Cordless Electric String Trimmer

RichZ · Aug 8, 2003

Does anyone make a cordless electric string trimmer that's powerful enough for farm use? I've had several gas ones, and they're always so hard to start, and I hate mixing the oil with the gas. It's one thing to have to do that with a chain saw, but there's gotta be a better way with a string trimmer. If someone made a cordless electric one that was actually powerful, I'd buy it!!

Bob_In_MN · Aug 8, 2003

Rich,

I bought a Toro cordless for my mom. It's nice, however by the time she's done trimming around the third acre lot, it's time for a recharge.

If your farm is like mine, I don't think this model would cut it and I haven't see many others around.

Mixing oil/gas is a pain, but I have a HomeLite (cheap version--$89 bucks I think) and it starts on the 2nd or 3rd pull.

Bob

Bob_In_MN · Aug 8, 2003

One more thing--if they don't exist now, more powerful ones will in the near future. Some states (California I think is one example--anyone in CA chime in) has passed or is trying to pass laws limiting the use of small engines such as those found on trimmers.

If they haven't already--some business will develop a more heavy duty cordless trimmer.

Bob

Knute · Aug 8, 2003

We have an 18v cordless string trimmer from Home Depot, Homelight brand I belive. It's not bad, but don't expect it to cut more than grass or thin grassweeds. It won't touch even small blackberries or other thorny weeds.

We got the string trimmer/hedge trimmer combo deal, both 18v and I find I use the hedge trimmer a lot more at our place. It does a lot better job on the heavier weeds and blackberries, alders etc that grow up along the driveway.

John

CTyler · Aug 9, 2003

The problem with the cordless is they don't have enough motor
power to do any serious work. Could they make them more powerfull and have longer run times? Yes however it would cost a lot more money. Instead of a cheap $10 Mabuchi or Johnson type brushed throw away motor they could use a brushless. Much more power and much more efficient.

Who knows Ca. maybe folks will be willing to pay $300 for an battery operated brushless trimmer when the gasers are gone. It would be a nice trimmer and keep up with a standard gas unit.

DavidB · Aug 10, 2003

I used one for years to do little trimming jobs, but it is not big enough for the whole yard. Most manufacturers make a four cycle trimmer nowdays. No mixing oil and fuel and much easier starting. You might want to take a look at them.

rancar · Aug 11, 2003

I've had several gas ones, and they're always so hard to start, and I hate mixing the oil with the gas. 

Hi Rich,

FWIW, I have a Stihl FS086 string trimmer/brush cutter. The thing is a little dynamo. I've had it for about 6 years and have never had a problem starting it. I just make sure I use fresh fuel mixture for the 2 cycle engine each Spring when I'm prepping up all the garden and lawn machines.

...Bob

pennwalk · Aug 20, 2003

This year I am experimenting with a Craftsman 24 volt cordless trimmer. It weighs about as much as a gas trimmer but it isn't as well balanced. It will do the lite trimming I need to do but it isn't very satisfying. Not very strong and doesn't last that long. It is quiet and it has started first time every time. Charges overnight.

Chris

glennd · Sep 2, 2003

( We have an 18v cordless string trimmer from Home Depot, Homelight brand I belive. It's not bad, but don't expect it to cut more than grass or thin grassweeds. It won't touch even small blackberries or other thorny weeds.

We got the string trimmer/hedge trimmer combo deal, both 18v and I find I use the hedge trimmer a lot more at our place. It does a lot better job on the heavier weeds and blackberries, alders etc that grow up along the driveway.

John ) Cordless? That just won't do. See, I use my hedgetrimmer to trim my extension cords. Cordless, would cause 'em to last too long and they might get dirty or something. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif