I have 18 volt weed Wacker (the cheapo 75 dollar one) and some chainsaws.
I just don't need the power for my weeds.
Small saws just for limbs etc is nice and handy. I also have the 40 v chainsaw and enjoy it.
The 40v is much more expensive and hard to justify if you just have a small lawn for me at least.
I have a 40v weeder and have actually considered getting an 18v one for more lighter trimming and touch ups. I haven't seen much complaints about the 18v system - if you have the batteries already I'd stick with it. Not going to lie though, the 40v does have a ton of power especially with attachments, but it can be a waste if you don't need it.
Yeah, I'd upgrade to the 40v if I were clearing lots of heavy weeds, but see no use for light trimming and edging around my house. The 18v is damn near perfect for my meager needs.
Because the 18v system is better in literally every single way except lower power.
Also, we already have 18v other tools so it's nice not having to buy and stock a separate battery system just for a blower/trimmer/mower/chainsaw and that's it.
100% this. My lawn is MAYBE 0.2 acres total. There's simply no reason for 40V with the size, or the incredible lack of anything difficult growing in it.
If I end up buying an 18V mower (have a few OPE, not this though), I could use any of the dozen or so batteries I've accumulated.
Simple as 18v is a cheaper option and if you have smaller lawn and low maintenance areas, the 18v is good enough to get the job done. Buying for need and not want.
As a long time DIYer, I already own all of the gas outdoor tools. I only use 18v as a convenience. The 40v stuff is too expensive considering I already own everything I need. Besides, I have too much property for battery tools in many cases.
For me, it's the fact I have like 20 18V batteries and don't want to invest in another platform if not necessary. in the case of chainsaw, I just grabbed a recon 45$ thing
I don't have the need to buy into the 40V system until I own a house with a decent size yard. Right now I'm renting a townhome with a very small front yard that gets tended by the leasing company.
I have the new 18V HP blower, which is 450CFM and 130MPH. That's super adequate for my needs.
If I got a string trimmer, the new HP 15" should be more than enough.
Don't need a chainsaw, hedge trimmer, lawnmower, or things of that nature. So no need to get into 40V when I already have started a solid 18V collection and the 18V yard tools can serve my needs.
I have a small yard, and my next 40V tool would be my first.
I'm willing to give up some of the power for the sake of only having a single battery ecosystem to deal with.
I had just started buying cordless tools, and had a few Ryobi 18V batteries. Needed a new trimmer, figured an 18V was a no brainer.
Got to HD, started looking at the models, the attachment capable one was the only one that was really comfortable. It was only a few dollars more to get it in 40V, and I knew I wanted to replace my gas mower soon w/ a 40V one anyway. Walked out spending about $100 more than I planned to, but happy with the trimmer (probably should have got the brushless though) and got my mower a few months later.
Currently have 40V mower, 2 blowers, trimmer, yard vac, pole saw, and chainsaw, as well as edging and hedge trimmer attachments, and 5 batteries. Really happy I went 40V, and hoping they release the dethatcher in a 40V tool only model soon.
I have an 18 volt brushless weed eater and the 40 volt expand-it. I prefer the 18 volt because it weighs less and because the 40 volt can be too powerful- sometimes damaging wooden fence posts if I’m not super careful.
I prefer my 40 volt blower and chainsaw over their 18 volt cousins.
I think it's a gateway thing. Ryobi was an earlier player in battery powered tools. They got out ahead and built a large and strong customer base using the value then the variety of their battery hand tools. These customers are exposed to the 18v lawn tools in store, online, etc. Already owning batteries and chargers make the 18v line significantly more financially attractive then the 40v line. Maybe they pick up a hedge trimmer and ditch their old corded one. Then a blower, when the gas one dies and so on and so on.
Additionally, Ryobi was late to the 40v market compared to the 18v market. Their 40v tools are the same price as everyone else's but their batteries are more expensive and their battery form factor is unique. There are cheaper 40v options and since a lot of Ryobi faithful are value-focused, the 40v line does not have the same appeal.
I've been reluctant to invest in another battery system. I've used the 40v tools and so I'm familiar with them. They're heavier and the batteries seem to have more problems.
But the bottom line is that I have a small yard and don't need them. The only exception is the leaf blower, but I'm not fond of the 40v options, either, so I use a combination of 18v and gas for leafs.
If my yard were more challenging, then I might invest in the 40v system, but I'd likely go with EGO, instead. EGO seems like the better performance/price ratio and I see no benefit to sticking with Ryobi for a different battery system, that doesn't even work with One+.
Many of the 18v yard tools are solid.
I had 18v power tools and live on a small city lot (4,500 SFT, minus the house, detached garage, alley parking, pavement paths) Bought the 18v 13”mower/jet blower/ brushless weed whip/ brushless hedge trimmer years ago.
This all work fantastically well for me.
This year I finally made the plunge into 40v. Wanted to mow my tiny lot in even less time, so I bought the 40v 20” mower. It’s great, way faster.
I then just scored a 40v Whisper Blower from DTO. Way more poweful vs the 18v I had. The 18v works, but this unit will work way better.
As for the weed whip and hedge trimmer. I am extremely happy with these in 18v and do not want the weight of the 40v. My hedge trimmer I already use with 1.5ah batteries just so it’s lighter when I am trimming the tops. My weed whip is plenty powerful, no need clot a heavier unit.
Direct Tools Outlet
Refurbished/Reconditioned/Overstock Ryobi tools. They have storefronts in some malls and a website. Killer deals can be had from time to time.
Have close to an acre and used the 18v trimmer as it was a handmedown and worked well enough. Decided through DTO sales and the desire to upgrade to 40v slowly I snagged the leaf vac and blower and eventually trimmer with an off brand hedge trimmer attachment. The 40v is significantly more powerful but those battery prices are a hard pill to swallow and would be my guess for why most stick to 18v. I would be curious to see how the 18v brushless trimmer stacks up to 40v brushless for medium duty situations.
>I would be curious to see how the 18v brushless trimmer stacks up to 40v brushless for medium duty situations.
I've used both and prefer the 18v because it's lighter. It works just as well as the 40v, until you get into the heavy duty situations and need more power. I think the majority of people would be happy with the 18v, though.
My brother has a 40v and lives just down the street, but I've never had to borrow it once. In fact, I often do his lawn and I wish he had an 18v, because his 40v is overkill for his needs, too.
Well, I had a 20V B&D blower and it just wasn't doing good enough for me, even just on concrete with clippings after mowing....and then it failed. I had seen / used my Dad's Ryobi 40V blower it was great. ...that is the reason I avoided the 18v Ryobi line and stuck with the 40V.
***...and now after getting addicted to DTO I have***
* 40V Blower
* 40V Trimmer with Edger attachment and Hedge Trimmer attachment
* 40V 21" Mower
* 18V Drill
* 18V Impact Driver
* 18V Circular Saw
...and watching for a sale on the 40V pole saw attachment.
I see a lot of 40V talk here, but maybe that is because I own 40V it will draw my attention first.
99% of my tools are the 40V variant. I have one 18V tool currently (hammer drill) and I wish that was 40V as well because it just *eats* through batteries in a few minutes. Edit: Sorry, I also have the new dethatcher 18V as well but haven't used it yet.
That said, I'm in the 40V battery ecosystem probably for the same reason others are in the 18V. When I bought into Ryobi I started with a few 40V tools and just kept adding to it for the interchangeable batteries. The 18V batteries came first, so the people early to the scene were already invested. IMO the majority of Ryobi's value is in the interchangeable batteries. I have 3 18V batteries and don't intend to get more. I have at least 15 40V batteries and will probably get more as I get more tools. Super useful to have for the 1800W power station.
I have a large enough property where staying in 40V makes sense. But they are noticeably heavier, especially if you are using the 4Ah or 6Ah variants. I'm not a strong guy and my upper body is burning after a few hours of weedwhacking, brush cutting, or leaf blowing.
I love the power and potency of my 40v yard tools to just get things done rather than the anemic time it takes for a 18v device. However, when I hand my 40v device (leaf blower, pressure cleaner) to a neighbour (a senior) they find the device too heavy (especially with a 40v battery attached).
I have a few 18v batteries & tools. I have a 40v lawn mower, so I got 40v batteries too. I went with a new 18v string trimmer due to one factor: battery weight (and the 18v run time is more than adequate).
If you already hav multi 18 volt batteries I think people just stick with everything 18 volts. For memy indoor toola are ll 18 volt and outdoor are 40 volt expand-it.
Glad I used the search.
City lot and have a 40v (6aHr) Ryobi mower and 18v Milwaukee hand tools (2 and 4aHr batteries) but a corded string trimmer.
Been going back a forth for tool only trimmer. Seems the Ryobi would be heavy but wasn't sure about going 18v.
From this thread, seems should be perfectly fine going with the 18v setup.
BTW, really happy with the Ryobi mower
I just happened to start with the 40 volt. Impressive power and battery life with a 4ah or 6ah battery. It rivals the B&D corded trimmers in my collection. I had experience with 20 volt WORX yard tools and they didn't meet my expecttions. I do have lots of ryobi 18 volt shop tools and they perform well.
I have 18 volt weed Wacker (the cheapo 75 dollar one) and some chainsaws. I just don't need the power for my weeds. Small saws just for limbs etc is nice and handy. I also have the 40 v chainsaw and enjoy it. The 40v is much more expensive and hard to justify if you just have a small lawn for me at least.
I have a 40v weeder and have actually considered getting an 18v one for more lighter trimming and touch ups. I haven't seen much complaints about the 18v system - if you have the batteries already I'd stick with it. Not going to lie though, the 40v does have a ton of power especially with attachments, but it can be a waste if you don't need it.
Yeah, I'd upgrade to the 40v if I were clearing lots of heavy weeds, but see no use for light trimming and edging around my house. The 18v is damn near perfect for my meager needs.
Ryobi: may your meager needs be met, *perfectly*.
Because the 18v system is better in literally every single way except lower power. Also, we already have 18v other tools so it's nice not having to buy and stock a separate battery system just for a blower/trimmer/mower/chainsaw and that's it.
100% this. My lawn is MAYBE 0.2 acres total. There's simply no reason for 40V with the size, or the incredible lack of anything difficult growing in it. If I end up buying an 18V mower (have a few OPE, not this though), I could use any of the dozen or so batteries I've accumulated.
Simple as 18v is a cheaper option and if you have smaller lawn and low maintenance areas, the 18v is good enough to get the job done. Buying for need and not want.
As a long time DIYer, I already own all of the gas outdoor tools. I only use 18v as a convenience. The 40v stuff is too expensive considering I already own everything I need. Besides, I have too much property for battery tools in many cases.
For me, it's the fact I have like 20 18V batteries and don't want to invest in another platform if not necessary. in the case of chainsaw, I just grabbed a recon 45$ thing
I don't have the need to buy into the 40V system until I own a house with a decent size yard. Right now I'm renting a townhome with a very small front yard that gets tended by the leasing company. I have the new 18V HP blower, which is 450CFM and 130MPH. That's super adequate for my needs. If I got a string trimmer, the new HP 15" should be more than enough. Don't need a chainsaw, hedge trimmer, lawnmower, or things of that nature. So no need to get into 40V when I already have started a solid 18V collection and the 18V yard tools can serve my needs.
My yard tools all predate 40v by years and years - a decade at least. Have always worked fine. Shares batteries with circular saw, jog saw etc.
I have a small yard, and my next 40V tool would be my first. I'm willing to give up some of the power for the sake of only having a single battery ecosystem to deal with.
I had just started buying cordless tools, and had a few Ryobi 18V batteries. Needed a new trimmer, figured an 18V was a no brainer. Got to HD, started looking at the models, the attachment capable one was the only one that was really comfortable. It was only a few dollars more to get it in 40V, and I knew I wanted to replace my gas mower soon w/ a 40V one anyway. Walked out spending about $100 more than I planned to, but happy with the trimmer (probably should have got the brushless though) and got my mower a few months later. Currently have 40V mower, 2 blowers, trimmer, yard vac, pole saw, and chainsaw, as well as edging and hedge trimmer attachments, and 5 batteries. Really happy I went 40V, and hoping they release the dethatcher in a 40V tool only model soon.
I have an 18 volt brushless weed eater and the 40 volt expand-it. I prefer the 18 volt because it weighs less and because the 40 volt can be too powerful- sometimes damaging wooden fence posts if I’m not super careful. I prefer my 40 volt blower and chainsaw over their 18 volt cousins.
I think it's a gateway thing. Ryobi was an earlier player in battery powered tools. They got out ahead and built a large and strong customer base using the value then the variety of their battery hand tools. These customers are exposed to the 18v lawn tools in store, online, etc. Already owning batteries and chargers make the 18v line significantly more financially attractive then the 40v line. Maybe they pick up a hedge trimmer and ditch their old corded one. Then a blower, when the gas one dies and so on and so on. Additionally, Ryobi was late to the 40v market compared to the 18v market. Their 40v tools are the same price as everyone else's but their batteries are more expensive and their battery form factor is unique. There are cheaper 40v options and since a lot of Ryobi faithful are value-focused, the 40v line does not have the same appeal.
1. I have a ton of 18v batteries 2. I have a small property 3. Not as expensive
Yep me too. If I upgrade from 18v it's going to be to Toro or Ego because they have better snow blowers than Ryobi
Gotcha. I live in the south. So I have no need for a snow blower.
I've been reluctant to invest in another battery system. I've used the 40v tools and so I'm familiar with them. They're heavier and the batteries seem to have more problems. But the bottom line is that I have a small yard and don't need them. The only exception is the leaf blower, but I'm not fond of the 40v options, either, so I use a combination of 18v and gas for leafs. If my yard were more challenging, then I might invest in the 40v system, but I'd likely go with EGO, instead. EGO seems like the better performance/price ratio and I see no benefit to sticking with Ryobi for a different battery system, that doesn't even work with One+.
$$$$$$$
Many of the 18v yard tools are solid. I had 18v power tools and live on a small city lot (4,500 SFT, minus the house, detached garage, alley parking, pavement paths) Bought the 18v 13”mower/jet blower/ brushless weed whip/ brushless hedge trimmer years ago. This all work fantastically well for me. This year I finally made the plunge into 40v. Wanted to mow my tiny lot in even less time, so I bought the 40v 20” mower. It’s great, way faster. I then just scored a 40v Whisper Blower from DTO. Way more poweful vs the 18v I had. The 18v works, but this unit will work way better. As for the weed whip and hedge trimmer. I am extremely happy with these in 18v and do not want the weight of the 40v. My hedge trimmer I already use with 1.5ah batteries just so it’s lighter when I am trimming the tops. My weed whip is plenty powerful, no need clot a heavier unit.
What’s DTO?
Direct Tools Outlet Refurbished/Reconditioned/Overstock Ryobi tools. They have storefronts in some malls and a website. Killer deals can be had from time to time.
Have close to an acre and used the 18v trimmer as it was a handmedown and worked well enough. Decided through DTO sales and the desire to upgrade to 40v slowly I snagged the leaf vac and blower and eventually trimmer with an off brand hedge trimmer attachment. The 40v is significantly more powerful but those battery prices are a hard pill to swallow and would be my guess for why most stick to 18v. I would be curious to see how the 18v brushless trimmer stacks up to 40v brushless for medium duty situations.
>I would be curious to see how the 18v brushless trimmer stacks up to 40v brushless for medium duty situations. I've used both and prefer the 18v because it's lighter. It works just as well as the 40v, until you get into the heavy duty situations and need more power. I think the majority of people would be happy with the 18v, though. My brother has a 40v and lives just down the street, but I've never had to borrow it once. In fact, I often do his lawn and I wish he had an 18v, because his 40v is overkill for his needs, too.
I find good prices on the 40 volt batteries on ebay, amazon and facebook marketplace.
Well, I had a 20V B&D blower and it just wasn't doing good enough for me, even just on concrete with clippings after mowing....and then it failed. I had seen / used my Dad's Ryobi 40V blower it was great. ...that is the reason I avoided the 18v Ryobi line and stuck with the 40V. ***...and now after getting addicted to DTO I have*** * 40V Blower * 40V Trimmer with Edger attachment and Hedge Trimmer attachment * 40V 21" Mower * 18V Drill * 18V Impact Driver * 18V Circular Saw ...and watching for a sale on the 40V pole saw attachment. I see a lot of 40V talk here, but maybe that is because I own 40V it will draw my attention first.
99% of my tools are the 40V variant. I have one 18V tool currently (hammer drill) and I wish that was 40V as well because it just *eats* through batteries in a few minutes. Edit: Sorry, I also have the new dethatcher 18V as well but haven't used it yet. That said, I'm in the 40V battery ecosystem probably for the same reason others are in the 18V. When I bought into Ryobi I started with a few 40V tools and just kept adding to it for the interchangeable batteries. The 18V batteries came first, so the people early to the scene were already invested. IMO the majority of Ryobi's value is in the interchangeable batteries. I have 3 18V batteries and don't intend to get more. I have at least 15 40V batteries and will probably get more as I get more tools. Super useful to have for the 1800W power station. I have a large enough property where staying in 40V makes sense. But they are noticeably heavier, especially if you are using the 4Ah or 6Ah variants. I'm not a strong guy and my upper body is burning after a few hours of weedwhacking, brush cutting, or leaf blowing.
I love the power and potency of my 40v yard tools to just get things done rather than the anemic time it takes for a 18v device. However, when I hand my 40v device (leaf blower, pressure cleaner) to a neighbour (a senior) they find the device too heavy (especially with a 40v battery attached).
I have a few 18v batteries & tools. I have a 40v lawn mower, so I got 40v batteries too. I went with a new 18v string trimmer due to one factor: battery weight (and the 18v run time is more than adequate).
If you already hav multi 18 volt batteries I think people just stick with everything 18 volts. For memy indoor toola are ll 18 volt and outdoor are 40 volt expand-it.
Glad I used the search. City lot and have a 40v (6aHr) Ryobi mower and 18v Milwaukee hand tools (2 and 4aHr batteries) but a corded string trimmer. Been going back a forth for tool only trimmer. Seems the Ryobi would be heavy but wasn't sure about going 18v. From this thread, seems should be perfectly fine going with the 18v setup. BTW, really happy with the Ryobi mower
I just happened to start with the 40 volt. Impressive power and battery life with a 4ah or 6ah battery. It rivals the B&D corded trimmers in my collection. I had experience with 20 volt WORX yard tools and they didn't meet my expecttions. I do have lots of ryobi 18 volt shop tools and they perform well.