Greenworks Trimmer G-Max 14" 40V Digipro Review
We’re starting to get into a lot of 40V tools this year. It may be the fact that, being based out of central Florida, we get a jump on the rest of the editorial world, since we don’t get snow and can start these Spring products much sooner than our “chillier” northern compadres. In either […]
Kobalt 40V String Trimmer and Hedge Trimmer Review
Remember those early Saturday mornings as child when you were trying to sleep in while someone was doing yard work? Do you remember how quiet it wasn’t? You were most likely awoken from your attempts to sleep until noon by the sounds of gas powered outdoor equipment. Our kids today might not have the same […]
ECHO PE-280 Edger Review
Lawn care is of utmost importance in my neighborhood – at least it is if you want to avoid the nasty stares and angry looks of neighbors tired of wild grass and haphazard edging. Professionals know this – and so do consumers. Echo’s PE-280 Perfect Edge Edger seems to go mostly after the former group, with its 28.1cc engine and pro features that take edging a step beyond the products designed solely for the casual homeowner. What the PE-280 does is provide plenty of power in a lightweight package – and then gives you the features you need, and nothing you don’t. It’s a pro-level product for sure, but with a 5-year consumer warranty, serious lawn-nazi’s are going to have a hard time passing it up.
ECHO PAS-225VPB Pro Attachment Series Combo Kit Review
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).
Black and Decker 18V String Trimmer and Edger NST2018 Preview
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.
Black and Decker Hedgehog Trimmer NHT518 Preview
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.
Stihl FS 56 RC-E Trimmer Review
Stihl has introduced the new FS 56 RC-E, the top of the line model for its new Homescaper Series of straight shaft trimmers. It features the company’s new full crank Easy2Start system and semi-automatic choke to ensure starting doesn’t become a strength training exercise. We took the trimmer out for an extended test drive and found it to get the job done, but with a few quirks that detracted from an otherwise decent product.
Echo SRM-225i Trimmer Review
ECHO is a well-known brand that breaks down the barrier between professional and consumer. Their new SRM-225i straight shaft trimmer packs plenty of power in a small package and its i-75 starting system makes this product virtually hassle-free. There’s a lot to like about this trimmer – from its see-through tank to the easy-to-load, easy-to-use bump head and, of course, the proven reliability of a 2-cycle engine that just won’t quit. On top of that, ECHO’s new models meet the new EPA Phase 2 / C.A.R.B. Tier III emissions control requirements.