Moving into a House - Need to Buy Mower, Trimmer, Blower, etc. What Brand/Range to Go for?

Hi OzBargainers,

I am moving into a house in 2 months time, and I've been living in an apartment for so long (>6 years) that I no longer have any gardening tools.
So need to re-buy them all.

The house is going to have about 250m2 of lawn/grass, backyard is slightly sloped.
I'm leaning toward buying the battery tools so that the batteries can be shared between the tools.

My mates at work suggested Makita and/or EGo - but I checked they are quite expensive, especially Makita ones.
My parents think the Ryobi 18V would do as I "have a small yard". My partner has no idea about this sort of stuff.
I'm assuming the higher the Volts the better they are?

What is/are your go-to brands?

Comments

  • +5

    EGO is not a dirty word
    Don't you believe what you've seen or heard

    https://egopowerplus.com.au/

    • +1

      Showing your age there jv :)

    • Great comment from the Toorak Cowboy

      • I don't live in Toorak.

      • I've heard of the Toorak tractor (Range Rover), but not the cowboy.

  • +19

    If you can hold out until November, Ryobi usually sell a 'garden care kit' for about $400. Has a mower, blower and trimmer in it. You should be able to find past deals by searching.

    Else ozito

  • +24

    I went down the Ryobi route but in hindsight should have gone into Ozito. Just as good for household maintenance and cheaper.

    • +2

      I’ve practically got everything Ozito and haven’t had any issues. Drill set that’s about 15 years old, I’ve charged the batteries 5 or 10 times and it still goes strong.

      Mower, line trimmer, whipper snipper (this one is a bit meh), blower, wet and dry vac, hedge trimmer, chainsaw, pressure washer.

    • Ryobi have a massive range though and their stick vac rules.

  • +1

    ̶D̶o̶n̶u̶t̶ ̶ Do not get the 18V.

    • Are they not powerful enough? what about those 18v x2 - do those mean 36v or something else?

      • +1

        More is always better BUT I did a full size block with 18v ryobi for about 8 years. You just have to know how to use it. eg sharpen the blades at least once per season, if you let the grass get away from you and too too long/thick pop it up on the back wheels and go through blades first then lower it down and pull back for a second pass etc. If you're thinking you may want other tools, the the 18v can make a lot of sense.

        I'm actually doing the opposite, downsizing and about to get rid of all my gardening gear.

        • ^^ this. Been using dual 18v and no issues. Sharpen blades and don't leave it for too long, no problems.

      • +4

        pro-tip: sell the house and use the money for booze and ciggy.

        • +1

          We can't all live inside our video card.

      • what about those 18v x2 - do those mean 36v or something else?

        Yes, many are going to be 18x2. That's perfectly fine.

    • +2

      Agree 100%

      Stay well away from any 18V battery mower regardless of brand

      Stick with 36V either as a single battery or 2 x 18V.

      But 250m2 of lawn is quite a lot to mow so consider a petrol mower

      Also look on Facebook or Gumtree for used mowers.

      If you must buy "new" then I strongly recommend the Ozito 36V battery mowers from Bunnings
      They are excellent value for money and have a great (5 year) warranty as well
      Ive had one for many years and its still going strong.

      Check out these 2 models. The more expensive model has longer lasting batteries and a wider cutting width (less cutting time for you):
      3Ah batteries / 33cm cutting width $329
      https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-pxc-36v-2-x-18v-335mm-lawn…
      4Ah batteries / 38cm cutting width $399
      https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-pxc-36v-2-x-18v-380mm-brus…

      Be aware that with any battery mower you must mow the lawn quite regularly.
      Dont let it grow too long as the battery mower wont handle the cut.

      If you are inclined to be a bit lazy in that aspect then definitely buy a petrol mower.
      Used is fine
      You get them for $50-$100.
      Just make sure you see it start and running before you buy

      Same with a used battery mower

      This time of year they are very cheap

  • +4

    I guess it depends on what you value.
    EGO is one of the pinnacle brands for OPE, it will get the job done quicker than the comparable Ryobi or Ozito. Of course the trade off is it costs more.

    I have DeWalt power tools but made the decision to get EGO for OPE as they’re superior, I don’t regret the decision.

    Others to look at for top end is Milwaukee and newer getting decent reviews is Greenworks.

    You can get 15% off discount vouchers for EGO at their Demo days, see details here - https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/922908?utm_source=searchal…

    • ope ?

      • Outside Pruning Experts?
        .

        • Occasional Prospecting Expeditions

      • Outside power equipment or overpowered equipment are my guesses

      • Stands for Outdoor Power Equipment.

  • +5

    I did the same recently and went Honda 4 stroke on the whipper and the mower. Mine goes through my shit grass like butter.

  • +10

    You can spend the money and get the top end stuff that everyone gives high marks to and that can deal with overgrown bamboo for 9 hours a day

    Or you can buy the cheaper stuff that gets the job done and which is all you need, then sit back and drink the beers you can still afford to buy

    Go Ozito if you want battery. You will need a drill and a sander and a bunch of other tools; so Ozito will do all of them. Battery mowers are actually much easier to use and if you have a few spare batteries (on sale at the moment) you will mow everything no issue

    Otherwise you can go for an old fashioned petrol

  • +2

    I have about the same with back, front and nature strip and went cheap with 2x18v Ozito mower, trimmer and blower that I got in a kit deal, and it does the job absolutely fine as long as I don't let it get too long. If it does I have to do 2 passes. I have 2 x 2A batteries and 2 x 4A which is enough to do the whole lot. Think I paid $300 for the whole lot

  • +2

    ego

  • I have a ryobi wipper snipper, would not go back to petrol.

    For that size lawn you might get away with a battery one, otherwise if you don't mind a cord, I'd reccomend bosch, they ocassionally come up on Amazon at a good price.

  • +1

    My mates at work suggested Makita and/or EGo - but I checked they are quite expensive, especially Makita ones.

    They are correct, our EGO rocks.

    My parents think the Ryobi 18V would do as I "have a small yard". My partner has no idea about this sort of stuff.

    Brushless ones are the way to go but…..

    I'm assuming the higher the Volts the better they are?

    …. voltage is the key for great mowing. Get the 36v range for best results. But the brushless 18v are ok if you don't let the grass get too long.

  • +1

    Word of caution with Ryobi, it has Bunnings exclusive distribution meaning that you can only get sales and support from Bunnings

    It’s generally fine except when you need to order spares or accessories that they sit stock as a standard line, Bunnings is useless. Ryobi will just tell you to go to bunnings

    • +2

      You can always special order parts at bunnings. From experience, 2-3 days wait.

  • +6

    I'd check Marketplace.

  • -8

    Congrats on the house. Dead giveaway you’re an owner though, as only homeowners worry about maintaining the garden. Renters just let the grass go feral and let their big barking dog carve goat tracks through it.

  • I have used the ozito range for a year with no problems. I used the coles bunnings gift card offer to get 7.5% off, you'll have to see what is available when you are ready to buy.

  • Makita

  • +1

    I have a similar yard, and use a Bosch corded mower, and a gutsy af 2 stroke whipper snipper. It's good combination.

    Tend to mow during solar hours, so it's free using the panels for energy.

    No battery management. Whipper snipper uses negligible fuel compared to a mower. No weed too tough. Plenty of cable management though! Although that's not hard, just just need to mow in a particular way so that you don't double back over the cord.
    Note: the Bosch mower itself is great but I find using catcher is a pain in the arse, as is not using it - grass gets caught. I've got mine permanently open with a zip, which is fine except when you run over a rock or stick. Can't complain, ozbargain got the mower for like $99.

  • Higher voltage equals more weight.
    I had a 58V AEG line trimmer and was just way too heavy, so I switched to a 18V Makita and it does the job well.
    If its a mower, weight is not important, but if you have to carry it, look for something light.
    Also the manufacturers get a bit creative with their voltage measurement, so some might say 18V or 20V or 24V, but they are basically all the same. Then there is a step up to 36V or 40V, and that group are more powerful (and more heavy) than the 18V group but still have the same stated voltage accuracy problem.

  • Replace grass with creeping thyme, or other ground cover, that never need mowing.

    • I will need this for under trees and have had seeds in the past, but misplaced. What variety of the creeping thyme do you use? How quickly do they grow?

      At the moment, in another area, I have "creeping" oregano, which I use everyday - so double bonus. I have three varieties of thymes in pots that I use almost daily as well.

  • I have about 200-250sqm of grass. People said plug-in (corded) lawnmowers are too much of a hassle, but I went ahead and do NOT regret it after seeing my Dad's battery-powered one run out of power again and again a few years ago.

    It's actually not that much trouble getting around the cable, and you get used to it straight away.

    Cost~$100 for Ozito plug in lawmower, which is an amazing price. Enough power to cut through the toughest grass. Extremely light, makes it easy to move from back to front or lift over things. Takes me 10-20 mins to do the entire lawn. Not having to smell toxic petrol fumes for 20 minutes is a massive bonus for me. Also got plug-in blower which is amazing.

    Don't have a trimmer, but will think about getting a plug-in or battery-operated one.

    • That is why you get an extra battery when you can afford it.

  • +7

    To be perfectly honest, with such a tiny area just get Ozito, the devices are going to be used for less than a hour a week (combined) in spring summer and less than an hour a month the rest of the year. Way waste money on ruggedness and longevity for something that will have barely been run in after a few years on your tiny area.

    • How big is your yard that 250m2 is tiny? Most modern housing developments that's the entire block size, not just the grassed area.

      • -1

        250m2 is only 25mx10m area. my yard is also relatively small but it is closer to 500m2. yes most modern blocks have tiny to non existant grassed area and spending large amounts on equipment for areas like that is just silly.

    • +1

      Yes, 100%. There is no need for OP to be getting high end gear that can be used by commercial gardeners and runs for hours a day. Just need something they gets the job done effectively and cheaply

    • I thought this is one of my parents replying me on OzBargain as you said exactly the same thing!

      • Sounds like you already have a source for great advise then.

  • +5

    If you'r e buying the house, buy a good petrol mower and the rest can be battery.

    I bought the Ego mower, whipper snipper and blower about 9 years ago. Sold the mower after a few months, as it just couldn't cut low enough in Summer. I kept the whipper snipper and blower and brought a heap of other attachments over time, They are next level compared to Ryobi. Everything just works, the original batteries are still going strong and parts are available for everything.

    I'd buy a second hand 19" Rover or Honda mower that will last forever and get EGO or Ryobi for the rest.

    • +1

      Never cut your grass super low unless you want the weeds to have a better success of growing in your yard

  • I switched from EGO 56v to Ozito 36v. EGO was heavy and cumbersome. The Ozito is light, fast, great catcher. Have Ryobi tools so looked at Ryobi first, but liked the design and useability of the Ozito (specifically how the catcher connects). Wife also cuts the lawns now, likes using it.

  • I have Bosch mower, whipper snipper, hedge trimmer and blower. Love the push button start after health issues I didn’t have the strength for pull start on my petrol mower. Very happy with the lot but it normally takes 2 batteries to do the entire lawn.

  • +2

    36v Ryobi tools are pretty good imo. Good warranties (3yr-battery/6yr-tool) and Bunnings will do a straight swap if you do run into any problems. Have whipper snipper with edger attachment, chainsaw, mower and hedge trimmer. Had 2 line trimmers die on me and got a straight swap from Bunnings and restart of warranty. Can mow 660 square meter block with less than one battery.

  • +1

    Aldi battery powered mower - bought 3-4 years ago for $229 (now $249, not sure warranty period?) - 2 batteries & charger, 5 years warranty. I use it for grass and cutting up small branches before I got a Ryobi shredder and it hasn't missed a beat.

    Get the mower first and see if you need the others, then can get from Aldi. These are special buys, so not available all year round.

    You definitely don't need EGO, etc., unless you want to stroke your ego, boasting to others.

  • We went from apartment to townhouse and now house with front and back lawn.

    Recommend Ryobi
    - 36V Brushless 46cm Lawn Mower (Bought an extra 36V 5Ah Battery for the mower)
    - 18V ONE+ 25cm/30cm Line Trimmer (bought in 2023 and still going strong)
    - 18V ONE+ Leaf Blower Tool

    Warranty is good and price is on point. Easy to use.

  • i have been super happy with makita (bought during sales from trade tools, bunnings etc) but apparently most people here stick to ozito or ryobi.

    Make sure you are happy with the overall range of products for whatever brand you pick, sticking to 1 battery ecosystem is much better so you dont need different chargers all over the place and its easy to just swap between devices as you need them.

    • +1

      Yes if you get Ryobi and get 36v, be prepared to only but 36v stuff.

      Also don't buy a blower. Get a $2 rake instead.

  • +1

    Ozito 2x18v range is great if on a budget or if you already have Ozito. Get 36v power while still able to share batteries with hand tools. Ozito/Bunnings great for warranty.

    Ego definitely has more power but dramatically more expensive and probably overkill for your use case - also no sharing batteries with other tools. More recently they seem to have a questionable rep with batteries/warranty but haven’t experienced first hand.

  • Greenworks 60V 46cm Lawnmower Bundle Kit - Kit comes with 1 x 60V lawnmower, 1 x string trimmer, battery and charger. Usually goes for about $699 and comes with redemption for extra battery or extra attachments. We got ours from Sydney Tools but sell them in a few places.

    They have some smaller and cheaper 40v models if you have a small yard and bigger, more powerful ones but this one hit the sweet spot for price and size we needed. Hasn't missed a beat in the 6m we have had it.

  • If you go Ryobi make sure you go 36V, much more power

    My Ryobi mower has broken in the past and I just take it to Bunnings and swap it with a better more expensive model and they generally don't care

  • +3

    I love my EGO tools

  • +2

    Ozito - affordable, reliable and great warranty

  • +1

    Got a mix of Ozito and the Aldi gear, all fantastic for maintaining yard front and back thats about 200m2

    And edit: spending less on outdoor gear let me spend more on inside 'better' brands like Dyson vacuum to make missus happy.

    • Get a roborock…

  • +2

    If you want to stick to 1 brand and battery system, then go with Ryobi 18v, they have 200+ power and garden tools.

    Ozito line trimmers aren't that good, I won't touch any of their line trimmers, but their 36v mowers are decent, I have 2 ozito 36v lawn mowers, both are great, if I have to pick again I will just pick the ozito 36v 460mm steel deck lawn mower.

    If you want a bit more power, then Greenworks 54v $699 combo kit from Sydney tools or Total Tools is nice combo kit, includes both lawn mower, line trimmer plus batteries.

    If you don't have a tight budget, then go with Ego.

    • I have the first series Ozito 36v steel deck which has been going for 2-3 years. It's proved to be strong and reliable. I mow a bush verge with lot's of fallen sticks and occasional rocks and obstructions and it's taken some big impacts that would have damaged a plastic deck mower, including an old draft horse shoe.

      The Ozito mower was the start of building a big range of Ozito battery tools which I've been happy with across the range. Even the light duty trimmer does it job well and and much less hassal than the petrol line trimmer. The 36v chain saw and the extended pole hedge trimmer / pruning saw are outstanding.

      I'll never go back to the mess and hassle of filling fuel tins and spending hours cursing 'start you b**stard' at petrol powered tools.

  • +1

    Ego

  • +2

    I’m a huge Ego fan. Everything I have had from them has been amazing.

  • I think a petrol mower and electric everything else. But don't buy the Stanley fatmax.. full of plastic crap that melts.

  • +3

    For a mower go for a 36v (dual battery) model. The 18v bog down if you let the lawn get away from you or it is even slightly damp.

    I recommend the ozito range. Its ok & cheap for what you get. The warranty is solid. Unless you are also a tradie & would benefit from buying into a more robust/expensive brand the ozito stuff is fine.

    Set up an alert & wait for it to go on promo or check facebook marketplace occasionally.

  • AEG mowers are professional grade and battery operated. It would be perfect for your large'ish lawn and slope if you go for a self-propelled one. For the other tools, Ryobi is good enough.

  • +1

    Ozito. You get the unofficial Bunnings replacement guarantee. If something fails, just walk it in and they will refund or replace.

    • is it only for ozito brand, or in general?

  • -2

    How much do you value your 'free time'?

    Just pay someone to do it regularly 🤷‍♂️

  • Need to Buy Mower, Trimmer, Blower, etc

    You could just get a goat. They don't mind inclines either.

  • Makita

    • -2

      Makita is overpriced garbage.

      • I don’t think it’s garbage, but overpriced yes. (But also not for consumers… it’s for trades)

        • +1

          Boss where I once worked always bought Makita. They overheated and burnt out quite easily. My old Ryobi could do 1/2" in steel and never got hot. The Makita battery charger also burnt down half the building.

  • 250m of lawn isn’t the smallest yard - get mid range otherwise you’ll hate doing it and it will take 3x as long.

    Consider Ryobi 36V (or larger 2x 18V) or Ozito 2x18V

    Just DONT get the base models for either of the above brands for mowers /whipper snippers or edgers (18V) - you might get away with blowers
    Anything self propelled normally alright.

    If you have deeper pockets: Anything with Ego

  • +2

    ego having a sale at the moment with redemptions ie

    https://sydneytools.com.au/category/by-brand/ego

    You don't have to goto Sydney tools, can check trade tools and total tools and others, but if you spend >1K you will get an extra battery by redemption which is RRP is $229.

    Alternatively check out this earlier post which fulfils your needs:
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/922076

  • -2

    Never buy electric as they will not last. My Victa mower is 40 years old and still works. We do a self service once per year, change the oil, wash the air filter and sharpen the blades with an angle grinder and it keeps going.

  • I probably have similar amounts of lawn to mow total (including nature strip), I ended up going Husqvarna.
    I've had 4 years of trouble free usage, I do prefer a higher quality of product, its all 36v and the batteries all work with each other device (blower, line trimmer that you can change the head attachment out). Batteries for these are now expensive which sucks.

    If I were buying again id either go the same or look for Toro or Honda electric to see what's the best rated or recommended.

    I'm mowing a buffalo grass, I knew my previous 18v Ryobi wasn't going to do the job in the new place, also I only had like 25sqm to mow with the Ryobi.

    If you're buying just to get the mowing done and have little to no other interest in the garden, lawns, straight crisp edges etc then probably consider the lower end of things like a 36v Ryobi or Ozito for long warranty and cheap entry price.

  • I've had my Ozito battery gear for 4 years now and it's still going strong. Probably spent about 500-600 all in for the Mower, Whipper snipper/edger and blower vac. Great warranty too.

  • Get a robot mower.
    Saves your back, skins & enjoy your beers.

  • +1

    Get an ozito 36v mower with steel deck, a 36v ozito jet blower, and either the new ozito brushless whipper snipper or a Stihl petrol shipper snipper (the most basic model will do).

    The Stihl will be far more powerful but requires you to store and mix petrol at home. Also emits fumes. Over one regardless because it's a solid unit and cuts through every tall grass with ease and has two ends of the cutting line working as opposed to just one end for the ozito one. The ozito whipper snippers aren't reviewed well on the other hand (new 36v model may be good, I don't know).

  • I find its better to outsource the Lawn mowing job to an expert.
    $85 every 4 months.

    Yard looks neat and professionally maintained.
    High quality tools that you don't have to maintain.
    Save Time.

    • +6

      Every 4 months? Seems like a huge amount of time between cuts especially from spring to autumn.
      Summer every 2 weeks I'm having to mow and trim for things to look acceptable and not overgrown or unkept.

    • Lol who is this mythical lawn mowing expert that works for $85 once every 4 months and still have the lawn look professionally maintained?!

      The grass in my backyard will grow waist deep if not mowed for 4 months.

  • If you want to try cordeless out for cheap, there are usually plenty of battery mowers on faceache etc. Ive bought my ryobibstuff second hand.

    Ive got ryobi gear. 18v line trimmer is good enough for edging. Wouldn't be weapon of choice for block clearing though.

    Havent used a ryobi 18v mower so cant comment, but the 36v does 300m2 of lawn ok if its not too long, otherwise needs a second battery.

    Try not to get another battery system. Eg if youve already got ozito drill, buy ozito.

  • mower—victa from bunnings

  • I'm prepared for all the sighs and "no ways", but I bought one of these for about $215 years ago and it has done a great job. CHEAP!!!
    https://www.amazon.com.au/Bosch-Corded-Mower-Cutting-Width/d…
    Yes you must manage the power cord but you get used to it and I manage fine.
    Two main benefits are that I never need to worry about charging/buying batteries and it is so light I carry it in one hand.
    Anyway… back to your regular progamming.

  • As a lawnie, I use an ego lawn mower & line trimmer on a daily basis (the EGO commercial stuff is great). I also have a Makita 40v XGT setup too (power head that I use for blade edging, hedge trimming etc).

    Can't really go wrong with either of them. For domestic use I believe their warranty periods are very generous with Makita having a 5-year commercial warranty. Both these platforms are not cheap, but they deliver in spades. The mower is light weight coming in at 25kg and can be stored upright saving space.

    Saying that, the guys that live across the street from me use Ryobi mower and seems to work well.

  • Key is to get something that is 36v or higher. The ozito 18v x2 (aka 36v but uses their normal 18v batteries which is good if you have them already or need 18v tools too), ryobi 36v, and ego are all good. That's in price order, I have mainly ozito and ryobi and find both good but the ryobi garden stuff is a bit better for not a heap more on special.

    Just don't get 18v stuff. Petrol stuff has the power but is a pain, I use to work fixing stihl stuff and while I can maintain it, electric stuff is so much more reliable and just easier.

    • 18v for a line trimmer and blower is plenty for a domestic yard kept in good condition. I had a ryobi 36v line trimmer for a while but ended up selling it. Now i can mow the lawn with the 36v mower and use my other 18v batteries for the blower and edging.

      Especially for ryobi, 36v batteries are a lot more expensive and you would want 2 for a decent sized yard to mow, edge and blow.

  • +1

    Stihl 36V. Yes, it's not cheap but really good quality and will last a long time. Can get spare parts fairly easily too.

    An added bonus is that a lot of their stuff is not made by the CCP.

    • “ China: The Qingdao location is the second-largest production site in the STIHL group, producing chainsaws and other power tools” heaven forbid something comes from our largest trading partner.

      • I said a lot of their stuff, not all. Both my chainsaws were made in Germany and the US. My shop vac was made in Hungary, as was my trimmer. I know it's not always possible to buy stuff not made by the CCP, but it is the most evil organisation in existence today, and the less stuff that you buy from them, the better.

  • Got one of these Ryobi dual 18v battery brushless second hand and it's fantastic. Powerful (enough) and compact when not in use, has been perfect for me.
    I have gone full Ryobi for the tools you've mentioned and they've been great. Never missed beat.
    https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-hp-40cm-lawn-mower…

  • Ozito 36V brushless stuff - cheap and does the job nicely for the size you have. Plenty on marketplace and you can find new / lightly used for cheap if you don't want to pay retail. Otherwise use discounted bunnings gift cards along with flybuys and onepass to earn sweet points along the way

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