RYOBI 40V Battery Powered Weed Wacker

Weed whackers, which use a monofilament (a twisted synthetic filament), line or string to trim weeds and grass, are an essential lawn care tool. There are many models to choose from — corded electric, cordless with battery packs and gas trimmers — but the battery-operated ones are often preferred over the others for several reasons.

Cordless, battery-operated weed whackers are less bulky, quieter and better for the environment (and the air you breathe) than gas-powered options. And they are easier to maneuver than electric weed whackers, which require access to an outlet and, often, extension cords, depending on where you need to use the trimmer. To use your battery-operated weed wacker, all you have to do is charge the battery pack (some include two) with an electrical outlet.

When shopping for a weed wacker, consider where you’ll be trimming and the types of foliage you’re working with. A straight-shaft trimmer, which enables more reach, is better for cutting underneath fences and bushes, while a more lightweight curved-shaft variation is often more limited to edging. And if you have thick grass or burly weeds, consider a weed wacker with a commercial-grade line, in case the standard line isn’t heavy-duty enough.

• The charge, run times and voltage of the battery are important features to pay attention to when choosing a weed whacker. Some require a charging time of up to 240 minutes, and run times range from 15 to 60 minutes per battery before a recharge is required. And generally, the higher the voltage of the battery, the more power it will have.
• The string on your weed whacker will eventually wear down and need to be replaced (you’ll be able to tell when it stops trimming foliage effectively). Some models work with a pre-strung spool while others might require users to manually add a new string to the spool. Check your user manual or the text printed on the trimmer head to find the specific size of string for your model. If you need assistance, there are many instructional videos available online.
• Battery-powered weed whackers typically weigh under 10 pounds, but some (often heavier-duty) options can be over 20 pounds.
• Weed whackers are also known as “string trimmers,” “weed eaters” and “whipper snippers,” and the terms are used interchangeably.