For some time now, many have believed that battery-powered outdoor equipment would never go commercial (and a dwindling number remain under that impression). The reality is that cordless technology isn’t just heading in that direction, it’s already there. You might, for example, point to the Husqvarna 525iLST String Trimmer (970551901) as a case in point.
We had an opportunity to put this tool through some Pro-level usage to see what it could do. What we observed was interesting.
Husqvarna 525iLST String Trimmer Background
Before we dive into anything, it’s worth mentioning that Husqvarna is a little bit on the fence when it comes to marketing this string trimmer. It seems as though the 525iLST floats in limbo between the Prosumer and Pro realms.
And that’s okay because, in our opinion, this tool is both Prosumer and light commercial, plain and simple. In fact, it made our Best Trimmers and Edgers: Prosumer list.
Husqvarna 525iLST Performance and Design
Motor
Driving the 525iLST is a brushless motor and a 36V (9.4Ah) battery. Together, this duo provides power equivalent to a 25cc gas engine. In another context, that’s up to 10,500 RPMs.
And its performance was more than adequate proof of its power.
Using this string trimmer was like driving a luxury car with a racing engine. The Husqvarna 525iLST’s motor ran very smoothly.
Moreover, the control we had over the speed was impressive, especially when accelerating the trimmer’s head.
Also, the 525iLST created very little vibration, and the motor is quiet. Specifically, this string trimmer runs at 80dB (tested at the operator’s ear), which Husqvarna says is 13dB quieter than a standard gas model.
Battery
What’s more, the manufacturer added its e-TORQ technology for improved battery function and efficiency. It worked.
- Model: Husqvarna 525iLST (970551901)
- Brushless Motor, e-TORQ
- 10,500 RPM
- Battery: BLi300
- 36V (9.4Ah) lithium-ion
- Charger: QC500
- 18.1-inch cutting swath
We put it to the test on a half-acre lot, and as we do during most of our test outings, kept it running even while walking from location to location. Furthermore, this lot is packed with hardscaping and structures.
This includes heavy paver patios and walls, concrete walkways, a blacktop driveway, a shed, a separate garage, a framed stone bed for a whole-property generator, and curbs that run the length of the front yard.
In short, there is always a ton of edging to do.
After consistently running the Husqvarna 525iLST without letting off the trigger, the string trimmer’s battery dropped just one bar. We essentially drained the battery after three separate outings–each of them roughly 20 to 25 minutes of non-stop running.
And after about 40 minutes the pack was pretty close to charged and ready to go.
So, for you Pros out there, the downtime is minimal, especially if you have two or three batteries. But that’s not the only place where the Husqvarna 525iLST aims for efficiency.
OPEreviews.com attended Husqvarna’s exclusive Spring Product Showcase event in Charlotte, N.C. Get a taste of what went down!
Indeed, this model uses active cooling to ensure that the battery stays at a lower temperature during charging and discharging. Again, it worked.
And to get the most out of your battery, the 970551901 has a 3-speed mode that allows you to maximize your runtime by adjusting the power output to the current working conditions.
- Weight: 11.7 pounds (with battery)
- Dimensions: 71.5 × 11 × 15 inches
- IPX4 water resistance
- Tap ‘n’ Go trimmer head
Husqvarna 525iLST String Trimmer Cut Quality and Handling
This trimmer’s 18.1-inch swath wound up cutting not just the grass but job time as well. So did the string trimmer’s line, which, amazingly, we didn’t have to replenish once.
However, this model isn’t without its drawbacks, the primary one being weight. This tool is heavy.
While 11.7 lbs (with the battery) doesn’t sound like much, we felt it after about 20 minutes. To be frank, it gave us a workout in a number of respects. (It could be due in part to the cheeseburgers, too.)
All the same, the Husqvarna 525iLST is a robust string trimmer, and despite its weight, it was maneuverable.
Pros
- Brushless motor is smooth, quiet
- Plenty of power
- Excellent throttle trigger control
- Comfortable grip
- Confident cutting
Cons
- Could be perceived as heavy
- Trigger lockout is sometimes tricky to engage
Husqvarna 525iLST String Trimmer Final Word
In our view, this trimmer could double as a commercial-grade tool. Moreover, it’s a testament to the capabilities of battery-powered gear within the Pro theater.
And although it has some weight to it, it’s a sturdy trimmer.
Husqvarna 525iLST Price
The Husqvarna 525iLST string trimmer sells for $399.99 as a bare tool.
