Ryobi 40 Volt Expand It Review - 2 Years Later

This video details my experience with the Ryobi Expand-It 40 volt power head with the string trimmer, pole saw, hedge trimmer, and edger attachments. I've had these tools for two years and have only had small issues. Still glad I bought them.

[@unclegeorge7845]

A real person using the tools over a couple of years. Exactly what KZbin needs. Thanks

[@ffbarnette]

This was the review I have been looking for.

[@jimmymahone5420]

An utterly useful video! Real-life experience with tools over a 2-year period. Bravo!

[@brichard1002]

Great job...straight and to the point . I have been researching info and viewing videos on Ryobi outdoor tools for almost three weeks. This video is the one of about four that I’ve watched that is useful

[@yendorzepol]

me too haha

[@dongyoonlee5798]

Best review so far. Not too technical but from a ‘normal’ user’s view, perfect! Thanks

[@thefiXfiles]

Thanks! Still using it. The original battery doesn’t last long anymore so I had to get another one. Other than that it’s still kicking!

[@mvanalst2003]

The first video I’ve seen of yours. I really was curious about the ryobi 40v durability and power. Your video was informative and very clear. I’m making my purchase today. Thanks again!

[@BarackBoxen]

Ditto, Thanks for the informative video

[@Dbusdriver71]

I'm considering investing in a pole saw and a hedge trimmer. I have a large yard but don't do the yard that often. You video convinces me to give them a try. Its a good video and was very helpful to me. Thanks a Lot!

[@KubasakiDragon76Heidicapped]

This is awesome! Thank you for the review! I've seen several reviews out of the box but this is what really counts. Well done!

[@InToTheBlackHole]

I am a Ryobi fan. Love all their tools. Loved this video. It answered a lot of my questions. Thanks for sharing.

[@gerrypetty1272]

Had 40V ryobi expand for over 2 years myself. Just purchased the brush cutter attachment as I have noticed that the string trimmer has a tendency to bog down on thick weed areas which drains the battery very fast. Works fine on grass just not as effective in heavy brush/weeds. The brush cutter works very well in heavy areas and it is very easy to change between the 2 attachments as I go. Thinking about the yard sweeper attachment next. Great video. My one issue with the ryobi 40V system is the weight of the battery. I am not as young as I once was and holding the ryobi can wear me out. I would suggest a back pack kit to hold the battery with a connecting cable to plug into the main unit as a possible solution. I am waiting on a set of support wheels to try out and see if this helps. Keep on mowing...

[@JohnSmith-bv3dd]

Thanks for a great review , I love that you waited two years to give the review. This is my first battery lawn equipment.

[@catherineflahr6160]

Thanks so much for sharing this video! Very to the point and straight forwardness. I just moved in to a new place with bushes grown out of control and was thinking of requesting professional's quotes to have bushes either pulled out or trimmed; hand edging is very tough in this terrain, so for me to see how easy it is for me to do both jobs myself (AND with the good ol' Ryobi interchangeable battery) will financially benefit me and I will have the tools in my own storage shed for 'free' future use whenever I want a job done. Thank you, the fiX files, for the demos and your personal opinions on the usage. : )

[@thefiXfiles]

Oh yeah save yourself some money. I mess up cutting mine sometimes but it’s never a big deal. Kind of like a haircut. A couple of weeks later it all grows back and nobody can tell the difference anyway 😀

[@robertechols9094]

I just bought this weed eater and I think it has the same power as my gas Echo brand had. I have a good sized yard and was skeptical but it turned out to be a good tool. now that I have seen the chain saw in action I will be getting that attachment. Thanks for the review.

[@donbryson7536]

Great video, very clear, straight up kinda info Thanks for posting

[@lilcaesarman]

Thanks for the video review. I just got the string trimmer on 8/26/2019. I have used it for about 15 mins and its quite powerful. The big con so far is I'm 6ft and I naturally rest my arm on the power head. That gets hot rather quickly. I will work on fashioning a heat shield for it. Other than that its been good.

[@CarnivoryHODL]

Awesome video. Just starting my collection of Ryobi in the 40V line. Got the 21in mower, trimmer & leaf blower so far in great deals from Direct Tools Outlet & Direct Tools (EBay, different companies). Only needs now are the edger & hedge attachments, but can’t find a good price..

[@billburkhalter411]

Wow excellent video! You are an excellent teacher! I wanted to share though about the edger attachment. Cut off the little guide at the rear of the edger due to it works like a plow and holds it back draining the battery. The newer design does not have that guide. Thank you for this video!

[@Jeep4Wrk]

Thanks for the 2-year experience. Most everything works pretty well right out of the box. Nice to see these down the road a bit.

[@debrasital]

Awesome review thx alot. Visual demonstration is always best for me. Thanks for durability info also

[@travistidwell6734]

I've been moving towards these with 6ah batteries for lawncare and doing weekly maintenance they are great for edging and weedeating

[@Tier1Norseman]

I'm sold on it for being battery and having the pole saw attachment the most. But glad they make others. I think I'll get one and in time the pole saw.

[@marcuspowell2510]

Thank you. Very helpful. I have had the 16” 40v mower for about 2 years now but, for whatever reason, was hesitant to get the rest of the yard care items.

[@truesimplicity]

The expand-it pole chain Saw vibration is normal. Do not attempt to fell entire tree's (from experience after felling two with this unit) as the trimmer power head is not designed for this abuse. The expand-it chainsaw attachment will take it just fine though (resharpened mine 6X si far with the "Sthil 2n1 tool" it's excellent, accurate, cheap $25 and simple to use). RYOBI warranty is amazing and replaced my power head no questions asked close to three years into the warranty. Thanks for your review.

[@brucewilliams6292]

Thank you for doing this video, it really helps.

[@84montec]

We own the same tool and have similar findings shown in this video. The edger does use the battery quickly. Therefore, we have 2 batteries. We've own it for about 2 years now. We have the blower attachment as well, which works great for clean up. Lastly, we had the same issue with the coupler as shown in the video. Anyone purchasing this Ryobi product, I suggest getting an extra coupler to have it around if needed.

[@thefiXfiles]

Thanks for sharing. I'm thinking about getting the leaf blower attachment as well. It would be much easier than dealing with the extension cord for my plug in blower.

[@9000able]

I Love My Ryobi. Everything they sell !!!!!!!!!!!

[@DavidMosby]

Great video! I wish I had seen this before buying the Greenworks.

[@AOC1979]

Good review, straight forward and I believe honest. I have to admit you are not the only idiot, I had my clamp replaced as well, I have the expand it 40volt grass trimer, leaf blower, reach saw, cultivator and bush trimer plus a 21 inch lawnmower battery operated and just to add some power I added a 4cc trimer for those that need more kick. Greetings from TX!

[@HoundsAKApuppieswelcome]

Thanks. Great video. Considering the Edger and Trimmer attachments for a small yard.

[@lawrencegatt4515]

❤ well done mate from Oz 🏁🇦🇺

[@AndTheCorrectAnswerIs]

The attachments are great. My battery lasted 2 seasons and its $100 for a new one. I'll be getting a has powerhead again. Gas is definitely stronger too for the weed eater attachment. Premature battery failure is a known problem on this model.

[@jonienglish3231]

Good Review i had a ryobi 4 stroke trimmer lasted 7 years 2015 got a 20v Dewalt TRimmer and blower Blower still works 400 cfm @90 mph the trimmer MOTOR BURNT up 20v not enough power had to call Dewalt 2x before Case # issued and new one sent from Service center Going back to 4 stroke Gas

[@jimicruz5097]

Great info. Thank you. I'm interested in the attachments aspect of this product. Wow 👍

[@rynxxo]

Look forward to buying this item.

[@thefiXfiles]

Yeah it’s a pretty good tool. Still working. I used it to edge last weekend.

[@esmoglo]

Great review thanks for taking the time to make this its was very informative.

[@theretardedpaulbrother2493]

I have had 2 of these for years just bought 2 more. So I decided to test how much one would take. An I can't seem to burn it out. I've cut limbs like the one beside the one he cut with no issue but vibration. I've weedeated a quarter acre of swamp land full blast non stop for 30mins str8 weekly going on 6 months no issue

[@dude8869]

Had an older troybuilt gas one that was just too much trouble. Bought one of these and found the attachments for the troybuilt fit these perfectly.

[@Jcewazhere]

Have you used the brush cutter head for the trimmer attachment? I've got some tumbleweed like weeds that just get tickled by the string trimmer I already have. Plus some of the other tools look enticing like that snowblower. Easier than shoveling at least.

[@Getawaymoments]

Thanks for making this video, concidering buying this bug worried about bad reviews.

[@danwilliams9339]

Thanks for an honest, down to earth review!

[@losidude05]

Now you need a 40volt blower!!! I also have the 20” 40volt brushless push lawnmower and I love it as well!!!

[@Pje3ski]

Thanks for the review. I’m sold on one + and just noticed that they have an 18 volt model that does the interchangeable heads.

[@justalurkr]

Thank you! My brother in law bought one of these on my behalf, then left without finishing up the yard. Looks very usable, and I feel better about finishing up myself.

[@groundskeeper5292]

Great review. Going to pick one up tomorrow.

[@benwade19]

Where can I find the hedge trimmer that you used that's not a pole hedge trimmer? The only one I see at Home Depot is not one that adds to the Expand-It but a totally separate tool, thanks.

[@mattbarker2506]

Great video!

[@glenzabriskie3952]

Only thing that sucks is I needed a second battery now 3 years after I bought this 40v trimmer. It came with a 2.6ah battery. Went to buy newer 4ah battery and home depot/ryobi wanted $179 for the battery alone. Turns out a new 40v version II of this model was also $179 which included a 4.0ah battery and a charger. So now I have two trimmers . That's OK as I can just dedicate the old head unit as a edge trimmer or blower or pole saw when I get that attachment.

[@reedcarpenter2994]

Can you use the extension that comes with the pole saw on the hedger? Also does the hedger have an adjustment to change the angle allowing you to hedge the top of bushes with a ladder?

[@GoatZilla]

0:50 can I get the name of that lawn service? asking for a friend.

[@calisdad3]

Thanks for a quick concise video.

[@isaelortiz417]

Can you help? My ryobi start for 30 min only. Is no the battery or chager.

[@honger1]

I really want the power shovel/snow blower attachment, but have yet to see someone review it. I might just buy it and do my own video

[@thefiXfiles]

Oh that’s pretty sweet. I didn’t know there was an attachment for that. I’m in Tampa though so it makes sense that I never see those at Home Depot lol

[@Elc0chin0]

Is it still working? I think I bought my ry40002 about 4 or 5 years ago and until this year it worked fine. The motor went out, I could smell that electric burn smell and then it just stopped working. I was going to buy a new motor for like 80 shipping included but then a new one is like 120 so I'm going to just get a new one. Thanks for the video.

[@noahmorrelljr.999]

Good reviews

[@ResslerMania]

Thanks for the information in this video. It inspired me to also make a video about this product. I Personally enjoy my Ryobi 40v String Trimmer, edger, pole saw, Jet Blower, and hedge trimmer. Have a Great Day. 👍😀👍

[@cavideos4944]

Great review and info, thanks sir.

[@VanJerell90]

This is why Ryobi is the best. They are bridging the gap between Gas and Electric!!!

[@TheRealScarletWitch]

So I just purchased these two attachments. But, our 2 ryobi weed eats pull apart or unscrew. But, they have a different socket attachment. If anyone could tell me 1 what im doing wrong. Because ours looks identical to this guys. But you screw on the attachment. Thank you all! And great video.

[@billburkhalter411]

This is the Expand-it line they will not work with the screw on type.

[@fredortiz5145]

Good review!

[@gergemall]

Nice review, I’m moving toward more battery tools by Ryobi

[@ZooYork226]

Nice review!

[@OzzFreakGames]

well its been 2 more years, are they still going?

[@SIyMarbo]

yes

[@ravisriram6746]

I have the corded electric pole saw: the chain keeps falling off, despite my tightening it repeatedly.

[@robinlegge6042]

Really clear instructions, thanks.

[@wildbill23c]

Do you still have these tools? Still working, thrown in the trash? I have the Ryobi 2 stroke version and it works great, I also have the cultivator/tiller attachment and leaf blower attachment, both of those work great, however not so sure they'd work well on the battery powered system? I do not have the pole saw, hedge trimmer, or edger but definitely want to get them as well. I had an issue with the 2 stroke engine after the 3rd time I used it, it would no longer start, it had no compression at all, I was able to get a replacement and now its working great. I'm not sure what happened with the previous engine but from day 1 it really ran rough, was hard to start, and never would idle properly, with the replacement engine its a huge difference. These attachments are a great alternative to a shed or garage full of individual tools with engines, 1 engine or 1 motor and multiple attachments is awesome...I do plan on getting the cordless power head though for the quick small jobs around the property.

[@thefiXfiles]

I doubt it would work with your tiller attachment. It gets bogged down with the edger if I take it too fast. The battery also drains super fast with the edger. It's just too much strain for it I guess. It powers the other attachments fine though. But yes, I still have it. Would have used it a few days ago if not for the rain.

[@wildbill23c]

@@thefiXfiles Thanks for the great information on that tiller attachment. I have the attachment for my 2 stroke gas power head but never thought it would be too much for the battery or electric version.

[@JohnTheD0n2025]

Do you still like the 40v ryobi expand-it line in 2020?

[@VanJerell90]

I had to get a gas edger because the battery powered one couldn't handle it.

[@masumnaqvi5879]

Does the pole saw extension shaft work with hedge trimmers?

[@groundskeeper5292]

Great video. I might upgrade to that.

[@linky13111]

Man that sidewalk will look so great if you power wash it .... that green won’t look so dull anymore

[@steves8860]

Do you know what model it is? Im looking at a 40220. I think theres a 40225 also. Maybe others

[@Bikersupport]

love it when guy next door plants tree next to the fence got trim it every year.

[@thefiXfiles]

Lol yeah. I have one that dumps a ton of leaves on his yard every fall so I get him back 😎

[@swvincent]

Great summary, thanks!

[@AaronWallaceArt]

Wondering if anyone knows if the 5Ah battery that comes with the mower would last significantly longer with the trimmer than the 2.6Ah battery?

[@MrLucifuge1973]

yes near double

[@christophercrowe3219]

Where can you buy this 40v Ryobi Expand-it lawn tools and accessories? Home Depot doesn't seem to carry all of them.

[@TheVealDeal]

Christopher Crowe i bought mine from home depot in the 40v version. Maybe try online.

[@einsteinvondaniken]

ebay

[@MrLucifuge1973]

Ryobi.com or Ryobi.ca

[@Eddie-wn8tu]

perfect review, TY!

[@MaryBakerPasoRobles]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@runnermix7596]

Good info!!!! 😊✌🏽

[@kimberlyk4951]

great vid. thanks

[@sameersmerchant]

USF Shirt. Are you from Tampa?

[@thefiXfiles]

Yessir!

[@noreengangwish4985]

do they have a dual blade trimmer head for the 40v? i need it for my tougher weeds

[@wildbill23c]

I believe you can swap to a different head on the straight shaft attachment, at least I can on my gas powered version, same attachment just a different power unit. I have a brush cutter blade, a plastic (nylon) trimmer head spool, and a metal trimmer head spool for mine, all of those should work with the regular trimmer head regardless of which power unit you are using (gas or battery). I like being able to cut brush, or trim around the yard with the same equipment...I plan on picking up another straight shaft attachment so I can leave my brush cutter, plastic or metal blades on one shaft and my regular string trimmer head on the other shaft.

[@noreengangwish4985]

William Todd , ty, I will look into, I’m a rookie

[@PhilipGartrell]

Go Bulls!

[@NameItBuildIt]

Great video! I might pick up this set for the coming summer. I love ryobi tools. They aren’t expensive and I found they outlast any other brand I’ve used. I had tools from every major brand and I keep going back to Ryobi.

[@Tattoo15k]

Which Ah battery were you using?

[@Getawaymoments]

Oh ...... and go USF!!!

[@MCRideout]

How tall are you? Would it work for someone who's 6'4"?

[@thefiXfiles]

6’2’’. The edger and weed eater are a little rough on my back. I’d definitely need breaks if I had more land to take care of. It’s about the same as any gas tools I’ve used.

[@stevehaw5615]

why are these not available in the UK

[@MrLucifuge1973]

Because no one wants to have to deal with age verification to prove they are selling to an adult. hahhahaah

[@alexhickey5633]

All pole saws have vibration. Its hard to get the correct leverage with the length

[@judytaaptich7083]

you did a great showing how it works but all the reviews are bad on it burning up and batteries dont last why such big difference with this

[@judytaaptich7083]

and price of batteries are crazy

[@thefiXfiles]

Agreed that the prices of these batteries are bonkers. It would be nice to have a second battery so one could charge while you work with the other but too expensive. about the bad batteries though, it could be that some received a bad batch of batteries. Mine still holds a charge. The edger does drain it faster though.

[@AlowisciousMahoney]

I bought the 40v string trimmer about two years ago and the battery went bad almost immediately. That said, replacement was quick and easy and no issues with the replacement batteries in the past two years. Usually somewhat duty about once a week tho. Sounds like the quality of individual batteries may be hit and miss

[@christopherkozub663]

weed yard looks great

[@travistidwell6734]

Heavy overgrown edges can be battery eaters

[@gphilipc2031]

I will be making my third warranty claim on Monday. This time I think the motor is fubar. Before this it was battery and charger issues which Ryobi made good. I like the concept but am now weary of kind of line trimmer. I may go back to gas...and I hate noisy gas whackers. UPDATE: Fifth failure on 10/07/18. I'm gonna get it repaired AGAIN but, realistically, this line trimmer is not destined to last very long. This will be my last Li battery operated trimmer.

[@FantomLightning]

No idea how much this will help you, but I've seen many reports of failing batteries and chargers for the 40V Ryobi line. The 18V seems to be the way to go for longevity.

[@coninitaly]

IS IT ME? i AM STRUGGLING, YEAR 2, WITH THE FEED COMING FROM THE TRIGGER. HUGE PAIN AND I WASTE SO MUCH.

[@truckingmoney485]

I will never own a gas powered trimmer again been using a battery one for about 7 years

[@steelman86]

The first pole saw i got was a disaster as it would twist sideways when cutting a branch at an angle! I took it back and got another new one which did the same thing!!.,the little button which was supposed to keep the shafts together was a TOTAL FAILURE,!! I spent more time taking the shafts apart and twisting it back into position than I got work done!!.👎👎 The second iteration which has large turn screw connectors works very well, so they got enough complaints they fixed the problem with a completely different approach. Batteries are VERY EXPENSIVE but do last a long time! The weed eater is the best product for the 40 volt battery in my use!

[@llNATEDOGGll]

Damn bro...you're lawn is all weeds lmao that sucks but thanks for the reviews. I have the 4-cycle Ryobi string trimmer and starting to build my arsenal.

[@straight-up-shots]

Probably just a different type of grass than you have.

[@paolohuang9935]

I had a model older than this one that I love. My sister has difficulty with tools that are too heavy and she actually loved mine and found it easy to use kzbin.infoUgkx_rBCFuDW1zD6blTGhLkvAkxU657uR_lG . This is a newer model but was even lighter which she really appreciates. She enjoys it and I no longer have to go to her house to trim as she can handle it fine. Haven't used it enough to comment on the battery life but lithium batteries last longer than the old style. Being cordless makes it easy to trim the far edges of the property. The entire yard can be trimmed with one charged battery.

[@bulldogms]

The batteries degrade quickly. That's the only downside.

[@constructionking1250]

Great review! Just bought one. Can't stand that your wearing khakis and a polo doing yard work lol

[@thefiXfiles]

Lol it saves on the laundry to wash at the end of the week.

[@simplehead2538]

0:50 LMAO!!! You are welcome !