Best Ryobi Whipper Snippers and Edgers

My Ryobi Expandit petrol trimmer for which I have a brush cutter and hedge trimmer recently started failing me after about 15 years. I decided to… Read more

buy the 36V brush cutter which is quite expensive when you add the battery and charger.

I have reservations about the 18V cutters and some of the reviews of the 36V model suggested they struggle in thick bush. Firstly, knowing how to use it properly helps and secondly yes it can stop in long waist high grass and weeds but one needs to realise this is a safety feature and not that the cutter does not have enough power. Simply cutting down at different levels prevent grass and weeds from clogging.

Compared to my old petrol trimmer this is absolutely brilliant and had no issued cutting down waist high grass and weeds over a large area. Being on a steep slope the lightness of the cutter made it so easy and I was pleasantly surprised how long the 4Ah battery lasted.

The added bonus is that my old trimmer and hedge trimmer attachments fit.

I would never go back to a petrol model.

36V Ryobi Whisper Line Trimmer: Cordless compared to Petrol: Using an electric line-trimmer is more akin to the constant power of a 4-stroke,… Read more

rather than the easily variable speed of a 2-stroke. One just needs to get used to this. Furthermore, do you need to pause or take a rest? Need to move something, or speak to someone? Release the trigger and unlike petrol machines, the machine stops (saving ears and battery) - and then it restarts just as easily! But it’s heavy with the battery, heavier than my Stihl 2-stroke, or feels it (see notes on weight below). Battery power does not decline as battery gets lower, simply keeps going until it just stops when drained. Alternative cutting accessories, plus flexible size and types of feed-line are better for petrol machines. Obviously, no buying, mixing (or mis-mixing 2-stroke) or storing flammable fuel with cordless machines.

Positives: Not “whisper” quiet, but definitely a major improvement on 2 and 4 stroke line-trimmers/brushcutters. If this is important, and it probably should be for everyone, it may be worth the extra $200-300. Its 36V power is serious, noticably stronger cutting power than my 25cc Stihl 2-stroke at full throttle. Power promises on box are genuine. “Hi” power is not much different to “lo”, so might as well save the battery! - Also “lo” power is plenty powerful enough for tough long grass and weeds, smaller sticks, bark and blackberries. (Hi 5500 rpm, lo 5000 rpm).

Not so great: Weight and weight distribution require getting used to. 50% at each end! Unfortunately, this line-trimmer is only available with a D-handle, which is a strange flaw in a machine with its considerable weight, power and 430mm cutting swathe. Nobody is going to seriously use one or two full batteries (add $300) without better support than D-handle and maybe a biting shoulder strap (not provided). Save your back and arms - Get a shoulder harness (Ryobi $51) - a must if you intend using it for a full battery (35-45 min at 6.0ah). Don’t be fooled by the title “line trimmer”. This is not a mini back yard toy for granny. It is so named because, you cannot change the bump-line feeder with a blade. In fact, unlike other Ryobi non-Whisper 36v brushcutters, you can’t even buy an inter-changeable stem blade attachment. For the high “Whisper” price, this limitation is a pretty poor show. Note also line trimmer line diameter is limited by the bump feeder to 2.4mm.

Poor - No Bike handles (or “U-handle”) option - this machine needs this option if you have serious work for this seriously capable machine. Ryobi should either produce this as an alternative model, or, more simply, produce a conversion kit, which would be pretty simple to design to fit on the existing machine.

This Ryobi weed whacker is lightweight and extremely handy; you can even hang it on a solid sized coat hanger! However, while a capable performer, be… Read more

warned; this is one for small spaces as the 18V battery power falls woefully short. With a longer lasting battery, this would soar beyond a merely average rating. Be further warned, that consumables are not covered under warranty. So the story goes like this…

Buy product from Bunnings. Register for extra warranty with Ryobi. Within 6-7 months of use, overheats and part holding snipper falls off. Contact Ryobi, who tell me to contact Bunnings. Contact Bunnings, who contact Ryobi. Conclusion; Not covered under warranty.

As a comparison, a company like Dyson offers you parts and labour for 2 years upon registering for the second year. This, however, is particularly poor from Ryobi (false expectations) and especially poor from Bunnings, who usually have much higher standards in customer service; when you have bought a mower and two weed whackers you are pretty much all in and would expect better, (as from past experiences they have rarely disappointed and actually surpassed expectations!)

Performance

While a little short compared to other Ryobi whipper snippers, performance is solid and if you haven't got a lot to do, you'll have a good-ish time in the process, but more demanding gardens will leave you with 10-15 minutes battery if you are lucky. The battery takes around an hour to charge, and there's an indicator via a switch on the battery for how much power remains. While this machine is capable of impressive results in bigger spaces, it comes at the detriment of the battery, more prolonged efforts and aches and strains. Certainly, researching the right technique enhances productivity. Be sure to buy some extra spools, also, as these will need changing for more demanding lawns; you can buy Ryobi or aftermarket ones from Bunnings, eBay etc.

Warranty

Ryobi offer a warranty (see the photos) with a further 2 years if you register online within a month.

Battery

If you want a bigger battery and have bigger spaces or a gigantic garden, then go with the 4Ah battery, which will also five you a longer reach, but keep in mind the heavier weight. This 2Ah battery version will delight those with extremely compact gardens / paths etc.

Weight

For those who want something not too heavy on the wrists or arms, this probably the go to first choice. Get this right, as the wrong pick may also impact you with repetitive strain, so choose your tool wisely. There's plenty of options, but it might be wise to research before buying. as the lightest model and with continued, from experience, with regular use, you will get used it and those teething aches and strains should stop occuring. The 4Ah battery version trades weight for power, but you will feel it a lot more so choose wisely.

First time users...

Also be sure to have the right gear to wear (e.g. PPE, long pants, proper footwear) beware of the great outdoors (sunscreen, bug spray etc) and keep in mind common sense practices (extreme heat will degrade the battery, don't use in wet conditions, clean the guard and always remove the battery when doing so.)

Overall, but for the calamity breakage, performance and convenience wise this offers a steady introduction if you are dipping your feet into Ryobi and / or gardening waters and will encourage you to explore other options that might be better suited.