Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13" String Trimmer/Edger Kit

Owning a yard comes with the responsibility of maintaining its neatness and curb appeal, and having the right tools can make all the difference. Recently, I had the opportunity to test out the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13" String Trimmer/Edger Kit (P20150). As someone who values both functionality and ease of use, I was keen to see how this trimmer/edger would perform in a real-world setting.

First Impressions and Assembly

Unboxing the Ryobi trimmer, I was pleased to note that the assembly was straightforward and quick. Even for someone who isn't particularly mechanically inclined, piecing this tool together took only a few minutes. The lightweight design, clocking in at just over 6 pounds, immediately stood out. This is a significant advantage for anyone who needs to maneuver the trimmer around various obstacles in a yard.

Performance as a Trimmer

When it comes to trimming, the Ryobi does not disappoint. The adjustable cutting width, which ranges from 11 to 13 inches, provides a level of flexibility that can be tailored to different types of yard work. The variable speed trigger is another handy feature, allowing for better control when trimming areas with varying grass densities. It handled light to moderate trimming tasks with ease, making quick work of overgrown grass along my garden beds and fence lines.

The auto-feed line head is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it eliminates the need for the traditional bump-feed mechanism, automatically advancing the line every time the motor stops for more than two seconds. This can make for a more seamless experience, especially for those unfamiliar with the bump-feed technique. However, I found this feature to be somewhat wasteful, especially during frequent stop-start usage. The line advances every time the motor stops, which can lead to excessive line consumption over time.

Edging Capabilities

As an edger, the Ryobi trimmer is a bit of a mixed bag. The pivoting head makes it easy to switch from trimming to edging mode, and the small wheel helps guide the tool along the edge of driveways and walkways. While the concept is solid, the execution is lacking in certain areas. For one, the need to hold the unit almost upright while edging can be physically taxing, particularly for shorter individuals. Additionally, the placement of the wheel limits the direction from which you can edge, necessitating some forethought in planning your edging path.

Battery Life and Power

One of the standout features of this trimmer is its compatibility with Ryobi's ONE+ battery system. This means that if you already own other Ryobi tools, you can interchange batteries, saving both time and money. The included battery lasted around 30 minutes of intermittent use, which is adequate for smaller yards but may require additional batteries for larger plots. The absence of a brushless motor is noticeable, as this impacts both the longevity and efficiency of the tool. For light to moderate tasks, the motor performs adequately, but it may struggle with more demanding jobs.

Durability and Build Quality

Durability is where the Ryobi trimmer shows some inconsistencies. While the lightweight design makes it easy to handle, it also raises questions about long-term durability. The plastic components, particularly around the auto-feed mechanism, feel somewhat flimsy. During my testing, I noticed that the auto-feed line head had a tendency to tangle and occasionally malfunction, requiring manual intervention to fix. This issue is exacerbated by the line advancing mechanism, which sometimes releases too much line, causing it to wrap around the head and jam.

Additional Features and Considerations

There are some thoughtful design elements in this trimmer. The large guard effectively shields against debris, and the adjustable secondary handle improves ergonomics, allowing for a more comfortable trimming experience. Despite these positives, there are a few design flaws that could be addressed. The pedal used to rotate the head for edging can become jammed with grass and debris, making it difficult to switch modes seamlessly. Additionally, the balance of the tool feels slightly off due to the battery placement under the handle, which can make extended use somewhat tiring.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

In conclusion, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13" String Trimmer/Edger Kit offers a variety of useful features that make it well-suited for small to medium-sized yards. Its lightweight design, adjustable cutting width, and compatibility with the Ryobi ONE+ battery system are significant advantages. However, the tool's durability and some of its design aspects, particularly the auto-feed mechanism and edging functionality, leave room for improvement.

If you're looking for a versatile, easy-to-use trimmer for light to moderate yard maintenance, the Ryobi trimmer is a solid choice, particularly if you already own other Ryobi ONE+ tools. However, for those with larger yards or more demanding trimming and edging needs, investing in a more robust, brushless model may be a better long-term solution. While the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13" String Trimmer/Edger Kit has its shortcomings, its overall performance and ease of use make it a viable option for casual gardeners and homeowners.