You simply feed the line through the trimmer head to its halfway point, press the self-feed button, and let go when the line gets to a usable length. I bought into the Ego system with an older string trimmer, the blower and the chain saw. I do wish the runtime on the blower were longer even with the 5.0Ah battery that came with the chain saw. The only negative experience I’ve had is when I broke the trigger on the string trimmer.
It was kind of a pain to load the string on it. I agree on the mower part I mean there are now cordless riding mowers – but not really made for the runtime to meet 3 acre yards. There is some pro cordless mowers that compete with pro zero turns – but you’re talking about a 17K mower. I like Echo’s speed load – other companies use a version of it too – namely husquvarna and stihl. Similar to how you describe the other system – you run in the string 1/2 way and the head has a ratchet mechanism that you can crank back. Yes it takes all of 1 minute maybe 2 but very simple.
But with respect to your battery use I’m surprised it took so much. I can clean up my tree patch (roughly a 1/3 acre) with my echo in one battery charge and it’s a 58V 4AH kit. I’d like to see a comparision (or I’m willing to do one next year if asked) between some of the other systems. I have the Echo 58V system and the Gen 1 trimmer motor. EGO now makes one with attachment capabilities too.
The powerload string trimmer is definitely worth the price of admission. In our testing, there’s just not a lot to complain about. The handle could stand to be a tad stiffer and larger—a small ding on an otherwise superb product. The power and balance are as solid as the previous model and there’s a noticeable weight difference in favor of the new carbon-fiber shafted model.
EGO also has an advantage in weight, balance, and vibration. So it’s really a wonder why you’d pull the trigger on something else. The Carbon Fiber Shaft is described as beingstronger than any other string trimmer shaft on the market today. When I went to Home Depot to pick up a 5-pack of replacement line, I saw an Echo cordless string trimmer with a bent metal shaft. EGO says the carbon fiber shaft has a lifetime warranty, guaranteeing its strength and durability forever. The EGO 15-inch Powerload string trimmer with PowerLoad is unlike anything else on the market.
Just feed the line into the head and press a button to automatically rewind. Carbon fiber shaft is stronger than any other on the market, so strong that it’s guaranteed for life. I guess I have been fortunate in my EGO experiences. I have both the blower and hedge clippers and they have been great.
After some time I started trimming the taller weeds and grass from the top down, and then clearing them out from the side. I had a little trouble until I flexed the joint against a workbench and the holes lined up perfectly. The trimmer arrives folded up in a half-height box. To set it up, you close the hinged joint and fasten the two ends of the shaft together with a single screw. Then, it’s quick to attach the guard and front handle. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support our work.
The String Trimmer has what EGO calls POWERLOAD. It’s a silly term for a welcome and cool feature. To load string into the trimmer, all you need to do is cut the length of string you need (for me, it’s a little over two outstretched arm’s length—not very precise). Then just feed one end into and through the trimmer head. Pull the string through until you have equal lengths coming out of both sides of the trim head. Lightly hold the string creating a tiny bit of tension.
This is usually the go-to line size for the Pro. This includes the string trimmer spool pre-wound with 17 feet of 0.095 in. Yes, though we offer a standalone edger tool, you can use the string trimmer as an edger by turning the tool sideways and adjusting the auxiliary handle for comfort. With the battery attached, the POWERLOAD String Trimmer has a nice balance to it—not too heavy on either end. This balance and its lighter weight helps keep arms from tiring out too soon.
We will update this page as more information becomes available. With a 16-inch cutting swath, the EGO 56V string trimmer mows through the grass and weeds with ease. And, there’s plenty of power from the 56-volt arc-lithium battery and brushless motor.