Lawn Care Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Dewalt, Makita, Milwaukee, or? For a friend

Jump to Latest
1 - 10 of 10 Posts

Hurryupelectric

· Registered
Joined
·
5,683 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
My friend is interested in getting into an electric handheld platform and I’m trying to help him make a good choice. He has a helper who’s got a history of being hard on equipment. He see’s me walking around with my chest puffed out over my new hedge trimmers and his echo pas stuff is failing, it’s probably had a hard life and he’s looking for other directions to go. He doesn’t have any quirks like me and runs a normal rotation string trimmer. He has 120v in his truck.

I’m dragging my feet on preaching about Ego as I have a minor concern about the battery reliability. I told him that as much as I like my new hedge trimmers I have to iron out the battery thing before I can recommend it, plus, his helper seems particularly adept at breaking anything not made “commercially”.

I’m browsing through the brands and focused on the attachment quality and variety but I know some of y’all like some of the above mentioned brands. He runs a backpack blower, so the blowers in each lineup are of minor importance. Thanks in advance.
 
#3 ·
I've been fairly pleased with my Milwaukee trimmer. It's the attachment type though. My only gripe (of course) is the battery cost. I haven't invested a whole lot in extra batteries.

My guess is it would be fairly durable, unless the guy is just intentionally trying to break things.
 
#4 ·
The decision making should start with consideration of what battery operated tools of all types will be wanted now and over the next few years. Identify a battery that will power all so all batteries are interchangeable. Makita has the range of tools best meeting my needs, and I think it's tools offer very good value.
 
#5 ·
Who makes actual commercial quality battery equipment? I personally wouldn't want to use residential grade for myself, but absolutely wouldn't want a employee who doesn't have to pay to replace equipment using residential day in and day out, let alone a employee who you posted multiple times that they are hard on equipment.

I think for a full commercial setup, battery is still not there.
 
#6 ·
Hawkshot99 said:
Who makes actual commercial quality battery equipment? I personally wouldn't want to use residential grade for myself, but absolutely wouldn't want a employee who doesn't have to pay to replace equipment using residential day in and day out, let alone a employee who you posted multiple times that they are hard on equipment.

I think for a full commercial setup, battery is still not there.
Click to expand...
I've been using DeWalt cordless handhelds since August 2015 without issue - solo.

That said, I think I have to agree with your comments. Unless I'm unaware of a brand that has built their stuff to withstand commercial use and transport in a trimmer rack, nothing I've seen will last long with employees who don't give a crap about them.
 
#8 ·
if it's emissions he's wanting electric for, I'd still just go w 4 cycle straight gas makita/hondas. no overpriced batteries and chargers, no needing to make sure have charged cells and backups, or worrying about lithium ion batteries exploding in heat or while charging.

When the battery stuff can hold more power and for a longer time and prices for spares etc aren't too monopolized, and when they don't upgrade the whole line every season making your previous one inferior, then I'd be interested.

I have the big and small makita 4 cycle backpacks for years gave zero problems, only ever had to change the oil.
One is taking a while to warm up now, as is my heavily used 25cc honda/husqvarna 4 cycle which I bought used/refurb but I think it's just normal carbon build up and if remove the spark arrestor or something easy will be a quick fix.

Unlike cheaper 4 cycle trimmers that don't have oil slingers, these can be used in any direction for edging etc and won't burn oil. they're heavier but 4 cycle lasts longer, sounds deeper/less whiny, lower noise db. 25cc trimmers are light enough for most people to use every day though. The 35cc Honda is a bit heavy and I don't like the handle even though I have considered large hands but it has a ton of torque and power.
 
1 - 10 of 10 Posts
About this Discussion
9 Replies
7 Participants
Last post:
Hurryupelectric
Lawn Care Forum
posts
7.2M
members
230K
Since
1999
A forum community dedicated to lawn care and landscaping professionals and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Lawn Mowing Pesticide & Herbicide Application 🔧 Mechanic and Repair Business Operations Lawn Mowing Equipment