Recommendation on Electric Cordless or Petrol Lawn Mower and Trimmer

justanick on 22/05/2023 - 00:48

Hi All,

We are moving into a new place and got around 300m2 of front and backyard to mow the lawn.
Something you should know about me. I’m lazy. I hate vacuuming and after buying Roborock and Dyson stick vacuum I saved my relationship.

Now wifey wants me to mow the lawn and I’ve done this few times in my life and hated it.

Budget $600-$800 max with mower and trimmer.
Questions:
1) Electric cordless lawn mower vs Petrol which one is easier to manoeuvre and maintain?
2) Edge and line trimmer battery or petrol easy to use?
3)Can you recommend me something within my budget?

I did some research and Ryobi from Bunnings 36v has raving reviews (below) and line trimmer 36v skin only and I can use the same 36V battery.

If it’s the option to go for then is it Bunnings who sells the cheapest price for Ryobi?

https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-36v-46cm-4-0ah-brushless-c…

https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-36v-28cm-33cm-cordless-str…

Home & Garden Lawn Mower Line Trimmer

Comments

  • shxhshzhz on 22/05/2023 - 01:11
    +2

    1) Cordless should be much lighter so easier to move around. Cordless also won't need things like oil changes and spark plugs as far as I know so should be less maintenance. Only maintenance is probably changing worn blades but that would be needed on both types regardless. However, you may end up needing new batteries depending on how much they're used.
    2) Battery would definitely be easier as there would be no possible frustration from pulling on the starter cord hopelessly along with it being lighter.
    3) Pretty sure Bunnings is the only regular store that sells Ryobi. You could have a look at 36V ozito's if you wish to keep closer to the bottom end of your stated budget range. Ozito batteries also seem to go on good sales occasionally which appear on ozbargain.

    • justanick on 22/05/2023 - 01:22

      Thanks a lot.
      Would you be recommending Ryobi over Ozito?

      There are other 36V Ryobi models. Do you recon the one I picked should be okay for a lawn my size 300m2?

      • shxhshzhz on 22/05/2023 - 01:44
        +1

        the reviews have people who claim to be fine with 700m^2 and beyond so it should be fine. Description says up to 500 so you should be a safe way away. Just note that you'll most likely need to wait for the battery to charge up again after mowing the lawn before being able to line trim as the linked line trimmer is a skin only.

      • BewareOfThe Dog on 22/05/2023 - 07:21

        Definitely.

  • chrisgill33 on 22/05/2023 - 02:35
    +1

    I have Ryobi 18v, dual battery version. And also Ryobi line trimmer. Happy with them, but you'll want to have a second set of batteries charged for them, especially the mower, if you want to get the job done without recharging.

    Being battery they're light to move around and low maintenance. I'm happy with them.

  • GnarlyKnuckles on 22/05/2023 - 02:47
    +1

    Given that you are (self-confessed) lazy, forget petrol, get a light battery-operated mower. I think the latest Ryobi one should suit your needs.

  • justanick on 22/05/2023 - 03:07

    Great thank you so much.
    I guess Ryobi is my choice of both lawnmower and line trimmer.

    Do they come on sale during end of financial year?

    We will move in end of June so still got a bit of time.

    How much are the 36V batteries?

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 22/05/2023 - 07:22

      Very rarely, unless it's a combo promo, or in-store store markdown.

  • ericb on 22/05/2023 - 06:04
    +1

    If you are truly lazy then spring for a robot mower.

  • Euphemistic on 22/05/2023 - 06:18
    +1

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/774685

    Some thoughts from a recent thread worth reading.

    My experience with Ryobi 36v mowers is that a 5ah battery is just enough for 350m2 of lawn. I measured my yard plus nature strip to get that figure, it’s not a guesstimate. If the grass is a bit longer and the more needs to work harder 5ah isn’t enough. If you are impatient (battery is less powerful and does mean taking it a little slower) or lazy and let you grass get unruly maybe petrol is better for you.

    I don’t see any point buying a petrol whipper snipper. Battery is great. No petrol, less noise, no fumes. Unless you’ve got a bush block and are constantly cutting knee deep grass for an hour with it, battery is perfect for a suburban yard.

  • Stivo on 22/05/2023 - 09:36

    1) Battery lawn mowers are almost always underpowered for the job. They are fine if you are religiously mowing every fortnight, but if it gets too long not only will it struggle to cut through it but it will churn through the batteries.
    2) A mower isnt really the kind of device which warrants batteries. Normally you would only see batteries on hand held devices, not on something which has its own wheels. So the application dosnt really warrant it, even if you think its a sound solution (its not, not enough torque and run time).
    3) Petrol mowers are cheaper. I bought the cheapest one which was an Aldi special for $140. Been abusing it for 6 years and it just wont die. All I have dont was change the oil twice and drain the carb once when it got wet.

    • jellykingdom on 22/05/2023 - 10:19

      Man i hate my battery mower. It is absolutely gutless, and can barely manage to get through my tiny front lawn without running out of oomph. We're talking like 25m2, and because its reasonably lush the mower constantly gets stuck

      I hate a corded electric and thats a lot better, aside from the obvious flaws with having the cable

    • Euphemistic on 22/05/2023 - 10:20
      +2

      A mower isnt really the kind of device which warrants batteries.

      Disagree. Yes, they can be a little less powerful than petrol but IMO the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Battery mowers are much quieter, the require less maintenance, don’t require getting fuel and storing it, they start immediately and stop when you stop mowing to empty the catcher etc.

      I’ve used battery chainsaw, pole saw, hedger, whipper snipper and all these things are better on battery. I’ll admit the run time on a battery chainsaw isn’t great, but unless you are a full time arborist or need to feed a wood fire every day it’ll last long enough.

      I will never purchase a petrol powered garden tool again.

      • Stivo on 22/05/2023 - 10:28
        +1

        If it works for you then great. But I assume you have a small block mostly in the shade. My block takes 1.5-2 hours to mow. Fills a green waste bin to the brim with grass clippings alone. Its not quiet, but I put in some headphones and listen to a podcast either way so its a non issue. Neither is the maintenance.

        Whippersnipper on the other hand is a no brainer. One of the worst garden tools I had was a petrol whippersnipper. Was so happy to replace it with a batter model. This is a perfect application for batteries.

        • Euphemistic on 22/05/2023 - 11:40

          As above. I’ve got 350m2 of lawn and can do the lot on 1 battery if I’ve been keeping it tidy, probably 3/4bin worth. Can’t quite get it done with one battery if the buffalo is getting a bit long, but I’ve got two batteries.

  • donga100 on 22/05/2023 - 10:30
    +1

    There are pros and cons for buying electric in your circumstances.

    Cons
    - If you are lazy and leave your grass to get long/thick you will find that cheaper battery mowers like Ryobi/Ozito 18 or 36V are under powered for cutting and batteries won't last long enough.
    - If you struggle to cut the grass and it takes a long time you are probably more likely to put off doing it, making the problems worse.
    - The more powerful battery mowers/trimmers (EGO, Honda, etc.) start from around $1000 for mower+trimmer+battery.

    Pros
    - Battery mowers/trimmers don't need petrol so you will spend less money on running costs.
    - Petrol tools require maintenance such as changing air filters, oil, spark plugs, primer bulbs etc. If you are lazy you are not going to do this yourself and will need to pay significant money to a mower shop to do it for you.
    - Petrol tools can stop running for a multitude of reasons (stale fuel, oil tipped into carb, carb flooded, maintenance lacking, etc.) which will be an issue for a lazy person who doesn't enjoy spending hours learning about this stuff.
    - Most petrol trimmers are 2 stroke which means that you will need to precisely measure oil and mix it into the fuel before putting it in your machine.

    My recommendation is spend more for a EGO/Honda battery mower and trimmer or buy the 36V Ryobi/Ozito and stay disciplined with cutting the lawn regularly.

  • Cheapskate Paul on 22/05/2023 - 10:39
    +2

    Normally you would only see batteries on hand held devices, not on something which has its own wheels

    I believe some cars use batteries these days!

  • Darayus on 22/05/2023 - 10:57

    Mate get Goat they will mow your grass eco friendly.

    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-27/goat-mowers-gaining-p…

  • jakka on 22/05/2023 - 21:02

    Maybe look at getting astroturf instead, then you don’t need a mower

  • justanick on 22/05/2023 - 21:42

    Thank you guys for such useful info. I’ve decided to go with cordless mower and trimmer.

    I went to Bunnings today and one of the older gentleman in customer service told me not to buy Ryobi apparently cheap china made. Recommended Makita brand and this was one below.

    https://www.bunnings.com.au/makita-460mm-18-18v-x-2-brushles…

    Where can I buy Honda or EGO mower and trimmer? Which set should I buy mower and trimmer for $1000?

    Ryobi is coming around $828

    Mower: https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-36v-46cm-4-0ah-brushless-c…

    Trimmer: https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-36v-28cm-33cm-cordless-str…

    • Euphemistic on 23/05/2023 - 13:42
      +1

      Ryobi is cheap China made, but it’s also works well for the $ and got a good warranty especially if you register the item.

      If you buy either mower or line trimmer with a battery you might pick up the other second hand for cheap.

      Although, if you consider your future needs around the house having a system that uses the same batteries as a drill etc is an advantage for makita (or ozito)

      • justanick on 23/05/2023 - 16:03

        Thank you mate. I’ll probably need drilling etc too in the future. Don’t Ryobi manufacturer drills? I guess the 36V won’t work out on a 18V drill.

        If I go with Makita for the lawn mower they have 2 x 18 batteries. With one of the batteries I can use the driller and other stuff.

        Am I correct with my thinking?

        Is Makita 2 x 18V good lawn mower and a brand?

    • donga100 on 23/05/2023 - 18:45

      Where can I buy Honda or EGO mower and trimmer? Which set should I buy mower and trimmer for $1000?

      Sydney Tools is close to you and sells most of the EGO range. This mower/blower combo looks like best value and then add a trimmer. Keep in mind that a 56V 5.0Ah battery holds more electricity than a 36V 5Ah battery so it will get through more work than the Makita being sold by Bunnings.

      I believe the Honda battery mower delivers the most power (1000W) out of any major brand but it is a bit more expensive. You can buy them from Honda dealers which are most mower shops.

      • justanick on 23/05/2023 - 21:08

        Wow this is an eye opener. I didn’t even know 56v 5Ah exists for mower.
        Is EGO a good brand and where is in made? How is their warranty services compared to Bunnings warranty service?

        For the trimmer it shows it works on 56V 2.5Ah battery. Can I use the 5Ah battery on this?

        The Internet is full of Ryobi and Makita reviews. I’ll check the mower review tonight.

        Are they in the midst of changing brands?

        https://madefind.com/where-are-ego-products-made/

        • donga100 on 24/05/2023 - 09:30
          +2

          Is EGO a good brand and where is in made? How is their warranty services compared to Bunnings warranty service?

          It's widely considered the best battery garden tool brand but other established brands are starting to catch up (Stihl, Honda, etc.). Warranty support is very good but is done via courier so not as convenient as Bunnings.

          For the trimmer it shows it works on 56V 2.5Ah battery. Can I use the 5Ah battery on this?

          All the batteries work on all of the tools. The 5Ah will just last longer and be heavier than the 2.5Ah. The charging system is also one of the fastest on the market as it has built in fan cooling.

          It's worth noting that EGO only make garden tools, no drills or other hand tools. I use EGO mower and chainsaw as I find 18/36V doesn't have enough power for my uses. I then use Ozito 18v for smaller stuff such as drills, angle grinder, hedge trimmer, etc. I've tried some Ryobi stuff and didn't see much difference compared to Ozito and they are both owned by Bunnings so warranty is handled the same.

          • justanick on 24/05/2023 - 17:52
            +1

            @donga100: This has certainly changed my mind. I’m going to the store in Alexandria tomorrow and book something before their sale ends.

            Could you please let me know if one battery 56V good for mowing my area front and back combined 300sqm and whipper snapper/ trimmer in one go?

            Also to confirm I’ll be buying the mower and blower combo deal and the trimmer skin only? The battery will still fit, right?

            • donga100 on 24/05/2023 - 19:16

              @justanick: Yes, battery will still fit, they only have one type of battery, just different capacities. One 5Ah should be enough for mowing and trimming 300sqm. They have a redemption offer at the moment so make sure you claim that too.

              • justanick on 24/05/2023 - 19:39

                @donga100: Mate thank you so much. Another quick question it says variable self propelled. Does that mean the wheels have power to push? If not which model would I be looking at. I’m lazy and not strong anything to assist me will keep me motivated to mow the lawn and not get into trouble with wifey.

                • donga100 on 24/05/2023 - 21:22

                  @justanick: Yes, that means you can hold a button to make the wheels drive it and the speed can be changed too. I don't use this much unless going up hills as it is much lighter than a petrol mower. I don't think the $849 combo I linked to includes that, you need to go to the $949 combo. However, if you're spending more you will probably qualify for the better redemption offer of a spare battery.

                  • justanick on 25/05/2023 - 00:26

                    @donga100: That’s great.
                    I’m hoping to go there tomorrow as I can’t wait for the excitement.

                    1) Could you please check if this is the correct link to the self propelling Mower and blower combo
                    https://sydneytools.com.au/product/ego-lmlb1704esp-56v-50ah-…

                    2) https://sydneytools.com.au/product/ego-st1300e-56v-33cm-lith…

                    The total is coming to $949+$199=$1148

                    With this what sort of redemption should I go for (need your recommendation)?

                    3) For the trimmer the bump feed line - if I run out of the strings do I have to go to Sydney tools or use something from Bunnings?

                    • justanick on 25/05/2023 - 19:39

                      @justanick: Update: went to Alexandria the guys there were horrible. No one bothered serving us. After waiting 40mins one nutcase came to assist. He had no idea about the EGO mowers or anything kept giving us false info. At one point we decided to walkout.

                      I checked the mower face to face it looks good very heavy for me to lift but I guess that’s will all mowers.

                      We got 4-5 weeks before we move into our new house. If I pay early are they able to hold the item for us?

                      • donga100 on 25/05/2023 - 21:22
                        +1

                        @justanick: Wow, that's disappointing. I was really impressed by the service last time I went to Sydney Tools but depends on the staff member I guess.

                        You can use any trimmer line in it, doesn't need to be EGO brand (if that even exists).

                        If you are spending $1148 it's probably better to spend an extra $52 so you can get into the next redemption tier. I would suggest the hedge trimmer if you need one or the extra 2.5Ah battery.

                        The combo you have linked to does indeed have the self propelled mower in it.

                        Not sure about them holding it for 4-5 weeks but the redemption offer goes until the end of June and they typically replace it with a near-identical offer anyway.

                        • justanick on 26/05/2023 - 02:07

                          @donga100: “ If you are spending $1148 it's probably better to spend an extra $52 so you can get into the next redemption tier. I would suggest the hedge trimmer if you need one or the extra 2.5Ah battery.”

                          I am not sure if I need to hedge trimmer but with the battery I’m thinking if that has enough juice worth anything. Perhaps I could use the 5Ah battery for the mower and 2Ah for the trimmer?

                          I have been looking and what to get for another $52 something useful. Any suggestions?
                          I know I’ll need a laser device to put paintings in the new house. Garden hose and automatic sprinklers.
                          All the above are much cheaper in Bunnings or Amazon. So confusing.

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