Battery Powered Tools - Options To Consider

Hi All,

We have a load of power tools / garden kit, all of it a mismash of various brands acquired over twenty years and more (some inherited from relatives), and most of it is corded / petrol (and old, but nothing wrong with that if it still works).

We're going to purchase a battery powered strimmer, and figured we should really 'standardise' onto a single brand / system, so that the batteries are interchangeable.

I am looking for Choice Cheapies collective intelligence on what makes sense. We don't use anything all that much (just domestic, general DIY, garden stuff), so I figure no point in going really high end, as we'll never recoup the investment, so probably a mid-range option? Brands I have seen (strimmers):

AEG - 18V
AEG - 58V
Black & Decker - 18V
Bosch - 18V
DeWalt - 18V
DeWalt - 54V
Karcher - 18V
Makita - 18V
Makita - 40V
Ozito - 18V
Ryobi - 18V
Ryobi - 36V
Stanley - 18V
XU1 - 18V

Brands I am not familar with at all (Mitre10):

Ego - 56V
Hikoki - 36V
Lawnmaster - 40V
Lawnmaster - 58V

Whilst we don't currently need a lawnmower, or a new drill, or anything else right now, I would like to 'plan ahead' and pick a system (manufacturer and voltage) that means I have a very good chance of being able to purchase whatever else we might have to replace in the future, with a product in the same range, and where the batteries will be compatible.

I am thinking therefore, that we should exclude the brands above that I am not familiar with, as they might only do things like strimmers (maybe lawn mowers), and other 'garden' equipment, but presumably not something like a drill (I anticipate having to replace my drill in the next couple of years, so this is pretty much a given). Karcher also seems to be 'outdoor' equipment only?

Am I correct in thinking that a 36V / 40V / 54V system will be heavier (batteries) than an 18V system? Are 5.0AH (18V) batteries heavier than 2.5AH (18V) batteries, but they would both work in a given 18V system (from the same brand)?

If we went with an 18V system, and wanted to purchase a lawnmower, would it be 'gutless', or is it possible that the brand might have a 36V lawnmower than took two 18V batteries run in series to give 36V?

Any thoughts on pros and cons of any of the above brands / systems?

Thanks!

Alan.

PS: This is a similar question to a discussion a few months ago. At that time, Huntakillaz noted that it is a good idea to choose a 'system' to stick with (which is advice I am now following!), but that discussion was very much about lawnmowers, so I figured to post anew, rather than replying in that thread.

Comments

  • +1

    I'm going to go against the grain and say there is no point sticking with only one system. I have multiple myself, Ryobi 18V and 36V, Aeg 18V, Makita 40V, Ego 56V, and Greenworks 40V mower. The biggest thing you'll find is that some brands have certain skins that are very good and similar from a different brand that will be totally trash and varying degrees in between. It's the main reason I have multiple so that I can mix and match the good stuff, not to mention if they aren't an exclusive Bunning's brand (Ryobi/AEG) you can price match and find deals for skins/kits at other stores or online. I really only get a new skin if there's a deal on something I need in particular. Ryobi has the largest range of interesting tools IMO, although they're not all good.

    I highly recommend going for a higher voltage tool for lawn/outdoor tools, yes they will be heavier than the 18V versions. Only go 18V for things that don't need heavy duty use, e.g. I have the mini hedge trimmer/shears from Ryobi that I really like for trimming small bushes and shrubs. Stay away from Lawnmaster. The Makita 40V stuff is nice but their skins are also very expensive. I was looking at their new 40V hedge trimmers, but I'm thinking of going with an Ego one instead as I need a new battery and it's way cheaper.

    You probably won't need higher that 18V for drills and DIY tools, so you'll end up with more than one system anyway. I survived with Ryobi 18V (including mower/strimmer) for a long time but have slowly expanded over time and found the higher voltage brushless motor tools to have a lot more power.

    If you're really adamant about sticking with one system, I would go for a brand that is sold at multiple places. Also, AEG's 58V line is being discontinued, you can avoid that too.

  • +1

    Agree with what kinetic9 says. I'll add that I went through a similar process recently when my 36v weed eater/line trimmer died I nearly went with a Makita 18v x2 alternative. Definitely needed more than 18v for a line trimmer and the Makita line trimmer option opened a lot of options for 18v tools. I have a few AEG 18v tools and that would give me two brands to choose from in the future. I dont rate the Ryobi hardware - too hit-and-miss for reliability.

  • +1

    i've had great experience with the Ozito PXC stuff.
    both power tools and garden tools (except lawnmower).

    Batteries are reasonable price, warranty if 5 years (swapped a charger over no questions asked).

    Power tools have held up good, spend the extra and get brushless if you can.

    • +1

      Second vote for PxC for a good balance of price and quality, and a great warranty, at least for garage/shed tools. Beware of buying with Powerpass though: while I haven't experienced it, I've heard they will try and claim that the warranty doesn't apply as it's a commercial purchase (even if it was bought for home/DIY use).

      Brushless is definitely better if you can get what you want in brushless. My original brushed drill gave up the ghost recently with the brushes wearing out after probably 8 years, but brushless should last longer and give you more power. I've got both a brushless hammer drill and brushless impact driver from PxC and I think they're pretty good.

      I also second the "except lawnmower". I've tried a small 18V lawnmower from them and it's pretty poor construction. They also do a 36V (18V x 2), but I'm not sure if that's any better.

      Trying to answer some of your other questions:
      - a 36V / 40V / 54V system will be heavier (batteries) than an 18V system? Correct, generally
      - Are 5.0AH (18V) batteries heavier than 2.5AH (18V) batteries Yes, and yes you can use any of the brand's batteries in any of their equipment matching the voltage. Larger (AH) means more capacity, lasting longer.
      - two 18V batteries run in series to give 36V? yes, some brands do exactly this, PxC for example

      As for whether to stick with one brand, I'm actually inclined to split the difference: I have a bunch of garage PxC tools that I'm really happy with (drill, driver, recip, circular saw, pump, lights, jigsaw), and I find the ability to have a stash of batteries means that there's always one charged and ready to go, and the overall cost is lower because I mostly only need skins from now on.

      However, for the garden I'd be inclined to go with whatever is going to make your life easier. If that's another skin, fine. For me it's a bunch of petrol powered tools that make my life easier. For others, it might be a different brand that has better garden equipment. You don't want to be fluffing around with underpowered garden tools, they will be disappointing.

  • Latest on this is that all manufacturers will be transitioning to one universal battery design from next year, so won't matter which brand you choose then.

    • +1

      Got a source for this?

      • Would like to see a source too, it seems very unlikely

      • Extol/makita reps. I would've thought it'll be unlikely too, but if it comes to fruition you owe me a $20

        • Are you talking something like Ceenr(ceenr.com) batteries + adapters?

          I'll take that bet, ALL manufacturers to start transitioning in 2025, not only invalidating their current lineup or having to produce multiple similar lines? I still think it's unlikely for a few years yet.

  • Source please

  • The tools landscape can change in 5 years or so. Only have to look at the Victa brand for example. If tools are not used professionally, then Ozito from Bunnings might be the best choice at the moment.

  • Thanks everyone.

    Decided to with the Ozito PxC strimmer, and see how it goes.

    If we're lucky we'll another few years out of the existing petrol mower and corded drill, which will give us time to assess the Ozito strimmer.

    Very much appreciate all of your comments / advice.

    Alan.

  • I've got a Makita 18V line trimmer, blower and edger and they work well for me. One of the reasons I went with Makita is that they are stocked by both Bunnings and Mitre 10 so was able to price match them and get 15% off

  • I've got dewalt and ego.

    Being able to price match is really good.

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