Spring is finally here, and that means it’s time to dig your tools out of hibernation and get them back in fighting shape. Whether it’s your mower, trimmer, blower, or chainsaw, nothing ruins a weekend faster than unsuccessfully trying to fire up a tool that hasn’t been touched since fall. That’s why a little spring lawn equipment maintenance goes a long way. With just a bit of time, you can get your gear running smoother, cutting cleaner, and lasting all season. In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly what to service, sharpen, and replace so your lawn equipment is ready to go when you are.  I understand that the world is changing from gas to battery, but we still need to maintain our OPE tools, plus there are still people who have gas.

What to Service

When it comes to service, the one great thing about a battery mower is you really don’t have to do anything for the service side except, charge your battery.  So this area really pertains to gas mowers, blowers, and other small engine products.

Change the Oil – If you didn’t do it in the fall before storage.

If your equipment has a gas engine – like a lawn mower, pressure washer, or tiller, changing the oil should be at the top of your to-do list. Dirty oil can wear down internal parts fast, especially after sitting idle all winter.

Clean or Replace the Air Filter

A clogged or dirty air filter chokes your engine and reduces performance. Most are easy to pop out and clean with compressed air, or you can replace them for just a few bucks.

Inspect Spark Plugs

If your tool’s not starting like it should, a fouled spark plug might be the culprit. Pull it, check for gunk or carbon buildup, and swap it out if it’s past its prime. It’s cheap insurance.

Drain Old Fuel / Add Stabilizer

Probably the number one reason these tools don’t start, bad gas.  Gas doesn’t last as long as it used to.  Gas can go bad in as little as three months.  Sure, it will work in a car because it runs hot, but not in these small engines.

Old fuel is one of the top causes of spring startup issues. Drain last year’s leftovers and refill with fresh gas. Consider adding a fuel stabilizer if your tools tend to sit unused for long stretches.

What to Sharpen

This section is geared towards gas and battery powered equipment.  Even though battery-powered is simpler, you still have to sharpen certain items as they wear down after use.

Lawn Mower Blades

If your mower blade is dull, you’ll notice the grass looking ragged after you cut. A quick sharpening helps ensure a clean, even trim. Remove the blade (disconnect the spark plug first if it’s battery, make sure you take the battery out), give it a few clean passes with a file or grinder, and balance it before reinstalling. If it’s nicked or worn down? Time to replace.

Chainsaw Chains

Chainsaw not slicing like it used to? A dull chain makes the saw work harder, burns more fuel or batteries, and puts more wear on the motor. Use a round file or chainsaw sharpener to bring it back to life, or swap the chain if it’s past the point of saving.

Hedge Trimmers & Shears

Manual or powered, hedge trimmers need a sharp edge to slice cleanly through branches and stems. Lubricate the blades after sharpening to keep them running smoothly and prevent rust.

String Trimmers

While string trimmers don’t get “sharpened” per se, make sure the line is fresh. Old line becomes brittle and snaps more easily. Replace it with new, quality line and check that your spool is feeding correctly.  Line isn’t that expensive but there is nothing more frustrating than when the line keeps snapping or breaking.

What to Replace

Some parts just wear out.  It’s the nature of working outdoors. Spring is the best time to take inventory and replace anything that’s cracked, stretched, brittle, or just plain worn down. Replacing these now can save you from a breakdown halfway through a mow or a mid-season trip to the repair shop.

Belts & Cables

On riding mowers, tillers, and even snow blowers that didn’t get cleaned before storage, belts can dry out, crack, or loosen. Cables (especially throttle or drive cables) can fray or seize. If it feels sticky or inconsistent, it’s probably time for a replacement.

Fuel Filters & Fuel Lines

Rubber fuel lines and in-line filters can harden, crack, or clog over time, especially if fuel was left sitting in the tank over the winter. Check for any leaks, brittleness, or discoloration and replace if needed.

Spark Arrestors & Mufflers

If you’ve noticed poor performance or louder-than-usual noise, your spark arrestor screen might be clogged, or your muffler may have rusted. These are often overlooked, but they’re easy to swap out and it can make a big difference.

String Trimmer Spools & Edger Blades

If you’re using a string trimmer, make sure your spool is full and feeding properly. For edgers, check your blade, it wears down faster than most people think. Swapping it out makes edging cleaner and easier.

Wheels & Handles

Loose or cracked mower wheels and worn-out handles or grips are easy to ignore—but they affect maneuverability and comfort. Spring’s a good time to tighten, replace, or upgrade them while everything’s already out.

Other Items to Consider

Now that you’ve checked off the essentials, here are a few extra tools and add-ons that can make your spring lawn equipment maintenance faster, easier, and even more effective.

Fuel Stabilizer

Adding a stabilizer to fresh gas can extend its life and protect your engine, especially useful if you have equipment that doesn’t get used regularly. It’s cheap insurance against gummed-up carburetors.

Lubricants & Grease

WD-40 is great for freeing things up, but also stock up on proper grease or dry lube for things like wheel axles, trimmer heads, and cable housings.

Owner’s Manuals

Don’t toss them, use them. They’ll tell you the right parts, service intervals, and even torque specs. If you’ve lost yours, most can be found online with a quick search.  I can’t tell you how many I have tossed out thinking I won’t need them and then it bites me in the butt.  Yes, you can go online and find them, but it’s not always easy.

Spring Maintenance Wrap Up

Doing a little spring lawn equipment maintenance now means you’ll spend less time yanking on cords, unclogging filters, or replacing broken parts when the grass is knee-high. It’s one of those “pay now or pay later” situations—and trust me, it’s a lot nicer to deal with this stuff before everything grows wild.

But if all this sounds like a lot of work, here’s a pro tip: you can skip most of it by investing in some good battery-powered outdoor tools. No oil changes, no gas cans, no spark plugs, no drama. Just grab a battery, push a button, and go. You’ll save time, your back, and about 12 curse words per project. Just sayin’.

The post Spring Power Equipment Prep: What to Service, Sharpen, and Replace appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Automowers have been out for a while and we have had the chance to review these in the past, but it has never been something I jumped at as I know it’s not for me.  So why is it not for me but yet I am writing this Husqvarna Automower 430XH Review?  Simple but complex answer but I will try and make it quick before we jump in.

Like it or not, we live in a world of technology.  No matter where you look, technology is there, we can not escape this new way of living.  As great as technology can be, it can also be extremely frustrating.  Sometimes when I press my garage door to open, it resets and doesn’t open. I turn on my tv and sometimes the sound doesn’t work.  I try to turn up the volume on my iPhone and I take a screenshot and the list goes on.  Speaking of phones, why do people insist on having a long conversation through text?

Two reasons I would never own an Automower.  First, I don’t want to deal with more technology in my life as the automowers seem complicated.  Second, I like mowing my lawn.  I put on my earbuds, pop on some music, and get lost, it’s my time.  My time to relax and get away from the world.  So why would I want to give up something that allows me to escape, reset and get away from the daily grind?

So again, why am I doing this Husqvarna Automower 430XH Review?  A while back we went down to visit Husquvara and see their new Excite riding mower.  While I was down there, I really realized the quality of Husquvarna products.  The mower was awesome, the blower was one of the most powerful we have seen and the list goes on.  Another thing I saw was the Automowers running in an open field.  It was cool, but still not for me.  However being in this business, I know there are a lot of people who would want to know more about these mowers and how they stack up.  So considering Husqvarna is one of the best in regards to quality, I wanted to give this mower a shot.  I knew I would set it up and then when I was done, give it to my neighbor and have him deal with the headaches. Then I could get back to my escape and mow the grass myself.

Sidenote – I learned that you should not be cutting off more than 1/3 of the height of your grass each time you mow.  I used to cut my grass short all the time, hoping to extend the time between mowings.  Since I listened to Husqvarna and cut more often instead of shorter, my grass doesn’t stress out and go brown like it used to.

What is an Automower?

An automower is the lazy man’s dream.  You set it up and it cuts the grass for you so you can sit on the beach and drink fruity drinks all day long.  OK, maybe the beach part is stretching it but you get the point, an Automower automatically cuts your grass for you.

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The automower consists of the mower, which cuts the grass, the docking station where the automower goes for charging, and then a couple of different wires.  The first set of wires is laid to set the boundaries so the mower only cuts inside of that boundary.  The second wire set-up is the guide wire.  This is the way the automower finds not only its charging station but also navigates to harder-to-find places.  So if you have a small area in the back and a small path to get there, you’re showing the mower how to access this part of the lawn.

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On top of the mower, you have an access panel to program the mower.  In all honesty, I played around with it a little bit but the app is so great, I pretty much did everything from the app.  But if you need to make fine adjustments or other more in-depth things, you always have access to them through an onboard system.

So How Does this Cut?

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So how does an automower cut?  I know this sounds funny but I actually thought it had a lawnmower blade, just like my lawnmower and it would cut the same way, but it doesn’t.

Get this, it pretty much uses razor blades.  Yes, when I first learned that, I was thinking that’s crazy, but they are a lot tougher than standard razor blades.  How do you cut a lawn with three razor blades?  I am so used to a 21″ blade.  With a razor blade, it would take forever to cut a lawn.  It would be like using tweezers to move hay while you’re looking through a haystack. It just didn’t make sense to me.

Well, I was wrong.  These three razor blades not only make short work out of cutting the lawn but they last a long time before they need to be replaced.

Set Up

While I was excited to test this out, I was not excited about the installation.  I really thought it would be a pain.  First, I thought ok, I will be short on supplies, or burying the wire would be a pain, or programming the unit would take forever.  Bottom line, I made every excuse in the book to push it off and find other projects to do instead.  While I am not going to get into every aspect of installation, I can tell you it was much easier than I expected.  In fact, I bought a grill, and putting together the grill was much harder than installing this automower.

First, the unit comes with everything you need and I wasn’t even close to using half of the supplies it comes with.  So don’t worry about running out of supplies.

Installing the wire was a piece of cake.  While you can stake the wire on the ground, I did want it buried.  I didn’t want to rent a cable installer so I just used my cordless edger and made a trench with that and installed the wire, then covered it up.

The mower comes with a cardboard ruler so you can make sure as it travels it isn’t hitting structures or going into flower beds, etc.  You can always adjust the travel distance over the wire through the app, so the wire placement doesn’t have to be overly precise.  Since I was burying the wire, and my yard doesn’t have any areas of concern like flower beds, I just eyeballed everything.  I knew I was still going to have to use my trimmer since my grass goes up against the house and fence.  So my idea was to place the wire far enough away so the mower isn’t bouncing off the wall and house.  This way I could just take the push mower and make one single pass.  If you want to get more precise, you can easily do this so you don’t have to make a pass with a push mower.

You first have to start and find a place to keep the charging station (Dock, Home Base).

I put mine behind my shed.  I did this for a couple of different reasons.  First, it’s out of sight.  Second, there is more than enough room for set up and this is an area I never really use, so I am not losing any space.  Third, it’s out of the sun for most of the day.  Not that it matters much if it’s in the sun, but the unit is plastic so I am sure after a while, the sun might fade the color.

I used an edger to trench the boundary wires and the guide wire.  I first started with a shovel but quickly realized that would be a pain and take all day.  Once I moved to the edger, it was simple.  I am not saying do this for your install, I am just telling you how I installed it.

This gives you a better view of how I laid the wire.  Yes, I would have laid it closer to the fence but my thought was I was just going to use the push mower on the perimeter anyways, so I really do not need to be too exact and try to get every square inch with the automower.

I have a small area between the back of the garage and the shed.  According to Husquvarna and the manual, I had enough room to run the wires and allow the mower to fully work, but I didn’t.  The area is a little narrow and I knew I was going to use a push mower on some spots, it would be easy to cut myself.

The line on the left is a guide wire.  The unit comes with two guide wires so I ran one towards the house and the other I ran to a hard-to-reach area of the lawn.

I did have one area of concern which is to the right side of that retaining wall.  It is a little hard to see but I think the slope might be a little more than the 45 degrees.  I figure I am testing it so why not try?  I have been using the automower for over a month and the automower has tackled the slope with ease.  However, I did have one hiccup.

The mower was mowing in the rain.  I am not sure what happened but I received an alert on my phone that the automower tipped over.  When I went outside to see what happened, I found out the mower didn’t tip over.  What I think happened was it was hitting an area that is over 45 degrees and the mower slide back and then it triggered some type of alert.  I just moved the mower back and it went on its way.

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So this is a tricky area as it’s narrow.  If the area wasn’t long, I might have bypassed this.  However, the area needs to be mowed and it also goes back to a little larger area to be mowed.  I ran both a boundary wire and the guide wire and gave it a shot.  My concern was the automower would be bouncing around and then ripping up the lawn as it would make a bunch of turns.

Again, I have been using this for over a month and it has been awesome.  The mower does mow this part and does bounce around a little bit, but it never rips up any grass and I never see any tracks.

Here’s a great article on Husqvarna.com: How do Automower® Robotic Lawn Mowers work?

After Set Up

After I set up the unit and had the boundary wires and guide wires in place, I figured this is where things would be difficult.  I was wrong.  The app is extremely easy to work with.  I am not going into everything as you can watch other videos from Husqvuara about the app but there are three things I want to touch on.

With the app, you can adjust the blade height which is a great feature.  If you need to adjust the travel distance over the boundary wire, you can do that also.  For me, the best part is how simple setting the scheduling time for mowing.  Whoever designed this app did a great job.  It’s so easy to create or change the mowing schedule.

Impressions before having the mower do its job

The unit seemed to be extremely tough.  Again, Husqvarna makes quality products so it’s not something that came as a surprise to me.

What I really liked best was how easy and hands-off this unit is.  Once it’s set up, there is no messing around.  Even when you do have to change blades, they make that process extremely easy.

In Action

OK, not going to lie.  Husqvarna makes great products but for me, I really wasn’t expecting too much with the finish cut of the mower.  Yes, I thought it would look good but with razor blades, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

I was blown away.  This machine does an awesome job.  My lawn always looks incredible.  I have a new lawn so I do have some dirt spots.  I thought for sure I would see mud trails all over but to my surprise, it didn’t leave mud trails at all.  Second, I have been using it for over a month and there are no areas where it has ripped up my lawn.

As I noted above, I have a new yard that not all the grass seed has taken.  So it has a lot of bare spots.  I found out a couple of things.  The wheels are great.  When it goes over the wet dirt, it’s not heavy enough that it puts tracks in there or it doesn’t pull up dirt as it travels.  It can make it through those areas without any issues.

Here is an example of a bare spot.  This is a little hard to tell from the picture but this is one of the areas with mostly dirt.  It rained the night before and the mower already did its job.  As you can see it doesn’t dig into the dirt and leave trails.

Once the mowing is complete, it will auto-park itself in the docking station and begin recharging.

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It’s tough.  I tried to not make it hit anything but as you can see it still hits the walls sometimes, but that’s on me as I just eyeballed everything during install.  The rubber bumper and plastic shield do a great job holding up.  I have a couple of areas where I laid the wire close to the garage so that is where I am guessing it’s hitting the concrete side.

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This is what my yard looks like with the automower.  The front of my yard where I do not use the automower is brown and not looking as good.  We have not had a lot of rain so I am guessing that my chopping up and taking off a lot of grass during a drought is stressing the grass out.  Where in the back it is only taking a small amount off, it’s not stressing out the grass.

Issues

So what issues have I had?  As I said, the one time it showed it said it tipped over.  That is really not the fault of the mower, that is just how I laid the wire and let it try and tackle more than a 45-degree slope.

Another issue I had was I cut the boundary wire and didn’t know I did.  After I laid the wire, I came back about a month later and was trying to repair some bare spots.  The area I was fixing has compacted dirt so I used a shovel to try and break up the dirt.  I noticed the mower didn’t cut the next morning and when I looked at the app, it showed an error.  So I had to try and find the area I cut through the wire.  I ended up finding it and it was extremely easy to repair.  Again, not the fault of the mower, it was my fault.

I would like to see some type of fault finder.  Not sure if it is possible to create a fault finder for this.  Not sure what happens over the years if animals, kids or something else cuts the wire, would be nice to have an easy way to find the cut.  For me, it was easy since I knew where I was digging.

Final Thought

Talk about a 180-degree attitude change, this mower changed my thinking.  At first, I really did not want this mower.  Now, I will not give it up.  I love this mower.  The mower is tough, easy to use and does an awesome job, and leaves a great-looking lawn.  I thought I would miss my “escape time” but instead this automower has allowed me more time to do other things, meaning I get more done around the house and my wife is happier.

This is a must-have system.  I understand that this is a big upfront cost but in the long run, it pays for itself.  Again, it’s easy to use and leaves a great-looking lawn, this is a no-brainer.

Available on Amazon and Husqvarna.com.

The post Husqvarna Automower 430XH Review – Why I wouldn’t buy one appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

When it comes to Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE), Toro has a long history.  While they are newer to the battery-powered OPE products, they seem like they haven’t missed a beat.  Today we are going to check out the Toro 60V Stripe Lawnmower, which is a new mower to their popular 60V line of OPE products.

Toro 60V Stripe Lawnmower Overview

Toro is one of those companies you see all over.  Visit a baseball park and you will probably see a Toro mowing the field.  Go to your local park, same thing, probably a Toro mowing, trimming, and more.  My point is that when it comes to knowledge and experience, Toro is not new to the game.  So when they come out with a new mower, it is wise to take a look, which we are doing today.  So let’s jump in and see the Stripe mower and what it has to offer.

Toro 60V Stripe Lawnmower Features

The Stripe mower has seven different models in this line. The mower is a self-propelled mower that features a 21″ deck.

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The mower is powered by a single Toro 60V battery which can also be used in 75 other Toro tools.  The battery can run up to 65 minutes and is designed for 2/3 acres of grass or less.

The handle has a comfortable setup with a curve to the handle which makes it easy to work with.  There is a bar on the top and bottom, one is the safety bar and the bottom will engage the self-propelled, which the speed can be adjusted on the right side with a dial.

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A user has two options, bag or mulch.  Both are easy to use and easy to change.  If you want a side discharge, once you register the product, you can request a side discharge chute.

One interesting feature is how you change the height.  Some mowers need to be adjusted at each wheel while others have a single lever to adjust all four wheels at the same time.

For me, I like the Toro setup.  There is a single lever on the back that will adjust the back wheels at the same time.  On the front, it is set up the same way where one lever will control the height of both wheels.  I like having the freedom and more control over the height with this setup as opposed to one lever for all four wheels.

The mower is designed with two blades which results in better cutting, better mulching, and a better finished lawn.

Toro 60V Stripe Lawnmower Performance

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When it comes to performance, this mower doesn’t lag.  If you have followed our Instagram, you can see how well this mower has performed on green grass.  Unfortunately, we just did videos and never took pictures.  By the time we took pictures, our grass was dormant.  Above is just two passes on the right side.

With green grass, it does stripe the grass.  Not like what we have seen on a baseball field but better than other mowers.  The outcome of the striping is going to depend on the grass and the height and thickness of the grass.

One thing we noticed was this mower is powerful.  When it hit deeper or tougher spots, the mower ramped up quickly and provided the needed power to cut tall grass.

Toro 60V Stripe Lawnmower Price

You can pick up the Toro Stripe from $379 to $729 depending upon the model number. The model number is basically going to determine the battery size and accessories you get, but it’s the same mower.  As a consumer, I think this is a great deal because if you price this on the lower model, this offers more options and power than some of like models in the field.  For the high-end models, this is in line with other like models.

Toro 60V Stripe Lawnmower Wrap Up

The bottom line, this is a great mower.  The mower is powerful and easy to use, plus provides a clean-cut lawn.  Considering you can use the battery with a wide range of other 60V Toro tools, this is a great option for the homeowner.

The post Toro 60V Stripe Lawnmower appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Late 2022, Husqvarna unveiled its new line of Xcite Zero-Turn Mowers and two new mower models, the Z350 and Z380. This line of mowers was designed to make each ride as comfortable as it is powerful, and Husqvarna did not sacrifice any power to make this happen. Each of the Xcite Zero-Turn Mowers features Best-in-Class suspension, custom comfort options, premium long-lasting mower blades, improved driving features, and more.

With spring here and lawn cutting season upon us, we decided to check out the Xcite Zero-Turn Mowers.

Read on to see what they’re all about and/or watch our video from our visit to Husqvarna’s US headquarters.

360 View of Husqvarna Z350 Xcite Zero-Turn Mower

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Key Features of New Xcite Zero-Turn Mowers

The Husqvarna Xcite Z350 and Z380 share a lot of great features. However, we want to share the new, innovative ones that we are most excited about.

• Husqvarna’s new and innovative SmoothRide comfort technology. SmoothRide provides users with 10 different ride options, vertical-movement suspension, and adjustable shocks for the smoothest ride possible.
• NEW industry innovation on-stick controls prevent users from needing to look down while operating, including the ability to turn the engine on and off with fingertips alone.
• Power with premium Kohler 7000 Series engines for longevity and high performance.
• Built with Husqvarna DuraSharp coated bi-metal mower blades that provide excellent cut performance and can last up to five years.

Key Features of Husqvarna Xcite Zero-Turn Mowers

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Additional Features 

A few other features on both the Xcite Z350 and Z380 Zero-Turn Mowers.

• 54 in. durable fabricated cutting deck
• 12 cut height options ranging from 1.5 in. to 4.5 in.
• Removable footplate for easy, toolless access to cutting deck
• LCD digital dashboard with fuel gauge, levels, and service reminders
• LED headlights
• Accessory rack included

Additional Features of Husqvarna Xcite Zero-Turn Mowers

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Xcite Z350 vs Z380 Zero-Turn Mowers

The Husqvarna Xcite Mowers share a lot of similarities. However, the chart below shares a few key differences between the Z350 and Z380 models. Also, here is an article explaining the differences between the standard Kohler 7000 Series vs Kohler 7000 Series PRO.

Final Thoughts on Xcite Zero-Turn Mowers

Whether you go with the Z350 or the Z380, these Husqvarna Xcite Zero-Turn mowers are luxurious. The price tag definitely reflects this with the two models retailing between $5,499 to $6,999. However, if you have a large yard and mowing it is a large part of your life, you may find a lot of value in a comfortable mowing experience matched with excellent power and precision.

The post Husqvarna’s Two New Xcite Zero-Turn Mowers appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

SKIL has been growing its line of Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE).  They have blowers, mowers, and more.  Today we are checking out one of their new releases, the SKIL Power Head system which currently has a string trimmer and edger.  But knowing SKIL, I am sure they will release more items for this system.

SKIL Power Head System – Information

• Name – SKIL PWR Core 40 Power Head
• Model – PLT1500C-10
• Price – $199
• Where to Buy – Amazon
• Reviews – SKIL Reviews

SKIL Power Head System – Features

Above is the current configuration SKIL with the Power Head, the String Trimmer, and the Edger.  As you can see, the string trimmer along with the head utilizes a straight shaft design.

The power head is designed with a brushless motor for longevity and a brushless motor also helps increase run time.

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The system runs off the SKIL PWR CORE 40V battery platform.  The battery sits on the back of the power head to help balance the tool.

The over-mold grip provides a nice feel for the tool, plus the way SKIL designed the system, the safety switch is easy to access.

On top of the power head, there is a slide switch to select between High and Low modes.

The adjustable auxiliary grip can easily be moved up or down without using any tools.  Just turn the thumb screw to loosen and then slide it to the desired position.

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One of the most important features of any multi-head system is how easy it is to connect and remove the attachments.  SKIL makes this extremely easy.  Just slide the attachment in place.  The push pin will automatically lock into place and then all you have to do is tighten the knob.

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String Trimmer Attachment

• 14″/16″ cutting swath
• Dual line bump feed
• Easy to load head – Twist Load
• Line Diameter – .080″

Edger Attachment

• Adjustable guide wheel
• 9″ blade
• Debris shields
• Cuts up to 3″

SKIL Power Head System – Impressions

Multi-head systems are hit or miss.  I have used some that I love and others that have not impressed me.  Some seem to lack power and quality.  With the SKIL, I think they did a great job.  This unit has power and definitely has the quality.  Best of all, the price tag isn’t hefty like other systems we have used.  Changing the attachments is easy and quick.  Plus once they are in place, they fit extremely well and there isn’t any “flopping around” between the attachment and the power head.

SKIL Power Head System – Wrap up

All in all, this is a great system for the money.  I like being able to buy one power head and have a couple of batteries.  Then I can save money and just buy the attachments.  Currently, there are two attachments but knowing SKIL, I am sure there is more in the works.  For now, it’s hard to beat the quality, the power, and the price.

The post SKIL Power Head System – 40V String Trimmer & Edger appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

We have a complaint letter to noisy neighbors:

Noise is among the top complaints homeowners have against their neighbors, and noisy lawn equipment plays a big role in this. So, are you the neighbor firing up the lawn mower at the crack of dawn, after dusk, or somehow consistently at the exact moment your own neighbors are trying to unwind? I’m sorry, but this complaint letter to noisy neighbors is for you. Fortunately, Husqvarna has a solution so you’re not the only neighbor who mysteriously didn’t get invited to the block party.

Complaint Letter to Noisy Neighbor – Solution!

The Husqvarna Automower^® is the saving grace for noisy neighbors. Husqvarna reports that a traditional gas mower’s roar hits between 95-100 decibels. Meanwhile, the Husqvarna Automower^® only hits a max of 58-69 decibels. This is barely louder than a normal conversation (between neighbors who don’t hate each other). This mild sound allows you to mow your yard any time, day or night, without disturbing your neighbors.

On top of that, this Automower^® is a robotic lawnmower that will do all your mowing for you. This frees you up to attend all the neighborhood get-togethers that you’re suddenly invited to now that you’re no longer disturbing everyone’s peace and quiet.

To make the change easier, you can purchase a Husqvarna Automower^® on Amazon with free shipping.  Or purchase direct from Husqvarna while they are offering 20% off select models of Automower^®, for a limited time. Just use the promo code “noisy20” at checkout and say goodbye to noisy neighbor complaint letters!

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Summer is here, well all most.  When summer is here, I start thinking about Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) tools.  It wasn’t long ago that I was strictly gas-powered.  Now that I full-on moved to battery OPE tools, I don’t mind the beginning of the season because I am not messing with gas, spark plugs, and the like.  Speaking of OPEs, SKIL has a new string trimmer that we wanted to let you know about.  So let’s take a look at the SKIL String Trimmer – PWR Core 40 Trimmer with Smart Load.

SKIL String Trimmer – Information

• Name – SKIL PWR CORE 40 Brushless 40V 15″ String Trimmer with Smart Load
• Model – LT4832C-11
• Price – $159
• Where to Buy – Amazon

SKIL String Trimmer – Features

The SKIL PWRCORE (Model LT4832C-11) is designed around a digital brushless motor which helps reduce weight, increase longevity, and increase runtime.

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The trimmer is powered by a single SKIL PWRCORE lithium-ion battery which is included with the kit (2.5Ah). The way SKIL designed these batteries is pretty impressive.  Each cell is wrapped to help keep the battery cooler which means longer runtime and longer-lasting cells.

An impressive feature is that the battery can be charged from 0-30% in 15 minutes.

As you can see from the pictures above, this has a straight shaft, which I personally like better than a curved trimmer.

The shaft is all metal for more durability and long life.

For me, I think the handle and grip are extremely comfortable.  The over-mold grip makes it easy to hold onto and the safety trigger is easy to use and doesn’t get in the way like others we have seen.

On top of the handle, there is a slide switch to change between low and high speeds.

The auxiliary grip can be adjusted without any tools.  There is a thumb screw you can loosen and then slide the grip to where the user receives the best balance.

The trimmer has a 15″ cutting swatch so you can cut more with fewer passes.

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One cool feature is the Twist Load which makes it easy to load line.  We all know how much of a pain it is to load line into a string trimmer.  No more fussing around and dealing with that headache.

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The string head features two lines for faster cutting and also has a bump feed for when you need more line.

SKIL String Trimmer – Impressions

So here is the deal.  Our grass isn’t green but I did get a chance to use this around the shop yard.  The one thing I noticed was how well-balanced this trimmer is compared to other trimmers we have used.  Sure it has plenty of power but I noticed my back wasn’t hurting as it does with other trimmers.  I am sure some of that has to do with the length of the tool and not having to bend over all the time.

So the trimmer cost $159 and that is with a PWR CORE 40 2.5Ah battery and Auto PWR JUMP charger.  To me, that is an awesome price.  I like the two lines and the quality so for $159, it’s a great price.

One thing that is always a pain with string trimmers is the loading line.  The Smart Load easy load system makes it, well easy.

SKIL String Trimmer Wrap Up

Overall this is a great addition to the SKIL lineup of OPE tools.  So far I have been impressed with their lineup in regard to power and price.  This string trimmer is no exception.  The trimmer offers plenty of power and plenty of run time.

The post SKIL String Trimmer – PWR Core 40 Trimmer with Smart Load appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

When it comes to cordless Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE), EGO leads the pack.  They were the first company to offer a cordless lawnmower, a cordless blower, and other OPE’s that were actually practical and useful. When EGO hit the market in 2014, they were an instant hit because they performed like gas tools and the quality was something that was lacking in the marketplace.  Since then, they have been developing a commercial line that brings me to the topic of today’s article, the EGO Commercial Backpack Blower.

EGO Commercial Backpack Blower Overview

Let’s be real, we are still not to the point where you can completely eliminate gas, especially for the professional landscaper.  Yes, for the homeowner, EGO has pushed the limits and allowed the homeowner to completely move from corded and/or gas to battery.  For the professional, we are still a little ways off because some of these tools, like a riding lawnmower, are such high power-demanding tools.  However, EGO just took it one step closer to being able to move over and transition to professional battery-powered tools.

EGO Commercial Backpack Blower Features

The EGO Commercial Backpack Blower* with Peak Power is a new addition to the EGO commercial line.  This blower offers 800 CFM, speeds of up to 190 MPH, and a 26N push force.

It is designed around a 1,900W brushless motor which is equivalent to a 60cc gas engine. Even the outside is designed to perform as it has a UV-resistant composite housing and IPX5 rated for weather-resistant use.

This EGO Commercial Backpack Blower is built with commercial-grade electronics that are internally monitored and cooled when needed. The mechanicals are entirely self-serviceable. These smart features equate to less downtime.

*This EGO Backpack Blower is sold in three configurations:

1. LBPX8000 – Backpack Blower Only
2. LBPX8004-2 – Backpack Blower with two 6.0Ah Batteries & Dual Port Charger
3. LBPX8006-2 – Backpack Blower with two 10.0Ah Batteries & Dual Port Charger

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This blower is powered by EGO 56V batteries.  This blower requires two batteries which are easy to insert and remove from the back of the blower.

These batteries give up to 120 minutes of run time on low and 30 minutes on high.

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The middle of the tube is flexible and easy to maneuver.  This blower only has a 65db(A) rating at 50′.

The hand control is your traditional arm with the trigger and lock.  However, it has an additional cool feature, the screen.

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On top of the handle is a screen that shows battery life and power.

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The tube’s end-cap can be removed for clearing a wider area, plus the tube can be extended with a quick flick of a lever.

On the top of the backpack, there is a handle making it easier to grab and carry.  There is an additional handle located on the bottom.

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The shoulder and waist straps are padded making it more comfortable.  There is also a chest strap for better weight distribution and to help keep the blower in place and not move side to side.

EGO Commercial Backpack Blower Performance

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For me, there are three things I look for in a backpack blower.  I want power, comfort, and run time, with comfort being a top priority.  I’ve used a wide variety of backpack blowers and when it comes to comfort, this is one of the best I’ve worn.  The straps are thick and padded.  For the waist strap, it is easy to put above the hips to help offset the weight.  So all in all, this is one comfortable backpack blower.

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Next are power and run time.  We already talked about the runtime (120 minutes on low, 30 minutes on high, 25 minutes on turbo), which is great for a battery-powered backpack blower.

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As for power, this blower does not lack power.  We live in Chicago and spring is finally here.  After each winter, we always have areas of dirt where the plows pushed and left the snow. The snow melts and leaves rocks and other debris behind.  We were able to easily move smaller rocks and leaves that have been buried under the snow for the winter.

So in the end, this blower meets all three of my criteria: comfort, power, and run time.

Ego Commercial Backpack Blower Wrap Up

Professional landscapers can not throw away all of their gas-powered and corded equipment just yet, but we are definitely getting closer.  The EGO LBPX8000 is powerful, offers good runtime, and is extremely comfortable.  EGO did a great job with the addition of this backpack blower to their commercial line of tools. You can find EGO products at LOWE’s, Ace Hardware, and on AMAZON (with free shipping on most products).

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When it comes to outdoor power equipment (OPE), EGO is the front runner.  Since 2014 they have been not only known for quality but also for their innovation and large, extensive line of products in their 56V line-up.  Today they are adding another tool to their ever-popular line-up, the EGO Pole Saw which is a 10″ telescopic pole saw.

EGO Pole Saw Information

• Name – EGO POWER+ 10″ TELESCOPIC POLE SAW
• Model – PS1001
• EGO Reviews – EGO Reviews

Thoughts

When it comes to innovation, this EGO has something cool up its sleeve.  This is the first pole saw that incorporates a LED Cut Line indicator which is key when working in dark, low-light, or shaded areas.

The pole saw is powered by a single 56V EGO battery which offers some of the best power and run time on the market.

The carbon fiber shaft can be broken down into two sections for easy transport and storage.

Putting the two sections together is quick, easy, and tool-free. Just line up, click into place, and then turn the tightening handle on the shaft.

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The telescoping shaft can reach up to 16′ in length and because it has a carbon fiber shaft, it is still 30% lighter than other pole saws in this class.

The head is straightforward and uses a D-handle design making it easy to use when fully extended.

The pole saw is equipped with a 10″ bar and chain.

The saw has a clear oil tank to easily see how much chain oil is left in the unit.

As far as the limb hook with teeth, it is metal for better control.

The tool also utilizes a tool-free chain tensioner.

If you need to change or access the chain, the cover comes off without any tools so it’s very easy to access.

Wrap up

Bottom line, if you are looking for a quality OPE line to get into, EGO is the way to go.  This EGO POWER+ 10″ TELESCOPIC POLE SAW is just another example of why EGO is top dog.  The quality and ease of use, plus its power make this a great addition to their large line of 56V OPE tools.

The post EGO Pole Saw – Power+ 10″ Telescopic appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

I used to have the best-looking yard in my neighborhood.  Not that it was voted the best, well actually it was, by me.  However now when I look at my yard, it’s not even close to being the best.  My lawn used to rival the turf of professional baseball stadiums.  My bushes, grass, and everything looked awesome.  But that was before I had kids.  I have to admit, it’s a little frustrating because I have all the proper tools to make it look great, but no time for yard work. And my kids do a number on my lawn in the summer.  Anyway, speaking of yardwork, EGO came out with a new EGO Hedger Trimmer, but before we jump into it, let’s talk EGO.

EGO

When it comes to OPE (Outdoor Power Equipment), EGO is considered one of the best.  The quality, ease of use, power, durability, and their large line of equipment are just some of the reasons consumers love this brand.

While those are all reasons I love EGO as well, the number one reason they are my favorite brand is because of my personal experience and history.  I still mow my yard with my first EGO mower from 2014 and it still rocks.  Today it seems we spend a lot of money on different products, only for them to fail us quickly.  But EGO has been one of those dependable companies where I know my equipment it’s not going to fail and will work for years to come. I can absolutely say in my opinion, it’s the top OPE company around.  So now let’s take a closer look at the newest EGO Hedge Trimmer.

EGO Hedge Trimmer Features

The EGO Power+ 26″ Hedge Trimmer (HT2601) is backed by a lifetime warranty.  So you have peace of mind.  The hedge trimmer is powered by a brushless motor that delivers 3,400 strokes per minute.

The 26″ bar uses dual-action steel blades that provide powerful performance even when cutting through large-diameter branches.

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Regarding power, the unit is powered by EGO’s 56V ARC Lithium battery, which can also be used in all other 56V EGO POWER+ tools.

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Both handles are large, allowing easy operation for those with big hands, and even with gloves on.

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Another cool feature is the blades track on the industry’s first carbon fiber rail.  This means it’s strong and reduces the overall weight of the hedge trimmer.

The power trigger is large enough to hold with two or three fingers, which means less fatigue.

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I am sure you have experienced those times when you have to contort in a different direction to cut a branch.  Not only can it be uncomfortable but it can also be dangerous. Not anymore – now with a click of a button, you can rotate the head to five different positions, up to 180 degrees.

When not in use, there is a plastic sheath to protect the blades and rail.

EGO Hedge Trimmer Performance

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This is just one of those tools you have to try.  A picture doesn’t do it justice.  We do have a short in-action video below, but you will just have to take our word for it.  Trimming a bush is simple. It cuts right through branches, limbs, and leaves it with ease.  Even when I did some older bushes by my driveway, I was able to cut through their large-diameter branches without any issues.

https://youtube.com/shorts/5tiyNT5Nq84

EGO Hedge Trimmer Wrap Up

The bottom line is when it comes to EGO, they are the leader for many reasons.  This powerful, well-designed new EGO Hedge Trimmer is just another example of why.  The EGO Power+ 26″ Hedge Trimmer is one of the best hedgers we’ve used.  It’s durable, easy to use, and easy to control.  Plus it delivers great results.

The post EGO POWER+ 26″ Hedge Trimmer appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

We use our blowers for so many projects like clearing the driveway, cleaning the gutters, clearing leaves in the yard; and no two projects are the same. The more control we have over our blowers the better. Sometimes you need more speed, sometimes less. Sometimes you need to clear a wide area, and sometimes you need to keep the airstream very tight. The more options on a blower the better we can accomplish the task(s) at hand. This Ryobi 40V blower claims to have a lot of the features we want, here we’ll tell you if we were “blown away” (sorry, I just couldn’t resist).

RYOBI 40V Blower Overview

The 40V Brushless Cordless Jet Fan motor on this blower quietly packs a punch. It is designed to deliver up to 730 CFM (cubic feet per minute), yet runs at a “whisper-quiet” level of only 57 dB. The blower kit is available at Home Depot for $299. The kit includes the Ryobi 40V blower, two changeable rubber nozzles, two 40V 4.0 Ah batteries, and a rapid charger. For this review, I cleared a small area in front of my office. I ran the blower on and off for about 15 minutes, switching up speeds, using the turbo button, and switched out from no-nozzle to using a nozzle. The battery showed half power at the end. So with two batteries and a rapid charger, I think there is plenty of run-time to complete most projects.

RYOBI 40V Blower Features

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Assembled with a nozzle and the 3 lb. 40V battery it weighs just under 10 lbs. and is about 43 in. long.  I thought it was well-balanced and comfortable to use.

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The kit comes with two 40V 4.0 Ah lithium batteries and a rapid charger. It took about 30 minutes to fully recharge a battery, including a few minutes to let the warm battery cool before charging.

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The intake is at the back of the blower. This design should help minimize collecting flying debris on the intake as you are working. This also allows you to use the blower on your left or right side. However, it did suck my gym shorts up to the intake panel a few times.

You have four wind velocity/airstream size output options. No-nozzle-attached will give you the widest airstream and lowest wind velocity, and I personally liked this set-up the best.  Or you can attach one of the two rubber nozzles included in the kit. You are supposed to cut these rubber nozzles to increase the output wind speeds to 160 mph or 175 mph. An uncut nozzle is to produce a top speed of 190 mph with the narrowest airstream. Switching between the two nozzles does give you the opportunity to get the right airstream size and speed for your task, but once you cut these nozzles, it is permanent.

You get a lot of speed options and control with this blower. It has a standard variable speed finger trigger but also has a cruise control feature that allows you to maintain your desired speed. And when you need a little more power, there is an easily accessible turbo button on top. The rubber-covered handle is comfortable and provides adequate grip.

RYOBI 40V Blower Performance

I hit this area with small chunks of mulch on the asphalt and it cleaned it up with no problem.

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Then I tried it on some finer pine needles and was able to easily move them using a lower speed, without the needles flying everywhere.

Since it is the end of summer here in the midwest I didn’t have any wet leaves on grass to try to move. I feel this blower has the power to handle that unpopular task this fall since I was able to blow away some sticky cobwebs off of our brick building using an uncut nozzle and some turbo power.

RYOBI 40V Blower Value

This Whisper Series RYOBI 40V Blower might seem a bit pricey at $299, but it is touted as the most powerful cordless currently on the market. I did a little math; purchasing two RYOBI 40V 4 Ah batteries plus the rapid charger would run $377 at Home Depot.  So you could look at this purchase as $78 off two batteries and a charger with a free leaf blower. That makes it seem like a steal.

RYOBI 40V Blower Wrap Up

A great outdoor power tool can make chores a lot easier. This blower has almost every control feature and option I would need to easily complete the wide variety of tasks I use a blower for. The cruise control is an added feature that I didn’t know I needed but really liked. My only critique is since you could be using this blower for long periods of time, maybe up on a ladder, and it is on the heavier side at 10 lbs., a shoulder strap would have been a nice optional feature.

RYOBI claims this is the most powerful cordless blower currently on the market, and with up to 730 cfm and 190 mph, it just might be. The price for everything included in the kit is a good value. It is also the quietest blower I think I’ve ever used. So if you’ve been waiting for a good reason to update your old leaf blower, this might be the time. This new RYOBI 40V Blower really “blew us away”.

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As a professional, you need a chainsaw that offers reliability, power and run time.  While there are a lot of gas powered chainsaws on the market, have you ever thought about a battery-powered chainsaw for smaller jobs?  If not, you might want to consider it as battery technology has come a long way, the brushless motor offers more efficiency, longer run times, and longer tool life.  With that said, let’s jump into the Greenworks Top Handle Chainsaw.

Greenworks Top Handle Chainsaw Features

The Greenworks top handle saw, model 48TH12, is designed around a brushless motor.  Which means longer run times, a more efficient motor, and a better experience for the end-user.

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The saw is powered by a 48V 4Ah battery.  The battery sits on the back of the saw which helps provide a better-balanced saw.

The saw features a 12″ bar but a user can also change it out with a 10″ or 14″ bar, which is sold separately.  The saw offers a 64 ft./s chain speed.

On the side on the saw, the two nuts will allow the user to take the cover off for any maintenance needed such as changing the chain or cleaning.  Between the two nuts is a screw that will allow the user to adjust the tension for the chain.

On top of the handle, there is a power button to turn on/off the saw.  One nice feature is you can just hit the button to turn it on.  You don’t have to hold it down for 5 seconds.

As you grip the handle, you will automatically hold down the safety switch and then you can use your finger to control the speed of the saw.

On the side is where you fill the oil.  There is also a clear view side to see how much oil is in the saw.

The side handle allows the user to cut from the top or if you need to angle the saw on the side, it’s easier to make a cut.

Performance

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We took the saw out to Bode Tree Care who is a local arborist.  He was at a local park where he and his crew were trimming over 120 trees so we figured what better way to test the saw.  Some of the trees he was trimming were Locust, Maple, and other hardwood trees.

Here is what he had to say. Overall he was surprised how well the saw cut and worked.  While he liked the power, he was impressed by the run time.  He loved not having to pull the cord to start the engine all the time.  The ramp-up time was quick and could start cutting right away without any delays.

For him, he thought the ideal customer would be a landscaper who isn’t cutting down trees every day.  A landscaper is hard on their tools so they need something that is more professional like the Greenworks.  However, if they aren’t cutting 8 hours a day, it makes more sense having a battery-powered tool so they aren’t messing around with gas, gummed up carbs, and having to mix oil. Plus as he noted, not having the loud sound of the saw ramping up is also a huge feature when working at residential homes.

So in regards to performance, it works great.  Bode was cutting a ton of hardwood without having issues.

Value

You can pick this saw up on Amazon for about $500 which includes the saw, the battery, and the charger.  All said and done, it’s not a bad price to get a commercial grade saw that will help make you or your crew more efficient on the job site.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line, Greenworks offers a huge line of OPE tools for the homeowner and the professional  Anyone looking for a top handle chainsaw, this is a great saw to consider.  Reasonably priced, plenty of run time and power to get the job done.  What else do you want in a saw?

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Have you jumped on the bandwagon of the battery-powered mower?  If not, don’t sweat.  It took me a while to warm up to the idea of not using gas and only relying on a battery lawnmower to cut my yard.  If you haven’t taken the leap of faith and jumped into a battery power mower, today might be the day that you remember taking battery-powered mowers seriously, so let’s jump in and take a look at the Skil Lawnmower Review.

Skil Lawnmower Review Overview

As I said, it took me a while to warm up to even trusting a battery-powered mower to cut my yard.  I grew up on gas motors for lawnmowers, string trimmers, chainsaws, and more.

So when I had the chance to make the change, I was reluctant.  However, my first experience was with Ego and I have never looked back.  I now own the whole Ego line of OPE tools because I believe in them, they perform, I don’t have to deal with gas, and let’s just say my life is so much easier.  In fact, even my wife will mow the lawn now with the Ego mower since she doesn’t have to deal with the gas motors.  The Ego performs and cuts like a gas mower hands down.

So why am I talking about Ego when we are here for the Skil?  Simple, Ego owns Skil so I am willing to bet that some of the technology that goes into Ego, also goes into Skil.  Since I have loved my Ego OPE tools and they have been reliable, I know I can trust Skil even though this mower is new to the market for them.

What is most important than anything else is the battery.  You have to have a great battery in order to have a great and reliable lawnmower or other OPE tools, which when it comes to OPE batteries, I can’t think of one company that does it better than Chervon, which owns both Ego and Skil.

Skil Lawnmower Review Features

The Skil lawnmower, model SM4910-10 harnesses a digital brushless motor that is designed for performance, longevity, and efficiency.

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The Skil is powered by a 40V PWR CORE battery.  This model comes with a 5Ah battery.  There is a bunch to love about the battery but what you will notice the most is how fast the battery will charge.  The battery will charge from 0% to 30% in 30 minutes with a 5Ah battery.  However, the inside of the battery is where all the magic happens.  Skil designed this battery to stay cool and each cell is wrapped with a cooling material which not only gives it longer run time but extends the life of the battery.

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The battery sits on the front of the lawnmower and is protected from the outside elements with a plastic hood.

The deck is a full ABS plastic for strength and also gives it a lightweight which is easy to use, lift and store.

The lawnmower features a 20″ single blade.

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The deck is designed for easy lifting as it has a handle on the back and also an area to grab on the front of the mower.

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With this mower, a user can either bag or mulch.

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One nice feature is the single lever to raise and lower the deck.  With a single lever that is located on the back wheel, a user can raise or lower the whole deck at once instead of each wheel one at a time. The mower offers 7 different cutting positions.

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The lawnmower is easy to start, just push a button.  It really can not be any easier.

The Skil mower has a handle that is suited for a couple of different ways to push the lawnmower.  A user can place their hands on the side of the bar or on top.

Skil did a great job with the placement of the self-propelled control system.  Just hold the lever to the handlebar and the self-propelled feature is engaged.  A user can adjust the speed with a dial right below the lever.

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If storage is limited, you will be happy to know the mower is extremely easy to fold up and store away, even in an upright position.

Skil Lawnmower Review Performance

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So I used this mower on my front yard and back yard which does provide two different scenarios.  My house has been under construction and I added an addition to my house.  Since they dug up the back yard and I need to finish the landscape, I haven’t really taken care of it so the grass grows rather high.

My front yard I still treat like a regular lawn where I mow it each week and really take care of it, so it more reflects what most people would go through with their mowers.

In the front yard, this was a no brainer.  The performance was great.  Easy to use, the self-propelled system works great and the cut quality is top-notch.  So no complaints about the front yard.

In the back yard, the grass was much higher, which was hard to show on pictures.  While it did perform better than I expected, the really high parts it did have a little tougher time getting through.  However, this isn’t an issue because most people don’t let their grass grow as high as I do since I don’t care about the backyard.  In fact, if someone did let their grass grow this high, they wouldn’t be on the second setting trying to cut grass as I did.  A normal person would have raised the wheels to four or five and then cut.

So the bottom line about performance, the mower did an awesome job and wouldn’t have any issues trusting that it can power through a standard yard.

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I bagged and mulched.  For each task, the mower did great.  As you can see, it does an awesome job of gathering the clippings and tossing them into the bag.

Skil Lawnmower Review Price

You can grab one of these on Amazon with Free shipping for about $479.  I don’t think it’s a bad price considering you get free shipping, a battery, and a quality mower that can get the job done.

Skil Lawnmower Review Wrap Up

Overall I think Skil did a great job with this mower, which doesn’t surprise me since Chervon is behind the name and known for their quality.  I love how powerful the mower is for your standard yards, I like how light the mower is when I am having to lift it, which most people don’t have to, I like how quickly the battery charges and I love the build quality of the mower. Most of all, I love the cut quality.

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As a homeowner and looking to get into an Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) line, you might not think of a chain saw as a necessary addition.  In fact, when I moved to a battery OPE, I thought I would never need a chainsaw since I only have one tree in my yard.  However, I was wrong and use a chain saw every fall and it’s a very important part of my OPE collection.  Today we are looking at the SKIL 40V chainsaw.

SKIL 40V Chainsaw Overview

SKIL might be a name you are familiar with but maybe not their OPE line.  In fact, you might be asking yourself, don’t they just make power tools and what business do they have going into the OPE world?  Well, there is an interesting story and one I would suggest you read about SKIL Outdoor Power Equipment.

I will sum it up in case you don’t have time to read but SKIL is now owned by Chervon, the makers of EGO.  EGO is a leader in the OPE world.  So yes, SKIL has the experience and know-how behind the name to make this a successful brand.

In fact, out of all the OPE tools we have tried from SKIL so far, they are much better than what we even thought for a homeowner brand.  The build quality and power both are top-notch.

SKIL 40V Chainsaw Features

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The saw is built around a digital brushless motor which means the tool is efficient.  When you have an efficient power tool, you get longer run times, longer life and more cuts per charge.

As a safety note, the saw features an anti-kick brake. So when the saw senses or a kick back occurs, the saw will cut the power to protect the user.  This is one of the coolest features of the saw.

The saw weighs in at 7.83 lbs and has a length of 31″ with a width of 9″.

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The saw is powered by a SKIL 40V battery which has some cool technology.  Each cell is wrapped with a cooling material.  Heat kills battery cells, so if you can keep the cells cooler, longer, then not only do you get longer run times per charge but the battery life will last longer.

Another cool feature is the 15 minute charge time.  Say you are almost done with a project but need a little more juice for the job.  Just drop the battery in the charger and in 15 minutes, the battery will have a 30% charge.

The battery is on the back of the tool which helps with the balance and it is inserted from the side which makes it easy to access.

The handle has a rubber over-mold grip for comfort.

On the side of the saw is where you can add chain oil, plus there is an easy view area to see the level of the oil.  The saw has an auto-lubricating system that automatically adds oil to the chain.

The tool features a 14″ bar which makes this a perfect saw for around the house and yard.

As with other chainsaws it has a large handle in the front with easy access to the brake.

On the side, the saw features a tool-less chain tension adjustment.  Simple and easy.

SKIL 40V Chainsaw Performance

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As a homeowner you are not cutting everyday.  In fact, you may only cut a couple times a year and that is when branches fall after a storm.  For me, I only have one tree on my property so I am not doing a ton of clean up after storms.

However, I get a ton of use from my saws in the fall.  I have a wood-burning stove and always get around 4 cords of wood for the winter-time, which is about 900 pieces of wood.  I always have about 50 or more pieces a year that are too long for my stove or were not split correctly so I am always cutting hardwood in the fall.

While it isn’t fall, I have some wood leftover and had a chance to try it out in the conditions I am familiar with.  All I can say is that I am impressed how quickly the saw cuts.  Yes, it’s a new sharp chain but so are my other saws.  For me, this is a great compact saw for my needs.  I don’t need a long bar as it ends up getting in the way.  Great saw, fast cuts and a great build.

SKIL 40V Chainsaw Wrap Up

Overall I am extremely impressed by this saw.  Not only is the power great but I feel the build quality is more than what I would expect in a homeowner tool.  Anyone looking for a quality saw, I think this is a great saw to own.  Not only this saw but the other OPE tools we have tested from SKIL have been far better than what we would have expected from a homeowner tool.

SKIL 40V Chainsaw available on Amazon

The post SKIL 40V Chainsaw appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Hopefully, you have been following us and by now you know about the Skil OPE and why we are a fan of the line.  If you haven’t been following us and just landed on this page, I would suggest reading the Skil Outdoor Power Equipment so you can better understand the line and the company behind Skil.  Well, you are here for the Skil hedger so let’s jump into the Skil 40V Hedger and see if this is another good addition to the line.

Skil 40V Hedger Overview

So here is the deal.  Having a great lawnmower and string trimmer can make your yard look great.  But if you want to take it up a notch and make it look professional, you have to do the fine details like edging and hedging.  So if you are going to invest in a line of OPE tools, a quality and easy to use hedger is a must.  So today, we are going to see if this hedger is good quality and easy to use for the homeowner.

Skil 40V Hedger Features

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The Skil hedge trimmer is built around a brushless motor which means more efficiency and longer life.  The motor powers the tool to 3,000 SPM and only weighs 6 pounds which is extremely lightweight.

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The hedger is powered by a Skil 40V battery with Auto PWRJump which charges the battery from 05-30% in 15 minutes.  So even if you are at the end of the job and run out of juice, you can get the job done without waiting an hour for a charge.

The handle features a rubber over-mold for comfort.

There is a single trigger to start and stop the blades, plus a safety switch.

The front has a bar for two-handed operation plus there is a guard to protect the user from the blade and from branches hitting their hand.

The tool features a 24″ cutting length.  The blades are dual-action hardened steel to keep the sharpness longer and it’s more durable.

There is a notch on the bottom of the tool so you can hang it up with a single screw or nail.

Skil 40V Hedger Performance

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I have to admit when I first picked it up, I thought it would be heavier.  To my surprise, it wasn’t heavy at all.  At first, I was taken back as I wanted a heavy tool, I guess sometimes I equate heavy with quality and that is not always the case.

Then I thought about it and wondered why I would want a heavy Hedger since I will be using it above my head and also extending my arms, which would get tired.

After using it on my bushes, I have to admit, that I was impressed.  I love how easily it cut through the bushes and shrubs.  I love how light it was because my arms were not getting tired.

All in all, this is a great homeowner Hedger.  The Hedger is lightweight and powerful.  So for performance, yes, this performed like a champ.

Skil 40V Hedger Wrap Up

The bottom line, I like this hedger.  It’s powerful, lightweight and easy to work with.  I know the company behind the tool, so it’s a company and tool I trust.  I am a fan of the chainsaw and blower so for me, this is a line I would recommend buying into for the homeowner looking for a great value, with tools that perform.

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