Ryobi 18V One+ String Trimmer and Edger Review
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
The Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13 string trimmer edger is a cordless tool with a 13-inch cutting width, a head that pivots for edging, and a line feed that releases more line without stopping. The listing for the tool-only version gives a battery and charger requirement, a 7500 RPM speed and a 13-inch cutting width. Because the battery and charger are sold separately on that listing, the total cost depends on whether you already own a Ryobi 18V ONE+ pack. This review covers the listed features of the main model, the battery options in the same line, and the close alternatives from the pack, using only what the listings state.
Quick verdict
- The main model is a cordless string trimmer and edger with a listed 13-inch cutting width and an adjustable 11 to 13 inch range.
- It works with Ryobi 18V ONE+ batteries and chargers, which the listing says are not included on this version.
- The head pivots for edging, and the listing names a variable speed trigger for control.
- If you need a battery and charger in the box, look at the 4.0Ah kit, which lists a 3-year warranty.
What the listing covers
The main listing describes the tool as a RYOBI 18V ONE+ 13 inch string trimmer and edger. The bullets state that it works with all Ryobi batteries and chargers, and that the battery and charger are not included. The specification fields give a battery-powered power source, a cutting width of 13 inches, a speed of 7500 RPM, a product size of 33 inches long by 12 inches wide, and the model number P20014BTLVNM. The UPC and manufacturer fields are also present in the specification list, but the bullets are the place to check the features.
The listing names four features in its bullets. The head pivots for edging, which means you can rotate the cutting head to the edge of a walk or bed and trim along the surface. The variable speed trigger gives control over the cutting speed. The auto-feed line head releases more string without bumping the head on the ground. The 0.080-inch line is named as the line used for durable cutting. The cutting width is adjustable from 11 to 13 inches, which lets you narrow the path for tight areas.
Specifications stated on the listings
The table below shows the figures printed on the main model and the closest alternatives. A gap means the listing does not state that figure.
| Item | Main model (tool only, B097VJG4ZR) | 4.0Ah kit (B0C44237TD) | HP brushless 4.0Ah (B09QRMQQQB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery and charger | Not included | Includes 4.0Ah battery and charger | Includes 4.0Ah battery and charger (per title) |
| Cutting width | 13 inches; adjustable 11 to 13 inches (bullets) | Adjustable 11 to 13 inches (bullets) | 13 inches (spec) |
| Speed | 7500 RPM (spec) | Not stated | Not stated |
| Line | 0.080 inch (bullets) | Compatible with .065 and .080 line | Not stated |
| Motor | Not stated | Not stated | Brushless (title) |
| Weight | Not stated | Not stated | 11.18 pounds (spec) |
| Warranty | Not stated | 3-year warranty (bullets) | Not stated |
| Product size | 33 by 12 inches (spec) | Not stated | Not stated |
The table shows that the main model is the most minimal listing. It names the speed, the cutting width and the line size, and it leaves out the warranty and weight. The 4.0Ah kit lists more in its bullets, including the warranty and battery package. The brushless HP model lists the heaviest weight in the group at 11.18 pounds, which is a figure worth checking against the other models before you buy.
Battery platform and what it means for the purchase
The Ryobi 18V ONE+ platform is the key to this purchase. The main listing says the tool works with all Ryobi batteries and chargers, and the other Ryobi listings in the group say the same. The bullets for the alternatives note that the tool works with any Ryobi ONE+ 18V battery and that Ryobi lists over 260 ONE+ tools that share the battery. If you already own a Ryobi 18V ONE+ battery and charger, the tool-only version is the simplest way to add a trimmer to your set.
If you do not own a battery, the 4.0Ah kit is the listing that includes one. Its bullets say it includes a RYOBI 18-Volt 4.0 Ah battery and an 18-Volt charger. The 2.0Ah kit, which is also in the set of listings, includes a 2.0Ah battery and a charger. A larger battery generally gives more run time per charge, but the listings do not state the runtime for any of the Ryobi trimmers, so the choice depends on the size of your yard and how long you expect to cut in one session.
Do not buy a battery and charger twice. The battery and charger are sold separately on the main model, so check the battery you have before you order. The listings name Ryobi 18V ONE+ compatibility only, so do not assume a battery or charger from another line will work.
Cutting width and the auto-feed head
The cutting width is the number to focus on when you compare trimmers. The main model lists 13 inches, with an adjustable range from 11 to 13 inches. A wider cut covers more lawn per pass, while a narrower cut is easier to control around fences, steps and flower beds. The adjustment lets you choose the width to match the job, which is useful for an all-around trimmer. The listing does not say how the width is set, so check the manual for the adjustment method.
The auto-feed line head is named as a feature that prevents bumping. Bumping means tapping the head on the ground to release more line. The listing says the auto-feed head releases line without that tap, which keeps the trimmer working through a long job. The 0.080-inch line is the size named for durable cutting, and the 4.0Ah kit lists compatibility with 0.065 and 0.080 line. Check the line size you plan to use, because the wrong line can affect cutting and feed.
Edging: the pivoting head
The head pivots for edging, which is one of the main reasons to choose a combined trimmer and edger. Edging means cutting the grass along the edge of a path, a driveway or a bed, so the trimmer stays vertical against the edge. A pivoting head lets you change the cutting plane without changing your grip, which saves effort on long edges. The listings state the pivot for the main model and the 4.0Ah kit, and the alternative HP model lists a rotating shaft for easy edging.
The edging result depends on the surface and the head position. The listings do not describe the depth of cut or the blade guard position in edging mode, so test the head on a small area before tackling a long edge. Keep the guard in place and keep feet and pets clear of the cutting path.
Speed, control and the trigger
The main model lists a speed of 7500 RPM in its specification fields. The bullets name a variable speed trigger for more control. A variable trigger lets you slow the line for delicate work near plants and increase speed for thicker grass. The 2-speed trigger is named on the Ryobi HP tool-only listing, which suggests a similar control on the brushless models. The speed figure is listed for the main model only, so it is not possible to compare the speed across the group from the listings alone.
The brushless HP model is named as having a high performance brushless motor. The title says “HP” and “brushless,” and the bullets say the motor is included for increased power. The listing does not give a power figure in watts, and the weight of 11.18 pounds is the only numeric figure. A brushless motor is generally quieter and more efficient, but the listing does not claim a specific run time gain.
Review: the main 13-inch model in depth
The main model is the most direct match for the keyword. It is a 13-inch string trimmer and edger in the Ryobi 18V ONE+ line, and its listing states the cutting width, the speed, the line size, the pivot and the auto-feed head. Those features make it a practical tool for a homeowner who wants a light cordless trimmer and an edger in one tool. The bullets do not name a weight, which is a gap to check before buying. The product size of 33 by 12 inches gives a rough sense of the length and footprint.
The advantages follow from the listing. The 13-inch cutting width covers a broad path, and the adjustable range from 11 to 13 inches lets you narrow it. The pivoting head makes edging more comfortable. The variable speed trigger gives control at the start of a cut, and the auto-feed head keeps the line feeding without a tap on the ground. The Ryobi 18V ONE+ battery system adds value for owners who already use other Ryobi tools, because the battery can move between them. The listing states that the platform includes over 260 ONE+ tools, which is a claim from the bullets of the related listings.
The limitations are the battery and charger, which are not included, and the missing weight, warranty and runtime figures in the main listing. The listing does not state a motor type for the main model, so its power may be lower or higher than the brushless HP model. Compare the listed specifications with your battery before buying, and read the warranty terms on the page you order from.
The close alternatives come from the pack. The 4.0Ah kit lists a battery, a charger, a 3-year warranty and the same 11-to-13-inch adjustable width. Choose it if you do not own a Ryobi battery or if you want the warranty stated on the listing. The HP brushless tool with a 4.0Ah battery is the alternative for a user who wants a brushless motor and a heavier build, with a listed weight of 11.18 pounds. Its bullets name a rotating shaft for easy edging, and the listing says it is compatible with Ryobi 18V ONE+ batteries. Choose it if the brushless motor is the priority and you can handle the added weight.
View the 4.0Ah kit on Amazon · View the HP brushless model on Amazon
Who the Ryobi 13-inch trimmer suits
The main model fits a homeowner who already owns the Ryobi 18V ONE+ battery platform and wants a trimmer and edger for a standard lawn. The 13-inch cut and the pivoting head suit a yard with many edges, paths and beds. The adjustable width helps in tight areas. It is less suited to someone who wants the battery included, because the listing does not include one. It is also less suited to a very large lawn, where a battery with more capacity or a larger cutting width may be a better fit.
A homeowner who wants a complete starter kit should look at the 4.0Ah kit, which includes the battery and charger and lists a 3-year warranty. The 2.0Ah kit is a lighter starter option, and its listing names the pivoting shaft and variable speed trigger without naming a warranty. Choose it if you want the lower-cost battery pack and accept the shorter run time that a smaller pack gives.
Mistakes to avoid when buying a Ryobi trimmer
The first mistake is buying the tool-only version without checking your battery. The battery and charger are not included on the main model, and a battery from a different platform will not fit. Check that you own a Ryobi 18V ONE+ battery and charger before you order.
The second mistake is choosing the widest setting for every job. The 13-inch width covers more lawn, but it is harder to control in tight spaces. Use the narrower setting near fences and beds, and the wider setting on open grass.
The third mistake is using the wrong line. The listings name 0.080-inch line for the main model and compatibility with 0.065 and 0.080 line on the 4.0Ah kit. Use the line size the manual recommends, and replace the line before it wears thin, because a worn line can slow the cut.
The fourth mistake is skipping the guard and eye protection. A string trimmer throws debris, so keep the guard in place, wear eye protection and keep bystanders and pets at a safe distance. The listings name a variable trigger for control, but that does not replace careful use.
FAQ
Does the main model include a battery?
No. The bullets say the battery and charger are not included on the main model. The tool works with Ryobi 18V ONE+ batteries and chargers, so you need a compatible pack and charger to run it.
What cutting width does the Ryobi 13-inch trimmer have?
The listing states 13 inches, and the bullets say the cutting width is adjustable from 11 to 13 inches. Use the narrower setting for tight areas and the wider setting for open grass.
Can the head be used for edging?
Yes. The listing says the head pivots for edging, so you can rotate it to trim along a path, driveway or bed. The listing does not describe the depth of cut in edging mode, so test the setting on a small area first.
Which line size should I use?
The main model’s bullets name a 0.080-inch line for durable cutting. The 4.0Ah kit lists compatibility with 0.065 and 0.080 line. Use the line size recommended in the manual.
Is the 4.0Ah kit better than the tool-only version?
It depends on what you own. The 4.0Ah kit includes a battery and charger and lists a 3-year warranty. The tool-only version is the better choice if you already have a compatible Ryobi battery and charger.
Does the listing give runtime figures?
No. The listings in this group do not state a runtime for the trimmer, so the time per charge depends on the battery you use and the grass you cut.
Bottom line
The Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13 inch string trimmer and edger is the right choice if you already own a Ryobi 18V ONE+ battery and charger and want a trimmer with a 13-inch width and a pivoting head for edging. If you need a battery and charger in the box, choose the 4.0Ah kit with its stated 3-year warranty. If the brushless motor matters more than weight, consider the HP brushless model. Decide on the battery you own first, then the cutting width you need.
For a broader comparison of trimmers and edgers, see Brush Cutter vs String Trimmer: Which Does What. For cordless mower battery habits that apply to any 18V tool, see Making a Cordless Mower Battery Last Longer.
