EGO Vs HONDA Battery Powered Mowers (and Eco Systems)

Click_It on 12/11/2020 - 13:01

Hi all

I bought into the Honda ecosystem over 10 years ago, at the time it was about the best money could buy. Currently I'm living somewhere where I don't have to manage the lawns at all so I'm thinking of selling my 4 stroke petrol mower + line cutter.

But I won't be living here forever, when I move I'll be needing to maintain grounds again. I thought now is the time to consider switching over to battery power. I already bought into the Aldi ecosystem (don't laugh) which I suppose is comparable to Ryobi, good for light jobs. But for mowing and edging I am looking at either EGO or HONDA and maybe view expanding into the rest of their ecosystem later (and replacing Aldi altogether).

Initially I leaned heavily to Honda, their petrol motors are brilliant. But are they leaders in battery power or just playing catch up? I think the latter may be true.

For one, I'd prefer another 21" / 52cm blade mower which only the EGO seems to offer. Mulch and self propel is a must (once you've had those features there's no going back). It seems like EGO are cheaper on batteries and chargers too. I don't mind paying a premium if I'm getting extra quality and power, but not merely for the sake of the name "HONDA" on the side of the catcher.

I'd love to hear from owners, presumably nobody owns the Honda here (they're quite new) so please chime in if you own the EGO or used either. It will be nice to finally get rid of petrol power! I've been waiting for batteries to catch up to petrol power, that seems to now be the case.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Qwertykp on 12/11/2020 - 13:16

    I use Ryobi and they are properly good. Innovative too and the latest 36V battery you can’t fault them though most tools still only have 18v.
    Yes consumer grade but reliable.

    Aldi is more like Ozito, which is still perfectly fine. Does perfectly fine jobs too.

    • Click_It on 12/11/2020 - 13:59

      Oh thanks for the correction, Ozito is the brand I was thinking, not Ryobi which would indeed be a step up you are correct.

      I like the idea of having a commercial-grade mower even though I no longer do commercial anymore. I just find the superior build quality worth it in the long run. My Honda mower was somewhat neglected over the years but mechanically it's as good as the day I bought it. It's handle frames are rusting a little and some of the plastics up the top have faded. But the guts of it, still immaculate.

      The line cutter didn't age so well, still gets the job down and starts 2nd time every time but I had to rebuild the carb in it once and other niggly problems started to creep in, the maintenance got annoying, I'm convinced I just got a "Friday job" when I bought that one. I'll be happy to see these petrol dinosaurs ago.

  • nesci2 on 12/11/2020 - 13:31

    I was skeptical about battery powered mowers until I borrowed my brother-in-law's Ryobi 36v and I was honestly an instant convert. I previously owned a petrol mower and edger that I thought were great, until I got my Ego tools. Very highly recommended, plus they have a free battery promotion on at the moment so for me was a no brainer. Very happy. Would recommend.

    • Click_It on 12/11/2020 - 14:07

      Thanks! That's promising and the battery promo, I better look into that! Yes I'm happy to buy top-end as I think quality with investments like these pay for themselves over the long run. My honda mower never needed any major attention, just blades, oil and petrol. Nothing ever went wrong. A cheaper brand requiring servicing probably would have cost more over the 12 years compared to my Honda, assuming a cheaper brand lasted 12 years.

      I always have buffalo lawns which are the toughest on the mowers.

      I saw a EGO v Petrol Honda video this morning from a contractor who says the mulching on the EGO is better than Hondas (which was always the highlight of owning my honda, it always mulched amazingly well) so that's saying a lot!

      This is the model I'd be looking to get (most comparable with what I have now I think)
      https://www.tradetools.com/product-range/cordless-tools/indi…

      A bigger battery would be better, but 5Ah / 40 mins should be ample provided my next property isn't too large. Could always just get another battery if needed. What is the charge times like on these? Several hours?

    • [Deactivated] on 12/11/2020 - 14:28

      they have a free battery promotion on at the moment

      Where do I find out more about this?

      Found it.

      I need a whole lot of OPE. Sick of waiting for Milwaukee to release a brush cutter.

      • EightImmortals on 12/11/2020 - 17:41

        Is that the one where you have to spend $800?

        • [Deactivated] on 12/11/2020 - 18:20

          Yeah but that's not hard.

          I've got a few acres to tend to so it isn't hard.

    • Qwertykp on 13/11/2020 - 10:37

      I have the Ryobi 18V that allows to plug in 2 batteries. Pretty cool.

  • ESEMCE on 12/11/2020 - 14:35

    There's a Masport commercial grade 84V battery mower.
    I'm skeptical of EGO at only 56V, their mower can only be around 1hp at best (EGO don't seem to publish their motor output, so I'm estimating bad on competitors who do)
    Add in self propulsion leaching power and that's going to cut your cutting power even more.

    • Click_It on 12/11/2020 - 14:39

      Thanks I'll take a look at that!

      I've looked at a few video reviews now for the EGO. All highly favourable, however one small gripe I heard from one reviewer was it's lack of vacuum/suction compared to petrol (ie, leaving some longer blades of grass behind). Maybe that Masport can do an even better job.

      Interestingly I just noticed Honda uses 36V batteries, are they even in the same ball park ??.

      EDIT: It's not crucial, but I found it odd Masport don't have a 21" version, just a 19", especially if they are appealing to the commercial market.

    • [Deactivated] on 12/11/2020 - 16:09

      Voltage ain't everything.

      I had a few 36?v tools that I've offloaded because the m18 (Milwaukee 18v) tools were markedly better performing.

      The power is not linear to voltage. If a manufacturer can spec for sufficient amp output, the same power can be achieved regardless of voltage.

      • ESEMCE on 13/11/2020 - 08:07

        Correct, Power = Volts x Amps
        BUT Battery cell technology is all pretty similar.
        So cells are all capable of outtputting a pretty similar max Amps and that can't be alleviated by adding more cells to a string.

        Assuming big power tools like these are pulling close to max Amps, you'll get more power from a Higher voltage tool.

        This assumption runs pretty linear for any battery mower that doesn't hide its power output like EGO do.
        36V systems have ~500W motors (ie Ryobi), 56V systems have ~750W motors (ie AEG) and 82/84V systems have 1200+W motors (ie Victa/Masport)

        Maybe EGO have a different battery chemistry from everyone else, capable of outputting more current without accelerating cell degradation, but their tools have a similar weight to the competition (higher amps requires thicker/heavier conductors so we'd expect to see a heavier motor) and they don't promote the fact their system is more powerful to the competition in their marketing (which IMHO is the biggest giveaway).

      • lgacb08 on 13/11/2020 - 23:02

        voltage isn't anything but most manufacturers design the system to have similar usable time, much like mobile phones now and 10 years ago can barely last any longer despite battery capacity double or triple. Any 18v garden tool is gonna be garbage because achieving the same power as 36v will result in endless complaints about usage time.

  • Hithere on 12/11/2020 - 14:37

    I've got the EGO self propelled lawnmower and can mow all the lawns and nature strip on my average size house block on 1 battery charge.

    I've never timed how long it takes to charge the battery, I just switch the charger on and come back an hour or so later and it's 100% charged.

    The mulch function produces clippings so fine you can't even see them.

    • Click_It on 12/11/2020 - 14:42

      That's a huge pro. I love a good mulch mode, it's great for the lawn (feeds nutrients in between regular fertilising cycles)

  • Snoozer on 12/11/2020 - 14:43

    I have the EGO line trimmer and leaf blower. Both excellent and no complaints.

    I had an expensive Honda line trimmer previously and the EGO is just as versatile for house duties, without petrol and servicing costs.

    • Click_It on 12/11/2020 - 14:48

      Unlike my Honda mower, my Honda line cutter has been a temperamental pain the arse. So I'm glad to hear you've made the switch and been happy.

      • Snoozer on 13/11/2020 - 00:59

        My Honda line trimmer also required constant servicing before I eventually sold. Very temperamental as you say. Disappointing given the cost of the unit.

  • BlackorRed on 12/11/2020 - 14:46

    I got Honda Mower which I bought from Ebay and Ego Trimmer Powerload.
    Ego battery powered is equal to petrol or even better, the only problem is battery won't last as long as petrol but for convenience I would go Ego at any days. If you have a big yard, go for Ego, it will save you a lot of time

  • Hithere on 12/11/2020 - 14:50

    My mower has only 1 cutting bar, (about $38 from memory). I believe the newer EGO's have 2 cutting bars which I'd imagine would reduce how long the charge would last.

    The LED light on the front is a joke, not enough light for night mowing - not that you'd want to anyway.

  • Payne on 12/11/2020 - 15:45

    You might want to consider the AEG range too.

    I've got the mower, line trimmer and chainsaw. All have been excellent.

    The only problem I've had was with one of the batteries. Took it back to Bunnings and they swapped it on the spot for a new one.

    It's one of the main reasons I went with AEG. Bunnings have no qualms in swapping stuff over if it stops working.

  • FlipCrank on 12/11/2020 - 16:08

    Thanks for the head-ups on the new Honda system but Jesus are they expensive.

    • Click_It on 12/11/2020 - 16:11

      The deal breaker for me (I think) is they are only 36V which seems like a joke for what is supposed to be the king of mowers. It feels like they aren't taking battery ecosystem seriously. 56V and 84V is a huge increase. They do seem to use steel chassis which is cool, I like that better than plastic but I get why plastics are used because there's no longer all the weight and components required. Regardless, cleaning regularly is a must for longevity. I always did that with my petrol Honda and it's base doesn't has any rust.

      • OpayuOnam on 13/11/2020 - 16:03

        Plastic is fine and dandy until a stone/branch catapults off the ground and crushes the plastic.
        But have to agree on how much lighter a plastic unit is compared to its steel counterpart.

        • Click_It on 13/11/2020 - 19:55

          Agreed, I'd rather the heavier steel and just clean it after each use. So much easier not having to worry about oil, fuel and flooding the the carby too.

          • OpayuOnam on 13/11/2020 - 22:03

            @Click_It: Absolutely! Going from combustion to electric lower is like going from a taxi to private jet.
            Light, quiet and less vibration.

  • Click_It on 12/11/2020 - 19:15

    Another in the mix, (actually a replacement because I'm taking out Honda) which might appeal to some…

    Victa 82V is an interesting beast, wins votes for its 21" blade (rare in cordless) but lacks self propelled (yes less important on a lighter cordless but I'll never forgo it again) and comes with 2 lousy 2Ah batteries which is just weird! The average person will be forced to switch batteries as they move from front to back lawns. That's a negative from me.

    So far its between the EGO and Masport for me.

    • ESEMCE on 13/11/2020 - 08:17

      I have the Victa 18".
      Don't forget the 82V at 2Ah = 164Wh

      Depends how big your lawns are of course, but the 30 minute runtime is plenty for me to Line Trim, then mow both front and back lawns on one battery.

      The charge time is also in that 30 minute range claimed (I haven't timed it to the second, but it's about right), so you effectively have continual power available with 2 batteries. Arguably better than 1x 4Ah that you can use for 1 hour then have to stop for an hour to recharge. Again, dependent on your needs.

  • lgacb08 on 13/11/2020 - 23:07

    I have the bosch 36v and petrol one, whilst the bosch will do the job fine it will struggle if you leave your lawn too high or there's some unusual moisture on ground causing excessively thick lawn, had that happened to me a couple of year a go when neighbour tank leaked and the mower stalled every minute. BUT the battery mower cannot cut to lowest settings despite having the number on the deck, lol. No experience with Ego mower but I have an ego trimmer that get used every few months to trim lawn edge and it was comparable to petrol whipper sniper.

  • donkcat on 14/11/2020 - 21:53
    +1

    I'm looking at getting into the EGO range too, I already own the hedge trimmer I got from the Mitre 10 clearance heap for $50, but have no battery or charger.

    Have looked up a lot of reviews on the EGO stuff which has been slightly more complicated because it seems EGO have paid/given many youtube reviewers free gear to review so I find some of the reviews not quite balanced. That being said I have no intention of replacing my Honda lawn mower with an EGO, the EGO looks good and I think would do the job for most people but the most common complaint ive seen is that it doesn't cut low enough and also that every so often it leaves a blade of grass uncut (which I can't stand). My Honda is 8 years old, still runs like a dream and never really misses a blade of grass.

    But I really want a EGO whipper snipper, they review very well, just can't decide between the multihead, powerload trimmer or the rapid reload trimmer.
    The rapid reload trimmer can be had for $430 with a 5ah battery and rapid charger, is anti clockwise (great for a right hander) and I love that the rapid reload is quite simple mechanical mechanism that is both cheap to replace but low chance of breaking.
    Powerload trimmer, such a great easy automated way of feeding in new line, carbon fibre shaft is cool. The downside I see is that the motor at the head of the trimmer to feed the new line is something else that can go wrong.
    Multitool, I would like the pole saw and brush cutter attachment and possibly the edger. Downside is it's the most expensive kit to buy into and they don't seem to offer a kit that comes with the brush cutter attachment, you need to purchase separate which is $200.

    I also would love the new 18 inch chainsaw, reviews rate it very highly and is a lot closer to 2 stroke's than their previous models. The downside again is it's a $750 kit to get the saw, charger and 5ah battery. I can purchase 3 MS180's for that price which I find a great little saw.

    • Click_It on 15/11/2020 - 19:41

      Thanks for your feedback!

      • gregglesspiked on 04/01/2021 - 21:42

        What did you end up getting?

        • Click_It on 09/01/2021 - 13:00

          Nothing yet as I've decided to stay on a bit longer where I am living and the lawns are maintained by contractors. But I will get the EGO line up. Their ecosystem is extensive and looks like top notch quality.

          • gregglesspiked on 09/01/2021 - 13:56

            @Click_It: I went with the masport president 2500.
            Haven’t received it yet but will update when I get to use it

            • Click_It on 12/01/2021 - 18:36

              @gregglesspiked: Great thanks I look forward to that. I did closely look at that mower too, it looks good!

              • gregglesspiked on 19/01/2021 - 05:55

                @Click_It: I canceled my order. That one doesn’t have a removable battery and a local store salesman mentioned they’ve had a lot of repairs on the M-Tech motor..
                Back to the drawing board

                • Click_It on 19/01/2021 - 10:09

                  @gregglesspiked: Yikes! So you had to plug power to the mower and hope the battery never fails? I'd return too

                  • gregglesspiked on 19/01/2021 - 18:59

                    @Click_It: Yeah something like that. They’ve got another brand - power flex that has a removable battery so gonna look into that

    • rong on 16/11/2020 - 20:56

      What metre 10 clearance? Did I miss a billion? Still on?

      • donkcat on 17/11/2020 - 07:10

        Na it was just the clearance bin at the local mitre 10 store. It looked like it had been on a shelf for several years as very dusty, they stopped stocking EGO some time ago so think it was the left over stock

        • rong on 20/11/2020 - 14:58

          Thank you.

    • ConsumerAffairs on 24/11/2020 - 23:26

      Your in luck for the whipper snipper https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/583296

      • donkcat on 25/11/2020 - 03:49
        +1

        Haha thanls for keeping an eye out mate, actually purchased this deal on Monday, pretty happy with price but the $70 delivery stung.

  • OzBargaincreeper on 30/11/2020 - 23:44
    +1

    Bit the bullet and got the Ego 42cm mower plus a trimmer. Incl a free battery via redemption.

    Been so good coming from an old school bonner45. The noise is similar to a pedestal fan you'd have in your house, only done two cuts with it but absolutely love it so far.

    I'd worked out a better deal at my local shop to get a mower skin, plus a trimmer skin, plus a blower and battery package which was on sale. But the issue is ATM there isn't much stock around so they couldn't get me the mower skin.

    So unfortunately I think when picking Ego products you may be restricted to what's actually available in your city

  • askme69 on 17/01/2021 - 23:47

    EGO and the battery stuff is great. But the mower is crap and the ergonomics are a joke.

    I've got the whole lot, Mower, Blower, Multi tool and the attachments, Carbon Fibre Trimmer.

    I would go petrol if i had my choice over and not Honda. Toro or Victa mower etc, ECHO/STIHL Trimmer and Blower.

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