Testing Battery-Powered Yard Tools

Modern battery-powered yard tools aren’t the same as their clunky, overpriced predecessors. These eco-friendly alternatives offer convenience, reduced noise, zero emissions, and some serious landscaping power. In the video above, Roger Cook and Jenn Nawada check out a variety of tools from Husqvarna, Oregon, Greenworks, and Ryobi. Learn more about battery-powered tools and which ones may be perfect for your yard in the guide below.

Advantages of Battery-Powered Yard Tools

Battery-powered yard tools offer several benefits over their gas-powered counterparts:

• Instant start-up: Battery-powered tools start with the push of a button without the hassle of pulling cords or priming engines.
• Lightweight and easy to handle: Designed to be lighter than gas-powered tools, battery-powered models are easier to maneuver, making them a great choice for people of all strength levels.
• Lower maintenance requirements: With fewer moving parts and no need for oil changes or fuel mixing, battery-powered tools require less maintenance. This saves homeowners time and effort in upkeep.
• No emissions or fumes: Unlike gas-powered tools, battery-powered options produce zero emissions, making them an eco-friendly choice that reduces air pollution and keeps your yard free of harmful fumes.
• Quieter operation: Battery-powered yard tools operate at a lower noise level compared to gas-powered alternatives. This makes them ideal for early morning or late evening use without disturbing neighbors.

These advantages make battery-powered tools an attractive option for homeowners looking to simplify their yard work.

Disadvantages of Battery-Powered Yard Tools

As Cook mentioned, the main downfall of battery-powered tools is that their batteries aren’t usually interchangeable between brands. Sometimes, they’re not even interchangeable between tools of the same brand. That’s why it’s best to pick one brand and stick with it for all your battery-powered yard tools.

In the video, Cook and Nawada looked at a line of 40-volt tools and showed how their batteries are interchangeable. This makes it easy to switch between tools and stock up on batteries, so you always have enough for the job.

Types of Battery-Powered Yard Tools

Here are some common types of battery-powered tools that offer lightweight, quiet, and convenient operation for your yard care:

• Chainsaws: Battery-powered chainsaws are now available in various sizes, suitable for different cutting needs. These saws normally come in 12-inch, 14-inch, and 16-inch bar lengths for different cutting requirements.
• Hedge trimmers: Electric hedge trimmers provide precise cutting for shaping shrubs and hedges without the weight and noise of traditional gas-powered hedge trimmers. They also offer quieter operation for residential areas.
• Leaf blowers: Electric leaf blowers provide efficient cleanup without the noise and fumes associated with gas-powered models.
• Pole saws: Electric pole saws extend your reach for trimming high branches without the need for a ladder.
• Power tillers/cultivators: Battery-powered tillers are perfect for preparing garden beds and loosening soil. They offer easy manuerability in tight spaces and quiet operation for early or late use.
• Push-mowers: Battery-powered lawnmowers now offer similar performance to gas mowers for small to medium-sized lawns. They’re often easy to store due to their compact design. Cook finds a 20-inch battery-powered lawnmower suitable for city lots.
• Snow throwers: Battery-powered snow throwers are ideal for clearing sidewalks, decks, and small driveways.
• String trimmers: Battery-powered string trimmers, also known as weed eaters, are excellent for maintaining lawn edges and hard-to-reach areas.

Battery Technology and Compatibility

One of the most significant developments in battery-powered yard tools is the improvement in battery technology. Modern lithium-ion batteries offer longer run times, faster charging, and consistent power output.

However, even tools from the same brand may need different voltage batteries to run properly. Research the batteries your tools use before buying a new one.

Interchangeable Battery Systems

Many brands have developed interchangeable battery systems that work across their entire line of yard tools. This makes changing batteries between tools easier for homeowners who own tools from the same brand, giving them an incentive to keep buying that brand. 

It also makes it cheaper in the long run to invest in tools that use the same battery instead of buying many tools that all need their own type of battery. For homeowners who plan on expanding their battery-powered tool collection, buying tools with interchangeable batteries is a must.

Lithium Battery Concerns

Battery-powered tools may seem like a way to help the environment due to their lack of emissions, but according to the Institute for Energy Research, lithium batteries aren’t as eco-friendly as many companies claim. 

Only about 5% of the world’s lithium-ion batteries end up in a recycling plant. This is much less than the 99% of lead car batteries that the United States recycles. Additionally, recycling lithium batteries can be dangerous, resulting in short circuits, combustion, and toxic fumes.

Maintenance and Care for Battery-Powered Yard Tools

While battery-powered tools generally require less maintenance than gas-powered alternatives, proper care is still important. Even electric chainsaws require bar oil for lubrication, so it’s important not to forget maintenance just because the tools are electric. Use the following tips to keep your tools in shape:

• Clean tools after each use to prevent debris buildup.
• Keep batteries charged and stored in a cool, dry place.
• Sharpen blades and cutting elements regularly.
• Store tools in a protected area to prevent weather damage.

New Advances in Battery-Powered Yard Equipment

While battery-powered equipment used to be limited to small tools like drills and leaf blowers, you can now buy electric wheelbarrows and riding lawnmowers. For example, the wheelbarrow in the video offered hydraulic lifting mechanisms to help dump out heavy loads. 

Likewise, the lawnmower in the video could mow up to two acres on a single charge, showing how far these battery-powered tools have come in recent years.