Electric Multi Tool - Ego 56v - Does Anything Else Compare?

donbot on 04/01/2023 - 22:36

I love mowing - I hate whipper snipping, and I think it's all to do with the Stihl line trimmer that is a mongrel to start, and a mongrel to feed line into.

With about 200m of edges to do with healthy Kikuyu grass growing everywhere, this is a pretty common occurrence.

My edger I got given is an ozito - does the job, just sounds like a jet engine taking off as it's so loud.

Considering electric cordless to replace, and add a hedge trimmer to my arsenal as this is a need for some rear screening that needs some attention after being planted 18monthw ago.

Looking at this package - seems pretty decent value.

https://sydneytools.com.au/product/ego-mhse2001ep-56v-25ah-a…

Anyone have direct feedback on the multi tool? Reports say it's quite heavy with the hedge trimmer, but I think I'll be ok with it. Does it all perform well? Same as the line trimmer and edger in this pack?

Not looking to go electric mower at this stage. 430m2 of grass to mow is a fair amount, and happy with my old trusty petrol mower for now.

Home & Garden Hand Tool Multi-Tool

Comments

  • nugmo on 04/01/2023 - 22:51
    +1

    If you can stretch it, it's worth going the dedicated 1620 line trimmer with the IQ feed. No more lawn crop circles from bump feeding and the thing is a total pleasure to use!

    • AaronR on 05/01/2023 - 00:31

      +1 to this. I’ve got the multi tool but have the separate line trimmer with powerload feeder. It’s amazing.

      Multi tool hedge trimmer is great if you’ve got various size (especially tall) hedges.

      Pole pruner is worlds above the Ryobi I switched from.

      Not sure how good the multi tool trimmer is, because on paper it seemed average and I didn’t end up getting it.

      My friend has the edger and cultivator and constantly praises them both.

      • donbot on 05/01/2023 - 12:23

        Interesting. What's so ordinary about the line trimmer attachment for the multi tool?

        How do you find the pole pruner? A lot of reading says it's weight makes it awkward to use (also others on their thread). I don't have heaps of hedging to prune (about 16m along back fence), but will end up being quite high to block out neighbours.

        The cultivator is an interesting one - love the fact someone praises it!

        • AaronR on 05/01/2023 - 12:54

          No auto load on the trimmer and no carbon fibre shaft. I also figured it would be weight balanced better than the multi tool version as it was built for purpose. I have no data to back that up, but it’s definitely a pleasure balanced out with a 2.5Ah battery.

          Pole pruner can be a little unwieldy when cutting super high branches with the extension, but is totally fine as an average strength male.

          See if you can find one on display and feel it out. The Ego stuff will definitely satisfy power/ability requirements (not to mention amazing customer service if anything goes wrong)…. Just go see if it feels good in the hand.

  • Broos on 04/01/2023 - 23:00

    I have this pack. I bought the rotohead tool to replace the line trimmer as I found it dangerous and too loud. Works a treat. I have never run out of power. But the Ego batteries seem to give up once they get hot. And they get hot much faster than I’d expect. So, have a spare one.
    The edger is fine. I don’t have a comparison for that, sorry.

    • Mr BoMBAStiG on 05/01/2023 - 07:44
      +4

      If your ego batteries are cutting out before they are flat, and it's not 40 deg outside, try this.
      Get a rag, put it over a Stanley knife, push the blunt edge of the knife blade (butter knife could work too) into the gap between the metal contacts of the battery. The aim is to remove the dirty grease that builds up there. Clean the positive and negative sides.

      It's the grease that gets hot and breaks connection to the unit and freaks out the battery control board.

      • Broos on 08/01/2023 - 21:15

        Ohh, nice share. I’ve just done this and will test the batteries tomorrow! Thanks!

    • donbot on 05/01/2023 - 12:24

      Dangerous and too loud? What do you mean by that? How would they compare to a petrol line trimmer in terms of danger and noise?

      • Broos on 08/01/2023 - 21:14

        I always use safety glasses and hearing protection when using my Multitool. The guard on the Multitool Line Trimmer is laughably small. It shields very little debris during trimming. I’ve had debris hit my face despite being very cautious with the device. This is in contrast to most other Line Trimmers using adequately sized shields. The Line Trimmer is very, very loud. If you’re near metal (e.g. fences) you’ll damage your ears pretty quickly - this aspect is probably like most other powerful Line Trimmers. However, I purchased the Rotohead and will likely never use the Line Trimmer head again. I’d recommend it over the Line Trimmer for most applications.

  • whitelie on 04/01/2023 - 23:21
    +2

    Makita would be another option.
    I've got the 40v Powerhead but in hindsight probably should have gone with this one instead. Just a few small differences between them that makes the 36v nicer to use I think but doesn't feel as polished.
    I have an Ego mower and blower but didn't like their Powerhead personally. Their self loading whip heads are a bit gimmicky as they make the line sit a long way off the grass so you have to hold it at an angle to get low.

    I use the rotary scissors more than anything but it does get heavy. Put a speed feed head on whichever you get (even put one on your Stihl in the meantime). Makes reloading line a 30 second job and they have no problems feeding line out.

    • donbot on 05/01/2023 - 12:27

      This intrigues me. So you have the 40v Makita multi tool?

      What do you mean the 36v is nicer to use, but not as polished?

      What attachments other than rotary scissors do you use? Is the line trimmer and hedge any good if you use them?

      The current Stihl is out of action as cannot start it - so lawns are cut, but edges are rough as guts as no trimming!

      • whitelie on 05/01/2023 - 14:05

        Yes, I have the 40v one.
        The biggest thing I don't like about it is that it turns off after literally 1-2 seconds. So when you stop and start, it's an extra button press to turn it on and go again. The 36v stays on for 30 seconds or something so you can throttle on and off as you like. No idea why they changed it, you do get used to it but it's still highly annoying.
        There's a good YouTube video from a guy in NZ that compares all three 18/36/40v. Can find it if you're interested.

        I have the whip, edger and scissors. Don't do much hedging so haven't got the attachment. I'll eventually buy a dedicated hedger - the higher model 18v Makita's are some of the best for blade speed and much lighter than the 40v and 56v Ego's. Unless you need the reach of the attachment and/or extension on the multi tool, that's the way I'd recommend going.

        The whip attachment is good but I changed the head to a speed feed one without even using the Makita one that comes with it. Nice small guard which I like.

        • donbot on 08/01/2023 - 10:12

          Thanks! I found that NZ guys reviews - really helpful! I see what you mean about the switching off. That alone would drive me (and my father in law who helps out from time to time) absolutely insane, so the 36v seems the go for us on that basis alone.

          His cultivator review was gold - that thing looks like a beast for my needs, even if a bit more controlled on 40v. I'm currently in a world of hurt having done the veggie garden manually yesterday, so will go down that path.

          A few other reviews I watched showed the 36v on medium setting is what most use - so I figure for my needs, it would be sufficient.

          The additional height for the hedge will be pretty handy, so I think I'm sold on the multi tool. Plus, can take the chance to get onto one platform for the shed and replace the Mish mash of crap I've got now.

          Thanks for your help!

          • whitelie on 10/01/2023 - 13:04

            @donbot: No worries.
            I think the 36v is probably the best option for most and allows you to just run 18v batteries for everything else. I believe Makita have the largest range of 18v tools available out of all the manufacturers? Most of their stuff has more than enough grunt too

            • donbot on 16/01/2023 - 21:03

              @whitelie: Seems the 36v model got the auto -2 second cut off that the 18v and the 40v have.

              Not the end of the world as I can keep my hand on the safety most the time, but is a bit annoying! Seems they must have changed it from that review, as mine works like the 40v and powers off very quickly if not being triggered.

              • whitelie on 16/01/2023 - 21:19

                @donbot: Oh really? That's a shame. Makes me feel a bit better having the 40v then, not missing anything really

  • Tomcruise on 04/01/2023 - 23:29
    +1

    I have all the EGO crap.

    The Multi tool hedger is pretty heavy/awkward.
    The Edger does what its supposed to i suppose.

    The shit mower has stained my thoughts of all my EGO products though.

    • Navanod66 on 05/01/2023 - 09:38

      Which mower are you on? Am thinking of eventually upgrading from a cheap Ozito, but putting it off due to some of the poor reviews

    • donbot on 05/01/2023 - 12:29

      I'm not considering a mower as part of this. 4 stroke I have currently does a bang up job - not broken, don't fix it.

      How much hedge do you use the multi tool on?

      I'm just wondering if the mower has tainted absolutely everything - but for the mower, would you be happy?

    • whitelie on 05/01/2023 - 14:28

      Which mower do you have?
      I've got the Select Cut and have no complaints

    • lgacb08 on 05/01/2023 - 18:26

      I have the ego trimmer and bought the edger later and it was a regret, the edger performance is inferior in many ways. The only gripe with the trimmer is it chew through line like lollies, but I still haven't run out the roll to get a better one.

      • AaronR on 05/01/2023 - 18:49

        This stuff is good - Oregon 20-020 Magnum Gatorline Supertwist Trimmer Line .095-Inch by 282-Foot https://amzn.asia/d/iyxdCm8

        • lgacb08 on 07/01/2023 - 14:22

          Thanks, I'll wait for it to go down a bit more, looks promising but once you spent $10 at Aldi it's hard to go nearly 4times the cost.

      • whitelie on 10/01/2023 - 13:07

        Is it the trimmer chewing the line or the line being rubbish that it wears out or snaps? I would say it's an issue with the line rather than the trimmer itself unless it's feeding it out excessively.

        The cheap line is a false economy as it doesn't last as long. Use good stuff like Trailblazer

        • lgacb08 on 10/01/2023 - 22:48

          line wears out only as it's a bump feed one. The roll lasts me over 5 years already so I'm not complaining, probably will need to buy new one this year.

  • jinkerjinx on 04/01/2023 - 23:51
    +1

    not a consideration for most ppl, but i'm not a fan because the 56v battery packs seem difficult to service in comparison to others, and the bms is more troublesome imo.

    also.. doesn't seem to be much in the way of knockoff batteries for these coming out of shenzen.

  • Fraz on 05/01/2023 - 08:03
    +1

    I got the 1521 line trimmer with power feed and extra battery kit when my newish Stihl shit itself.
    I was so impressed with it I immediately sold my Honda on Facebook and bought the 2135 mower with free blower and haven’t looked back. Both are way stronger than my old petrol stuff on my thick buffalo. I got the powerhead and edger deal on Amazon thanks to ozbargain too as it’s just a motor so I’m not expecting warranty issues but it is quite heavy.

  • Nugs on 05/01/2023 - 08:20

    Have you considered a dedicated edger? How long does 200m take you?
    Never used one myself but from what I have witnessed they seem speedy.
    I use a 25 year old Stihl line trimmer with bump feed because I inherited it and don't have a lot of edging to do.

    Example if can use 240V
    https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-1400w-190mm-corded-lawn-ed…
    .

    • donbot on 05/01/2023 - 12:31

      Line trimming (fences and sheds, etc) is about 200m. Edges are significantly less, but I do like the look of crispy edges.

      I rarely use the edger I have - it is so loud it wakes the sleeping children.

      Not going 240v - don't like the idea of running extension cords long long distances on our block.

      • Nugs on 05/01/2023 - 13:25

        I do fencing and sheds with weed spray, less time consuming. Inch or two near house, six inches in paddocks. Line trimmer for house apron
        .

    • lgacb08 on 05/01/2023 - 18:29

      Edger is hopeless unless you have perfect lawn with no raised garden bed or other raised structures around it. The trimmer wins every time.

  • dogboy on 05/01/2023 - 09:44

    This seems like a good deal. Personally I prefer the Ryobi 36v range. Comes with a 6 year warranty (3 year on battery) and can replace at Bunnings for any issues.

    • donbot on 05/01/2023 - 12:32

      What Ryobi range do you use? Multi tool or separate items?

      • dogboy on 08/01/2023 - 13:22

        The chainsaw is good, whipper snipper w/ edging attachment, hedge trimmer, lawn mower. The hedge trimmer is really the only one I don't like that much as it is quite heavy with the large 36v battery. The chainsaw is a beast.

  • shaybisc on 05/01/2023 - 09:51
    +1

    Ego line trimmer respooling is an immensely superior process to Stihl's and of course it's infinitely superior at starting than a Stihl 2 stroke.

  • Hugh G Rection on 05/01/2023 - 17:21

    i use Makita, and it works great. Makita has the biggest range of tools, so my batteries work with everything. I want to keep it simple and have my battery work for everything i own.

  • donbot on 05/01/2023 - 18:46

    I'm now thinking to ditch the multi head, and seriously considering a separate 2x18V Makita line trimmer and a 18v pole hedge trimmer. Edger seems irrelevant and not rated that highly.

    Anyone have experience with the Makita 18V pole trimmers? Everything I read seems to suggest 18V is sufficient power and makes it lighter.

    Aiming for a Approx 3m tall rear hedge (neighbours be gone - it's just under 2m currently, so next year will hit the height we want), but I need to keep trimming the front of it to keep it bushing up.

    A bonus of the Makita kit is the ability to utilise the batteries elsewhere in the shed - it's time to retire the old mix of ozito/Ryobi hand me down tools that last about 15minutes on a full charge.

  • donbot on 10/01/2023 - 13:48

    Went balls to the wall after cracking it at the Petrol mower again after giving me blisters to start the bastard. Opted for a multi tool and a mower and futureproofed the shed to be Makita 18v shed.

    36v multi tool - DUX60PSHPT2-B, which should appease the line trimmer, hedge trimmer, polesaw need. Added an edger and cultivator to the pack to round it out.
    36v 4 battery mower - DLM536PT4X, which maintains a steel deck and plenty of juice to see out our yard.

    Having used old mowers and having always hated any line trimmer I've owned for hatred of starting it and feeding it, I'm quite excited to pick this kit up!

    • Spectacular on 12/01/2023 - 00:37

      Let us know how you go! I share your hatred for for line trimmers and find myself coming up with excuses to avoid starting up my 2 stroke gear.

      • donbot on 16/01/2023 - 21:10
        +1

        Haven't used the line trimmer as father on law beat me to it, but we was pretty big wraps for it, just as stock standard setup.

        I used the hedge trimmer and polesaw today and very impressed. As others have stated - the hedge trimmer is heavy, but not impossiblly heavy. If I were trimming a hedge maze, it might become too much, but for my yard it's great.

        Pole extension makes it truly massive. Worked really well with the polesaw to knock off some high branches on neighbours tree overhanging my.yard.

        Haven't used the cultivator (won't for a while yet until vegie garden changes season), and edger soon.

        The mower is huge - will admit I've probably overdone it here. Havent done the yard yet as green bins full of hedge and tree cuttings.

        Looking forward to receiving cordless leaf blowers in redemption packs. Hoping 18v is enough power, or might try and sell them both and bump to the 36v beast.

      • donbot on 19/01/2023 - 11:40
        +2

        Mower is a beast. Smashed out the backyard to give it a test run… Flew around it and gave a really good cut. Heaps easier and faster than my 4 stroke - much bigger base at 53cm. Word of warning if your backyard is really rough and bumpy, it's a big mower so a bit harder to manuaver, but the self propel works really well. Mine isn't too bad, and I've wanted to level out some parts since we moved in - this just confirms it.

        The side chute is a great idea - but if your cutting short and you have some minor bumps/unevenness - it will just come off as it gets caught in the bumps. Not an issue - did a mulch cut without it on - just fell out the back like normal.

        Polesaw made short work of the big overhanging tree that has annoyed me since we moved in.

        Line trimmer is good, but a bit smaller head than I'm used to - so that's taking a bit of getting used to.

        Not sure for home use anything more than 36v is what's needed - nothing I've thrown at it has struggled. Really enjoying the 18v world too - recip saw and drill/driver I bought have already been massively useful and easier than my old corded/old school cordless.

        • Spectacular on 19/01/2023 - 15:12

          Sounds great, thanks for the detailed feedback on the kit!

        • donbot on 13/03/2023 - 08:58

          Just to add to this, I have used the cultivator attachment for the multi tool to turn over the soil in my vegie garden between plantings, and man - thing is a beast. Soil is pretty ordinary and as I've justed started turning it into a veggie garden, it's compacted and has clay through it - this thing made light work of it on second speed without an issue.

          Definitely glad I've got a good supply of batteries as it did chew through them (probs getting 20m of on time per set - 5ah), but way easier than digging/fork to break up the soil, and broke it down much better than I would have.

          Only complaint is needing to hold the safety or repress the power button after a few seconds if release the safety (mentioned above), but I can see how it's a good idea for safety - particularly with the non-whipper snipper attachments..

    • whitelie on 12/01/2023 - 01:27
      +1

      I think you'll like it. Would definitely recommend getting a speed feed head for the trimmer attachment though. Not expensive and makes reloading ridiculously quick and easy

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