Battery powered weed wacker/trimmer suggestions (bought Ryobi 18V lithium) - Page 2

Daox · 05-14-10, 10:18 AM

I bought the latest model Ryobi One+ trimmer this week. But... its been raining all week so I haven't tried it out yet. It is a fair amount lighter than my gas trimmer and seems to have absolutely no lack of power from a quick use (battery wasn't shipped charged). It came with one battery, more than enough to do my yard I'm pretty sure. I'll do a full review on it after using it for a while.

NeilBlanchard · 05-14-10, 10:58 AM

Thanks Tim -- which type of battery did you get?

Daox · 05-14-10, 11:17 AM

It came with the larger of the two lithium ion packs that work with the one+ series. I think its 3.5Ah, but I'd have to confirm that.

EDIT: Just looked it up. Its a 2.4Ah pack.
http://www.ryobitools.com/catalog/18..._chargers/P104

Xringer · 05-14-10, 12:38 PM

I'm thinking of Lithium too.. I want to replace our old AC model (RYOBI 137R).
Motor is at the top end..

I like it okay, but my wife doesn't like dealing with a 100 foot extension cord..

I want to get over to home depot to look at this one..

Ryobi 18 Volt Lithium String Trimmer
Model # P2002 Store SKU # 663831

There is a going to be a lot of difference in performance, but I think she
is going to like the less fuss of wireless..

My daughter has a small lot, and she might like the extra HP of AC power.

Daox · 05-14-10, 01:23 PM

Thats the one I got xringer. I'll be using it for the first time this weekend.

NeilBlanchard · 05-14-10, 01:29 PM

Thanks again guys -- I ended up buying a Stihl FSE-60 corded model -- very nice weight balance and power. It's a more robust feeling/looking unit:

(click on image for link)

You have to buy these from a Stihl dealer, and they have to assemble them for you. I got mine from a locally owned hardware strore called Robinsons Hardware, and I'm good with that...

I swear that this trimmer is virtually the same unit as the Troy-Bilt TB 50 unit Consumer Reports recommended in their May 2006 issue, which is the most recent review they have done.

Ya' gotta' manage your cord, but it won't run out of power, and it is more efficient than using a battery. There is a very effective "hook" on the back so the cord will not unplug, and I paid $3 for a clip that locks two cords together, too. It isn't cheap ($120), but I think it will last long enough to make it worthwhile.

Daox · 05-17-10, 02:09 PM

I used the timmer for the first time this weekend. Overall, I'm very happy with it. Heres a quick list of pros and cons.

Pros:
lightweight
charges quickly
quiet
starts instantly
you don't smell like gas after using it
very adjustable

Cons:
needed to charge 3 times to do the whole yard (which admittedly is large and this is the first time trimming this year).
not incredibly overpowered like the gas trimmer it replaced (but is powerful enough to take down anything normal)

So, you can see the pros definitely outweigh the cons. The starting issue alone is worth it...

I'll do a more in depth review for the blog later this year after using it more.

Daox · 05-24-16, 01:09 PM

Its been some time, but it seems I toasted my first battery on this trimmer. A couple weeks back I went to use it and it didn't spin up. I pushed the battery indicator button on the pack (shows red/orange/green light for charge status) and I got nothing. I plugged it into the charger, I got an error and it wouldn't charge. I have yet to do anything further, but it seems that 5 years is what I got out of the first pack. Not too bad, but I'd be lying if I said I was a bit disappointed. Thankfully, it seems other companies now offer aftermarket packs for the Ryobi 18V tools. A replacement isn't horribly painful. I think I paid about $120 for the trimmer back in 2010. Back then a new pack was either $75 or $90. Now, you can get an aftermarket one off amazon for $40 with a bit larger battery. A Ryobi brand pack is $50.

However, before I replace the pack. I think I will give this a go:

Cell Re-balance of Ryobi One+ 18V Li-ion Battery

Xringer · 05-24-16, 02:07 PM

That Re-balance play might be a good thing to try.. If you own a good charger or one of those fancy power supplies..
When I was working, I had those nice power supplies all over my bench..

But, if I had to re-balance our pack, I would use my old RC airplane charger..(this model).
http://www.rcgroups.com/gallery/data...06charger2.jpg
Which is pretty adjustable in voltage and current, when used in manual mode.

Daox · 05-24-16, 07:39 PM

Well, the rebalance is a no go. I measured ~3V at the main terminals (of a 18V pack). I did open it up, but as expected each cell was under .5V. So, I could try to charge it, but I think its pretty well junk.

05-14-10, 10:18 AM	#11
Daox Administrator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Germantown, WI Posts: 5,525 Thanks: 1,162 Thanked 374 Times in 305 Posts	I bought the latest model Ryobi One+ trimmer this week. But... its been raining all week so I haven't tried it out yet. It is a fair amount lighter than my gas trimmer and seems to have absolutely no lack of power from a quick use (battery wasn't shipped charged). It came with one battery, more than enough to do my yard I'm pretty sure. I'll do a full review on it after using it for a while. __________________ Current project - To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. & To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-14-10, 11:17 AM	#13
Daox Administrator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Germantown, WI Posts: 5,525 Thanks: 1,162 Thanked 374 Times in 305 Posts	It came with the larger of the two lithium ion packs that work with the one+ series. I think its 3.5Ah, but I'd have to confirm that. EDIT: Just looked it up. Its a 2.4Ah pack. http://www.ryobitools.com/catalog/18..._chargers/P104 __________________ Current project - To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. & To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Last edited by Daox; 05-14-10 at 11:23 AM..

05-14-10, 01:23 PM	#15
Daox Administrator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Germantown, WI Posts: 5,525 Thanks: 1,162 Thanked 374 Times in 305 Posts	Thats the one I got xringer. I'll be using it for the first time this weekend. __________________ Current project - To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. & To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-17-10, 02:09 PM	#17
Daox Administrator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Germantown, WI Posts: 5,525 Thanks: 1,162 Thanked 374 Times in 305 Posts	I used the timmer for the first time this weekend. Overall, I'm very happy with it. Heres a quick list of pros and cons. Pros: lightweight charges quickly quiet starts instantly you don't smell like gas after using it very adjustable Cons: needed to charge 3 times to do the whole yard (which admittedly is large and this is the first time trimming this year). not incredibly overpowered like the gas trimmer it replaced (but is powerful enough to take down anything normal) So, you can see the pros definitely outweigh the cons. The starting issue alone is worth it... I'll do a more in depth review for the blog later this year after using it more. __________________ Current project - To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. & To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-24-16, 01:09 PM	#18
Daox Administrator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Germantown, WI Posts: 5,525 Thanks: 1,162 Thanked 374 Times in 305 Posts	Its been some time, but it seems I toasted my first battery on this trimmer. A couple weeks back I went to use it and it didn't spin up. I pushed the battery indicator button on the pack (shows red/orange/green light for charge status) and I got nothing. I plugged it into the charger, I got an error and it wouldn't charge. I have yet to do anything further, but it seems that 5 years is what I got out of the first pack. Not too bad, but I'd be lying if I said I was a bit disappointed. Thankfully, it seems other companies now offer aftermarket packs for the Ryobi 18V tools. A replacement isn't horribly painful. I think I paid about $120 for the trimmer back in 2010. Back then a new pack was either $75 or $90. Now, you can get an aftermarket one off amazon for $40 with a bit larger battery. A Ryobi brand pack is $50. However, before I replace the pack. I think I will give this a go: Cell Re-balance of Ryobi One+ 18V Li-ion Battery __________________ Current project - To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. & To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-14-10, 10:58 AM	#12
NeilBlanchard Journeyman EcoRenovator Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Maynard, MA Eaarth Posts: 383 Thanks: 78 Thanked 39 Times in 32 Posts	Thanks Tim -- which type of battery did you get?

05-14-10, 12:38 PM	#14
Xringer Lex Parsimoniae Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Woburn, MA Posts: 4,918 Thanks: 115 Thanked 250 Times in 230 Posts	I'm thinking of Lithium too.. I want to replace our old AC model (RYOBI 137R). Motor is at the top end.. I like it okay, but my wife doesn't like dealing with a 100 foot extension cord.. I want to get over to home depot to look at this one.. Ryobi 18 Volt Lithium String Trimmer Model # P2002 Store SKU # 663831 There is a going to be a lot of difference in performance, but I think she is going to like the less fuss of wireless.. My daughter has a small lot, and she might like the extra HP of AC power.

05-14-10, 01:29 PM	#16
NeilBlanchard Journeyman EcoRenovator Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Maynard, MA Eaarth Posts: 383 Thanks: 78 Thanked 39 Times in 32 Posts	Thanks again guys -- I ended up buying a Stihl FSE-60 corded model -- very nice weight balance and power. It's a more robust feeling/looking unit: (click on image for link) You have to buy these from a Stihl dealer, and they have to assemble them for you. I got mine from a locally owned hardware strore called Robinsons Hardware, and I'm good with that... I swear that this trimmer is virtually the same unit as the Troy-Bilt TB 50 unit Consumer Reports recommended in their May 2006 issue, which is the most recent review they have done. Ya' gotta' manage your cord, but it won't run out of power, and it is more efficient than using a battery. There is a very effective "hook" on the back so the cord will not unplug, and I paid $3 for a clip that locks two cords together, too. It isn't cheap ($120), but I think it will last long enough to make it worthwhile.

05-24-16, 02:07 PM	#19
Xringer Lex Parsimoniae Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Woburn, MA Posts: 4,918 Thanks: 115 Thanked 250 Times in 230 Posts	That Re-balance play might be a good thing to try.. If you own a good charger or one of those fancy power supplies.. When I was working, I had those nice power supplies all over my bench.. But, if I had to re-balance our pack, I would use my old RC airplane charger..(this model). http://www.rcgroups.com/gallery/data...06charger2.jpg Which is pretty adjustable in voltage and current, when used in manual mode. __________________ My hobby is installing & trying to repair mini-splits EPA 608 Type 1 Technician Certification ~ 5 lbs or less..

05-24-16, 07:39 PM	#20
Daox Administrator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Germantown, WI Posts: 5,525 Thanks: 1,162 Thanked 374 Times in 305 Posts	Well, the rebalance is a no go. I measured ~3V at the main terminals (of a 18V pack). I did open it up, but as expected each cell was under .5V. So, I could try to charge it, but I think its pretty well junk. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Current project - To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. & To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.