Cordless String Trimmers: Black & Decker versus Ryobi

A handful of models currently selling in the one hundred dollar range offer different combinations of trimming power and assorted extras such as automatic line feed.

This article reviews two popular models, the Black & Decker 18-Volt Cordless Grass Hog Trimmer and the Ryobi 18 Volt String Trimmer.

Both trimmers share a similar design. They are made with lightweight plastic frames that hold a battery near the top handle. Their extendable shafts link to small motors on the bottom of the trimmer, which is connected to the trimming string.

Battery type represents the major difference between the two brands. The Black & Decker uses a Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) battery and the Ryobi uses a Lithium Ion (Li-ion) battery.

Typically Li-ion batteries are marketed as the more expensive but longer lasting batteries, and in the case of testing the two trimmers, the rule of thumb holds true.

However, the length of time either trimmer works depends on the type of trimming being done. Common sense tells you that tall, wet grass requires more battery power to cut than short, dry grass.

In a test trimming long grass (over four inches), the Grass Hog (which comes with two batteries) worked for for approximately thirty minutes and the Ryobi (which comes with one battery) worked for approximately twenty minutes.

The trimming test also involved battery recharging. The battery charger for the Grass hog takes between six and nine hours to fully recharge a battery. The Ryobi charger works as advertised, recharging the Li-ion battery in one hour.

Because of the longer battery charging time the Grass Hog's effective trimming time per day is substantially shorter than the Ryobi.

Consider, for example, that with a little planning, the Ryobi can replace any gas or electric mower, and cut an entire average lawn in one day. That's true emissions free lawn care.

On the other hand, many consumers choose a string trimmer for more limited trimming objectives. In those instances, either trimmer works as advertised.

Checking on battery and battery charger prices for both models shows that they account for approximately eighty-five per cent of the original trimmer cost. It appears that both companies have build their trimmer business models with an eye on profiting from selling replacement batteries.

If the costs of battery replacement stays on pary with the cost of purchasing a new string trimmer, consumers might want to stay alert to trimmer technology improvements. The next generation of 24 and 36 Volt cordless line trimmers can only get better.

As a side note, many battery specialists consider NiCad battery technology to be obsolete because of battery toxicity and memory loss. Ni-Cd batteries are classified as hazardous waste and need to be recycled. While Li-ion batteries are not classified as hazardous waste, they should also be recycled.

© 2008-2010 Patricia A. Michaels