime, but it does drain quicker when dealing with thicker patches of grass. Charging the battery is straightforward, and it took about an hour to fully recharge. If you’re planning on extended sessions, having a spare battery on hand would be a wise decision.
Noise and Vibration
One of the benefits of using a battery-powered trimmer is the reduced noise level compared to gas-powered models. The Ryobi trimmer is relatively quiet, making it less disruptive for you and your neighbors. Additionally, the lack of a gas engine means less vibration, which adds to the overall comfort during use.
Durability
Durability is where this trimmer shows some weaknesses. The absence of a brushless motor means it might not last as long as some higher-end models. While the three-year limited warranty provides some peace of mind, the overall build quality suggests that this tool is best suited for light to medium-duty tasks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Adjustable cutting width
- Auto-feed head for convenience
- Converts easily to an edger
- Quiet and low vibration
- Decent battery life for small to medium-sized yards
Cons:
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
- Auto-feed mechanism can be wasteful
- Edger design can be awkward for shorter users
- Durability may be a concern due to the lack of a brushless motor
Final Thoughts
So, would I recommend the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13" String Trimmer/Edger Kit? The answer is yes, but with some reservations. If you have a small to medium-sized yard and are looking for a lightweight, easy-to-use trimmer that offers the added benefit of an edger, this tool is a solid choice. Its convenience features, like the auto-feed head and pivoting edger, make it user-friendly and efficient for light-duty tasks.
However, if you have a larger property or need a trimmer that can handle thick, heavy vegetation, you might want to consider a more robust model, possibly with a brushless motor for added durability. The auto-feed mechanism, while convenient, does waste string, so be prepared for more frequent spool replacements.
In summary, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13" String Trimmer/Edger Kit is a versatile, user-friendly tool that excels in light to medium-duty yard maintenance. Its ease of use and convenient features make it a worthwhile investment for those with smaller yards, but it may fall short for more demanding tasks.
Project Ideas
Business
Lawn Care Service
Start a lawn care business offering trimming and edging services. Use the trimmer's powerful motor and adjustable cutting width to handle a variety of yard sizes and customer needs.
Edging Specialist
Offer specialized edging services for residential and commercial properties. The trimmer's pivoting head and edging capabilities allow you to provide precise, professional-looking edges.
Custom Yard Design
Start a business offering custom yard design and maintenance. Use the trimmer to create unique patterns, paths, and sections in customers' yards, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of their outdoor spaces.
Seasonal Yard Cleanup
Offer seasonal yard cleanup services, including trimming overgrown grass, edging flower beds, and maintaining garden paths. The variable speed control and adjustable cutting width make it easy to handle different tasks efficiently.
Event Preparation
Provide yard preparation services for events such as weddings, parties, and outdoor gatherings. Use the trimmer to ensure the venue looks neat and well-maintained, with clean edges and trimmed grass.
Creative
Garden Maze
Create a fun garden maze by trimming and edging paths through tall grass or hedges. Use the trimmer's adjustable width to create narrow and wide paths for a more challenging maze.
Topiary Sculptures
Use the trimmer to shape and maintain intricate topiary sculptures in your garden. The pivoting head and variable speed control will help you achieve precise cuts and beautiful designs.
Lawn Art Patterns
Design and create unique patterns on your lawn by trimming grass in specific shapes and edges. The adjustable cutting width allows you to switch between detailed and broader patterns easily.
Themed Garden Sections
Design themed sections in your garden, such as a fairy garden or a zen garden, by using the trimmer to define clear boundaries and paths. The edger mode can help create neat, defined edges.
Customized Yard Signs
Trim and edge around custom yard signs or plant markers to make them stand out. Create unique shapes around these signs to enhance their visual appeal and make your garden more organized.