ECHO hosted their annual POWER-ON-ATHON event on September 19th at their headquarters in Lake Zurich, IL. They invited a number of industry and media partners as they announced new products for 2025. This event included a factory tour, product release, and tool test.

Factory Tour

During the factory tour, Ryan Ladley, VP of Operations at ECHO, spoke about a few major focuses for their manufacturing of high end tools. They were safety, vertical integration, continuous improvement, and listening to feedback from their employees and customers. Let me break that down a little further.

Safety:

As ECHO has updated their manufacturing facility, they have made various changes to the assembly line. One of the biggest focuses for them has been the safety and health of their employees. They spend a significant amount of money to ensure that the team has an ideal quality of life and enjoys their work. Some of the improvements to the work line seem simple, but have prevented overuse or work related injuries for employees.

Vertical Integration:

This was a topic that Ryan brought up numerous times throughout the tour. COVID was a challenge for every vendor/supplier. ECHO felt the impact of material and part delays just like every other company. Their response was to bring more processes in house and improve the efficiency of their operations. In essence, they wanted to control their own destiny. This required keen attention to detail. ECHO brought an automation team, molding team, and maintenance team in house. All of this investment allows them to move towards a more self-sufficient supply chain.

Continuous Improvement:

The focus on improving their manufacturing operation was displayed in their quest for quality. For example, ECHO has invested heavily in automation. This investment allowed for improvements in the overall quality of their offering, reduced their scrap rate, and used new, innovative manufacturing methods. They even go as far as regrinding their scrap so that they can reuse the plastic. Today, ECHO has effectively eliminated all manufacturing waste.

Listening to feedback:

ECHO has implemented a few notable ways to gather high quality feedback. Externally, ECHO has implemented their User Advisory Group (UAG). The UAG members are end users (landscapers, carpenters, etc) that they rely on for feedback on their products and suggestions for future development. Internally, they host annual Kaizen events. During these sessions, they invite employees from various levels in the company to collaborate and determine what they can do to improve.

The tour ended with a walk through their warehouse. It was incredible how much product they keep on demand in order to stay ahead of demand.

Product Release

After the tour, the main attraction…the ECHO POWER-ON-ATHON product announcement. For 2025, a total of 10 new products were launched. This includes:

• 4 blowers (DPB-2610, DPB-5900T, DPB-7700T, DPB-2500LE)
• A rapid field charger
• 2 string trimmers (DSRM-225, SRM-2120)
• A hedge trimmer (DSHC-2600)
• A handheld pruning saw (DHS-3006)
• A gas mower (LM-2119SP)

Tool Test/First Impressions

Next up, we were able to test out the new products. Here are our first impressions!

Blowers:

ECHO continues to deliver on high quality blowers for the homeowner and professional alike. The 2610, 5900T, and 7700T are all part of the X Series. The DPB-2500LE is a limited edition blower in which ECHO partnered with Susan G. Komen. All of these blowers put out an impressive amount of power. ECHO’s 56V batteries produce an impressive run time in all of these continuing on the likes of the 5800T.

Rapid Field Charger:

The 6-port Field Charger was designed for commercial landscapers. This comes with awesome features like their trailer/wall mount. With electric tools becoming more prevalent on job sites, this charger allows you to charge 6 batteries at once, ensuring you’re ready for the next job.

String Trimmers:

ECHO’s Speed-Feed trimmer heads make reloading trimmer line a breeze. The DSRM-225 combines this technology with a light, durable carbon fiber shaft and battery power. This makes it a great option for homeowners looking for a low maintenance trimmer. The SRM-2120 utilizes gas and the Rapid-Loader head. And with an incredible price point of $199.99, this trimmer is an unbeatable value.

Hedge Trimmer:

Another addition to the X Series line is the DSHC-2600, however this time with a battery. ECHO designed this to incorporate a 7-degree angle which allows the operator to use the trimmer with added comfort. The blades are also designed to improve cutting efficiency, and the battery allows for quiet operation of a typically noisy tool.

Handheld Pruning Saw:

The DHS-3006 has a 6” bar and cuts through branches with ease. This new tool is one of the lightest, most powerful pruning saws on the market and is a great addition to anyone’s chainsaw collection.

Gas Mower:

Considering battery powered mowers consume a lot of juice, a gas powered saw was a nice return to conventional mowers. The LM-2119SP easily adapts to walking speed meaning you no longer need to fight the controls to find your Goldilocks setting. And the dual-blade design means you get a professional cut.

Recap

All of these great releases continue to improve on ECHO’s established reputation for quality in outdoor power tools. The ECHO POWER-ON-ATHON event was a great success! We look forward to getting our hands on these tools and seeing the ECHO line continue to grow. Check out the ECHO Press Release from the event for more info!

ECHO POWER-ON-ATHON 2024 is a post from Tool Box Buzz

HART 20V Cordless Pole Saw and Hedge Trimmer Review

20V Pole Hedge Trimmer & 8" Pole Saw Kit

3/5

Manufacturer: HART
Model number: HGPH011VNM & HGPS011
Power source: 20V Li-Ion Battery

20V Pole Saw Specs

• Bar Length: 8″
• Extension Pole Length: 9.5′
• Bar Oil: Not Required
• Warranty: 3 Year limited

20V Pole Hedge trimmer Specs

• Blade Length: 18″
• Cut Capacity: 5/8″
• SPM: 3,000
• Weight: 8.35 Lbs.
• Warranty: 3 Year Limited

HART Extendable Pole System

Both the pole saw and hedge trimmer use an extendable pole system. There is a length attached to the powerhead with the controls as well as the cutter head. An extra midsection is included with each tool to reach the max length. These sections connect through a hand screw system, as pictured above. This collar is easy to use and held securely during use.

HART 20V Pole Hedge Trimmer

The HART pole hedge trimmer features an adjustable head that is capable of rotating a full 90° in either direction. This flexibility is excellent for trimming tall bushes overhead. I found it most beneficial when trimming those annoying thick weeds and saplings that are too large for a string trimmer and too small for a pole saw. The HART trimmer is capable of cutting up to 5/8″ diameter which makes it well suited for this job. I set the trimmer head parallel to the ground and held the extended shaft where it was comfortable to use, then simply walked along cutting the brush.

HART Cordless Pole Saw

Of the two tools tested, the performance of the 8″ pole saw most impressed me. The bar and chain feature a screw-turn tension adjustment system. The system worked well and the chain never slacked-out excessively. There is also a brush hook molded into the bottom of the housing that is excellent for moving limbs out of the way or hooking a stuck branch after it is cut.

Pole Saw Cutting Performance

The pole saw lacks any form of lubrication for the bar and chain. There is no bar oil reservoir and therefore long-term durability of the tool is a concern of mine. But then I remember, this is not designed for a professional landscaper or arborist. So occasional homeowner use should not be an issue at all.

I performed an impromptu runtime test with the saw on an approximately 4″ diameter maple tree limb. To my surprise, the HART made a total of 14 full depth cuts and then approximately 3/4 depth on the 15th. This was done with the included 2.0 Ah battery. I fully anticipated less than ten cuts with such a small battery. The unbranded saw chain also threw chips well and did not bo down at all.

Overall Impressions of the HART Cordless Pole Tools

In my opinion, HART continues to deliver upon its philosophy of value and convenience-based tools for the average homeowner or DIYer. The 20V cordless pole saw and pole hedge trimmer fully lives up to that reputation. They are adjustable and surprisingly powerful tools that are well suited to maintaining a small home or garden area. As with all HART tools, they are exclusively available from Walmart.

Currently, the pole saw retails for $158.00 as a kit and the hedge trimmer for $148.00. Overall this is a great value for the tool with a charger and one 2.0 Ah battery, for occasional use with no extra maintenance needed. I would strongly recommend a larger battery pack if you intend to use the tools for extended periods of time. Follow the Buy Now link below to purchase directly from Walmart.

HART 20V Cordless Pole Saw and Hedge Trimmer Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Makita Couple Shaft System – Pick Your Power

About 5 years ago, all of my small construction equipment and hand-held outdoor power equipment (OPE) ran on 2-stroke mixed gas. Then in 2016 I got my hands on a new 4-stroke Makita string trimmer and my 2-stroke trimmer started gathering dust. I kept it around though because it was an attachment system. Fast forward to the fall of 2019 and the Makita Couple Shaft attachment system showed up at the homestead. Spoiler alert, the days are numbered for my 2-stroke system.

Makita Couple Shaft – Born Out of Necessity

It goes without saying that urban and rural areas can be vastly different in terms of OPE needs. Different environments need different attachments. Someone in town doesn’t have a need for a brush cutter and someone who lives in the country doesn’t have much need for an edger. A manufacturer, like Makita, has 3 options when it comes to OPE: 1.) Make just the most common items as dedicated equipment, 2.) make everything as a dedicated item, or 3.) make an attachment system that has mass appeal. Makita has chosen a combination of 1 and 3 (like most manufacturers) but what makes them special is that their attachment system is huge. At the time of this post they are up to 13 or so attachments and growing.

Makita – Make All the Things

Like I said, the Makita couple shaft attachment system is huge, up to 13 different attachments currently. It isn’t surprising though considering how vast their 18V LXT line is (over 275 tools). “Make all the things” seems to be their motto when it comes to tools. Even knowing this, I was still surprised when I learned that they had two different power heads available for the couple shaft system. There’s a 4-stroke gas powerhead and also an 18V X2 battery powerhead.

Powerhead Specs – Just The Facts, Ma’am

18V X2 (36V) LXT® Brushless Couple Shaft Power Head – Model XUX01Z

Shaft Type : Multi-tool attachment
No Load Speed (var. 3 spd.) : 0 – 5,700 (Low) / 0 – 8,200 (Med.)/ 0 – 9,700 RPM (High)
Battery : 2X 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion
Net Weight (with battery) : 9.8 lbs.
Price: $269 Bare Tool and $449 Kitted with 2 batteries, a charger, and string trimmer attachment

25.4 cc MM4® 4‑Stroke Couple Shaft Power Head – Model EX2650LH

Engine Displacement (cc) : 25.4 cc
Engine (HP) : 1.1 HP
Max Engine RPM : 9,700 RPM
Power Type : 4-stroke gas
Fuel Type : Unleaded gas
Fuel Tank Capacity : 20.3 oz.
Crank Case Capacity : 2.7 oz.
Dry Weight : 10 lbs.
Price: $349 Bare Tool

Pick Your Power

While the two power heads don’t seem to have much for comparable specs, the important ones to note is that they operate at the same max shaft speed and the weight is pretty much the same. So how does a guy decide which one is best for him? We break it down below to help you decide.

Features and Ergonomics

Gas Power Head

What features could there possibly be on a gas powerhead? Isn’t it just a motor? It is but it’s the subtle features of the motor that really make it shine. It’s a 4-stroke engine so that means no mixed fuel. The oil is easy to check and change too. Additionally there is an automatic decomp making it easier and faster to pull the starter rope. In all honesty, this is the easiest starting piece of OPE I’ve ever used.

As far as ergonomics go, the handle controls are perfectly placed with the lockout automatically depressed when reaching for the trigger and the kill switch right near where the thumb grips the control handle. For a righty, it is perfect placement. Additionally there is a rubber over mold on the handle that makes wielding the tool both comfortable and enjoyable.

Battery Power Head

Talk about simple. The features on the cordless power head arenot many but they really add to the usefulness and durability of the tool. First there are three speeds on the power head. They are labeled turtle to rabbit. This is really useful for extending the run time. Another feature in the useful category is the reverse button. This allows the user to spin the motor (and attachment) backwards. Think about if you got into some really long grass and wrapped it up around the string head. Just hit the reverse button, pull the trigger, and spin the mess right off… definitely useful. And the last major feature is out of the durability category. Makita dubs it XPT or extreme protection technology. That helps protect the motor from dust and water meaning you can use it in the rain and in dusty conditions but don’t store it in a dirt pile or bucket of water.

When it comes to ergonomics, the battery power head has a similar feel to the gas one, the controls are well placed, the weight and balance are about the same, but the handle isn’t the same rubber material as the gas head. It isn’t worse, it’s just different. Part of it is the placement of the buttons and the little electronics pod. It’s like a big bulb in front of your hand where as the gas is a little sleeker design. The control layout on this power head is ambidextrous though unlike the gas.

Power and Performance

Gas Power Head

This motor has been around for a few years it is as smooth as it is powerful. It’s the same motor that I have on the Makita trimmer I’ve been running for four years. It’s easy to start and the power ramps up quickly. It holds around 20 oz of fuel or 2.5 cups. While it doesn’t sound like much, I can get about an hour of use on the string trimmer before it needs a refill. It really is a sipper and it’s relatively quiet too.

As far as power goes, it seems like this attachment system was designed around this motor. And all of them work as well as you would expect on a gas power head. The cultivator and hedge trimmer attachments are particularly well suited for the engine. The gas motor handles a bind situation well and can power through.

Battery Power Head

I’ll be honest, the power and performance of the battery power head was a huge surprise. I wasn’t expecting much out of 36 volts (18V x 2 batteries) or the old 18650 battery cells producing them. I certainly wasn’t expecting them to run the vast array of attachments available. Like I mentioned above, the battery power head has 3 speeds from turtle to rabbit. So not only do the three speeds help you conserve battery power but they also help you dial in the right speed for the attachments. For example, the edger I use almost exclusively on speed 2. It has the perfect amount of power for all but the thickest overgrowth.

With that said though, I still need another set of batteries to get anywhere close to the runtime of a tank of gas. The battery powerhead does run quite a long time if I’m only doing intermittent work but if I’m on it constantly trimming thick grass, it doesn’t have the run time of gas. This is especially noticeable when trimming something like a large run of chainlink fence. My parents have a fenced in dog run out at their 5 acre country yard that’s probably 700 LF of chainlink if I count both sides. If I don’t trim it for a couple weeks, I can blow through a set of batteries just on that fence.

Makita Couple Shaft – Gas VS Electric – Which One To Buy

So how do you decide which one is right for you? First off, both of the powerheads are excellent. They are well built and work extremely well. There are some things to consider though, which may help you decide.

Land Size

The size of the parcel you are working is going to be the deciding factor for many of you. If you have a large area to manage, as in over a couple acres, the gas powerhead is going to be your best bet because of it’s runtime per tank of fuel. If you live in town, the battery unit should have more than enough to cover your yard and everything in it.

Noise

The battery unit is stealth mode quiet. If you live in an area with noise restrictions or quiet hours, take a hard look at the battery powerhead. The only noise you hear while operating is the whoosh of the string, blade, sweeper, etc. It’s so quiet, I run mine while the kids are taking a nap. The gas powerhead on the other hand is quite a bit noisier than the battery unit but it’s still pretty quiet because it’s “sewing machine” smooth due to being a 4-stroke.

Battery Investment

If you’re already heavily invested in the Makita LXT system, it’s almost a no-brainer to add this to the lineup. That’s not to say that if you don’t have a king’s ransom of batteries that you should get the gas unit. If you had 4 batteries, that should last you about as long as a tank of gas depending on what you’re doing.

Applications

Like I mentioned above, some applications are better suited for the different power heads. Some of the attachments are well suited to the different modes (turtle to rabbit) of the battery powerhead. For example, the edger is fantastic on the battery powerhead. It is near perfect on mode/speed 2. The string trimmer also benefits greatly from the 3 modes especially if you’re trimming around softer materials like vinyl siding or tree bark. Turtle speed 1 has just enough head speed to trim the grass without damaging tree bark or breaking vinyl siding.

The cultivator and hedge trimmer are better suited for the gas head. On the battery powerhead, these two attachments can sometimes trigger the motor protection feature which stops the motor in a bind situation. Which is good in theory but can get annoying in practice if you’re trying to till up a stubborn planting bed or trim up a bush with some larger main branches. The gas powerhead has a clutch that keeps the motor running in a bind.

So What Do You Think?

So what do you think about these two powerheads and the Makita Couple Shaft system? Which one do you think is better for your application? Are you gas user for life or have you switched over to battery power? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. We would love to hear about your own applications and experience.

Makita Couple Shaft System – Pick Your Power is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Milwaukee M18 FUEL QUIK-LOK Review

It seems that everything is becoming cordless these days. While convenient, I find the multiple battery platforms, batteries, and chargers frustrating to keep track of, transport, store, and organize.  Wouldn’t it be nice if one battery fit all?

Milwaukee recently came out with a new Milwaukee M18 FUEL Attachment System w/ QUIK-LOK that delivers multiple outdoor power equipment tools [OPE] in one system. This system is powered by their M18 batteries, and a “Power Head” that’s compatible for a number of different attachments, including:

• String trimmer
• Edger
• Pole saw
• Hedge trimmer

Who Would Use QUIK-LOK Attachment System?

This system gives any homeowner the versatility to add tools to complete a range of landscape applications without having to invest in multiple dedicated tools. This results in a lower cost of ownership.While the QUIK-LOK system is clearly designed for landscaping pros, it can benefit anyone already usingthe M18 battery platform. Additionally, this system should appeal to others as well, such as:

• Newer homeowners looking to reduce initial dedicated tool costs
• Pros working in environments that have time restrictions on noise
• Pros working in environments that require restrictions on gas fumes emissions. [e.g. hospital environments, or near ventilation systems.]
• Anyone wanting to avoid the “Fuel, Prime, Pull, Start” process of using a gas powered tool.

Durability

Milwaukee designed this system to be robust and durable to withstand professional-level use over at least 3 years (which is the warranty period). This means that the tool is designed to have thousands of power on/off cycles and designed to withstand the demands of daily, heavy use.

The QUIK-LOK Attachment System

Users can enter the QUIK-LOK system through the M18 FUEL String Trimmer Kit or M18 FUEL Pole Saw Kit, then add additional attachments as needed. The idea of add-on attachments is not new, but is certainly a value-added feature.

Power Head

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Attachment System w/ QUIK-LOK is anchored by the power head, which ships with a 9.0 Ah battery. The first thing you will notice when using any attachment on the power head is that the throttle and tool react instantly – there is no lag-time or ramp-up period.The power head accepts all M18 batteries, has a variable speed safety switch and a high / low switch.

According to Milwaukee, the only accessory designed to be used with the “low speed” setting is the string trimmer. The power head attaches to the accessory attachments via a positive-locking mechanism. Once connected, the accessory operates off the power head’s motor via connected drive shafts. The power head trigger offers variable speeds. I found myself feathering the trigger on some applications when starting or finishing. The “two-motion” safety feature on the power head may be annoying but is a UL-required safety feature to prevent accidental starts.

With the pole saw and hedge trimmer, having the tools accidentally turn on could make for a very a bad day!

3-foot Attachment Extension

The extension attachment gives you 3 feet of additional length for applications requiring further reach with the Pole Saw attachments and Hedge Trimmer attachments. Each extension is 41.5” long and provides a working extension of 40.5″ the extensions adds 1.95 lbs. The extensions are available for approximately $54.00.

It’s important to understand that adding too many extensions onto the tool will add weight and hurt maneuverability, control, and balance. Milwaukee only recommends using one extension pole.

Chain Saw Attachment [Pole Saw]

This Pole Saw Attachment weighs 4.2 lbs. and features a 10″ Oregon bar and chain which provides you with smooth and surprisingly fast cuts. It was designed to be run at high speed, and can be fully submerged in a branch. Exposed bar length is about 9.5”

Milwaukee did some runtime testing using a 9.0 Ah battery and 3” diameter Oak dowels, achieving an average of 150 cuts. As speed of a pole saw increases, the torque drops. This relationship between speed and torque is a trade-off.Milwaukee designed their pole saw attachment with a lower speed than other pole saws so that it would have the better torque with hardwoods.  The result is a pole saw that maintains speed in hardwoods and doesn’t bog down.

We liked the oversized pull hook, or “branch hook,” on the pole saw. This hook was obviously useful for pulling branches out of the tree canopy, but there was also a hidden benefit as well. Because the hook is larger, it allows you to push against a tree branch that you’re cutting, to “capture it,” for added leverage and control. We found this especially useful in situations where we could not get decent downward pressure.

The pole saw comes equipped with easy access, easy-to-use chain  tensioner, and a translucent reservoir for automatic oiler. The reservoir is clear allowing easy viewing of the fluid level.

Pole Saw Features

• Automatic Oiler Chain Tensioner
• Translucent Oil Reservoir
• Branch Hook
• Padded Grip
• RPM: 4,600
• Bar Length: 10″
• Chain Gauge: .043″
• Chain Pitch: 3/8″
• Weight 4.2 lbs.
• Length 50.25”

Articulating Hedge Trimmer Attachment

The hedge trimmer weighs 5.8lbs., is 20 inches long, and is rated for branches up to 1” in diameter. It was designed to be run at high speed. It will give you approximately 2 hours of runtime, depending on the size of the branches you’re trimming. Lighter branches will give you longer runtime.

We liked that the hedge trimmer head is adjustable. It has a 270-degree rotation but a 180-degree operational position.It uses a Scotch Yoke, which is a short arm attached to a rotating shaft designed to move a tool arm in a linear motion.

One interesting feature of the hedge trimmer and adjustable head is that it can be used for ground clearing such as;

• Cutting perennials
• Trail clearing
• Fall clean-ups
• Heavier brush clearing

The hedge trimmer actually is the better attachment to use for these applications than the string trimmer. The hedge trimmer pulls less current than the string trimmer, resulting in a better battery runtime.

Hedge Trimmer Features

• Blade Set Rotation, Delivering 13 Operating Positions and 1 Storage Position
• Tip Guard
• Padded GripB
• lade Length: 20″
• Cut Capacity: 1″
• SPM: 3,500
• Length: 60″
• Weight: 5.8 lbs
• Model # 49-16-2719
• Accessory price $164.00

Edger Attachment

Not everyone uses an edger but when you need one, man does it do a nice job edging along hard surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, flower beds, and curbs. The edger attachment is designed to be run on high-speed. It uses an industry standard 8-inch blade. [measured corner to corner]

The guard on the edger has an “alignment cut-line,” machined into it that shows the blade location for more accurate cutting and control. The adjustable wheel is how you adjust the depth of cut. This adjustment is located on the wheel, and is easy to use and quick to do.

One thing you should be aware of is that increasing or decreasing the depth of cut also changes the tool angle. Blade changing is easy to do, but does require two tools: a wrench and a holding pin to prevent the gear head from spinning.  While pro users may go through a blade a week, residential users will probably use 1 or 2 blades over the life of this tool.

The rubber mud flap on the rear of the tool help prevent debris from kicking back. The bottom of the tool has an easily replaceable skid plate to protect the gear housing from concrete impact and abrasion damage.

The edger will get you approximately 1-hour of runtime, that obviously depends on whether your edging a maintained grass edge or a never-before-edged area.

Edger attachment Features

• High Strength Guard: Metal Alloy Guard
• Includes Blade Indication For Cut-Line Visibility
• Adjustable Wheel: Optimizes Blade Depth and Tool Angle
• Mud Flaps: Prevents Dirt and Debris Kick-Back
• Skid Plate: Protects Gear Box From Concrete Contact
• Blade Size: 8″
• RPM: 3,900
• Length: 38″
• Weight: 5.25 lbs

String Trimmer Attachment

The gas trimmer head has a bump feed mechanism. When I first started using the trimmer, I took the line head off the tool to inspect it. Putting it back on was annoying and I was about to give up until I watched their video on the Easy Load Trimmer Head.

Man, I felt like a dummy!

The grass trimmer spins at 6200 rpms, which is a 15% increase from prior generations.  A protective shroud guard is adjustable from 14” to 16” swath and comes from the factory set at 14”.

The trimmer also accepts two different size trimming lines;

1. .080 diameter line – suitable for standard grass
2. .095 diameter line – pro use and max. cutting for thick vegetation / brush

When the trimmer is set to 14” and outfitted with the .080 line you will see approximately one hour of runtime. The 16” setting and .095 trimmer line will give you max cutting power but less runtime, around 35 minutes.  With the 16” setting the tip of the trimmer line is actually moving faster and will result in more impact energy – that is, more aggressive cutting. Pro users will appreciate the larger cutting swath and better cutting efficiency in thicker materials.

Obviously, there is a direct tradeoff between power and runtime – something most cordless tool users understand. The grass trimmer features and upgraded, larger guard. This is due to the tool having an increased RPM compared to the previous generation.

Grass Trimmer Features

• Protected Drive-Shaft
• Bump Feed System
• Easy Load Trimmer Head: Easy Line-Loading, Under 30 seconds.
• Length 40”
• Cutting Swath 14-16”
• RPM 0-4900 / 0-6200
• Weight 3.75 lbs.

Using the System

So far, we have used the pole saw and the hedge trimmer on our job-sites to trim back trees and vegetation. Both tools worked well and had plenty of power. It wasn’t until after I used both attachments for a while that I realized I had the power head in the low setting. The tools worked well in low, Milwaukee recommends using them on high. On the high setting the tool power was awesome!

One small fitment issue that I noticed was indexing an accessory pole into the power head shaft.  The accessory pole should slide straight down, following an indicator arrow, and then seat at the horizontal indicator line.

Several times I had difficulty fully-seating the torx-like,  male/female drive-shaft connectors. Upon close inspection it seems that the two don’t always align perfectly. Rotating the tool shaft slightly while inserting the accessory worked most of the time.  A few times that didn’t work, so I cycled the trigger slightly to rotate the power head receiver.

We do recommend using the accessory strap to take the weight of the tool off your arms. The powerhead and a 9.0 Ah battery weigh in at 8.5 lbs. For the total weight of the tool when in use, you need to add the weight of each accessory:

• String Trimmer: 3.8 lbs.
• Pole Saw: 3 lbs.
• Edger attachment: 5.2 lbs.
• Hedge Trimmer attachment: 5.8 lbs.

I used the edge trimmer and string trimmer on my property. Both worked well and I can see the edger being super useful keeping grass from overgrowing walkways and granite curbing. But that grass trimmer….. man is that attachment is SMOOTH! It’s the smoothest grass trimmer I’ve used and I hate grass trimmers. I used the string trimmer and the hedge trimmer to clear some low brush and the better tool for that application was the hedge trimmer.

Sting trimmers have historically been a pain in the ass to re-load string. Well, not this unit – I loved how fast the string trimmer can be resupplied with string when empty. It’s by far the easiest system I’ve seen.

One major plus for me is that the QUIK-LOK system runs off Milwaukee’s cordless tool battery system. Since I am already invested in Milwaukee cordless carpentry tools, this means fewer battery purchases and fewer chargers needed to use the system on a jobsite, or my own home.

Kit Pricing

• Pole Saw Kit 2825-21PS $ 399.00
• String Trimmer Kit 2825-21ST $ 329.00

Attachment Pricing

• Articulating Hedge Trimmer Attachment 49-16-2719 $ 164.00
• Pole Saw Attachment 49-16-2720 $ 164.00
• Edger Attachment 49-16-2718 $ 109.00
• Stringer Attachment 49-16-2717 $109.00
• 3′ Attachment Extension 49-16-2721 $ 54.00

Overall Thoughts

Users are constantly investing in new tools for varying applications. It’s important to understand that this is NOT a single tool system. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Attachment System w/ QUIK-LOK gives you the versatility to add tools to complete a range of landscape applications without having to invest in multiple, dedicated tools. The end result is a much lower cost of ownership, plus you can use your cordless tool battery platform to charge these tools.

Now Milwaukee just needs to develop a battery powered lawn mower!

All joking aside, this system was impressive, powerful and super useful on my jobsite and in my yard. I was really impressed with the QUIK-LOK system and highly recommend you take a closer look.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL QUIK-LOK Video Review

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Attachment System w/ QUIK-LOK is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Milwaukee Expands OPE Lineup With Attachment System

It was back in June of 2016 at NPS 16 when Milwuakee first introduced outdoor power equipment (OPE) to the M18 lineup. They started with just 3 tools, a hedge trimmer, blower, and string trimmer. A modest introduction that hasn’t seen any additions to the line until NPS 18 when the M18 chainsaw was introduced. Fast forward to 2019 and Milwaukee OPE is expanding with a whole new power head and attachment system.

Milwaukee QUIK-LOK

The new attachment system Milwaukee is calling it QUIK-LOK. It consists of an M18 power head similar in design to the current stand-alone string trimmer but with a more powerful motor. While an attachment system is a well established product in many brands, the only other construction power tool brand with a 18V battery-powered attachment system is Makita.

The electric motor is up in the powerhead with a half shaft down to the coupler. The attachment has the remainder of the shaft down to the implement. There is a spline and notch in the shaft ensuring a positive connection.

What makes this system great is that the same batteries a guy uses on the job site, are the same ones used to maintain the homestead as well. No special larger batteries, same batteries will work in all tools.

Attachments

With this announcement comes the introduction of a few core implements. Of course there is a string trimmer head but the edger, articulating hedge trimmer, and pole saw are welcome additions. The attachments are all available individually but the powerhead is only available with the string trimmer or pole saw.

String Trimmer

The string trimmer is available with either the power head or as a stand-alone attachment. It offers up to a 16″ cutting swath and a quick-loading head. Milwaukee says it can be reloaded in 30 seconds. That’s pretty darn fast.

•  Cutting Swath:     14” – 16”
• Line Diameter:     .080”/.095”
• RPM:             0-4,900/0-6,200
• Trigger:         Variable Speed
• Feed System:         Bump Feed
• Length:        73.6”
• Weight:        12.3 lbs
• Price: Kit (1 battery) – $329, Bare Tool – $229, Attachment Only – $109
• Available February 2019
  

10″ Pole Saw

The pole saw, like string trimmer, is available with either the power head or as a stand-alone attachment. It has a 10″ Oregon bar and R40 chain. It comes with a 3′ attachment extension for extended reach. Bar oil tank and chain adjustment are easily accessible.

• Bar Length:         10”
• Chain Gauge:        .043”
• Chain Pitch:        3/8” Low Profile
• RPM:             0-4,600
• Length:        80”
• Weight:        12.7 lbs
• Price: Kit (1 battery) – $399, Attachment Only – $164
• Available February 2019

Edger

The edger is available as attachment only. It has an 8″ blade and an adjustable guide wheel. A metal guard and mudflap keeps debris down.

• Blade Size:         8”
• RPM:            3,900
• Length:        38”
• Weight:        5.25 lbs
• Price: Attachment Only – $109
• Available February 2019

Articulating Hedge Trimmer

The hedge trimmer offers 270 degrees of articulation through 13 indexable positions. It has a 20″ double sided bar with the cut capacity of up to an 1″. It can also be used with the 3′ extension pole for extended reach.

• Blade Length:         20”
• Cut Capacity:        1”
• Operating Positions:    13
• SPM:            3,500
• Length:        60”
• Weight:        5.8 lbs
• Price: Attachment Only – $164
• Available February 2019

Photos/Videos

Milwaukee Expands OPE Lineup With Attachment System is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Stihl HSA 25 Cordless Garden Shears

Stihl HSA 25 Garden Shears

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Stihl
Model number: HSA 25
Price: 119.00
Power source: battery
Weight: .8 lbs

STIHL Quality Gears

We were impressed that the transmission inside the STIHL HSA 25 is made of high-grade metal gears. These gears certainly look like they’ve been designed to provide a long service life.The battery casing is also exceptionally sturdy with a rubber-coated ring providing impact protection.

Cutter Attachments

The Stihl HSA 25 Garden Shears comes with two snap on attachments:

• Ornamental grass trimmer
• Shrub shears

The grass trimmer is designed for cutting ornamental grass,  edging around patios, flower beds and edges of the house. We did not test this attachment and would lean more toward a cordless edge trimmer for these tasks.

One feature that would be useful is for trimming ornamental grasses, like Lemon grass, etc.

The Shrub shears designed to trim and maintain small, evergreen hedges and small-leafed ornamental trees with up to 8 mm branch thickness.

We found the switch between attachments super fast and easy. Simply remove the base of the tool, without tools, and without having to touch the blade.

Tool-Free Attachment Changes

The Stihl HSA 25 Garden Shears has an ergonomic, rubberized handle, double-stroke blade for a powerful cut and low vibration, it weighs 0.8 lbs. The battery will give you a runtime up to 110 minutes on a single charge.

While testing, we used this tool for 90-minutes with zero issues.

The HSA 25 comes in a kit including a carrying bag, battery and charger for convenient transportation and storage.

• Blade Length Shrub Shear: 170 mm (6.7 in.); Grass Shear: 110 mm (4.3 in.)
• Strokes Per Minute 2,000
• Hedge Shear Blade Length 17.0 cm (6.7″)
• Grass Shear Blade Length  11.0 cm (4.3″)
• MAX. Cutting Diameter (of twigs or weeds) 0.8 cm (0.31″)
• Run Time Up to 110 minutes
• Weight w/ battery 1.8 kg (0.8 lbs.)

Dual Cutting Blade Action

The cutter blades are laser-hardened, diamond-finished blades and really shartp. They are capable of cutting twigs and branches with a diameter of up to 8 mm. Larger than that and the tool stalls and you will have to dislodge the branch by twisting and turning the tool.

In addition, the two reciprocating blades, which lie on top of each other, and provide 2,000 double strokes per minute. Their result is a fast, easy, and extremely clean cut.

The cuts made from these shears s clean. We did not observe any ragged cut ends.

Overall Impression

For precision garden trimming or a property that has a small amount of hedges or bushes, the  Stihl HSA 25 Garden Shears delivers. We see folks gravitating to this tool more for the hedge trimmer than the grass trimmer. At the time of this review, we found this tool online for approximately $120.00.

Highly recommended!

Stihl HSA 25 Garden Shears is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Makita Split Shaft Power Heads Announced

The last few years the major power tool manufacturers have been making a major push into the handheld Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) world. This makes sense as batteries improve to power tools only previously powered by 2-stroke motors. While most manufacturers have only explored battery technology, one sees the value of both technologies.

Pick Your Power

Depending on your needs Makita split shaft offers power heads in either 4-stroke or dual 18V (X2) configuration. Either power head can pair up with 8 different attachments (not counting an extension shaft). Below are the listed specs but they don’t really translate between the two. There isn’t a good way to compare the two power heads.

Gas Power Head

• Engine Displacement (cc) : 25.4 cc (this is the same engine on the Makita String Trimmer we previously reviewed)
• Engine (HP) : 1.1 HP
• Power Type : 4-stroke gas
• Fuel Type : Unleaded gas
• Fuel Tank Capacity : 20.3 oz.
• Crank Case Capacity : 2.7 oz.
• Dry Weight : 10 lbs.

Battery Power Head

• Shaft Type : Multi-tool attachment
• No Load Speed (var. 3 spd.) : 0 – 9,700 / 0 – 8,200 / 0 – 5,700 RPM
• Battery : 2X 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion
• Overall Length : 39-3/4″
• Net Weight (without battery) : 9.8 lbs.
• Power Type : Cordless
• User Type : Farm/Ranch and Occasional User

Available Attachments

As I mentioned above, there are 8 different attachments in the Makita split shaft system not counting the extension shaft. There is both a curved and straight shaft string trimmer, a brush cutter, articulating and straight hedge trimmers, cultivator, pole pruner, and an edger. Noticeably missing from the attachment offerings are any sort of paddle sweepers or blowers. Pretty decent selection though.

Which One Is For You?

It depends on your usage. If you have a large yard, the gas powered one is probably your best bet. But if you own a bunch of batteries for your other Makita tools, the cordless one may also work. If you have a small yard, the cordless may be for you. Although, if you’re comfortable with gas powered small engines, the 4-stroke gas unit may be for you.

It really depends on your individual situation and if you already have Makita batteries. Either way, having options is good for everyone.

Makita Split Shaft Power Heads Announced is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hedge Trimmer 2726-21HD

4/5

Manufacturer: Milwaukee
Model number: 2726-21HD
Price: $299.00 Kit and $169.00 Bare Tool
Power source: 18 Volt
Motor size: Cordless
Weight: 10.9

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hedge Trimmer Review

Milwaukee Tool recently released three core landscape maintenance tools:

• Milwaukee M18 FUEL String Trimmer
• MilwaukeeM18 FUEL Blower
• Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hedge Trimmer 2726-21HD

We took a close look at the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hedge Trimmer 2726-21HD, which is going to be offered as a are tool and kitted with the following:

• M18 FUEL Hedge Trimmer,
• M18 REDLITHIUM  HIGH DEMAND 9.0 Battery Pack
• Multi-Voltage Rapid Charger
• It is also available as bare tool, model 2726-20

Milwaukee Enters The World Of O.P.E

Since 1924, Milwaukee Tool has enjoyed a reputation of making professional, heavy-duty tools and accessories. In the last few years they have been researching and developing a new category of outdoor power tool equipment, referred to as OPE.

When I first learned of the OPE tools, my response was; we’ll that makes sense. You see not every homeowner or Do-It-Yourselfer is a Pro contractor, BUT, every Pro contractor is a DIY-er when working their own homes! For example, I’m a carpenter but I often tackle electrical, roofing, tiling, painting, and landscaping on my own house. To me it only makes sense to be able to utilize the same battery platform that you use, on the job-site, at home!

M18 Volt Compatible – That’s The REAL Story

All three of these OPE tools operate on the M18 volt battery system, and that’s the real story here. While any 18-volt battery will work with the OPE tools, you’ll see your best performance when you combine them with a 9.o Ah battery.

We’re big fans of tool companies that are investing in their current 18-volt battery platforms. Speaking on behalf of the TBB Crew, having one battery platform for all of your tools, is not only advantageous, but preferable.

Milwaukee Hedge Trimmer Crank Mechanism

A tools longevity and power is dependent on many things, but there is no dispute that the power train or in this tools case; the crank mechanism is key to that delivery of power.

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hedge Trimmer 2726-21HD uses a crank mechanism similar to the Sawzall’s mechanism. This crank mechanism provides increased durability, and an all-metal gear case enclosure protects the critical gear drive system from abuse.

Milwaukee Hedge Trimmer Specifications 2726-21HD

• Blade Length:           24”
• Cut Capacity:            3/4”
• Strokes Per Minute: 3,400
• Gear Case:               All-Metal
• Length:                      45.75”
• Weight:                      10.9 lb

Is it Powerful Enough To Do The Job?

According to the folks at Milwaukee, the M18 FUEL Hedge Trimmer 2726-21HD has the power to cut ¾” branches, cuts up to 30% faster, and provides up to 2 hours of run-time per charge.

To test this claim we used the trimmer to trim some bushes around our shop. We also brought it into the shop to cut wood dowels.  We chose 3/8 hardwood dowels for two reasons. First, the 3/8 hardwood dowels are stronger than the bush branches this trimmer was designed to cut. I figured it was a good way to demonstrate how strong this trimmer was, and if I could stall it.  To appreciate the strength of a dowel, all you have to do is try a pair of pruning shears on a 3/8″ branch and compare it to cutting a dowel and you’ll immediately see the difference.

Dowels are different than branches, they’re drier and living branches which have moisture in them. The Milwaukee Hedge Trimmer cut the 3/8″ dowels with a sawing action. The harder I pressed the tool the faster it cut them. I did notice that the trimmer cut same size, and larger branches faster than the dowels. During this testing I was unable to stall the trimmer.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hedge Trimmer 2726-21HD Features

Hedge trimmers need to be well-balanced and allow the user the control needed to create shapes and contours. Milwaukee designed this hedge trimmer to have a balanced handle placement and weight distribution. We noticed that with the battery inserted this trimmer, and placed on level ground,  the trimmer sits perfectly level. This keeps the blades from touching the ground and getting dirty or damaged.

Out of the box, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hedge Trimmer 2726-21HD shear blades are sharp, real sharp! The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hedge Trimmer 2726-21HD features a 24” blade, allows users to trim more material in a single pass. A safety blade tip guard, prevents the trimmers shears from damaging property if it comes into contact.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hedge Trimmer Handle Design

The handle on this hedge trimmer are worth noting. We felt that they are well placed, and situated similar to that of a chainsaw design. The trigger handle is designed as a neutral grip, while the stabilizer handle allows a pronated grip. This handle orientation, is a  comfortable grip for operation its the most controllable grip.
We found this hedge trimmer comfortable, easy to use and effective at trimming hedges. At 10.9 pounds its not a one-handed tool.

The trigger handle is rubberized and large enough to accommodate gloved operation. The trigger is oversized, it is easy to operate, and is controlled by an ambidextrous safety-switch, called a lock-off button.

This trigger is an on or off trigger and is NOT variable speed. One safety feature we noticed, and liked was that once the trigger is released, the shears stop immediately.

Similar to a chain saw, a heavy-duty plastic safety guard is located in front of the front handle. This guard is essential in case you lose grip and your hand slips off the handle, toward the trimer shear mechanism.

Lastly, a heavy-duty plastic storage guard, or sheath, is supplied to cover the shears for storage and transport.

Milwaukee M18 Hedge Trimmer – Final Thoughts

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hedge Trimmer 2726-21HD is a durable, power, well designed cordless hedge trimmer. On the outside, its a no-frills tool, while on the inside, you have the performance of the well-proven and highly engineered sawzall mechanism working for you.

According to my friend Drew Lentz,

       “ You don’t see other cordless outdoor power equipment with this beast of a mechanism!”

From landscaping professionals to trade professionals, the real story is that tool manufacturers are now making an effort to offer trade-focused solutions allowing us to get more work done on one battery system.

I wanted to end this article with a pun on the Milwaukee hedge trimmers, but . . .  I really don’t know enough about their cutting hedge technology!

Happy trimming ya’ll!

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hedge Trimmer 2726-21HD  Video Review

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hedge Trimmer 2726-21HD is a post from Tool Box Buzz