EGO is celebrating leap year by giving away a FREE battery with the purchase of select EGO outdoor power equipment (OPE). Customers save $200 to $399 per purchase. The promotion runs now February 29 through April 30, 2024.

“What EGO OPE comes with a FREE EGO battery?”

EGO Promo Eligible OPE

1 of 5

Get a FREE EGO battery when purchase one or more of the following EGO products…

• EGO Power+ 21 in. Select Cut Mower with Touch Drive Self-Propelled Tech (LM2135SP) – $399 in savings!
• EGO Power+ 21 in. Select Cut XP Mower with Touch Drive Self-Propelled Tech (LM2156SP) – $399 in savings!
• EGO Power+ 22 in. Aluminum Deck Select Cut Self-Propelled Lawn Mower (LM2206SP) – $299 in savings!
• EGO Power+ Powerload String Trimmer with Line IQ (ST1623T) – more than $200 in savings!
• EGO Power+ 765 CFM Blower (LB7654) – more than $200 in savings!

“Where do I buy EGO OPE?

To find an authorized EGO retailer near you just visit Where To Buy on the EGO site. Enter your zip code and select your radius to find the closest Lowe’s, ACE Hardware, or independent authorized dealer.

The post Get a FREE EGO Battery Now through April appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Dan and I are from Chicagoland and the snow doesn’t hold back here. OPE to remove snow is pretty much essential for homeowners. However, the lingo for these items can be confusing and make it hard to buy the right equipment, especially the terms “snow blower” and “snow thrower”. Lucky for you, today we’re going snow blower vs snow thrower. We’ll explain the differences between these two items and how to know which one is right for you.

Guide

• Snow Blower VS Snow Thrower
• Single-Stage VS Two-Stage
• Which is Better?
• Wrap-up

Snow Blower VS Snow Thrower

The key difference between these two OPE is that a “snow thrower” refers to a single-stage blower, and a “snow blower” refers to a two-stage snow blower. However, snow blower appears to be an overarching term for either machine. In fact, each of these products looks and operates very similarly. The part that is different is more internal and refers to how these items eject the snow.

So…then what is the difference between a single- and two-stage snow blower?

Back to Guide

Single-Stage Snow Blowers

A single-stage (or “first”, “one”) snow blower has one mechanism, an auger, that breaks and collects the snow, and then ejects the snow out of the chute, or otherwise “throws” it. This is where the term “snow thrower” comes from. This action refers to the “first stage” of snow removal and is present in both devices.

Single-stage snow blowers work well at removing about half a foot of snow at a time and work better on fresh snow that hasn’t frozen hard yet.

Electric Snow Shovel

Another tool that works similarly to a single-stage snow blower is an electric snow shovel. We recently looked at an electric snow shovel from SKIL. You hold this similarly to a traditional snow shovel, but you just push it to clear a path. 

It’s a lot easier on your shoulders than a traditional shovel, and they are great for clearing snow in smaller and more intricate areas, like steps and sidewalks. You can also easily move them to the back of your house to clear your deck.

Two-Stage Snow Blowers

A two-stage snow blower has a second step for snow removal. A two-stage snow blower has a fan that ejects, or “blows” the snow both farther and more forcefully than a single-stage snow blower. This fan actually helps prevent clogging, which allows this kind of snow blower to tackle deeper piles of snow. Some two-stage snow blowers can handle up to two feet of heavy snow.

Because of the higher performance two-stage snow blowers usually cost twice as much as single-stage snow blowers. The average price of a two-stage snow blower is $800 to $1,600.

Three-Stage Snow Blowers

There are also three-stage snow blowers that are equipped with two augers to break-up snow. They are incredibly powerful and remove snow over 20 in. deep. However, they are expensive, they are higher maintenance, and they are limited. The average price of a three-stage snow blower ranges from $1,600 to $3,700.

Theww-stage snow blowers aren’t common in residential settings. However, they are great for more rural areas prone to heavy snowfalls. So, they are worth mentioning.

Back to Guide

Single-Stage VS Two-Stage

In general, a two-stage snow blower is more powerful than a single-stage. The extra power to get the snow out of the machine allows it work on thicker piles of snow.  A single-stage snow blower is limited to piles around six to eight inches and works better on lighter snow that hasn’t set.

Because of this, during a snowstorm, people with a single-stage snow blower often need to go out every one to two hours as opposed to at the end of a snowstorm. Those with a second-stage snow blower can either go out at the end of smaller storms, or every few hours during bigger storms.

Which is Better for Consumers?

So, snow blower vs snow thrower. As someone from the Chicago area, I say a two-stage snow blower is completely worth it.

Here we experience heavy snowfalls, sometimes one after another. Going out every other hour to clear snow isn’t the worst. However, staying up all night to do it is not fun either. I also want my snow blower to be powerful enough to handle heavy snows or snow that has set and is frozen.

That being said, single-stage snow blowers or “snow throwers” are still a great option. In fact, snow throwers are cheaper and still an effective method of snow removal and will be enough to handle the majority of snowfalls with a single pass.

A snow thrower is perfect for a common residential driveway. Also, if you live in an area that doesn’t regularly experience extreme snowfall then a single-stage is fine.

A two-stage “snow blower” is a better choice for someone with a larger driveway and lives in an extreme snowfall area. However, they cost almost double, with the average price starting around $1,000.

Back to Guide

Snow Blower VS Snow Thrower Wrap-up

I can’t tell you which type of snow thrower or snow blower is best for you. However, hopefully, now that you know the difference between a snow blower and a snow thrower, you will have an easier time making that decision for yourself.

Now, we want to know: do you own a snow blower or snow thrower? If so, tell us what you have and where you live in the country. Let us know if it has been enough for your home and if you would recommend it.

Need help picking out a snow blower? Check out our TIA Snow Blower Reviews.

The post Snow Blower VS Snow Thrower. What’s Different? Which is Better? appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Technology for outdoor power equipment is continuously advancing and every new leaf blower seems to have more power than the last. But how do you know if you have enough leaf blower power for you? Or, how do you know if a leaf blower has too much power? To know this you need to understand the main components of measuring leaf blower power, which are CFM and MPH.

Today, we are breaking down these components for measuring leaf blower power and helping you gauge the correct power level for you.

Leaf Blower Power Guide

• How to Measure Leaf Blower Power
• What is CFM?
• Gas vs Electric
• How Much Power Do I Need?
• TIA’s Top Leaf Blowers
• Wrap-up

How is Leaf Blower Power Measured?

Leaf blower power is based upon two main measurements: CFM and MPH. The power level also relies on the leaf blower’s overall voltage and power source. Let’s break each of these components down to understand them individually, as well as how each component impacts each other.

What is CFM?

CFM stands for cubic-feet-per-minute and this measurement refers to the amount of air moved in one minute and CFM is measured with an anemometer. Fans and air compressors also use this measurement, but for leaf blowers this measurement refers to the amount of air being pulled in and exiting through the blower over the course of a minute.

To put it simply, the higher the CFM, the more leaves and debris that can be moved in one minute, theoretically…

MPH

Miles-per-hour (MPH) is the other measurement used to calculate leaf blower power. This is a straightforward measurement that most people are used to. For leaf blowers it refers to the rate of speed at which air exits the blower.

One would assume a high CFM would create a high MPH. CFM definitely impacts MPH. However, MPH can be manipulated based on how wide or narrow the tube or nozzle is.

The Husqvarna Leaf Blaster Blower we recently reviewed is a great example of this. The high-speed nozzle is narrower, and that tighter concentration of air increases the MPH.

With that in mind, high CFM does not necessarily equate to high MPH. Buyers need to pay attention to both units of measurement.

Power Source

Gas and electric are the two main power sources for leaf blowers. Now, these two power sources are measured differently. Gas is measured in cc’s and electric is measured in voltage, and both play a significant role in the engine’s power and the resulting CFM and MPH.

Back to list

Gas vs Electric

Power source is another important factor when determining a leaf blower’s power.

Over the years there has been a steady rise in electric leaf blowers and outdoor power equipment (OPE). However, many consumers still use gas-powered blowers. Both sides make claims about which is better. To me, neither is better, but they’re different.

Here are a few quick facts about each type of power source so you can decide which is best for you.

Gas

• Generally more affordable/lower upfront cost.
• Added expense of gas and oil.
• Requires regular maintenance.
• Arguably longer or higher power performance than most battery equivalents, plus quick and easy refueling.
• Loud when in use.
• Two-stroke fuel-burning is a known pollutant and carcinogen.

Electric

• Choice of corded or electric.
• Generally more expensive/higher upfront cost.
• Has renewable power source.
• Requires minimal maintenance.
• Shorter runtimes for battery-powered and may need multiple batteries to complete one area. However, battery recharge times are improving.
• Generally quieter than gas-powered leaf blowers.
• Arguably more environmentally friendly.

Based on current OPE battery technology, most homeowners can have their lawn and garden needs met with electric-powered leaf blowers and OPE.

Back to list

How Much Leaf Blower Power Do I Need?

How much power you need will depend on what you need a blower for. Before purchasing, ask yourself:

• Is this leaf blower for personal or commercial use?
• How big is the area that I will regularly use this for?
• How often will I use this leaf blower?
• What is my budget?
• Do I want a gas or electric leaf blower?

A shopper with a small yard who only needs a blower for weekly maintenance obviously needs less power than someone with a large yard with lots of trees or multiple areas to maintain. Once you figure out where your needs fall you can then gauge the appropriate level of CFM for your needs.

Here is quick almost cheat sheet for knowing how much power the average person needs in these common settings.

• 200-400 CFM: Great for homeowners with average-sized yards. This power level can be found in 18-24V leaf blowers.
• 400-600 CFM: Perfect for people with larger lots such as homesteaders, landowners, and property managers. This power level can be found in 40V leaf blowers.
• 600-800 CFM: Ideal for landscapers or property owners with a lot of brush. This power level can be found in 40-80V leaf blowers.

Types of Leaf Blowers

There are three main types of leaf blowers: handheld, backpack, and walk-behind.

Handheld leaf blowers are the most common type of leaf blower, especially among everyday consumers since the price and performance meet the needs of the average homeowner. Backpack and walk-behind leaf blowers are more common in commercial settings, or those with large and/or multiple properties to manage.

Check out this video by Billy Goat Leaf Blowers to compare the performance of handheld, backpack, and walk-behind leaf blowers.

Back to list

TIA’s Top Leaf Blowers

Are you ready to buy a leaf blower now that you’ve learned all that you can about leaf blower power? If so, we have good news for you. We have put together a quick list of our top leaf blowers for a variety of situations.

Warning: we love EGO OPE.

Best Blower for Homeowners: EGO Power+ 530 CFM

• Model Name: EGO Power+ 530 CFM Blower
• Model #: LB5302
• Great For: Homeowners with average to large size yards.
• Price: $199 with battery & charger.
• Amazon Review: “The blower packs a lot of power. I was pleasantly surprised. It by far exceeds the power of my last 3 corded blowers and is quieter than those plug-ins!” – RePete
• Where to Buy: EGO Leaf Blowers on Amazon

Best Budget Buy: RYOBI ONE+ Blower/Sweeper

• Model Name: RYOBI ONE+ 18V 200 CFM Leaf Blower/Sweeper
• Model #: P2109BTLVNM
• Great For: Residents with small yards or patio clean-up, campers, and for clearing small and light debris.
• Price: $99 for bare-tool, $119 for tool, battery & charger.
• Home Depot Review: “This leaf blower has saved my back from raking up the leaves before I purchased this product. It’s so lightweight and can blow the leaves out of your yard effortlessly.” – andyreesecup
• Where to Buy: The Home Depot

Premium Pick: EGO Power+ 765 CFM

• Model Name: EGO Power+ 765 CFM Blower
• Model #: LB7654
• Great For: Consumers who need professional performance in an affordable consumer blower. Turbo Mode provides up to 765 CFM for some of the highest power in the industry, plus a 90-minute runtime.
• Price: $329 on sale for $299.
• Amazon Review: “It’s exceeded my expectations for its power and convenience. It charges fast and moves an impressive amount of air. I’ve easily cut the time to clean off walks, driveways, patios etc. in half” – Eric D
• Where to Buy: Amazon

Best Backpack Blower: EGO

• Model Name: Commercial 800 CFM Backpack Blower with PeakPower
• Model #: LBPX8000
• Great For: Professional landscapers or landowners with heavy brush.
• Price: $699 at most retailers. More budget-friendly models range between $269 to $529 on Amazon.
• Review: Read our TIA Review
• Where to Buy: View EGO site

Best Walk Behind Blower: Champion 1,300 CFM Gas Blower

• Model Name: Champion Power Equipment 1,300 CFM 160 MPH 224 cc Walk-Behind Gas Leaf Blower with Swivel Front Wheel and 90-Degree Flow Diverter
• Model #: 200947
• Great For: Moving thick layers of leaves and debris quickly and efficiently.
• Price: $599
• Home Depot Review: “I bought this yesterday and set it up in about 30 minutes. Easy instructions and fast assembly. I added the provided oil and then gas. It started on the first pull. I cleared my backyard in about 45 minutes, which would have taken me two hours with my backpack blower. Easy to maneuver and did the job perfectly. I highly recommend this product.” – Ed J
• Where to Buy: The Home Depot

Back to list

Final Thoughts on Leaf Blower Power

Buying your first leaf blower can be intimidating if you’ve never dealt with CFM’s or don’t know the difference between a volt and a cc. However, if you just sit down and take a moment to understand what these measurements mean it turns out it’s really not that complicated.

I hope you learned something today and are one step closer to finding the leaf blower that works for your life.

The post Do You Have Enough CFM? How to Measure Leaf Blower Power. appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

In 2019, Walmart partnered with HART Tools to provide the everyday consumer with affordable power tools and equipment that get the job done. HART is now revisiting and improving some of its original offerings. This has led to HART’s new Supercharge line of 40V brushless battery-operated tools and equipment. This new line includes HART lawn mowers and OPE. Most of these products are redesigns of previous brushed models to provide consumers with better power, performance, and charge time.

Today, we’re going to do a rundown of the six total products in this release.

HART 40V Supercharge Products

• HART Lawn Mowers
• HART String Trimmer
• HART Leaf Blower
• HART Chainsaws

HART Lawn Mowers

The HART 40V Supercharge line includes two self-propelled lawn mowers. These HART lawn mowers offer improved power, performance, and charge time compared to previous 40V models.

HART 40V Supercharge 21 in. Self-Propelled Mower Kit

• Model #: HLPM061US
• Price: $598
• Includes: Two 6.0Ah batteries, dual active battery ports, two bushel bags, start key, mulch plug, side discharge chute, and Fast Charger
• More Info: HART Tools

Top Features

• Power: 40V battery-operated paired with brushless motor
• Runtime: Cut up to 3/4 of an acre on a single charge
• Charge Time: 60 mins. per battery
• 3-in-1 bagger, mulcher, and side discharge
• 21 in. strong, lightweight, corrosion-resistant deck
• Cordless push-to-start button operation
• Built-in LED headlights
• Easy single-point height adjustment knob for 1 to 4 in. cut customization
• FAST FOLD handles for convenient, upright storage

Performance

The HART 40V Supercharge 21 in. Self-Propelled Mower boasts improved runtime compared to the previous 40V model. In fact, it has a better performance and runtime than the EGO 56V Mower (LM215SP), and outperforms a traditional 163cc gas mower.

HART 40V Supercharge Dual Blade Self-Propelled Mower Kit

• Model #: HLPM111VNM
• Price: $498
• Includes: First-ever HART 8.0Ah battery (compatible with all HART 40V batteries) and Rapid Charger
• Warranty: 5-year tool warranty, 3-year battery warranty
• More Info: HART Tools

Top Features

• Power: 40V battery-operated paired with brushless motor
• Runtime: Cut up to 1/2 acre on a single charge
• Charge Time: Rapid charger charges 8.0Ah battery in under an hour — four times faster charging than previous model
• Precise dual blade cut
• 3-in-1 bagger, mulcher, and side discharge
• Adjustable cut height range of 1.5 to 4 in.
• Handle redesign for easy, convenient storage
• Lightweight and quiet

Performance

The HART 40V Supercharge Dual Blade Self-Propelled Mower has more runtime than EGO 56V Mower (LM2114SP), and outperforms traditional 150cc gas mowers.

More TIA Mower reviews

Back to list

HART String Trimmer

The new Supercharge string trimmer improves upon HART’s previous brushed-motor model with double the power.

HART 40V Supercharge 15 in. Carbon Fiber Shaft String Trimmer Kit

• Model #: HLST051VNM
• Price: $239
• Includes: 40V Fast Charger for three times faster charging than 1.50Ah charger
• Warranty: 5-year tool, 3-year battery
• More Info: HART Tools

Top Features

• Power: 40V battery-operated paired with brushless motor
• Runtime: 50 minutes
• Charge Time: 45 minutes
• 3-in-1 Bump Feed
• Adjustable 13 in. to 15 in. cutting swath
• Lightweight and durable carbon fiber shaft
• Quiet, smoother, zero-emission operation

Performance

As we mentioned, the new HART 40V Supercharge String Trimmer has double the power of the previous brushed-motor model. It also offers up to 40% more runtime than EGO 56V String Trimmer (ST1521S), and outperforms traditional 25cc gas trimmers.

More TIA String Trimmer reviews

Back to list

HART Leaf Blower

This new leaf blower from HART offers power in a lightweight, compact blower that delivers a surprising amount of force.

HART 40V Supercharge 650 CFM Blower Kit

• Model #: HLBL071VNM
• Price: $268
• Includes: 40V 5.0Ah battery, Fast Charger, and blower tube with speed tip
• Warranty: 5-year tool, 3-year battery
• More Info: HART Tools

Top Features

• Power: 40V 5.0Ah, brushless motor, and turbo fan design provide up to 650 CFM and 160 MPH of air force
• Runtime: 30 minutes
• Charge Time: 40 minutes
• 650 CFM and 160 MPH from
• Variable speed trigger with “turbo” button for max clearing
• Cordless, push-to-start button operation
• Lightweight and compact design
• Quietest blower to date from HART due to *Ultra-Quiet Technology*

Performance

This lightweight yet powerful blower from HART is perfect for clearing everything from dry or wet leaves, twigs, grass clippings, and more. This blower outperforms traditional 25cc traditional gas blowers while being 85% quieter. Noise levels reach a max of pleasant, mild 57 dB.

More TIA Leaf Blower reviews

Back to list

HART Chainsaws

Two new chainsaws from HART are improved brushless versions of previous brushed models to provide users with four times faster cutting and improved charging.

HART 40V Supercharge 18 in. Chainsaw Kit

• Model #: HLCS041VNM
• Price: $348
• Includes: 6.0Ah, Rapid Charger, and carrying case
• Warranty: 5-year tool, 3-year battery
• More Info: HART Tools

Top Features

• Power: 40V 6.0Ah battery paired with brushless motor
• Charge Time: One hour with included Rapid Charger
• Safety: Chain brake design
• Quality runtime
• Features an 18 in. bar with 32 in. cut capacity with a 3/8 in. width chain
• Adjustable automatic oiler
• Cordless, push-to-start operation

Performance

Outperforms traditional 38cc gas chainsaws.

HART 40V Supercharge 16 in. Chainsaw Kit

• Model #: HLCS021
• Price: $268
• Includes: 4.0Ah battery, charger, wrench, and carrying case
• Warranty: 5-year tool, 3-year battery
• More Info: HART Tools

Top Features

• Power: 40V 4.0Ah battery paired with brushless motor
• Quality runtime
• Fast recharging with Rapid Charger
• Automatic oiler
• Convenient, on-board tool storage
• Easy chain adjustment for side access chain tensioning
• Rear comfort grip
• Cordless, push-to-start operation

Performance

Better performance and runtime than EGO 56V Chainsaw (CS1611), and outperforms traditional 38cc gas chainsaws.

More TIA Chainsaw reviews

Back to list

Final Thoughts on HART Lawn Mowers & OPE

We compared most of these HART products to an equivalent product from one of our favorite brands today, EGO. We admit, we’re quite impressed with the overall power and capabilities of these new HART lawn mowers and OPE. All of the products that we compared today priced either fairly with their EGO counterpart, or lower.

If you’re interested in any of these products, you can find them at Walmart or online at HART Tools.

More Reviews

• More TIA HART reviews
• More TIA OPE reviews

The post New HART Lawn Mowers and OPE appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

We have a complaint letter to noisy neighbors:

Noise is among the top complaints homeowners have against their neighbors, and noisy lawn equipment plays a big role in this. So, are you the neighbor firing up the lawn mower at the crack of dawn, after dusk, or somehow consistently at the exact moment your own neighbors are trying to unwind? I’m sorry, but this complaint letter to noisy neighbors is for you. Fortunately, Husqvarna has a solution so you’re not the only neighbor who mysteriously didn’t get invited to the block party.

Complaint Letter to Noisy Neighbor – Solution!

The Husqvarna Automower^® is the saving grace for noisy neighbors. Husqvarna reports that a traditional gas mower’s roar hits between 95-100 decibels. Meanwhile, the Husqvarna Automower^® only hits a max of 58-69 decibels. This is barely louder than a normal conversation (between neighbors who don’t hate each other). This mild sound allows you to mow your yard any time, day or night, without disturbing your neighbors.

On top of that, this Automower^® is a robotic lawnmower that will do all your mowing for you. This frees you up to attend all the neighborhood get-togethers that you’re suddenly invited to now that you’re no longer disturbing everyone’s peace and quiet.

To make the change easier, you can purchase a Husqvarna Automower^® on Amazon with free shipping.  Or purchase direct from Husqvarna while they are offering 20% off select models of Automower^®, for a limited time. Just use the promo code “noisy20” at checkout and say goodbye to noisy neighbor complaint letters!

The post Complaint Letter to Noisy Neighbor appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

It seems like cordless snow blowers are the hot new thing everyone wants and now Black and Decker is getting into the market. The nice thing about cordless snow blowers is the convince of not dealing with gas. We all know now how much of a hassle ethanol has made dealing with gas powered OPE. If the equipment is not used weekly or daily you will have problems from bad gas and snow blowers can sit for a long time which is horrible for your gas powered equipment. I have to say this unit looks pretty good for the money.  You get a brushless motor which gives you a longer run time over a brushed motor and two 2.5ah batteries with the kit version of the snow blower which is priced around a $299 from various online retailers. I would imagine Black and Decker will offer a bare tool option in the future for people already in the Black and Decker 40v line.

I’m a big fan of cordless snow blowers, if you live in an area that gets six inches or less per snow fall and don’t have a huge area to clear. The cordless snow blowers are designed for a person on a typical city/suburban lot. If your looking at switching from gas powered OPE Black and Decker, pretty much has anything you would want product wise now.

Here is a quick rundown on the spec’s

• Rubber Auger + 21 In. Clearing Path Allow for Fast, Efficient Snow Removal
• Brushless Motor Technology Provides Power and Runtime
• Includes (2) 2.5Ah 40V MAX* Lithium Batteries for Ample Runtime
• Push Button Start for Quick Start Up
• 180 Degree Rotational Chute, Throws Up to 20 Feet
• *Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 40V. Nominal voltage is 36.

The post New Black & Decker 40V Brushless Cordless Snow Blower appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Below are some video teasers of some new Ryobi tools coming out soon.  Looks like they will have a new leaf blower, string trimmer, and chainsaw.  These recently just surfaced on YouTube.  The new blower looks like a copy of the Ridgid X4 blower, so it should have similar power as the Ridgid version.  The chainsaw and string trimmer look like completely new designs. We haven’t been able to find any specs on these tools. I just wanted let everyone know that cool new lawn tools are coming from Ryobi for summer 2016. You can’t beat Ryobi when it comes to the variety and price. That’s why Ryobi won TIA budget tool brand for 2015.

The post Ryobi’s New 18 Volt One Plus Lawn Tools – Summer 2016 appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

DeWALT may not be first to the plate every time, but when they do it is a quality tested product.  When they announced a new outdoor power equipment line last year I was a bit skeptical.  We have seen lithium hit the home market with good success but for the professional?  .

We finally have these tools in our hands and the weather isn’t cooperating with us.  However we got a good chance to give the string trimmer a try.  This trimmer says pro all over it, from the quality build to the near perfect ergonomics and balance. The tool is available in 2 battery combinations  The DCST990H1 comes with a  6.0 AH battery and the DCST990M1 with a 4.0 AH battery.  It weighs in at 13.9 lbs which is heavier than some gas trimmers but the good balance helps detract from that.  The standard dual line bump feed takes standard 0.080″ line, it is relatively easy to restring.  It has a metal gear case that will stand up to abuse of being used in a commercial application.

Briefly using the trimmer we noticed it had a lot of power.  You cannot tell the difference between this and gas when it comes to power.  Electric has more torque than gas and it shows in this application.  It has a low and a high switch which runs at 5600 or 6600 rpm.  The trigger is variable so you can dial in any speed you want. The only downfall I can see compared to gas is run time.  We haven’t had a chance to test run time yet, but I know the professional demands it.  The 6.0 Ah battery should be a huge help and with 2 or 3 batteries on hand you can get all day run time. it took roughly an hour to charge the 4.0 battery.  The 6.0 AH battery will take longer, I would like to see faster charge times. We will re-visit this soon when we have some time with it out in the field.

The post Dewalt DCST990H1 40V Max Cordless 15″ Outdoor String Trimmer – First Look appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Being made in America is becoming more of a rarity these days as profits and bottom line trump quality.  John Deere has been an American staple since before anyone reading this was born.  We had the opportunity to go and visit the John Deere manufacturing process in Greenville, Tn.

This was one of the first plant tours I have ever been on where the people working actually enjoyed their job.  You could tell that each and every worker was proud to be there.  John Deere also supports the local community in many ways including lunch bags for local school children.  Most of the people we ran into at the plant had been there for years.  It was more like a huge family operation than a typical manufacturing plant.

We also got a chance to check out the test facility where they put their products though thousands of hours of torture.  There were rolling hills as far as the eye could see all with grass to mow. If you like mowing this would be the job for you.  It was such a great atmosphere that they even have a local dog named Gary who hangs out there.  John Deere truly is an American Icon.  Enjoy the videos below.

The post John Deere – Americas Brand appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

2014 was a good year for Mac Tools. With fairly recent upgrades to the hand, air, and cordless lineups, they generated plenty of buzz, and in my opinion, dramatically improved their line. Products like the MacGrip drivers, titanium impacts, redesigned wrenches, and the much improved cordless line, have really freshened the line-up over the last couple of years. They’re the type of tools that if you don’t like them, it’s because you haven’t used them.

As great as 2013 and 14 were for Mac Tools, it’s a new year and we’re all waiting to see what new goodies we can expect to see in 2015. To find out, we made the trek to Indianapolis for the 2015 Mac Tool Fair. The Tool Fair is an annual event where franchisees go to see the new releases from both Mac Tools and approved vendors.

This was my first Tool Fair and to be honest, I had no idea what to expect. Aside from eyeing the 2015 lineup, I figured out that Mac really knows how to do these events right. The 5 star JW Marriot was completely taken over by Mac Tools. From the flag flying out front, to the rugs on the floors, graphics on the walls, and even the escalators, every corner of the massive building was dressed for the occasion and if there was a single individual there for anything other than the Tool Fair, I didn’t find them. With hospitality second to none, that even included a closing party in Lucas Oil Stadium, it was truly a first class event.

But enough about the event, let’s take a look at the tools!

Hand Tools

AXIS Ratchets

The first, and for me the most anticipated product, was the 90 tooth ratchets we’ve been hearing about for over a year. Now this is strictly my opinion, but ratchets have been Mac Tools weakest area over the last few years. The old rats are good quality and they’re certainly a time tested design, but in a market where high tooth count rats are all the rage, the traditional 45 and 60 tooth designs fail to generate the interest of finer toothed competitors like Snap-On’s Dual 80’s and the Matco 88’s. Rest assured those days are soon to be forgotten.

Distributors are now taking pre-orders for the 18″, 13″, and 9″ comfort flex, and 7″ polished chrome 3/8″ models to be on the trucks and in your hands by early Summer. Named the “AXIS Series”, the new ratchets are sure to become my go to ratchets. As good as they look in pictures they’re even nicer in person. They’re as smooth and comfortable as they are beautiful. Despite rumors that these ratchets might be OEM’d by a 3rd party, the AXIS Series is made in house at Mac Tools Dallas, TX production facility. I guess the moral of this story is if you’ve been thinking about picking up some new ratchets, save your money and check out the AXIS Series.

MacGrip Screwdrivers

After their debut a couple of years ago, the MacGrip drivers were a quick success. An extremely durable and comfortable design, they quickly gobbled up the lion’s share of duty in my shop. Those of you that color-coordinate your tools for various reasons will be delighted to know you’ll soon be able to get the MacGrip drivers in both green and orange variations.

 Wrenches

The KS2 line of wrenches is getting a little bigger….well, actually it’s getting a little smaller. For 2015 we’ll get extra short versions. Available in either an 11 piece SAE (1/4″ – 3/4″) or a 10 piece metric set (10-19mm) they’ll continue to feature the Knuckle Saver open ends, as well as thicker chrome, a slightly wider beam, and a slightly redesigned box end that should make it a little more robust for the he-men among us that can bust fasteners loose with a 3″ wrench. In all seriousness, added strength is always a good thing.

The Precision Torque Series will see the addition of both ratcheting stubby and locking flex  head wrenches in both SAE and Metric. Stubbies will be reversible models available in 10 piece SAE or 12 piece metric sets, while the flex’s will be non-reversible and will be available in either an 8 piece SAE or 12 piece metric set.

Another wrench addition will be HexPro wrenches. They’re like a traditional L shaped hex key with a forged joint in place of a fixed 90. Available in 5 piece SAE, metric, and Torx sizes, I’ll have to have all 3 sets. I really like the fact Mac Tools went with a Torx screw at the joint instead of a pin, because they always seem to loosen a little over time.

Other Notables

Precision Torque fans will be happy to know that we’ll soon see the design expanded to universal sockets in both 1/4″ and 3/8″. I didn’t catch the set details, but it’s a pretty safe bet we’ll see them in both metric and SAE.

Expert users will also see several new additions to that line. I’ll be the first to admit I’m not real up to speed on the Expert line, but all the new stuff looked pretty nice and the distributors seemed pretty happy with what they saw.

Cordless Tools

20 Volt

While there were a handful of additions, the star of the cordless display was the BWP138, a 20V 3/8″ impact with an impressive 325 ft-lbs. of breakaway torque. With a slender frame, every job torque, and 20V runtime, I’m pretty confident the 138 will be a hit, especially in the Z2 configuration that includes a 2.0 ah compact and full size 4.0 ah battery.

After I got done ogling the BWP138 my attention was drawn to the BWP150, a 20V 1/2″ compact impact. We had a 1/2″ compact 12V model, but not a 20V, so the 150 really helps fill out the 1/2″ line. Rated at 375 ft-lbs. of breakaway torque, it’ll probably get the bigger BWP050 a little less time on the field.

12 Volt

The 12V line will see the addition of the BWP025, a 1/4″ impact available in both 2 battery and bare tool configurations. With a breakaway rating of 70 ft-lbs., it’ll find its way into plenty of motorcycle/ATV and small engine shops.

Air Tools

Quiet Series Impacts

2015 will also see the addition of quiet impacts in three different versions, 1/2″, 1/2″ Compact, and 3/8″. They are made of a composite body and while they aren’t as nicely balanced as the best selling titanium impacts, they are pretty well balanced. They spec out pretty well too. At 1,175 ft-lbs, 7 inches in length, 4.7 lbs., and 87 db(a), the 1/2″ gun (AWP612Q) is much more powerful, slightly shorter, 7 db(a) quieter, and only slightly heavier than the IR 2135QTiMAX.

Stepping down to the 1/2″ compact will net you a very workable 560 ft-lbs. in a 3 lb. package, while the 3/8″ still breaks a cool 500 ft-lbs.

1″ Drive Impacts

If you’re the type of guy that needs 2,500 ft-lbs. of breakaway torque for battleships, locomotives, or any other ridiculously large equipment, Mac has six new 1″ impacts on the way. Available in standard square drive, 6″ long square drive, and spline drive, in both pistol grip and D Handles, they’re they type of tools I wish I needed. They’re also the one thing I apparently did not photograph, so this poster will have to do.

Die Grinders

There is also a new line of die grinders kicking off this year. Consisting of seven models in straight, 90, and 45 degree configurations, the new line features nice rubber grips, rotatable exhaust, and nice wide paddle switches. I did not see any specs listed, but these aren’t the type of tools we typically worry too much about specs with anyway.

Specialty Tools

Master Bearing Race Driver

One of the coolest tools we encountered was the FT131108 Master Bearing Race Driver. In my chest there is a box of individual seal & race drivers. They’re handy when I need them, but I actually only use a couple of the sizes while the rest just sit there, look pretty, and take up space. The FT131108 solves that problem. It’s a single adjustable unit that covers a range from as little as 18mm, up to 90mm with a quick turn of a dial. It features a screw to lock the driver into the desired position and a replaceable end cap to help ensure longevity. I can’t say this will work for every application, but it will for most and it’ll save you some room in a crowded box.

Honda & Acura Lower Control Arm Tool

Let me be up front about this, I’ve never touched the suspension on a Honda or Acura. I am not qualified to tell you either the merits or misses in this design. Most of what gets worked on in my shop falls into the tractor, implement, or ATV category. That being said, this tool is designed to replace large hydro-bushings on the front lower control arms on Honda and Acura vehicles. From what the folks at Mac Tools told me, this is an often crummy process and this tool should help simplify it.

Tool Storage

The list of things I wouldn’t do for a 67″ Macsimizer is pretty short. I love the boxes and personally feel they are among the nicest available. If I worked in a shop I’d have to have the MB7432. It’s a nice rig and includes specialized drawers for both your cordless tools and your laptop. Speaking of the MB7432….

MB7432 Hutch

Due to popular demand, Mac Tools is finally adding the MB7498 hutch for the MB7432. With sturdy hinges and an optional stereo system, the distributors I spoke with feel the hutch will be a popular item based upon the many requests they’ve gotten for them. The wait is over, well, almost over.

Improved Macsimizer Slides

The timing on this was incredibly ironic. A day or two after I got home from the Tool Fair, a fellow over at Garage Journal posted about his Mac chest drawers hanging up occasionally around the half way point.

According to Mac, this is caused by the drawers hanging up on the sequencing tabs influenced by the drawer and cabinet widths.

A redesigned slide should clear up the issue.

Conclusions

2015 looks to be another good year for Mac Tools. I’m especially looking forward to the Axis Series rats. I know, I know, I’ve been talking about these things for close to a year now, but I really believe these will be a game changer for Mac. Ratchets are the cornerstone of any drive tool line, and the Axis rats will be a formidable competitor to any design on the market.

A lot of these items haven’t hit the trucks yet, but when they do, you’ll find them here.

As always, thanks for reading, and stay tuned to TIA for more from Mac Tools

The post Mac Tool Fair: New Products For 2015 appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

I guess Dewalt is either doing a test release, or they got their shipment of tools in earlier than expected. RickyMCgrath from the Power Tool Forum spotted the Dewalt 40x XR tools at his local Lowe’s store in Texas. The only thing is they don’t have bare tools for sale, only complete kits right now. Lowe’s also has the tools on their webpage now to order if you can’t wait to get them localy. Lowe’s will ship the item to you or to the local store of your choice.

Dewalt 40V Yard Tools at Lowes

The post Dewalt 40V XR Lawn Tools Spotted For Sale Down South appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

We saw the beginning of the of the battery invasion into the outdoor power equipment market in 2014 and 2015 looks to be the year that it goes mainstream.  Companies like DeWALT, Greenworks and EGO all have some game changing technology on the scene.  We saw the Husqvarna 36V cordless chainsaw a few years back at GIE when it was still under development.

Looks like they are getting ready to launch. Lithium ion technology is nothing new but a backpack battery that lasts all day is new to me.  Husqvarna is built for the Pro.  I am sure they have an uphill battle getting the pro to switch from gas.  All the pro has to do is use it once.  He will be sold like I was.

The post Husqvarna Shows Off Their New 36V Battery Tools appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Before you go getting all excited, this was spotted in Europe and not in the USA.  If I were to base the new mower on looks, it would be the best mower out there.  It looks more like  a low profile Formula One racing car than a walk behind lawn mower.  The 36V 6.0 Ah batteries are sealed so they are protected against dirt and water.  They also have an LCD panel giving you the status of the battery including charge state and number of cycles.  Hmm, I like the number of cycles idea, would be cool to see this on regular 18/20V tools.  The battery charges faster than it drains so with 2 batteries you have all day runtime.

For more check out this press release from Bosch

The post Bosch 36V Mower and String Trimmer appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

We have seen the run flat technology on skid steers for years and recently on a Polaris ATV.  It will be just a matter of time before all wheels go airless.  John Deere and Michelin have introduced the Tweel.  Say goodby to flats.  The only bad thing I can see about this technology is the cost to replace the Tweel when it wears out.  Check out John Deer for more info.

The post John Deere Michelin Tweel – Run Flat Tires appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

We usually cover GIE, but this year it we couldn’t make it.  Greenworks has announced a new pro line that has 80 Volts of power.  This is the highest we have seen in outdoor power equipment.  Electric OPE is really starting to push into the Pro market especially with he release of the DeWALT 40V line up.  I have been pretty happy with the 40V Greenworks line and the 80V looks very impressive.

80V 20″ DigiPro Snow Thrower – $999

80V 24″ Cordless DigiPro Hedge Trimmer – $169

80V 21″ Cordless DigiPro Lawn Mower – $399

80V 16″ Cordless DigiPro String Trimmer – $169

80V Cordless DigiPro Jet Blower – $169

For more visit GreenWorks

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