Review Craftsman 14315 24 Volt 10 Cordless Line Trimmer
The research
- Why yous should trust u.s.a.
- Who this is for
- How we picked
- How we tested
- Our pick: Ego ST1511T Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload
- Flaws only not dealbreakers
- Runner-up: Ego ST1521S Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload
- As well great: Ryobi RY40270 40V Brushless Expand-It String Trimmer
- Besides neat: Worx WG170.2 GT Revolution 20V PowerShare Cord Trimmer and Edger
- Besides keen: Repeat SRM-225 String Trimmer
- The competition
- Footnotes
Why you should trust the states
Nosotros've been covering outdoor power equipment since 2013, with guides to backyard mowers, snow blowers, and leaf blowers. All of this research and testing has given u.s.a. a house grasp of what makes a good slice of lawn equipment. And it has provided us with a deep knowledge of the various manufacturers and their reputations for quality, availability, and customer service.
I also have extensive string trimmer experience. I currently live in New Hampshire and take virtually 2 acres of mowable lawn. After each cut, I spend roughly xxx minutes using a string trimmer around rock walls, flower beds, pathways, and the chicken coop. I also take about a half-mile of electrical fence that needs to exist maintained with a string trimmer all summer (any blade of grass that grows to touch the fence reduces its effectiveness).
Harry Sawyers, the editor of this guide and a former pro landscaper, has tested many of the trimmers at his Los Angeles property, which is too steep to mow in many places. The typical local practice in this situation: Scrape it blank with a string trimmer and then at that place'due south nothing left to fire when burn flavor rolls effectually.
Who this is for
A string trimmer—also known every bit a weed wacker, a strimmer, a weed whip, or a weed eater—is the perfect complement to a backyard mower, adding a dainty, crisp finish to your lawn. Whereas backyard mowers are intended for wide-open areas, cord trimmers are for cleaning up the edges and all the places the mower tin can't go: nooks, crannies, and tight spots between and under hedges; narrow pathways and steep inclines; in shut quarters nigh mailbox poles, raised beds, trees, and lampposts; and along fences and walls.
Our string trimmer recommendations are for those who want a reliable, powerful tool to help with post-mow cleanup and weed clearing. We weren't looking for a pro-course tool that could exist used all solar day to flatten a hay field or that was necessarily durable plenty for abiding, rugged use. Nosotros were looking for one that was convenient for intermittent regular apply, with enough oomph to handle grass, thick weeds, and the occasional stalky shrub.
How we picked
For this guide, we focused on rechargeable cordless trimmers with enough power to cut everything from simple lawn grass to thick overgrown weeds. Compared with gas cord trimmers, cordless models are quieter, need practically no ongoing maintenance, first with the press of a push button, emit no exhaust, and tin "refuel" without requiring a separate run to the gas station. Over years, our testing has proved that the best cordless tools have the run time and cutting ability for everything but the most extreme clearing jobs. For all of this power and convenience, a cordless string trimmer is roughly the same cost as a gas model—and even less, once yous gene in the long-term cost of purchasing gas and oil and the time spent on maintenance. In some extreme circumstances, but a gas tool will exercise—and we accept a gas-powered pick for those. Merely those rarely utilize to most people's needs, so the remainder of this section outlines our criteria for cordless cord trimmers.
Power: All of the cordless trimmers we looked at can cut regular backyard grass, but we wanted one that also had the power to handle alpine weeds or densely overgrown grass. That's where we started seeing meaning differences among the models. The weaker trimmers strained their manner through tougher conditions, either getting jump up in the grass or pushing information technology over instead of cutting it. Going even deeper into the underbrush, simply a couple of models could slice through really thick plants, like fat Japanese knotweed stalks. Although this is territory that really calls for a castor cutter, it's comforting to know that some of the trimmers tin handle it in a pinch.
We did look at a number of very light-duty trimmers, ideal for smaller lawns. These employ a thinner string and tin cut grass and some weeds, but they struggle with thicker, stalkier plants.
Run time and charge time: Cordless trimmers typically come with a unmarried battery, so it's crucial that they accept a decent run time. When nosotros took the trimmers (40-volt and upward) out into an overgrown field, even the worst-performing cordless model cutting more one,000 foursquare feet of thick, dense grass. Translating this to more applied terms, they could clear a one-foot-wide strip of grass around an entire football game field. The best-performing trimmers cut approximately 3,400 square anxiety, which translates into trimming the same ane-foot swath effectually the perimeter of more than three and a quarter football fields. That's a lot. And go on in listen that we performed our test in very hard cutting atmospheric condition, with the tools cranked to their highest speeds. Under regular conditions, run time is likely to be even longer.
But charge time is a dissimilar story. Almost of these trimmers utilize big batteries, and they tin can take a while to make full. Because it's entirely possible for the battery to empty out during use, we wanted a tool with the shortest possible accuse time, minimizing reanimation.
Comfort and balance: Trimmers, in an ergonomic sense, are fiddling more than a long pole with a weight on each cease. They can be awkward tools to handle, and then during our testing, we looked at the overall balance of each model and how easy each one was to behave around. Some come up with clips for shoulder straps, which is a dainty bear on. As well important: how maneuverable and responsive they are. A successful model should have a lot of precision upwards at the trimmer head, making it easy to cut the grass—without harming the flowers.
Easy line change: With constant whipping and cutting, trimmer cord breaks at a relatively quick rate, so it's not uncommon to accept to install a new string every few trimmer sessions. Putting new string on a trimmer has long been the most frustrating aspect of a string trimmer, just new models are making this easier with automatic or manual systems to reel the line into the head of the tool.
Debris guard: Downwardly at the trimmer head, there is a shield to protect the feet and lower legs from flight droppings. In our tests, we constitute that wider guards were better. Some models (usually those designed with the pro in heed) had narrow guards, and they stopped some debris only non all, leaving our legs and feet stained green past the terminate of a trimming session. The larger guards don't finish everything, just they do a much amend job.
Cost: Unlike with outdoor equipment such equally chainsaws and lawn mowers, with a string trimmer, going cordless doesn't outcome in a price premium. The best straight-shaft gas trimmers are mostly in the $175 to $250 range, which is about where the solid twoscore-volt-plus cordless trimmers land. Again, this is but upfront pricing and doesn't take into business relationship long-term costs similar gas and maintenance (which add together to the toll of gas trimmers). Smaller trimmers, powered past xviii- and twenty-volt batteries, are usually in the $100 range.
Looking at models to exam, nosotros dismissed anything priced as well far over $250. This was because we institute too many highly rated models in the $150 to $250 range to justify going beyond that mark. This decision eliminated cordless models from pro names—such as Husqvarna and Stihl—offer trimmers in the $300 range that don't even include a battery. You practise not need to pay that much for bones lawn maintenance.
How nosotros tested
To see how the trimmers handled unlike grasses—and plants—we tested them in New Hampshire at a rural belongings with all-encompassing trimming needs: 187 feet of stone wall, 182 anxiety of split-track debate, 180 feet of garden fencing, 137 feet of flower beds, 150 feet around a variety of structures and sheds, 51 feet of miscellaneous trimming (around trees and large rocks), and an boosted 556 square anxiety of hillside clearing (where it's too unsafe to utilize a mower). We also used many of them to clear a Los Angeles hillside, which was covered with 3-foot-tall grasses, saplings, and nettlesome thistles.
Nosotros used the trimmers betwixt rose bushes, downward the edge of a driveway, and around fire pits. During testing, we paid attention to overall ease of use, balance, ergonomics, handling, and noise.
For comparative run time and power, nosotros hauled many of the trimmers out to an overgrown field and drained their batteries past clearing giant swaths of thick grass and dumbo weeds, and and so calculating the total square footage each tool was able to handle. To test each trimmer's upper range, we pitted each one against a large stand of Japanese knotweed.
Finally, to confirm our findings, we've spent years using our picks and other leading contenders for our day-to-mean solar day string trimming needs at a variety of properties.
Our choice: Ego ST1511T Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload
Our pick
Of all the trimmers we've tested, the Ego ST1511T Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload combines raw cutting power, finesse, handling, convenience, and run fourth dimension in a way none of the others do. It besides has the easiest line-load system we've tested, also equally a telescoping shaft and quick handle aligning, to adjust people of all heights. All of the Ego trimmers nosotros've tested have marathon-like run times, often outlasting the others by virtually forty% (and in about cases by more than 50%). The ST1511T has the ability to slice through dense grass, gnarly weeds, and fifty-fifty i-inch-thick Japanese knotweed without slowing down. All of this cutting ability is harnessed with a shine, variable-speed trigger, which makes delicate piece of work only equally easy as brute-strength clear-cutting. Though none of the trimmers nosotros tested were quiet, the Ego ST1511T had the nicest sound, emitting a low-pitched hum, rather than the loftier, squealing whine of some of the others. This Ego completes the package with slap-up balance, comfortable grips, and a simple bump-feed line advance.
The Ego ST1511T's ability and run time stand far above those of the other trimmers we looked at. We did a battery test on an earlier model, and the Ego, on a single battery charge, cutting down about 3,400 square anxiety of dense field grass, weeds, and stalky shrubs (in an area nearly sixty past 60 feet). At the time, the side by side-best trimmer cutting well-nigh only 2,100 foursquare feet (almost 40% less); beyond that, the others cut 1,600 square feet or less (less than 50% of what the Ego achieved). Putting the Ego'south operation in perspective, it could trim a 1-human foot-wide swath of grass that was two-thirds of a mile long on a single battery charge. That's hands enough to handle all just the most expansive lawns. Knowing this, it's no surprise that on a single charge, the Ego ST1511T handled the trimming needs of a large New Hampshire belongings (which requires most 900 linear feet of trimming and an additional 556 square feet of mowing, in apartment areas a mower can't get to).
If you do become stranded with an empty battery, the Ego's charger can evangelize a full battery in well-nigh xl minutes. If yous'd rather accept the assurance of a 2d bombardment (though we don't think information technology'south necessary), additional ones are bachelor, ranging from near $150 to $400, depending on ampere hours.
The Ego's power is as impressive every bit its run fourth dimension, and none of the other trimmers we tested could match its sheer cutting strength. While trimming in the field or on the Los Angeles hillside, we never had to stop, hesitate, or even ho-hum downwards when using the Ego. It cut equally fast as we could swing the trimmer head. Other trimmers leap themselves up in the tall grass or (when faced with a dense patch) pushed the grass over rather than cutting it. On thick Japanese knotweed, the Ego blazed correct through 1-inch-thick stalks like they weren't even at that place. Other trimmers either took much longer to exercise this or couldn't make the cut at all.
But the Ego isn't just for clear-cutting fields and destroying the invasive Japanese knotweed (although it's certainly wonderful for that). The trimmer has two speeds and a variable-speed trigger. This set-up offers full command of the cut caput, allowing yous to discover a cut speed that fits the job, from diggings away at thick weeds to finesse work around the perennials and delicate surfaces (like painted siding or lattice). In those more-frail areas, we switched to the low speed setting, so we could maintain the ease of a total trigger pull just not accept the trimmer at meridian speed.
Aside from its ability, run fourth dimension, and control, this tool'due south ergonomics are among the best we tested. The Ego weighs a little over ten pounds, so it wasn't the lightest of the agglomeration. But it was nevertheless very piece of cake to manage due to its nice balance and the addition of a telescoping shaft and a quick adjustment on the handle (on previous Ego models, the handle tin exist moved only by loosening a series of screws). These ii features make information technology possible to customize the ergonomics of the Ego to a wide variety of body heights and types, something we've never really seen on these larger trimmers. The quick handle adjust also makes it like shooting fish in a barrel to change the grip, if y'all use the trimmer every bit an edger.
The Ego is a dual-line unit, meaning that two strings extend from the cutting head. And information technology comes equipped with a 0.095-inch trimmer line, which is on the thicker side and contributes to the trimmer's cut ability (a wide variety of 0.095 string is available). This Ego tin accept smaller lines, which, as a visitor rep told us, "will actually increment the run time, but it will go through more lines, considering the thinner the line, the more than breakage." All of the more than-powerful units nosotros tested were dual-line cutters, and the majority of them took 0.095 string.
This Ego has the easiest line-load system we've ever used, a process described in particular in the Ego ST1510T transmission (PDF). When all of the string is used up, just load about 16 anxiety of line through the trimmer head so that there are 8 feet sticking out of each side, so pop its cover on. Then with the press of a push button, the line automatically retracts into the trimmer head, so the whole tool is fix to get in seconds. It's difficult to overstate what an improvement this is to what's oft the single-worst attribute of using a string trimmer. With most other trimmers, the unabridged trimmer head needs to exist disassembled and the new line manually wound onto the spool (which is always a tedious process). Ego's system is a much-needed improvement in this area.
If the cord breaks while you're trimming, the Ego has an easy bump-feed line advance. But tap the bottom of the trimmer head against the ground, and a length of string is fed from an internal spool housed within it. A pocket-sized edge on the underside of the debris shield then cuts the end of the string to the proper length. The spool can agree most sixteen anxiety of string, and then y'all'll accept a constant supply, which is essential for longer or more aggressive trimming sessions.
Another impressive element of the Ego is its noise—or, rather, lack of dissonance. The trimmers we tested had noises ranging from high bleat to hair-dryer hum, and the Ego was among the quietest we looked at. It's non an unpleasant sound, and because the Ego'southward motor is down at the cutting head, it's far abroad from the ear, lessening the effect fifty-fifty more than. This is in stark contrast with gas trimmers, which position the engine at your elbow and scream similar fighter jets. The Ego's relatively pleasant sound is non only proficient for your own hearing but a courtesy to your neighbors, too.
Flaws just not dealbreakers
As with anything, the Ego ST1511T is non perfect, but none of the drawbacks come close to offsetting all of the adept the tool provides.
The front end handle'due south immovability is one drawback. It is cushioned with a foam padding, and even though it's very comfortable (and something we came to appreciate during longer trimming sessions), nosotros do worry it could tear hands if snagged on a hook, a nailhead, or maybe even a rose thorn. Most other trimmer handles are plastic or have a thin layer of rubbery padding. Even subsequently several years of using a like Ego, however, we've found that the handle has held upwards well, with only 1 small tear.
Runner-upwards: Ego ST1521S Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload
Runner-upwards
If the Ego ST1511T is non bachelor, our next selection is the Ego ST1521S Ability+ String Trimmer with Powerload. It'due south Ego's previous version of the tool, and it is virtually identical to the ST1511T, other than that the shaft is non telescoping and the trigger design is slightly dissimilar. The ST1521S costs about the same as the ST1511T, then we'd e'er opt for our main pick first. Merely if yous need something in a hurry and the ST1511T is not available, this is an splendid second choice. You can expect nearly the aforementioned power, run time, and accuse fourth dimension, equally with our primary pick.
Also keen: Ryobi RY40270 40V Brushless Expand-It String Trimmer
Also great
If neither Ego model is bachelor, we also like the Ryobi RY40270 40V Brushless Expand-It Cord Trimmer. Information technology doesn't compete with the power of the Egos, merely it does offer enough to get any typical job done. It has a transmission-crank line-load system that's easy to utilise (although not as easy as that of our master pick). And we should note the Ryobi is louder and heavier than the Egos, plus a little harder to maneuver.
Overall, the Ryobi's performance on a total charge was in the center of the pack—just over half of what the Egos accomplished on a full charge. And in patches of actually thick, tall grass, the Ryobi trimmer head occasionally got wound upwards in the grass or merely pushed it over instead of cutting it. And the Ryobi couldn't sever the Japanese knotweed stalks as efficiently equally the Egos. However, when it came to regular trimming—even in heavier weed areas—this trimmer had little problem on multiple hilly properties in Los Angeles in spring 2020.
Because the Ryobi is "attachment-ready," you can remove the trimmer head and replace it with a number of other tools, such equally a brush cutter, a pole saw, or fifty-fifty a cultivator. Nosotros tested many of these attachments and were impressed with the results. Using the cultivator with a fully charged battery, we were able to work for an uninterrupted xv minutes and tilled a 2-by-20-foot (40 foursquare feet) expanse of the field into a ready-to-get garden bed. For a 2nd test, on softer basis, we tilled up to a 10-past-10-human foot area (100 square feet) on a unmarried charge. In these instances, managing the cultivator is physically demanding, but these tests demonstrate that the Ryobi is capable of cleaning up garden rows or tilling flower beds in the spring.
We also liked the pole saw attachment. We were able to cutting downwards a number of branches and minor trees that had fallen over a brook and we couldn't accomplish with a traditional chainsaw. In 2021, a tree worker borrowed it in a pinch and was impressed with how easy it was to use. The brush cutter worked as advertised likewise. In full general, we were impressed with how all of the attachments performed when fastened to the cordless tool.
If you lot practice become the attachment road and want to be able to jump apace from job to task, you may consider purchasing a 2d battery for well-nigh $140.
The Ryobi has a few downsides. Offset, it's heavy. At eleven½ pounds, it's almost a pound and a half more than our pick, a weight that takes its toll subsequently a while. On the Ego ST1511T, the motor is located down at the cut head, in event counterbalancing the weight of the bombardment. But on the Ryobi, the motor is upwardly by the handle. With this configuration, the balance felt slightly off, and information technology took a little more than effort to swing the machine around. And in tight spots, like between rose bushes, the Ryobi didn't experience as nimble every bit the Ego.
Compared with the Ego, the Ryobi is loud—a bleat-like, whiny loud. We recommend using ear protection no matter which string trimmer you utilize. But even with padded ears, it'south easy to selection up on the Ryobi's whine.
Also great: Echo SRM-225 Cord Trimmer
As well great
Despite all the benefits of a cordless model, in some rare situations a gas model will be the best option—namely for clearing large amounts of grass, either on a steep hillside or on a massive property that lacks a convenient place to recharge. For this kind of piece of work, we recommend the Echo SRM-225 String Trimmer. It'due south roughly the same cost as the Ego ST1511S.
We tested the Repeat in Los Angeles on a steep rear hillside (approximately 2,000 foursquare feet), which Wirecutter senior editor Harry Sawyers has to clear every year before Southern California'south burn down flavor. In bound 2016, he purchased the SRM-225 for the task, after trying (and returning) Repeat's lighter-duty curved-shaft model. The gas engine appealed to Harry at the time, and it'due south still working perfectly later iv years of intermittent heavy use and minimal maintenance. (But Harry said if he were shopping today, in spring 2021, he'd probably get a cordless tool instead.)
Here'south the appeal of a gas engine: With an ample supply of fuel and trimming line, you lot've got limitless run time for an all-day job, which is the reliable, durable Echo's primary duty. This trimmer'south engine is as piece of cake as whatsoever mod two-stroke engine to first. And Harry plant he'd rather pay a slight premium for a can of premixed Trufuel l:1 Mix Engineered Fuel+Oil than fuss with his ain mixing ratios. The premix saves an additional trip to a gas station, and the can is stabilized and able to exist stored at dwelling for years.
The Echo is available at Home Depot, where information technology currently carries a 4.six rating across most 7,000 customer reviews. We've been roofing lawn equipment since 2013, and we tin state that a rating this high, with this many reviews, on a gas-powered piece of outdoor equipment is extremely rare and likely indicates a unique level of quality. This model shares some bug mutual to whatever other gas trimmer—it's super-loud, it vibrates your hands at full throttle, and it's strong plenty to kick all kinds of junk upwards into your face up. Wear eye and ear protection, long pants, and gloves to be condom when using it.
The contest
The Ego ST1502-SA Power+ String Trimmer was previously our runner-up pick. It has similar capabilities to the other Ego trimmers, simply it likewise has a transmission line load, which is more tedious than what's on the newer models. This trimmer is usually a little less expensive than the others, but not enough to make it a more appealing pick.
In 2021, we tested ii other smaller trimmers aslope the Worx, both typically priced under $125. The Ryobi P2030 18-Volt String Trimmer and Edger is very minor and has none of the ergonomic adjustments that fabricated the Worx and then successful. The P2030 is very inexpensive, simply we remember the Worx is worth the actress investment. The Ryobi P2080 eighteen-Volt String Trimmer/Edger has a telescoping shaft, but without the pivot at the trimmer head, its ergonomics are not every bit good as those of the Worx, particularly for taller people. Neither of these models has the mini-mower function, and both of them are louder, particularly when the motor is first engaged.
In 2021, we also looked at the larger Ryobi P20120VNM 18-Volt Brushless String Trimmer. This is a solid trimmer, and information technology has a nice experience to it. But the motor is slow to get to full speed, resulting in an extremely loud slapping sound as the auto-feed line hits against the cutter. It's such an unexpected noise that our testers thought the trimmer was broken. A nearby child said, "That thing sounds terrible. What is information technology?" One time the motor is at total speed and the line is cutting, information technology's still loud.
Ryobi has two other attachment-capable 40-volt models, but neither matches the ability of our runner-upwards pick. The Ryobi RY40230 comes with a smaller battery; the RY40250 has a brushed motor, not the brushless one on our also-great pick, the RY40270. All iii Ryobis are priced similarly, and then we prefer the ane with the larger battery and more-efficient motor, especially since information technology might be powering some of the more-draining attachments, like the cultivator.
Ryobi's straight-upward 40-volt string trimmer, the RY40240, comes with a smaller, ane.5 Ah battery, and information technology has an auto line-advance system, which extends a quarter-inch of line each time the trigger is released. We did not similar the constant clicking racket of the string being trimmed. We also weren't addicted of all the niggling pieces of string that were ejected.
We thought the DeWalt DCST920P1 20V Max Cord Trimmer was calorie-free, agile, and very comfy to apply, despite not having the run time of the others or enough ability to handle some of the more than rigid shrubs and weeds. As for its downsides, we grew frustrated with the small droppings guard, which caused our legs and shoes to be covered with grass trimmings. This modest guard is used on other DeWalts we didn't exam, including the DCST925M1 and the DCST970X1S. Simply if y'all already have a stockpile of DeWalt batteries and aren't interested in investing in a new battery platform, whatever of these DeWalts will work just fine, every bit long as you're aware of the debris guard's shortcomings.
Nosotros tested the attachment-capable Kobalt KST 140XB-06 80V Max Direct Brushless Cordless String Trimmer and didn't similar the weight or the fussy interface. In addition to the regular trigger, it has an annoying activation push button that you need to press each time you start the tool (but if y'all close the tool off for only a few moments, you don't take to re-press the button). It also has only two speeds and no true variable-speed trigger.
Footnotes
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-string-trimmers/
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