Time to convert from small engine to battery tools?

[Professor Marvel]

Everybody knows that batteries have a limited run/charge lifecycle. I'm wondering how those that have converted will feel when they have to start buying replacement batteries in a year or two, or three.

3rd year on my battery stuff that was worth keeping and no replacement needed yet. Some other stuff wasn't worth keeping so i threw it out. Stihl, Makita and Kobalt 80v work well so far

 

[bunyip]

Also I assume you mean ditches when you say gutters. My gutters are on my roof. Hey just kidding about that one.

SWMBO she who must be obeyed....
Gutters, ditches, channels, storm drains, the one at the front of home is about 6' deep x 9' wide and fills when we get heavy rain, claims a car sometimes.
line cutter was ryobi, probably good for a small lawn but not much else, the stihl 3 blade head works well and the plastic blades are sharp and heavy.
Battery packs can be repacked with good quality batteries, we have several companies who do this and they are cheaper than OEM.
I have also seen a variety of after market batteries on ebay but haven't tried them.

 

[RalphVa]

I had to do so because I cannot have a running engine near my ICD. We have B&D 18v chain saws and a Kobalt 40v one. The Kobalt is better and good. Had both a B&D and Kobalt grass whip but destroyed my B&D one by running over it with the tractor. Also have a Kobalt 40v lawn mower, 18", not too powerful but nice for being able to easily push it around in tight spots.

Ralph

 

[newbury]

I was wondering the same thing myself...what's a typical run time on a battery tool like a string trimmer? Presently, all I have in that type of tool is the HF Lynx pole saw...battery seems to last quite a while on a charge, but it's only running intermittently unlike a string trimmer/weed wacker which would be running longer periods of time.

I can see how a small (14" or so) battery chain saw would be very nice to have in my work truck as long as they're up to the task. Not something I need a lot, certainly not enough to dick around with having gas with me, but when you need one you need one.

My BIL has a 20V B&D that he carries in his truck ALL the time. Very handy for wood up to about 8".
I bought a DeWalt Flexvolt Trimmer w/ a 3AH @ 60V battery, wears me out. And the Echo 215511 Pro Maxi-Cut Head (3 swinging plastic blades) swapped in easy.

You are correct
There is very little interchangeability between brands
And on top of that brand x might have made equipment running on 18 volts for 5 years but their new stuff suddenly uses new 20 volt batteries or an 18 volt battery that is slightly different and wont fit
Crikey is right

I kinda settled on DeWalt, they have an adapter for their 18V NiCd and their new "Flexvolt: batteries fit in MOST of their old 20v Max tools.

Everybody knows that batteries have a limited run/charge lifecycle. I'm wondering how those that have converted will feel when they have to start buying replacement batteries in a year or two, or three.

My DeWalt batteries are warranted for 5 years. I've had some for 6 years and only one has failed and that was just recently.

The capability to use my tools without regard to running extension cords or generators greatly enhanced my tool mobility. It has also led to different methods of storing and using tools. I keep a leaf blower by the door, battery means no extension cord, easy use. One of my chainsaws "lives" under the kitchen table, no smell, no mess, ready to go. Using a weedwacker used to mean either fueling a 2 stroke or hauling out a long heavy extension cord. Now if I'm not brush cutting it's just grab n'go.

Overall I've got about $3K of DeWalt 20V/Flexvolt tools and batteries. But now I've got most of the ones that I use often. And I bought their DeWalt 1800 Watt Portable Power Station and Charger. This let's me plug in a regular 120V tool and run it fine. Thus I don't need the jig saw, the metal trimmer, the hedge trimmer etc. I just use my regular ones and carry the power station. I'd like to find an adapter to use it as a jump starter.

I'm wondering how many 60V batteries it will take to replace the engine in my M4700.

 

[bunyip]

I'm wondering how many 60V batteries it will take to replace the engine in my M4700.

None, Just wait for the new Tesla tractor:thumbsup:
(They will probably release one now)

 

[Tractor Seabee]

I was at HD today and noted that they had a Ryobi 40V battery powered riding lawn mower. My lawns are not big enough for a rider but my EGO 40V pusher works real well and my wife loves it. A chore I was able to pass off to her. The stable is expanding with Ryobi and EGO. 40V 18" chain saw is a real tool.

Ryobi has really expanded their line of lawn/garden tools. They also now have a 6 AHR 8 volt battery, $128. having a lot of their 18V told now will have to watch for a sale on those batteries, I have several 4s and a couple 2s. The 6 place charger keeps them all charged.

ron

 

[oosik]

My only lawn care tools are still gassers. Riding mower & Stihl FS 350. When I do use these two tools - it can be a multiple day project. The battery powered replacements just aren't large enough. I use my JD100, riding mower, like a lot of you guys use your brush hog. I do have battery powered drills for use right around the tool shed.

When I go out on the property - it's my Honda generator, extension cord, corded drill, worm drive saw, Hole Hog drill, jig saw, etc. I still use my two Stihl gas chain saws for maintaining my pines & pine stands.

I HAVE gone to a much smaller Stihl chain saw - MS190. I don't get so darn tired and risk a serious situation. My bigger Stihl - 280 - has been relegated to cutting up dead and fallen trees. It's just too heavy for long bouts of thinning stands of young trees.

I know that I may eventually move to cordless tools - but not yet.

 

[Mendonsy]

I have several Ryobi 18v tools including drills, a weed wacker, and a pole saw. The old Ni-Cd batteries get weak after about 5-6 years, but the LI batteries seem to hold up well. The run time is good enough for my use, but I can see cases where spare batteries would be required. The batteries seem to charge at about the same rate as they discharge so one spare battery is probably enough.
The problem with battery tools is that the replacement batteries cost about the same as a new tool. That is much like the H-P and Epson printers where it is cheaper to replace the printer than it is to buy the replacement ink cartridges. I did find a Chinese vendor on flea-bay selling the 4.0 ah 18v LI batteries for $55 a pair so I bought one set to try out. So far they seem to be OK.

 

[bunyip]

I have used my Milwaukee 18v Fuel for punching a 3/4" auger through 8-10" posts when hanging gates, hasn't missed a beat, they are a brute.
Got a 5 piece kit with 2 x 5ah batteries, drill, impact driver, sabre saw, circ saw, angle grinder, all get a good workout.

 

[ultrarunner]

No complaints with the AP series... the 200 saw performed well so bought a second... the 6 Stihl Gas Saws rarely get used at the tree farm now.

Looking to expand but sticker shock is keeping me in check.

Also some of the Stihl Dealers don't carry much battery or don't think much of them.

One reason I'm moving this direction is I am tired of carburetor fuel related problems...

I would already have added a few more AP items but MSRP is the only pricing I have found.

Let me know how you do in Washington. J and I treated me well when I bought my gas Stihl... I was actually surprised as a walk in.