Makita 40 volt mower. Have a Ryobi Battery That Won t Charge? You Can Fix That

Have a Ryobi Battery That Won’t Charge? You Can Fix That.

Lithium ion batteries are a wondrous invention that are lightweight and long lasting. But it’s infuriating when the battery won’t recharge. You stick the battery in the charger and. nothing. Guess what? You can fix these batteries that appear to be completely dead. Read on.

This post is NOT sponsored by Ryobi. They do not approve of or endorse this method for fixing a Ryobi battery. AT all.

One of two things are going to happen as you read this post. You will either unfollow me due to my pathological boringness or. you will propose marriage. So get ready to act accordingly.

If you have any sort of cordless power tool, but especially one powered by a Ryobi 18V battery, you have no doubt encountered the dreaded flashing red charger light.

And if you haven’t. you will.

It inevitably goes like this. you run to the basement to grab your cordless drill because after 10 years of thinking about it, you’re finally going to build that 4 level, Tudor style treehouse with kitchenette.

Or you’re going to hang a picture.

Either way you put your battery in the charger and all you get is a flashing red light, which according to the label on the charger means your battery is defective. It isn’t just dead. It’s defective.

I’m here to tell you you it isn’t. You probably left it in the charger too long which drains the battery.

Your battery is fine. It just needs a little boost.

You Can Fix a Rechargeable Battery That Won’t Take a Charge.

You heard me right. You do NOT have to buy a new 50 battery. You do not have to call the company and swear at them because this stupid defective battery is only 2 weeks old. (although by all means feel free to do so) You do not have to wait until they ship you a replacement battery to finish your project. You can get that battery up and working in about 5 minutes.

NOTE: First try pulse charging.

Pulse charge your battery by plugging and unplugging your charger (with the battery in it) for 10 seconds. Try this a few times. If it doesn’t correct the problem, continue on with this tutorial.

How to Fix an 18V Battery

What You Need

• A multimeter. (this is actually optional but helpful. if you don’t have one don’t worry, you can still fix your battery)

Note: If you aren’t used to doing this sort of thing, or using things like a multimeter this is going to seem crazy and hard and way out of your DIY league. It isn’t.

Step 1. Cut the end off of your AC adapter. That’s right. Just cut it off. It’s for a 10 year old cell phone, you’re never going to use it again anyway. It’s frankly kind of weird that you saved it to begin with.

Step 2. Separate and strip off 1 of each wire. You have just made booster cables! Good for you.

Black wire = negative Striped or solid white wire = positive

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO NOT MIX THE TWO UP.

Step 3. Remove the screws holding the battery together.

For Ryobi batteries it’s a star shaped screw head like the one below.

A few years ago I bought a kit of small screwdriver heads from Amazon that has every small, weird, head you’d ever need.

There’s a hidden screw under a piece of plastic. You need to pry the plastic off to get at the screw underneath. I used a very thin screwdriver to pry it off.

Step 4. Pull the top off of the battery case.

Step 5. Remove the 2 plastic side pieces. They’re the things you press in to remove your battery from your drill.

Step 6. Lift the battery pack out.

Step 7. Set the Multimeter to read volts. For testing an 18 volt battery choose the 20 volts setting. This will give you the most accurate reading. (If you don’t have a multimeter skip to Step 9 and hope for the best)

Volts are symbolized by a V with one or two straight lines over it on a multimeter so it’s that section of the multimeter that you use. The section under the V with the straight line(s). Not the squiggly line. The straight line.

Step 8. Touching the red probe to the positive (red) terminal and the black probe to the negative (black) terminal, read the voltage shown on the multimeter. In my case the battery was carrying a charge of 0.06 volts. Which is almost nothing, but not completely nothing.

Step 9. Plug your AC adapter in and using the wires, boost your dead battery. Just touch the black wire to the negative terminal (the one with the black wire going to it) and the white wire (or striped wire) to the positive terminal (the one with the red wire going to it). Do this on and off for approximately a minute.

Apparently lithium ion batteries should be pulse charged. Which means you hold your wires down for 15 seconds or so, then release them. Then hold them down again. Over and over.

DOUBLE CHECK THAT YOU ARE TOUCHING POSITIVE TO POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE TO NEGATIVE.

Step 10. Test your the voltage on your battery pack again. It should be higher than it was before boosting. (Again, if you don’t have a multimeter don’t worry about this. you’ll just have to press on without one)

Mine went from 0.06 volts to 7.58 volts after a minute long boosting session.

Step 11. Put the plastic cover back on the battery pack (just the part that goes into the charger) and set your battery on the charger to see if it will take a charge.

If you still only get a red flashing light and the battery won’t charge, boost the battery some more. I find the battery charger will recognize that the battery is good again when you boost it to between 10 and 14 volts.

Just keep repeating the pulse boosting and testing the battery until it will finally be recognized by the charger and you get the green light.

To those of you who found this subject matter to be on par with spending 3 hours in a waiting room, sorry ’bout that.

For the rest of you? I know exactly how you feel. I felt the same way. Let me know exactly how elated you were after you brought your first battery back to life in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев section.

Here’s a 3 minute tutorial video showing me as I fix my own battery.

How to Fix a Ryobi 18v Rechargeable Battery

You have an almost brand new Ryobi battery that the charger won’t recognize and won’t charge. Here’s how to fix that.

NOTE: Before doing all this, first try to pulse charge your battery by plugging and unplugging your charger (with the battery in it) for 10 seconds. Try this a few times. If it doesn’t correct the problem, continue on with this tutorial.

Instructions

Cut the end off of your AC adapter. That’s right. Just cut it off. It’s for a 10 year old cell phone, you’re never going to use it again anyway. It’s frankly kind of weird that you saved it to begin with.

Remove the screws holding the battery together. There’s a hidden screw under a piece of plastic. You need to pry the plastic off to get at the screw underneath. I used a very thin screwdriver to pry it off.

Remove the 2 plastic side pieces. They’re the things you press in to remove your battery from your drill.

Set the Multimeter to read volts. For testing an 18 volt battery choose the 20 volts setting. This will give you the most accurate reading. (If you don’t have a multimeter skip to Step 9 and hope for the best)

Touching the red probe to the positive (red) terminal and the black probe to the negative (black) terminal, read the voltage shown on the multimeter. In my case the battery was carrying a charge of 0.06 volts. Which is almost nothing, but not completely nothing.

Plug your AC adapter in and using the wires, boost your dead battery. Just touch the black wire to the negative terminal (the one with the black wire going to it) and the white wire (or striped wire) to the positive terminal (the one with the red wire going to it). Do this on and off for approximately a minute. DOUBLE CHECK THAT YOU ARE TOUCHING POSITIVE TO POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE TO NEGATIVE.

Test your the voltage on your battery pack again. It should be higher than it was before boosting. IF IT IS NOT, THEN STOP. YOUR CELL COULD BE DAMAGED AND CONTINUING COULD BE DANGEROUS.

Put the plastic cover back on the battery pack (just the part that goes into the charger) and set your battery on the charger to see if it will take a charge. If you still only get a red flashing light and the battery won’t charge, boost the battery some more. I find the battery charger will recognize that the battery is good again when you boost it to between 10 and 14 volts.

Repeat the pulse boosting and testing the battery until it will finally be recognized by the charger and you get the green light.

It’s Official – Makita XGT 40V Max Cordless Power Tools are Coming to the USA

Makita USA issued a new press release, announcing that their new XGT cordless power tools will come to the USA, and also clarifying that the new system will be positioned alongside their growing 18V LXT system.

Here’s the headline: Makita Offers Vision of Cordless Future with Expanded LXT and New XGT.

Read About the New Makita XGT 40V Max Cordless Tools

Makita says that the new XGT cordless power tools will be a standalone 40V Max system, and will be positioned alongside the current 18V LXT cordless power tool system.

XGT is engineered for select higher-demand applications as the industry pushes the transition to battery power. Although the 40V max XGT batteries look similar in size to 18V LXT batteries, XGT is a new system with its own tools, equipment, batteries, and chargers. XGT will launch first in Japan and will be available in the United States in late 2020.

This excerpt is the most notable part of the press release, with emphasis added.

Makita XGT will be its own system, with its own tools, equipment, batteries, and chargers. The press release does not mention any cross-platform adapters or cross-platform compatibility, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not possible or planned.

The new Makita XGT 40V Max cordless power tools won’t be available in the United States until late 2020. Unfortunately, the long wait also means that we’re unlikely to be able to receive or ask for any additional information or details for quite some time.

Makita USA also Комментарии и мнения владельцев about further expansion of their LXT (18V) cordless power tool system (with emphasis added):

Makita will continue to invest heavily in LXT, and there is a tremendous roadmap of new LXT products in the pipeline for trade users in all segments.

Makita also says that the number of 18V LXT products will increase from 225 to over 250 products in 2020.

We’re still left with very many questions about the new Makita XGT cordless power tool platform, but this new announcement at least answers two very important questions.

To sum it up:

Will Makita’s new 40V Max XGT cordless power tool system replace their 18V LXT system? NO, Makita says that the two systems will be positioned alongside each other.

When will Makita XGT cordless power tools launch in the USA? Late 2020.

If you haven’t yet read our coverage on the new tools and tech: Meet the new Makita XGT 40V Max cordless power tool system.

39 Комментарии и мнения владельцев

Be sure to buy the first versions only to get burned and find out Makita was ALSO planning on releasing the exact same tools in a AWS version 6 months after.

I think the first chop saw will be AWS, I think these new tools will be very good, maybe the best cordless tools out there.

The rotary hammers and the circular saw incorporate AWS, so I guess the mitre saw will have it as well.

Where will they have them “positioned alongside each other”? I feel like they already have the smallest presence in home depot among the manufacturers (you definitely wouldn’t think they have 225 tools in the 18V lineup). Is Makita sold in any other BM location in the south east?

Lol, I don’t know about your local HD, but here in the Chicago area, Makita has a good sized presence…stocking must be relative to area.

My eyes are deceiving me this morning. On the left side, all I could see was a circular saw on some sort of an extension – kind of like one of those “cordless brooms” for the kitchen. Then it struck me… America is aging. Bending down is tough. Makita has introduced a new line of tools because “40(V) is the new 20(V)”. You read it here first, folks.

the only aging involved here is your eyes. That’s literally a circular saw with a reciprocating saw adjacent to it. They do have a powered push broom that is pretty epic though.

I think the press release fits with the tools they’ve chosen to release. I.e. it’s the core tools that someone looking to buy into a new battery platform could be satisfied with. A person could buy into this line and never own an LXT tool – unlike Flexvolt where it’s high voltage only for tools that need it and the 20v line is where most users will start.

Agreed. A lot of LXT users seem oddly upset, but I don’t think this is marketed towards existing LXT users. Every year there are thousands of young and old are entering the trades or just starting a tool collection of their own, and this would be a great line up to invest in. It’s got the core essential tools. With the exception of the SDS drill, all the above tools were some of my first cordless tool purchases.

Yeah why would LXT user be upset when the latest greatest stuff will gradually leave them and their batteries in the dust as FOCUS gradually transitions to 40v Max. Of course Makita says they’ll continue to support LXT. That’s what DeWALT said about 18v. New flagship drill, new flagship impact, etc. will all be 40v. Bet on that. Then as people have their 481, 171, etc. die they’ll slowly dip their toes into 40v and the Makita money train keeps rolling ahead. LXT users will be left in the cold (unless they buy a Makita heated blanket).

They didn’t answer the most important (to me) question though: will they continue to invest heavily in X2 and incorporate this tech into the LXT/X2 platform? The Makita NZ site has some other info too, including on an adapter to let you charge LXT batteries on the XGT charger. Not particularly interested in that, but it does show it is possible to make the electronics of the two systems play together.

X2 is key. If they give up on X2 they are effectively giving up on LXT altogether. As tools get more powerful, LXT will be left behind without X2 tools. LXT without X2 and XGT is essentially two completely separate platforms; one for smaller low demand tools and another for larger high demand tools. XGT will not have a true “compact” battery option as the smallest possible pack still requires 10 cells.

Funny you mention this. scroll up… and some guy says a lack of compatibility is better than DeWALT flexvolt. I guess he never does any work to run out of power!

I think these new 40 volt Makita tools, could be very good, maybe they’ll have a chop saw with two battery’s and and Ac mains as well, just a shame we have to wait so long, I bought the Milwaukee cordless skill saw, because I didn’t like the Makita 18 volt.

Yeah I don’t like the Makita 36 volt saw. Seems like it could be on the fragile side if dropped or something heavy thrown on top of it in gang box.

Now there is a strategy, to announce 1 year before they will be available … In this day and age of global commerce, announcing and being ready to ship globally within 1-3 months … what a fizzle. Imagine if everything got announced and was sold that way, just wait a year.

america isn’t the world. Just because it isn’t out in america for a year doesn’t mean that Japan and likely europe won’t get them sooner.

I noticed Makita announces most of its newly released tools first in Australia. Not Europe, not US and probably not Japan itself.

Australia’s tradies are always buying the better newer tools, Milwaukee and Makita would be to top sellers, our local store has I’m guessing a couple hundred tools on display and we live in remote Australia

Well whoop-dee-fkn-doo. What a shocking surprise. If I were Makita, I’d pull the X2 platform tools off the shelves before I released the xgt platform. Otherwise there’s going to be a lot of confusion about the price difference between the 36v X2 and the 40v XGT. Especially if someone asks why the XGT costs more for such a small increase in voltage. It’s nice that you won’t have to use 2 batteries, but I don’t see that being a valid reason if there’s a significant difference in the price. I’m curious to what the price difference will be between the X2 and XGT platforms. They did the right thing by not having the XGT platform compatible with the 18v LXT platform.

Let’s be clear. There is no such things as 40v. Its only called 40v so it has a different name than its current line of 36v… or even 2×18 equals 36v. It’s what DeWALT did also when having 20v new line… while supporting old 18v line. The only difference is they finally went to the new cell.

It will all come down to battery price. Remember, Makita already has a single battery 36 volt rotary hammer that didn’t sell due to charging 400 per battery. That is what led Metabo (Germany) and Makita to offer twin 18 volts as an option. My Metabo large size single batteries run 500/each.

The only question I have is. Since DeWALT is clearly ahead in this area and pretty much invented this HO segment… what will they do next. They already got rid redundant tool lines to FOCUS on 20 40 60 and 120v line. 18 v is alive a tiny bit and can use new bats. They seem poised to release a bunch of tools using 2x 60v equals 120v. These would be big tools. Possibly even 4 x 60v. Maybe a wheel barrel… a 26 in snow blower. A 14 inch construction saw. A new lawn mower. Even an E bike

Sooner or later they will drop the 18 volt line and make the transition to the 40 volt full on. But, that is some time away as Battery Technology advances. Makita invented the cordless power industry so let’s see what materializes. Some of ya may not see the depth and breath of the Makita 18v line, it is huge. Don’t sweat it though, it’s going to take awhile to phase out the 18 volt line. DeWALT has developed the future though. Heavy power in voltage for appilcations that are outside operations of the 18volt world. Now this development leaves the current market leader, Milwaukee in a pickle. Everyone’s going to big voltage, so they still have the 28v line, but it’s been on the back burner for years at a slower smolder. Given their battery advances and maximizing of a platform, do they update the 128 line to compete…my bet is they will. But I don’t see the 18volt line going away since advances have squeezed out enough that they do 70% of the work required for tradesmen and serious did guys. The last 30% is for those chopsaws and table saws, and heavy industry applications.

I was way off. Milwaukee just introduced the MX Fuel line to address the heavy industrial needs, wow, amazing…

Makita used to make very reliable tools that were made in Japan, Europe, US, etc. and more of Makita are being made in China. I had more problems with my new Makita tools over the last 2 years than the last 20 years. I own pretty much all brands and Makita used to be my favorite and honestly now they are all about the same. Milwaukee, DeWALT, and Makita they all have there strengths and weaknesses but if I have to rank them for quality and build 1st Makita, 2nd Milwaukee, 3rd DeWALT but not by much. Now at the rate Makita is going now I would not be surprised to see them fall to the bottom of the pack real soon just as they have clearly fallen behind on there battery development Bad move for Makita’s 40v and here’s why- no backwards compatibility and no advantage over DeWALT’s flexvolt or Milwaukee fuel. Makita is trying to revive the 40v that DeWALT just scraped in favor of its flexvolt. Makita’s new platform wth adapter needed because its not backwards compatible, no thanks.

I’m happy for the new platform. Same chemistry but larger cells. I assume instead of 5sp2 it’s a 10s configuration. Still just doubling voltage and reducing amps. For high current devices it should give better efficiency but the individual cells might not last as long unless they have voltage balancing built in which they just might. All the X2 tools. I see no reason they can not adapt each tool to the new 40v platform with trivial modifications. I expect they will have adapters to use the new 40v in the current X2 platform unless they milk it to force people to buy new tools. Further I expect a redesign of entire X2 lineup to eventually take both batteries or possibly even take two 40max(still 36v each) or two 18v. If it takes two 40max it won’t double the voltage but rather auto switch like the new lawnmowers. Biggest trouble will be the balance of the tools will be different. I think dual compatibility in any form if they go for it will make new and old customers happy. But I think they might have missed an opportunity. A battery with custom solid state relays that would allow both 18v or 36v. It would make the batteries more expensive in the first 5 years but more versatile over the next 20.

Makita XGT 40v Cordless Tools

With the arrival of the new decade, Makita’s 18v LXT Lithium Ion battery platform is now 15 years old, having been introduced back in 2005. Over that time it has become a firm favourite amongst industry professionals the world over, and has grown to become one of the largest cordless power tool ranges available. But Makita have announced that the LXT system will soon be joined by a bigger brother – a more powerful cordless platform which utilizes a new 40v XGT lithium ion battery. Makita XGT 40v tools are due to start shipping in 2020 and we’ll go over what to expect in this blog post.

Why 40v?

The 18v lithium ion battery has proved to offer a winning combination of power and portability on the jobsite, and these days every power tool manufacturer has an 18v cordless battery platform. Recently though, as battery technology has improved, we have seen an increased demand for ever more powerful cordless tools as manufacturers have begun to push the envelope of what’s possible. Back in 2005, you would have had trouble replacing all your power tools with cordless alternatives but this is fast becoming a much more realistic proposal and the new Makita GXT 40v tools are sure to bring us a step further towards the truly cordless jobsite. As well as providing a launchpad for a new heavy duty range of tools, creating a new battery platform from the ground up has also enabled Makita to integrate a new overhauled two-way communication system between tool and battery to ensure optimum performance and reliability.

Does the 40v Range Replace the 18v Range?

No. The LXT range will continue to exist alongside the new GXT range, and as one of the most successful cordless platforms in the world, the 18v LXT range is sure to be developed and supported long into the future.

Are the XGT and LXT Ranges Compatible?

The new Makita XGT 40v tools won’t be compatible with 18v LXT batteries (and vice versa) but a charging adaptor has been developed which will enable users to recharge both types of battery from the same charger, so you’ll be able to keep clutter down to a minimum when using both ranges simultaneously.

Advantages of the New Makita 40v XGT Batteries

Makita describe this new range as a “genuine solution for high demand industrial applications” and they’ve taken several steps to ensure long term durability in challenging environments. The batteries are encased in heavy duty housings with an interior layer of shock absorbing padding, and the terminals have been beefed up to ensure a reliable, long lasting connection. Makita aim to have the batteries IPX4 accredited for water protection, meaning they are designed to repel water spraying or splashing onto them from any direction. As briefly mentioned above, Makita have also developed a new battery interface for the XGT range, by which the battery communicates essential performance data to the tool, ie to avoid critical overheating or discharge. This new Smart system has been designed with future proofing in mind, so that updates can be easily introduced further down the line.

Fast charging has long been a jewel in Makita’s crown and the XGT batteries continue this tradition. Makita claim it will take as little as 28 minutes to recharge a XGT battery so it is ready for use again.

Advantages of the New Makita 40v XGT Tools

The tools themselves are also built for tough conditions. Selected models have also been designed with water resistance in mind and Makita aim to have these IPX4 certified by time of release as well. So far in the pipeline there’s a drill driver, combi drill, impact driver, impact wrench, reciprocating saw, circular saw, two angle grinders and two SDS rotary hammers. At this stage the stats are impressive: for instance, the new 3/4″ impact wrench can deliver up to 2,030Nm of nut busting torque and the two SDS machines are claimed to run 30% faster than comparable corded tools.

Available Now

The first batch of Makita XGT 40v tools are available for purchase now and we’ve set up a Makita 40 XGT Range Page on the Tooled Up site which will contain all the tools and batteries as they get released. Keep an eye on Tooled Up and the Makita UK website for more updates as we get more info on this new range.

In the meantime, check out this video of some of the first batch of Makita 40v tools, courtesy of Sydney Tools in Australia.

thoughts on “ Makita XGT 40v Cordless Tools ”

Makita haven’t specified a release date yet, only that they’re due to be rolled out over the course of 2020

some 40v tools are available in Japan at the moment. The batterys and charger while available seem to be more difficult to get

Not with the technology available currently – there is an adaptor which enables you to charge an LXT battery from the new XGT charger, but nothing which will let you run an LXT tool from an XGT battery

Wow, what a wasted opportunity to NOT make the new batteries dual-voltage like DeWALT! It would have been so simple to switch the cells in the Battery module between parallel and serial. Then you could buy the new 40V tool with the new batteries and use the 18V Series Tools where there is no 40V counterpart (e.g. all the household/garden tools) I was about to buy into the Makita-World of tools, but this makes me hesitate…

I’m not sure on this, but I suspect DeWALT might have patented enough of their Flexvolt technology that other manufacturers may have a hard time bringing something similar to the market. Other than the Black Decker Dualvolt range (Black decker being part of the SBDC group along with DeWALT) I can’t think of any other dual voltage power tool platforms currently, and in fact it seems that most brands are trying to find different ways to move in this kind of direction – for example, tools which will run on two standard 18v batteries simultaneously, or the new Bosch BiTurbo tools which can take advantage of specific high capacity 18v batteries to give them a power boost for more demanding work

Sorry to say this, but Hikoki has 18/36 volt batteries available as well. They seem to have crept quietly onto the market this autumn which means that there must be more than one way to achieve multi volt in a single battery pack. I have to agree with Ulrich – Makita seem to have closed the door in the faces of millions of trade users out there. In my case, with more than £3k replacement value invested in Makita 18 volt and 2 x 18 volt equipment I shall probably look elsewhere for replacements when the time comes.

Oh yeah, Phil is absolutely right. Hikoki Multi-Volt. Well thats Flexvolt, Dualvolt and Multivolt taken. Maybe the trickiest part is having to come up with an original name.

Another misstep. No forthcoming answers of significance from the reps. Where are the dozens of more specialized tools available from the competition. They already produce a number of low selling items. 12 inch planer, mortifying tool, and the rebar cutter which came to prove invaluable at ground zero N.Y. It would seem that they are capable of putting out another 25 screw guns and impacts. If you look at the competition, you are astonished by the depth and breadth if the offerings. I.e. cordless wire pulling fishtapes and plumbing snakes

So I just bought one a Makita 40V inflators, In the Mail arriving next week… Can the 40V battery be charged on my 2 battery 18v charger ? if not I’m out… – bench is set up, and i don’t need another charger as i already have 3 18v chargers ;-/ Cheers – Steve –

Hi Steve, well it’s slightly complicated as Makita have a range of chargers which are all suitable for different types of batteries – if you have older 18v battery chargers (ie from a period when there were no Makita 40v batteries in existence) then it’s safe to assume they definitely won’t work as the connection is different. However, it is possible to charge the 40v and 18v batteries from the same charger, for example by using the 40v to 18v adaptor they released. This would require you to have one of the newer 40v chargers though as it can only step down to 18v. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are more options on the market in the future, but essentially the 40v batteries need a charger which has been expressly designed for them.

I purchased a Makita Blower Vac XGT 40V in December 2021. I have used a 40v 4.0 battery but it does not seem to run for very long. I always fully charge the battery. I would estimate that it does not run for longer than 10 minutes. I have a driveway that is about 200mts long and I never get from one end to the other on one battery. Does this sound right? Also the trigger keeps getting stuck so I can’t use full throttle. Do I have a lemon!

Hi Narelle, well the runtime sounds about right. Cordless leaf blowers use a lot of power and Makita say the UB001G will run for 12 minutes on a 4.0ah battery – I’m guessing that is the machine you’ve got? I imagine the trigger sticking is not an intentional design feature though – if it is a major hindrance you could always look into getting it sorted under warranty? (should come with a three year warranty I believe)

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gardening tool manufacturers are opting for battery power over fuel or electric, and today’s string trimmers are a case in point. We tested these eco-friendly yard maintenance devices to help consumers make the right purchase for their property.

By Glenda Taylor and Mark Wolfe | Updated Jul 13, 2023 6:44 AM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Handy outdoor power tools make quick work of tackling overgrown weeds and grass, giving the yard a tidy look and trimming hedges and shrubs. We put battery-powered trimmers through their paces on several grass or weed types to see how well they ran and cut, ultimately arriving at this list of the best battery trimmers.

For ensuring a polished look to a lawn, the best string trimmer is a great investment. These yard-care tools spin a cutting head loaded with nylon string (instead of a fixed blade) to cleanly trim the grass at the edge of a lawn or mow down weedy areas. Though gas and electric models once dominated, new and improved battery-powered versions don’t require mixing fuel or storing gasoline like gas string trimmers do, nor are they limited by the length of an extension cord, like corded electric string trimmers are.

Some battery trimmers are better suited to different-size yards, users, and budgets. So we could help consumers make the right choice, we tested some of the most popular string trimmers to find out how they perform under real-world conditions. To qualify as a top pick, a string trimmer should be durable, powerful, and easy to operate. The string line should exit the reel easily with no need for the user to constantly remove the reel cover and untangle the line.

The following battery-powered string trimmers are at the top of their class. Anyone looking to invest in a trimmer is likely to find one here to fit their landscaping needs.

• BEST OVERALL:STIHL FSA 60 R 36V Battery Trimmer
• RUNNER-UP:Ego ST1511T Power 15-Inch Powerload String Trimmer
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:BlackDecker LST300 LBXR2020-OPE 20V String Trimmer
• UPGRADE PICK:Makita XRU15PT1 36V LXT Brushless String Trimmer Kit
• BEST HEAVY-DUTY:DeWALT DCST972X1 60V MAX 17-Inch String Trimmer Kit
• BEST LIGHTWEIGHT:BlackDecker LSTE525 20V MAX String Trimmer/Edger
• BEST FOR LARGE YARDS:Echo DSRM-2100 eFORCE 56V 16-Inch Battery Trimmer
• BEST FOR SMALL YARDS:Worx WG163 20V Power Share GT 3.0 String Trimmer
• BEST DUAL DIRECTION:Husqvarna 320iL 40V Battery String Trimmer
• BEST TRIMMER/EDGER COMBO:Worx WG170 20V Power Share Revolution String Trimmer
• MOST VERSATILE:Greenworks Pro 80V 16-Inch Cordless String Trimmer

How We Tested the Best Battery Trimmers

To truly test these battery-powered string trimmers, we started by assembling the tools and charging the batteries. Most trimmers arrived with the batteries about 25 percent charged right out of the box, but a full charge allowed us to gauge runtime at full power. Although some of the trimmers offer lower power settings that could extend runtime, we found that the lower settings simply made them less capable when it came to coarse weeds, so we ran them at full power for testing.

We put each trimmer through its paces in a variety of real-world scenarios: “clean” lawn grass, weedy grass, and natural areas featuring coarse, weedy seedlings and vines. To earn a spot in our lineup, the lightweight 20-volt (V) trimmers had to deliver a clean, crisp cut in both clean and weedy grass sections. In addition to trimming the grass zones, we used the 36V, 56V, and 80V models to cut through woody, viny growth in natural areas. Along with cutting power, we tested for battery runtime, maneuverability, and operator comfort and determined the best battery trimmer by category.

Our Top Picks

These reviews describe the key features of each cordless string trimmer and how the models performed in our backyard tests.

STIHL FSA 60 R 36V Battery Trimmer

It makes sense that the STIHL FSA 60 R would be a top performer in this test group. It comes from a brand with a long history of industry-leading outdoor power equipment. This string trimmer measures just over 66 inches long, weighs less than 10 pounds with the battery installed, and works for about 25 minutes per charge. The 36V 3.9 amp hours (Ah) battery charges in a little more than 2 hours.

The tough polymer material used for the motor housing and debris shield help keep the weight down. A few other standout features include a variable-speed throttle trigger, trigger interlock, battery retainer latch, EasySpool cutting head, bump guard, and hang loop. The trigger interlock and battery retainer latch prevent accidental startup. The variable trigger and EasySpool head improve operating efficiency by saving battery life and minimizing the time it takes to reload, respectively. The bump guard protects sensitive surfaces during close trimming, and the hang loop offers a convenient way to store the tool when not in use.

This is a great all-around pick for quarter- to a half-acre yards. The relatively short runtime of the STIHL FSA 60 R belies a very capable trimmer. In our tests it easily and cleanly sliced through all kinds of grass and weeds, including tough tree saplings up to about ¼ inch thick. The shorter runtime actually mattered less because the trimmer cut so well, and we moved at a faster pace than with some of the other trimmers with longer runtimes.

The other thing we noted here was the amazing level of operating comfort. The trimmer was fairly lightweight to begin with, but the weight was so well balanced—with just enough weight forward of the front handle to keep the head near ground level—that using it required significantly less effort than what was required of some of the other trimmers that weighed about the same. Also, vibration was minimal, so after trimming we had plenty of energy to keep working.

Product Specs

• Weighs less than 10 pounds but easily powers through tough weeds
• 25-minute runtime per charge for about 5,000 linear feet of trimming
• Excellent balance to keep the head at ground level
• EasySpool head, bump guard, variable-speed throttle, and accidental start protection
• Smallish 13.8-inch cutting swath is on the small side for open spaces
• 2-hour recharge time for battery is longer than that of some competitors

Get the STIHL battery trimmer at Ace Hardware or Blain’s Farm Fleet.

Ego ST1511T Power 15-Inch Powerload String Trimmer

Ego Power has made a name for itself in the outdoor power-equipment category by building an affordable battery-powered tool line that competes favorably against old-fashioned 2-cycle gas-powered equipment. The ST1511T 15-inch string trimmer proved to be powerful, clean, and quiet in testing. The 56V 2.5Ah lithium-ion battery delivers up to 45 minutes of runtime, with a recharging time of just 50 minutes. The bump-feed trimmer head comes preloaded with 0.095-inch trimmer line for more cutting force and less noise. Taller users will appreciate the straight shaft design, and the unit weighs in at just over 10 pounds.

In our tests, the Ego trimmer showed ample power to cut through everything in its path, including overgrown, weedy grass; privet seedlings; and honeysuckle vines. Its well-balanced design, with the heavy battery in back offset by the long, straight shaft, made it comfortable to work with and more agile than others we tested. Our only caveat: For seasonal yard cleanup or maintaining larger landscapes, the 45-minute maximum runtime may not be quite enough.

Product Specs

• Auto-loading trimmer head reduces downtime while working
• Adjustable telescoping straight shaft provides a custom fit for different users
• Excellent power and runtime value at a moderate price point
• Heavier than some with less forward weight to keep head down
• Battery is bulkier than others, making the tool tiring to use over an extended period

Get the Ego Power battery trimmer at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Lowe’s.

BlackDecker LST300 LBXR2020-OPE 20V String Trimmer

To give the yard a polished look without breaking the bank, consider the BlackDecker cordless string trimmer. It features a 12-inch cutting swath to cut down the corners and clean up the edges of small- to medium-size yards. An automatic feed spool means no more stopping to bump the tool when new string is needed. Two 20V lithium-ion batteries are included.

In our tests, this trimmer performed very well in weed-free grass and in weedy lawn areas. With a light weight of just 5.7 pounds, this trimmer is easy to handle without causing arm and shoulder fatigue. The short, straight shaft design is most comfortable for users under 5 feet 9 inches tall. We also liked that with a quick adjustment to the head, the trimmer becomes an edger to neaten up the grass along sidewalks and driveways. In all, we found this affordable tool a solid pick for small obstacle-free landscapes.

Product Specs

• Pack includes 2 batteries for more runtime, less downtime
• Automatic feed spool
• Money- and space-saving design that both trims and edges
• Battery recharges in just 45 minutes
• Best for grass only; struggles with coarse, woody weeds
• Wide debris guard doesn’t fit well into tight spaces

Get the BlackDecker battery string trimmer at Amazon (with extra battery) or The Home Depot.

Makita XRU15PT1 36V LXT Brushless String Trimmer Kit

The Makita XRU15PT1 string trimmer is a premium option to keep the lawn and garden under control. It can handle large yards with enough power to tackle dense weed growth. This cordless string trimmer comes with four 18V 5.0Ah batteries so you’ll never run out of power. Shoppers can purchase this model as a kit that includes a dual battery charger and two sets of batteries, or as a “tool only” for those who already have items from the Makita 18V tool platform.

With a long, straight shaft and high-power cutting head, this 10.4-pound trimmer feels like a pro-quality tool. It was well balanced and articulate while trimming around shrubs and between obstacles. It had plenty of power to cut through tough vegetation. In our tests, it made nice clean cuts and crisp edges in the grassy areas and tore through weedy privet seedlings and honeysuckle vines without hesitation. It’s an excellent candidate to replace gas equipment for medium to large landscapes, though the price may be high for budget-minded shoppers.

Product Specs

• Runtime is longer than charge time for ready-to-go fresh batteries
• Includes a second set of batteries for extended work
• Gas-like power and performance for tough trimming jobs
• Expensive trimmer due to the high cost of batteries
• Small debris guard allows some material close to operator
• Stiff bump head required a hard strike to let out line

Get the Makita battery trimmer at Amazon or Mowers Direct.

DeWALT DCST972X1 60V MAX 17-Inch String Trimmer Kit

When an established leader in pro-grade cordless hand tools enters the lawn-care category, shoppers will want to take note. The DeWALT 60V battery trimmer packs a heavy-duty brushless motor powered by a 60V 3Ah FlexVolt lithium battery that lets it tear through all kinds of tough weeds for at least 40 minutes per charge.

This attachment-capable trimmer comes equipped with a straight shaft and Rapid- loading adjustable spool. It uses.080-inch trimmer line to cut either a 15-inch or 17-inch swath. A safety switch in the grip prevents accidental starts. Users can select high or low power, depending on the project, and control the trimming RPM with a variable-speed trigger. The universal attachment feature lets owners replace the trimmer attachment with a variety of other tool heads, including an edger, hedge trimmer, pole saw, and more.

The DeWALT battery trimmer was one of the heaviest we tested, but also the most powerful. With the standard.080-inch trimmer line that came pre-spooled, this tool had no trouble cutting anything from grass to thin tree seedlings and even tough blackberry canes. In low-power mode it offered more cutting force than the high- power setting of most others we tested. In high range it beat all but the STIHL, which was about an even match in terms of pure power. To be honest, high power was too much for many of our applications, so we also tested thoroughly in low range. It ran about 40 minutes on high, and about 60 on low.

Other than the heavy weight, the only negative point we have to offer is the noise. The trimmer is loud to begin with, and when initially triggering or feathering the trigger it makes an even louder whine/whistle sound. Still, it’s a very impressive tool at a fair price for the power and runtime and a good choice for large properties or cleaning up overgrown areas.

Product Specs

• Battery type: 60V 3Ah FlexVolt lithium ion
• Runtime: 40 minutes
• Weight: 12.95 pounds
• Outstanding power for clearing overgrown weeds and brush
• Works with.080-inch or.095-inch trimmer line for normal or heavy trimming
• Excellent runtime of up to an hour for average grass trimming
• Power head can run other landscaping tool attachments
• Heavy weight of just under 13 pounds, but no shoulder strap
• Longer battery charge time at 135 minutes
• Noisy operation, especially when initially triggering

Get the DeWALT battery trimmer at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.

BlackDecker LSTE525 20V MAX String Trimmer/Edger

Weighing just 8.8 pounds, this string trimmer is easy to carry, maneuver, and control with an adjustable handle and a safety trigger switch to prevent accidental starts. The 12-inch trimming radius is suitable for keeping the lawn properly maintained without damaging fencing, decks, trees, or other common yard obstacles.

This cordless string trimmer operates with a 20V battery that can last for up to 20 minutes, and a spare battery is included. For edging, simply turn the head and use the built-in wheel to balance as the trimmer string handles the task.

When we used the tool to trim weedy lawn grass patches and edge the curb and driveway, it made nice clean cuts and tracked well to make good straight edges. The shaft and handle adjusted to comfortably fit our 6-foot user. The tool is amazingly lightweight for the amount of power it offers, but the weight is mostly balanced to the front of the handle, and having to manually counterbalance it while working fatigued our tester. Though not built for heavily weed-infested yards, it has ample power and runtime to clean up curb lines, driveway edges, and otherwise maintain a smaller landscape.

Product Specs

• Very lightweight and easy to carry
• Handle is customizable to fit the size of user
• Trimmer doubles as an edger with a simple turn of the head
• Battery provides limited runtime, although a spare is included
• Not enough power to tackle coarse, woody weeds
• Weighted toward the front, which may cause user fatigue

Get the BlackDecker MAX battery trimmer/edger at The Home Depot or Tractor Supply Co.

Echo DSRM-2100 eFORCE 56V 16-Inch Battery Trimmer

A wide cutting swath, extended runtime, and powerful trimming ability make the Echo DSRM-2100 eFORCE battery trimmer an excellent choice for large yards. The straight-shaft trimmer is powered by a brushless motor and 56V 2.5Ah lithium battery for up to 56 minutes of powerful performance that rivals traditional 2-cycle trimmers. It cuts a 16-inch-wide swath to get the job done efficiently.

This battery trimmer weighs in at a comfortable 9.75 pounds, making it a relatively lightweight choice at this level of capability. It features battery-saving low/high power settings for different cutting conditions, a variable-speed trigger, and a cushioned handle grip for comfort. The Speed-Feed cutting head comes preloaded with.095 trimmer line and reloads quickly without disassembly.

The Echo eForce battery trimmer is an excellent value for large-property maintenance. In our tests, the cutting power seemed to be slightly less than that of the DeWALT and STIHL trimmers, but it was still very capable. In high-power mode we trimmed for about 40 minutes. But the better-than-average power and wider swath meant that in 40 minutes with the Echo, we were able to complete work that other trimmers would need an hour to accomplish. The noise level was good, and reloading was fast and easy.

This trimmer could have scored higher with improved balance. Although it is a lightweight trimmer overall, most of the weight is in the working end. The heavy cutting head forces the operator to compensate by lifting upward on the front handle and pushing downward on the rear handle while working. We tested with the 2.5Ah battery that comes standard. Working with the available 5Ah battery (sold separately) would rebalance the trimmer to some degree while doubling runtime and increasing overall weight.

Product Specs

• Excellent price for this combination of power and runtime
• Wide cutting swath and power performance for large properties
• Rapid charging system charges the battery in less than 40 minutes

Get the Echo battery trimmer at The Home Depot or Acme Tools.

Worx WG163 20V Power Share GT 3.0 String Trimmer

Owners of small yards may find this lightweight string trimmer an excellent option. It weighs just 5.5 pounds and easily converts from a trimmer to an edging tool; a built-in wheel helps balance the tool while edging. A push-button feed system gives the ability to extend the trimmer string without bumping the 12-inch trimmer head or manually pulling additional string from the trimmer. It comes with two 20V batteries and a charger, and the battery lasts for up to 20 minutes on a full charge.

This Worx string trimmer tackled our grassy areas with ease, both the weedy and weed-free zones, but it wasn’t as capable on rough areas. We were particularly impressed by the edger function, which we found comfortable and well balanced thanks to the 90-degree shaft-rotation capability. The adjustable trimmer head and upper handle let us customize the working angle, but the process of doing so proved clunky. We had to reach down and turn a rather stiff knob at the connection point between the shaft and cutting head to unlock and relock the angle for each adjustment.

Product Specs

• Trimmer and edger in a single tool
• Smooth push-button Command Feed spool system
• Adjustable head tilts to 90 degrees
• Battery provides limited runtime, although a second battery is included
• Head-tilt adjustment is somewhat awkward and clunky
• Relatively long 60-minute charging time for 20 minutes of runtime

Husqvarna 320iL 40V Battery String Trimmer

One limiting factor of most string trimmers is the cutting head’s direction of rotation; it matters more than one might think. The direction of rotation determines where the clippings will go, and in some situations, how the user should grip the trimmer. The Husqvarna 320iL 40V battery trimmer offers a solution, thanks to its dual-direction cutting head. At the touch of a button, we could change from clockwise to counterclockwise rotation and back, without changing grip on the handles.

This straight-shaft trimmer is powered by an efficient brushless motor and 40V 4Ah battery that drives about 45 minutes of runtime per charge. It features a Rapid-load cutting head that comes prespooled with.080 trimmer line and cuts a 16-inch swath. Low-vibration technology improves operator comfort, and the machine weighs in at just over 10 pounds with the battery.

The Husqvarna 320iL ranked near the top of the test group in terms of user comfort and quiet operation, but its power was somewhat underwhelming after the big showing from the STIHL and DeWALT trimmers. We were super impressed with the dual-direction feature. It allowed us to use the trimmer right- or left-handed, and we could safely trim curb lines from either direction without standing in the street. On high-power mode the trimmer performed lawn-trimming duty superbly, but in heavy weeds and natural areas it could not keep up with the more powerful trimmers.

Anyone not interested in going off the beaten path might still do well to consider this trimmer. Its balance is impeccable, rivaling the STIHL in comfort even though it’s a fraction of a pound heavier. And for quiet operation, this one takes the gold medal. The only real question regarding comfort and control was, why so many buttons? Its four thumb-operated buttons control on/off, high/low power, clockwise rotation, and counterclockwise rotation.

Product Specs

• Dual-direction trimmer head leaves clippings where desired
• Excellent balance for comfortable extended use and less fatigue
• Among the quietest of the trimmers we tested
• The 4 buttons and a trigger seem like too many controls
• Even the high power is not adequate for heavy-duty trimming

Get the Husqvarna battery trimmer at Lowe’s.

Worx WG170 20V Power Share Revolution String Trimmer

While plenty of string trimmers also function as edgers, we found this model to have the best dual-function design. At the push of a button, the trimming head on the Worx WG170 Revolution trimmer converts to an edger that rolls easily along the edge of a sidewalk or driveway. The head tilts up to 90 degrees, so it is easy to reach weeds on slopes while standing comfortably.

The trimmer comes with two batteries plus a charger and three extra spools of trimmer line. The string trimmer also boasts a handy spacer guard that keeps it from bumping into plants, and the shaft adjusts to suit taller or shorter users. It cuts a 12-inch swath and operates on a 20V lithium-ion battery. We tested the tool with the 2Ah battery, but it also comes with a 4Ah battery at some retailers.

In our yard, this trimmer cut through and created a crisp edge on both weedless and weedy lawn areas. We really liked the easy adjustable feature on the trimmer head: A twist lock holds it in just the right position, up to 90 degrees, for a customized working angle for users of different heights. Also, the batteries are interchangeable with those of many other Worx 20V cordless tools.

Product Specs

• Adjustable upper handle to accommodate users of different sizes
• Trimmer head converts to an edger for use along sidewalks or driveways
• Comes with 2 batteries to make up for shorter runtime
• Requires a relatively long charging time
• Trimmer feels underpowered for tackling coarse, heavy weeds
• Only 20 minutes of runtime per charge

Get the Worx WG170 GT battery trimmer at Amazon or Target.

Greenworks Pro 80V 16-Inch Cordless String Trimmer

The Greenworks Pro 80V trimmer is a quality tool that adapts to a variety of other functions with attachments such as a brush cutter. (However, attachments are sold separately.) The 2Ah battery provides up to 45 minutes of runtime and recharges in just 30 minutes. The brushless electric motor is efficient and quiet, providing plenty of torque to cut through heavy weeds without the noise and smell of a gas-powered unit.

In our test areas, the Greenworks Pro trimmer was powerful enough to cut through the toughest weeds and vines with ease. The heavy battery weighs the machine down toward the rear, but the included adjustable shoulder strap makes operation more comfortable. The battery is compatible with other Greenworks 80V tools. Just don’t get too excited about the variable-speed trigger: Although it’s intended to allow a gradual increase from “off” to “high” speed, we found the range of movement between the two to be minuscule; in effect, the trimmer is either “off” or “on.”

Product Specs

• Battery type: 80V 2Ah lithium ion
• Runtime: 45 minutes
• Weight: 10.6 pounds without battery
• Trimmer has a quiet, efficient brushless motor
• The recharging time is only 30 minutes; runtime is 45 minutes
• Gas-like power and performance without the noise and smell
• Slight lag time between triggering and full power
• The trimmer’s adjustable speed feature is difficult to use
• Weight is balanced toward the rear, but shoulder strap helps

Get the Greenworks Pro battery trimmer at Amazon.

What to Consider When Choosing a Battery Trimmer

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.

The best cordless lawn mowers in 2023

Looking for the best cordless mower? Browse our experts’ pick, from budget to premium models.

A lawn mower may be one of the first purchases we make when getting a garden of our own, but that doesn’t mean finding a good quality one is easy. There are so many models and brands on the market to choose from, including corded electric and petrol, but as their range increases and fall, cordless, battery-powered models are an increasingly popular option.

Light and compact compared with traditional petrol models, cordless mowers are simple to use, easy to manoeuvre around the garden, and have none of the maintenance and servicing needs or costs of petrol lawnmowers. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which charges up quickly and won’t lose power in storage, they’re also quiet and emission free.

To compare these cordless mowers against other types of mower, we’ve reviewed the best lawn mowers, robotic lawn mowers, electric lawn mowers and push mowers, too. And if your lawn needs a bit of attention, our experts have tested a range of the best manual and powered aerators and scarifiers.Keep edges looking neat with our pick of the best strimmers, the best garden shears and the best lawn edging, and if you’re thinking about somewhere to store your new mower, our comprehensive guide to choosing the best garden shed will be helpful.

For your next DIY project, have a look at the best cordless drills.

The best cordless mowers to buy at a glance

Cordless mowers. Buyer’s Guide video

Many thanks to Rosie Yeomans and Sparsholt College for their help in making this video.

Getting the best cordless lawn mower for you means ensuring it has the correct cutting width, range of cutting heights, and weight plus a battery run time that matches the size of your lawn. We’ve tested a range of cordless push mowers, putting them through their paces across a range of grass and terrains, to help you find the right one for your garden.

Each mower has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to set up and storage, handling, mowing and value for money. Every mower in our round up below has scored a minimum of four out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.

In every review we award outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best cordless lawn mowers, below.

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Best Buy cordless mowers

Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A

Our rating: 4.9 out of 5

• Quiet
• Cuts even long grass with ease
• Battery level visible while mowing
• Small and compact for easy storage
• Part of the POWER FOR ALL cordless range

Part of the new Husqvarna Aspire cordless range, which includes a hedge trimmer, pruner and leaf blower, this 34cm mower is powered by an 18V POWER FOR ALL ALLIANCE battery and charger. These are interchangeable with tools in other leading brands such as Flymo, Gardena and Bosch so if you also invest in tools in these ranges, you’ll only need to buy the bare tool and won’t have different batteries and chargers taking up space in the shed.Great for small gardens the mower comes ready to go, there’s no assembly or handles to attach, and it folds down to a compact size when you’re finished, with a telescopic handle that folds completely flat over the body of the mower. It can then be stood up against a wall or hung up, and even comes with a handy hook. The 30l grass bag also flattens down to take up very little room and can be hung on the mower. The Aspire is light, with a carry handle so that lifting it up steps or into other areas is easy and it has an adjustable handle to suit different height users. It’s comfortable and easy to manoeuvre around the garden and has just four cutting heights to choose from, ranging from 25-65mm and changed easily with a single lever on the body of the mower. It cuts grass quietly and smoothly and has an automatic boost that increases blade speed when you’re mowing in tougher, longer areas that works well. You can hear it kick in when you push the mower into longer grass and unlike other cordless mowers that can cut out, just carries on cutting the grass. While you mow the battery charge level is always clearly visible so you know how much battery you have left and when it needs charging. It comes with a two year warranty and we awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy in 2023 for ease of use.

Specs: Battery: charge time. 95 mins; run time. 500sqm. Cutting: width. 34cm; height. 25-65mm. Grass box. 30 litre.

Buy the Husqvarna Aspire C34-P4A cordless mower from Husqvarna and Sam Turner

Greenworks GDG24LM33

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

• Easy to assemble and use
• Comfortable padded handle
• Choice of mulching or collecting clippings
• Interchangeable battery with Greenworks 24V family

Ideal for smaller gardens this sturdy, great value cordless mower is easy to put together, well thought out and simple to use. Thanks to a padded handle it’s comfortable to push, although it did feel a little short for our taller tester, and it’s light and easy to manoeuvre around trees and beds and borders. There are five cutting heights to choose from, adjusted with the simple lift of a lever and it offers the choice of collecting clippings in the 30 litre fabric grass bag or inserting the mulching plug and leaving them on the lawn to break down and feed the grass. It mows well but doesn’t like very long grass, with the battery cutting out occasionally but its long lasting brushless motor offers a a decent run time of 46 minutes and it charges in two hours. Plus, as part of the Greenworks 24V family, both the battery and charger are interchangeable with all the other tools in the range, saving you money if you invest in more in the future. We awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for the best budget cordless mower in 2023.

Specs: Battery: charge time. 120 mins; run time. 46mins. Cutting: width. 33cm; height. 25-70mm. Grass box. 30 litre.

Yard Force LMG37A 40v 37cm

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

• Rear roller
• Double folding handle for easy storage
• Quickest charge time
• Part of the Yardforce GR40 cordless range

This sturdy mower has a 37cm cutting width and useful features including a rear roller for those much desired stripes. Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy in 2022 for small to medium lawns, clippings are collected in the large 40 litre fabric grass bag. It offers a wide choice of seven cutting heights, from 25-75mm, and is easy to fold away at the end of the day. The 40V battery is quick to charge, taking just 50 minutes and when full it has the capacity to cut a 400m2 lawn.

Specs: Battery: charge time. 50 mins; run time. 400sqm. Cutting: width. 37cm; height. 25-75mm. Grass box. 40 litre.

Buy the Yard Force LMG37A 40V 37cm cordless mower from Yard Force, Amazon and Wickes