When it comes to keeping your garden neat and tidy, there’s no use simply relying on your lawn mower. While these tools are excellent for working on larger areas, they simply don’t have the intricacy that a weed eater does. These tools will help you tidy up the edges as well as tackling longer or more dense grass.
Ryobi is one of the most well known and reputable brands out there and we have a series of Ryobi weed eater reviews for you. We’ll cover some of the best Ryobi tools as well as giving you all the information you need to know to help you purchase your new Ryobi weed wacker.
We like to think that we know a lot about gardening tools and we’ve spent some considerable time looking at the very best weed eaters that Ryobi has to offer. Check out our Ryobi weed eater reviews for more information on each product.
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Last update on 2022-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Ryobi RY40250
The weed eater is perfect for anyone who has versatile gardening needs. This is thanks to an adjustable cutting width that can be moved between 13 inches and 15 inches. In addition to this, the trimmer also benefits from variable speed.
It’s designed with a bump feed which makes releasing new line super quick and simple. Moreover, the wraparound handle gives you great control over the tool as well as providing you with comfort when working. What’s more, it is compatible with other attachments meaning you have multiple tools in one!
Ryobi OHT11850X ONE+
The weed wacker boasts a high performance motor powered by lithium ion batteries giving you freedom of movement as well as a reliable performance. What’s more, the adjustable cutting diameter means that you can work in different conditions easily.
The shaft is telescopic which means that you can adjust it to suit your height making using the tool so much more comfortable and easy. In addition to this, you will notice that the weed wacker has an automatic line feed so you don’t have to lift a finger!
Ryobi RY253SS
It can be used with the range of Expand-It Ryobi attachments giving you far more versatility around the yard. Much more than this, it will also work with other universal attachments so you are not tied into buying Ryobi products, if you don’t want to.
The straight design means that getting underneath obstacles is so much easier and if you’re looking for a user-friendly tool, this one has all the right features. A twist style line feed makes releasing line simple and the wraparound handle gives you excellent control.
Ryobi ZRP2080 ONE+
The tool features dual handles for improved control and is lightweight and excellent for people who don’t want to have to exert themselves too much. What’s more, it runs on a powerful 18v lithium ion battery which provides you with a decent run time and a long life.
We really like the fact that this tool allows for versatile cutting thanks to the variable speed functions. But this versatility is even further improved with the pivoting head that allows you to get closer to the edge around walls and fences.
Ryobi One ONE+
This one is also great for smaller gardens thanks to the 10 inch cutting diameter and a compact design that is easy to store in the garden shed. It is lightweight and super easy to move around so if you want comfort and ease of use, this might be a tool worth considering.
Ryobi Weed Wacker Buyer’s Guide
While looking at our reviews for the Ryobi weed eater is a great way to see what is on offer from the brand, it is also important to get to know the features that you should be looking for. Don’t ever be tempted to settle for the first tool you stumble upon as this might not have everything you need for your unique gardening needs. Below you will find some handy information to help you choose the right model for you.
Power Source
Most garden tools come powered by one of three different sources; gas, corded electric and battery power. There are pros and cons to each type of power and you must consider your own needs and the needs of your garden before choosing between them.
Corded Electric: Pros and Cons
When you purchase a Ryobi electric trimmer, you will be getting the absolute best value for money as these are typically the most affordable type of power. Another great thing about the Ryobi electric weed eater is that you won’t ever have to stop in the middle of a job as you might with other types of power. This is because the tool remains constantly connected to the mains for consistent power.
However, the downside of this is that you are somewhat restricted on where you can use the trimmer. You will either need to use an appropriate extension cable or ensure that your mains outlet is near where you will be working. Furthermore, the cord can often get in the way and may pose a safety hazard. That said, these are among the most lightweight weed eaters so are great for people whose strength may be limited.
Battery-Powered: Pros and Cons
Battery powered tools are excellent in terms of freedom of movement. You won’t be restricted by a power cord in the same way that you would with a corded model. In addition to this, a Ryobi battery powered weed eater is a more environmentally friendly version of the gas powered tool. Plus, it’s far more lightweight and easy to handle.
Both types of electric tool; battery and cordless require very little maintenance when compared to gas weed eaters. However, their power is not quite as great so you won’t get the same level of performance. But what you will get is often more than enough for domestic gardening needs.
The real issue with a Ryobi cordless weed eater is that there is a chance that the power will run out in the middle of a job. This means that you will either have to wait for the battery to recharge or invest in a spare, which will result in you spending more money.
Gas-powered: Pros and Cons
If it is power that you are after or you have very dense grass and foliage to cut through, then you may need a gas powered weed wacker as these will deliver the most impressive performance.
These tools are robust, reliable and very long-lasting. Quite often, people will purchase these as an investment and, when properly maintained, they will last a lifetime. However, we must stress that this maintenance is quite detailed so you will need to be willing to put in the effort.
Cutting Diameter
The cutting diameter of your weed eater refers to the size of the string and how much grass and weed it will cut in one pass. For example, if the cutting width is 15 inches, this means that with every pass, 15 inches of greenery will be cut.
For larger areas, you will want to go for something bigger but you will also need to consider the thickness of the line. The thicker it is, the better it will be able to handle dense foliage without breaking.
Ease Of Use
For most of us, tending to the garden is more of a chore than a hobby. But even if you enjoy what you’re doing, you certainly aren’t going to want it to be difficult or physically exhausting. Of course, you will need to think about the weight of your chosen tool and much of this will be determined by the power type.
In addition to this, you should also look for features that will boost the user-friendliness of the tool. This might include easy to grip handles as well as controls that are simple to use and accessible. You’ll also want to look for tools with low vibrations, especially if you are going to be using them for longer periods of time.
Having features such as variable speeds will also allow you to adjust the power according to what you are cutting which will make things far more effortless. Also having the option to add different heads to the tool will prevent you from having to invest in other pieces of equipment and will make getting the garden today far more convenient. But if this is a feature that interests you, be sure to choose attachments that are easy to switch.
Safety Guard
A weed eater could potentially be quite a dangerous tool but most models will come with a safety guard that covers the line as it spins. This will prevent any debris from flying back and hitting you in the face and will prevent the spinning line from injuring your feet or hands.
However, even with a safety guard in place, we would still highly recommend the use of safety equipment like face shields, gloves, leg protectors and wearing closed-toed shoes.
Why Choose Ryobi?
Ryobi is one of the better mid-range garden and power tool brands. The company is well known for its quality and innovation when it comes to this type of equipment. If you’re looking for something that is a little more high end than cheap brands like Chicago electric but that won’t break the bank, then Ryobi is an obvious choice.
Another great reason to choose Ryobi is that you have a lot of options. Whether you are looking for an affordable corded electric weed eater or a robust and powerful gas weed wacker then you certainly won’t be limited on choice.
These tools also have a lot of user-friendly features like an automatic line feed which means you won’t have to mess around releasing line as it breaks, which can be very fiddly! There are also things like safety guards and bump guards which offer protection to your garden and you as you trim.
Conclusion
With Ryobi being one of the most sought after brands when it comes to outdoor tools, it is no wonder that there is an amazing choice when it comes to weed eaters. No matter what you are looking for, Ryobi will have something that will match your needs.
Our helpful Ryobi trimmers reviews will give you an introduction to some of the best products that this brand has to offer while our buyer’s guide will help you narrow down your choices.