Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13" String Trimmer/Edger

The Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13" String Trimmer/Edger is designed to offer the versatility and convenience of a cordless tool for those with medium-sized yards. Having had the opportunity to use this tool extensively, I can provide a detailed look into its performance, strengths, and areas for improvement.

Assembly and Initial Impressions

Assembling the trimmer was straightforward and took me about 15 minutes. The instructions were clear, but even without them, the process was intuitive. The tool feels lightweight at 5.25 lbs, which is a significant advantage for prolonged use, especially for those who may not be used to handling garden tools.

Trimming Performance

The trimmer function works quite well. The powerful motor effectively cuts through grass and weeds, making yard maintenance a breeze. The adjustable cut swath, which allows you to switch between 11” and 13” widths, is a notable feature. This flexibility lets you choose between a wider cut for open areas and a narrower cut for more precise trimming around flower beds and other obstacles.

The auto-feed head is designed to make string reloading easy, and I found it to be fairly reliable. However, there were instances where the line would break or get stuck, requiring manual adjustment. This can be frustrating, especially when you're in the middle of a task and need to stop frequently to fix the line.

Edging Functionality

Switching from trimming to edging is simple in theory, thanks to the pivoting head. However, this is where the tool falls short. The design requires you to hold the unit nearly upright to edge effectively. For someone of average height, this can be cumbersome and tiring. Additionally, the placement of the wheel means you can only edge from right to left, which limits your maneuverability and requires you to plan your edging path more carefully.

The foot mechanism used to rotate the head between trimming and edging modes tends to jam easily with grass and debris. This adds another layer of inconvenience, as you might need to stop and manually clear the jam before continuing.

Battery Life and Power

The trimmer operates on an 18V ONE+ battery, which is a part of Ryobi's extensive battery ecosystem. If you already own other Ryobi tools, this compatibility is a significant advantage. However, the battery life leaves much to be desired. On a fully charged battery, I got about 30 to 40 minutes of use. For larger yards, this means you’ll need multiple batteries or frequent recharges, which can disrupt your workflow.

Durability and Build Quality

Durability is a mixed bag with this trimmer. The motor is located at the bottom, which makes it susceptible to debris and moisture. This design choice can lead to motor issues, as I experienced firsthand when the motor died after just a couple of uses. This is a significant flaw, especially considering the tool's intended use in outdoor environments where exposure to debris is inevitable.

The overall build quality feels somewhat flimsy. The plastic components, particularly around the pivoting mechanism and the auto-feed head, don’t inspire confidence in the tool's longevity. This is disappointing, especially when compared to other Ryobi tools that have a reputation for sturdiness and reliability.

Usability and Comfort

One of the standout features is the variable speed trigger, which allows for better control during use. This is particularly useful when trimming around delicate plants or edging along flower beds. However, the tool's weight distribution feels off, with more weight concentrated at the cutting end. This imbalance can lead to fatigue, especially during extended use.

For those who are shorter in stature, the tool's length can be a challenge. Holding the handle at shoulder height for edging is not ergonomically friendly and can lead to discomfort over time. This makes the trimmer less accessible to a broader range of users.

Final Thoughts

The Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13" String Trimmer/Edger has its merits, particularly in its trimming capabilities and compatibility with Ryobi's ONE+ battery system. However, its performance as an edger is lacking, and the durability issues are concerning. The short battery life and frequent line feed problems further detract from its overall usability.

If you have a small yard and primarily need a trimmer, this tool could be a decent choice, especially if you already own other Ryobi tools and batteries. The lightweight design and adjustable cut swath are definite pluses. However, for those who need a reliable edger or have a larger yard, this tool may not meet your needs. The frequent maintenance required to keep the line feeding properly and the ergonomic challenges make it less appealing.

In conclusion, I would recommend the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13" String Trimmer/Edger with reservations. It performs adequately as a trimmer but falls short in other areas. If you’re looking for a versatile, durable, and user-friendly tool, you might want to explore other options.