Features

• Lightweight design makes it easy to use by most everyone
• 12-inch cut path cuts more area per charge than other cordless trimmers
• AFS System uses centrifugal force to automatically advance line
• Two 18-volt NiCad battery packs provide plenty of run-time per charge
• Telescoping shaft adjusts for perfect length

Reviews (9)

Fantastic and easy
I bought this for my father who is approaching 70 years old. It is very light and very easy to use. We have burmada on our lawn. The first time we used it, there was a lot of growth so it took three batteries to finish his lot. I do have to point out that he had very bad technique. After I showed him a better way to do it, it worked more efficiently and now if he or I use it once a week, I may be able to get by with one battery. Because it inverts, I can do 40 feet in about 30 seconds, if you edge frequently and don't have massive growth. Just don't push it too close to anything you are try to get rid of, it slows it down and it doesn't work properly and the line won't come out. It has a 12inch area so remember to utilize that. I've also have edge and trimmed the yard 9 times this summer already and I still haven't used the spool of line yet. With our gas one the work would take about 45 minutes and I would have sore back from the extra weight. Now I complete my work in less than 15 minutes. This has been a pleasure to use.

Absolute Junk.
Hey There -
I just returned mine after only one use. The box says it will cut 1/2 with one charged battery. WHO's 1/2-acre were they cutting?!? Not my lawn, which is less than a 1/2-acre. I had to do half the job one day, recharge both batteries, and finish the job the next day. The spool was out when I'd finished. The box says "Gets The Job Done." It most certainly did not.
I called B&D Customer Service, and they agreed, the battery life is 15 minutes per battery, fully charged (maybe 20 at the most). Is that enough time for YOU to get "the job done"? Not me. I was really excited but it turned out to be a complete bust.

Very decent for basic use
I think this is perfect for someone who really:
1) dislikes the noise and smell of the gas trimmers
2) wants something fairly light
3) does not want a cord to always worry about
4) already has firestorm or B&D 18 volt products (batteries are interchangeable)

I have used all 3 types of trimmers, gas, 120 wired, and this cordless one and I have to say the convenience is great. Instant on with a press of the switch is great. The plastic is a bit cheap feeling but it seems to do the work. I think it could've been much better constructed, but the battery life is pretty impressive and the speed/torque of the trimmer is also pretty impressive on a well grown/groomed lawn. It did have a bit of trouble instantly tackling a thick busy section of grass but after going over it 2-3 passes...it took care of it. This same spot has given me trouble even with the corded 120 volt version from Toro so this was expected. The gas one I had chewed through it easily but that's gas...

I think for light to moderate work, it's fine. If you have thorny and thick undergrowth or even small plants with a fibrous stem, it'll take more work to get down than a gas.

Oh..if you even TRY to 'bump and feed' this unit, you will find the spool falls off VERY easily with a solid thump to the bottom (THAT was a pain in the as* as it flew off and unwound a ton of filament that I had to rewind by hand and figure out how to put it back on!

If you have 18 volt black and decker goods like I do, then you'll REALLY like having the two extra batteries and one extra charger. I have 4 batteries and 2 chargers amongst all the goodies now so I know i'll always have more than enough juice for anything around the house.

I would vote 5 stars, but the plastic has a cheapy feel.

B & D cordless string trimmer
My parents are getting up there and we sibs continually look for the simpliest and easiest yard tools for them to use, rather than hire others to do the things that they still want to do on their own. This trimmer fits the bill; it's easy to use, light-weight, no gas/oil, no electric cords, no bumping.
They love doing their own yard-work. This is certainly much quicker and efficient for them than other methods of trimming that they have used.
It was a great Father's Day gift !!

Light weight and easy to operate.
I am a single senior who just can't manage the gas trimmer any more. So I purchased the Black and Decker grasshog and am amazingly surprised on how easy it is to operate. I had no problem assembling it, it is light and easy to handle. The two batteries lasted for my half acre. If it lasts only two years, it will be worth it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This battery-powered trimmer converts to a rolling lawn edger with just a turn of the handle. The 24-volt Power Core will give you up to 45 minutes of cutting time on just one charge. A 10-inch cutting swath makes quick work of yard trimming, and when you need more line, just bump the head and it feeds out more .08 commercial-grade line automatically. We like the symmetry and nice balance of this trimmer in hand, too. The unit stores in its wall-mounted charger, which indicates battery status with red and green lights. A great two-in-one yard tool for the homeowner.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Two comfortable grip and hassle-free start switch
• No gas, no cord, and ready when you are
• 24-Volt Power-Core double ball-bearing motor and battery
• 10-inch cutting path, and 0.08-inch commercial grade line
• Wall charge rack included

Reviews (25)

End Your Research... The YardStick is #1
Ease-of-Use and Versatility! That's why you should buy the 24-Volt YardStick Cordless Edger. I did. Think about it, why do you avoid trimming your lawn each and every week? The trimming and edging really doesn't take that long. In my case, the reason I only trimmed about once every three-weeks was, (1) I needed to uncoil one 100 ft. extension cord for the front yard, (2) secure and tie the cord at the source and around the trimmer's handle (to avoid the "Houston, we've got a problem" power outage), (3) avoid the cord itself, (4) work a strategy for getting the cord around trees and flower beds, (5) trim the yard, (6) then rewind and store the cord... only to repeat the process for the backyard! All the real work was in the prep and storage time. What needless pain.

So, I did the research, and my wife got me the YardStick for Father's Day. I looked at other cordless trimmer/edgers, but the recommendations on Amazon for the YardStick, countered by user cautions/comments about other battery (awkward position of start/power switch) and gas edgers (noise/hassle), helped me take the plunge and try American Gardener. A look at American Gardener's web page will help anyone understand that "trimming is their thing."

I knew I'd received a quality product right out of the box. The YardStick, although not a lightweight, was balanced, comfortable to hold, easy to maneuver while being rugged with an elegant/practical design. I'm a tall person, so the "turn style-like" handle adjustments and easy conversion to edger-mode were important. The test drive was a blast. I was amazed at the "quiet" torque created by the 24-volt powerhouse. Cordless has come a long way. This is also the only dual ball-bearing motor I could find, and it hums. The precision of the edging feature was a welcomed surprise.

The chore that used to waste a good 35 minutes, now only took about 12- front AND back! Then, I just placed the YardStick in the charger for next week. Cool.

Five star potential, but...
I purchased my unit two weeks ago after reading the rave reviews. I too was ready to abandon my stinky gas trimmer.

I was initially optimistic when I opened up the unit. The unit was a bit heavy, but well balanced, and I liked how easy it was to spin the handle on the unit to switch the head from horizonal to vertical. The symmetric switch arrangement was intuitive and easy to use.

After charging overnight, I headed out to start trimming. Almost immediately the spool feed became a real pain. The line would not feed smoothly, making it necessary to remove the spool to advance the line manually almost every time. (I now know why they include a second spool for free...).

This weekend I brought it out for its' second use. This time, the spool kicked out a double length of line. This extra amount of line should have hit the line cutter and been trimmed off. Instead, the line wrapped around the cutter and SHEARED IT OFF, sending the nice sharp chunk of metal flying. Since the line cutter is riveted to the line guard, it is not a user replaceable item.

I'm sending it back in the morning and looking at other models. I haven't ruled out other American Gardner products, but I think I will pass on this one.

A little disappointing.
Given the prominently featured rave reviews, I wonder what changed at American Gardener in the last year. I've just taken it out for a spin, and was deeply disappointed in the runtime off a fully charged battery. After 15 minutes of trimming weeds along the perimeter of our jungle-surrounded lot, it was still willing but wimpy. Perhaps runtime varies with the nature of the trimmee: whispy grass along the flower bed edging might not use much battery power. Vigorous, rampant growth might eat the battery alive.

String advance is, if anything, a little too easy. Bumping the ground accidentally advanced the string more than I intended. But that's a good thing, compared to the wrestling matches I've had with string and pliers on other trimmers.

I'm still glad we purchased this unit because frankly, my attention span doesn't last much longer than fifteen minutes anyway, and the mere touch of my hand is death to a 2-cycle engine. We have a gas-powered string trimmer, but I can't start it to save my soul, it's loud, it's stinky, and it's too heavy for me. So this trimmer will actually get a lot of use around our weedy lot, in spite of the lackluster runtime.

Nice idea, questionable quality
Strengths
-----------
* Cordless
* Well balanced
* No gas, no oil, no exhaust fumes!

Weaknesses
------------
* Charge doesn't hold up for larger yards
* Blade that cuts off excess trimmer line broke after 2nd use

Bottom line: Nice idea, run time would be OK for smaller lots, but quality, especially on the the trimmer line blade, is lacking.

If the blade wouldn't have broken, I might have rated it 3.5 stars, instead I will be giving it to UPS to return to Amazon.

American Gardener YS24 24-Volt YardStick Cordless Trimmer
As a previous reviewer also experienced, the trim line cutter broke off the first time I used this product. I was hoping this product would do the job as it seems well built, but with the ease at which the line cutter broke off, I wonder. I have to now return mine and reconsider a gas powered unit. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Black & Decker's Grass Hog offers the convenience of cordless power without the mess of fuel. Requiring virtually no tune-ups and no fussing with gasoline and oil mixtures, the Grass Hog gives you quiet, reliable, maintenance-free power at the flip of a switch. True, battery power doesn't measure up to the strength of a gas engine, but maybe you don't need all that power (and pollution) anyway.

This trimmer takes just a few minutes to put together, and its durable construction--backed by Black & Decker's two-year warranty--is immediately obvious. With a 12-inch cutting path--the largest of any battery-powered trimmer--the Grass Hog works quickly. It is limited to light-duty cutting of grass and foliage but can handle most homeowners' needs for weekend weed whacking. The straight-shaft design lets you easily reach under decks and stairs, and the adjustable handles offer a comfortable grip. The auto feed spool releases trimmer line as it's needed, with no tapping of the spool head required. The edger feature is easy to engage and does a decent job of cleaning up around paving stones and concrete, although it's not as powerful as gas and corded electric models when cutting extensive edges along walkways and driveways.

Weighing over 10 pounds, the Grass Hog may be a bit heavy for some users, but for small, light-duty jobs, most homeowners should find it to be quite manageable. As with all power equipment, trimmers must be handled with caution. Be sure to wear hand, eye, and foot protection when operating this serious piece of equipment. --Michelle McSweeney ... Read more

Features

• 30 day no-risk satisfaction guarantee and full two-year warranty
• Cordless convenience-requires no gas, oil or tune-ups
• Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) releases line as needed-no bumping required
• Groom'N'Edge button rotates 180-degrees for convert from trimming to edging
• 12-inch cut path-largest of any cordless electric string trimmer, get more done in less time

Reviews (85)

Very good; just a little heavy & runtime is short if edging
This does a good job of trimming and edging. I have used a corded Toro trimmer and I have to say that the cordless convenience more than makes up for the fact that this is quite a bit heavier than the corded models. Run time for trimming is about 30 minutes if not held on constantly. However, the run time when edging is very short, probably about 10-15 minutes. It does a good job edging, but it takes a little longer than a dedicated edger and does not cut quite as deeply or as narrow a swath. But the steel guide makes it fairly easy. I have found you will be pretty worn out because of its weight by the time the battery runs down anyway, so it's time for a break. In about an hour, it will charge back to about 1/4 capacity after being fully drained; 1/2 after about 2 hrs and maybe 2/3 after 3 hours. Then the charging slows down a bit (takes about 12 hrs to get close to capacity. After that, the green light comes on to let you know it is trickle charging the battery.
...

The assembly was straight-forward, just a few screws to attach the guard to the bottom. During operation, it is a little noisy, but I think it helps a bit if you get the screws on tightly enough to keep the guard from rattling. Overall, it can cut well and requires no bumping to release the string. When edging, I did notice that the edger does a better job once a new section of string is released. I think that is because it is a bit longer and can cut deeper into the dirt.

Very convenient tool for suburban trimming.
I have owned my Grass Hog for over a year now...and still love it. It offers the best features of gas-powered and electric trimmers. First, no gas to buy, no oil to mix, no plugs to foul, no noise and vibration and no trying to get the engine started plus no need to fuss with dragging an electric cord around. The battery sits where a gas-powered engine would normally reside -- this balances the trimmer making it easier to use than traditional corded models. The auto-feed system works great and the string is easy to replace. The rotating head makes edging easy.

I have a 3/4 acre corner lot with a fence, a sidewalk around two sides and a great deal of stone edging around trees. I can easily trim the entire yard on one charge. When I hang up the trimmer, it recharges and remains charged until needed again...very cool.

There are a few places where this trimmer may not be well-suited. It does not have the power of high-end gas models. This limits its usefulness in heavy weeds and underbrush. It has plenty of power for the average suburban yard but trimming hay from around horse-farm fences would be about its upper limit. It also would not work for a lawn-care service as it has to recharge for several hours once the battery drains.

For the average suburban lawn, this is the way to go. Mine has never failed to please!

It's been 4 years of good use
Four years have gone by and the motor died. The battery would last about 10 minutes and that's it. I plan on buying the new 18 volt model and will try the other person from Austin recommendation, charge indoors. This trimmer will not do an entire yard at once so if that is your mission look elsewhere. I plan to get the new one because it's emission free. The foul emissions from my borrowed gas trimmer is sickening. The construction design could definitely be better.

It's going back to the store!
I need something that last more then 15 minutes. Black & Decker, you have let me down!

3rd year, still fine
This is an extremely convenient trimmer. Ours still runs about 40 min before needing a recharge, and it feeds perfectly. I refilled the string dispenser last year with no problem. It is a little difficult & awkward to get the battery pack off the handle. It is not really designed for female-sized hands. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The portability of gas power without the mixing and pull-cord, the ease and reliability of AC power without being tethered by an extension cord, Toro's 12-volt trimmer is a first-rate unit for homeowners. A 12-volt battery offers a run time of at least 45 minutes, more than enough for the average yard. The D-shaped handle’s curve balances the trimmer’s 10 pounds nicely in hand, and we especially like the wide-grip trigger. It comes out of the box fully assembled, needing only a 12-hour charge to be ready to run. The spool holds 10 feet of .065 line, and spool replacement is a snap--literally—-because no tools are needed. Just bump the head to advance more line. We like this trimmer for its light weight, ease of handling, impressive run time, and great price.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Battery provides up to 45 minutes of run time
• Cordless 12-volt unit - user is not constrained by an extension cord
• Bump and feed line advance for continuous cutting
• Tool-free spool replacement
• Exclusive extension cord-lock prevents disconnects

Reviews (10)

Easy to assemble
Either Toro changed the design, or some of the other reviewers are mechnically challenged. Either way, the the trimmer snaps together in 2 seconds and is ready to charge. Couldn't have been easier.

A detachable battery would have been nice for those who don't have outlets easily available where we store our lawn equipment.

Excellent little trimmer
I don't understand the complaints about this product. It came in three parts and was very easy to assemble. The bottom snaps to the middle section, no tools or bolts... it's angled so you can't really put it together wrong (well, I suppose you could, but not if you make sure the cord is straight like the instructions say to). The top attaches with 2 nuts and bolts (included), also very easy to do. Five minute assembly I would say for the average person who doesn't read directions...

Very handy to not have to unplug my mower to trim. I like it.

Oh, I should mention that you don't need to push in the little button on top once you start it (someone was saying it made them tired), it's a safety interlock to keep the big trigger from being accidentally activated.. once you have the big trigger in, you don't need to hold the smaller interlock button on top to run the trimmer. Now I've used it multiple times and am still very happy with it.

Does the job, but you get what you pay for.
First, I'll say I'm satisfied with this trimmer, given what I paid for it (not much). But... if you have a large yard, or are concerned about long-term quality, I recommend a higher-end unit. Although the trimmer arrived in only three pieces, for the life of me I could NOT assemble it - the top two pieces would not "click" together; I had to duct-tape them. The trimmer works well, but it's heavy for its size. You'll find your hands and arms getting fatigued after about 10 minutes from vibration and holding the on switch.

Disasterous Product
I'm a 57-year-old woman and I have assembled tons of stuff. But whew! I have had a miserable experience with this 7" cordless trimmer. Please read this to the end before buying ANY Toro product. I am dismayed at the trimmer, and more dismayed at the company's attitude.
On the box, Toro states that their trimmer is EASY to assemble and assembles in minutes. It was horrendously not easy and took a long time! Furthermore, in spite of great time-consuming frustrations and attempts to be careful, when I finally had it assembled, the seams along the casing began to crack open.
Now, there are parts on this trimmer that, once connected, lock permanently, although the manual doesn't tell you about this.
I tried to fix the problem (following instructions about opening the trimmer handle in the manual), and ended up with some pieces that I was nervous about putting back together.
In disgust, I finally took the thing back to the store.

The manager had me call Toro from his telephone. I explained my dilemma calmly and politely asked Toro simply to refund my money. Understand, this catastrophe had already cost me several hours and plus an afternoon of driving back to the store.
The Toro people with whom I spoke were completely inflexible, humorless and very hard-hearted. Wow, could they use a course in customer relations!
They refused to back up their product, and couldn't care less about the fact that the box said "easy" to assemble, implying that I was some kind of idiot (but read on!). They recommended I take my brand new trimmer to a place where I would have to pay to have it repaired, IF it could be repaired! I was startled and dismayed by their "too bad--tough" response. They completely shrugged me off.
The store, as shocked as I at Toro's attitude, graciously decided to replace the trimmer with a new one. (I don't know if they had to swallow this one or not.)
This time, the store manager assembled the new trimmer for me. Now, he was a big guy who is used to mechanical things.
It took him a LONG time to assemble, the manual was as confusing to him as to me, and as he struggled with some cables that wouldn't budge, grunting and groaning, he kept saying, "This is NOT easy! This just won't go together!" Finally he was able to assemble it, using brute strength, but he was really disgusted and completely saw my point by the time he was done.

Okay, here's the icing on my complaint. Today I used the trimmer for only the third time, and suddenly the entire cap holding the trimming mechanism just flew off the bottom, nearly missing my ankles! I couldn't get it back on. There was nothing whatsoever in the manual about how to re-attach this, nor was the Toro website even remotely helpful.
In summary: Toro has a lousy product, including false advertising on the box, and refuses to take responsibility. If they had refunded my money as requested in the beginning, eventually I might buy more of their products.

But not backing up what they say about this trimmer ("Easy to assemble; assembles in minutes"), plus its dangerous performance has convinced me that I will never buy another Toro product in my life.
Now, I am in business, too. Today a customer returned a product which she claimed was defective. It wasn't, but I replaced it at no cost cheerfully.
Buyer, beware of Toro. Purchase products from companies that back up what they sell, and who don't sell things that fall apart dangerously

Good so far
This product has been great so far. I have had this trimmer for about two weeks. The first time I used it the battery ran low after about 30 min. The second time I used it (after charging all week) the battery must have been more completely charged since it didn't become low after over 30 min. of use. Its a whole lot more convenient to use than my old gas trimmer and it doesn't sound like an airplane flying over. The trimmer line that was on it when new did break quite often and I replaced it with line from a bulk reel of 0.065 line. This line is more durable and I have not had to add more line yet. The unit is somewhat heavy and can get tiring if you have a lot of trimming to do. It would be nice if there were places on the trimmer to add a support strap. The bump feed mechanism works flawlessly. I have never had the line to become tangled or fail to dispense as it should. For the price and convenience, I don't think you can find a better trimmer. ... Read more

Features

• Comfort switch with hassle-free start and adjustable shaft and front handle
• 18-Volt High-power motor and battery system
• Interchangeable ni-cd battery with 1-hour smart charger
• 9-inch cutting path
• 0.065-inch professional grade line

Reviews (8)

Good for the money
I purchased this because my wife couldn't handle the larger gas trimmer I have. It does a great job on "LIGHT" weeds and grass. If you looking to cut heavy weeds or brush save your money. It does an excellent job on what it's designed for. The trigger design isn't the best and could be improved. I also purchased another battery because it only runs strong for about 20 minutes. It's quite, light, inexpensive and pretty easy to use. Just make sure that you're going to trim grass or light weeds. For that it's a good buy. I have yet to receive the extra line spools I ordered from Amazon. If I can't get replacement line spools then this product would be worthless.

Inoperative charger
The American Gardener YS18-18 was ordered on 06-09-04 and arrived on 06-11-04. The battery charger will not work..I called American Gadner and they refered me to Utility Electric Service in Conn. They assured me they had the charger in stock and would get it out to me..Its now 06-28-04 and no charger, I called both American Gardner and Then back to Utility Electric Service, I was told the chargers were on order and I would get mine when they arrived. So far no Charger..Tiffany at American Gardner said thats all she could do. I asked for a replacement to be sent to me from American Gardner and she said they coulod not do that...So much for a 2 year guarantee. Wayhollis@aol.com

I Rely on the advice of Amazon buyers
After a lot of research for a cordless line trimmer I found previous critiques by people who purchased this item to be extremely helpful and more reliable than any other source. My trimmer arrived yesterday. It was easy to assemble, charge the battery and my yard was perfectly trimmed within the hour. It is an ideal tool for a woman who does not want the bother of a gas operated trimmer or the inconvenience of an electric cord. I am 71 years old and anticipate using this trimmer for many years to come. I thank other consumers for sharing their comments which are most helpful to others!

Excellent for home use
If all you need is a trimmer for the average suburban yard, this will do great! I did my whole yard in about 15 minutes and it had plenty of charge left. My neighbor was amazed at how well it worked and he spent over $200 for a gas trimmer. Less noise, no gas and oil to mess with, what could be better. I am getting the hedge trimmer next!

Very disappointed in product.
I was very disappointed with this item. It is very difficult to hold down the safety button and trigger at the same time. My hand gets tired after about 5 minutes. It does not trim as closely to mailbox, flower boxes, etc. as I would like.

The only thing that I do like about the item is the battery. It only takes an hour to charge. It does seem like it loses power after about 20 minutes. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Here’s cordless convenience with the power of Toro. The 24-volt battery is as hungry as any gas-powered engine, but there’s no pull-cord hassle at startup, no running out of oil/gas mix, no fumes, no cords to lug. Just powerful trimming and edging in a lightweight workhorse. The bump-feed head supplies just the right length of 0.65 line whether you’re trimming or edging. Toro’s best innovation on this model is building two triggers into the handle, so the trimmer becomes an edger just by turning it over. It’s a couple pounds heavier than its competitors because of the bigger battery, but the soft-grip handle and shoulder strap keep fatigue at bay.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Includes shoulder strap for comfortable operation
• Adjustable assist handle for easy control
• Edge guide and vegetation guard makes it easy to be precise
• Bump-feed line advance for continuous cutting
• No-tool spool replacement saves time and hassle

Reviews (18)

Great Product, Too Bad Dumbed Down
Look, I dunno about any spool head probs or easy breaking line that I've read below - my use has been just fine in that regard. In fact, product is just fine in almost all regards. Its powerful (for my use at least - as avg. homeowner), the tap-to-extend-line is new to me from my old trimmer and works well in my opinion, the 8" vs 10" feature seems fine by me too - the 8" length (who cares if its actual 8 or 5 or 11 or etc.) keeps the line inside inside the secondary guard for sensitive trimming or for edging. Yes its heavy, but the shoulder strap helps to balance that. Yes its powerful, at least as well as the previous consumer grade electric trimmer this replaces, yes it holds a charge well (my trimming is maybe 2 hours for the whole kit-and-kaboodle).

the only problem? the ... trigger! geez, who ever designed this trigger needs to be fired. I'm a strong guy and don't find the trimmer too heavy or unwieldly (though some may), but the trigger made me stop several times to rest! yes, the trigger! it KILLS your thumb. first, some genius put a tirgger lock on the thing so you have to depress a safety switch at same time you depress trigger. Then, if you even slightly let go of the trigger, the safety lock kicks back in and kills the thing! and there's no full-lock-on I could find. So, you either have to keep trigger fully depressed at all times (by really squeezing), or you gotta keep usign that safety switch with your thumb. I'm still happy, and wouldn;t change it, but god its a really dumb thing for them to do. try it, you'll see.......

(also, i read somewhere its a lead hydride battery (or whatever) and not the NiMH battery often found in cell phones, etc. Thus, I think common wisdom holds you should fully discharge the battery before recharging since they have a "memory effect".)

good luck

Nice design - but don't confuse it with gas powered trimmers
This is a good quality, easy to assemble trimmer. Althought the unit is quite heavy it has a nice balance & feel. The motor has adaquate power for most light to medium grass. The trimmer line thickness is the major weakness of this unit, it is .065 & breaks quite often. Athought the bump & feed head works well it is a pain to advance line all the time. If you have light grass to edge & a small area I would recommend the unit. If you have heavy grass & weeds or a larger yard I would highly recommend you invest...in a good quality gas trimmer(echo, John Deere, toro). Even the smallest 21cc gas models have LOTS more power & a much more substantial trim head & line.

DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME WITH THIS JUNK
This has got to be the worst invention by TORO ever made. I bought this to replace another battery powered weedeater a RYOBI, I should have just bought another one of them, which is What I will do after this one is returned. EVERYTHING that you read BAD about this in all the reviews is TRUE and then some. In the first 10 second of using this I realized I made a very very bad purchase. too HEAVY string BREAKS........... trigger is a hassle I could go on and on but won't Take my word for it DON'T BUY IT!!!!!!!!!

Easy
Don't understand the reviews below. The "trigger" reqires very little force. It's a little heavy, but it's battery powered. My 5'0" tall 95lbs wife uses it and has no problems. I would highly recommend product.

Clunky, heavy, reasonably powerful.
I'm in agreement with the others who are unhappy with this unit. It's heavy, the strap is inadequate, and the amount of hand power required to depress the trigger and safety is ridiculous. After 15 minutes of use, I can barely manage 30 seconds of on time (male, 36 years old, no degenerative skeletal or muscular problems.) The line does break frequently. It won't take down weeds with stems bigger than pencils. Since I own it already and my yard is small I'll probably disable the trigger safety and rewind the core with heavier line, warrantee be damned. Would not buy again, would not recommend. ... Read more

Features

• Bump & feed line advance for continuous cutting
• No tools spool replacement
• Adjustable assist handle for maximum comfort

Reviews (3)

Not bad at all.
Street price is $49.99, available at Home Depot and Target. Assembly was fairly straightforward. The lower half (cutting head and motor) snaps into the upper half (shaft, battery and handle). The instructions said to push any slack power cord between the lower and upper half into the upperhalf, but that didn't work. Just push the cord into the lower half instead and the two halves snap together easily. The handle then attaches via a bolt and finger-tightened nut. The handle position is adjustable. The instructions state that a full 24 hour charge is required before first use.
Thetrimmer worked well, taking down grass and some minor yard weeds. I live on a 90 x 110 lot in the burbs, with a separate garage. There are flower beds around the entire house, one side of the garage, and there are four trees. I did not experience any loss of power, however, I only edged for about 10-15 minutes, and not with the power on all the time, only start/stop operation on an as-needed basis. With an 8 inch radius, you will have to get used to edging with the hub much closer to your target cut area. Note that even a small gas-powered trimmer such as the WeedEater FL20 (15" wide cut path), $68 at WalMart, has a radius almost twice that. Once you adjust to this paradigm, you shouldn't have any problems. I discovered that a small radius is great for cutting stray grass/weeds in flower beds, without laying low the Missus' geraniums. Balance felt good (with the handle positioned straight forward), and the unit is very light (~6.5 lbs according to the literature), making it easy to haul around. The on/off power control (no throttle!) is a two part system, with a thumb safety switch which must be pushed forward before the handle can be squeezed. The safety switch is fairly easy to nudge forward, enabling you to depress the power handle only. Once you do so, the thumb switch need not be constantly pushed forward, allowing you to rest that digit (whew). The bump line feed worked flawlessly and the sharp cutting blade is firmly held on by two screws, making it replaceable. The body is indeed made of Toro red plastic, so don't drop the trimmer onto the driveway like you always do after you're done ( - ;The battery is a sealed lead-acid type, which is serviceable at a Toro dealer. I'm sure if you could get your hands on a battery you could do the replacement yourself, as the body is just screwed together. Lead-acid batteries dislike extremes in temperature, deep discharges, and long term storage without a constant charge. (Has to do with "irreversible" sulfation of the electrode plates over time, and also electrolyte issues... Technically, you can reverse sulfation with overcharging, but you would need a programmable power source, and I don't have one.) Indeed, the manual recommends that you keep the unit plugged into the charger when not in use. It further states that there is "no memory effect" and is impossible to overcharge. As such, a charging cradle would have been nice, but probably wasn't feasible for the fifty dollar price. There is a 2 year warranty.Short term, I'm satisfied with my purchase.

A trimmer worth buying
My first Toro wireless trimmer croaked after 14 years of regular use.So I didn't hesitate buying another one despite reading a negative review, and I'm not disappointed.The first one was a 6 volt model - which was excellent for trimming around trees without shredding their bark.I have a gas powered trimmer for the heavy work around streams and clearing brush - but prefer less power around trees and shrubs.This is a significantly better trimmer than the former- plenty of power with a durable battery.Highly recommend it.

More plastic to fill the land fills.
This product is not a good product.It fails to meet any type of standard.Substandard for small to medium yard.No power.No reach (very small radius).After 3 uses, this item was put up for the winter.Wouldn't recharge the old battery or a new one.NOT WORTH IT. ... Read more

Features

• Rechargable & removable battery for continuous use
• 18 volt dc long use rechargable battery
• 8" cutting swath uses .065" diameter single line
• 3-1 includes trimmer,hedge trimmer, and blower
• Wall hanging bracket for easy storage

Features

• Rechargable & removable battery for continuous use
• 12 volt dc long use rechargable battery
• 8" cutting swath uses .065" diameter single line
• 3-1 includes trimmer,hedge trimmer, and blower
• Wall hanging bracket for easy storage

Features

• High capacity power - 1700 mah
• 18-Volt High-power motor and battery system
• Interchangeable ni-cd battery with 1-hour smart charger
• Quadblades: double-action and 2-sided
• 22-inch double-action harden steel blades that cut up to 7/16" material

Reviews (2)

Good Trimmer, Fragile Top Handle
The hedger runs for about 45 minutes and goes through 1/8 inch branches easily. Anything larger will jam the blades. The top handle is not well designed. It takes a lot of stress on the two round/angled connection points to the body. After a couple of weekends, the top handle broke off. American Gardener (through a repair company called Utility Electric) sent me a replacement handle. I've learned to try and put most of the stress on the trigger handle and use the top handle gingerly. This hedger beats dragging a cord around. I have not tried the Black and Decker or Toro cordless for a comparison.

Very impressed
I just tried the trimmer out for the first time, having left the battery in the charger overnight. I had purchased it because I injured my left shoulder and wanted something lighter than the gasoline-powered trimmer I already have. I expected that it would do at least a decent job on trimming my hedge, although I figured that I would have to do the job in stages, because the hedge is about 100 yards long and between 3 and 4 feet high. Much to my surprise, the trimmer did the entire hedge on one charge and seemed ready to take on something else. Because it is so much lighter than the gasoline model, I found it easier to hold the blade level and to avoid any mistakes. It was also great to be able to turn it on and off and on again without the hassle of restarting a gasoline engine. I am extremely pleased with it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Hassle-free starting, no exhaust smell and no power cord to drag behind you—-just some of the advantages to a cordless trimmer. Ryobi’s 12-volt cordless string trimmer is perfect for the homeowner with a medium sized lawn. The 10-inch swath extends easily under low growth because of the straight shaft, and more line advances with a simple bump of the head. Because it’s battery-powered, you won’t wake the neighbors on a Saturday morning. While a little heavier than similar trimmers, we think it’s well-balanced and maneuvers easily, especially when the auxiliary handle is adjusted to your preference. This isn’t the trimmer for long expanses of fenceline, but it’s just right for the average yard. When you’re done, snap the tool into the wall-mount charger, and it will be ready again when you are.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Adjustable D-Handle allows for right or left handed use
• 12-Volt DC rechargable battery
• Bump head line release
• Straight shaft
• 10" cutting swath

Reviews (10)

Reliable eletric grass trimmer
I own a Ryobi 150R electric trimmer for seven years. I use it weekly around my lawn during the summer season in south central Florida. The battery finally weakened but I still manage to complete the trimming before it dies. I am now ready to buy another 150R trimmer. I think it's a great tool.

Nice convenient trimmer
I have used this trimmer for 4 years. I use it to trim and edge my yard. I just hang it up to charge and pull it down to do my front and backyard. The battery gets weak about the time I have finished the back. After four years, the battery has finally given out. That is why it does not get 5 stars. I have even bought a gas trimmer and still go back to this trimmer. I am currently online to find a battery. I got some advice from another reviewer. This has been a great product.

Good product - less expensive battery
Great product. Has operated flawlessly for ten years. NOTE: Another review alerted those in need of a replacement battery to contact outdoordistributors.com. Their battery is $39.55 + $6.55 shipping & handling. Better yet, go to the source. MTD acquired Ryobi and offers replacement batteries for $31.33 + $9.00 shipping & handling; a savings of almost $6.00. MTD's phone number is (800) 800-7310.

Have enjoyed this trimmer for years
I've had this trimmer for four years and the battery finally went out. It wasn't easy finding a replacement - but I finally managed to find one at: Outdoordistributors.com The part you need is: RYO-791-181624. This part number apparently replaces the original type battery. Anyway, got the battery in and am good to go!

As many people have already said, this is not a trimmer for great big jobs, but it does a fine job on general trimming. I love that it starts with one push of a button and there's no smelly gas and stuff to deal with!

P.S. The battery cost $39.55 + shipping

Good to go
I have had this one for 6 years and used it every week. It is stong and dependable. I finally need a new spool and head assembly. It can handle the heavier line (.80) but it will not feed as well. Strong on the toughest of weeds but will not cut heavy brush. Excellent on routine lawns. I would buy another. ... Read more

Features

• 2 year warranty
• Rechargeable 12-volt cordless trimmer cuts up to 1 mile on a single charge
• 10-inch cutting path with a single .08-inch diameter line
• Charging station allows you to store and recharge the unit when not in use
• Adjustable D-handle for easy left or right-handed use

Reviews (28)

Great trimmer
I got this trimmer over the winter and have used it every time I've cut the grass this year. It's fantastic. Maybe a little less power than a corded or gas trimmer, but if you're just edging it's fine. Just have to move a little slow if you're trimming something thick or heavy. For the trimming I do on a half acre lot, which is along the drain, utilities, sidewalk, retaining wall, trees and flower beds, it has more than enough capacity.

I rarely used my corded trimmer because of all of the hastles moving the cord around my yard. Now I just pick this up, spend ten or fifteen minutes walking around the yard, and I'm finished.

It remains to be seen how long the battery will last, but I don't understand the complaints about batteries dying after two years. That's expected with cordless tools. If this battery lasts two years, I will happily pay for a new one.

A bit heavy and cumbersome
This is the first weed trimmer I have owned or used. I hate gasoline so wouldn't even consider a gas model. I have used this unit a for over 3 years now and it works very well. My peeves are that it is a bit too heavy and awqward to handle. There is something not quite right about the balance - no matter how I adjust the handle position. I would not recommend it for shorter people (under 5'6"). I also had to sand off some sharp edges around the handle that left me bleeding after the first time I used it. What I like is the very long battery life - at least an hour.

same with me - 2 years
Got exactly two seasons out of my 150R. Battery didn't keep the charge after the second winter. I even totally drained it last fall before leaving it in its charger all winter. Reminds me of an inkjet printer - decent price, until the consumables kill ya.

It worked for me --- 150R
I bought the 150R in Oct 99 for my dad and then I bought a house the year after so he gave the 150R back to me and have not had any toruble with it till May 2004 when the trimmimg head broke off from the shaft. I will buy the 155R and see how it works out but I got my moneys worth on the 150R

Convienent but ...
Very convienent to have two tools in one, but battery life is not great. Can not really do all my trimming with this product and my yard is only about 100x200. Have to trim, then recharge while mowing, then finish trimming. Not the best way to do it, but workable. In process of ordering a new battery after two years as the charge is lasting for a shorter and shorter time. ... Read more