Skil Weed Wacker 40V, Pushing it to its limits

[@UPdan]

Bought this in the combo with the blower as 40v. Love it. Best I've ever used for lawn trimmer.

[@Ethan007Hacks]

Yep I have the weed eater, blower, and the push mower. Love all of them!

[@drnh4444]

I like your videos buddy. You only say what's needed to be said. No stupid stuff. Thanks

[@LetsDoThis321]

Thanks I appreciate that! Feel free to put in requests for any other product your interested in.

[@graysonhardy2139]

Just bought the Greenworks Pro 60v strimmer and came with a 4 amp battery for $229 at Home Depot. Highly recommend.

[@LetsDoThis321]

Greenworks has a lot of good equipment at a reasonable price. They are also good for their warranties from my experience. I have a number of tools I'll be testing out from greenworks.

[@alfirojascornelius6542]

Loved up our doggie helper. Lol. Thanks for the video

[@nametaken2392]

Bump feed and twist-load head, along with brushless motor have me considering this. Don't like that the centrifugal trigger on auto-feeds apparently sends out 1/4" of line on every start, whether needed or not. Never had a prob w/bump feed -wonder if "Auto-Feed" on most trimmers now refers to profit from string sales. Twist-Load head, if it really works, appears to be a clever and EZ way to reload 12' of bulk string to save $. Have a small yard, so the new 20V version may be best, but this 40V is only $20 more. Tough decision.

[@LetsDoThis321]

Hey thanks for watching and providing the comment! it's much appreciated. Yeah this classic bump feed with a really easy to use twist load unlike the greenworks twist load system. I'm glad Skil string trimmer (model LT4818-00) does not have the centrifugal trigger for line feeding (Auto-Feed). In all reality the PWRCORE 40 2.5AH only gives 25% more than the PWRCORE 20. So for a small place the PWRCORE 20 may do just fine. Also look at the family of tools the 40 and 20 support. As you will see the 20 supports many more tools! I'm testing a WORX 2x20V 40 volt model WG183 which has centrifugal auto feed and it is very noticeable when I was trimming and edging with it near the driveway there were little chunks of line all over the driveway. I'm with you first thoughts are that I don't like the auto feed, but more testing would be necessary to see if its wasting a lot of line. For now though I'd rather bump it 😎. I wish skil made a 2x20V 40 volt that would be the best of both worlds, plenty of runtime and power and the batteries will be compatible with all the 20V Skil hand tools. I'm testing the PWRCORE 20V Brushless 400 blower it's a nice basic model for small residential homes, it's definitely a grade below the 40V Family though. But hey sometimes that is all people need with the smaller area they are working in.

[@davidingram5965]

Reload the string is easy on this one. Glad I watched the video. Thanks.....

[@LetsDoThis321]

Yes, it is quite a neat design. Hats off for the engineers that figured this out!

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

Is the motor up near the battery, or down by the string head? You do not want the motor down near the head because that weight down there works on your back after a while. Motor up on top is so much better. Makes for a well balanced trimmer. Comfort is everything.

[@LetsDoThis321]

yeah that makes sense. I have a 40v Greenworks with the motor at the top and I experience much less fatigue when using it. I also have an EGO (motor on bottom) and it's not bad but I do have a big 5amp/hr battery hanging off the back which counter balances it pretty well.

[@ericmolina6091]

I'm thinking about it. I dont have a big yard. Lowes has them onsale for $140. I already have the mower, the way I see it is I have a 2nd battery. I know It's not the 5amp but still convenient to have a backup battery on hand. Mower is awesome on full charge, makes me wonder how well the 2.5 would do on it.

[@jc102569]

I have this model best trimmer I have bought

[@carolrobinson9897]

Can you show a video on how to re-string

[@LetsDoThis321]

Yes, happy to. Give me a few days I'll compile a video changing string

[@jpl83061]

I have this and can’t get the line to reload. It won’t push through and come out the other side. Using 0.065 line which manual says don’t use bigger the 0.080. Any tips or suggestions?

[@LetsDoThis321]

Hi Jeff and thanks for watching... Yeah the recommended line size is 0.080 (2mm). On a different string trimmers I have had on occasion the line breaking off inside leaving a bit of line left rapped around the spool. Have you tried pressing on the release tabs and pulling off the lower cover assembly off and checking to see if any line left inside on the spool? If not give it a check. Also, on mine the manual recommends 0.080 not smaller or bigger, that may be something to check. I have to admit I've been using 0.095 in mine now because I have a 1000 foot spool I use with my gas power line trimmer. I do notice a little more load on the motor with the 0.095 which could potentially over heat the motor when trimming heavy weeds.

[@jjsantora75]

I just ordered that same one along with the lawn mower I was wondering if I could switch batteries if I needed

[@LetsDoThis321]

Yeah if they are both power core 40 you can share the batteries back and forth. They have 2.5 and 5 amp versions of the battery which both work for the weed eater and mower.

[@jjsantora75]

@@LetsDoThis321 yeah. I don't think the 2.5 would run the mower that long thoe

[@LetsDoThis321]

@@jjsantora75 yeah, half the time of the 5amp.

[@Arkile]

how do u get more line out of the trimmer once it gets too short?

[@LetsDoThis321]

@@Arkile get it spinning fast and bump it on the ground 1, 2, or 3 times depending how short it got or stop if you hear the line getting cut by the cutters. If the line broke off at the head you will probably need manually draw the line out.

[@ajmckay2]

Nice video! I picked up the Ego a few weeks ago and I'm pretty happy. It's replacing a 20 year old gas Stihl, that I've had to do a decent amount of work on. I also looked at this SKIL trimmer though but likes the EGO blower more so that swayed me.

[@LetsDoThis321]

I do like the EGO blower it is quite nice. I don't know if you saw my video of the EGO string trimmer if not here is the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqqkfHmmhs6ejs0 it's one of my favorite battery powered string trimmer.

[@Mdasad-bi9wu]

Good Video

[@LetsDoThis321]

Thanks for watching!

[@timhuggins7069]

If one has to buy a lower case assembly replacement. Do you know if the spring comes with it? Thanks.

[@LetsDoThis321]

In the parts list drawing they seem to show the spring with the lower cover tied to #1 in the parts list. I would think Part# 2826990002 lower assembly appears to come with the spring, but best to check with the place your ordering it from. Just incase they sell everything separately.

[@itssandracontreras]

So battery power only lasts less than 15 min?

[@LetsDoThis321]

Yes, when running full throttle like I did here there is less then 15 minutes to get the job done. This string trimmer does have a variable throttle so you can run it at a lower speed. If cutting weeds that are not so dense even dead and dried out you can get away with lower speeds and can be much lighter on the throttle which will give you more run time.

[@rbarnett31]

I have one and do my whole yard. Intermittent use rather than full throttle (variable speed) but I’m not trying to bush whack just trim. Mine last up to 40 minutes for spot trim

[@LetsDoThis321]

@@rbarnett31 Thanks for the reply, That's good to hear. I think these type of trimmers do great for this kind of work.

[@itssandracontreras]

@@rbarnett31 I got one and this is true for me as well. Battery can last me 40-45 min or so. Reasonable as I don't need to use it longer than that.

[@michaelhorn4540]

I love my skil 40v leaf blower but the battery only lasts about 15 minutes

[@LetsDoThis321]

yeah, the 2.5amp hour battery is a bit underwhelming. The 5amp hour should of been the standard.

[@solocamo3654]

Skil makes ok products (I own this and their 40v mower), problem is you can't just buy the tools without a battery and charger, adding unnecessary cost.

[@UPdan]

These also have a Stil warranty of 5 years?

[@LetsDoThis321]

Yes, if you register within 30 days of purchase. The basics from their site: "SKIL portable cordless power tools and outdoor power equipment are covered by our industry-leading 5-Year Warranty. Just register within 30 days and extend the three-year warranty to five years of protection." More details here www.skil.com/warranty

[@jerrodg938]

U need a backup battery on standby

[@LetsDoThis321]

That is for sure!

[@firstviktory]

Does anybody of you have the 20v trimmer from Skil ??

[@LetsDoThis321]

I have not had the opportunity to test the Skil 20V so I can't comment on it performance. I have the 20V Skil circular saw, jig saw, and hand vac which all are great tools. I do have the 24V Greenworks weed wacker it is for very light duty use. It works good for a small yard, light edging and weed wacking.

[@EpicSprint]

Only 11 minutes of work?

[@LetsDoThis321]

Yeah, that's it. This string trimmer is setup better for mow and trim. Mowing the grass with a lawn mower and touching up with a weed wacker.

[@jeanettefordcarsmoking5532]

I can't get it to work

[@LetsDoThis321]

Make sure the battery is fully charged and be sure seat it well when putting it on the tool. When starting it up hold down the safety button on the side above the throttle, then you pull the throttle and it should go. If not and its under warranty return it. Could be a number of things from electrical issues to a bad battery.

[@ed2335]

I think it's too long, too heavy and not that strong. Line feed isn't 100% either uses small diameter line which does not last long.

[@LetsDoThis321]

Also, I don't like how the trigger safety lock is setup, it was given me hand fatigue.

[@bradbarefoot2986]

Why is it ? Why is it that all you quote/unquote "influncers" always throw these 40 to 60 volt trimmers into work they really aren't designed to do ? I run battery trimmers doing a few yards, I get from 55 minutes to almost 1:15 from a battery. I'm trimming what they are designed to do, and not running them wide open as it usually isn't necessary. The Skil as sheen in your video will do close to three lawns before the battery is run down, and that's using the attachment capable Skil. In the end all of you have pushed the Skil or others past what it designed to do ... then you whine about it only ran for about 15 minutes, or couldn't cut down year old+ growth that a unit with a metal blade should have been doing. Somebody Had To Say It !

[@LetsDoThis321]

Hey Thanks for the comment and your perspective on the work you do. I see two different roles weed wackers take: 1 the cut and trim and 2 weed clearing. I'm basically showing the 2nd way. being an influencer or not It's what I use to manage my property and this is what I have been doing for years along with many others in the rural areas I live. I spent money on all these weed wackers, no one paid for or sponsored these videos. Folks in California have a small engine ban where you can't buy 25hp or small yard equipment that is gas powered, other states have similar ban's and more are considering it. I've tried out the Skil (this video), Husqvarna, EGO, and a couple different GreenWorks 40 and 80 volt. They are all in the same ballpark for run time for how much watt/hr the battery is, The major difference between them all is power, balance, and controls/features (trigger safety lock and string feed). Most of this factors in on how quickly you get hand and arm fatigue. I've settled on the Greenworks 80v because I like the extra power it is well balanced and it was an affordable unit at $200 on rebate. I still only get 20~25 min runtime but the power lets me get further, I use 3 batteries to clear the property and do this 2 to 3 times a year. I sold off all but two of the weed wackers, kept the EGO because it was the lightest and my son can use it and kept a GreenWorks because it was the strongest. I don't have your typical cut and trip property, no grass (it's frowned upon here anymore) plus when I did have grass it cost a fortune in water to maintain $200~$300 a month.

[@rogerthompson5250]

I bought the Skil string trimmer, It sucks! I wish I would have spent the extra money an bought a gas string trimmer. Do yourself a favor and don't purchase this weak, plastic piece of garbage!

[@LetsDoThis321]

Thanks for watching and providing the comment. Yeah I have not found anything battery power string trimmer that can match the power of gas. Many cities have banned the use of gas powered yard tools, and many are in the works of banning them. My self, for all the big jobs I do I start with the wheeled gas powered 22" push string trimmer on the more level ground, then move to my 18" gas string trimmer on tuff terrain. I use the electric for maintenance and touchup work this works well for that, and I don't stink of gas fumes once your done with the job. There are much more powerful battery ones like Greenworks, Ego that I have used, and other name brands with Pro models.

[@RaymondRatliff-v8b]

U runt the video by speeding up

[@LetsDoThis321]

Sorry about that man, main point I was testing is runtime for the video.