Required Tools for these Walkway Ideas

Have the necessary tools for thisDIY projectlined up before you startyoull save time and frustration.

• Bucket
• Drywall saw
• Garden rake
• Spade
• Wheelbarrow/Dolly
• Tamper
• Garden trowel

Mulch and Gravel Garden Paths

This windinggravel pathreflects the informality and ease ofmaintenance of the garden. Mulch and gravel are the cheapest pathway materials you can buy for rock walkways, and they make construction simple, too, making them two of our favorite walkway ideas. All you have to do is remove the sod, roll out landscape fabric and spread the mulch or gravel.

Mulch and gravel paths can be meandering, wood chipcovered trails or carefully planned designs, and they range from casual to formal depending on the design and edging material. You can choose from a wide variety of loose materials including coarse bark, decorative mulch, washed stones and crushed gravel or shells.

Mulch garden path

As stated above, the three commontypes of mulchsuitable for garden paths are wood chips, cocoa bean and cypress bark. Since these path materials are lighter than stone, theyre easier to haul and spread. Mulch is also a bit cheaper than gravel or stone pebbles. Remember, though, that organic paths decompose over time, so youll have to rejuvenate them every two to five years with new material. Also, dont use bark, wood chips or mulch for paths that run through areas with poor drainage or that are wet. Itll lead to a soggy path.

Youll find bags of mulch at home centers, but for the best selection of organic materials for a path, check your local nursery or landscape supplier. Depending on how big your path is, it may be cheaper to have bulk material delivered than to buy bags. Plan on a 3-in.-deep layer of mulch about 3 ft. wide as an alternative to grass. Call the public works department at your city hall or check with localtree trimmingservices. They often have piles of wood chips or mulch that are free for the hauling.

Gravel walkways

Several types of inexpensive landscaping gravel are available for paths. Common types are: crushed gravel, crushed limestone and pea rock. For a path thats more formal or longer lasting than a mulch path, consider washed gravel, crushed stone or crushed shells. These materials last indefinitely and only need occasional weeding to look their best. If you want to run a wheelbarrow or lawn mower along the path, choose crushed stone rather than smooth pebbles. The jagged edges of crushed stone lock together to form a firm surface. Crushed stone is also less likely to get kicked out into the yard.

Gravel for paths is sold by type and size. Smaller stones, averaging under 1/2 in., are best for paths because they offer more comfort underfoot and pack together better. Visit your local nursery or landscape supply specialist to see whats available in your area. Gravel is usually sold by the ton. Measure the length and width of the path. Take these measurements to the supplier and ask for help to figure out the quantity of gravel you need. Unless your path is very short, it usually makes sense to have the material delivered. Gravel for a path 3 in. deep and 3 ft. wide will cost about the same as mulch.

Gravel paths do have a few limitations, though. The stones can get tracked into the house, so dont use them near entries. And gravel paths are a bad choice in areas where you have to shovel snow off them. The gravel can end up in your lawn orflower beds.

Tips for making mulch and gravel garden paths

• Rent a gas-poweredsod cuttertoremove grassif the path is long. For short paths, use a garden spade to slice off the sod.
• Set edging so it ends up about an inch above the fill material.
• Use a spacer stick cut to the width of the garden path as a guide when you set the edging or border. You wont have to keep pulling out the tape measure to make sure the edges run parallel.
• Cover the soil with landscape fabric todeter weedsand prevent the fill material from mixing with the soil. Dont use plastic. Itll catch water and create a soggy path.
• Have gravel delivered, especially if you need more than a half ton.
• If you want a path thats firm enough to roll a wheelbarrow on, use crushed stone and tamp it after leveling it. (Pea rock or other rounded stone wont compact.) Use a hand tamper for short paths. Rent a vibrating-plate tamper for long paths.

Garden Path Borders and Edging Ideas

Gravel or mulch paths require some type of edging to keep the material from spreading out onto your lawn or flower bed. You can also add a border or an edge as a design element. Here are some common types of edging you can use for walkway landscaping:

• Plasticlandscape edgingis cheap. And its fast and easy to install. If you object to the look of the rounded top edge, hide it with a border of plants.
• Steel or aluminum edging forms a crisp edge that gives the path a neat appearance. It costs more than plastic, though, and is less forgiving on sloped terrain. It also keeps gravel or mulch from overflowing into the yard or garden.
• Brick, stone or paver borders are attractive and versatile, but theyre more expensive and a lot more work to install.
• Concrete edging is less expensive than brick or stone but has the same advantages. Newer types that look like random pieces of tumbled stone are a great lower-cost alternative to a real stone border.
• Landscape timbers are an economical alternative to stone or brick borders. Theyre especially useful for building shallow steps on gradually sloping terrain.

Stone Paths

Stepping-stonesare the fastest, easiest way to build a path, and another one of our favorite walkway ideas. Theres very little digging involved. And although the stone is heavy, a little goes a long way. Since theres distance between the stones, you dont have to worry about leveling them with one another. Stepping-stone paths also cost less because youll cover more distance with less stone. Stones that are flat and about 18 in. across and 2 in. thick are ideal. Check your local landscape supplier or quarry to see whats available. If youre building a short stepping-stone path, you can usually pick the stones you want from the pallet or pile of stones on hand at the supplier. For longer paths, ask for help to figure out the quantity and have the stone delivered. If youre lucky enough to live in an area with naturally occurring outcroppings of stone, you may find stepping-stones free for the hauling.

You can also make attractive stepping-stone paths using 12-in. square or round concrete patio blocks. These are available in a wide selection of colors and textures from home centers, landscape suppliers and masonry dealers. Search online for patio blocks to see the variety.

How to build a stone path

• Arrange stones so the distance from the center of one to the center of the next one is 20 to 24 in.
• Set the stones in place and cut around them with a spade or rock saw. Then lift the stone and dig out the grass and a little soil.
• Spread a 1/2- to 1-in.-thick layer of sand under the stone if you want to make leveling the stones easier. Sand is easier to work with than soil. A 60-lb. bag of sand is enough for about four to six stones.
• Set the top of the stepping-stones about 1 in. above the soil level. This will give you a dry place to step while still allowing you to run alawn mowerover the path.

Using Ground Cover Plants with Stone Paths

Ground cover attractively fills the space around and between pieces of yard stones such as flagstone. Includingground cover plantsin your garden path makes a stone walkway easier in two ways: First, you can skip the thick, compacted gravel base underneath. That eliminates the backbreaking digging, plus the hauling and compacting of gravel. Without the solid base, the stones will shift and become uneven, but the plants will hide that. The second advantage is that you dont have to spend extra time laying the stones perfectly. The plants will hide wide gaps.

There are quite a fewperennial plantsthat can withstand foot traffic and will grow between stones. Check with your local nursery to see whats available that will grow in your area. Here are some ground cover plants that can tolerate some foot traffic: Creeping Thyme, Blue Star Creeper, Brass Buttons, Creeping Mazus and Sedum.

The post Garden Path Ideas That Are Easy, Cheap and Low-Maintenance appeared first on Family Handyman.

Unlike a leaf blower which blows leaves into manageable piles, a leaf vacuum sucks up leaves and other small debris from your lawn and condenses them intobags for quick and easy cleanup. Many leaf vacuums also mulch everything they suck up, making for easy disposal.

We tested almost a dozen different leaf vacuums and were especially impressed by the quick work the DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum made of cleaning up over 30 gallons of leaves. This walk-behind machine has the ability to clean up your yard in no time, leaving you free to enjoy all that this season has to offer. We’re talking trips to the pumpkin patch, cider donuts and cool nights outside at the bonfire. Heres everything you need to know about the DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum.

What is the DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum?

TheDR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum is a gas-powered, walk-behind leaf vacuumsimilar to apush mower. Its powerfulsuction allows it to clean up huge piles of leaves and other backyard debris.

In spite of its bulk and weightit weighs 120 poundsthis machine is surprisingly easy to assemble. It arrives via freight delivery on a large palette. The lawn vacuum is very securely locked down within the box, with dozens of straps that have to be cut away to get the partially assembled vacuum loose. That said, our testers noted that the vacuum does come mostly put together, so assembly only consists of attaching all of the larger pieces to the main unit.

“It was tricky lifting this beast out of its box, as well as navigating it around with the giant hose continually getting in the way. But again, it was mostly just connecting the large pieces together into one full unit,” says product tester Sheri Kaz.

Another reason we’re so impressed by this machine is that its loaded with extra features, including an onboard chipper, steel impeller, easy bagging system and optional hose kit. You can even adjust the height to best suit wet or dry conditions.

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$1299.99 at Acme Tools

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we tried it

DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum

This self-propelled, gas-powered machine has a serrated all-steel impeller and on-board chipper to handle large fall cleanups.

Shop on Tractor Supply Co.

$1299.99 at Acme Tools

Shop on DR Power

DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum Features

EZ Bagger Leaf Collection System

Rather than having to attach, empty and re-attach a reusable bag every time you fire this bad boy up, the DR Leaf and Lawn vacuum uses standard leaf bags that can be deposited at the curb or in the compost pile. The platform holds the bag, and the support ring provides a crimp bar for quick installation. Plus, the latch keeps it secure. Just be sure to read the instruction manual carefully.

“At first, we were confused about how to secure the bag in place, then Annamarie figured out that you secure the bag from underneath,” says product tester Dylan Fischer.

This leaf vacuum also includes a leaf bag caddie that is attached to the unit. It holds up to 10 standard leaf bags, so you have empties on hand as you make your way around the yard. You can purchase another caddie separately for even more storage. You can also buy reusable leaf collection bags if you prefer.

Serrated Steel Impeller

This tough blade mulches everything that crosses its path. In fact, the brand is so confident in this impeller’s durability that it’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

On-Board Chipper

An on-board chipper allows you to add branches up to 1.5 inches in diameter for even more thorough cleanups.

Optional Hose Kit

Purchase an optional hose kit to clean hard-to-reach spots up to seven feet away from the machine, such as window wells, beneath shrubs or along the foundation.

How We Tested It

Product testers Sheri Kaz and Dylan Fischer led the charge and set out to see what the DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum was really made of. After unpacking and assembling the machine, they added the oil and gas and started it up. Initially, both testers found it difficult to start.

“Dylan couldn’t figure out how to properly work the choke valve, so we had to recruit some city workers,” explains Kaz. “Of course, the guy (shout out to Greenfield City Worker, Bruce!) was able to start it immediately without asking a single question.”

According to our testers, the choke lever on this machine is a piece of metal that the instructions say must be pushed inward. In reality, it needs to be pulled more to the side when starting the engine, then slowly released as the engine revs up.

Once the unit was up and running, we scattered roughly 30 gallons of leaves across two 10-foot by 4-foot rectangles of grass. One rectangle had dry leaves, and the other had damp leaves that had been misted by a hose. Our testers recorded the time it took the DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum to suck up each set of leaves on the highest setting.

For both the wet and dry leaf tests, the DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum gave an impressive performance, sucking up almost everything in its path in just one pass. They also appreciated how the chipper automatically turns on without you having to do anything, so it’s always ready to be fed sticks.

Fischer notes that this leaf vacuum isn’t too bad when it comes to maneuverability and feels very similar to a push lawnmower.

What wasn’t ideal, however, was the amount of dust that this unit produced.

“This machine spit out a lot of dust behind it, and Dylan was in the direct line of fire,” says Kaz. “He stopped and had to put on safety eyewear.” The team attributes this to the tubing, which spits debris out toward the top of the vacuum instead of the bottom.

Once everything had been sucked up, our testers noted that the contents of the leaf bag had been mulched up very fine and small. They also pointed out that the on-board chipper is a great feature to have.

Pros

• Handles huge piles of wet and dry leaves
• On-board chipper works well on branches
• Direct bagging
• Steel impeller with a lifetime warranty
• Cleans large areas quickly
• You can walk away from this machine and leave it running

Cons

• Creates a lot of dust
• Too bulky and stiff to make quick turns

FAQ

How does DR Lawn vacuum work?

During testing, our product testing team found that the DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum is quite intuitive. All you have to do is start it up and push it around your yard until all of the leaves and other small debris are gone. Any branches you pick up can be put directly into the on-board chipper. When you’re finished with your cleanup, simply remove the bag and put on a new one for next time.

How long will my DR leaf vacuum run?

The DR Lawn and Leaf Vacuum does not run on a battery. It has a 1.0-liter fuel capacity and a 0.5-liter oil capacity and can hold up to 50 pounds of debris. You can expect this machine to run until it runs out of fuel or has reached capacity.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

Verified Tractor Supply Co. user SayCheese writes, “The DR Leaf Vacuum is great! It came on a pallet and needed a small amount of assembly. Only 1/2-inch wrench is required. I am glad I took the advice from others and spent the extra money on the self-propelled. This may sound crazy but, I found operating it to be relaxing. Raking that would take 5-6 hrs. It only took 1-1 1/2 hrs with this machine.”

Kenneth from Little Elm, Texas, is impressed by the performance and convenience of this leaf vacuum and calls it an incredible machine.

“This thing is powerful and vacuums like a champ,” they write on the DR Power website. “However, the real beauty of this machine is its ability to bag in paper bags. Anybody can blow them into a pile, but the pickup is a pain. This eliminates the drudgery of the work and is actually fun. And your neighbors will crowd around wondering what it is!”

And Michael, a 76-year-old from Maryland, calls the DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum a fantastic labor-saving machine.

“My usual method has been to blow leaves into a pile, rake onto a tarp, drag tarp to mulch area, run my lawn mower repeatedly over the piles and rake the flakes onto the mulch pile: maybe 6 hours of work 4 or 5 times a season,” they write. “This machine saves me maybe 4 hours each time and lots of sweat. This XTSP has proven this season to be a life-saver. I’m ecstatic, and mention it to everyone!”

DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum vs. Billy Goat Leaf Vacuum

Our experts on the product testing team tested two walk-behind leaf vacuums for comparison sake: the DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum and the Billy Goat Lawn & Litter Vacuum. While both units claim to be self-propelled, our team preferred the Billy Goat lawn vacuum’s maneuverability and ability to take quick turns over the stiffer drive of the DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum. Additionally, our testers also liked the automated choke lever on the Billy Goat better than the choke lever on the DR.

In terms of performance, the DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum cleaned up a large, 10-by-4 area more efficiently than the Billy Goat. The DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum sucked up almost everything in under a minute with just one pass. The Billy Goat, on the other hand, took about a minute and a half and two passes to clear the same amount of leaves in the same area.

The other major difference between the two units is the bag. The Billy Goat Leaf Vacuum comes with a reusable, zipperless bag that is easy to attach and remove. However, it quickly becomes stained and unsightly. The DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum uses standard paper leaf bags that can be closed and put down at the curb or dumped into a compost pile. And if you happen to prefer a reusable bag, you can purchase one separately for the DR for $85.

Final Verdict

“Huge fan of the chipper on this one! Anyone who has to spend a lot of time raking up branches on their lawn will undoubtedly find themselves using this feature a lot,” raves Fischer.

And that’s not the only thing we love about this machine. We’re fans of the reusable bags that are easy to dispose of, the on-board chipper and the steel impeller that mulches leaves and debris as it sucks them up. One thing is for sure: the DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum is sure to have your yard clean in no time.

Where to Buy the DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum

The DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum is available for around $1,500 at Tractor Supply Co.,Acme Tools, or Blain’s Farm and Fleet. It includes a few paper leaf bags to get you started.

VIA MERCHANT

Shop on Tractor Supply Co.

$1299.99 at Acme Tools

Shop on DR Power

we tried it

DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum

This powerful and efficient vacuum cleared roughly 30 gallons of wet and dry leaves in just one pass.

Shop on Tractor Supply Co.

$1299.99 at Acme Tools

Shop on DR Power

The post The DR Leaf and Lawn Vacuum is as Convenient as it is Efficient appeared first on Family Handyman.

While these 2-in-1 tools sound like they’d be a major investment, they can be pretty affordable. Case in point: The Toro Ultra Blower Vac is a model you can pick up for around $100. We took this budget-friendly blower vac into our Testing Lab to see if it’s up to the task of a fall cleanup. Heres everything you need to know about this model.

What is the Toro Ultra Blower Vac?

The Toro Ultra Blower Vac is an electric leaf blower that also functions as a leaf vacuum. It has a 4-inch cord and a detachable leaf bag you wear on your shoulder while vacuuming up leaves and debris. In our studio, this blower weighed in at 7.45 pounds. Between its lightweight design, two handles and easy-to-use power knob, the Toro Ultra Blower Vac is comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver.

In blower mode, its motor produces a velocity and air volume of up to 340 cubic feet per minute (CFM), shooting air out at 260 miles per hour (MPH). In vacuum mode, it operates at an impressive 405 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and mulches everything it sucks up. While the manufacturer doesn’t specify the bag’s capacity, it had no trouble sucking up the 30 gallons of leaves we spread out. Once you’re finished, simply empty the contents into a disposable bag and you’re free to go about the rest of your day.

Keep reading for a full breakdown of the Toro Ultra Blower Vac’s features and to find out why it’s one of our budget-friendly picks.

VIA MERCHANT

$121.23 at Walmart

$129.99 at Ace Hardware

$99.98 at Lowe's

$99.99 at Amazon

we tried it

Toro Ultra Leaf Blower Vac

Affordability, performance and ease of use make the Toro Ultra Blower Vac a worthy addition to your tool collection.

$121.23 at Walmart

$129.99 at Ace Hardware

$99.98 at Lowe's

$99.99 at Amazon

Toro Ultra Blower Vac Features

Versatility

As mentioned above, the Toro Ultra Blower Vac functions as both a leaf blower and leaf vacuum. To switch between functions, simply attach the vacuum tube and bag and press the fan inlet cover into place. No tools required!

Mulching Capabilities

In vacuum mode, the Toro Ultra Blower Vac’s metal impeller shreds debris into mulch and deposits it into the bag. According to the manufacturer, this machine shreds leaves and reduces their volume by a ratio of 8:01. Though still fairly fine, our testers noted that the mulch produced by this blower is larger than that produced by some other models.

Variable Speed Knob

The Toro Ultra Blower Vac has one knob which starts and stops the unit. This knob also adjusts the air speed in both blower and vacuum mode.

How We Tested It

The Product Testing Team, led by associate product testers Sheri Kaz and Dylan Fischer, took the Toro Ultra Blower Vac into the Testing Lab to see whether it could meet the demands of a fall cleanup. They carefully assessed its assembly and setup, as well as its performance as both a leaf blower and leaf vacuum. Of all the units they tested, the Toro Ultra Blower Vac’s user manual was their least favorite. Unclear instructions made assembly more difficult, especially when it came time to attach one piece in particular. “There’s a detached ‘bottom inlet cover’ that needs to be attached, and the directions that supposedly explain how to do so are very poor,” explains Kaz.

Once they finished their initial assembly, however, the team was impressed by the unit’s ergonomics, noting that the two handles are nice to hold and the built-in cord management system is well designed and secure.

To test the Toro’s performance, our team scattered dry leaves around a yard, then blew them into a designated 4×10-foot area, evaluating the blower’s directional control, ease of use and noise level. According to our testers, this unit performed best when kept at exactly the right angle. “Blowing capabilities are a lot weaker,” notes Kaz. “You need to be at a pretty low angle to get the best performance from this one’s blowing function. Dylan was bent over much of the time when using this machine.”

After they finished blowing the leaves, Fischer and Kaz set out to test the vacuum function on the Toro Ultra Blower Vac. To convert the machine from a leaf blower to a leaf vacuum, they had to swap the blower tube for the vacuum tube and press the fan inlet cover into place. While it seemed easy enough, it required a bit of elbow grease from Fischer. “It was a little finicky to convert the blower to the vacuum. The plastic fittings were not smooth, which made us wonder if we were doing something wrong,” explains Kaz. “We referred back to the user manual several times while using and it took both of Dylan’s hands to press this fan inlet cover into placeit was very stiff.”

To test the Toro’s vacuum capabilities, the team spread roughly 30 gallons of leaves across two rectangles of grass. One rectangle they covered in dry leaves while the other had damp leaves which they’d misted with a hose. Our testers timed how long it took to suck up each rectangle’s leaves while evaluating the machine’s ergonomics, maneuverability, noise level and more. According to Kaz and Fischer’s report, it took just under three minutes to suck up all of the dry leaves and about one minute to suck up the wet ones. Fischer and Kaz agree that it was much easier to use the Toro Ultra Blower Vac as a leaf vacuum than as a leaf blower.

Despite some setbacks, our Product Testing Team recommends the Toro Ultra Blower Vac to anyone shopping on a budget. Given its low price point, vacuum performance and maneuverability, it’s a great value overall. “The placement of the grip handles allow for solid maneuverability, which ended up being very useful as we had to bend over to get the best performance out of the blowing function,” says Fischer.

Pros

• Under $100
• Lightweight
• Two grip handles enhance maneuverability
• Versatile power-adjustment knob
• Sturdy metal impeller

Cons

• Weak blowing performance
• Cumbersome to alternate between functions

Why You Should Trust Us

Our editors and testers on the Product Testing Team have years of experience in the commerce space. Many of us are also homeowners or renters with yards of our own to keep clean. We’ve tested dozens of leaf blowers and leaf vacuums including the best backpack leaf blowers and cordless leaf blowers in order to help you make informed decisions before you buy.

FAQ

How does Toro Blower Vac work?

The Toro Ultra Blower Vac pushes out air at a speed of 260 miles per hour (MPH) in order to blow leaves and other debris away from your house, garden and driveway. In vacuum mode, it sucks leaves and other debris in through the main tube. It then finely mulches leaves through a sturdy metal impeller and deposits them into the attached bag. When you’re finished, simply empty the mulched leaves into a disposable bag or compost pile.

How do you turn the Toro Ultra Blower Vac into a blower?

Once assembled, the Toro Ultra Blower Vac is a blower by default. It has a fan inlet cover which is held in place by a quick-release latch. This cover must be attached or detached in order to switch between blower and vacuum functions.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

The Toro Ultra Blower Vac has over 5,650 five-star ratings on Amazon. Here’s what real users have to say about it.

After six months of use, five-star reviewer Gabriel’s Dad calls the Toro Ultra Blower Vac a must have for yard work. “I used this in the fall to vacuum up and disintegrate the leaves that were all over my yard. This thing did it wonderfully,” he raves. “A big pile of leaves piled about 3 feet tall was reduced to a dense pile of pieces that barely came halfway up one of those paper lawn yard-waste bags. Amazing.”

Another Amazon customer and verified purchaser calls this an amazing tool. “As a leaf vacuum and mulcher, it’s a huge time saver. We have two large trees in our front yard and we usually spend six man hours raking and packing leaves every fall. I also run the mower at different times during the fall to mulch smaller leaf drops. I did the whole yard by myself in about three hours, and collected some 400 lbs of leaves,” they write. “The bag looks like it could get heavy, but by the time it’s full, it’s rarely more than 10 or 15 lbs. The leaves are chopped up pretty well.”

And five-star reviewer Lar P swears that in their 60-plus years, this Toro Ultra Blower Vac is the best they’ve ever had. “This thing moves leavesand here is a big tip with this Toro, dont impede the speed with any of the end nozzlesjust let this thing blow unabated, and do the work for you,” they write.

Product Comparison

Our Product Testing Team tested a total of six blower vacuum combos, including the Toro Ultra Blower Vac. They crowned this unit the best budget option for its affordability, maneuverability and performance. Other corded styles we tested were double the price of the Toro. Of course, you could opt for a gas-powered leaf blower or heavy-duty machine like the Billy Goat Leaf Vacuum, but expect to pay upwards of $200.

Final Verdict

The Toro Ultra Blower Vac offers a fast and inexpensive way to keep your yard free of leaves and other debris. This versatile blower vac is lightweight, easy to maneuver and gets the job done. But most importantly, it saves a ton of time, leaving you free to enjoy your days off however you please.

Where to Buy the Toro Ultra Blower Vac

According to the manufacturer’s website, the Toro Ultra Blower Vac retails for $80, though we’ve found it closer to $100 across stores. It’s currently available at Walmart, Ace Hardware, Lowe’s and Amazon.

VIA MERCHANT

$121.23 at Walmart

$129.99 at Ace Hardware

$99.98 at Lowe's

$99.99 at Amazon

we tried it

Toro Ultra Leaf Blower Vac

Affordability, performance and ease of use make the Toro Ultra Blower Vac a worthy addition to your tool collection.

$121.23 at Walmart

$129.99 at Ace Hardware

$99.98 at Lowe's

$99.99 at Amazon

The post The Toro Ultra Blower Vac Is the Budget-Friendly Tool to Keep Your Yard Clean All Season appeared first on Family Handyman.

One of our favorite leaf blowers that also functions as a leaf vacuum is the Craftsman backpack leaf blower. It’s powerful, easy to use and budget-friendly. In order to see how well this Craftsman backpack blower stands up to a mountain of leaves, we sent it to our testing lab for close inspection. Heres everything you need to know about this model before you add it to your arsenal of lawn equipment.

What is the Craftsman Backpack Leaf Blower?

The Craftsman backpack leaf blower is an electric leaf blower. It has a 12-inch cord and is a true backpack-style lawn tool with two straps, making it less cumbersome than a sling bag. This leaf blower boasts a powerful 12-amp motor with a velocity and air volume of up to 450 cubic feet per minute (CFM). When it comes to speed, this tool can shoot air out at 260 miles per hour (MPH).

At under 12 pounds, this Craftsman backpack blower is lightweight and incredibly easy to use and maneuver, thanks to its user-friendly handles. But that’s not the only reason we love it so much. This Craftsman blower also functions as a leaf vacuum.

“Vacuums are effective when cleaning up smaller spaces and tight areas. For example, cleaning leaves in bushes,” explains Francisco Fuenmayor, a handyman and home improvement expert at LocalProBook. “A leaf blower won’t be able to blow the leaves out of there, while blowers are better for quickly moving large amounts of debris across bigger spaces.”

No tools are required to switch this from blower to vacuum mode. In vacuum mode, it sucks up and mulches up to 55 liters of leaves into the backpack. Once the bag is full, simply open it up and dump all of the mulched debris out. Yard work has never been so easy! Keep reading for a full breakdown of the Craftsman backpack blower’s features and to find out why it’s one of the best backpack leaf blowers we’ve tested.

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$69.88 at Amazon

$89.98 at Lowe's

we tried it

Craftsman Backpack Leaf Blower

The Craftsman backpack leaf blower also functions as a leaf vacuum for quick and easy cleanup.

$69.88 at Amazon

$89.98 at Lowe's

Craftsman Backpack Leaf Blower Features

Versatility

As mentioned above, the Craftsman backpack blower functions as both a leaf blower and a leaf vacuum. In order to switch between functions, all you have to do is switch the tubes and twist open the fan cover. The fan cover is attached to the machine so you don’t lose it, and no tools are required.

Engine Power and Blowing Force

The Craftsman backpack blower is pretty powerful given its size and price point. Its 12-amp motor allows it to clear tough debris like wet leaves and pebbles. It moves air at 450 cubic feet per minute (CFM). “A strong blower with good CFM is great for cleaning hard-to-reach corners and gathering debris from garden beds into neat piles on the lawn,” explains Fuenmayor. Additionally, the Craftsman backpack blower blows air at up to 260 MPH. A higher MPH increases the distance you are able to clear.

Mulching Capabilities

In vacuum mode, the Craftsman backpack blower’s plastic impeller shreds debris into mulch and deposits it into the backpack. According to the manufacturer, this machine shreds leaves and reduces their volume by a ratio of 12:01. During testing, our testers noted that this blower mulched the leaves very finely.

Warranty

The Craftsman backpack blower is covered by a three-year limited warranty. This means that for three years following the date of purchase or date of delivery of the product (whichever date is later), this machine is warrantied against defects in material or workmanship. This warranty is extended only to the original end-user purchaser of the product. Read more about Craftsman’s warranty policy here.

How We Tested It

The product testing team, led by associate product testers Sheri Kaz and Dylan Fischer, took this Craftsman backpack blower into our testing lab to see what it’s really made of. They looked at how easy it was to assemble and how well it performed as both a leaf blower and a leaf vacuum.

Assembly

Our testers ran into some initial hiccups during the assembly process, noting that the plastic pieces didn’t click into place as satisfyingly as they would have liked. However, they describe the process itself as pretty straightforward. Once it was assembled and ready to go, our testers especially liked the ergonomic handles which allowed them to get a good grip before they started blowing.

Leaf Blowing

To test the Craftsman’s performance as a leaf blower, our team scattered dry leaves around the yard, then blew them into a designated 4-by-10-foot area before vacuuming, evaluating the blower’s directional control, ease of use and noise level. Our testers were really impressed by the power behind this blower. However, it was a bit too powerful at times. “It would be nice if there were multiple speed levels, because the one will blow your pile all around as you get closer to it,” says Kaz. Additionally, this leaf blower registered 106.5 decibels. In other words, it’s loud! Ear and eye protection are strongly recommended.

Vacuuming

After they finished blowing the leaves, our testers set out to test the vacuum function on the Craftsman backpack blower. To convert the machine from a leaf blower to a leaf vacuum, Kaz and Fisher had to swap the blower tube for the vacuum tube and twist open the fan cover, which is attached to the machine so you don’t lose it. Though easy in theory, Kaz and Fischer struggled a bit here, noting that the tubes don’t really click into place. But after double-checking the user manual, they were back in business.

For this test, our testers spread roughly 30 gallons of leaves across two rectangles of grass. They covered one rectangle in dry leaves and the other had damp leaves, which had been misted with a hose. Our testers timed how long it took to suck up each rectangle’s leaves while evaluating the ergonomics, maneuverability, noise level and more.

According to Kaz and Fischer’s report, it took just under three minutes to suck up all of the dry leaves and just over one minute to suck up all of the wet leaves. Upon emptying the bag, they noted that the leaves had been very finely mulched.

Comfort

As for comfort, Fischer points out that the unit itself gets pretty heavy to use for an extended length of time. Luckily, the overall backpack design helped. “The backpack is nice on this one because it’s a full backpack that goes over both shoulders,” he says. “It provides a lot of relief from the weight.”

Overall, our product testing team highly recommends the Craftsman backpack blower. It was a top performer in the lab and is both easy and comfortable to use. “The two-strapped backpack-style bag works amazingly well and should be the standard for all these handheld vacuums. It’s a great way to equally distribute weight and goes a long way to mitigate fatigue,” raves Fischer.

And for less than $100, you simply can’t go wrong.

Pros:

• Functions as a leaf blower and a leaf vacuum
• Two-strapped backpack provides relief from the weight of the unit
• Powerful performance
• Finely mulches leaves and debris it vacuums
• Under $100
• Ergonomic handles

Cons:

• Not cordless
• Plastic pieces don’t readily click into place

Why You Should Trust Us

Our editors and testers on the product testing team have years of experience in the commerce space. We’ve tested dozens of leaf blowers and leaf vacuums, including the Husqvarna Backpack Blower, Stihl BR 600 Backpack Blower and the Ego Leaf Blower. And we don’t plan on stopping there! Currently, we are testing more leaf blowers and leaf vacuums to ensure we help you make informed decisions based on real-life testing before you buy.

To further discuss the benefits and uses of leaf blowers and vacuums, we also enlisted the expertise of Francisco Fuenmayor, a handyman and home improvement expert at LocalProBook.

FAQ

What kind of gas does a Craftsman backpack leaf blower take?

This Craftsman backpack blower is electric and does not take gas.

Why won’t my Craftsman backpack blower start?

First, make sure your Craftsman backpack blower is plugged in. The cord on this model is only 12 inches long, so an extension cord may be required.

If that doesn’t work, check the fan cover. “Initially, you have to turn the cover to lock it into place in order for the machine to turn on,” explains Fischer. “We didn’t realized this, so the machine wouldn’t start after several tries. Finally, after about five attempts and referring to the user manual, it seemed that whatever was hanging it up resolved itself and we were able to click the cover into place.”

What kind of oil goes in a Craftsman?

This Craftsman backpack blower does not require oil.

What Other Reviewers and Experts Had to Say

Five-star reviewer Robert T Kennedy appreciates how well this unit cleans his yard without sucking up expensive decorative stones. “I liked the multiple options for the leaf blower,” he writes. “One piece of equipment keeps my lawn, garden, walkways and driveway clean with its powerful motor. Definitely worth the reasonable price.”

Micray, another five-star reviewer, calls the Craftsman backpack blower a back-saver. “This has been such a lifesaver trying to clean up. My backyard had hundreds of those little bitty gumballs, and this has made picking them up so much easier,” they write.

After running into some of the same issues as our product testing team in regards to getting the pieces into place, verified user Girly Gamer is happy to have figured it out. “It ended up working beautifully on the vacuum part which is all I wanted. Great power, bag is comfortable and holds A LOT! It is fairly heavy, but with the two handles, it’s not too bad,” they write. “Saved me big time from raking and bending over to pick up piles of pine needles which had been building up for a year! Even mulched pine cones and twigs fine…”

Product Comparison

Our product testing team tested a total of six blower vacuum combos including the Craftsman backpack blower. They labeled this unit the best overall for its performance, two-strap backpack style and good value. We also tested the Toro Ultra Blower Vac, another corded model which functions as a blower and a vacuum. The Craftsman and the Toro are both similarly sized and priced, there was a significant difference in performance.

The Craftsman backpack blower has a velocity and air volume of up to 450 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and expels air at 260 miles per hour (MPH). The Toro, on the other hand, has a velocity and air volume of 340 CFM in blow mode and 405 CFM in vac mode. And though the Toro boasts the same 260 MPH as the Craftsman, our testers found the Toro’s blowing performance to be much weaker than the Craftsman backpack blower.

Additionally, the Craftsman backpack blower has a two-strapped backpack-style bag which makes it easy to tote around the yard. The Toro has one strap which you can sling over your shoulder. Though not uncomfortable, it’s not as convenient as the Craftsman backpack blower.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to keep your yard neat and tidy, you can’t go wrong with the Craftsman backpack blower. This versatile blower is comfortable, easy to use and powerful enough to get the job done. In short, you can expect your lawn to look like a million bucks all autumn long thanks to this handy backpack blower.

Where to Buy the Craftsman backpack leaf blower

The Craftsman backpack leaf blower is a steal at under $100. You can shop on Amazon where it’s available with free two-day Prime shipping. You can also shop at Lowe’s where it’s available for in-store pickup or delivery.

VIA MERCHANT

$69.88 at Amazon

$89.98 at Lowe's

we tried it

Craftsman Backpack Leaf Blower

The two-strapped backpack equally distributes the blower's weight.

$69.88 at Amazon

$89.98 at Lowe's

The post This Craftsman Backpack Leaf Blower Is Two Tools In One, And It’ll Clean Up Your Yard in No Time appeared first on Family Handyman.

Manufacturers have gone to great lengths to not only make them even safer but also more comfortable and, dare I say, attractive. Modern work boots claim to be safer, lighter and better fittingand can be worn all day. Could it possibly be true?

Keen Utility’s Evanston boot is one of those new-era utility boots that challenge misconceptions. I tried them to see if they could withstand my everyday tasks and meet industrial standards. I was thrilled with these boots, so read on to hear why.

What is the Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot?

Keen Utility designed the Evanston work boot to meet the needs of many professionals. However, I found it practical for any application where comfort and safety are paramount. Keen Utility states that the work boot is great for assembly line workers, electricians, the aerospace industry and light manufacturing.

The boots tick all the boxes for standard work boots, with safety and meeting standards being the highest priorities. Theyre a six-inch high waterproof boot suitable for many manufacturing and construction situations. Durable leather offers the wearer protection and makes the boots visually appealing.

PAMELA BONDURANT/FAMILY HANDYMAN

$149.95 at Amazon

$150 at Zappos

$149.99 at Cabela's

$149.99 at Bass Pro

We Tried It

Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot

$149.95 at Amazon

$150 at Zappos

$149.99 at Cabela's

$149.99 at Bass Pro

Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot Features

The Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot stands out with a suite of high-performance features designed for durability and safety. This boot is not only oil, slip and heat resistant, but also boasts a carbon-fiber toe. This makes them a lighter alternative to traditional steel toes while maintaining robust protection. Rated for electrostatic discharge (ESD), the boot ensures safe use in environments where static electricity is a concern.

The boot’s six-inch ankle height provides essential protection and stability, a crucial aspect both industrial settings and demanding work environments. The heat-resistant outsole further enhances durability, allowing the boot to withstand high temperatures without compromising performance or comfort.

The Keen Utility Evanston is equipped with Keen.ReGEN technology, a proprietary sole designed to offer 50% more energy return compared to standard foam soles. This technology helps reduce fatigue and increases comfort during long hours on your feet. Additionally, the boot features a 90-degree heel (half an inch) that contributes to its stability and balance.

The eyelets are constructed from plastic rather than metal, minimizing the risk of marring highly finished surfacesa thoughtful detail for professionals working with delicate materials. The boots also have reflective elements for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.

The leather used is barnyard resistant, meaning it effectively withstands the detrimental effects of common livestock-related hazards like oleic acid and urea.

Furthermore, the Leather Working Group certifies the leather as “environmentally preferred,” which ensures that the tanneries adhere to rigorous environmental standards, including waste management and greenhouse gas reduction.

As an extra bonus, the boots are PFA-free and contain no “forever chemicals.”

How We Tested the Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot

The boots arrived by mail in terrific packaginga sturdyboot box that Ill be reusing. The boots were pre-laced and ready to use, so I put them on my feet around 8:30 a.m. As someone who dislikes wearing shoes and only wearsthem as a necessitysomething I equate to foot prisonI didnt even think to take these brand-new boots off my feet for almost 12 hours!

I wear a Euro size 39 with a narrow-to-normal width foot and received a U.S. womens 8.5 medium boot. The fit was perfect, and Keens signature roomy toe box was a welcome relief for my claustrophobic toes and the real or imagined widening of my foot as I age. The cushioned part around the ankle felt comfy and didnt give me that restrictive feeling I get when I revisit my early 90s hipster days and wear my heavy, black ankle boots.

I wasnt going to test the carbon fiber toe for safety as they did once on Myth Busters (anyone else see that episode?), but the toe was clearly fortified. I felt confident that my tootsies were in safe hands and opted out of dropping a toolbox on my foot. Another welcome surprise was that the composite toe was not even noticeable, even as my toes were bent, which is something Ive struggled with in other steel-toed boots.

I spent the remainder of the day doing various chores in these boots. I weeded, ran the string trimmer, cleaned gutters and dug up volunteer lemongrass that was invading my flower beds. I walked on grass, mud and mulch. I even took my daily multi-mile walk on asphalt in these boots because it didnt occur to me to change my shoes.

Keen Utility boasts that the heel design of these boots helps secure the foot in place on ladders. While climbing the ladder to clean my gutters, I felt absolutely confident. While digging with a shovel and on the ladder rungs, the sole’s sturdiness did not cause discomfort or fatigue. As the day went by, I was so very surprised that my ankles also did not feel any chafing or excessive pressure.

Pros:

• Certified for safety standards and ESD
• Comfortable
• Lightweight
• Environmentally preferred leather
• Reflective
• Chemical and biological resistant leather
• Multiple widths

Cons:

• No color selection for women
• Limited sizes in both mens and womens styles

Why Trust Me

Ive been wearing work boots for most of my adult life. Ive lived and worked on an organic farm, worked as a land surveyor in many regulated environments, owned a landscaping company and done gobs of contracting work in painting and basic carpentry. Nothing makes my work easier than comfortable and practical footwear.

As a professional product reviewer, I am committed to considering my needs and those of others when evaluating products. The boots are no exception, and I considered many factors in order to give a fair assessment. I looked at both my personal needs and those of people of different sizes and in various industries.

FAQ

Are Keen boots good for work?

There are many types of work boots that are certified for certain industrial uses and safety issues. Many Keen utility boots are approved for these uses and, therefore, are excellent work boots. Keen also has hiking boots and casual boots that may be suitable for certain work environments.

Are Keen shoes good for your feet?

Theyre certainly not bad for your feet! In fact, with the arch support, protection and roomy toe box, your feet are getting the royal treatment as far as footwear goes. Keen utility boots come with a 30-day trial, so if you find that they are not meeting your needs, you can return them.

Are Keen boots waterproof?

Some Keen boots are waterproof. The Evanston boot reviewed is rated as waterproof and is indicated for wet and dry use. If waterproof boots are a must, be sure to check the manufacturers stated uses and capabilities.

What Other Reviewers/Experts Had to Say

LaRita B. gives a5-star review onKeens site, saying, Wide enough!!!!! Yes, finally, Keen listened! These safety-toeboots are wide enough to fit my foot. Thanks, well done.

Vicki Rose, owner of SPC Specialty Products, a woman-owned business serving the manufacturing and energy sectors, says, I wear industrial boots daily for work. This boot meets all the safety requirements, looks good, and even comes in a womens 5, which is perfect for me.

Best boot ever, says Jade P on Keens site. I bought these off of a recommendation from a coworker. So comfortable, even without another insole! My blisters I got from my other boots went away, and because of the composite toe all my ankle pain is gone (because my old boots were too heavy). Seriously the best purchase Ive ever made.

Keens vs. Red Wings

Icompared these boots to a pair of Redwing steel-toed boots that I used to wear for work and found the Keens have far more support and cushioning. Thecarbon fiber toe was not even noticeable on the Keens, as opposed to the discomfort inflicted on my foot by the old-school steel toe.

I also compared the Keen to a newer pair of steel-toed Red Wings side-by-side and found the comfort and styling to be somewhat equal, but the Keen was significantly lighter.

Final Verdict

The extensive listing of safety ratings on this boot makes it viable for almost all work conditions. The wonderful support and comfort allow for all-day wearing without the need to break them in. Its stylish, too. I was unable to come up with really any criticisms of this boot, so I 100% recommend it. Theres nothing to risk thanks to Keen’s 30-day return period, so try out a pair for yourself.

Where to Buy

You can find Keen Utility’s Evanston boot on Amazon and Zappos for around $150. The sizing is accurate, and with Keens 30-day return policy, the risk of buying shoes online is minimized.

PAMELA BONDURANT/FAMILY HANDYMAN

$149.95 at Amazon

$150 at Zappos

$149.99 at Cabela's

$149.99 at Bass Pro Shops

Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot

$149.95 at Amazon

$150 at Zappos

$149.99 at Cabela's

$149.99 at Bass Pro Shops

The post Keen Utility’s New Work Boot is the Perfect Boot for Almost Everything appeared first on Family Handyman.

Residential users are switching from traditional gas-powered lawn equipment to electric ones. Why? Battery-operated tools are quiet, require no gas or oil and almost always start. Battery power and longevity have improved over the years, so whats not to love?

But have you ever wondered if cordless string trimmers work as well asgasoline-powered string trimmers? I tested the popular battery-powered Ryobi string trimmer for the past three months, and I have the answers you seek.

What is the Ryobi String Trimmer?

The Ryobi string trimmer is a 40V, 15-inch cordless string trimmer that retails for under $200. For context, the Ryobi brand is The Home Depots economical lineup of tools. Geared towards residential homeowners, this string trimmer tackles lawns of almost any size, depending on the battery you use. Plus, its part of Ryobi’s expand-it collection, which enables the attachment of tools other than the string attachment that was tested in this review.

PAMELA BONDURANT/FAMILY HANDYMAN

Shop Now on The Home Depot

$119.88 at Amazon

Ryobi String Trimmer

Shop Now on The Home Depot

$119.88 at Amazon

Ryobi Cordless String Trimmer Features

The Ryobi 15-inch 40V string trimmerincludes a straight shaft string trimmer attachment, a 4-amp-hour battery, a charger and a 0.080-inch line (which can also accept up to 0.095 inches). Ryobis 40V batteries come standard with LED status lights, and the 80-watt charger should charge the battery in a little over 2.5 hours. A 70-minute run timeis advertised.

The tool utilizes a bump feed mechanism to advance the line, which is pretty standard across string trimmers. As mentioned above, the bump head trimmer can be removed and replaced by a bladed, serrated head and the entire lower shaft can be removed and replaced by tools such as a pole saw using the quick change coupler system. The string can be adjusted from 13 to 15 inches, and Ryobi boasts that it reloads in under 60 seconds with its speed winder.

The trigger is variable speed, and the straight shaft is sturdy carbon fiber. While thetool carries a 5-year warranty, the battery only carries a 3-yearwarranty. A brushless motor powers the tool.

How We Tested the Ryobi String Trimmer

Im testing many string trimmers and comparing them against the same criteria. The first thing I consider is the packaging, assembly, and instructions to get started. I started the battery charging while I assembled and read and noted that the battery took close to three hours to charge, which is something to keep in mind if youre eager to get trimming.

The bump head was already loaded with string, but I needed to attach it to the power head. I struggled a bit with this seemingly simple task as I had trouble getting the lower shaft to slide into the upper shaft. I managed to get it to attach, but then it went too far into the upper shaft, and you may already be guessing that I struggled to pull it outand yes, of course, it came all the way out. My next attempt was successful, and the quick couple system only required a half turn to lock it into placea nice update to Ryobis older attachments, which relied on winding and hand tightening.

The battery was easy to attach, but as I was attaching it, I noticed it felt quite heavy and wondered if it was my imagination. I headed to the scale, and it weighed in at just under 3 pounds, which seemed innocuous until I weighed a few more 4-amp-hour batteries, and they came in at 1 and 1.5 pounds. Please note that the battery is a bit heavy.

I started trimming and tackling weeds growing through the paver cracks and around tree stumps. The power was ample, and while the 0.80 string broke easily against the pavement (not unexpected), the trimmer chewed through the weeds and grass with ease. The deflector did not block a good amount of the grit and grass, but Ive never met a string trimmer that doesnt leave my shins coated in dirt and weeds.

Turning the tool to the edge was awkward but doable, and the straight shaft was well-balanced. I experimented here with the variable speed trigger since I like to move a little slower when edging, and it helped with my aim, as Im a bit of a zig zagger with a string trimmer. The brushless motor had the familiar scratchy noise and was a tad louder than some cordless string trimmers, but the battery still showed a 75% charge after approximately 20 minutes of use.

For my final act, a string change was in order, and my history with spooling string trimmers is not marked as successful. Having used many Ryobi string trimmers over the years, I knew the drill using their loading tool. The great thing about their method is that it works! You slide about 10 inches of string through the center of the bump head without worrying about direction, multiple layers of spooling or remembering how to re-attach the head and wind with the provided tool.

With that successful winding experience, I must caution users based on my previous experiences. The winding tool does not attach or stay with the trimmer, so you need to know where the tool is in your garage or shed. If you cant find it, then you are not going to be able to re-string your trimmer until you buy a replacement or figure out a clever way to wind the head. I now keep mine tied to the handle.

Pros

• Long-running battery
• Fast reloading
• Takes fixed blade heads
• Interchangeable attachments
• Large cutting area
• Long shaft for tall users

Cons

• Heavy battery
• Tool required for reloading
• Not ideal for short users

FAQ

How do you put the line in a Ryobi string trimmer?

Reloading is relatively easy on Ryobis string trimmers. Unlike most string trimmers, Ryobi uses a proprietary tool to wind the string. To reload, all you need to do is insert the string through the holes in the head and wind. This can be done without removing any parts from the head.

How does the Ryobi trimmer auto-feed?

The Ryobi trimmer uses a bump feed mechanism. To advance the line, you bump the head on the ground while the trimmer is at full speed. If the line does not advance, you can manually press down on the head (while its not in use!) and pull on the line.

How do you remove the string head from a Ryobi trimmer?

This gets a little tricky. You need to pinch the sides of the trimmer and rotate the padlock symbol to the open padlock symbol. My hands arent big enough to do that, so I use some huge channel locks to squeeze and then another pair of channel locks to rotate. Once the symbols are lined up, the head pops right off.

What Other Reviewers Have to Say

Check out what a few other Ryobi string trimmer users have to say about this affordable tool:

Just as good as gas,” remarks customer Frank on The Home Depot website. “My neighbor has this model and I have the gas powered head. After trying his I bought one for myself. I already had most of the attachments. The battery last long enough for me to trim, edge and blow my grass before I have to recharge. It is so quiet I can start earlier in the morning and not wake the neighbors. No gas smell, exhaust smoke or heat.”

Carbon fiber is for real,” five-star reviewer Mike explains. “I have the “original” 40V brushless weed eater, which I have been using it heavily for 2-3 years now for brush clearance. I finally destroyed the head of the string trimmer and decided to give the carbon fiber a shot. The carbon fiber is significantly lighter than the old version and it makes a big difference. In terms of power, it truly does have gas-like power. The battery lasts long enough to trim a yard. If you’re trying to clear a large area, you’ll need a few batteries.

Ryobi String Trimmer vs Other String Trimmers

The Ryobi string trimmer stacks up nicely compared to other cordless string trimmers. The high-capacity battery is a standout, though, as I mentioned earlier, it adds as much as two pounds to the total weight. Another standout is the easy reloading mechanism, with the downside being that a proprietary tool is required to reload the string.

As for power, it was right up there with other cordless and gas string trimmers. The straight shaft was great for extended reaching but not as comfortable as a curved shaft. The noise level was slightly louder than my Ego trimmer, but not by much. The cost of ownership is a little less than that of other cordless string trimmers.

Final Verdict

Based on my testing, the Ryobi 15-inch cordless string trimmer gets a definite vote of yes. The factors influencing my decision lie primarily in the easy winding, high capacity battery and economical price. If you already own other Ryobi 40V tools or interchangeable attachments, this trimmer is a shoo-in for your collection. Another bonus is that parts and add-ons are easily found locally at The Home Depot.

Where to Buy

You canbuy a Ryobi string trimmer with battery and charger for under $200 onAmazon or atThe Home Depot.

PAMELA BONDURANT/FAMILY HANDYMAN

Shop Now on The Home Depot

$119.88 at Amazon

Ryobi String Trimmer

Shop Now on The Home Depot

$119.88 at Amazon

The post I Tried the Ryobi Cordless String Trimmer and Will String Out the Details for You appeared first on Family Handyman.

If you’d like to cut pavers without a saw, using a hammer and masonry chisel is the simplest, most low-tech way to do it. Use this method to cut concrete and stone pavers, but know that it will provide a somewhat ragged edge. “This is a great option for homeowners doing a small project who don’t want to spend a lot on tools,” Laterreur says.

• Use a set square and permanent marker to draw the cut line on the paver.
• Wear safety gloves, goggles and a dust mask.
• Place a masonry chisel onto the line and tap with a hammer. The goal is to create a mark that is 1/16 inch deep. Do not use excessive force light taps will suffice.
• Repeat this step along the marked line until all of the line has a 1/16-inch score.
• Place the chisel in the center of the scored line.
• Deliver several strong blows to the chisel with the hammer to split the paver.
• Clean up any ragged edges with the chisel and hammer.

The post 7 Ways to Cut Pavers of All Kinds appeared first on Family Handyman.

Many of us love gardening and yard grooming, but few would say they love pulling weeds. Weed management is a nearly constant, labor-intensive activity that typically requires bending, stooping and kneeling to reach the weeds. The end result is usually a sore back, sore knees or both.

As human innovators, we will always find ways to make difficult tasks easier. Knee pads and weeding chairs help. Specialized digging tools are often handheld and aid in getting underneath roots. Stand-up weeders take things to the next level by allowing you to perform weeding from the standing position.

I tried out the Fiskars Deluxe Stand-Up Weeder and put it through a series of tests to access its capabilities. Is it really a good option for sore backs (and pesky weeds) everywhere? Let’s dive in.

What isthe Fiskars Deluxe Stand-Up Weeder?

The Fiskars Deluxe Stand-Up Weeder merges dreams with reality. It enables root digging and weed pulling from an upright position using a unique system of claws and leverage. This stand-up weeder might change how you feel aboutthe onerous task of weeding.

PAMELA BONDURANT/FAMILY HANDYMAN

Shop on Amazon

$58.95 at Walmart

$48.98 at The Home Depot

$59.99 at Ace

We Tried It

Fiskars Deluxe Stand-Up Weeder

Shop on Amazon

$58.95 at Walmart

$48.98 at The Home Depot

$59.99 at Ace

Fiskars Deluxe Stand-Up WeederProduct Features

The Fiskars stand-up weeder uses four claws to stab weeds and has a 39-inch ergonomic handle shaped like a walking cane. The claws are serrated, and theres a weed ejection mechanism built into the handle. Its best suited for getting at weeds such as thistles and dandelions since those weeds have a clearly identifiable root location.

While the claws are steel, the rest of the weeder is made of sturdy plastic, which keeps it lightweight, around 2.5 pounds, and easy to work with for extended periods of time. The tool has an extra-long foot presser that allows for use with work boots or large feet. Weed releasing is performed by sliding the handle toward the base and returning.

HowWe TestedIt

First, I looked at the packaging and assembly. This tool arrived in a single box and required no assembly. The instructions are printed on the tool,so there was no need to read directions. So, I headed to the yard to get weeding.

I located clumps of crabgrass since it was easy to identify where the roots originated. I centered the four claws over the weed, pressed down on the extremely handy large foot lever and the serrated claws easily sank into the soil. Using the cane-shaped handle, I tilted the tool back against the lever and heard one of the most satisfying sounds one could hearthe sound of roots being pulled completely free. I was so satisfied with my feat that I examined the root system up close before easily sliding the handle to release the weed.

I carried on with the crabgrass patch and was able to clear about two square feet in a couple of minutes. Then, I headed into the yard to ensure the claws could dig through the turf. Again, the claws went right through the tough ground with very little pressure being applied to the foot lever and the weed was easily ejected, thanks to the extractor enclosing all four claws.

After weeding, I checked the claws for damage, and there was none. In fact, the claws’ design indicates that they will stay sharp and capable for a very long time. I washed the dirt off, and the tool still looked brand new.

Pros

• Non-corrosive components
• No bending
• Superior weed release
• Dandelion destroyer
• Lightweight

Cons

• Only works on large-rooted weeds
• Leaves a divot in the ground
• Digs only a few inches

FAQ

How to use Fiskars stand-up weeder?

1. Aim the tool at the root by peering through the foot platform.
2. Press down on the foot platform to dig the claws into the soil around the weed.
3. Lean the tool toward the foot platform to use the ground as leverage and the weed is extracted.
4. Slide the ejection mechanism located on the handle to remove the weed from the prongs.
5. Repeat the steps on the next weed.

Does a stand-up weeder work?

Stand-up weeders do work and can be a great asset to your gardening tool collection. However, they are not going to solve all of your weeding needs. Most stand-up weeders that use prongs excel at pulling thick-rooted plants like dandelions and thistle.There are other types of stand-up weeders that shine at digging or hoeing. Few stand-up weeders can do it all, and despite the benefits of stand-up weeders, youre still going to have to hand-pull some weeds.

How does a stand-up weed puller work?

It depends on the weeder, but most stand-up weeders have four components. The first component is a method for penetrating the soil around the weedclaws, blades, or prongs. The second component is a foot lever for pressing the tool into the soil. The third component is a method for grabbing the weed and pulling itclaws close in on the weed usually by tilting the tool so the lever gets leverage from the ground. The final component is the weed release mechanismusually by the claws opening or a mechanical pushing of the weed.

Are there replaceable parts on the Fiskars stand-up weeder?

The Fiskars Deluxe Stand-Up Weeder does not have replaceable parts. However, it is designed to withstand regular usage and should the need arise, Fiskars offers a lifetime warranty.

What Other Reviewers/Experts Had to Say

A five-star reviewer on Amazon says, Simple to use, worked better than I expected. (Everything is made of flimsy plastic these days) I watered first, and after an hour went outside to try it. I did the entire yard in less than a fourth of the time it took to hand pick weeds.

Very pleased with this product which came ready to roll. It saves countless bending over and day-after-weeding-back-pain-time. It works nicely on most individual weeds and dandelions, pulling the whole root out. Release works well. Perfect for someone with a few beds,” says a verified purchaser on Amazon.

Comparing the Fiskars to Other Stand-Up Weeders

When it comes to stand-up weeders, there are lots of comparisons I can draw. The Fiskars weed ejection mechanism really stood out compared to other weeders. The Fiskars tool encloses each claw,as opposed to simply pressing from the center of the claws. I found center pressers often left the weed still attached to the tool and required hand removal.

Another noticeable aspect of the Fiskars weeder is its weight. Its plastic components make it lighter than tools that use all steel construction, and the plastic will not rust.

Of note among stand-up weeders that use a mechanical action (as opposed to gravity) to release the weed is the Fiskars handle-mounted release. I found that pressing a plunger located on the top of some stand-up weeders could be challenging. Sliding the release mechanism on the handle of the Fiskars was a comfortable and natural motion.

Where to Buy the Fiskars Deluxe Stand-Up Weeder

The Fiskars Deluxe Stand-Up Weeder is available for under $60. You can find a deal on Amazon or pick one up at The Home Depot, Walmartor Ace Hardware.

PAMELA BONDURANT/FAMILY HANDYMAN

Shop on Amazon

$58.95 at Walmart

$48.98 at Home Depot

$59.99 at Ace

We Tried It

Fiskars Deluxe Stand Up Weeder

Shop on Amazon

$58.95 at Walmart

$48.98 at Home Depot

$59.99 at Ace

The post I Tried the Fiskars Deluxe Stand-Up Weeder and It Didn’t Break the Bank or My Back appeared first on Family Handyman.

For context, a hedge trimmer is the best tool for shaping and maintaining landscape foliage with frequent trimming. In contrast, a hedge cutterthe hedge trimmer’s cousinis a more powerful cutting tool for tackling thicker branches and overgrown, neglected hedges in dire need of significant shaping.

However, many homeowners tend to supersize their outdoor equipment needs, believing a tool featuring more power and added functions is ultimately better. This mindset isn’t always accurate, says Brandon Barker, a seasoned landscape professional with more than ten years of experience as general manager of Cleveland-based J. Barker Landscaping, a family business serving clients throughout Northeast Ohio for five decades.

Barker says DIYers should be leery of overkill equipment or purchasing landscape tools that are too powerful or overly complicated. “This rule of thumb goes for many types of power tools, not just hedge trimmers,” he says, explaining that operators should always want to maintain control and full functionality of the tool in their hands.

Barker advises homeowners to consult with their local professional outdoor power equipment dealer if they have questions or concerns about matching the correct hedge trimmer to their landscape needs. Knowledgeable equipment pros can explain the advantages of hedge trimmers’ various blade lengths and cutting capacities and whether a corded, gas- or battery-powered model is the right fit for the landscape challenges at hand.

With many of these points in mind and based on my nearly 20 years of writing about landscape products and topics for the professional contractor market, I would strongly suggest that homeowners seeking a practical off-the-shelf option look closely at Black and Decker’s cordless hedge trimmer. Following my first-hand experience using and testing this trimmer in my yard, I’ve concluded that Black+Decker’s LHT2240 is a testament to great things in small packages. This hedge trimmer is a prime example that being labeled “minimalistic” doesn’t mean it lacks power or capability. Rather, it’s a tool that delivers on its promises.

What is the Black and Decker Hedge Trimmer?

VIA MERCHANT

$180.49 at Amazon

We Tried It

Black+Decker Cordless Hedge Trimmer

High performance from a cordless tool.

$180.49 at Amazon

Black+Decker’s LHT2240 is a cordless, battery-powered tool for trimming hedges, shrubs, and brushes around an average-sized residential landscape. It utilizes a 40V Li-ion rechargeable battery to power a 22-inch, dual-action cutting blade with a -inch cutting capacity, sufficient for manicuring modestly sized greenery.

Right out of the box, I found the LHT2240 to be a no-frills hedge trimmer lacking some of the features and functions of competitors’ similar models. However, after taking it through its paces throughout a spring afternoon, I found the LHT2240 offers an impressive quality of cut, ease of use, a lightweight design, quiet operation, and a rather attractive price point (around $130). The Li-ion battery alone, if purchased separately, runs around $100.

How I Tested It

After donning work gloves and safety glasses, I tested Black+Decker’s cordless hedge trimmer on various shrubbery and hedge-cutting tasks around my and a neighbor’s residential landscape on a sunny May afternoon. During testing, I paid particular attention to the LHT2240’s cut quality, cutting capacity, ease and comfort of use, overall balance, and how the trimmer’s design impacted my fatigue level. I also noted any deficiencies I observed during its operation.

For example, did it vibrate excessively under strain (I found it did not), was it loud (no more than I expected it would), were the safety features sufficient (yes, but I felt the LHT2240 would benefit from a blade sheath when not in use), and was it durable (it did survive a couple of accidental drops unscathed)? Finally, after concluding my afternoon of field testing, I took a deep dive into consumer feedback to compare and contrast my performance experience with others’ observations and experiences with the LHT2240.

Black+Decker’s LHT2240 hedge trimmer is designed for grab-and-go ease, ideal for homeowners who want to tackle trimming tasks without hassle. After I ran the LHT2240 through its paces, here are the features I believe made me take notice:

Battery-Powered

Forget tangled chords or managing oil and gas mixes with a small engine. Black+Decker’s LHT2240 battery-powered engine offers the user freedom of movement throughout the landscape. When I engaged the LHT2240 in normal trimming sessions, I found a freshly charged 40V Li-ion battery provided me with around 45 minutes of runtime.

The LHT2240 is part of the Black+Decker 40V Max system, allowing users who own other 40V Max Black+Decker tools to interchange batteries across multiple products. Lastly, being battery-powered enables the LHT2240 to operate at a much lower decibel level than its gas-powered cousins. I found this beneficial, contributing to a more peaceful trimming experience.

Maneuverability

At only 6.8 pounds, the LHT2240 is easy to maneuver, and it was comfortable to hold for extended trimming sessions, giving me greater control and precision while cutting. This is a big plus compared to heavier hedge trimmers that can quickly fatigue shoulders and wrists, especially when engaged in overhead work.

The LHT2240’s wrap-around handle provided me with a safe, secure, and comfortable grip at any trimming angle I engaged, further reducing the strain on my hands and arms. A soft grip further enhanced my comfort level during extended cutting sessions.

Quality of Cut

The LHT2240’s 22-inch dual-action blades provide a precise, clean cut. In addition, I found the blade tackles branches up to -inches thick, which is enough to accommodate the various Forsythia, Boxwood, Arborvitae, Barberry, and Yews around my typical residential landscape.

Maintenance

Aside from fully charging the battery, the LHT2240 was essentially ready to go out of the box. After a few hours, I field tested the Black+Decker’s LHT2240; I didn’t have the opportunity or need to perform maintenance on my hedge trimmer. However, Black+Decker designed the LHT2240 for easy upkeep, requiring only seasonal lubrication of the blades’ moving parts, more often if excessive use occurs.

Pros

• Out-of-the-box usability
• Lightweight and maneuverable
• Quiet, low vibration
• User-friendly and intuitive
• Good quality of cut
• Cordless convenience
• Powerful enough for the average residential landscape
• Solid battery life (around 45 minutes between charges)
• Minimal regular maintenance
• Attractive to the price-conscious consumer

Cons

• Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
• Does not include a rotating handle
• Battery and charger not always included
• Did not include a blade cover/sheath

FAQ

Can you sharpen Black+Decker hedge trimmers?

While Black+Decker indicates the blades can be sharpened and even replaced, I strongly recommend and encourage the average homeowner to allow an experienced power equipment professional to manage this task.

Do you need to oil the Black and Decker hedge trimmer blades?

Black+Decker designed the LHT2240 for easy upkeep, requiring only seasonal lubrication of the blades’ moving parts, and more often if excessive use occurs to prevent sap from gumming up the blade action. Owners can purchase a silicone-based lubricant spray, which won’t attract dirt and debris as much as a 3-in-1 machine oil lubricant.

What Other Reviewers/Experts Had to Say

Homeowners and DIYers who have used the Black+Decker LHT2240 report many of the same findings I observed during my field testing. Overall, I found consumers offer favorable reviews of the LHT2240. Many users praise the hedge trimmer’s ease of use, lightweight and comfortable design, and quiet operations. There were very few mentions of quality control issues, questionable design, or functional breakdowns.

Numerous users report that the 40V battery charges quickly and provides ample runtime to trim hedges and bushes around an average-sized property on a single charge. However, some users, and I concur, suggest investing in a second battery to accommodate longer operating times. However, purchasing a battery and charger separately could be expensive.

Black+Decker Hedge Trimmer vs. Craftsman Hedge Trimmer

To provide greater depth and perspective, I leveraged my first-hand insights with actual user experiences on trusted websites like Amazon to comprehensively compare the Black+Decker LHT2240 with the Craftsman CMEHTS8022 hedge trimmers.

Both the Black+Decker and the Craftsman are lauded for their user-friendly design. Reviewers consistently praise their lightweight construction and maneuverability, making them comfortable to handle for extended trimming sessions. Additionally, both trimmers seem well-built, sturdy, and resilient to accidental damage. From my first-hand experience, I found both the orange-and-black Black+Decker and red-and-black Craftsman hedge trimmers were constructed with the homeowner/DIYer in mind.

Both seemed well-built and solidly constructed, and their wrap-around handles felt comfortable in my hands. While both felt well-balanced, Black+Decker’s 6.8 pounds (with the battery attached) was slightly heavier than Craftsman’s 5.6 pounds. Although I did find Black+Decker’s trimmer had noticeably lower vibration when engaged with greenery, an observation other consumers also noted. Some users found the Craftsman trimmer on the loud side. However, I did not discern a noticeable difference in decibel levels between the two units.

Both models’ 22-inch dual-action blades made quick work shaping topiary throughout my and my neighbor’s yards. While the Black+Decker’s 40V battery supply provided unrestricted freedom of movement around the landscapes for around 45 minutes, Craftsman’s 3.8 Amp motor offered uninterrupted power bound only by the limitations of an extension cord’s length and an available power outlet.

Craftsman’s integrated limb cutter on the end of its reciprocating blade provided the CMEHTS8022 clear-cutting advantage over the LHT2240, an assessment many online reviewers agreed with. Craftsman’s nifty, saw-toothed tool could tackle small branches up to 1.25 inches thick, which the Black+Decker model would struggle against, leaving some users to conclude was a potential lack of power.

The Craftsman CMEHTS8022 corded hedge trimmer is a solid, affordable cutting tool that offers the DIYer a unique set of advantages for around $100. However, if you’re a homeowner who prioritizes maneuverability and all-around ease of use, then the Black+Decker LHT2240, at a price point of around $140 (less during sales and special promotions), is a clear choice. Remember, consider your needs and preferences, including hedge amount and size, how often you intend to trim, and budget as components of your due diligence before purchasing.

Final Verdict

For the average homeowner, I found the Black+Decker’s LHT2240 40V MAX Lithium-ion 22-inch cordless hedge trimmer offers a compelling combination of convenience, user-friendliness, cut quality and sufficient power for most landscape tasks. While competitors may offer extra features, I found Black+Decker’s LHT2240 is balanced, well-designed and easy to use for operators at any experience level.

The cordless design eliminates the hassle of extension cords, allowing me freedom of movement and making it convenient to accomplish various trimming tasks around my landscape. Best of all, it’s attainable at an attractive price point. If you’re a do-it-yourself homeowner seeking a reasonable and effective means to maintain your hedges, shrubs and bushes, Black+Decker’s LHT2240 is a strong contender to consider.

Where to Buy the Black+Decker Hedge Trimmer

VIA MERCHANT

$180.49 at Amazon

We Tried It

Black+Decker Cordless Hedge Trimmer

High performance from a cordless tool.

$180.49 at Amazon

The great news is that it’s not difficult to acquire Black+Decker’s LHT2240 hedge trimmer. I found most big-box retailers, like Walmart, carry the Black+Decker brand of outdoor power tools, as well as online retail giant, Amazon.

The post Black+Decker Hedge Trimmer Review: We Tested This High Performance Cordless Tool appeared first on Family Handyman.

PAMELA BONDURANT/FAMILY HANDYMAN

Shop on Walmart

$119 at Amazon

The Craftsman pruner is powerful and economical, making it our overall favorite pick. It uses Craftsman 20v batteries, so if you already have tools that use this setup, you know what to do! The 1.5 amp hour battery with a power meter gives ample cutting time.

Its the lightest of the larger electric pruning shears tested, making it easier to work with for extended periods. The standard safety mechanism is fairly easy to use, and the blade opens and closes quickly. The handle has a soft and comfortable grip.

The high-speed steel blades held their edge through dozens of cuts of wet and dead wood. The cutters ate through small branches and could nibble their way through branches over 1.5 inches in diameter. The battery did not seem to lose any power and I felt no fatigue.

The post 6 Best Electric Pruning Shears, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Family Handyman.

After years of pulling, spraying and cursing the weeds on my property, I’ve finally switched to burning weeds with propane and could not be happier with my decision. Ahead, learn all about weed torches with pro tips from Poshusta and Tim Thompson from YouTube’s Farm Learning with Tim Thompson.

What Is a Weed Torch?

A weed torch consists of a long wand with a handle on one end and a burner cylinder head on the other. The wand is connected to a liquid propane source and ignites at the burner head. This generates an intense, concentrated heat that is then directed at weeds, killing green growth.

Weed torches come in different styles for various applications. There are single-head torches meant for smaller jobs and multi-head set-ups for large agricultural fields. Wands can have straight or curved handles. Poshusta finds curved wands more comfortable to use.

How much does a weed torch cost?

Expect to pay between $30 to $250 for a residential weed torch. Small torches that produce lower temperatures will fall on the lower end of the price range, while larger torches with a full-size propane tank and mobility system will cost much more.

Does Torching Weeds Work?

Yes, burning weeds with propane can be part of an effective management plan. The torches easily kill the green growth on weeds, but sometimes leave the root system intact. Hardier perennial and woody weeds can regrow from undisturbed root systems. “Repeated applications are necessary,” Thompson says, “but eventually, the roots will become depleted and die due to continued heat treatment.”

Weed torches are most effective at quickly killing annual weeds two to three inches tall. “Torching is most effective on small weeds with small roots,” Poshusta says. “So frequent, low-intensity application will give the best results.”

Is it Safe to Burn Weeds?

Yes, but certain precautions should be taken.

Weed torches can reach temperatures of 2000 to 2250 degrees Fahrenheit. To prevent burns, always face the torch head away from you when lighting and using it. “Be aware of the direction of the flame when using the torch, and remember that the tip will remain hot for a period of time after use,” Thompson says. Always wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves and close-toed shoes during use.

To avoid inadvertently starting a fire, don’t torch weeds during dry conditions or on a windy day. Always have a water source ready to extinguish any unwanted flames. Consider torching weeds after a soaking rain to avoid sparking a brush fire. “Make sure there are no burn bans active in your location and take precautions to avoid unintended fire spread,” Poshusta says.

How to Use a Weed Torch

Using a weed torch is relatively simple, but be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions carefully.

• With all valves closed, connect the torch to the propane tank and slowly open the tank valve. Slightly open the torch valve and use a flint spark igniter to ignite the gas at the burner head. Adjust the flame size with the control knob on the torch.
• Direct the burner head toward the weeds you’d like to remove, remaining 4 to 6 in. above the ground. Apply heat in a sweeping motion across the plants until they begin to wilt, then move on to the next area. “You don’t have to completely incinerate the leaves. Simply wilting them down is often sufficient,” Poshusta says.
• Move slowly across the area, applying heat to all visible weeds. “The woodier the weeds, the slower you need to go,” Thompson says. To make it easier to use with larger propane tanks, use a tank cart to move the setup around your yard as you go.

Weed Torch Pros and Cons

Pros

A propane torch is a fast, low-effort method to get rid of weed without the use of chemicals and herbicides. “The big two advantages of heat torches are the instant results (you can literally look back at yellowing weeds as you work) and the lack of toxic chemicals,” Thompson says.

Without the presence of chemicals or residue, once burned off, neighboring beneficial plants can quickly replace unwanted weeds. This method also avoids damaging nearby plants with herbicide overspray.

“[Weed torches] are particularly useful around patios, sidewalks and other hardscape or gravel surfaces since these don’t burn,” Poshusta says. Weeds that sprout in cracks and driveways are notoriously difficult to pull can also be easily managed with a propane torch.

Cons

While a great tool for managing weeds, burning weeds with propane can cause fires if not used correctly or in overly dry, windy conditions. “You need to be careful not to use it on fire danger days,” Thompson says.

While fast and effective, killing weeds for good with a propane torch often takes several treatments.

Additionally, Poshusta points out that while this method avoids using chemical herbicides, it does require burning fossil fuel. “It also doesn’t work well when weeds are in close proximity to other plants you want to keep,” he says.

FAQs

Do weed torches kill the roots?

It depends. “Different types of weeds may respond differently to being burned. Some will die off completely and others will grow back from the roots and require another round,” Poshusta says.

Is it legal to use a propane torch?

The legality of burning weeds with propane can vary depending on local and state regulations. Always check your local laws and regulations before purchasing and using a weed torch.

About the Experts

• Tim Thompson is an Australian Agriculture educator. He hosts Farm Learning with Tim Thompson on YouTube to empower people with knowledge and skills to better manage their land. It features top farmers and practitioners who share their skills and try out new ideas and products to make life on the farm or homestead easier.
• Garrett Poshusta is one half of the husband and wife duo behind The Grit and Polish, a website devoted to home maintenance, renovation and improvement tutorials. The couple have been renovating and renting homes since 2008.

The post Can You Get Rid of Weeds with Weed Burners? appeared first on Family Handyman.

Although pavers are known for their durability, pressure washing may damage them if you’re not careful or use the wrong equipment. Conversely, properly maintaining and washing pavers keeps them looking good for years. “Pavers are durable but do need some light routine maintenance to keep them looking clean and fresh,” Joe Raboine from Oldcastle APG says. Read on to learn how to clean your patio pavers without a pressure washer with pro tips from Raboine and Ryan Farley from Lawnstarter.

Safety Precautions

Wear gloves and protective glasses if using harsh chemicals. Pavers can become slippery when wet, so wear sturdy, non-slip footwear.

When to Call a Pro

If stains are too severe for a DIY cleaning job or your pavers are starting to wear, contact a professional for an assessment.

How much does it cost to hire a pro?

There are many factors to consider, but expect to pay between $1 and $2 per sq. ft. to have your pavers cleaned, sand replaced and sealed.

Remove objects and debris

• Remove furniture, plants and all other objects from the patio.
• “Sweep off your paver patio to remove dirt, debris and leaf buildup,” Raboine says.
• Remove weeds from between pavers with a weeding tool. Wear gardening gloves to protect your hands.

The post How To Clean Patio Pavers Without a Pressure Washer appeared first on Family Handyman.

Without a backpack blower, you will leave grass clippings all over the place or get stuck sweeping or using a handheld blowerboth of which will make your customers unhappy. Drive around town this weekend and tell me what you see hanging off the back of landscaping trucks. You are guaranteed to see at least two backpack blowers on each trailer. Without them, landscapers couldn’t move the pace required to operate a profitable business.

Backpack blowers get a lot of flack from folks who can’t handle the noise. Yesbackpack blowers are loud and quite unpleasant. Those who operate backpack blowers are strongly recommended to wear ear protection. However, the tradeoff for momentary unpleasantness is majorly outweighed by the speed at which the job is done.

For example, two neighbors blow grass trimmings after mowing their lawns. One has a weaker, handheld cordless leaf blower that makes a sharp, high-pitched whirring noise that isn’t all that loud. The other is a backpack blower with a thunderous roar. The weaker blower lasts about 15 minutes, whereas the backpack blower finishes the job in three. I’ll take the louder noise for a shorter period, but that’s just me.

What is the Husqvarna Backpack Blower?

The Husqvarna 150BT is a gas-powered backpack leaf blower with the features and affordability of a residential blower but with the power of the best commercial leaf blowers on the market. The 150BT is a staple in landscaping because of its affordability and reliability. Let’s take a look at some of the specifications.

Starting with the engine make-up, this blower is a 2-cycle, 51-cc or 2.16 HP X-Torq engine that pushes out 765 CFMs of air. For those looking for a reference point, the strongest and most expensive electric blower I’ve ever used is about 765 CFMs of air. CFM stands for cubic feet per minute and measures the volume of air that is leaving the blower. High CFM generally means more force, whereas MPH (miles per hour) refers specifically to the power of the stream. High CFMs and high MPH are the best indicators of raw power.

Fortunately, the Husqvarna 150BT backpack blower has both, with upwards of 270 MPH of air speed coming out of the blower nozzle. At 270 MPH, wet leaves and grass do not stand a chance against this blower. The combination of high CFMs and high MPH makes this blower a lethal weapon for debris of all types.

VIA MERCHANT

$349 at Lowe's

$349 at Amazon

Shop at Husqvarna

I Tried It

Husqvarna 150BT Gas Backpack Leaf Blower

An ultra-powerful backpack leaf blower, perfect for homeowners

$349 at Lowe's

$349 at Amazon

Shop at Husqvarna

Husqvarna Backpack Blower Features

Many of the features on the Husqvarna 150BT were designed to make both residential and commercial use easy. For example, the X-Torq engine on this blower can reduce emissions drastically, which is excellent for commercial landscapers who share air with the fumes all day. It also has a more fuel-efficient engine that can increase run-time by nearly 20%. The longer run-time helps landscapers and residential users use less fuel and move from job to job quickly while taking fewer costly breaks.

The Husqvarna 150BT also comes with a super comfortable design. Padded straps, a hip belt and a load management system that shifts the weight around on you using suspension are all perks. On the handle, the 150BT has a cruise control system that lets you “set it and forget it” when you have settled on the right speed for the job. The features designed around comfort are all about making the job more enjoyable when compared to other blowers.

Lastly, at just under 22 pounds, the Husqvarna 150BT backpack blower is super lightweight, making the job less taxing. The last thing you want is a massive tortoise shell of a leaf blower weighing you down for eight plus hours daily. Using a backpack leaf blower as a landscaper is a bit like hiking. Hikers walk miles per day with a backpack full of equipment. Landscapers also walk many miles daily with a backpack blower and cannot afford unnecessary weight additions on the tool itself.

How We Tested It

The Husqvarna 150BT got the classic whole-lawn testing gauntlet from me. Over one month, I used this backpack blower in every situation I could think of on my lawn. I started with the timeless mow, blow and go challenge, approaching my lawn like a typical landscaper would coming to do their weekly mow. After leaving grass clippings along my driveway and the street, I busted out the Husqvarna to get them back into the lawn. It made light work of the grass clippings. Next up was the debris challenge. I have a tree on my lawn that always drops little branches and fragments of tree bark. I took the 150BT to the base of the tree and got to workmaking sure to go after the big, dead branch fragments. Surprisingly, it scooted them along the driveway and right into the grassnot bad!

Lastly, I took this blower through the most important challenge: leaf cleanup. Using this on dry leaves was unfair. The blower eviscerated the dry leaves and pushed them across the tall fescue of my backyard with extreme ease.

I used this blower exclusively in my backyard week after week. Each week, I was more impressed by how easily it started up and how quickly I could clean up my yard in a classic mow, blow and go style.

Pros

• Extremely powerful at 765 CFMs
• 2.16-HP X-Torq engine helps cut back on emissions and fuel consumption
• Air purge system removes air from carburetor and fuel system for trouble-free starting
• Ergonomic design
• Comfortable harness system
• Relatively inexpensive
• Husqvarna’s best-selling backpack blower

Cons

• Loud
• Requires routine maintenance

FAQ

What kind of gas does a Husqvarna backpack leaf blower use?

The Husqvarna backpack blower uses a mixture of regular gasoline and two-stroke oil. To mix, simply include 2.5 ounces of two-stroke oil for each gallon of gas.

Is CFM or MPH more important with a backpacker blower?

Both are equally important to a blower’s performance. High CFM means that the blower can push out air; however, it is meaningless without a high speed, measured by MPH.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

With the nearly 2,000 other reviews that I found for this blower, the folks who purchased it in the past had a lot to say. Many folks who left reviews had owned the blower for over five years, which should tell you something about the reliability and longevity of the blower right away. Others speak about the surprising comfort of the blower and how they enjoy walking around their lawn with the blower. A few other reviews talk about how easily the blower startsgenerally within 1 to 2 pulls of the starter cord. And, of course, the most important piece that just about every reviewer states, is the blower’s power and ability to get the job done quickly.

Husqvarna Backpack Blower vs Stihl Backpack Blower

Husqvarna and Stihl both make amazing backpack leaf blowers. The Husqvarna 150BT and the Stihl BR 600 are two of the most popular backpack blowers in the space. The BR 600 is similar to the Husqvarna 150 BT in many ways starting with power. At 677 CFMs, the Stihl BR 600 has nearly as much power as the Husqvarna 150BT but falls short of the Husqvarna’s whopping 765 CFMs.

Both blowers have built-in comfort featuresadjustable support harnesses, cruise control and more. The BR 600 takes the cake when it comes to additional features, with a one-touch adjustable blower tube that can change the width of the nozzle without the need for attachments. Changing the nozzle width transforms this blower into a highly versatile lawn tool.

Lastly, the price comparison isn’t particularly close. The Husqvarna 150 BT comes at about $250 cheaper than the Stihl BR 600. The Husqvarna backpack blower has more power for less money.

Final Verdict

After testing and experiencing the Husqvarna 150BT, I am convinced it is one of the highest-value leaf blowers. Its comfortable operator experience and affordable price tag make it a top backpack blower. Husqvarna is known for unrivaled power and making high-quality lawn tools built to last, and they certainly knocked it out of the park with the 150BT backpack blower.

Where to Buy the Husqvarna Blower

VIA MERCHANT

$349 at Lowe's

$349 at Amazon

Shop at Husqvarna

I Tried It

Husqvarna 150BT Gas Backpack Leaf Blower

A gas-powered backpack leaf blower with an ergonomic design

$349 at Lowe's

$349 at Amazon

Shop at Husqvarna

The Husqvarna 150BT backpack blower is available at Lowe’s and on Amazon for around $300. Husqvarna also carries it in its online store, or you can find out more by visiting a local Husqvarna dealer.

The $300 price tag on the Husqvarna 150BT is best-in-class for the quality and power combination a backpack leaf blower offers.

The post I’m a Professional Landscaper, and I Tried Husqvarna’s Backpack Leaf Blower appeared first on Family Handyman.

Rock Surround Plunge Pool

Hardscaping and plant life work together to create magic around a plunge pool. This pool from @soakepools has a river rock surround for a rustic look that blends well with the natural surroundings. Soake Pools also include a fully tiled interior, a salt water sanitation system, and an LED color-changing pool light.

What We Like About It: “A Soake Pool is a hybrid between a traditional pool and a hot tub because it can be used year-round and heated to hot tub temps in cooler weather,” says Larson.

The post 9 Plunge Pool Ideas appeared first on Family Handyman.

An open trench holds back the adjacent grass better than a trench filled with mulch. But if you prefer a more finished look, fill it with mulch. You’ll have to redig the trench once in a while to keep it neat and to hold back the lawn, but it doesn’t take long and you can add the trimmings to your compost pile.

Digging a Planter Edging Trench

Dig a trench 4 to 6 in. deep and about 4 in. wide with a straight spade. Angle the sides outward at the top. Next, fill theplanter edging trench with wood chips or other organic mulch for a more finished look and to deter weeds.

Benefits of Landscape Edging

Landscape edging not only makes your yard look sharp with neat lines around garden beds and pathways, but it also keeps everything in place, preventing soil erosion and stopping pesky plants from taking over where they shouldn’t. Plus, it makes yard work like mowing and weeding a whole lot easier, giving you more time to kick back and enjoy your outdoor space.

The post Ditch Plastic Landscape Edging for Natural Mulch appeared first on Family Handyman.

ALEK K. FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN

Shop on Ace Hardware

$329 at Amazon

The Ego Power+ LB7654 blower is by far my favorite blower. Yes, I didn’t say my favorite electric blower; I said favorite blowerperiod. The LB7654 is extremely powerful, capable of hitting up to 765 cfm (cubic feet per minute) and 200 mph (miles per hour) when in Turbo mode. The Ego Power+ is my go-to blower whenever I move large piles of leaves or remove sticky, wet grass after mowing early in the morning.

I also love the Ego LB7654’s 56V battery, which can be used with a variety of other battery-powered tools from Ego. Many other brands have multiple battery voltages, but Ego stays consistent, which makes buying other tools in their lineup less expensive. The blower has a durable brushless motor, a long runtime, and a nice thumb-adjusted cruise control feature that holds the trigger in a constant place.

I have tested this blower head-to-head against many other electric blowers and find it the most well-rounded on the market. From the highest speed and power, easiest to control and use, and most durable constructionthe LB7654 is a nearly perfect leaf blower in every way.

The post The Best Cordless Leaf Blowers, Tested By a Lawn Expert appeared first on Family Handyman.

A goodbroadcastspreader can apply just the right amount of product. The key is to choose a model that has an adjustable spread rate setting to deliver the product uniformly and in accurate amounts to the left, center and right while applying the recommended volume for your lawn size.

Broadcast spreaders are reasonably priced and widely available from garden and home centers. Here, well show you how to use your grass seed spreader more effectively to save time and make your lawn more attractive.

What Is a Broadcast Spreader?

Also called a broadcaster, these devices use a spinning wheel to spread grass seed, lawn fertilizer, salt, etc. over a wide area. They work best for covering large areas, yards larger than 4,000 sq. ft.

How Does a Broadcast Spreader Work?

One of their wheels is geared so that as you push the broadcaster, the drive wheel turns a whirling impeller plate with several fins on it under the hopper that catches and throws the payload. When the shutoff plate is open, the impeller broadcasts the material in a 180-degree arc 7 ft. to 11 ft. wide (depending on the products granular size and your walking speed).

Broadcast Spreaders vs. Drop Spreaders

What’s a drop spreader?

Drop spreaders lay a trail of material the width of their hopper (less than 24 in.). They work best on small lawns and in yards with numerous flowerbeds, sidewalks or patios where you need to control the spread pattern carefully. Unless youre meticulous about lining up adjacent passes, the payload either is laid too thick or misses portions of the grass, resulting in visible striping.

Broadcaster spreaders and drop spreaders are push-powered workhorses that share many features in common. At the heart of both is a hopper with adjustable holes in the bottom. A gauge mounted on the spreaders handlebar allows you to accurately set the size of these holes (following the recommended setting listed on many bags of lawn products), allowing the proper volume of material to uniformly exit the hopper. Alongside the gauge, a flow lever controls when the material drops onto the lawn by opening and closing a plate under the hopper holes.

How to Use a Broadcast Spreader

Whether you’re reseeding your lawn or just maintaining it, the key to operating a broadcaster spreader is to achieve even dispersal at the right concentration.

Find the right setting and test the dispersal pattern

Dial in the product manufacturers recommended setting on the spread rate gauge, and test and measure the products dispersal pattern through the spreader.

Conduct the dispersal pattern test in your driveway or another flat, clear area. Be sure to sweep dirt and debris away if you are using your driveway.

With a broadcast spreader, the right side of the dispersal pattern will be a foot or two wider than the left. Use this test information to establish the pattern youll use to push the spreader across your yard for total coverage with 6 in. to 1 ft. of overlap. Write this wide side, narrow side measurement information on a piece of masking tape and stick it to the back of the hopper so you dont forget the broadcast pattern for each side.

Important:Dont sweep, blow or wash this test material into the street. Sweep it up and dump it back in the hopper.

If the product doesnt list a recommended setting for your spreader, consult your owners manual for generic equivalents of each product. Otherwise, youll have to resort to trial and error. Set the spreader to a light coverage (try a 1/4-in. to 3/16-in. hole in the hopper), apply the product over the recommended square footage, and check how much product you have left in the hopper. Adjust the dial to spread the remaining material over the same area, going perpendicular to the first pattern.

Start spreading product on your lawn

Begin your yard pattern by spreading across hills first. This way, youll have enough lawn product in the hopper to reduce skipping over the uneven terrain.

Keep a steady pace

Maintain the pace youd use to take a middle-aged, midsized dog for a walk (about 3 mph). Your walking speed affects how wide and how much product the broadcaster throws. Walking too slow reduces the throw width and increases product density; walking too fast thins out the coverage.

Stopping and turning

Each time youre ready to stop or make a turn, close the flow lever to stop dispersing the product and continue one more stride. This reduces waste and avoids damaging the lawn from saturated product coverage. Avoid pulling the spreader backward when the flow lever is open; youll release more of the product.

Keep the spreader level

Operate the spreader, keeping the impeller plate close to level. Tilting the handlebar up or down from level throws the product too high or low, resulting in uneven coverage.

Don’t overdo it!

Dont over-apply fertilizer and weed killer. Follow the recommended coverage rate for each product. Overuse and overapplication can lead to lawn runoff that contaminates lakes and streams. Protect yourself by wearing gloves and a nuisance dust mask when handling chemical lawn products that contain pesticides and herbicides.

Optimal Broadcast Spreader Pattern

Follow this optimal pattern for running your broadcaster spreader. Apply a header strip by circling the spreader once around the yard’s perimeter. Avoid throwing the material payload into adjacent flowerbeds by running the spreader back from those areas the distance your driveway test showed.

Complete the pattern by pushing the spreader on a serpentine route back and forth in the longest direction on the lawn while overlapping the throw patterns about a foot.

Shut off the flow lever as you near the end of a row when the spreader is within 5 ft. of the header strip. Keep the lever off during the turn and open it to begin the new row.

The post How To Use a Broadcast Spreader the Right Way appeared first on Family Handyman.

Dahlias

Dahlias grow magnificent, large, bushy blooms that come in nearly every color of the rainbow. “There is truly one for every garden,” says Peggy Anne Montgomery, a horticulturalist with flowerbulbs.com. “It’s no wonder they are the darlings of Instagram when they bloom from mid-summer to fall.”

Most dahlias need staking to hold their large, heavy blooms upright, but the butterflies they attract are well worth the tradeoff. They are also great for flower arrangements, but don’t cut them in bud, as they won’t open after cutting.

How to Plant and Grow Dahlias

Plant after the last frost, in full sun to light shade. Sow 4 to 6 inches deep and 18 to 24 inches apart in well-draining, rich soil. Dahlias grow in zones 8 to 11 as perennials and Zones 3 to 8 as annuals (or dig up and store tubers inside over winter).

The post 8 Bulbs to Plant in Spring appeared first on Family Handyman.

Leave Some Space

When considering landscaping ideas for a small yard, remember to leave space. It’s easy to overcrowd things and inadvertently create a claustrophobic effect. Here, a seating area has a clear view to the garden, courtesy of a small patch of grass and some unobstructed hardscaping.

The post 14 Smart Small Yard Landscaping Ideas appeared first on Family Handyman.

I dont have much space to take care of, so when it was time to replace my unwieldy corded trimmer, I wanted a cordless yard tool that was also easy to run and maintain. I decided to give the Worx 12-inch String Trimmer a try. After all, its Amazons best-selling string trimmer with a 4.5-star rating after more than 24,000 reviews.

What is the Worx String Trimmer?

Well, as it says, its a string trimmer. But its actually more than that, too. It converts to an in-line lawn edger with a turn of the head, which makes it easy to quickly take care of grass and weeds growing over your concrete sidewalk or other areas where you might want a crisp line.

The Worx String Trimmer is battery-powered and weighs less than six pounds, so it’s easy to use without worrying about refilling with gas or straining your arm.

$135.99 at Amazon

Worx String Trimmer Product Features

The trimmer’s head tilts a full 90 degrees, and the telescoping body adjusts with a quick-release lever. That makes it ergonomic to use, and also lets you make necessary adjustments to run it on a hill or squeeze into hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

It comes with two batteries and a charger, which is a nice bonus for a piece of equipment thats very reasonably priced at just over $120. Plus, Worx Power Share makes the battery compatible with other Worx equipment.

Pros

• Affordable
• Lightweight
• 2-in-1 trimmer and edger
• Ergonomic handle
• Push button spool system for instant line feeding
• Battery compatible with all Worx 20v and 40v tools
• Two 20V Power Share MaxLithium batteries included
• Head tilts 90 degrees for use in hard-to-reach places
• Rubberized wheels for straight, clean cuts
• Spacer guard helps avoid plant damage while trimming

Cons

• Not ideal for heavy-duty use

How We Tested It

I used it to trim the property around my house over six weeks, so about four times, thanks to some surprising summer rains that came a little early.

Right out of the box, setup is easy. It took me less than five minutes to snap the few parts together. After that, I put one of the batteries onto the charger and let it fully charge before using it.

I started with a long stretch of green space between the sidewalk and the street. Its not a landscaped section by any means, just a random collection of Bermuda grass and desert weeds. This was the first cut of the season too, probably a week or so past due for a trim, so everything was getting a little bushy. You dont have to have the power of a gas trimmer to take care of that space, but some of those weeds are tough enough to chew through string and get a cheap trimmer twisted up. The Worx trimmer had no problems with them. I didnt even have to let out more string while cutting them.

Next, I moved to a part of my yard where grass grows between the large landscaping rocks. Theres not a lot of stuff to cut there, but it can be tricky for a trimmer with the stones. Again, no problems with the Worx trimmer. It got in as close as I needed it to against the rocks and whacked the weeds without leaving me a tiny nub of string once I finished. Along the sidewalk, the in-line edger helped make a nice, even cut.

Ive used it four times, at about 20 minutes per session, since getting the trimmer, and the battery is still holding its initial charge. Thats an added convenience I appreciate about the Worx trimmer.

The caveat is that I dont have a lot of yard to take care of, so I cant speak to how well this product would do for large yards or those with a particularly stubborn, out-of-control weed patch.

What OtherReviewers Have to Say

Awesome little weed eater! I bought this after struggling over and over to start and restart our gas-powered weed eater, said Aggie, a verified Amazon purchaser. This one is so lightweight and literally starts with the push of a button!

Kimber, another verified purchaser, had this to say:So how does it perform? I love it. A friend stopped by the other day and complimented me on how nice the yard looked. The trimmer is lightweight, and I have a health issue that causes chronic pain at forty-something. The weight, or lack thereof, is a huge relief compared to the gas trimmer collecting dust and spider webs in the garage. I realize the batteries will lose some steam, but right now I have enough to take care of my yard. It is so easy to feed line to that a child could do it.”

Final Verdict

This is a solid cordless trimmer that gets the job done for most yards. It might not be as powerful as a traditional gas-powered string trimmer, but its easier to use and doesnt require the same kind of upkeep. The Worx String Trimmer’s featherweight design and adjustability make it accessible to more users.

Where to Buy theWorx String Trimmer

The Worx 12-inch Cordless String Trimmer is available on Amazon. So, if you’re a Prime member, you can have your yard trimmed in the blink of an eye. In other words, you can have your Worx trimmer in no time with free and fast delivery.

$135.99 at Amazon

The post Worx Lightweight String Trimmer: Testing the Best Battery-Operated Weed Eater appeared first on Family Handyman.

As someone who is no stranger to Craftsman (my dad and grandfather have always sworn by its, well, craftsmanship), I was particularly excited to get my paws on the 56V Craftsman TurnTight electric riding lawn mower. But would it live up to my high expectations? Find out below.

What is the Craftsman electric lawn mower?

It was love at first sight: The Craftsman electric lawn mower looks majestic with its fire-engine red color scheme and look at me electric features. With its 42-inch cutting deck and massive frame, this mower gives you the feeling that you can mow any yard with this tractor.

Available for $4899

Craftsman Electric Lawn Mower Features

Ready to check out all that this Craftsman electric lawn mower has to offer? Take a look below:

Easy-to-Follow Displays

Like its Craftsman gas-powered counterparts, the control panel on the electric riding mower is not fussy and very easy to understand. There arent a bunch of unnecessary extra buttons to confuse you when youre trying to mow. In total, there are five pushable buttons and a display screen on the vehicle control module. Theres also the spot to insert the key and a parking brake lever underneath. Thats it.

The LCD screen and battery level indicator provide instructions, information and warnings about your systems and the tractors battery level.

The buttons are for:

• Starting/stopping the tractor
• Engaging your blades
• Turning on the headlights
• Engaging the cruise control
• Allowing the blades to operate in reverse

In normal operation, the blade will disengage when you start backing up unless you tell it not to do so. This is a safety measure to prevent injury. The reverse caution mode button allows the tractor to be operated in reverse with the blades engaged.

The Switch to Electric

Charging the machine is straightforward. It comes with a set of 6-foot cords that extend out from a charger that looks something like a waffle iron. One cord plugs into a standard wall outlet while the other extends back to your mower. The 56-volt lithium ion battery is out of sight under the hood.

Since the mower runs on clean, electric power (via battery), the operators manual contains multiple pages of warnings that you wouldn’t see with a gas-powered model. For example: Dont mow in the rain or in wet conditions. Dont expose the tractor or handle its electrical components with wet hands. And, to reduce the risk of electric shock, avoid body contact with grounded conductors, such as metal pipes or grounded fences.

Here are others that will take some getting used to (because who doesnt clean their mower this way?): Do not use water to clean the tractor, battery or battery charger. Also, do not use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your tractor. These may cause damage to electric components or the electric motor.

To follow the recommended cleaning after each use, the manufacturer suggests using a dry cloth to wipe debris on or near the deck, motors and underside. In other areas, try compressed air, a leaf bloweror a brush.

Even storing the mower in the off-season requires some extra thought. The owners manual suggests that you should not park the tractor near flammable materials, any open flames or other potential sources of ignition. Its also recommended to give the battery a full charge before storing. Permanent damage can occur to the battery if it is kept in a discharged state.

Charging the Mower

My mower arrived about 50% charged. Ive charged it once so far because it holds a charge for a long time and my yard is just under an acre. The owners manual says it will take about four hours to fully charge the battery.

The materials that come with the mower dont suggest how long you can expect to be able to run it on a full charge. But the Craftsman website says you can expect up to 1.5 hours of runtime per charge, which could be up to 3.5 acres if youre cutting on the highest setting at full speed.

But, similar to taking a long trip in an electric car, you dont want to find yourself in the middle of nowhere and running out of power. Its not like you can take the gas can out into the back forty and keep running. Youre going to need to be within reach of an outlet because the charging connector attaches right to the mower.

How We Tested It

We put the Craftsman electric lawn mower through its paces on a summer evening, after the scorching heat had subsided and the fescue grass was dry, but ready for a cut.

Backing up and then moving forward for the first time with the mower makes you feel like a student driver all over again. Its that same feeling you experience when you first learn how to drive a car.

Should I take my foot off the brake or go for it and hit the accelerator? I wondered. Turns out, with an electric mower, there’s no in-between. You cant just ease forward as you give it a little gas. This is electric. The pedal means go andwhooshyou go!

Electric cars can famously zip around just as fastor fasterthan their gas-guzzling counterparts. And, trust me, this electric mower does, too. Its so peppy that it takes some getting used to. When the blades not moving, it very much feels like driving a fully charged golf cart.

Let’s Get Mowing!

When youre ready to start mowing, you choose one of 12 height settings for the cutting deck. You engage the blade through a button on the vehicle control module in front of you.

Once the blade goes down, the Craftsman TurnTight actually emits the familiar sounds of a riding mower and cuts grass brilliantly, just like you’d hope. However, it’s not wildly quiet like I expected. Its not like youre using an electric toothbrush, after all. But Craftsman says it operates significantly quieter than its lookalike gas-powered cousin, and I believe it.

You speed through the rows and it takes care of business in record time. As youre going along, youre breathing in the smell of fresh cut grassbut whats missing are the gas fumes. Theres no smell of fuel or oil burning. Yay!

The mower can really move! Its a dream on a giant, flat patch of grass where you can set the cruise control, glide along at pace and sip a drink that youve stored in the cup holder. The maneuverability is great for such a big machine. When you get to the end of a row, the mower turns well and youre quickly tackling the next lane. For reference, the cutting radius is 5 inches, which is solid for a non-zero-turn mower. The majority of regular lawn tractors have a cutting radius of about 12 inches, so this is definitely an upgrade.

Craftsman Electric Mower Tight Spaces and Slopes Performance

Things can get a little tricky in very tight spaces and on slopes, though. In the hilly area of my yard, I felt like I was on a horse with no saddle. It would be beneficial for the mower to have a seatbelt option or something that makes you feel more attached to your seat. On the slightest of slopes and on a smaller section of yard with obstacles like bushes, stumps, and trees, youve got to swerve and plan your next moveand the best move is to slow down and not let the mowers ability to move fast influence your decision-making.

On the back page of the mowers instruction book is a slope gauge diagram that you can use to judge your yards slope. If the slope exceeds 15 degrees (25%) as displayed on the gauge, youre not advised to operate the tractor in that area without risking serious injury. And they really mean it! On the super-hilly area of my yard, Ive resigned myself to having to pull out the push mower to finish the job each time. Its just too dangerous to mow with the big riding mower.

Where the mower does well is passing over the uneven areas between the grass and pavement. Sometimes when Im using my push mower, the blade smacks against the pavement when crossing the uneven surface. That isnt the case with the Craftsman electric lawn mower. It adjusts itself to seamlessly move from grass to pavement, even over a very uneven section. I really like that.

Pros of Craftsman electric lawn mower

• Ideal for flat yards
• Cuts like a champ
• 5-inch turning radius is great
• Environmentally friendly (doesnt require gas or oil)
• Quieter than conventional riding mowers
• Has cruise control
• Built-in LED headlights
• Made in the USA
• 12 cutting positions
• Charges quickly
• Durably constructed
• Three-year warranty hits industry standard
• Financing is available through Lowes Pay

Cons of Craftsman electric lawn mower

• Pricey
• Leaf bag isnt included
• Acceleration can seem abrupt

FAQ

What is the warranty on the Craftsman electric lawn mower?

The product itself has a three-year limited warranty and the battery warranty is for four years.

Are electric mowers actually quieter than gas-powered?

In a lab environment, Craftsman tested its electric model with the 60Ah battery vs. the Craftsman T2200 gas-powered mower, and determined the electric mower to be up to 80% quieter.

Who owns Craftsman?

Stanley Black & Decker purchased the Craftsman brand name from Sears in 2017. Under the staunch Stanley Black & Decker umbrella, the Craftsman mower lineup is now part of a stable of mower models under the brand names BigDog Mower, Black+Decker, Cub Cadet, DeWalt, Hustler, Remington, Rover, Troy-Bilt and Yard Machines.

What are the best accessories to get with the electric riding mower?

If youre looking for compatible accessories for the Craftsman electric lawn mower, here are some useful options:

• Mulch kit
• Double bagger
• Leaf collection system
• Cub Cadet hauler
• EZ Stow hauler

Final Verdict

Almost everyone has electricity and a wall outlet. Having the ability to plug in the Craftsman TurnTight mower and never worrying about oil and gas again is life changing. Just like with electric cars, the electric mower costs more to purchase up-front than a similar gas-powered model. However, you will not find it lacking performance-wise, and the convenience of never heading back to the gas station is a fantastic benefit. Throw in the fact that your new mower has lower emissions and is doing right by the environment and its a winner! If you have a large, mostly flat yard, this mower is an excellent choice.

Where to Buy the Craftsman Electric Lawn Mower

Ready to see what all the buzz (Ill show myself out) is about? Shop the Craftsman TurnTight electric riding lawn mower online at Lowes for $4,900 to make cutting your grass a breeze.

Available for $4899

The post We Tried the Craftsman Electric Lawn Mower, a Riding Mower for Tight Spaces appeared first on Family Handyman.

Last year I sprinkled a corner of our barren yard with some native wildflower seeds. To my surprise, they grew into a colorful, lush patch of inspiration, accented by butterflies, miller moths and bees. I later learned homeowners across the country are planting similar patches, known as wildflower meadows, instead of grass.

“Wildflower meadow lawns are gaining in popularity as people become more aware of the environmental implications of lawn grasses,” says Shubber Ali, a native plant expert and CEO of Garden for Wildlife. “Planting a meadow lawn also creates vital habitat for declining wildlife populations.”

Wildflower meadows are especially beneficial for bees and other at-risk pollinators under pressure from habitat loss and pesticides. They also create vibrant mini-ecosystems that provide food and shelter for songbirds, insects and all the creatures who live near your home.

Plus, a wildflower meadow in your yard can make your life easier. Once established, your meadow needs less maintenance and water than turfgrass, so you can ditch the chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.

When deciding whether to create a wildflower meadow in your yard, here are some realities to consider.

Aesthetics

While wildflower meadows epitomize beauty for some of us, they do look more unkempt than traditional lawns. That can create friction with neighbors and potentially violate Homeowners Association (HOA) rules and municipal regulations.

Educating those around you about the natural benefits of wildflower yards can go a long way toward changing attitudes. It also helps to make your creation look intentional, with features like orderly borders, a bird bath, a bench or a winding path.

Ease of Care

“Wildflowers and native plants can thrive on neglect,” says Ali.

Once established, they often don’t need much, if any, supplemental water. They also usually only need to be mowed once a year, at the end of the growing season. But even then, it’s best to leave part of it tall as overwintering habitat for pollinators.

They also don’t require fertilization or insecticides. That makes them the ideal habitat for wildlife and keeps synthetic chemicals out of freshwater sources.

Invasive Species

These plants, and weeds, are the biggest threats to meadow lawns. Both often beat out wildflowers and native plants, so do your best to diminish them before planting. Then be vigilant about removing any interlopers that pop up. The success of your wildflower meadow will depend on it.

Viability of Your Yard

For best results, choose an area with full sun and good drainage. Get your soil tested to determine the organic matter content and pH level so you can add any natural amendments.

If your yard lacks the perfect spot, don’t despair. Many wildflowers can still thrive in low-fertility soils, and with as little as a half-day of sun.

Lawn Removal

If you’re converting your lawn into a wildflower meadow, remove your turf before planting wildflowers. One method is soil solarization, which involves covering your lawn with black plastic for six to eight weeks to kill the grass. Then loosen the soil to help root development, sow the seeds, and level the ground with a rake.

While it’s not optimal to start a meadow on an existing lawn, that can also work. After spreading seeds on grass, refrain from weekly mowings.

Choosing Plant Species

Meadows can contain annual or perennial flowers. Obviously, annual meadows need to be re-sown each year. They also require more nutrient-dense soil.

Whichever way you go, the key is understanding your soil and climate, and choosing the right native plants accordingly.

Seeds vs. Plugs

You can start meadows with seeds, or try wildflower plugs, mats or turf.

Wildflower plugs are single plants or clusters of seedlings. Wildflower mats have seeds infused in compressed mulch, which you roll across an area and cover with a thin layer of soil. Wildflower turf is similar to turfgrass sod but with live wildflowers. Often local nurseries will carry all of these options, but you can also find them online.

Seeds and mats are the cheapest. Seeds offer the widest variety of species, but they also take longer to establish. “Using the proper and recommended number of seeds for the area is also important, as wildflowers will not thrive when overcrowded,” says Ali.

Wildflower plugs work best to supplement an existing meadow lawn. Turf is the most expensive, but can be the right choice for smaller areas.

Patience

While wildflower meadows ultimately take less maintenance than a grassy yard, they take some time to get established.

“Creating a meadow garden is very different from planting a traditional garden, as you often have to wait a couple of seasons to really see some growth,” says Ali. “However, a meadow garden will continue to evolve year to year without much annual maintenance.”

The post 7 Things To Consider Before Planting a Wildflower Meadow appeared first on Family Handyman.

Don’t Plant the Wrong Types of Grass

To grow a green, healthy lawn, be sure to plant the right type of turfgrass for your location. Some grasses can withstand dry summer heat, while others tolerate harsh winters.

To avoid this common lawn care mistake, plant cool season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and red fescue in northern states. Bermuda grass, centipede grass and other warm season grasses do best in warmer areas.

Growing grass can be tricky, so make sure to start with the right grass seed for a better chance at success.

The post 19 Things You Should Never Do To Your Lawn appeared first on Family Handyman.

Creeping Phlox

This is one of the most cold hardy ground covers native to North America. Several species grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 2 through 8, all providing a brilliant stroke of color across the carpet-like foliage. Their pinwheel-shaped blooms appear exclusively in the springtime, in multiple shades of purple, blue, pink and white.

Creeping phlox is not aggressive, so it’s safe to plant among other perennials and shrubs in garden beds. Think of it like a green blanket laid at the feet of its companions, blooming before most plants fully awaken in the spring. Provide plenty of sunshine and well-drained soil for best growth and disease resistance.

The post 10 Ground Cover Plants for Full Sun appeared first on Family Handyman.

Metal Lawn Edging

The simplest and most subtle landscape borders that effectively separate your lawn from a garden are 4-in. deep strips of steel, aluminum or plastic. The metal lawn edging bends easily into smooth, graceful curves and stops the spread of grass roots.

However, painted aluminum and steel offer the sleekest, most refined garden edging look because they almost disappear against the grass and garden bed. The plastic types of garden edging have a prominent black bulge along the top edge.

All work best on fairly even terrain; if you have a lot of dips and rises, it’s easier to install a paver border.

Although aluminum and steel landscape edging cost about the same, aluminum is much lighter. It weighs about 41 lbs. per 100 ft., while steel weighs about 225. With aluminum landscape edging, you get a professional look without the heavy lifting.

Plan to set the garden border with the top edge about 1/2 in. above the soil level to maintain the lawn/garden separation and keep roots from crossing over the top. This makes the garden border almost invisible and allows you to mow right over the top. However, be aware that the top of the thin lawn edging can hurt bare feet. After cutting it, make sure you round off any sharp edges with a file.

The key to setting this garden border is to cut a clean vertical edge along the grass with a square spade. Then you can lay the garden border tightly against the edge when you stake and backfill it.

There’s no rule for shaping the edge. Simply follow the edges of your lawn, making smooth, gradual curves. To make smooth, sharp curves, bend the metal lawn edging around a circular form.

The thicker landscaping edgers better withstand those inevitable bumps and hard knocks that go with lawn mowing.

The post 3 Simple Landscape Edging Ideas appeared first on Family Handyman.

What Is the Cardboard Gardening Method?

This no-dig garden hack is beautifully illustrated in a TikTok video from Brandon Gentry (@brandontgentry), below. Basically, you use sheets of cardboard in your planting area to kill off any existing grass and prevent those pesky weeds from popping up. The hack is cheap, fast and virtually stress-free, as the cardboard does the hard work for you. Better yet, the cardboard will decompose over time, making it both environmentally friendly and reliable for long-term root growth.

@brandontgentry #nobodysgonnaknow #howwouldtheyknow #lifehack #gardeninghacks #viral #fyp #gardentips #gardenhack #hgtvshit #AirPodsJUMP #fyp #flowerbed #homediy how would they know bad girls club – Chris Gleason

How Can I Use the Cardboard Gardening Method?

The process here is quite simple, but before you get started, be sure to gather the following materials. Depending on the size of your garden plot, this hack should take you 30 minutes to an hour.

Materials

• Sturdy utility knife
• Enough cardboard to cover the garden plot
• Enough potting soil to cover the garden plot
• Enough mulch to cover the garden plot
• Rake

Directions

1. Start by laying your biggest pieces of cardboard down flat in your garden plot. Overlap the sides of the cardboard so that there are not any gaps for weeds or grass to grow into. If it’s windy, use the bags of potting soil to weigh down the cardboard.
2. As you reach the edges of the plot, use the utility knife to cut the cardboard into curved or smaller pieces to fit. Make these lines as precise as possible so that the edges of your garden remain sharp and differentiated from your lawn.
3. Once the cardboard is cut and placed, water the cardboard using a garden hose. It should be pretty saturated so that it can properly dissolve into the earth.
4. Now, tear open the potting soil bags and pour the soil out over the wet cardboard. Use the rake, if necessary, to spread the potting soil into an even layer a few inches thick.
5. Finally, spread the mulch out on top of the potting soil. Again, use the rake to make sure the layer is even.

Congratulations: now you’re ready to plant!

The post You Can Prep Your Garden Super Quickly With This Cardboard Gardening Hack appeared first on Family Handyman.

If you know anything about zero-turn mowers, then you have likely owned or considered owning a Toro zero-turn mower. After all, Toro makes our list of the best lawn mower brands every year. A few weeks ago I tested out the all-new gas-powered Toro TimeCutter with an updated suspension system and iron forged footplate. This time, I have access to an early look at the electric version of this zero-turn mower After some extensive testing, I am finally proud to share my experience.

If you’re less familiar with types of riding lawn mowers, read up on zero-turn versus standard lawn mowers.

What is the Toro TimeCutter Zero-Turn Mower?

The 60V Max TimeCutter MyRide is Toro’s first electric zero-turn mower. It’s a massive, tough zero-turn mower that symbolizes a growing trend in the lawn care and landscaping industryswitching to electric.

Toro has had a 60V lineup for a few years but has mostly stuck to smaller residential lawn tools, like leaf blowers and string trimmers. The decision to make one of the most iconic zero-turn mowers on the planet, the Toro TimeCutter, into an electric machine is a major move.

The mower is large and powerful. One would expect an electric zero-turn to have limited capabilities since it doesn’t have the power of gas, but Toro put out a mower that can compare well to gas-powered. This mower is almost four feet wide with extreme cutting power.

One thing I’ll tell you about this mower is the level of excitement I got when the folks delivered it to my house. Seeing an all-new, innovative, massive machine get dropped off at my house felt like I just won the lottery.

And then I turned it on.

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We Tried It

Toro 60V Max TimeCutter MyRide Zero-Turn Mower

The 60V Max is the first electric zero-turn lawn mower from the popular lawn care company Toro.

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Toro TimeCutter Zero-Turn Riding Mower Features

The 60V Max Toro TimeCutter mower is loaded with many features. I’ve tested this personally, so can tell you not just the specifications, but how the mower feels and performs under various conditions. Let’s get started.

60V Max Battery System

The batteries on the 60V Max Toro TimeCutter are intense. The zero-turn mower comes with five 10 Ah batteries and one 4 Ah battery. Six batteries! That’s a lot of batteries that require charging. Also, 10 Ah batteries are some of the largest you can buy in the lawn tool industry, with most lawn tools boasting 2-4 Ah batteries. Understanding the type of battery and charge time is one of the most important considerations when buying battery-powered tools.

Despite this, Toro made it easy to access and attach the batteries. The batteries all sit in the back of the mower, where the engine would normally go. They have six placement spotsone for each batterywhere the battery can easily slide in. For this mower, the 10 Ah batteries have a handle that allows you to easily pull them out to recharge them. I love the handle system on the batteries because it does not require you to stick your fingers deep inside the machine and pry them out, as is the case with other brands.

Each battery also has a charge indicator that tells you how much life is left in each one. The 4 Ah battery that comes with this mower can easily be popped off and used with other Toro battery-powered tools, which is very convenient. I have not yet tried the 10 Ah battery with other handheld 60V Max Toro tools because they are simply heavier and probably overkill for my needs.

The battery run time on this zero-turn mower depends on the conditions you are facing in your yard. For example, taller, thick or wet grass will decrease the run time on this mower. If you are working with dry, thin grass like a lot of grasses in the Southeast, then you will certainly get more run time.

When I used the 60V Max Toro TimeCutter on my lawn, which is about half an acre, I had no problems. I then took it over to my neighbor’s yard, which is also half an acre, and mowed it with no problem. When I brought the mower back to my garage and checked the battery life, there was a sliver left in each battery. Nice!

Toro advertises a 1.3-acre coverage area for their battery run time. I think this is pretty consistent with what I experienced, although I will be curious to see how it performs in a year or two from now.

The Perfect Cutting Deck

Toro’s 42-inch cutting deck is a sight for sore eyes. When they unloaded it from the trailer to deliver it to my house, my wife gave me a, “where on Earth are we going to store this?” look. Luckily, the mower fit perfectly in an empty space in my garage.

The cutting deck comes in at 3 1/2-ft. wide means that it takes three times fewer passes on my lawn, compared to most other electric mowers. I was amazed at how this compared to my normal push mower and how wide the paths that I was mowing were. Even compared to zero-turn lawn mowers that boast a 32 to 36-inch cutting widththis was a noticeable difference.

The deck is also nearly the same IronForged deck as the gas-powered Toro TimeCutter, which is extremely solid and well-built. After all, the deck has been around for a very long time and Toro has perfected it. Toro even has bulletproof belts that operate the blades and nice wheels to support the width of the deck.

Mowing Experience

Hopping on and starting the 60V Max Toro TimeCutter was an otherworldly experience. The sound the mower makes at startup is neither particularly pleasant nor quiet, but it is much better than a gas-powered zero-turn mower.

One thing I loved about this mower is how unique of an experience it is to turn on and use. While it looks identical to a gas-powered zero-turn, it was extremely easy to get started. One of my friends came over while I was testing this mower out and I let him take it for a spin. The first thing he commented on was how he wasn’t going to smell like gas after using it. I had never considered that, but between the easy start, the remarkable speed and the cutting ability, it felt like an added bonus.

The 60V Max Toro TimeCutter also comes with a few bells and whistles. One thing I noticed immediately was a cupholder. I know it sounds petty, but if you are out in the sun and trying to mow, having a place to put a water bottle is very convenient.

Something I wish the TimeCutter had is armrests. If you have used a zero-turn mower before, you know how tired your arms can get if you have to keep them held up and pushing the controls forward. The gas-powered version of this zero-turn mower does have armrests, so I’m not sure why the electric version dropped them.

How We Tested the 60V Max Toro TimeCutter

I tested the 60V Max Toro TimeCutter the best way possiblein my own yard. I have about half of an acre of land between my front and back yards. I took this zero-turn out to my backyard and tested it around all of the expansive and curvy garden beds I have. I then took it around to my front yard and let it get some action by mulching some leaves I never got around to cleaning up. After the mower proved itself in my yard, I took the liberty of mowing my next-door neighbor’s yard as well. My neighbor also has a half-acre yard but has a slight upward slant to their lawn, which helped me test out the suspension system and traction of the wheels.

I was very impressed with how this mower handled the slight slant and even more impressed with how comfortable it was. I didn’t get tossed around by bumps, transitions from pavement to grass or going up and down hills. The maneuverability in my yard when mowing around the curvy garden beds made me feel like I was driving a Formula One car, with tight steering that was surprisingly responsive for a mower that’s as wide as some cars.

Pros

• Easy to start
• Wide cutting deck
• Battery system that can be used with multiple tools
• Little-to-no maintenance
• Durable footplate and frame
• Highly responsive steering
• Classic design with a new electric feel

Cons

• Charge time requires about four hours for all batteries
• No arm rests

FAQ

Does the Toro TimeCutter come with a floating deck?

Yes, the Toro TimeCutter has a deep floating deck that is responsive to slight bumps and hills.

What is the total width of this mower?

The 60V Max Toro TimeCutter has a total width of the mower is 45 inches, 42 inches of which mows. This is enough clearance to still fit into your garage or shed but wide enough to tackle some serious acreage efficiently.

What other experts and reviewers had to say

Sean Stebar, a product manager at Toro, touts the benefits of the 60V Max TimeCutter. He says, “This is the first battery-powered ZTR to our residential lineup of mowers. The 60V Max TimeCutter is built on the popular TimeCutter platform, and can hold its own when it comes to the power and speed of its gas-powered counterparts.”

I reached out to my lawn mowing expert colleague, Tyler at The Lawn Review, to get his thoughts. He actually came over to my house a week or two after I tested this mower out and was blown away by both the gas and electric versions of the Toro TimeCutter. His experience was similar to mine but he made a really good point about the speed. Most zero-turn mowers max out at 5 or 6 MPH. The 60V Max Toro TimeCutter clocks in at about 7 MPH. I know this does not seem like a major difference but it is a 15-20% increase in speed and is noticeable if you have used as many zero-turns as Alex and me.

Toro TimeCutter Zero-Turn Riding Mower vs John Deere Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower

Toro’s 60V Max TimeCutter is a first-of-its-kind zero-turn mower from the classic manufacturer. We’ve heard John Deere is releasing a zero-turn mower as well and are excited to see what features this mower will have as compared to their gas-powered editions, as well as Toro’s TimeCutter.

I imagine that John Deere will take a similar approach as Toro: Use the frame and design of their classic, trusted mowers to create an electric equivalent that rules. It will be hard for John Deere to replicate the same mowing experience and suspension system that Toro accomplished with their MyRide suspension system, but I’m excited to see what they will do to compete in this space.

Final Verdict

Would I recommend the electric Toro TimeCutter? Absolutely. This mower was so much fun to use and is an amazing step forward for the electric lawn care industry.

In particular, I recommend this zero-turn mower to homeowners with one to two acres who are looking for a reliable, quiet, low-hassle mower that is a blast to use. If you are sick of smelling like gas, fidgeting with oil changes and other yearly maintenance, and want to step up your electric game, the 60V Max Toro TimeCutter is an amazing place to start.

Where to Buy the Toro TimeCutter Zero Turn Riding Mower

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Toro 60V Max TimeCutter MyRide Zero-Turn Mower

The 60V Max is the first electric zero-turn lawn mower from the popular lawn care company Toro.

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Since the 60V Max TimeCutter is brand-spanking-new, it can only be purchased through the Toro website or at a local registered Toro dealer.

The post Toro Zero-Turn Mower Review: We Tried Toro’s First Electric Riding Mower and It Was Well Worth the Wait appeared first on Family Handyman.

Many are niche tools, such as a pole saw that might only be pulled into the rotation once or twice a year. Some tools, like the hedge trimmer, may make their appearance quarterly. Others are mainstays that get their time in the limelight nearly every weekend (yeah, were talking about you string trimmers and edgers).

But why so many tools? And consequently, so many batteries and gas and oil mixtures? Husqvarna, as well as other manufacturers, has been trying to solve this problem for residential users for a couple decades. And now, that time has come. Enter the Husqvarna Combi Switch 330iK. This miracle tool features a power head designed to take on multiple attachments specific to the job at hand.

What is the Husqvarna Combi Switch 330iK?

With so much equipment cluttering your shed or garage, the Husqvarna Combi Switch 330iK is like a panacea for tool disorderliness. You can take back your tool shed and rest at ease knowing that you havent broken the bank on buying a once-a-year tool. Combi tools have changed my world as a residential user. I keep my regulars close at hand and when the time comes for outliers, theyre within reach and easy to use.

I can use my string trimmer and edger on a weekly basis as I normally would. When needed, I can swap out the tool for a pole saw, broom or dethatcherjust to name a few. I get all this with essentially one tool.

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$228.60 at Amazon

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Husqvarna Combi Switch 330iK

With this power head, the tool attachments (and possibilities) are endless.

$228.60 at Amazon

Shop Power Head + Pole Saw

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The Husqvarna Combi Switch 330iK is whats referred to as a combinationor combi”tool. It utilizes a power head on which you can attach other tools. In this case, the power head is a cordless 40V battery operated system that works with all Husqvarnas 40V power tools. There are a multitude of tools that can be attached directly to the power head.

For example, lets say you have completed weeding using a string trimmer and want to switch to the edger attachment. The next step is to loosen the securement screw and slide off the string trimmer. You attach the edger, secure the screw, and youre ready to edge.

Husqvarna Combi Switch 330iK Features

The Combi 330iK power source works with all of Husqvarnas 40V battery operated systems. This tool, however, is a bit different than a one-purpose tool in that it accepts different attachments to the power head. But, if you have other 40V Husqvarna equipment such as a full-size chain saw, then you have the bonus of sharing the battery power with your Combi 330iK.

A plethora of attachments are available for the Combi, including:

• Blower
• Hedge Trimmer
• Edger
• String Trimmer
• Cultivator
• Pole Saw
• Dethatcher
• Weed Scissor
• Sweeper

The securement screw offers peace of mind when wielding a pole saw overhead as well keeping tools tightly fastened to the power head. The 40V of power makes it capable of running all of the attachments that are availableeven the some of the power hogs like blowers and chain saws. The power head uses Husqvarnas proprietary cooling technology, and each attachment is equipped with the same features as the manufacturers gasoline powered tools, such as an X-Cut chain on the pole saw for optimal cutting.

How We Tested It

We tested Husqvarnas Combi Switch 330iKwith a pole saw and an edger. The edger is the type of tool that Ive often thought of as superfluous to my lawn manicuring collection. Ive made it this long without an edger and have managed to get by with my string trimmer to edge around my patios and driveways.

Testing With Edger

However, when I put the edger to work, I was immediately amazed at how easy it was to make clean, straight lines. Suddenly my string trimmer edge work looked akin to a drunk trying to cut a straight line. Putting my pride aside, I carried on as the edger ate through larger chunks of grass, all while NOT spewing bits of grass and rock onto my legs.

Testing With Pole Saw

Ive always managed to get by with my manual pole saw so I wondered what a powered pole saw would add to the mix. I worried the weight of the tool at the end of the pole might prove unwieldly, but with the aid of the over-the-shoulder strap, it was really easy to leverage into position. Even without the strap, the pole saw was well-balanced and easy to maneuver through mazes of branches.

I first tested the pole saw on an obvious candidate: 5-inch diameter branches on a willow tree. It was effortless to take the branches off at the exact, desired location. My manual pole saw suddenly seemed like a labor-intensive, superfluous tool in comparison.

I moved on to some long pines and loved how useful the pole was to remove branches that where only a few feet off the ground. I didnt have to get into the branches myself and let the tool do the work of removing the low hanging branches so that I could get close to the base of the tree and work on higher branches. It also opened up the area enough so that I could check for unwanted surprise me, like snakes!

I even tried the pole saw on palm fronds and lemon grass. It ate through both like butter. The lemon grass has a tendency to gum up my full size chain saw and, surprisingly, did not gum up the pole saw despite its diminutive size.

Pros

• Cordless
• Long extension pole
• Straight edges on sidewalks
• Plenty of power
• Both tools are sharp

Cons

• Must change out attachments
• Must keep batteries charged

FAQ

Are all Husqvarna batteries interchangeable?

All Husquvarna 40V power tools are interchangeable, meaning that you can use one battery on multiple tools.

How thick of a branch can an electric pole saw cut?

The length of the cutting bar dictates how thick of a branch can be cut. Of course more power also means more cutting strength. Most pole saws are capable of cutting branches between 3 and 8 inches in diameter.

What is the difference between electric and gas pole saws?

Gas pole saws are powered by two-cycle engines and run a mixture of oil and gas. They require more maintenance than electric models, but they are far more powerful. Electric pole saws typically run on battery power and require less maintenance. Electric pole saws do, however, still require chain oil.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

Five star reviewer CC Reviews says, I was really surprised how powerful and well this weed whacker is. I never had a battery powered one and I am not disappointed.

“This is a great string trimmer. It is very sturdy and well-made, and definitely feels like a professional. The detachable head is simple to get on and off so should not be an issue. Swapping out different attachments. So far no issue with battery life. Battery is big and the trimmer is very powerful, states, Osprey, another reviewer on Amazon.

Product Comparison

As far as combination tools go, the Husqvarna sports a more secure attachment mechanism than many attachment-taking tools that simply use compression to hold the attachment to the power head. Additionally, since it uses the same power as other Husqvarna single use tools, the device has the same capabilities, whereas some other combination tools may have attachments that are under-powered when connected to a power head.

Final Verdict

Its officialIm breaking up with my manual pole saw. I dont even have to break a sweat to trim a multitude of trees with the Combi 330iK. While Im not going to break up with my string trimmer, I am discontinuing it for edging. Id love to add the Husquvarna Combi Switch 330iK to my tool set and free my shed of a hoard of single-use tools.

Where to Buy the Husqvarna Combi Switch 330iK

The Husqvarna Combi Switch 330iK power head head and all the attachments has just been released and can be purchased through the Husqvarna website or on Amazon.

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$228.60 at Amazon

Shop Power Head + Pole Saw

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We Tried It

Husqvarna Combi Switch 330iK

This cordless 40V battery operated system works with all Husqvarnas 40V power tools.

$228.60 at Amazon

Shop Power Head + Pole Saw

Shop Power Head + Edger

The post Husqvarna Combi Switch 330iK Review: It’s Official, I’m Breaking Up With My String Trimmer and Chain Saw appeared first on Family Handyman.

HibisQs Tropical Hibiscus

New from Costa Farms, this line features something hibiscus are not known for: long-lasting flowers.

While a typical hibiscus flower lasts a day, those on HibisQs persist for two, three or even four days, depending on the variety and the climate. Plants also have better branching for a fuller, lusher look that offers more flowers over the growing season.

“In frost-free regions, HibisQs varieties are excellent flowering hedges, foundation plants and as evergreen, year-round-flowering shrubs in mixed beds and borders,” says Hancock.

“In colder zones, they stay much smaller since they have just the one growing season, and can be effectively used as annuals in beds and borders, or as container plants to beautify balconies, decks, patios and porches.”

Selections in the series include:

• Adonicus Pink, with five-inch-wide rich-pink flowers;
• Apollo Garden, a stunner with five- to six-inch-wide orange flowers edged in golden yellow;
• Constellation Ursa, producing a bounty of five-inch-wide flowers, up to twice as many as older varieties;
• Grace, which shows off six-inch-wide pink flowers edged in white and bearing rich, reddish-pink centers.

HibisQs Tropical Hibiscus (H. rosa-sinensis) is from the Malvaceae family and grows two to four feet tall and wide, depending on variety. It likes full sun and moist, well-drained soil with slightly acid pH. Plants, which flower all summer if given enough light, come in a range of colors (see above). Hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10 and 11, they can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors in cold climates.

“Their tropical nature even makes them suitable as houseplants if you have a high-light spot for them inside,” Hancock says. “High light levels will ensure the plants stay healthy, don’t get too stretched over winter and produce occasional blooms.”

The post Cool New Shrubs To Grow in Your Yard appeared first on Family Handyman.

What is the 42-inch TimeCutter with MyRIDE?

The Toro 42-Inch TimeCutter with MyRIDE is designed to handle larger yards and is even capable of some smaller commercial landscaping projects. While many folks with about half an acre opt for zero-turn mowers, this mower can easily handle over an acre in a modest time. I’ve experienced using quite a few zero-turn mowers in the past (my website is called The Lawn Review, after all), so when I finally ordered the mower, I couldn’t wait to give it a try.

Like a kid on Christmas morning, I eagerly awaited the delivery of myTimeCutter with MyRIDE from my local Toro dealer. When it arrived, the team unloaded it from the truck. After I picked my jaw up off the floor, I walked over, hopped on board, twisted the key and fired it up.

The experience of starting this zero-turn mower was unlike my previous experience with the older model of the Toro TimeCutter. Something about this mower felt more solid and rugged than the models of the past. The combination of the massive 42-inch cutting deck and 25-horsepower (HP) engine with the super thick footplate and deck made it feel like I was in a tank.

Frankly, the older Toro TimeCutter model felt a bit stripped down and basic compared to the 2024 model. If you had the opportunity to use one in the past, you would’ve felt that it was not the most comfortable ride.

After accelerating, I realized just how responsive the mower was to adjustments in speed. After a quick drive around my driveway, I took it over to my lawn to have some fun mowing.

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$4399 at Lowe's

$4399 at Ace Hardware

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Toro 42-Inch TimeCutter with MyRIDE

With new features, the Toro TimeCutter with MyRIDE is designed to handle large yards.

$4399 at Lowe's

$4399 at Ace Hardware

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Toro 42-Inch TimeCutter with MyRIDE Features

The TimeCutter has many classic features that you would expect from a popular and reliable zero-turn mower, but also significant upgrades in key areas.

Starting with Toro’s consistent themes on its zero-turn mower series, the 42-inch TimeCutter has a powerful 25-HP Kohler engine. Kohler has mastered small engines like those in pressure washers and dirt bikes, so it’s no surprise Toro trusted its engineering for a high-powered riding mower engine. The classic Smart Speed Technology found on the TimeCutter remains a featured element of the 2024 model. For context, it’s an easy-to-use speed control that changes the upper limit of how quickly you accelerate using the steering bars. Lastly, Toro wisely stuck with the tool-less belt cover and wet spray-blocking fenders that enable you to better protect sensitive mechanical parts from grass and other debris.

New to the 2024 Toro TimeCutter are various features that “level up” the mowing experience. For starters (and perhaps my favorite), the TimeCutter now comes with armrests. I know it sounds trivial, but after mowing for 30 to 45 minutes, my elbows start looking for a place to rest. Armrests make a huge difference in the mowing experience, especially when paired with the all-new cup holders. I like that the brand has made small tweaks that resonate with the operator to make mowing a more enjoyable experience.

Toro has also bolstered its MyRIDE suspension system, making it a highly visible component of the 2024 TimeCutter. The suspension system is a great feature that increases or decreases the “bounciness” of the ride. The impact of the MyRIDE suspension system is a night and day difference compared to older models. Instead of slowing down to mow hilly or bumpy areas, I can power through without feeling like I’m riding on top of a bucking bronco.

Speaking of powering through, the new IronForged Deck is a noticeable design difference that highlights an extremely thick cutting deck with an even thicker footplate on top. The footplate sits on top of the cutting deck attached to the MyRIDE suspension system so that both the seat and your feet are in sync as you approach bumps in your path.

Lastly, there are two small features that most folks take for granted that are still highly valuable: an easy start and seamless deck height adjustment. The Toro TimeCutter with MyRIDE is extremely easy to start, which is not always given with a gas-powered lawn tool. Similarly, the deck height adjustment can also be tricky on zero-turns, given the weight of the cutting deck and the many different heights that can be used. The TimeCutter has an effortless deck height adjustment that, again, is a refreshing deviation from my experience with other zero-turn mowers.

How We Tested It

After the Toro TimeCutter with MyRIDE was delivered, I quickly poured some gas into the tank and started it immediately. As I mentioned, the easy start-up was a welcomed surprise, given the mower was coming straight out of the box. After a few orienting movements around my driveway, I excitedly headed toward my front lawn at full speed.

I have a little over a half-acre lawn, so having a zero-turn mower gets the job done in about 10 minutes, whereas a push mower is easily a 45-minute cutting job. For someone with little ones at home, using a zero-turn mower helps me get back inside the house as quickly as possible to get back to doing the things I love with the people I love.

Starting with my front yard, I quickly made vertical passes along the length of my lawn, extending out to the street and then back to my front garden beds. A huge benefit to zero-turn mowers is that they’re easy to navigate around garden beds and trees without having to make multiple maneuvers or miss a spot. Luckily, my front yard is not very complex and easy to mow quickly.

I then whipped around to my backyard, which has multiple structures and garden beds and is smaller than my front yard. For this portion of the Toro TimeCutter testing, I had to move much slower to navigate complex garden bed edges. The TimeCutter handled these curves like a champ and mulched several leaves in the process. This mower will become my weekly mower, without a doubt. I also often mow my mother-in-law’s lawn when she’s out of town for a portion of the year. Loading and unloading this onto my trailer is an absolute breeze and saves me a ton of time compared to hauling my old push mower over to her house.

After I finished mowing, I walked my lawn to see if I missed any spots. I didn’t find any glaring spots in most of my yard, but I did notice that the areas I can cut with my push mower (like garden borders, sidewalks, and driveways) had a few missed spots. I blame the TimeCutter less for these missed spots and more so myself for being overly cautious using this mower for the first time. With a bit of practice, I see myself being able to get every single blade that I could get with my push mower.

Another thing I love about this zero-turn mower is its ability to fit between tight spaces. At 42 inches wide, the Toro TimeCutter with MyRIDE is about 3.5 feet wide and can fit into my garage and even my shed (once I clean it out). It also fits easily between most gates, which is a huge consideration for homeowners who want to mow their backyard but can’t fit a normal zero-turn mower between the posts. Many zero-turn mowers have been returned once this was attempted and failed. So, 42 inches is a great width for parking in the garage, placing comfortably on a trailer or putting under a covered area of a porch.

Pros

• MyRIDE suspension system adjusts the “bounciness” of the mower
• Armrests paired with cup holders makes mowing more enjoyable
• Thick steel and quality construction
• Easy speed adjustment
• Many modifications available
• Simple to start
• Safety mechanism deploys when you leave the seat and automatically turns off the blades of the mower
• Deck height adjustment is extremely easy
• Very responsive to turns and acceleration

Cons

• Doesn’t have headlights
• No storage compartment
• Mine pulls to the left a bit

FAQ

What kind of engine is on the Toro TimeCutter?

The Toro 42-inch TimeCutter with MyRIDE has a 25-HP Kohler engine.

What kind of oil does a Toro TimeCutter take?

The Toro TimeCutter with MyRIDE takes 10W-30 oil and can hold 80 ounces.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

After reading some of the customer reviews from buyers, I saw that most folks are extremely satisfied with their purchase. Like my experience, many buyers cite how much the zero-turn mower cut down their mowing time compared to their push mower. Others talk about the suspension system and how comfortable the Toro TimeCutter is with the new armrests and the smooth ride. I agree with some of the other reviewers that the handling is incredible. It is highly sensitive, but it also feels like you have complete and total control over the mower. With a zero-turn, you often see delayed reactions in the turns or harsh jolts when steering and stopping. The TimeCutter somehow completely mitigates that through a combination of suspension and speed control systems.

Product Comparison: Toro TimeCutter vs. Cub Cadet ZT1

The Toro TimeCutter with MyRIDE and the Cub Cadet ZT1 mower are popular residential zero-turn mowers. The Cub Cadet is a quality mower and has been touted as extremely comfortable and easy to use.

In 2023, I would have suggested the Cub Cadet is the superior mower, given the comfort levels and my experience. However, the new upgrades to the Toro TimeCutter have made it a supremely comfortable ride and heavier duty than the Cub Cadet ZT1. I had a friend who used his Cub Cadet ZT1 and subsequently had the frame crack. The frame shouldn’t crack. Toro’s super heavy-duty steel frame will not crack and should be more flexible.

Final Verdict

The Toro TimeCutter stepped up its game in a major way in 2024. From the reinforced cutting deck, iron forged footplate and creature comfort upgrades, Toro has reimagined the TimeCutter to become one of the best zero-turn mowers of the year. I loved testing out the TimeCutter 4225, and I will definitely be making this my go-to mower.

Where to Buy the Toro 42-Inch TimeCutter with MyRIDE

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$4399 at Lowe's

$4399 at Ace Hardware

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We Tried It

Toro 42-Inch TimeCutter with MyRIDE

Updates to this lawn mower make it feel like a true heavy-duty, luxurious piece of equipment.

$4399 at Lowe's

$4399 at Ace Hardware

Shop at Tractor Supply Co

The 42-inch TimeCutter with MyRIDE is listed for about $4,400. It’s a little more expensive than a middle-of-the-pack choice for this size zero-turn mow. You can purchase this zero-turn at Lowe’s, Ace Hardware and Tractor Supply Co.

The post We Tried the All-New 2024 Toro TimeCutter with MyRIDE, Zero Turn Mower & Here’s Our Unfiltered Review appeared first on Family Handyman.