Landscaping tool reviews cover new cordless lawn equipment as well as zero turn mowers and garden tools. Of course, gas powered trimmers and blowers also represent a large portion of our reviews. Reviews of outdoor power equipment products help landscaping professionals as well as arborists understand which tools perform the best for their needs. This is especially important for new cordless technologies. Some tools, like the Husqvarna 36V chainsaw is great for limbing. Other tools like the DeWalt 40V Max backpack blower are better for semi-Pro use. Landscaping Tool Reviews for Professional Landscapers Professionals often think they know who makes the best tools. Most of them go for gas-powered models. Get them involved in a 36V chainsaw shootout, however, and they get to think outside of the box. Some tools, like the Husqvarna M-ZT zero turn mower are a long ways away from going cordless. Other tools, like the Makita LXT 18V brushless trimmer make a lot of sense.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Black and Decker, today announced another voluntary recall of all Black & Decker and Craftsman brand cordless electric lawnmowers. With this cordless lawnmowers recall, consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed by the manufacturer. This recall is significant because it affects those who already had […]
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.
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.
When you are working outside and want comfortable headphones that will both provide noise isolation and allow you to plug in your MP3 player, I can think of no better solution than the Ryobi Tek4 Noise Suppression Headphones. These phones provide over 25dB SPL of noise reduction. We used the headphones while trimming and mowing a 1/4-acre lot and found them to be extremely effective at reducing noise. There is a control knob on the right headphone that controls the volume for the microphones located at the front of the headphones. These microphones are filtered and allow and amplify only narrow-band speech while continuing to suppress external noise.
STIHL (which is actually pronounced “steel”—or “shteel” if you’re European) has introduced the new FS 56 RC-E, the top-of-the-line model for its new Homescaper Series of straight shaft trimmers. The Stihl FS 56 RC-E trimmer features the company’s new full crank Easy2Start system and semi-automatic choke to ensure starting doesn’t become a strength training exercise. […]
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 (maybe not as hassle-free as the Ryobi Touchstart straight shaft trimmer, but it also weighs a lot […]
Increasing Injuries Prompt Black & Decker to Reannounce Recall of Trimmers/Edgers Due to Laceration and Burn Hazards The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Black and Decker Recalls 200,000 GH1000 Trimmers Name […]
Let me set the scene. It’s hot. You want to get the lawn trimmed and edged, but you dread the thought of pulling out that trimmer because you know you’ve got to yank on that cord several times before it will fire up. Often the cord binds on the first or second pull, and your […]
It’s summer. In Florida, that means copious amounts of perspiration and many hated weekends spent trimming up the grass and edging the lawn. What, you thought all we did here was go to Disney World? If 2-cycle trimmers are the cat’s meow, then 4-cycle trimmers must be better, right? I mean, they’re two more, aren’t […]
With the advent of newer trimmer and lawn products that include 4-cycle engines, we are often asked the question: 2 Cycle vs 4 Cycle Engines – Which is Better? The issue concerns whether these new 4-cycle OPE tools are better than their 2-cycle counterparts (literally: “Which is better, 2-stroke or 4-stroke?”) The answer may be […]
Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
