Time to convert from small engine to battery tools?

[MacLawn]

Yep, I've tossed a few cordless drills because the batteries were as expensive as just buying new drills!

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Yep, I've tossed a few cordless drills because the batteries were as expensive as just buying new drills!

I have just bought a new tool when they offer them that includes battery and charger. Usually cheaper than the battery alone. Just throw away the oldest tool of the same type. A little while back the battery crapped out for my 40 volt Ryobi yard stuff. Went to HD for a battery, they had none; the guy on the floor said I have a solution. They had the 14" chain saw w/battery and charger for less than the battery costs. That was a no brainier.

Now I am rethinking Ryobi. No end of 40V battery problems. They have replaced 3 batteries and 2 chargers at no cost but they seem to only last 6 months. There 18 volt stuff just seems to last forever so I have a lot of it. Why can't they solve the 40 volt problem.

Ron

 

[Oaktree]

Yep, I've tossed a few cordless drills because the batteries were as expensive as just buying new drills!

Add to that the fact that anything more than 5-6 years old the batteries are probably NiCads, and newer models' lithium batteries aren't compatible.
That's one thing I like about the Ryobi 18v tools...the new batteries fit the older tools.

Too bad they're still having problems with the 40v stuff.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Funny. i got the Ridged (lifetime warranty, including batteries) stuff because I have never had luck with cordless anything. After five or so years, not a failure. Go figure.

 

[ultrarunner]

I'm all NiCad's except for the newer Stihl stuff...

At the Farm the Stihl is three seasons old and no issues... can't predict the future but so far so good...

 

[dragoneggs]

I'm all NiCad's except for the newer Stihl stuff...

At the Farm the Stihl is three seasons old and no issues... can't predict the future but so far so good...

Good to hear! However, I'm getting pretty fed up with my local Kubota/Stihl dealer. Their customer service is getting worse. Nobody seems happy there and I am starting to regret giving them my business. I should have listened to Tractor Seabee long ago. I know he doesn't deal with them anymore and next visit is likely my last time if I can help it. I have spent a lot of money there but no more.

I purchased three tools, an AP battery, battery charger, battery connection line, and belt and received all but the belt on 4/19 about a week and a half after ordering. On Friday I went down to the store to figure out what was going on and threatened to return the trimmer and blower because I can't operate them with the belt. Only the hedger has the battery on board.

Short story long... the parts guy says, 'it's still backordered'. I said, well I guess I will return the unused tools. He then got on the line with Stihl warehouse or whoever and asked what was going on. I walked around pretending not to listen... when it became obvious that he screwed up the order initially and entered a bad part number. He gets off the line and walks over to me and says 'it will be here Monday'. I said, 'if I come in after 3pm can I get it?, He says yes. Today at 4pm I show up and am told, well we haven't even unboxed and checked stuff in yet. No sorry. Really pissing me off.

 

[ultrarunner]

It is this kind of stuff that would not have been tolerated in the past but today you are often lucky if there is any continuity of employees.

I hope the warranty cards will show the correct date meaning when you have a functioning product in hand and work ready.

So far I really like my new Stihl Dealer... they are very small... Mother, Father and Adult son and available 7 days a week if needed.

That said I have been disappointed by two other Stihl Dealers were I have spent a fair amount of money... they stock no AP products and said they do not recommend AP and all 4 of 5 Dealers wanted to load me up with Gas Products... which I already own.

I know the moment of satisfaction of bringing it all back would be immense but then you would be back to scratch...

Hey... with all the warm weather I can only imagine everything is in full growth mode?

I've got my own staff issue with my Property Manager in Washington... seems it is a revolving door... got an email stating A/C not working but home doesn't have A/C???

Property Management coordinated a 15K Heat Pump System install 4 years ago with multiple warranties provided annual PM done... now being told they had no idea rental has A/C and of course know nothing of A/C PM...

 

[Diggin It]

Now I am rethinking Ryobi. No end of 40V battery problems. They have replaced 3 batteries and 2 chargers at no cost but they seem to only last 6 months. There 18 volt stuff just seems to last forever so I have a lot of it. Why can't they solve the 40 volt problem.

I've had several 18s replaced under warranty, no 18V chargers though. I'm not sold on battery at all as a total replacement. They work OK when new, but seem to degrade with age quickly. I have a couple of 3AH LiOn batteries that don't seem to last as well as they did when I got them within the last year. When I go up on the roof next week to lay metal roofing panels and trim, I'll have 2 drills, 2 3AH batteries, 3 smaller batteries and a charger on an extension cord. I like the convenience and freedom of mobility a cordless tool gives me, but I hate running out of juice when trying to drive a screw you have to stretch and reach at an odd angle to get to.

 

[TimP]

I just picked up a new 21" EGO Battery operated Lawn mower from HD.

It came with 2 x 5.0Ah batteries, charger, side grass chute, Mulching adapter and a grass bag.

I charge dup the batteries and checked it out..... it was pretty quiet compared to a gasser.

The Batteries have a 3 year warranty and the mower has a 5 year warranty.

I haven't tried it out yet, but am anxious to give it a test run on the grass.

 

[Rebeldad1]

I bought a bunch of RIDGID battery tools a few years ago. Came with a free mail in jigsaw with proof of purchase. Sent in the receipt (copy) and warantee cards on everything.
After about 5 years had a issue with a couple batterys. Lifetime guarantee!
Ridgid would not honor the warantee. Their records showed I had never purchased anything. Of course I cant find my receipt either.
Got rid of ALL my RIDGID tools (a lot!)
Needless to say I will never buy anything RIDGID again.
Dewalt rep heard of my problem and replaced everything I had RIDGID with Dewalt at a really fair price. Havnt looked back since.
I tell everyone I see about my RIDGID story

Love DEWALT!!! Everything is dated on the tool and no receipt needed. All repairs are no questions asked what happened.