When you mowed the grass as a teenager, chances are that you didn’t feel all that cool–no matter how loud you cranked that Prince tape in your Walkman. The new line of Ryobi 40-Volt Lithium-Ion outdoor tools completely changes the equation. The compact, neon, lightweight Mower, String Trimmer, Chain Saw, Hedge Trimmer and Blower are tools you (or your dad) will actually want to be seen using.
These tool are now available online at homedepot.com and at your local Home Depot store.
We got to take the new line out for a test drive, and here are six reasons we’re digging these tools:
The Interchangeable Battery is Quite Clever
Use one 40-volt rechargeable battery to power all of the tools in the line. That means you won’t waste oil or other fuel and you’ll be keeping more batteries out of the landfills, a definite plus for the environment. There are no tangled chords to mess around with, either.
The lithium-ion battery runs for the maximum amount of time for a rechargeable—and it holds a charge up to four times longer. Just mash the Check Your Charge button right on the battery to see where you stand. We found that the battery held out for quite sometime when we tackled a majorly overgrown lawn.
Battery-Powered Tools are Quieter
Someone could be writing a novel inside while you mow the lawn with the Cordless Mower. Seriously. The impressive quietness of the line—particularly the mower—makes it ideal for those with close neighbors, new babies or those who are just sensitive to noise pollution.
They’re Perfect for Urban Yard Work
The compact, lightweight nature of these tools makes storing them in tight or awkward space that much easier. (The Blower is just 6.8 pounds. The String Trimmer is nine pounds while the Chain Saw is only about one pound heavier. The Mower is 40 pounds, compared to a roughly 100 pound average-sized mower.) We were surprised that despite the compact nature, they really tore up the job.
Say Goodbye to Gasoline
Every one knows that the best part about yard work is the smell of fresh-cut grass. That sweet smell of nostalgia can be ruined by the pungent aroma of gas, but not with the Ryobi 40-Volt Lithium-Ion line.
Sporty, Smart Design
The wrap-around handle on the Hedge Trimmer offers superior cut-control and angling. The 12-inch blade on the chainsaw is just the right size to be able to take on heavy pruning, but remain comfortable to maneuver. We definitely got the feeling that these tools were built with function in mind.
Neon Green is Rad (Again)
The unique yellow-green color definitely adds some attitude to the set and brings it all together. Never thought we’d say it, but neon green is back (just like that Prince tape).
Learn more about this Ryobi line by joining Ryobi Nation. It’s your place to share successes, win prizes and get the inside scoop on projects and promotions.
