In our recent Best Gas-Powered String Trimmer Shootout, we ran ten models from various manufacturers through a battery of tests to find out which brands could provide the best performance, runtime, ergonomics, feature set, and value. Today, we’re looking at our overall 8th-place finisher, the Ryobi RY4CSS. For a “budget brand,” we see Ryobi products used in professional applications quite a bit, and so we like to put these products up against brands traditionally marketed toward the professional. Usually, Ryobi can hang right in there, which answers the question of why a pro might sacrifice a little bit of quality for a tool that will generally cost a lot less. This 4-Cycle string trimmer performs in line with what we’ve come to expect from the brand. Let’s take a look.
Ergonomics
Weight can affect a tool’s ergonomic rating more than most other factors. After all, Pros will have to hoist the trimmer up and carry it around for a good part of your workday. The Ryobi RY4CSS, unfortunately, suffers a bit in the ergonomics department for this reason. It’s not particularly light. Mind you, it won’t take a Herculean effort to carry it around the yard either, but at 13 lbs 11 oz, we found quite a few lighter options.
We also like to factor in the noise a tool generates when we consider comfort. Part of the reason we like 4-cycle engines is that they generally don’t make the shrill, clattering sounds that a 2 stroke engine will. On a decibel level, they might be just as loud, but we don’t perceive the sound the same way. At the ear, we measured 97 dB(A) coming from the RY4CSS and 76 dB(A) from 50 ft away. This falls on the lower end of the spectrum of the trimmers we tested, and the lower rumble of the engine makes the sound even less penetrating.
How does the Ryobi RY4CSS “feel” though? Like most Pro-level models, it has a straight shaft. This tends to allow for better access to harder-to-reach areas, and it requires less bending over than a curved shaft will. Its throttle and D-handle feature rubberized grips, which are comfortable. However, this trimmer feels a little more unbalanced than some of the other models we tested. While it isn’t wholly uncomfortable to use, we did test other models that felt more like an extension of our arms.
Fuel Efficiency
At first blush, the Ryobi RY4CSS doesn’t seem like terribly impressive in the run-time category. On a full tank, it ran for 32:17, which falls about 15 – 20 minutes short of what we’d like to see.
However, there are a few things to consider here. For one thing, the fuel tank only holds 11 oz, which is about half the size of what we’re seeing from Pro-level models. The other thing to bear in mind here is that, from an efficiency standpoint, the RY4CSS had the best showing of all the trimmers we looked at. When we tested all our trimmers, Ryobi’s 4-stroke model came out on top with a 23:29 runtime.
Feature Set
We appreciate a string trimmer that has the kind features that help us get the job done faster and with less aggravation. Say what you will about Ryobi, but this company loves to find ways to make their tools versatile. Some of the highlights of the Ryobi RY4CSS feature set don’t necessarily jibe well with Pro applications, but the homeowner who isn’t trying to blast through 8 lawn accounts every day will love something like this.
4-Cycle Engine
The Ryobi RY4CSS operates off of a 4 stroke engine. This means that you won’t have to horse around with premix fuel, which we like. And, for those folks who don’t particularly enjoy gas fumes and exhaust, this engine produces less emissions.
Versatility
One of the big selling points of the Ryobi RY4CSS revolves around its versatility. Separate attachments, like a pole saw, edger, or brush cutter can be swapped out with the string trimmer head. We generally prefer dedicated tools for professional applications, but we do know Pros who prefer this jack-of-all-trades approach for its economy and convenience.
Other Features
- Reel-Easy Bump-Feed String Head for Fast and Easy Reloading
- 18″ Cut Width with .095″ Dual Line
- Straight Shaft for Extended Reach
What’s Missing?
We would have liked to see an auto choke feature and a more easily serviceable head. The two-piece shaft is something of a mixed bag for us as well. On the one hand, the RY4CSS allows the user to swap out attachments, which opens the tool up to a variety of other applications, like polesawing and edging. However, for the Pro who uses his string trimmer day in and day out, we like a dedicated trimmer with a one-piece shaft that offers better durability and longevity.
Performance
We tested all of our string trimmers in a 5′ x 5′ square of both regular grass, and then again in thick, overgrown Bahia grass. After running them through these tests a few times, we averaged the cut times of all our models to settle on a performance rating.
In the regular grass, the Ryobi RY4CSS averaged a cutting speed of 11.3 seconds, which came in second-to-last. In the thicker stuff, it managed 14.1 seconds. Again, this score was less than optimal in second-to-last place.
Value
Ryobi tends to shine in the value category, and their RY4CSS string trimmer is really no different. Of all the models we tested, only two will run less than $200, and both of those models come from Ryobi. This one runs $199 right now at Home Depot , and it comes with a 3-Year limited warranty as well.
Final Thoughts
For professional, day-in, day-out applications, we would probably recommend some of the other string trimmers in our shootout. The Ryobi RY4CSS has a smaller fuel tank, it’s a little heavier than we’d like, and it leaves out some of the features we’d like to see. Its performance is such that it will definitely get the job done, but it will take a little longer than most.
However, to look at it as a Pro-level trimmer seems a little unfair, as Ryobi really doesn’t market themselves for Pro-level tools (though we know many Pros who use the brand for some good reasons). Ryobi has cut out their own niche for making versatile tools that don’t cost a whole lot. They generally make really great “Prosumer” tools, which is the level where we feel really comfortable recommending this model. If you want a solid trimmer that you’ll use once a week, at $199, it won’t break the bank. In this context, the Ryobi RY4CSS makes a pretty strong case for itself with its versatility, efficiency, and value.
Ryobi RY4CSS String Trimmer Specs
- Engine Type: 4 Cycle/Stroke Low Emission Engine
- Trigger: Variable Speed Throttle
- Cutting Path: 18 in cutting swath
- String Diameter: .095 in. dual line
- Line Advancement: Bump Feed
- Attachment Coupler: universal attachment coupler
- Weight: 11.8 lb.
- 3-Year Limited Warranty
- MSRP: $199
