Ryobi 18v Brushless String Trimmer vs. Ryobi 40v String Trimmers

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I pit the new 18v Brushless string trimmer against the older 40v models from Ryobi. I have owned the 40v models for about two years and have really liked them, but I think I have a new favorite.
As with any do-it-yourself project, unfamiliarity with the tools and process can be dangerous. This video should be construed as non expert, informational advice. I, will not be held responsible for any injury or damage due to the misuse or misunderstanding of any DIY project or videos. By Watching or following anything in this video, you assume all risks associated with using the experimental information or advice given, with a full understanding that you, solely, are responsible for anything that may occur as a result of putting this information into action in any way, and regardless of your interpretation of the advice.

[@steves7133]

Thanks buddy. Standing in isle at Home Depot and you helped make my decision

[@FernbarkFrist]

Glad to help!

[@rhoodj]

what was ur decision

[@Afterimage_Rush]

Same here!!! Hahaha thanks!!!!

[@YTTHROWAWAYCORONA]

I feel you man! Without KZbin I’d be wrecked. The hardware store must think I’m a freak when I’m staring at my phone looking for answers 😂

[@JetsonNityagospel]

Thank you! that perfect comparison I was looking for!

[@tylervanroekel9461]

I drilled new holes to move the string cutter farther out (15" dia. vs. 13"). I'm also using .095 string (12 ft.), it works great now!

[@j.benjamin3329]

Thanks man. I was on the fence on whether to get the 40V or the 18V. This helped a lot.

[@starpartyguy5605]

I have the 40 v. unit that allows the attachments. I use it regularly to trim around my fence and shed. Seems to work fine. I use 1/3 of the battery regularly to go 200 feet roughly. This weekend though I used to to trim back the overgrowth on the driveway and street edges.When it hit the tougher weeds it cut them down but didn't have the power to remove the weeds to bare soil. I'm prepping to do edging this week and wanted the lawn pushed back far enough to see the end of the asphalt and concrete.

[@FernbarkFrist]

The 40v does work fine. But if you have both to compare against each other, I feel the 18v is a little better.

[@rearview2709]

Glad you brought up about the single line and dual line feature. Also the battery run times, both are very important in decision making for a buy! Good video !! I am leaning towards the 18volt brushless model with the dual line. Thanks for the info.

[@FernbarkFrist]

18v brushless rocks. If you have the cash the Milwaukee brushless is better. I have been using it for three months. Just have not got the video out yet.

[@j.m.7056]

Thanks so much. You answered all my questions. 18v brushless here I come!

[@FernbarkFrist]

It is the way to go.

[@MadZellx4]

this was a great help thank you so much

[@antoniomercado6992]

Thanks it was very helpful and clear all my doubts

[@curtisstikeleather4442]

Just a FYI... I watch 5 to 10 KZbin videos daily. Probably 3500+ videos in my lifetime so far. This was the 7th video I've liked. And have given a thumbs up to. Your video to me was very thorough on the factors that were important!! As you can tell I do not give out (thumbs up) lightly Thank you for that!!!

[@FernbarkFrist]

Thanks so much for the compliment. They help me keep going and trying to do better videos.

[@DONALD1951]

Curtis...what would you recommend for weed whacking and a blower? Seems like you did your homework.

[@DONALD1951]

Curtis Stikeleather what would you recommend for a weed wacker and blower. I’m about to buy them very soon.

[@duncanjames914]

Thanks for your video. I bought a 40-volt Expand-It this year with a 4AH battery. They must have modified the unit since 2017 as it easily trims our 1-acre yard and runs much faster than the one you've shown in the video. Sounds like Ryobi heard your message! :-)

[@FernbarkFrist]

They came out with a brushless. I have that one too. It is better than the older unit, but still not as good as other new brushless trimmers. IMO. Thanks for watching!

[@lordrichard8184]

Great video!! I was hoping to start getting into the 40v stuff. But I really can’t justify it. I’ll get the brushless 18v trimmer. I’m already in that system and have tons of batteries for it

[@FernbarkFrist]

All the new 18v brushless gear is as good as the 40v, especially with the new high capacity batteries. I pretty much only use the Milwaukee 18v products for my lawn care. The 18v Ryobi is almost as good and a lot cheaper.

[@aaronmorris9352]

Nice review. I actually had the single string 40V and got the dual string like yours and noticed the same thing. It was ok, but the single string was faster and almost did a better job. I have the edging attachment, which was why I got the dual string model. However, I just picked up their new 40V brushless dual string, which also does expand-it adn a 4A 40V battery. It is really great, spins faster on high, and is a lot better powering the edging attachment. I considered the 18V as well, but liked the idea of getting another 40V battery. Plus I can use my new 4Ah battery in my old 1st gen 16" mower and it now seems a lot more powerful.

[@easttexasengineering3489]

Great review,, I’m sticking with the new 18v so I don’t have to buy more batteries.. good review showing there isn’t too much difference..

[@FernbarkFrist]

Good choice!

[@EatCarbs]

Interesting. Reminded me of the days of those long extension cords. lol Great comparison. Thanks for the video

[@FernbarkFrist]

Thanks for watching! Probably not an interesting video for the Condo owner, but this is the bread and butter of this channel.

[@zurue99]

I have the brushless 18 volt love it's a beast!

[@FernbarkFrist]

Just used mine the other day. Still works great.

[@zurue99]

just got mine my self more powerful than i was expecting

[@loktom4068]

I got the cheapest version of the old brush 18V trimmer from the bundle deal and still loves it. The main reason why is I use it for edge trimming instead of into thick over growth brushes.

[@caps741]

Thanks, this helps a lot. I have the expand 40v and felt like it's been lacking and it is a battery hog. Was looking at the dual speed 18v but wasn't sure how good it was. Seems like a good upgrade

[@FernbarkFrist]

Glad I could help

[@plmn93]

Nice video, it made up my mind that I don't really need the power of the brushless 18V. While it looks surprising powerful, the 18V P2080 should work for me better with the larger guard and tilt head edging like your 40V single string.

[@steveyknoxville]

Man that new brushless 18v rocks... Excellent review man.

[@FernbarkFrist]

I picked up the new Milwaukee brushless 18v trimmer just to compare. I have to say for the money, I would get this one again. For regular yard work. The M18 has a little more power in the super heavy stuff.

[@angelf9800]

I bought a 24v ryobi edger for $10 at a yard-sale and was having a hard time finding batteries for this edger so I did Modifications and it now Runs on 18v battery since I already have 4 Ryobi batteries.

[@Bambam_musik_]

Great video. Thank you

[@DoresoomReviews]

Nice comparison!

[@FernbarkFrist]

Thanks!

[@GRASS898]

Thank you for this comparison.

[@FernbarkFrist]

Thanks for watching.

[@geanbertocastro332]

@@FernbarkFrist which of the two is more resistant for landscaping works

[@geanbertocastro332]

18 or 40

[@FernbarkFrist]

@@geanbertocastro332 Get the newer 18v Brushless or even better, the Milwaukee M18.

[@TRYtoHELPyou]

just bought the 18v brushless. will be delivered to house soon. pairing with the 9ah batteries and the 6ah batteries will be interesting. Thanks for sharing this information! I look forward to doing a review as well... See what this 18v trimmer is really all about...

[@irongoose3865]

Is your trimmer still working? I returned mine for a refund after the second trimmer failed to work properly. Crying shame to because I really liked that trimmer.

[@hakanborjesson5428]

Thx!

[@DanielGomez-cf6vk]

I love my 18 volt brushless string trimmer great investment and have a lot of ryobi batteries and tools don't regret it at all

[@lanejohnson8552]

I realize this is an older review but Interesting, Thanks!. I just returned an 18V NON brush less combo trimmer and blower pack that just didn't seem to have much guts with the trimmer. The 18V brush less trimmer you just reviewed seemed quite powerful. I was thinking of getting a 40V brush less that's available now so maybe the brush less really is better power wise. Also just looked and no one seems to carry the 18V brushless trimmer without attachment capabilities.

[@FernbarkFrist]

All the new brushless are way way better. Get one of those.

[@lanejohnson8552]

@@FernbarkFrist Will do, Thanks!!

[@TheSkite575]

Just got an 18 v brushless that takes attachments but havnt tested it yet.

[@brenthill5596]

So it's brushless and seems to spin much faster than the 40v. It would have made more sense to offer the new 18v in an expand-it model and discontinue the 40v stuff.

[@Friedrich687]

Brent Hill Would replace the brushless one over my gas one

[@harrycallahan9518]

Keep in mind the lower voltage units may spin faster but have less torque when trying to edge through tough grass etc the 18v will slow down whereas the 36-40 volt model will hold speed much more consistently. Nice video btw, thanks.

[@hankus253]

Would help if Model numbers were included. It's been several years but have you seen the number of trimmers that Ryobi has lately?

[@FernbarkFrist]

Yes. I have used almost all of them. The 18v brushless (Not the xpand it cable, but the regular one) is really good. It is almost as good as the Milwaukee 18v brushless Fuel trimmer at a big discount.

[@jamesd5888]

If you have a average size city lot then the older non brushless 18v is more then enough as he stated. For $159 I got the trimmer and the blower with a charger and a 4 amp hr battery. Yes the others have a lot more power but unless you are whacking down brush, very thick and tall grass...save your money and get the two tool package. Anyone who thinks it has no power I challenge you to use it with no face shield in my yard....those damn small rocks hurt!

[@robj749840]

Was the 18v test run in that grass done with the P104 battery (2.6ah) you had on in the beginning of the video or the P108 (4.0ah) when you were done with the trimmer standing up? Also heads up I talked to a TTI rep at the store the other day and he told me Ryobi is coming out with 3.0ah slim battery ( P107 replacement) 6.0ah double stacked battery ( P108 replacement) and 9.0 heavy duty battery. He didn't know when but its nice to know that its coming.

[@FernbarkFrist]

It was the P104. I decided to finish clearing the ditch and the P104 ran out of power so I switched to the P108 and then finished my video with the other battery in the trimmer.

[@loktom4068]

Proberly lighter too. Big batteries have lots of juice but also are enemies for users.

[@rhargarther1]

Ryobi has come out with a brushless 40v trimmer. I would like to see how that performs.

[@FernbarkFrist]

It is awesome. I have a video on it.

[@AusJamesStudios]

@@FernbarkFrist I can't find that video :(

[@reck0n3r]

@@FernbarkFrist I'll see if I can dig it up, but what do you think of the 40v brushless vs the 18v brushless HP?

[@reck0n3r]

@@FernbarkFrist I think there's actually a 40v brushless HP too.

[@crystalreef6456]

What is the name model of the new 18v becuase I need to find a guard for a free trimmer I have that looks like the one on the left at the beginning of the vid

[@sniffles8655]

I was wondering why the 40volt was cheaper than the 18volt brushless. Thank you, because I was about to buy the 40volt.

[@FernbarkFrist]

All the new brushless models are really good, and this year Ryobi is coming out with models that have an HP designation that are really good.

[@sniffles8655]

@@FernbarkFrist Thank you, have you by chance tried to newer 40volt Brushless Trimmer? I know both of these 40volt models in the video are both brushed, so was just wondering how much of a difference the new brushless one worked. Thank you regardless.

[@FernbarkFrist]

@@sniffles8655 I have. I like the 18v a little better. But if you are already in the 40v platform, the new 40v is waaaaaay better than the one in this video, and a decent trimmer.

[@stargatefever]

Yeah I don't know what they where thinking with those guards. May as well where harley leathers and a helmet

[@Friedrich687]

Who knew a brushless motor could make a different

[@il2673]

Why does it seem like the 18v is more powerful and uses less battery? Shouldn't it be the other way?

[@josephnestor7472]

Anyone have a problem with the 18v brushless when paired with the 4ah battery cutting out after 5 minutes or so of use? I think it is cutting out because the motor overheats. I returned it and got another unit and it did the same thing. I was cutting some high grass but nothing more that is being done in this video.

[@irongoose3865]

Last year I bought The 18 volt trimmer just like the one in the review with two 4ah batteries, I had to return it because the head would continue spinning after releasing the trigger. But not at full speed. So I exchanged it for another one and on it's first use it did the same thing! I had in all two extra batteries, the trimmer and a edger plus I was about to go back for a drill and a impact gun but instead I returned everything for a refund. I now have a Ryobi 40 volt trimmer with a edger attachment. This is my second season with it and so far so good. It's a great trimmer! I've noticed though that Ryobi has changed the design of the trigger mechanism on this year's 18 volt trimmers. Maybe they are better and more reliable then the previous ones. But it's to late for me, I now just use the 40 volt as an edger only and have bought into Lowe's Kobolt 24 volt Max line. I got a combo set that included a trimmer and blower plus a 4ah battery and charger for only $129.00! I'm going to give it a little time and if this stuff proves itself reliable I'm going back for everything I was going to buy in Ryobi's line. I like The Kobolt trimmer but not as much as that first Ryobi 18 volt I had.

[@brianmalubag9387]

Can the single string trimmer/edger attachemebt be change to pole saw?

[@FernbarkFrist]

They don't have a pole saw attachment yet. Milwaukee and Makita have one for their attachment capable units.

[@bigtimepimpin666]

I bought an 18v Ryobi and literally burned it in a couple of weeks. And that was just doing light house work after .y regular work.

[@TheKiloG69]

Nice review as always! Were Im going if weeds bother me I will just get a goat. I hate string trimmers .

[@FernbarkFrist]

Get sheep. Goats are evil.

[@TheKiloG69]

Shepherds like sheep for some reason ? Thats what I heard sorry could be the beer talking.

[@dragan3290]

With the 18 volt brushless setup and the 18 volt brushed setup. Can you use brushless head on brushed head? I want to modify mine!

[@FernbarkFrist]

I don't know. You would have to ask Ryobi using specific model numbers.

[@escapefromny2012]

Can you tell us the model numbers on all?

[@FernbarkFrist]

Don't buy either of these anymore. Get the Brushless 18v Ryobi, or the M18 Milwaukee Quik-Lok trimmer. Those are much better than either of these now.

[@Highvibes777]

Wow I use 18v...about 7 batteries to do my yard.

[@iamspeare]

Is that new version 40v the brushless option?

[@FernbarkFrist]

No it isn't.

[@shanekelley7491]

What one is the best for the thicker grass?

[@FernbarkFrist]

I like the 18v brushless a little better because it spins faster.

[@DONALD1951]

I actually like single string. I’m a little confused. Now in 2019 what would you recommend. Thanks

[@FernbarkFrist]

I love the Milwaukee Fuel 18v. Was using it all last year. Not sure what new string trimmers are coming out this year.

[@DONALD1951]

Fernbark Frist Thanks. I think I’ll get the 40 v due to the bigger guard.

[@andrewswickard5322]

Would you mind explaining what brushless means?

[@FernbarkFrist]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brushless_DC_electric_motor

[@timcash6372]

Can i use .095 with the 18volt

[@FernbarkFrist]

You can on the brushless. It works great.

[@KenDebono]

I don't think I heard you mention any model numbers. Is the 18V (Brushless) Ryobi model P2090? I am looking at buying RYOBI 18-Volt ONE+ Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless String Trimmer with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger for $198 (CDN) (model P2090) so am curious if that is what is in your video. Thanks.

[@FernbarkFrist]

It is not the brushless. This video pre-dates the brushless products. I do have the brushless model, and it is awesome. I do have a video on the brushless unit. I used it for a full summer and thought it was great. I have also used the Milwaukee brushless model, and it is even better if you have the money. If not, the Ryobi 18v brushless is a great unit.

[@KenDebono]

@@FernbarkFrist Sorry, but your title and the first 5 seconds of your great video both mention brushless (Then again at 5:18).

[@FernbarkFrist]

I am sorry. It is the brushless 18v trimmer. If you get the Ryobi brushless 18v trimmer. That is a good trimmer. I don't care for any of the 40v Trimmers from Ryobi. They might have been good at release, but the new stuff is better. Last summer I switched back and forth between the Ryobi brushless 18v trimmer and the Milwaukee 18v brushless trimmer. The Milwaukee is better, but if you are in the Ryobi battery line, the 18v Brushless Ryobi is really good.

[@KenDebono]

@@FernbarkFrist Thanks. I bought the 18V Brushless Ryobi because of your review, I have those batteries for my drill, the product line is less expensive than Milwaukee and this is a bump line feed. Other Ryobi string trimmers are autofeed every time you release the trigger. I was afraid I'd run out of string very quickly and unnecessarily. P2090

[@mblake0420]

mine seems to get hot and cut out too much

[@FernbarkFrist]

Bummer. I have not had that problem. But my yard is only 3/4 acre.

[@fredrickkehoe9817]

So ..... what is your recommendation??

[@FernbarkFrist]

Buy the new brushless 18v model. Way better.

[@fredrickkehoe9817]

Fernbark Frist ok. Thank you.

[@viverenegliusa8518]

Which one is more powerfull? 18v or 40v? Which one do u prefer?

[@FernbarkFrist]

I currently prefer the 18v brushless model.

[@viverenegliusa8518]

@@FernbarkFrist is it more powerfull?

[@FernbarkFrist]

@@viverenegliusa8518 It seems a little faster and smoother.

[@willie9767]

I iust love mys

[@Lemusmic]

The 18v dies quick expand it