Advice Needed: Which Battery Ecosystem Do I Want? for Lawn Mower/Line Trimmer/Edger

Dear OzBargainers,

About 15 years ago I bought a '90s era Victa 18" lawnmower for cheap at a storage auction and it has run like a dream ever since, with minimal maintenance. About 6 or 7 years ago I bought a line trimmer at ALDI - the one with a single strand of line and the head that twists 90° so that it can operate as an edger too. I love the concept but it's a gutless little thing and too short so that I have to stoop over. Today, as I was doing the lawn, they both gave me strong indications that they will need to be replaced before I have to do the lawn again.

I have a couple of ALDI brand batteries - in addition to the line trimmer I have a cordless drill which has been fantastic. However, I have accepted that I'm going to need to buy into another battery ecosystem so I'm after advice for the best way to go, or experience from others. As you can see from my purchase history I am a true cheapskate - it's going to cause me pain to drop a large sum of money on a new kit, but I'll work through that with my therapist.

I need:

  • a lawnmower - I have a big block of land (~750 sq. m.) so I wouldn't want a smaller deck than my current 18" (46cm)
  • a line trimmer, and
  • an edger.

All thoughts and suggestions welcome!

Comments

Search through all the comments in this post.
  • -8

    Couldn’t imagine living like that myself.

    • +1

      OP should just move and rent an apartment, problems solved.

    • +2

      Thankfully, many of us don't think like you do

      • -1

        How so

        • +1

          living on a property with plenty of space

          • -2

            @R4: I have 800m2 block

            • +7

              @Stealtho: Then I misunderstood what you were trying to say, or it was badly written

          • +1

            @R4: laughs in acreage…..
            .

  • -6

    Scissors are cheap

  • +9

    If you have a big block, I would stick with petrol.

    • -8

      Pretty much this. You want petrol. Any battery system you buy will be replaced by petrol soon enough. Avoid the middle costs.

      • Why?

        • +1

          It's a normal step for people to cheap out on battery unit then realise they're quite underpowered (yes even 36V systems) and upgrade to a petrol mower. Same thing for line trimmer. Just bite the bullet once and buy something decent.

          • -3

            @Hybroid: Can confirm - battery mower = shit. I've got Ryobi 18V gear and I can cut my back lawn just fine with one - if I only want to neaten it up - but I find myself driving over to Nan's place and borrowing her petrol mower once a year when I need to really mow it low so I can fertilise. I tend to use that over the spring/summer period and then give it a quick mow a few times in winter using the battery mower.

            I also have a problem with the line trimmer that I use to do edging, it's too short so I have to bend over and that wrecks my back. Does a decent enough job though I will say.

            I also have a blower which is very underpowered and basically useless.

            I'd prefer to have my own petrol tools. Can't imagine that going to 36V would make these situations any better - I'd rather just spend the money on decent petrol powered stuff.

            • +9

              @Morphio25: Don't listen to someone who has only tried an 18V mower and assumes 36V won't be any better.

            • +3

              @Morphio25: EGO 56v mower cuts better than my petrol ever did.

              • @drewbytes: Good to know but $$$ right?

              • @drewbytes: In isolation this tells us & the OP what?

                As what your petrol mower was is unclear - how well maintained it was is unclear, what your yard/cutting requirements are is unclear. Could be a handy observation but you need to give some more supporting info to flesh it out.

            • +3

              @Morphio25: Sure if you go to bunnings and buy a Ryobi battery mower it might not be too good. I cut lawns for a living and my setup is 100% battery. Only people stuck in the past believe PeTrOl=BeTt3R1!11!!1oeo1neo1n!!! Battery systems have more torque these days than petrol.

      • +10

        I can't speak for other brands but my Ego 56V mower and trimmer work just fine, I don't miss the handling and power of petrol.

        • +4

          My EGO collection rocks. Started with a power head and a few attachments when my petrol pole hedger died. Now I have 8 tools. Love it. Would never go back to petrol.

      • +3

        I maintain 1500m2 all battery, haven't used petrol in 3 years. I would never go back. And tif tuff is thick lawn.

        Either Makita or Milwaukee brushless 36v (2*18v) stuff is great. Its so quick to switch out the batteries, I can mow all my lawn with one switch.
        Edging is all done on less than a full charge.

    • +5

      What's the logic here? My guess is that you're going to say a single battery won't do the whole lawn, but if that's the case then how is changing the battery any different from refilling the fuel tank? At least I can avoid the trips to the petrol station to refill my can.

      • +1

        But surely one battery charge will take a couple of hours? Whereas a 2l Jerry csn if petrol will last you weeks and takes under a minute to fill the tank? Even with multiple batteries and chargers you'll be turning your morning job into a multi day ordeal.
        I had a battery ryobi leaf sucker and the power/run time was hopeless. My stihl petrol one is a hundred times better so that put me off battery for life.

        • +1

          I use an Aldi Ferrex electric mower I bought 5 years ago - used to do my 750m block in a single charge, now takes 2. I do the front lawn, put it on charge while I do other things, then do the back - there is no loss of time at all in having to charge it. Charging takes about 25 minutes while I hang out laundry, whipper snip edges, pull weeds from garden etc ….

        • Nonsense. I've a 1200m^2 block and my 36V DeWalt mower handles it one one pair of batteries. If it didn't, I've got plenty more to swap out in less time than it takes to refill my old mower with petrol. Safer too, as you're not pouring fuel near a heat source.

          I gave up on petrol lawn gear. Traipsing to the servo with a fuel can (which makes the "under a minute to fill the tank" complete rubbish), mixing fuel, the inevitable faffing around getting it running again properly after a winter without use, the occasional carburettor rebuild/investigation, the NOISE! It's been far less effort since changing to battery.

      • You want to make sure you use the right battery for the job you’re doing. Definitely don’t be using a 2Ah or even 4Ah battery on something like a lawn mower. You’d want to start with probably an 8Ah (maybe even more) with a yard that big, and one of the high powered ones.

        But even then, with a yard that size, I do agree you’d probably be switching back to petrol within a couple of years. The battery lawn mowers are best for those with small yards or only needing to do their nature strips.

    • +5

      he has a big block compared to modern block sizes, however at 750 square metres this is NOT a big block when thinking of yard effort. Currently on 800 square metres and battery easily does it for trimming and mowing. personally with the relatively modest block size I would just go with Ozito.

      • +3

        I agree. 750m is not a huge block. I've got 800 square metres and I'm fine with Ozito.

    • +3

      I have 2 acres and converted entirely to Battery a few years ago. Including Battery Ride on. Originally I started just with the power tools like anyone else… Then I started switching my 4x4 stuff (like lighting and chainsaw) to battery and was happy…. Then came the line trimmer, brush cutter, edger etc… Then lawn mower and finally ride on…. The time saving in servicing, oil, fuels, driving to get fuels etc… Well worth it. I basically chose Ryobi because of no question asked replacement warranty, which I've accessed a few times and zero hassle.

    • +5

      750 sqm is not a "big block" that can only be serviced by petrol powered garden tools. High capacity batteries are available in all ecosystems that will perfectly suffice the needs of this person.

      I've a similar sized block and I'm on the ozito ecosystem although I have more batteries than I probably need.

    • Big lol

  • Assume you do not have any other powertool requirements.

    Ozito pxc may be a low cost option and given its stocked by Bunnings, accessible to most.

  • +6

    I have a big block of land

    Sounds like the perfect excuse to get a Husqvarna 56" deck zero turn ride on and a big arse 2 stroke trimmer.

    What is your definition of big?

    • +1

      Was thinking similar. But OP could be a townie that thinks a 20mx20m patch of grass is big.

      • +8

        20x20m? There’s parts of Sydney where that’s a new suburb!

          • +3

            @mapax: Clearly you've been nowhere!

            • @Hardlyworkin: If mapax had actually been to nowhere, they would realize that the center of WA is not overpopulated.

              • @gmatht: Even the centre of Perth isn't overpopulated.

    • +3

      It's 754 square metres. Not big enough to warrant a ride-on, but big enough that I need a decent deck size.

      • -2

        Oddly specific.

        • +2

          I appreciate the specifics. It’s better than those OPs who ask about car maintenance and then refuse to state what model etc.

          • +8

            @mapax: Is the complete block 754m² or the lawn area to be mowed 754m². Now I'm confused by the specifics.

            • +1

              @MS Paint: Damn it man, now I’m confused.

          • +2

            @mapax: @mapax My car is making a sound when I drive it. Any suggestions? It has 4 doors, is blue and has some mirrors to assist with seeing behind.

            • +1

              @Domingo: Give uncle Ian a call, he’ll sort you out when he’s finished flap discing the gates.

              • +1

                @mapax: Faaaaark. Just spat out my tea. Lol

      • Not big enough to justify a ride on unless you have mobility issues or it's a steep block. Could you use a ride on - absolutely!

        For cheap, go with ozito due to availability and frequent specials. If you value your time I'd get a second set of batts (min 4 Ah).

        If it breaks outside of warranty then weigh up another ozito or better quality such as Makita.

        I think ozito even had a recent sale. You'll want 36 V brushless.

        I have an older ozito 36 V brushed. My son says he mows the whole lot on one set each 4 Ah and 2.5 Ah. 1000 m2 block and he's only motivated to mow every 4-6 weeks.

  • +20

    Ego.

    Cry once and be done with it.

    • +4

      Agreed. 4 years without missing a beat.

    • +4

      Literally this. Mine has not stopped in 5 years

    • Have met garden tradies who use all Ego stuff (with lots of batteries on their rig) and seeem very happy with their system. I was happy with Ego mower, line trimmer, hedger. Eventually replaced the mower with a baby Ozito for ease of handling on smallish lawn.

    • +1

      Yep. I've got the 52cm mower, blower and whipper snipper - 4 years in and faultless. Great gear.

  • +3

    Probably one of the good Victas and might be worth getting it serviced - could be something fairly minor.

    Good luck!

  • I have a 900 size block, and have a petrol mower and an Ego line trimmer.

    • +2

      Me too, but went electric.
      36V Ozito (2x 4Ah) covers the back yard. Recharge to do the front.

      Electric line trimmer is fine for regular maintenance, petrol for clearing the area that was neglected for years.

  • aldi should be selling a 2x 18V 5-in-1 skin soon, trimmer, blade, edger, pole saw, hedge trimmer https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/870677 . attachments are pretty much identical to https://www.mitre10.com.au/rockwell-2-x-18v-5-in-1-garden-ki…

    • +2

      Great! Then you can buy the Ozito when they price-match.

      • i don't think there is an ozito equivalent :)

    • I picked up one of them for $80. Hardly used. Hard wired on a couple of makita battery adaptors and it does the job fairly well, although it empties the batteries fairly quickly.

    • I have this kit and rate it! Much better than my 18v Ryobi equivalents…

  • +7

    Build a granny flat, lease it out, pay someone else to mow the lawn. Free up your weekends

  • +2

    Honda: 21-inch self-propelled 58V brushless have just arrived. That's my next mower if my 40 year old HR214 ever gives up.

    • Honda’s battery stuff better be as good as their petrol gear

      • +1

        A friend has the previous model HRG466 36V self-propelled; had the (faulty) battery replaced under warranty but otherwise no issues. The thing with Honda is they're a lawn mower manufacturer from way back, not a consumer grade power tool maker that has stuck their batteries into a plastic mower. The HRG416 and HRG466 are built on the Izy pressed steel chassis with a battery motor instead of petrol. The new 58V models are designed to cover off the ban on small petrol engines in California; they have full contractor spec power and performance: 21-inch, 2kW brushless motor, same continuous power output as the GXV160 4-stroke.

  • +1

    got DEWALT 36V Brushless 2 x 5.0Ah 510mm (20") Lawn Mower Kit from Total Tools not long ago, It comes with a free line trimmer (store pickup) and a blower (via online redemption), along with two batteries and a charger.

    The mower is powerful and I have no complaint at all. The two batteries are just enough to finish mowing, with little charge left. (I have a similar-sized yard to yours, with three main patches of grass, plus the council owned yard by the curb)

    If I use one of them in the line trimmer after mowing all 4 patches, it only lasts about 3 minutes. I think after a year or so after the battery starting to degrade, I might not be able to finish the whole yard in 1 go.

    thinking of buying another 2 after-market battery from ebay, but I have yet done any research.

    (I bought mine using Ultimate Everyone Gift Card from this deal but that was long gone, you'll probably have to wait for the next deal if you want to stack the GC Deal on top…)

    • The mower is powerful and I have no complaint at all. The two batteries are just enough to finish mowing,

      How many blades in the mower ?

      How big of an area, are you mowing ?

      Any issues with wet grass ?

      • +1

        how many blade — don't know, I can check later tonight.

        how big of an area — my block is around 730m2, with house+granny flat + long narrow drive way towards granny flat, everywhere else is covered in grass. Maybe 300 m2 or so? maybe even more…

        wet grass —- never mowed during wet weather, donno.

        I am saying it's powerful enough because I never had to stop/move back'n'forth for any patch, and I never bothered to pickup the small falling branches from the tree and it'll shred it just fine(note: I do pickup bigger branches)

        I have also accidentally hit one of the rock on the side of my garden and did leave a pretty big mark on the rock….

        this doesn't feel any worse than the petrol one I've used ~10 years ago (could be vague memory) —— back then I was a teenager and was paid $10 an hour mowing lawn for an old lady. (never used any mower between now and then, because I don't own any property in-between needed mowing)

      • +1

        There are two blades under my mower, positioned in a straight line.

        • +1

          Thanks for confirming.

    • +2

      You're probably better off getting legit batteries off Facebook marketplace rather than aftermarket batteries from ebay. They're usually pretty commonly available because tradies or people buy the kits and get extra batteries they don't need and sell them off, usually about 50-60% of the RRP. If you are going to go aftermarket, assume they are half the stated capacity.

      • thanks a lot for this idea, I'll try to search up in my local area!

        • +2

          I will second this. After seeing family members buy tons of fake Makita batteries just to see them constantly fail, I bought a bunch off marketplace from a guy who was upgrading his whole kit to 40v. Ended up with a ton of batteries, chargers, blowers, various tools etc.

          BTW, my 18v Makita line trimmer is a beast. I originally had one of those single line, short, back breaking line trimmers like OP mentioned and it was rubbish. After moving up a few models I can do the edges in a quarter of the time as the power difference is night and day. Plus with big 5-6Ah batteries I can get through the whole thing with one.

          I’m still on petrol for my mowers though. But then I’m on acreage!

          • +2

            @Agglr: Ill third it. Buying second hand off marketplace is a better option than buying cheap dodgy ebay batteries. There are always bundles of tools for sale as tradies upgrade or exit the business. Often you can get a bundle of tools for the items you want and then sell spares.

            Ive bought a bunch of bundles to upgrade my cordless kit, probably paid half retail value and only had a few items fail. Sold off quite a few i didnt need.

            • +1

              @Euphemistic: Personally I think you have two options:
              1. New from Amazon or wait for a promotion (I'm not sure if higher tier brands have battery promotions, this is how they make their money)
              2. New from Aliexpress. You would need to properly test and return if fake. This is a great option if legit. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23_hw-1xdd0

              You have to watch out for sharks on ebay/FBM. There are many selling batteries at near to prices you can buy new elsewhere. Maybe it is 50-60% off RRP but bear in mind no DIY should pay RRP, look for / wait for a deal. These marketplace batteries almost never come with a warranty. A well used battery will have reduced capacity. Prices for comparison:
              $149 1 x 5 Ah Bunnings - RRP
              $199 2 x 5 Ah Amazon
              $89 2 x 5 Ah Aliexpress supposedly "genuine". There may be cheaper options, this is the first I saw.
              $90 1 x 5 Ah FBM Brisbane, appears to be a private seller but could be a sideline business
              $70 1 x 5 Ah used FBM Brisbane
              $70 1 x 4 Ah used FBM Brisbane, appears genuine private seller
              $59 1 x 4 Ah used goods dealer (cash converters etc)

              • @AccuracyAdvocate: Im not talking about buying non genuine batteries, id much rather buy used genuine.

                • +1

                  @Euphemistic: Neither am I. I have just never found used batteries at what I think is a fair price considering unknown remaining capacity and no warranty.

            • @Euphemistic: Yeah, I used to have Ryobi gear, then started getting DeWalt with some good deals. I've slowly replaced all my gear (Cordless drill, impact driver, circular saw, lantern, line trimmer, hedge trimmer) and bought some new power tools that I wanted needed with a total outlay of about $300.

              • +1

                @moar bargains: Mine is all ryobi. I co sidered changing over to a more premium brand, but the skins are so much more expensive foe the rare occasion i want a tool i cant find second hand. I do have a crazy number of items though. 3 drills and 2 grinders for a start plus a bunch of gardening gear.

                Of the dozen or so batteries ive owned, only two have failed at maybe 6yo amd they were 1.5ah having worked pretty hard.

                • @Euphemistic: Yeah, Ryobi is a very solid pick and loads around on FBM. I bought one aftermarket battery for my gear once, and it died after the first use. So I never did that again!

  • We have the Stihl battery system - mower, line trimmer, blower, as well as a handheld slasher, pole trimmer and chainsaw.

    We bought the mower/linetrimmer/blower in 2016 when we had a 600sqm suburban block (with around 200sqm of sir Walter). Moved to acreage with 3 lawns (about 300sqm couch & sir Walter total) and they’re still going strong 9 years later.

    We have two batteries, but can mow all three lawns on one. Hubby uses slasher for area beyond this. Honestly, it’s more of an upfront investment, but it continues to serve us well.

    • The Sthil battery stuff would absolutely demolish a job of this size. It’s what we use on commercial properties, inc the battery mower for smaller or fiddly jobs.

      However. it’s very expensive and overkill for a single property. It’s design to run all day, 6 days a week.

  • +4

    ego have large battery mowers & good whipper snippers expensive but worth it for the size & quality

  • 750 block or 750 grass area? If it's grass area you're pushing it with electric. Very happy with my Greenworks tools though.

  • +3

    I suggest a Honda 4 stroke lawn mower, and any 18V line trimmer. I use Makita but its personal choice. Dont go more than 18V for the line trimmer, as the 18V models are adequate and the higher voltage types are too heavy.

  • +1

    750m² block doesn't tell us much. Is it filled with a McMansion, or does it have a decent amount of lawn?

    My old place was 780m², about 480m² of lawn inc. nature strip. I bought the largest Makita mower without self-propelled (because I find it annoying), which was a 36V model. I could mow all of it 1.5x on a 5Ah battery charge.

    I bought the 40V line trimmer because I wanted to enter the 48V power tools too. It is WAY over powered for domestic, but lasts for 3 full lots of edging on a 5Ah charge.

    The 36V would be adequate for most people, therefore one battery system (18V). Use 6Ah batteries and you'll get the whole lot done on one charge.

    Bonus is you can use the batteries across the range of excellent Makita power tools.

  • +2

    There's no point recommending the higher end battery stuff - as OP (understandably) is looking for a value choice not a premium one.

    Ozito's brushless 2 x 18v steel decked mower is well regarded - more than up to doing what the OP's yard will likely entail. Just follow all the best practices when moving to battery from petrol (i.e don't recharge hot batteries, don't cut wet grass etc))
    https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-pxc-36v-2-x-18v-460mm-brus…

    4aH batts regularly market down, 4 of these should be more than ample & very cost effective.

    Plenty of trimmer options the new 2 x 18v one is the pick - likely more than you need, turn vertical and easily will edge for you.
    https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-pxc-36v-2-x-18v-brushless-…

    Good thing is having all the batts and charger will make it much easier/cost effective to get other tools which will be priced as OP likes - alas he is not going to be buying much more Makita, AEG or Ego stuff…..Ozito PxC excellent range and priced much, much lower.

    • I went down this route, upgraded to the 5.2ah batteries and i can get through mowing and the sides (about 150sqm all up) on one charge. Was considering ego but figured id save a bit of money and returns/warranty on ozito products are generally hassle free.

    • Exactly. Ego etc is great if you are a commercial business and need your mower to 6+hours a day every day. If you are a householder who uses it for 90 minutes every 3 or 4 weeks, then all you are doing with an Ego is walking around smug at having bought 'the best' rather than something a lot cheaper which does the job just as well. Like someone with a $200k sports car inching through the traffic.

      Ozito gets the job done and is cheap and can just grab a few extra batteries if needed. Then expand in to the rest of the Ozito system also at cheaper and good enough quality.

      • -1

        He’s got 750m2. Ego is a good suggestion for the size.

        • Depending on the proportion of lawn to block. My 800m2 block has under 300m2 of lawn - including the nature strip.

        • Yup…..so is a LOT of stuff but he's noted that he's a low end spender, so Ego is not going to work with that.

          You price up an Ego solution for him vs an Ozito PxC one ……..now I can readily concede that the Ego entry level gear MIGHT be a tad better but I don't think there's enough of a margin in it to justify the cost difference , which is going to be a factor for the OP. :-)

          Ozito products as stated are more than up to 750m2 of basic lawn.

        • +2

          I have a 1000m2 block and an ozito with 2 batteries. Easily finish the whole block

    • I have the self-propelled version of the Ozito mower you have mentioned, and I'm pretty happy with it. It automatically ramps up when it detects very thick grass. I use 4AH batteries, and can make it through my 150sqm of grass no problem (as long as I don't use the self-propulsion too much - but if I do and the charge is depleted I can change them over to my 2.5AH batteries and complete the rest).

    • +1

      Ozito 2x18v is pretty solid and can be very cheap.

      I have the:
      Steel deck mower (previous model) and it’s excellent.
      300mm Line trimmer (it’s only ok, huge up for pointing out the new brushless model, I’ll see if I can trade up)
      18v edger works pretty well, better on the 5.2 batteries.
      Cheap blower that was bundled with the edger

      Buying them all on clearance I think I’m in for <$500 with 3 x 4ah and 2 x 5.2ah batteries and I wouldn’t go back to petrol. Line trimmer is probably slightly worse, blower is adequate (but there are more powerful jet blowers in the range). The 5.2 batteries give a nice power bump.

  • I am in the worx ecosystem with many tools etc. I also own a petrol mower bought for $80 many years ago. Battery is light quick and neat cut. Recharging can be a pain. If I need a hard cut or it gets a bit long between cuts I use the petrol as it has the weight to cut better and also has the power. An 8 litre can does me for months. Battery mowers are also narrower so more runs to cut. Lawn..stick to petrol. Tools get ozito or Ryobi off Facebook if you want cheaper. I swear by my worx outfit. Nothing has ever stopped working and the same 3 2.0ah batteries for the last 6-7 years.

    • battery mowers aren't narrower. They go right up to 22inch, basically the same as petrol variants. Just the really cheap battery mowers tend to be narrower.

      • Think what you mean is most of the standard ones that people buy are narrower and the really expensive ones are similar or wider from $500 upwards plus batteries.

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