Articles

Chainsaw Reviews and Pole Saws May 18, 2011 0

Echo CS-400 Chainsaw Review

Reviewing a chainsaw can be a little tricky because we have found that people treat chainsaws and their brands like they do their vehicles. Ford hates Chevy, Dodge is better than Toyota… you get the idea. When we agreed to review the ECHO CS-400 18″ Chainsaw it was with the knowledge that we were going to put it into the hands of some guys who had years and years of professional tree trimming under their belts. The trouble was, they both used a competing brand. With a predisposition towards bias – because that’s just how we operate as humans – I submitted my product to them for use and tagged along to try it out alongside them, hoping to provide any necessary “balance” to their biased opinions. Turned out I got worked up over nothing… and they were downright surprised at how well the ECHO performed. One of them was quoted as saying: “this is the best chainsaw I’ve ever used that wasn’t touting itself as a pro-only model”. Not bad… not bad at all.

Lawn Tractor Reviews May 11, 2011 0

Recharge 36V Cordless Riding Lawnmower Preview

by Clint DeBoer

The G1-RM10 Recharge Mower has been under development for over 3 years. The 36V battery-powered riding lawn mower delivers up to three hours of continuous cutting and driving – and all this without gas, oil, or emissions. What’s really impressive is that the mower sports a fairly compact size, easy maneuverability, adjustable cutting height, and a large (3 bushel) grass catcher. The Recharge Mower seems perfectly suited for just about every lawn. On top of that, it’s actually pretty ergonomic, so it’s also great for those who may have physical disabilities (it has an easy-access seat). Now the people behind the Recharge Mower wee going for the “truly” green mower. The Recharge uses three eco-friendly electric motors and, of course, it emits absolutely no carbon emissions.

String Trimmer Reviews & Edgers April 20, 2011 0

ECHO PAS-225VPB Pro Attachment Series Combo Kit Review

by Clint DeBoer

We have been fans of ECHO ever since we reviewed their SRM-225i straight shaft trimmer with its i-75 starting system. New on the block is the company’s PAS, or Pro Attachment Series, system which promises a single tool that is flexible enough to handle numerous jobs for the professional or consumer user. The Pro Attachment Series is a new development for Echo that revolutionizes the way the company had looked at their tools. With the PAS-225 Kit, ECHO delivers a single 21.2cc 2-cycle Power Source and allow the use of attachments to turn the system from an edger, to a trimmer, to a blower, to a hedge cutter… you get the idea. In this way, ECHO has ramped up the usability of their existing technology and satisfied the desires of some users who would like the flexibility of tool attachments. While this particular kit uses the smaller 21.2cc power source, professional users can have the same benefits of a modular accessories-based system with more power motors up to 25.4cc (PAS-265).

Robotic Lawn Mower Reviews April 8, 2011 0

Husqvarna Automower 305 Robotic Lawnmower Preview

by Clint DeBoer

I hate mowing the grass. Some say it’s relaxing and soothing, even. For me, it’s a necessary evil – and part of the homeowner process that I’d just as soon see gone forever. Somebody at Husqvarna obviously agrees because they invented the Automower 305. The 305 is literally a robotic lawnmower – the company’s third, in fact. It is silent. It’s automatic. And it’s designed to give homeowners a perfectly cut, trouble-free lawn. While its not for those living on an acre of land, the mower is perfect (and designed) for people responsible for around 5000 square feet or less of lawn area. The tool cuts with the power of lithium-ion, and since it is quiet, it can cut at any time of day or night without worry.

Push Mower Reviews February 23, 2011 0

Black and Decker SPCM1936 19" Self-Propelled 36V Lawnmower

by Clint DeBoer

We like green – and what can be more green than a rechargeable lawn mower? Well, Black & Decker is improving its line of rechargeable lawn care products with the introduction of its new SPCM1936 36 volt cordless rechargeable mower that has variable speeds. This new rechargeable mower also offers a self propelled feature which allows users to adjust the mowing speed to their personal pace so they can achieve great cutting results with minimal effort.

String Trimmer Reviews & Edgers April 19, 2010 0

Black and Decker 18V String Trimmer and Edger NST2018 Preview

by Clint DeBoer

For power tools, battery technology seems to be making inroads and moving an increasing number of products into the realm of emissions-free, cordless technology. Yard tools have been understandably delayed, since the bettery power and sustained use periods make it difficult to transition over to a reliable, rechargeable solution. Black & Decker is still at the forefront, however, and has released a new 18V String Trimmer & Edger (Model NST2018) that eliminates gas in favor of NiCd batteries. While clearly more convenient than a corded solution, the real question is whether or not the power and usability will cause anyone not paranoid about emissions to switch to the new technology. Our guess is that it may take a few more product iterations before mainstream users pick up these new cordless tools over their more traditional gas-powered counterparts.

String Trimmer Reviews & Edgers April 19, 2010 0

Black and Decker Hedgehog Trimmer NHT518 Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Battery technology is creating a seemingly endless sea of new and innovative products that are quickly placing emissions-free, cordless technology into the hands of consumers, where previously gas was the only available option. Yard tools are tougher than your typical cordless power tool because they typically demand sustained power over longer periods of time than a drill gun or even a product like a finish nailer. Because of this, we look favorably on products such as the new 18V 22″ Cordless Hedgehog Hedge Trimmer that uses NiCd batteries in place of gas or dragging a cord. Those who are adamantly against adding emissions to the atmosphere will jump at any new cordless option, but the real test is whether a tool has mass market appeal. At this point, most products, including this one will likely take a few more years and product iterations before mainstream users dump their gas products for new cordless tools.

Hand Tool Reviews January 22, 2010 0

Jackson Fiberglass Titanium Xtra Powerstep Shovel Review

by Clint DeBoer

The Titanium Xtra Powerstep shovel from Jackson Professional Tools offers a comfortable, easy-to-use tool with a fiberglass handle to make digging out tough terrain an almost enjoyable experience. The titanium-steel socket is stiff, and offers a level of confidence we don’t normally experience with your typical wood-handled shovel. In addition, the Powerstep plates give you ample room to position yourself to drive the blade deeper and faster into the ground.