If you have a specific gardening task in mind, we have plenty of advice on the best cordless tools for the jobs. Looking to keep your lawn in shape? Check out our guide to the best cordless lawn mowers. If you're after a leaf blower, take a look at our leaf blowers on test, and if you're planning some DIY in the garden, why not get yourself a cordless drill.
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Price: from £39.95 for bare tool
Available from B&Q and Wickes
Einhell have a great selection of gardening and DIY tools, powered by 18V batteries that can be used on their own, or for devices that work at 36V, two 18V batteries can be used together. Batteries are available in 2.0Ah, 4.0Ah or 8Ah. Single, double and fast chargers are available.
Einhell's Power X-Change tool range includes:
Price: from £99 for bare tool
Available from B&Q and Amazon
Worx have a large range of outdoor, gardening and home improvement tools powered by 20V batteries that can be used on their own or in combination depending on the tool. Batteries are available in 2.0Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah and 8.0Ah, and there are a range of quick charging and fast chargers to choose from.
The PowerShare outdoor tool range includes:
Price: from £99 for bare tool
Available from B&Q and Just Lawn Mowers
Stiga have a number of sizes in their ePower cordless garden tools ranges, based on either their 20V ePower or 48V ePower batteries. Products in the 3 series can also be charged via a wall-mounted charging dock, enabling you to store and charge your tools without taking the batteries out.
The batteries are available in 2Ah, 4Ah, 5Ah and 7.5Ah and their smart batteries are able to identity which tool they're connected to, and adjust the energy levels to preserve the battery lifespan. Standard and fast chargers are available
Stiga’s cordless tools include:
Price: from £84 for bare tool
Available from Screwfix
Stihl have three cordless tool ranges: AS System tools, recommended for bigger gardening challenges, AK System tools, for medium to large gardens and AI Line tools recommended for small gardens. Their lithium-ion batteries have a long life, with battery systems expected to last as long as ten years (with ten charging cycles each month).
Tools in the AS System range include:
These tools are powered by an AS 2 battery, and charged with an AL 1 charger.
Tools in the AK system include:
The tools in this range are powered by one of three interchangeable AK batteries, the AK 10, Ak 20 or AK 30. They are all the same size, so are interchangeable. Note that for some tools, eg leaf blowers you should use the higher capacity batteries to get the full amount of power.
Tools in the AI system include:
All the tools in this range come with a built-in battery, with a port on the tool itself to charge them. You do not need a separate battery or charger with these tools.
Price: bare tool from £63
Available from B&Q and MyToolShed
Bosch’s Power For All cordless tool range includes a range of tools for gardening jobs, plus tools for DIY projects in the home and garden. The Power for All batteries can also be used with other brands including Gardena, Flymo and Husqvarna and come in 18V and 36V.
Tools that use the 18V Power For All system include:
Tools in this range are ideal for most regular gardening needs. Batteries are available in 2.5Ah and 4.0Ah.
Tools that use the 36V Power For All system include:
Tools in this range are best suited to tougher gardening jobs. Batteries are available in 2.0Ah and 4.0Ah.
Price: from £61.99 for bare tool
Available from B&Q and Amazon
The One+ system from Ryobi allows you to use the same 18V batteries with over 200 gardening and household DIY tools. Ryobi's One+ System batteries are compatible with One+ tools that date back 25 years, so you can easily upgrade old tools with new batteries. They are powered by a 18V battery, available in 2.0Ah, 2.5Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, 6.0Ah, 8.0Ah and 12.0Ah
The MaxPower system uses 36V batteries, with enough power for tough jobs such as tree felling and lawn mowing, but with the comfort of a lightweight battery that you can also use for handheld tasks like trimming the grass. The 36V batteries are available in 2.0Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, 8.0Ah and 12.0Ah.
The Ryobi cordless One+ System tools include:
MaxPower system tools include:
Price: from £54.99 for bare tool
Available from B&Q and Amazon
Greenworks have a range of cordless garden tools, powered by either 24V or 40V batteries, which are interchangeable with tools of the same voltage levels. 24V batteries are available in 2.0Ah or 4.0Ah, and 40V batteries are available in 2.0Ah, 2.2Ah, 5.0Ah or 8.0Ah.
The Greenworks cordless tool 24V range includes:
The Greenworks cordless tool 40V range includes:
Price: bare tool from £73.24
Available from B&Q and Amazon
Flymo are part of the Power For All Alliance which means their 18V batteries can be used on tools from other brands including Bosch, Gardena and Husqvarna. The 18V battery is available in 2.0Ah, 2.5Ah and 4.0Ah. You can use a combination of 18V batteries to power Flymo's 36V tools.
Tools in the range include:
Price: bare tool from £54.99
Available from Amazon
Gardena are also part of the Power For All Alliance, meaning you can use the 18V batteries not just with Gardena cordless tools, but also with Flymo, Bosch and Husqvarna. Batteries are available in 2.5Ah or 4.0Ah.
Tools in Gardena's Power For All range include:
Price: bare tool from £119.99
Available from Husqvarna
Husqvarna offer two battery systems, the BLi-X 36V battery system which is ideal for more demanding garden tasks, suitable for professionals and homeowners with large gardens to work on, and the Aspire™ 18V Power For All system, ideal if you have less storage space and a smaller garden. Batteries in the 18V system are also part of the Power For All Alliance, so you can use them across tools from Flymo, Bosch and Gardena.
18V batteries are available in 2.5Ah, 4.0Ah and 6.0Ah, whilst 36V batteries are available in 2.0Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, 6.0Ah, 7.5Ah, 9.0Ah and 31.1Ah.
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Tools in the Aspire™ 18V Power For All include:
Tools in the BLi-X 36V range include:
Price: from £39.99
Available from B&Q and Webb
Webb's Eco 20V Cordless Battery Range features a range of garden tools all powered by the same 20V battery, giving their tools the power of petrol-powered equipment without the noise, maintenance or emissions. The batteries are available in 2Ah and 4Ah.
Tools in the range include:
Think about your garden and what sort of tools you’ll need to tackle different jobs and choose your range accordingly.
Once you’ve chosen which type of cordless power tool you’re looking for, it’s time to think about power. Most brands offer a range of cordless garden tools, which vary when it comes to the power they offer, from entry level needs to a higher spec that is designed to be used in large gardens, and by professionals.
Three factors determine the power of your cordless power tool:
The most common batteries used in cordless tools are lithium-ion. Technology behind lithium-ion batteries has dramatically improved in recent years, because they’re the same batteries used to power electric cars and energy storage. Significant investments have been made to develop the battery’s efficiency and performance and you can now expect the same power from cordless tools as you would get with corded and petrol alternatives.
Despite being relatively small, they can cope with being charged time and time again whether fully or half used, so there's no need to worry about charging them at the right time and in the right way, plus they hold their charge for months, even if only partially charged.
In the long term, lithium extraction may have a detrimental impact on the environment, (according to earth.org, Lithium is extracted through “water-mining”, which requires an enormous amount of water throughout the process and toxic chemicals are needed to process lithium, leading to frequent water contamination and shortage in lithium-producing countries). Ultimately, if lithium could be recycled, this would help manage the demands and make it a more sustainable option. In the meantime, they are a much better alternative to fossil fuels and signify a move towards sustainable development.
Although these rechargeable batteries come with a healthy lifespan of several years, ultimately when they need replacing they must be recycled. Some manufacturers will have the batteries back and recycle them, otherwise find your local recycling depot that will accept them.
This Product Guide was last updated in March and we apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.
Strap on your safety gear and get your yard and garden in tip-top shape with power tools that will make your life easier. (Trust me, your back will thank you!) There are so many power tool options available to help you in your yard and garden, but this list is what we consider to be must-haves.
Many of the power tools available today have gas, electric, or battery-powered options. There are pros and cons to each such as cost, ease of use, and maneuverability. Be sure to look at your options and make the best decision based on your needs.
Do you already have some power tools? Power tools continue to get more ergonomic, lighter, and energy efficient. Consider updating older power tools for models that will work faster, easier, and often times saving you operating dollars as well.
Here are your top ten must-have power tools:
1. Power String Trimmer
There is nothing better than a freshly mowed lawn, but without the ease of a power string trimmer, the grass around your home, gardens, and other edges will either grow or take an incredibly long time to trim by hand. String trimmers make quick work of cleaning up all the edges of your lawn giving you a polished and clean look. String trimmers come with a variety of options, weights, weight distributions, and curved or straight shafts.
Pro-Tip – The curved shaft variety of trimmers is best for reducing strain on your back. A straight shaft however makes trimming under items, such as low bushes or lawn ornaments easier.
2. Power Edger
For that crisp manicured lawn look no further than your power edger. The power edger cleans up the edges of the lawn next to walkways, driveways, patios, and more. This handy and inexpensive tool makes you look like a lawn pro.
Pro-Tip – Be sure to avoid shallow electrical or water lines when using your edger.
3. Power Aerator
One of the nicest gifts you can give your lawn is aeration. Power aerators operate similar to your average push mower, and as you move across the lawn the tines puncture holes in your lawn bed. Ultimately this aeration stops soil compaction which then allows your grass roots to grow deeper, allows the fertilizer to absorb faster, and creates better drainage of water.
Pro-Tip – Have a large lawn and a ride-on/tractor mower with a hitch? Consider a pull-behind aerator to get the job done faster.
4. Mower
We know that a power mower is almost too obvious to put on the list, but with today’s technologies and efficiencies, it may be time to update your lawn mower. Some newer features include electric, battery operated, more ergonomic, energy efficient, push start, and more. Maybe you are ready for a whole new experience in a mower such as cylinder mowers, hover mowers, and self-propelled mowers. Or maybe you’d like a mower that mulches and bags. No matter your yard size or need, there is a mower made just for you.
Pro-Tip – With so many mower sizes and options available, and the potential size of the investment, we recommend talking with a lawn care sales associate to find the best model to fit your needs.
5. Power Blower
Power blowers make quick work of not only cleaning leaves out in the fall but for a huge variety of other yard tasks. Need to clean up the lawn clippings on the sidewalks or the mower after mowing? Power Blower. Need to clean up the floor of the garage? Power Blower. Even in the winter, the power blower can make quick work of cleaning up the sidewalk or your vehicle after lighter snow falls. The possibilities are endless!
Pro-Tip – Some power blowers come with options, such as a vacuum with a bagger, making picking up leaves in the fall a breeze.
6. Cultivator
Power cultivators have tines that rotate to loosen compacted soil, most often used in gardening. The benefit to your garden is that cultivating the soil allows for better penetration of important nutrients, air, and water. Cultivators are a handy tool in smaller gardens, loose soil, or around existing plants and shrubs.
Pro-Tip – For larger gardens or hard and compacted soil, consider using a tiller.
7. Tiller
Power tillers prepare medium to large gardens and/or compacted soil for gardening. Just like cultivators, they prepare the soil for maximum nutrition, sunlight, and water penetration.
Pro-Tip – There are front tine and rear tine tillers. Front tine tillers work best in softer soil and are pushed through your space. Rear tine tillers are best for big jobs, compacted soil and can be more easily adjusted for tine depth.
8. Hedge Trimmer
Power hedge trimmers make quick work of keeping your landscaping nice and crisp. Hedge trimmers give you the ability to maneuver around the hedge in straight lines or nice rounded curves. The power of the trimmer allows for smooth and quick movements which in turn keeps your lines looking neat. There are a wide variety of options with hedge trimmers, so it is important to know what you’ll need before you shop.
Pro-Tip – Some things, like corndogs and chocolate-covered bananas, are just better on a stick. Consider a pole hedge trimmer for big jobs or for tall hedges. It will make your work considerably easier and safer using the right tool for the job.
9. Chainsaw
Chainsaws are great for tree maintenance, harvesting firewood, and getting fallen trees cleaned up quickly. Gas models are typically heavier, but also deliver more power, while the electric or battery operated are lighter but not as powerful.
Pro-Tip for beginners – Chainsaws can be controlled easier the lighter weight it is. If you’ve never used a chainsaw, consider starting with a lighter weight or smaller model.
Just like trimmers, a chainsaw on a stick (pole saw) does wonders for high-up limbs that need to be trimmed. Pole saws come in a variety of sizes, features, and weights.
10. Power Washer
Power washers are a great tool to keep your sidewalk, deck, home, pond, landscaping rock, and more clean and free of moss, debris, and general outdoor buildup. You’ll be surprised how versatile this tool is and how often you’ll use it. Like many of the tools on this list, there is a wide variety of sizes, portability, and power levels. Take an inventory if what you’ll need the power washer for before you shop.
Pro-Tip – Save your siding! Regardless of what type of home siding you have, start with a lower level of pressure to avoid chipping, paint flaking, or cracking the siding.
There you have it, the top ten must-have power tools to make lawn and garden care a breeze, and to create a beautifully landscaped yard.
Need help? There are a number of options available in power tools, and at Mimbach Fleet and Supply, we can help you make the best decision for your needs.