Which Ryobi line trimmer to choose?

[GardenQueries]

Hi, wondering which of the two 25mm Ryobi line trimmers ($99 and $129 with 2ah battery) I should choose? I have a 60m long verge which hasn’t needed serious mowing yet after winter, and three smallish areas of lawn, it’s a cold climate garden so the lawn is not dense and kept quite long, just need to cut the longer seeded grass to keep the lawn looking even. Edges not really an issue either as I clip the few that need it. Grass grows v slowly. 

Any advice most appreciated. 🙏 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @GardenQueries. It's marvellous to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about Ryobi line trimmers.

Both of those Ryobi 25-centimetre line trimmers are so close in design and performance that, for your needs, there is effectively no meaningful difference between them. They use the same battery platform, have the same power output, the same lightweight feel, and both run the 1.6 millimetre auto feed line head. The $99 model is a newer revision, with a slightly improved rotating front shaft that makes switching into edging mode a bit easier, although edging isn’t a priority for you regardless.

Given the size of your lawn areas, the slow growth in a colder climate, and the fact that you mostly need it just to tidy the longer seed heads, either model will be more than capable. Since the performance is the same, I would be inclined to choose the $99 version for what is essentially the same machine.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[GardenQueries]

Thanks you Mitchell. That information is really useful. I am keen to get a simple and light version also, so I can do quick tidy ups, so will go with your advice in the $99 model. Thanks again. 🙏

[GardenQueries]

Hi Mitchell, a related query I hope you can help with  - is there any difference between the leaf blower combined with that $99 whipper snipper at $185, and the $129 leaf blower? They seem the same to me… just different shapes? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @GardenQueries,

This Ryobi 18V ONE+ Line Trimmer And Blower Kit contains the OBL1820J blower and R18LTR60 trimmer as well as a 2aH battery and charger.

These tools can be purchased separately as the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 200CFM Jet Blower 2Ah Kit and RYOBI 18V ONE+ 25cm Line Trimmer 2Ah Kit.

They are the same tools, just in different combinations.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[GardenQueries]

Thanks Jacob. I just realised that the blowers are indeed the same, I was thinking of another model, the $199 one with 2ah battery, but I think the blower you’ve referred to will be fine for my needs. We will use it on a large pebble driveway to get the leaves from the edges, so we can rake them up into the green bin. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @GardenQueries,

If you're referring to this Ryobi 18V ONE+ Blower 4.0Ah Kit R18BLW24, then there are differences in terms of air velocity and the volume of air blown, but one of the main differences is the size of the included battery. At 4aH, you will get a decent increase in run time from the 2aH battery included in the other kit.

It could be worth it to invest in the $199 kit, considering you have a large driveway. The extra runtime from the 4aH battery might be the deciding factor.

Ultimately, either tool will do the job and do it well, but there will be subtle differences.

Jacob

[GardenQueries]

Hi Jacob, 

Thanks for your good advice. You are right, I decided to go with the ;ah battery blower, as the drive is large and only the edges have leaves so the extra battery time and the better control of the direction of airflow in the  https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-blower-4-0ah-kit- r18blw24_p0344159

is what I need.

Thanks again.