Ryobi Expand-It

[P3ter_Griffin]

We just bought one a these a few weeks back and it has been one of those few things that after purchasing it I am amazed at the value of the item so I figured I'd pass it along.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-Re...e-Cordless-String-Trimmer-ZRRY40220/205673525

Being electric, this thing does not have the noise and vibration that the gas powered equivalents have. All you can hear, with the brush cutter it sounds like a miter saw cutting through wood, the weed wacker just the string in the air and impacting the grass. We bought the brush cutter attachment, a friend owns the pole saw attachment for his gas Ryobi, it has a leaf blower and garden tiller attachment you can buy. Plus I'm sure others. Pretty good product if you are in the market to get something.

 

[TheNewYorker]

I own only ryobi products made in China, trump is proud

 

[kahless]

We just bought one a these a few weeks back and it has been one of those few things that after purchasing it I am amazed at the value of the item so I figured I'd pass it along.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-Re...e-Cordless-String-Trimmer-ZRRY40220/205673525

Being electric, this thing does not have the noise and vibration that the gas powered equivalents have. All you can hear, with the brush cutter it sounds like a miter saw cutting through wood, the weed wacker just the string in the air and impacting the grass. We bought the brush cutter attachment, a friend owns the pole saw attachment for his gas Ryobi, it has a leaf blower and garden tiller attachment you can buy. Plus I'm sure others. Pretty good product if you are in the market to get something.

I saw it on-sale at one point but disregarded it because it is battery powered figuring it would not last long enough for me to finish the job.

How long has the battery lasted for you? Some of the replies said 20 minutes which does not seem like allot of time.

 

[Natural Citizen]

Ryobi is junk. You'll be lucky to get a year out of it.

 

[oyarde]

I have a couple Ryobi drills and two chargers , three batteries .Home Depot , I did not even look , but I am sure , made in China . I did not think I had a choice , are there any made in the US ? I buy US made hand tools still ( harder to do these days ) .

 

[oyarde]

I bought a new gas weed eater this spring , a Stihl , it is not light and easy though like the battery ones.

 

[Natural Citizen]

Bosch makes good stuff.

 

[P3ter_Griffin]

I saw it on-sale at one point but disregarded it because it is battery powered figuring it would not last long enough for me to finish the job.

How long has the battery lasted for you? Some of the replies said 20 minutes which does not seem like allot of time.

I can say it has lasted much longer than twenty minutes for us. But I really can't give an accurate time because it isn't in operation the entire time we are working. And I'm sure it is dependant on how much resistance whatever you are doing is providing against the motor. The biggest project I've been using it for is cutting woody brush, much of it larger than 1/2 diameter which is what the brush cutter says is max diameter. And it has gotten an impressive amount of work done at a time. That's kinda how I gauge it. We've had the battery die once and that was after I did some brush cutting and then the GF was weed wacking. She likes to tip weedwacker practically sideways, so I don't think it is probably the most efficient way the tool could have been used. I read one review where they said that it weedwacked their 1 acre property (I think on amazon), and another that said they got about an hour of use from the battery at a pop, and the battery charges in one hour, so they had two and were able to work mostly continuously. There are a few different models though. The one I linked to is the higher powered version, I saw in my search that some of the ryobi expand it electric models (still 40v lithium ion) use battery powered specific attachments (or at least pole cutter), but this one uses the gas powered attachments. As far as the battery goes, it looks like they are $100. And they may be a larger capacity than what comes with the unity (this manufactured one comes with a new battery), but when I can buy the unit itself, even if it is with a smaller battery, for $110, we will just opt to buy a second unit. Then the GF can weedwack while I use a different attachment.

I really can't say if this would be good for country folks. But it does a good job, and so if someone doesn't mind being bothered with recharging a battery (possibly some down time from whatever project you're working on) then I really don't see why it wouldn't be a good fit.

I obviously can't speak to the longevity of the product yet. Seems there is a bad view of Ryobi here. Time shall tell on that part I guess.

 

[P3ter_Griffin]

Bosch makes good stuff.

I had seen that they carry a similar 'multi-tool'. I didn't look into it after finding mostly positive stuff about this one. The biggest problem I found when searching for this sort of tool is that there is no generic name, I think Bosch calls theirs something different where Ryobi calls it the 'expand it'.

 

[P3ter_Griffin]

I can say with certainty the unit itself says made in China. The attachments (brush cutter and weedwacker) look like they are manufactured in SC from the stickers.

 

[puppetmaster]

We just bought one a these a few weeks back and it has been one of those few things that after purchasing it I am amazed at the value of the item so I figured I'd pass it along.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-Re...e-Cordless-String-Trimmer-ZRRY40220/205673525

Being electric, this thing does not have the noise and vibration that the gas powered equivalents have. All you can hear, with the brush cutter it sounds like a miter saw cutting through wood, the weed wacker just the string in the air and impacting the grass. We bought the brush cutter attachment, a friend owns the pole saw attachment for his gas Ryobi, it has a leaf blower and garden tiller attachment you can buy. Plus I'm sure others. Pretty good product if you are in the market to get something.

i need a new one...thanks I will try it out.

 

[Suzanimal]

I can say it has lasted much longer than twenty minutes for us. But I really can't give an accurate time because it isn't in operation the entire time we are working. And I'm sure it is dependant on how much resistance whatever you are doing is providing against the motor. The biggest project I've been using it for is cutting woody brush, much of it larger than 1/2 diameter which is what the brush cutter says is max diameter. And it has gotten an impressive amount of work done at a time. That's kinda how I gauge it. We've had the battery die once and that was after I did some brush cutting and then the GF was weed wacking. She likes to tip weedwacker practically sideways, so I don't think it is probably the most efficient way the tool could have been used. I read one review where they said that it weedwacked their 1 acre property (I think on amazon), and another that said they got about an hour of use from the battery at a pop, and the battery charges in one hour, so they had two and were able to work mostly continuously. There are a few different models though. The one I linked to is the higher powered version, I saw in my search that some of the ryobi expand it electric models (still 40v lithium ion) use battery powered specific attachments (or at least pole cutter), but this one uses the gas powered attachments. As far as the battery goes, it looks like they are $100. And they may be a larger capacity than what comes with the unity (this manufactured one comes with a new battery), but when I can buy the unit itself, even if it is with a smaller battery, for $110, we will just opt to buy a second unit. Then the GF can weedwack while I use a different attachment.

I really can't say if this would be good for country folks. But it does a good job, and so if someone doesn't mind being bothered with recharging a battery (possibly some down time from whatever project you're working on) then I really don't see why it wouldn't be a good fit.

I obviously can't speak to the longevity of the product yet. Seems there is a bad view of Ryobi here. Time shall tell on that part I guess.

They're not. I have a Black and Decker and while it's great if you're doing a small patch, the battery doesn't last long enough to do my whole yard. I have two batteries and, with both fully charged, I still can't do my whole yard. BUT it's lasted three years and I love that it's easy to string, easy to crank, and light. I use it when I'm working on a specific bed but I have to pull out my gas one to get the whole yard (2 acres). We ended up getting a 4 cycle weed eater with interchangeable heads at Home Depot last summer and that thing's a beast. It works but my arms feel shaky for hours after I've done the yard.

 

[P3ter_Griffin]

They're not. I have a Black and Decker and while it's great if you're doing a small patch, the battery doesn't last long enough to do my whole yard. I have two batteries and, with both fully charged, I still can't do my whole yard. BUT it's lasted three years and I love that it's easy to string, easy to crank, and light. I use it when I'm working on a specific bed but I have to pull out my gas one to get the whole yard (2 acres). We ended up getting a 4 cycle weed eater with interchangeable heads at Home Depot last summer and that thing's a beast. It works but my arms feel shaky for hours after I've done the yard.

Yeah I got to agree-ish.

I think part of why we're so happy with it is because it is perfect for what we need it for and was inexpensive. I still think if someone had enough batteries there is no 'trade-off' between the weed eater portion and it's gas counterpart... but that may well not be economical. For off-grid or SHTF though, the ability to generate electricity is much more within reach for me than refining gasoline. However, crafting new batteries when the old ones die would leave me in the same place.

Buddy is bringing over the pole saw attachment tomorrow so I'll get to test her out on that job.

 

[Suzanimal]

Yeah I got to agree-ish.

I think part of why we're so happy with it is because it is perfect for what we need it for and was inexpensive. I still think if someone had enough batteries there is no 'trade-off' between the weed eater portion and it's gas counterpart... but that may well not be economical. For off-grid or SHTF though, the ability to generate electricity is much more within reach for me than refining gasoline. However, crafting new batteries when the old ones die would leave me in the same place.

Buddy is bringing over the pole saw attachment tomorrow so I'll get to test her out on that job.

I love it for small jobs but I just wanted to warn people that had large yards and only had the money for one they should stick with gas unless they want to be weed eating everyday. As an FYI, you can buy extra generic batteries off Amazon for around $18 as opposed to $40 from Lowes and the string rolls for mine are half the price at Walmart than HD or Lowes. All that being said, when this one bites the dust, I'll definitely buy another one. I can't get the gas one cranked on my own so I still use the battery one quite a bit.

Let me know how the saw attachment works, too. I would love a battery powered limb saw. I have a corded one but on 2 acres, it's a pain in the ass dealing with the cord unless I'm cutting something close to the house.

 

[tod evans]

I still think if someone had enough batteries there is no 'trade-off' between the weed eater portion and it's gas counterpart...

Seriously?

You're comparing a battery powered weedwacker to a 2-stroke gas model?

Even if you strapped a car battery on your back that little thing can't spin .130 line...

I've been beating on one of these for a few years now and it won't die..

I suppose if your trimming involves 30' of sidewalk and two trees a battery job might suffice but a few acres and a half mile of fence row is a bit more than light-duty homeowner stuff can handle.

 

[Suzanimal]

Seriously?

You're comparing a battery powered weedwacker to a 2-stroke gas model?

Even if you strapped a car battery on your back that little thing can't spin .130 line...

I've been beating on one of these for a few years now and it won't die..

I suppose if your trimming involves 30' of sidewalk and two trees a battery job might suffice but a few acres and a half mile of fence row is a bit more than light-duty homeowner stuff can handle.

That's another thing. My gas weed wacker will take down things with a thicker woody stem. The battery one won't get the woody stems unless they're very small BUT for what P3ter's using it for, it's a nice, easy option.

 

[oyarde]

Seriously?

You're comparing a battery powered weedwacker to a 2-stroke gas model?

Even if you strapped a car battery on your back that little thing can't spin .130 line...

I've been beating on one of these for a few years now and it won't die..

I suppose if your trimming involves 30' of sidewalk and two trees a battery job might suffice but a few acres and a half mile of fence row is a bit more than light-duty homeowner stuff can handle.

At my age , I say let the fence rows grow for the rabbits , quail and songbirds or use the weed killer

 

[presence]

I've been beating on one of these for a few years now and it won't die..

Cylinder displacement: 27.7 ccPower output: 1.1 hpWeight (excl. cutting equipment): 10.6 lbs

I'm here:

http://www.stihl.com.au/STIHL-Produ...ofessional-Brushcutters/2659-1621/FS-250.aspx

Displacement cc[TABLE="class: technical_data"]
[TR]
[TD="class: col1"][/TD]
[TD="class: col2"] 40.2
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: odd"]
[TD="class: col1"] Power output hp
[/TD]
[TD="class: col2"] 2.2
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: col1"]Weight lb
[/TD]
[TD="class: col2"] 13.8
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

that thing is a raped ape; keeps the trail beat down no matter how far gone I let it get

 

[Suzanimal]

Our's is a 35cc 4 cycle weedwacker. I forgot the brand but it'll take down just about anything and I like not having to mix gas.

 

[Bryan]

Ryobi is junk. You'll be lucky to get a year out of it.

I am no fan of Ryobi either, but I have a very specific M.O. I follow with my tool purchases, I will buy to the level that I will use the tool. For example, tools that I use all the time I buy pro-level quality and enjoy the great benefits, quality and longevity they offer. I wouldn't consider a Ryobi or Harbor Freight / Chicago Electric tool for these. Conversely, there are some tools I don't use much but still get value from occasional use so the economy of Ryobi or Harbor Freight makes sense, and with my usage pattern they'll last a long time. So it's a good balance.

Another key factor for some tools is the available of replacement parts. Big box stores are happy to sell you a $2000 riding mower but won't sell you any parts for it, same goes for all their trimmers, chain saws, etc. Lack of parts is part of what makes them nearly worthless.

Most people don't think of going to a pro level outdoor shop, but ti's not hard, and that's the only place where you can get the best brands and have a real parts department.

I have a Stihl weeder and it has been incredible, starts easy, never has a problem and the head system is very easy to deal with.