Getting a cordless line trimmer

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Kookoo

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#299437 7-Sep-2022 14:27

I need help choosing a line trimmer. We've got a medium size section, quite a bit of grass there. I don't really want a petrol one - have had one till now and it's more a hustle than I can be bothered with.

Budget - a tad over $200.

Two candidates at the local mitre10, both priced at $229 which is pretty much my budget threshold.

Stanley Fatmax 18v 33cm 4Ah

Makita LXT 18v 26cm 3Ah

Does anyone have any of these? Any feedback? Any other models I should consider?

Hello, Ground!

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#2964236 7-Sep-2022 14:44

How about this - especially if you can 3D print the weedeater blades 😄

https://www.tradetested.co.nz/p/gardening/outdoor-power-garden/line-trimmers-and-brush-cutters/cordless-power-garden-combo-set-18v-li-ion

Jase2985

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#2964237 7-Sep-2022 14:45

would you ever go to a battery powered mower? or any other battery powered garden tool? the range and products of the brands are something to consider if thats the case

Kookoo

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#2964240 7-Sep-2022 14:52

Reanalyse:

How about this - especially if you can 3D print the weedeater blades 😄

https://www.tradetested.co.nz/p/gardening/outdoor-power-garden/line-trimmers-and-brush-cutters/cordless-power-garden-combo-set-18v-li-ion

Looks cool, but... 1.5Ah battery won't last. Also - got some mitre10 vouchers for fathers day that I need to use before I forget I have them. 😀

Hello, Ground!

Kookoo

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#2964241 7-Sep-2022 14:55

Jase2985:

would you ever go to a battery powered mower? or any other battery powered garden tool? the range and products of the brands are something to consider if thats the case

That's a good point. The range is similar, but Stanley is exclusive to mitre10, Makita isn't. So in theory I could get more Makita tools (skins only) from Bunnings where it's usually cheaper.

Hello, Ground!

richms

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#2964256 7-Sep-2022 15:25

If its a choice between those 2, get the Makita no questions. Black and decker batteries lack any inbuilt protection and I have a whole lot of them that are dead and will not charge on the stock charger anymore as they seem to just detect over discharge and brick from charging rather than actually have any useful protection in them.

You can also find a lot of cheap tools on aliexpress that are compatible with Makita batteries.

Richard rich.ms

Kookoo

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#2964260 7-Sep-2022 15:30

richms:

If its a choice between those 2, get the Makita no questions. Black and decker batteries lack any inbuilt protection and I have a whole lot of them that are dead and will not charge on the stock charger anymore as they seem to just detect over discharge and brick from charging rather than actually have any useful protection in them.

You can also find a lot of cheap tools on aliexpress that are compatible with Makita batteries.

The other one is Stanley though, not Black and Decker.

Hello, Ground!

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RunningMan

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#2964263 7-Sep-2022 15:31

Same thing. https://www.stanleyblackanddecker.com/

mdf

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#2964265 7-Sep-2022 15:34

Haven't used either of those so can only provide general comments...

- Are you on an existing tool battery platform? Having multiple batteries is _very_ helpful for lawn work.

- Go in and pick up your shortlisted models. Line trimming ergonomics is the difference between an acceptable task and a backaching knee bending chore. In that regard, I've used both straight shaft (motor at the top) and curved shaft (motor at the bottom) line trimmers and am hands down, open misere totally in favour of the straight shaft. More expensive, but so much better balanced.

richms

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#2964267 7-Sep-2022 15:36

Kookoo:

The other one is Stanley though, not Black and Decker.

One is orange, one is yellow. Both are consumer brands and there is just a plastic stub or 2 on the batteries stopping them being interchangable. They sell models in some places as fatmax that are the same as black and decker in other markets. Entry level stuff

Richard rich.ms

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#2964268 7-Sep-2022 15:38

An array of cocktails featured with bev by BLACK+DECKER

Probably the only thing they make I would consider buying....

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RunningMan

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#2964269 7-Sep-2022 15:38

Balance is quite different on battery vs petrol. The battery weight moves the CG quite a bit.

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reven

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#2964278 7-Sep-2022 15:53

+1 to go for a better brand.

I have a makita one, its good. my parents also have one.

The makita battery mowers are good too, also have one and my parents also have one (after using mine they wanted one).

I have dewalt garden tools aswell, and a ryobi weedsprayer.

but i have most batteries these days for tools.

I would look at makita or dewalt. you can then use those batteries easily in other tools. Ryobi not so easily, they have a different battery for their 36v stuff.

Kookoo

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#2964285 7-Sep-2022 16:03

RunningMan:

Same thing. https://www.stanleyblackanddecker.com/

Wow. I never realised that.

Hello, Ground!

Kookoo

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#2964287 7-Sep-2022 16:04

Thanks for your replies everyone. Makita it is then.

Hello, Ground!

DonH

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#2964292 7-Sep-2022 16:08

One thing to consider when choosing a line trimmer for lawn cutting is the design of the cutting head. There should be minimal protrusion of the head below the string arc. My current Ryobi has a "bump' head for feeding the line and it protrudes down quite a long way below the string. This catches easily when sweeping the head across the lawn, tilting the head and scalping the grass.

People hear what they see. - Doris Day

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