Seeking Advice on Battery Operated Garden Tool

HL2 on 02/01/2018 - 11:58
Last edited 02/01/2018 - 12:04

Hi all,

Am looking for some advice on battery operated garden tool about to purchase from Bunnings.

In 2016, I bought the discounted Kobalt 80v lawn mower from masters. It comes with 2 x Kobalt 2ah batteries and I anticipate it may last me couple of years before the batteries give in. To source a replacement down the line will be difficult unless import directly from US via mail forwarding. I reckon it may be a risky purchase as Australian custom may not let it pass? I regret for not purchasing the leaf blower as I am in need of it.

At this time, I also own Ryobi 18v tools with 2 x 5ah batteries. Recently I purchased a Ryobi 36v 5ah battery without a charger from a relative.

I am considering to purchase a Ryobi 36v jet fan blower kit $379 (https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-36v-5-0ah-jet-blower-kit_p…) with some gifts cards received for X’mas. When my Kobalt mower eventually gives in, the intention is to purchase a Ryobi 36v mower.

Question
1. Have anyone observed Ryobi 36v tools ever goes on sale at Bunnings?
2. Any owners of Ryobi 36v jet fan blower able to share their review? I note plenty of overseas (US) review on youtube however some local owner reviews is appreciated.
3. Anyone reckon if Victa 82v battery (https://www.bunnings.com.au/victa-82v-blower-kit_p3381104) is compatible with Kobalt 80v tools? Can it be modded to fit?
4. Considering I own a Ryobi 36v 5ah battery without charger, would you go for Ryobi 36v Jet Fan Blower or Victa 82v blower?

Note: I am not into petrol operated garden tools.

Poll Options

  • 3
    1. Ryobi 36v Jet Fan Blower
  • 1
    2. Victa 82v Blower
Home & Garden

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Comments

  • wombledomble on 02/01/2018 - 13:09
    +2

    I purchased the Kobalt Mower and trimmer from Masters when they closed down and am really happy with both of them.

    At around the same time as Masters was closing I bought a Victa 80v Blower and chainsaw skins for $90 from Bunnings. The Kobalt batteries are the correct shape to fit the Victa skins, however there are channels on the batteries and tabs on the skins that are supposed to stop you from cross fitting.

    There was a post on ozbargain at the time outlining a DIY process to make everything fit.

    I used a small sharp chisel and cut away the tab on both sides of the skins, where the battery slides into, and everything fits.

    Domble

  • Euphemistic on 02/01/2018 - 13:14

    That’s a lot of money for a blower! I’ve been happy enough with my 18v blower. Sure it’s not super powerful, but it does what I want and was included in a $200 kit with a line trimmer, battery and charger. My usage is not heavy duty, just blowing lawn clippings back onto the lawn and a quick ‘sweep’ of the verandah or garage.

    The only time you are likely to find the price of Ryobi gear lowered is if it is a run out model. Bunnings have the exclusively so no one else will compete with them. Sometimes you do get a bit of a special before Christmas or Father’s Day, but not much.

    The voltages for lithium batteries are a bit of a marketing thing. You’ll see some advertised in multiples of 18v and some in 20 but they’ll be the same batteries underneath. 20v is more of a peak voltage and 18 is nominal AFAIK, individual cell values are about 3.4v. you might be able to mod an 82v pack to suit an 80v device, but you need to ensure the correct number of cells are installed, not just the same marketed voltage.

    • HL2 on 02/01/2018 - 13:40

      I reckon the kit you have is this - https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-one-18v-blower-line-trimme…?

      I have tried using this version of blower however it does not blow leaf on Kikuyu/couch lawn… I have a circular shape lawn with garden edging. Leaf from my neighbour's tree tend to stay around the edge resulting in the lawn covered, creating bare spots.

      Agree that it is a lot of money….

  • wombledomble on 02/01/2018 - 13:15

    Here's the post. Check out the second page.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/247108?page=1#comment

  • leTintin on 02/01/2018 - 13:25

    Unlikely there will be sales on the Ryobi 36v gear, if you do get at a discount it will involve a bit of luck so I wouldn't count on it.

  • ronnknee on 02/01/2018 - 14:45

    I've got this one and it's quite powerful.

    I've considered getting the 36V version but from the specs, the performance is equivalent. I think the 36V one would just use half the current which doubles the duration for the same battery capacity. 18V version would be sufficient.

  • ColonialBoy on 02/01/2018 - 18:12

    Ryobi have said they will not change their 18V battery specs, so what every you buy there should be compatible batteries/chargers/products for a longtime.

    Ryobi also has a 12v car charger, so you can use the same batteries for lights etc while camping (not true of Ozito).

    • Euphemistic on 02/01/2018 - 19:47

      Yep, I'm charging up my batteries tonight/tomorrow to take a one+ fan and a couple of lights away for the weekend.

    • HL2 on 03/01/2018 - 11:07

      Its definitely a plus point for Ryobi! Not sure same can be said for their 36v battery. Apparently the normal charger takes 3 hours to charge a 5ah battery. On the other side of the coin, it helps to prolong the battery lifespan.

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