Craftsman Self-Propelled Battery Lawn Mower Review
Grab that one to cover lots up to 1/2-acre in size. If you’re the kind of homeowner that stays on top of your lawn care and only gets stuck with occasional overgrowth, this is a battery-powered lawn mower you can count on.
Craftsman has a pretty rich history in the world of residential gas-powered mowers, but their battery-powered line is still relatively new. When we brought in 24 different mower models for our Best Gas Mower and Best Battery-Powered Mower comparisons, we were excited to see what the 60V max Craftsman self-propelled battery lawn mower brought to the electric mower landscape.
Pros
- High light-load blade speed
- Steel deck
- Battery level gauge clearly visible
- Long runtime and 1/2-acre cutting potential
- Good value
Cons
- Slow charge time
- Brushed motor doesn’t respond to heavy loads as well brushless models
Shootout Results
The biggest knock against the Craftsman self-propelled battery lawn mower is its brushed motor living in the same price range where brushless motors dominate the field. Even so, Craftsman has relevant performance across all of our scoring categories, telling us they have it dialed in pretty well. For what you get, it’s still a decent value, too.
We have little doubt that adding a brushless motor is Craftsman’s next big step for this mower. When they do, we expect it to rise even further up the rankings.
You definitely get the most work done with the 7.5Ah kit. Grab that one to cover lots up to 1/2-acre in size. If you’re the kind of homeowner that stays on top of your lawn care and only gets stuck with occasional overgrowth, this is a battery-powered lawn mower you can count on.
Battery-Powered Push Mower Ranking: 7th Place
Cutting Performance
Interested in how we came up with the scores and final ranking for the Craftsman V60 self-propelled battery lawn mower? Check out our cordless mower shootout!
Cutting Power
Under no load, the Craftsman self-propelled battery lawn mower uses its 60V max motor to come out of the gate real hot, with a faster blade tip speed than any mower in our test, gas or battery. Its 198.7 MPH tip speed edged out Troy-Bilt on the gas side by just 0.3 MPH, while the nearest battery-powered competitor was more than 20 MPH back.
When putting the Craftsman under a lighter-duty load, simulating a maintenance cut, it dropped more than 10 MPH to 188.5 MPH. Still, it enjoyed a lead of more than 10 MPH in the battery group.
However, it continued to drop under a heavy load, settling in at 164.1 MPH. Only a few battery mowers in our tests dropped in speed and Craftsman had by far the biggest drop. Most of our mowers increased their blades speeds significantly under a heavy load—some more than 30 MPH! So what gives?
The difference is that Craftsman goes with a brushed motor in this model. Without the benefit of a brushless motor’s electronics, the V60 motor responds more like a gas engine. The more resistance you put on it, the lower the RPMs drop. And since battery mower blades don’t have as much mass and the motors don’t have as much momentum and power as a gas mower, the drop is more significant.
However, we shouldn’t take that to mean that this model is ill-equipped. Its high blade speed makes cutting a breeze for regular weekly cuts and it handles a few days of overgrowth well. Just do your best not to let your lawn grow much more than that.
Torture Test
We took a handful of mowers and ran them through two weeks worth of growth, moving at a steady 2.5 MPH walking speed with the cut height set at 2.5″. Basically, we walked them until they bogged down and stopped.
The Craftsman self-propelled battery lawn mower made it 21.5′ before calling it quits. There were a couple that didn’t make it as far, but it left us wondering what it would do with a brushless motor.
Cutting Area
In our cutting area test, we set the drive speed to 2.5 MPH and ran each mower on a maintenance load until the battery ran out. With its monster 7.5Ah battery, we ran 61 minutes, giving the 20.25″ blade time to cut just over 1/2 an acre (22,646 square feet).
That’s an impressive amount of cutting on a charge that only a couple of our cordless competitors exceed. However, it’s on the lower end for how efficiently it uses its 405 watt-hour battery.
It’s worth noting that this was one of the slowest charging batteries we tested. Is this super important? Probably not if you can get your lawn cut on one charge. In the event that you need to recharge in the middle of a job, know that it will take a little less than 4 hours for a full charge cycle.
Noise Level
The Craftsman self-propelled battery lawn mower is not the quietest mower we’ve ever heard, but it’s still a fair bit more quiet than gas power. Testing just the sound the motor and blade generates with no load, it produces 85 decibels. You’ll get a bit more noise when it’s cutting.
That’s on the louder side for battery mowers. The full range runs from 74 – 88 decibels. Most run 77 – 82 decibels and only one is louder than Craftsman. Still, most gas mowers are over 90 decibels, giving you a pretty solid cushion between them and the V60.
Best Cordless Stick Vacuum
Dyson V15 Detect
The Dyson V15 Detect is the best cordless stick vacuum we’ve tested. It delivers superb overall performance on bare floors and low and high-pile carpets, though its strong suction force can make pushing it around on some rugs hard. It can automatically adjust its suction power depending on the surface type you’re cleaning. It also has a dirt sensor that measures and counts the size of debris sucked into the vacuum, which will be helpful if you want to know about the presence of fine particles in your home. While this vacuum can run for more than 70 minutes of battery life in its most energy-efficient configuration, its runtime drops to under 10 minutes when using it in its ‘Boost’ suction mode, so you’ll need to work quickly when cleaning stubborn messes. It also feels fragile in places, which is disappointing for a vacuum at a premium price point. If you don’t need the Dyson vacuum’s automatic surface detection system or particle sensor, the Samsung Jet 90 Complete is a great alternative that delivers similarly strong performance across a wide range of surface types.
Best Upper Mid-Range Cordless Stick Vacuum
Shark Stratos Cordless
The best upper mid-range cordless stick vacuum we’ve tested is the Shark Stratos Cordless. Compared to the Dyson V15 Detect, this vacuum is noticeably heavier and has a bulkier twin-roller floorhead, making it more of a nuisance to maneuver in tight areas. That said, it’s cheaper and still delivers strong overall performance on most surfaces, thanks partly to its Clean Sense IQ system, which uses an infrared sensor to measure the amount of debris being sucked up and automatically adjusts the suction power to match the required demand. Its dustbin is also bigger and won’t need emptying as often. Its MultiFlex wand is hinged in the middle, allowing you to clean under most tables and chairs without crouching too deeply. A replaceable cartridge in its floorhead emits a detergent-like scent to mask unpleasant odors as you clean. Still, it’s worth noting that it can become overwhelming if you vacuum daily. This vacuum’s max battery life of about an hour is good. However, recharging takes over four hours, which is much longer than the Dyson and other cordless stick vacuums, leading to a lot of downtime between cleaning sessions if you don’t have a second fully-charged battery on hand. The Shark also tends to get bogged down on thick carpeting; if that’s a problem, the Miele Triflex HX1 is a good option, even if it has a smaller dustbin and a shorter battery life. Alternatively, if you want a more powerful stick vacuum and don’t mind losing out on the Shark’s automatic power adjustment system, the Samsung Jet 75 is another good option.
Best Mid-Range Cordless Stick Vacuum
Shark Cordless Pro [IZ562H, UZ565H]
If you’re looking for something on the more affordable end of things, the Shark Cordless Pro is a good option. It shares much in common with the higher-end Shark Stratos Cordless, with the same Clean Sense IQ system that automatically adjusts its suction power setting depending on the amount of debris being sucked up. It also uses the same odor-neutralizing cartridges to help crack down on unpleasant scents as you clean. That said, a few sacrifices come with its cheaper purchase price: it has a less powerful motor and a lower-capacity 1900 mAh battery compared to the 2450 mAh unit found in the Stratos. This yields a shorter max runtime of about 40 minutes—expect less than that if you run the vacuum in its self-adjusting suction power mode and have to clean very dirty floors. This model is unique amongst other Shark vacuums due to its brushroll. It has a fluffy texture to help collect fine debris on hard surfaces, and you can also take it out of its floorhead, making it a lot easier to clean than most of the company’s other models with non-removable rollers.
Best Budget
Greenworks 25022 12-Amp 20-Inch 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower
- Affordable, powerful, and compact
- Unlimited run time
- Seven cutting positions
- Bag, mulch, and side-discharge settings
We’ve tested the Greenworks Electric Corded Lawn Mower several times over the last few years, and it continues to stand out as the best affordable choice for small yards and tight spaces, even those with somewhat challenging terrain. In fact, while testing this mower in our latest round of testing, we had no issues navigating over divots, clumps, bumps, and other parts of our lawn that were uneven—we found that this mower powered right through them. Plus, the 12-amp motor is powerful enough for tough cutting and mulching, including the tall, spindly weeds in our yard. We didn’t report any issues mowing over slightly wet grass either.
The 20-inch cutting deck is narrower than some other options, but we found that it helped us get through the tight areas of our yard easily. Adjusting the cutting height (seven different heights ranging from 1.5 to 3.75 inches) is simple as well, and really is the only setting you need to worry about. However, we did note that the mower didn’t go quite low enough to cut some patches of clover. Although it’s budget-friendly, we love that you have three options for your grass clippings—bag, mulch, or side discharge—and you don’t have to purchase any of these features separately (which would add to the cost). The grass collection bag was easy to clip on, although we did spill some grass clippings the first time we removed it and noted that the bag was not even full. However, we think this won’t be an issue once we get the hang of it.
Although this electric model is corded, we appreciated the unlimited runtime and didn’t find the cord to be cumbersome. We did find ourselves holding on to the cord even though there was a cord restraint system that kept it in place, but we were able to mow the lawn easily with our other hand. It’s important to note that this mower must be used with a 14-gauge 50-foot extension cord or a 12-gauge 100-foot extension cord (not included). Overall, we found this to be a really easy lawn mower to set up (just a few screws are needed for the handle), use, and store (just fold the handle), and it continues to impress us with its performance and price.
Price at time of publish: 230
Cutting Width: 20 inches | Weight: 56 pounds | Power Source: Corded | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge
Best Self-Propelled
Ryobi RY401150 40-Volt HP 21-Inch Dual-Blade Self-Propelled Mower
- Powerful performance
- 70-minute runtime
- Fast, 60-minute charging
- Lightweight and folds for storage
Although it is a little more of a splurge compared to other options we tested, The Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21 Inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower stands out for its powerful performance (comparable to some gas models), and long, 70-minute runtime. We tested this mower on the first grass of the season and were quickly impressed by its ease of use and quiet performance (we thought it almost sounded like white noise), especially compared to gas models we’ve used in the past. Thanks to the self-propelled technology, it was a breeze to mow over uneven terrain, even over hills, with little effort on our part. It did take a little bit of time to select the right cutting height for our uneven lawn (the blade did get stuck a few times), but once we adjusted the height, we were impressed by the cutting performance. Luckily this mower offers seven adjustable cutting heights (1.5 to 4 inches), so you can easily pick the one you need. We also want to mention that like our best overall mower, the EGO LM2102SP POWER 21-Inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower, the self-propelled feature does take some time to get used to, and you may feel like the mower will run away on you at first until you figure out which setting you need for each part of your yard.
This model comes with two 40-volt batteries and a Rapid charger. Since only one battery is needed at a time, you will always have one ready to go should you need it. Our lawn took only 45 minutes to an hour each time to mow, and we never had to stop and recharge it to finish the job. However, we did have to stop the first time we mowed to empty the grass collection bag, which we found to be surprisingly small. It filled up after mowing about 25-30 feet of tall grass. The next two times weren’t as much of an issue because the grass wasn’t as overgrown. It was very simple to remove the full bag, but we found that it spilled easily and a few blades even spilled when the mower was in use (whether or not it was filled.) These few issues aside, we appreciated the bag, mulching, and side-discharge options for the grass clippings overall, although it is worth noting that it did not break up older leaves very well.
Like most of the mowers on this list, the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21 Inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower is easy to fold and store vertically to save space. We were equally impressed with all of the safety features. Although it has a simple, push-button start, the mower has a key that you can store separately so no one can accidentally start the mower. When ready to use, the key has to be inserted behind a flap. Plus, the mower only works while you are gripping a lever. The LED headlights provide extra light that might be helpful when mowing around dusk or dawn. Although this mower is a bit more pricey than our best overall (which is also a battery-powered self-propel model), we think it’s worth the extra cost for the power, long runtime, and extra battery.
How It Performed Long-Term
After three months of use, we can report that this lawn mower has continued to impress us with its ease of use and quiet operation. The self-propelled feature makes navigating hills and uneven terrain a breeze, and we were able to get up to 4 uses out of a single charge. The mower excels at cutting grass and collecting clippings, and while it may struggle with heavier weeds, we had no issues with damp grass. It’s worth noting that the grass bag became heavy with clippings, but overall, we are confident in recommending this lawn mower to anyone in need of a reliable and efficient cutting tool.
Price at time of publish: 799
Cutting Width: 21 inches | Weight: 75 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge
Best Riding
Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor
- Powerful Performance
- LCD Screen and app for tracking battery life
- 13 cutting heights
- Many extra features
If you have a larger yard to mow, a riding lawn mower can save you time and energy with its speed and efficiency. While testing the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-inch Battery Riding Lawn Tractor we were impressed with its exceptional cutting performance, long battery runtime, and maneuverability. The electric mower has four steel blades that provide 13 different cutting height positions, ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 inches, for a very precise cut. We found that the mower was able to handle a variety of debris with ease, effectively chopping up sticks, leaves, grass clippings, and even short dandelions that normally would be difficult to cut. The cutting height can be adjusted using a manual lever on the mower’s right side. However, we did find that the lever was surprisingly close to your leg, which can result in unintentionally changing the cutting height, although we did not experience this issue ourselves.
While putting this battery-powered mower to the test after a rainy morning, we found that it had no trouble dealing with wet grass and cutting it evenly. Even when the grass was damp, the lawn mower effectively discharged the grass clippings. While we love that this mower gives you three options for grass clippings—bag, side-discharge, or mulch—note that you will have to purchase the bagger and mulching kit separately. We were also impressed with the riding mower’s quietness despite its size. When the cutting blades were not moving, the riding mower sound resembled that of a battery-powered ride-on car for kids. And, when the blades were spinning, the noise level was super low compared to traditional gas mowers.
The mower has an onboard LCD screen that lets you check the runtime and charging status and control the LED headlights, drive, and blade speeds. The battery percentage also appears on the digital display menu. You can even monitor the charging status while you are taking a break, using the Ryobi Riding Mower app. We found charging the mower to be a simple process. The battery arrived with just 23 percent charge, and it only took us about an hour to fully recharge. For each mowing session we did, only about 10 percent of the battery was utilized. While we would have preferred a physical speed control lever, we found it manageable to switch while driving. The lawn mower comes equipped with an accelerator pedal for smooth and precise movements around obstacles. It also offers the ability to increase speed instantly when needed, though it can feel a bit jarring at times. The steering wheel is ideal for driving at high speeds without any problems, but it requires significant effort to turn the wheel when you need to take a slow turn. The mower is also equipped with a backup beeping noise, which is intended as a safety feature, but we found it annoying over time.
All in all, the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-inch Battery Riding Lawn Tractor is a great riding mower that offers a quiet and efficient mowing experience that eliminates the hassle of gas and oil. While this isn’t the best choice for small yards, if you want to keep your large yard looking great without a lot of effort, this is an excellent choice with lots of extras.
How It Performed Long-Term
During the past three months, we have thoroughly tested this lawn mower, and it has proven to be exceptional in trimming even the thickest grass. As we were tending to our garden, we decided to test its ability to chop up weeds instead of manually removing them. To our surprise, it was able to do so effortlessly. Occasionally, we have noticed clumps of grass on the lawn despite having already mowed over the area. Luckily, it gets resolved by running the mower over the spot again. While we appreciate the convenience of not having to deal with gas, there are a few minor quirks that we have observed. It should be noted that the steering wheel can be slightly difficult to turn at slower speeds. Additionally, the accelerator can still be a bit jerky, as we discovered during our original testing. Even with these factors, mowing the lawn is no longer an intimidating chore, thanks to this mower.
Price at time of publish: 4,999
Cutting Width: 42 inches | Weight: 557 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Cutting Options: Mulch, bag, or side-discharge
Best Zero-Turn
Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower
- 12 height settings
- Powerful performance
- LCD screen and app to monitor battery life
- Joystick steering
Zero-turn mowers are built to be fast and easily navigate obstacles, and the Ryobi Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower does just that. We put the riding mower through its paces and found it to be a highly intuitive and easy-to-operate machine. Instead of a steering wheel, this riding mower has a joystick that can be operated with just one hand, for better maneuverability while turning. The joystick gave us complete control over the mower’s direction and speed, from a complete stop to top speed. With its impressive turning abilities, we were effortlessly able to mow around trees in a single pass, a task that would have previously required about four passes with a different mower.
Setting the cutting height was equally simple, thanks to the conveniently located lever that offered twelve height settings ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 inches. The mower even comes with a height-stopping key, that allowed us to adjust the mowing deck to our desired cutting height quickly. Overall, the mower did a phenomenal job of cutting the grass evenly. We did encounter some thicker grass areas in the yard, but we found that slowing down the mower’s speed allowed it to power through without any issues. We were able to mow our half-acre yard much faster with this mower compared to the Troy-Built Pony 17 HP 42-inch Deck Rider we previously used. In fact, it took us 40 percent less time to complete the task. It also is much quieter than the gas riding mower, and you don’t have to deal with flammable gas or oil changes.
The RYOBI 80V HP Brushless Riding Mower is equipped with two 80-volt, 10-amp hour batteries and two 40-volt, 12-amp hour batteries, providing ample power for extended mowing sessions. During our testing, we appreciated the ability to install up to three 80-volt and four 40-volt batteries, allowing us to extend the mower’s runtime even further. Charging the batteries was a breeze. We simply had to plug the charging cord into the rear of the mower to simultaneously charge all the onboard batteries. We were also delighted to find out that the 40-volt batteries can be used with different cordless Ryobi tools like trimmers and blowers, expanding the range of our outdoor power equipment collection.
And while it has many of the same features as the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42 in. Battery Riding Lawn Tractor, this option has the power equivalent of a 31-horsepower gas engine and the ability to cut up to three acres on a single charge, according to the manufacturer. It also offers an app to monitor the battery status and has an LCD screen onboard so you can control the LED headlights, blade, and drive speed, as well as monitor the battery, runtime, and charging status. This is an expensive mower, but we think it is an excellent zero-turn option that will make your lawn look great quickly and efficiently.
How It Performed Long-Term
We have been using our riding lawn mower twice a week for the past three months on a property that spans a total of.473 acres. Our experience with the mower has been positive, and we can confidently say that it is a reliable piece of equipment. The mower performs consistently well whether we are mowing in hot and dry weather or damp and dewy conditions. Previously, we used a 42-inch tractor-style mower, but we have found that the zero-turn mower is far more effective and significantly reduces the amount of time it takes to cut the entire yard. We haven’t encountered any issues with the battery running out while cutting our almost half-acre yard, which has been a major convenience factor for us. Its quiet operation continues to impress us, and we appreciate not having to deal with the hassle of gas and oil. All in all, the zero-turn mower continues to prove to be an excellent investment for us, and we would highly recommend it to anyone in need of a reliable and efficient lawn mower.
Price at time of publish: 6,999
Cutting Width: 42 inches | Weight: 700 pounds | Power Source: Battery | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge
Jump to Our Top Picks
When shopping for string trimmers, also known as weed eaters, keep in mind yard size, how often the tool will be used, and the height and strength of the primary user. The following key considerations will help in selection.
Trim Width
Trim width, also called swath width, indicates how wide a path the trimmer will cut through weeds in a single pass. Many models on the market today feature swath widths of 10 to 18 inches. The wider the width, the more power the trimmer must have, which often means the tool will be heavier because it will require a larger, more powerful battery.
Battery Type
Running a string trimmer requires a hefty dose of power. Though most of today’s trimmers run on rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, a few accept nickel cadmium (NiCad) batteries. Li-ion batteries are more powerful, but NiCad batteries are less expensive (an average of 70 to 125 less). Li-ion batteries also are smaller, hold a charge longer, and provide full power throughout the discharge cycle.
NiCad batteries suffer from “memory effect,” meaning if the battery is used before it has fully charged—or if it’s recharged before its power depletes—it will “remember” the earlier charge level and won’t hold a longer charge in the future. If choosing a trimmer that has a NiCad battery, let it charge fully before use and drain completely before charging. For most users, a string trimmer with a Li-ion battery will be the best choice.
Voltage
Along with battery type, consider how much operating power the battery has, which is measured in volts. Today’s rechargeable string trimmer batteries average from 18 volts up to an average of 60 volts of power. powerful batteries at the high end often are intended for commercial use and can cost 200 or more per battery.
Some string trimmers in this category sell without a battery (or battery charger), which the user must purchase separately. This could be a cost-saving benefit for those who are adding to a same-brand, battery-compatible cordless tool collection, since the same battery will power multiple tools. However, it can be more convenient to purchase a kit with multiple batteries to have one on the charger while the other is in use.
Feed Type
The “feed” of a string trimmer indicates how the trimmer head releases additional trimmer line as it becomes frayed and broken during use. The standby is a bump feed where the user bumps the bottom of the trimmer (the area where the spool attaches) on the ground to release a few inches of fresh line.
Some newer models feature an auto-feed sensor that gauges the length of the strings and releases more when needed. Still others have a push button to release more line. Auto and button feeds eliminate the need to bump the spool, which can reduce the risk of damage if bumped too hard, but many commercial-type trimmers still use bump feed because it’s quick and easy.
Curved vs. Straight Shaft
Some string trimmers feature a straight shaft that runs from the handle to the cutting head, while other models feature a distinct curve in the lower shaft about two-thirds of the way down. Some users find curved-shaft trimmers to be easier to operate since the spool end already rests at a handy angle for weed whacking.
Straight-shaft trimmers often accommodate interchangeable tools, such as a tree trimmer head, which can be swapped out depending on the task at hand. In general, straight-shaft trimmers work better for users at least 6 feet tall, while shorter users will appreciate curved-shaft trimmers.
Noise
Battery-powered string trimmers have a distinct advantage over gas-powered trimmers when it comes to noise pollution. Gas-powered trimmers are moderately loud, emitting an average of 90 decibels (about as loud as a motorcycle passing by from 25 feet away). By contrast, a cordless string trimmer emits approximately 77 decibels, which is comparable to casual conversation.
FAQs
Those who are still unsure about how to use a battery string trimmer may find the following answers to common questions about these tools helpful.
Q. Can a string trimmer cut weeds?
A string trimmer is used to cut and control weed growth around the home and garden. However, light-duty trimmers may have issues with very dense weed growth.
Q. Can you use a string trimmer to cut grass?
A string trimmer can be used to cut grass, though you need to be careful not to cut the grass too short while trying to keep the trimmer balanced. It isn’t the easiest way to cut the grass, but it is possible.
Q. Can you edge with a string trimmer?
Yes, a string trimmer can be used for edging the garden, driveway, walkway, or sidewalk. If you have a large yard, it may be better to invest in a separate edging tool.
Q. How many volts should be in a trimmer?
String trimmer batteries average from 18 volts up to 80 volts. Typically, the higher the voltage, the longer the battery life.
Q. How do you edge a lawn with a string trimmer?
Hold the string trimmer perpendicular to the lawn to keep the cut even. Position the head about 4 inches off the soil so the string has space to rotate. The string should rotate and cut through the grass and dirt. As you move along the desired borders, keep the head balanced and even. Clean up the cut grass and dirt to finish the job.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the nursery and landscaping industry. For more than 20 years he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn-care products, and other outdoor-living goods.
Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor.
FAQs
Those who are still unsure about how to use a battery string trimmer may find the following answers to common questions about these tools helpful.
Q. Can a string trimmer cut weeds?
A string trimmer is used to cut and control weed growth around the home and garden. However, light-duty trimmers may have issues with very dense weed growth.
Q. Can you use a string trimmer to cut grass?
A string trimmer can be used to cut grass, though you need to be careful not to cut the grass too short while trying to keep the trimmer balanced. It isn’t the easiest way to cut the grass, but it is possible.
Q. Can you edge with a string trimmer?
Yes, a string trimmer can be used for edging the garden, driveway, walkway, or sidewalk. If you have a large yard, it may be better to invest in a separate edging tool.
Q. How many volts should be in a trimmer?
String trimmer batteries average from 18 volts up to 80 volts. Typically, the higher the voltage, the longer the battery life.
Q. How do you edge a lawn with a string trimmer?
Hold the string trimmer perpendicular to the lawn to keep the cut even. Position the head about 4 inches off the soil so the string has space to rotate. The string should rotate and cut through the grass and dirt. As you move along the desired borders, keep the head balanced and even. Clean up the cut grass and dirt to finish the job.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the nursery and landscaping industry. For more than 20 years he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn-care products, and other outdoor-living goods.
Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor.