Line Trimmer

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networkn

Networkn
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#190948 17-Jan-2016 22:53

Hi There!

I am in the market for a new Electric Line Trimmer. We have a smallish property and our B&D which works fine, has 2 bung firestorm batteries which are $140 for 2!

It's been pretty good, though the batteries don't last that long even before they were dying. When battery is full tilt it generally copes pretty well, but someone recommended I consider a 36v over the

existing 18v.

Seems a dizzying array of options.

Would prefer something that CAME with 2 batteries and a charger, and do prefer electric over petrol (less maintenance).

Anyone got a recommendation. Mostly it's for trimming the areas near the edge of our lawn the mower can't reach.

Usually takes 5-10 minutes.

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#1473416 17-Jan-2016 23:02

Check the way it feeds the line out, I have a ryobi one+ 18v that spits a bit of line everytime you stop it, so you either have to hold it on for way more than you need, wasting battery, or else have it wasting the line. Very annoying.

Richard rich.ms

Jase2985

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#1473437 18-Jan-2016 05:51

you need a bump feed on

and why do you need 2 batteries? if it only takes you 10 mins most new ones will do 30-45mins+ on a charge and the battery technology is pretty good now so they should last you 5+ years

MikeB4

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#1473462 18-Jan-2016 08:06

I have generally found these things to be extremely frustrating. They always break the line and the end disappears inside and needs disassembly to start again. I gave you on them and used weed killer where we're no other viable plants or used hot water where the risk of collateral damage was greater.

Having someone come in fortnightly removed all the hassles

timmmay

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#1473463 18-Jan-2016 08:12

I used to have a cheap battery one, but I got sick of it being under powered and running out of battery. I have a mains powered one now, can't remember the brand (it's green and not Bosch, can look it up later) and works well. I have to pull the head thingy apart every couple of months to get the line to feed out nicely, it's pretty fiddly.

In my average sized section with 100 sq m of lawn I found mains powered mower and line trimmer absolutely fine - I just have 2x10m extension cords.

richms

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#1473469 18-Jan-2016 08:27

I have found the quality of line used matters for if the feeder jams and it breaks. Some is too hard and just snaps at the exit hole all the time.

Richard rich.ms

timmmay

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#1473471 18-Jan-2016 08:29

I've never had to replace the line. Do you buy a whole new cartridge? Are they specific to the line trimmer or is there a common design?

Jase2985

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#1473478 18-Jan-2016 08:45

timmmay: I've never had to replace the line. Do you buy a whole new cartridge? Are they specific to the line trimmer or is there a common design?

depends some brands do carts, some do just the line and you have to wind it yourself which does suck a bit.

Sharesies

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

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#1473479 18-Jan-2016 08:57

richms: I have found the quality of line used matters for if the feeder jams and it breaks. Some is too hard and just snaps at the exit hole all the time.

Or so soft that it welds itself together on the spool and won't feed. I use Hitachi brand from M10. It seems to be good quality without having to buy contractor sized rolls.

Some electric trimmers do have replacement cartridges specific to the model. Ideal for the user that just knows what colour they have.

networkn

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#1473481 18-Jan-2016 09:01

Jase2985: you need a bump feed on and why do you need 2 batteries? if it only takes you 10 mins most new ones will do 30-45mins+ on a charge and the battery technology is pretty good now so they should last you 5+ years

Yes things may well have moved along, our one is at least 5-7 years old, but I've never gotten that amount of time out of a battery. If they do indeed last 30+ minutes, then we can make do with one.

I guess generally I'd expect a 2 battery combo to be cheaper than sourcing a battery afterward. If the battery dies then getting a new one can be expensive/hassle.

networkn

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#1473482 18-Jan-2016 09:02

If a trimmer is battery powered, what does the difference between 18v and 36v make (and if someone suggests it's 18v I'll slap you).

I must admit that the string thing seems to be magic on mine, I've not had to touch it in 2+ years. It just does it's thing, I don't know if it's autofeeding.

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#1473491 18-Jan-2016 09:27

networkn: If a trimmer is battery powered, what does the difference between 18v and 36v make (and if someone suggests it's 18v I'll slap you).

My understanding is the 36v engine has a lot more grunt (higher spin speed and higher torque).

networkn

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#1473504 18-Jan-2016 09:37

Sounddude:
networkn: If a trimmer is battery powered, what does the difference between 18v and 36v make (and if someone suggests it's 18v I'll slap you).
My understanding is the 36v engine has a lot more grunt (higher spin speed and higher torque).

Thanks. I'd thought that may have been the case. I presume then, that 36v runs at a higher rate, but for less time? Someone mentioned 30+ minutes of run time, wondering if that was a 36v or 18v?

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#1473519 18-Jan-2016 09:46

networkn:
Sounddude:
networkn: If a trimmer is battery powered, what does the difference between 18v and 36v make (and if someone suggests it's 18v I'll slap you).
My understanding is the 36v engine has a lot more grunt (higher spin speed and higher torque).
Thanks. I'd thought that may have been the case. I presume then, that 36v runs at a higher rate, but for less time? Someone mentioned 30+ minutes of run time, wondering if that was a 36v or 18v?

Run time will depend on the amp hour of the battery attached, a higher amp hour batter will drive a certain voltage for longer than a lower amp hour one.

networkn

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#1473743 18-Jan-2016 13:12

I imagine the batteries used in the Ryobi + series aren't compatible between line trimmers vs say hand drills, so no real benefit in getting invested in a particular brand for that specific reason?

richms

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#1473751 18-Jan-2016 13:20

All the 18v ryobis are compatible, but some tools dont like the smallest of the packs, the circ saw doesnt like the 1.5Ah that came with my crappy drill, just stops all the time. Pair of 5.0Ah see me thru everything powertool wise, and I keep the useless little ones for the fan and lights.

Quite invested in the system now which is why I was considering the mower that takes 2 of them, but I think my masport knew I was looking because it started right up for a change and didnt stall once.

Richard rich.ms

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