- System: EGO 56V
- Model: ST1520S/ST1521S
- Cutting Swath: 15″
- Motor: Brushless
- Line: 0.095″ twisted
- Speed: 4000-5800 RPM
- Weight: 7.28 lbs w/o battery
Did you know that EGO makes a 56V cordless string trimmer with carbon fiber shaft? EGO had sent us a new cordless trimmer (ST1520S) over the summer, but allergies and a heavy workload kept me from testing it sooner. I put two hours in with the new trimmer, and learned a few things about it.
Why buy THIS model? EGO offers a couple of different cordless 15″ string trimmers. The main selling points of this model are the Powerload line reload feature and the carbon fiber shaft. You could do without them, but personally I am really liking the auto-winding head. Having experienced it, I’d pay the premium for this feature.
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To start off, let me tell you how I tested it. We had some trees removed last winter, and a whole lot of tall weeds and grasses popped up in those areas that wrap around the perimeter of our property. Yesterday it was time to start battling the overgrowth. These areas grow some weeds every year, but I’m guessing the reduced shade really let them grow wild and fast.
I had only cleared out maybe 20% of the overgrowth, and so there will be plenty of more testing opportunities in the next week or two.
Most of the tall grasses and weeds were between live trees, and some were right up to the trunks. There were also some obstructions, such as large rocks and a 4×4 or two that I guess diverts some rainwater to a shared drain slightly downhill. So, most of the use so far was done in open areas, but I also had to do some edging and trimming around barriers and trees.
Assembly was a cinch. I had a little trouble until I flexed the joint against a workbench and the holes lined up perfectly. The trimmer arrives folded up in a half-height box. To set it up, you close the hinged joint and fasten the two ends of the shaft together with a single screw. Then, it’s quick to attach the guard and front handle.
There’s also a straight shaft version, ST1520.
EGO preloads the trimmer and includes a second pre-cut replacement line. Replacement line is easily available. I bought a 5-pack of pre-cut 14-foot twisted 0.095″ line at Home Depot and also have a pack of 160 ft uncut line on the way from Amazon.
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Trimmer Reloading is easy. You load it through the trimmer head mid-way, and then press a button near the head to wind it up.
There was an instance where somehow the line was broken and retracted inside the head, and so I had the chance to test the clearing process should you wind up the line too far and into the head. Removing the cap wasn’t effortless, but maybe it’ll be easier the second time around now that I know exactly how to push the tabs in.
Advancing the Line is done by bumping the head down. It’s quick and easy.
The Carbon Fiber Shaft is described as being stronger than any other string trimmer shaft on the market today. When I went to Home Depot to pick up a 5-pack of replacement line, I saw an Echo cordless string trimmer with a bent metal shaft. EGO says the carbon fiber shaft has a lifetime warranty, guaranteeing its strength and durability forever.
Carbon fiber also damps vibrations better than other materials, and so I wonder if it has anti-vibration benefits here.
During Testing, I didn’t make much use of the variable speed control. I went at the overgrowth at full power. After some time I started trimming the taller weeds and grass from the top down, and then clearing them out from the side.
I somehow went through both of the included pre-cut lines, and more than 3x 5.0Ah battery charges. I have three 5.0Ah batteries from an EGO cordless snow blower review sample and other past samples, I cycled through all three batteries. I *believe* they were fully charged, or at least nearly. In the maybe 2 to 2-1/2 hours I was out there, I had depleted three batteries in a row and then taken the first one off the charger I had out. I was on my fourth 5.0Ah battery charge when I ran out of line.
The testing conditions were very aggressive and very demanding. It’d be better if I could rent a brush cutter or mower, but the EGO 15″ trimmer worked well and even better than I had expected. I have not cleared an area this large with a string trimmer before.
The trimmer was also easy to control around trees.
If it can handle this, it’ll work just fine for lighter trimming tasks.
Overall
I’ve been a fan of EGO cordless power tools, and this one is no different. I might have opted for the straight shaft version if I were purchasing the tool, but the split shaft version is less expensive and could potentially be folded back up for seasonal storage.
I jammed the motor a couple of times, and it started right back up each time. I’d say that I abused the tool, and kept it running nearly continuously for a little over two hours. My three 5.0Ah batteries could have kept me going for even longer, but I ran out of line.
The runtime was actually impressive given how I was using the trimmer to cut thick tall grass and thicker-stemmed weeds that I had no business using a string trimmer on. I think that the 2.5Ah battery included in the kits would power the trimmer through at least several quick maintenance-trimming sessions.
I might try it with a 2.5Ah battery, but I don’t think there will be much benefit to ergonomics or weight. Buying into EGO’s 56V cordless outdoor power system is easier on the wallet if you go with the 2.5Ah kit. But if you already have a charger and 5.0Ah battery, the bare tool is a good option.
The controls were easy and comfortable. I wished at one point the handle had tool-free adjustments, but a minute with a hex key before the next session is all that will be needed to dial it in for my preferences. Tool-free adjustments sometimes loosen up over time and can be a hassle to retighten, and so long-term the 4-screw shaft clamp will work just fine.
I liked how easy it was to load the line, and the bump advance is of course a convenience.
Less expensive and lower powered string trimmers are limited to 0.065″ or 0.080″ lines and usually have shorter cutting swaths. The 15″ cutting swath and heavier 0.095″ twisted line was definitely appreciated. I don’t think a lighter duty trimmer could have handled what I pushed this EGO through.
I went through line way too quickly, but that shouldn’t happen in normal use. During less aggressive clearing or trimming projects, the same line should last a lot longer.
As of now, I’m pretty sold on this EGO cordless string trimmer. It handled everything I threw at it yesterday, and if it can handle itself the same way as I work to clear the rest of the overgrown area, I don’t see any way things could be better.
Price: $169 for the bare tool (ST1520S), $229 for the 2.5Ah kit (ST1521S), $216 for the straight shaft bare tool (ST1520)
Buy the Bare Tool via Home Depot
Buy the 2.5Ah Kit via Home Depot
Buy the Straight Shaft via Home Depot
Next time I’ll try for “before and after” photos. When I started the cleanup process yesterday, I wasn’t convinced that the trimmer would actually be suitable. I thought I’d have to give up on the overgrowth cleanup and then do some regular maintenance-style trimming tasks for testing purposes. But the trimmer was making good progress, and before I knew it I had reduced the overgrowth to winter ground cover.
Thank you to EGO for providing the review sample.
Lee hopkins
Wow the battery is as much as the Trimmer
Frank D
Two things I like about battery operated versions: no gas & related issues,and silence. But, it would take a huge investment to switch over a bunch of kit to battery operated …
And, as somebody who got stung by Makita 12v, Craftsman 12v, Ridgid 24v and a couple other products where they abandoned the battery type or product line … I am extremely skeptical to step into any new product line with highly expensive batteries for infrequently used tools.
I still need to invest $250 to get one of my gadgets operating again, after the batteries died in storage over winter the second year, and the mfr switched battery shape for the next models … deja vu … after a mere three years of existence.
Mike
There are companies that will rebuild your battery pack with new cells. My neighbor got his Porter Cable drill batter packs redone and was happy with the outcome, both performance and price wise. I think this is the one he used: https://www.mtobattery.com/collections/power-tool
Frank D
Thank you.
I was able to do that with the Makita 12v stem packs once as they’re NiMH. Then the rebuilds started to fail within 2 yrs, more casual use than the originals which pretty much remodeled a house, and so it did not seem cost effective to repeat.
They would not touch / rebuild the 24v as they’re Li-Ion.
fm2176
I bought one of these earlier this year. The power is beyond impressive, and the Power Load feature is worth the additional investment. I have the two 5.0Ah batteries that came with my blower and mower, a 2.5Ah that came with the trimmer, a 2.0 that came with the hedge trimmer, and two additional 2.0Ah batteries I found on clearance. Needless to say, I can maintain my entire yard (well, front or back, can’t do both without recharging) with ease.
Lance
I have all Ego outdoor tools now, starting back in 2014 with their 20” mower which is still working great. Their tools are powerful and well designed. Not the cheapest, but they are awesome!
Agreed, the bare battery prices are high. Buy batteries with tool kits.
Melba Impson
I am an 83 year old female and have been using EGO since the lawnmower came out. Over 12 years and love them all. It has made it possible for me to continue maintaining my lawn. I don’t like the long shaft the weed eater has. I’m a short person and it is bulky for me.
George
I bought one of their string trimmers, the low end mower, and a couple batteries. Couldn’t be happier. The batteries run plenty of time in the mower. With both batteries charged, the whole lawn and trimming gets done easily. Both tools work great.
Best things: no gas. No oil. No spark plugs. The mower can be stored hanging on the wall or propped up folded up. The mower is light and only slightly louder than a commercial stand fan on full speed. The trimmer is just as quiet as other trimmers but with more gas-like power. No gas also means no walking around in a cloud of unfiltered combustion fumes.
About the only “down side” is that it feels a bit like I’m using a Fisher Price “My First Lawn Mower” toy at first. Then I remember all the irritation of owning a gas mower I don’t have anymore.
Jason Law
I bought into the Ego system with an older string trimmer, the blower and the chain saw. All work well. I do wish the runtime on the blower were longer even with the 5.0Ah battery that came with the chain saw. The only negative experience I’ve had is when I broke the trigger on the string trimmer. I’d left the trimmer on the ground and I accidentally stepped on just the plastic trigger snapping it off right at the housing. No problem I thought, I’ll order a replacement. Opened it up, removed the plastic trigger, looked online for the part number and found out that Ego wouldn’t sell the part to me. It was under warranty. 10 weeks later, after dropping it off at HD and having them ship the entire trimmer to a service center somewhere, it came back a bit scratched up but with a new $2 plastic trigger installed. So if it had been out of warranty? Or if the time out of service mattered to me? Parts should be available to the end user.
IJK
The long service time is a well-known issue within the community. Partly because HD has very few in-store EGO certified techs despite being EGO’s official service center as well.
Typical work around that’s recommended, if time is an issue is to drop off unit for warranty service, buy temporary replacement tool. I say temporary, because you have a 90-day return period (1 yr if using an HD card), that you’re just going to return for a refund after getting your original tool back.
https://community.egopowerplus.com/ego <- – community forums where the recommendation came from.
Adam
I assume they still repair if out of warranty… Just at a hugely inflated cost.
I’d really like more self-repairability than that. I need new yard tools, but also will slowly get other power tools… Is Makita good for replacement parts? (now that they have a good mower, they’ve moved way up my list since they have basically everything else, ever)
RC Ward
EGO is the way to go for home owner, battery powered , lawn equipment no doubt.
salman saleem
I have the non carbon fiber model. The price is a little steep but after using and owning ego blower and trimmer i am sold on getting a mower after my honda mower dies
Addison
This tear down review of the Ego blower highlights the option (buy a good tool battery that can ALSO be used in tools).
https://youtu.be/8FaTU5Dsono
I compared my M18 Milwaukee brushless blower to the “56V” Ego that a neighbor had just got, M18 ‘blew it away’ (power and duration). But the Stihl 2-cycle is at least 20% better than the M18.
MattF
I love my 260wh and 420wh Milwaukee batteries in my blower!!!
Oh wait those don’t exist…
(M18 12ah = 216ah)
That being said, Ego has too many indistinguishable blowers https://egopowerplus.com/power-blowers/
The lb5800 and lb6000 are very good.
Michael H.
I’ve owned the gen 2 Milwaukee blower and the ego 530cfm blower and now the 600cfm backpack blower. The Milwaukee is good for garage cleaning or deck/patio, won’t hold up for clearing leaves, definitely not as powerful like you claim. Next off is watt hours of the battery 216watt hour won’t compete with ego 260/420watt hour batteries.
Altan
It seems this Swiss made spray blower will work with Metabo 18V batteries, this brand just joined CAS with Metabo. It looks it is for Gardening. They have other battery operated tools also.
https://www.birchmeier.com/en/content/produkte/as_1200/index.php
Mark
This is the best cordless line available. I have the blower and trimmer. I love my Milwaukee tools but they do not even start to compare to the Ego. The EGO blower has the strongest cordless blower on the market. The Milwaukee is a joke compared to it. Look it up, research for yourself. Google is your friend 😉
Allen Powers
I’m really loving my Ego tools! Did a lot of research before buying into their system because I have some Dewalt 20V stuff but I’m not a fan of their OPE. Makita would have been my second choice for home use.
Ego seems like a great company all around and their warranties ( 5 year tool, 3 year battery ) show they aren’t afraid of backing up their equipment. I read something a while back about their batteries being advanced like the Tesla batteries but I don’t know much beyond that. The multi-head attachment tool is pretty cool and dead simple to use. The powerload string trimmer is definitely worth the price of admission.
No more mixing ( and storing ) gas and oil but still having the power. No more loud noise and smelling like fumes. No more time spent on engine maintenance. It’s a good company that has well designed tools and great warranties. You get what you pay for.
Nathan
I’d like to see a comparision (or I’m willing to do one next year if asked) between some of the other systems. I have the Echo 58V system and the Gen 1 trimmer motor. It has attachment capability. EGO now makes one with attachment capabilities too. So do a few others. (makita, milwaukee, and of course Husquvarna and Stihl)
but with respect to your battery use I’m surprised it took so much. How much square area are you covering? I can clean up my tree patch (roughly a 1/3 acre) with my echo in one battery charge and it’s a 58V 4AH kit.
Meanwhile overall I like the idea of the CF shafting I don’t like the foldable bit. Separated yes – folding no. Does their auto winder use the motor to rewind the string inside or it is some form of spring loaded. I think Stihl has a new setup that does something like autowind and the motor runs it back.
I like Echo’s speed load – other companies use a version of it too – namely husquvarna and stihl. Similar to how you describe the other system – you run in the string 1/2 way and the head has a ratchet mechanism that you can crank back. Yes it takes all of 1 minute maybe 2 but very simple.
I’d like to see them bring out an attachment system capability with the CF shaft but I wonder how the real weight savings over the AL shafted products actually is.
Bill
Nathan, yes the auto winder, Ego calls it “PowerLoad”, does use the motor to load the string via a ratchet mechanism much like what you described. There is a large green button where the head attaches to the carbon shaft, that you hold down to wind the string into the head after you feed a 15 foot piece of string halfway through the head. I have the split carbon fiber shaft unit (ST1521S) described in this article and it has proven to be a joy to use load. While the split shaft design could be beneficial to the end user for storage and transportation, I imagine the design is aimed at the retail stores for easier storage, display and shipping. The split shaft gave me pause as well, but in practice it has not been an issues as the hinge point is robust and immovable when the screw is in place.
Nathan
many companies moved to a split shaft on it saves on shipping and boxes. But for others the split boom allows for an attachment system.
I’d prefer to have the attachment system and a split boom. Example I don’t have any screws in mine. The shaft for the end part comes out of a coupler. In the case of this system since the motor is on the end of the trimmer head – that sort of negates the attachment idea. Otherwise you would put motors in each attachment.
Whereas the other EGO straight shaft trimmer has the motor at the battery and a drive shaft. it is attachment capable and they make an edger and hedge trimmer and blower attachments for it. Like other brands.
I guess longer version of saying the hinge point seems superfluous.
Tim D.
I’m interested in battery powered lawn equipment. However, there are a few issues I still have with them.
I have acreage to maintain. There’s not really a mower designed to cut that kind of land, and I’d have to have more trimmer/blower batteries than I’d like to pay for.
The build quality of most of the battery operated chainsaws, trimmers, blowers that I’ve held do not feel very skookum.
With proper care/maintenance I expect 10 years out of a trimmer. I don’t expect the current iterations of battery operated tools will last 10 years, without factoring for the batteries which probably won’t make it that long either.
I think battery powered stuff is great for people that don’t know how or want to properly maintain gas powered equipment. I think you pay more for that convenience.
It’s probably also great for families. I know my wife is intimidated by gas powered equipment, and I imagine it’s easier to get kids involved with electric stuff as well.
Nathan
how many acres? I agree on the mower part I mean there are now cordless riding mowers – but not really made for the runtime to meet 3 acre yards. There is some pro cordless mowers that compete with pro zero turns – but you’re talking about a 17K mower.
On the trimmer part when I bought my Echo 58 Volt I was looking to buy an Echo 2 cycle and dollar wise with the larger battery kit – I was dead even dollars with the big motor echo trimmer I was going to buy. Biggest thing – attachement capable as I was also getting the edger attachment. Never edging with a trimmer flipped over ever again – just not worth it.
anyway. I took a gamble that the cordless electric would do the job and it certainly does. I’d argue it has more power than the gas 2 cycle. same trimmer head – same string etc etc. I only have an acre and change but I have a long driveway I edge with a lot of sidewalk too. anyway I can edge the whole property and trim all I need to (around the house – front landscaping – etc) all on one battery charge. Yes I admit if you had more you might want to invest in another battery and they aren’t cheap.
Unless you buy another toolkit setup with another battery and charger – like say the hedge trimmer or a chain saw, etc. I mean it’s not like you’ll use the hedge trimmer every weekend. but you’d have the other battery and another charger for less. Now you can have 2 batteries ready and change they both at once if need be.
I personally don’t need it but I have 2. Point is – they’ve come quite a long way.
If I had say 3-5 acres and say a pond or something I’d probably have to have a gas setup. but I’d still be on the fence.
David coffey
My carbon shar ego trimmer loads well but after loading will not lock down on the line to use
Tool junkie
I had an older EGO trimmer with the metal shaft. It was kind of a pain to load the string on it.
I went and bought this one and it was hands-down the best one I’ve used in 25 years. No oil or mess. It throws a .095 line and I can do my entire home with it. I purchased a strap to relieve the weight while I use it. Nice and quiet. I didn’t notice a whole lot of difference between this one and the one with the metal shaft as far as handling, but the power-load string head made it night-and-day easier to load the head with string. It was well worth it to just upgrade for that feature alone!