Greenworks 40V 14 inch String Trimmer, Battery Not Included, Tool Only, 2100202

I started using Greenworks tools for my yard years ago. I slowly switched my “small” tools over, leaf blower first since that’s easy to test. Worked fine, then I found a hedge trimmer, same deal, very impressed. Got one of their older model string trimmers, and LOATHED it since the day I got it. I also have a chainsaw, and push mower, both work great as well, but my total hatred for a tool was the old string trimmer I had from them.It never fed the string, ever, not once. I tried switching string diameters, no luck, bought new replacement spools even though I could wind my own, still didn’t work. The tool did function, until the string broke, or wore down, and I’d have to stop, open the head, unwind the string myself, feed it back through the hole, resume, etc. I hated trimming my lawn. I actually would put off doing it for 2 or 3 cuts just because I hated it so much. I tried asking Greenworks for ideas, and they were responsive, but I think the design was just bad and the nature of how it was designed to work didn’t end up being practically useful.I was looking and looking, hoping for a different model that had ample reviews to make me try again, and the 80v model has all of the stuff I need. Bump head, attachment ready, all of it, BUT, it was 80v. I am not ready to switch my tools, I am fine with my 40v GMax setup and they work fine. You can cut grass if you swing a rope fast enough by hand, I’m sure a 40v motor can handle my edging needs. Enter this model. It’s a 40v, Cadillac model string trimmer. It’s incredible. I wish I could convey through this review how much this thing has made my life better, that’s how badly I hated the older model I had. I’m actually toying with the idea of driving it over with my truck I hated it that much.This model now is easy to assemble, took me 10 minutes, and you can do most of it by hand until you attach the handle, which has 2 Phillips head screws that you have to remove and then replace after you slide the handle onto the shaft. No big deal it’s easy.Battery popped right in, you hit the power button which more or less “arms” the tool, so then the trigger actually works (if you pull it otherwise, it does nothing, safety feature). The low/high is the other option on this one, so high is of course fast, low is low, but it is still plenty fast. I think it saves battery more than anything.My only issue is in fact that power button, it’s one more thing that can go wrong electronically, rendering the tool useless unless you happen to be handy with buttons and circuits. I’d prefer a simple trigger lock like the old one had, which could be fixed if it did in fact break, but I understand the point and am okay with the risk. I can also fix stuff like that anyway, but, yeah, would prefer manual.Not too much to say in terms of performance, not that it’s a bad thing, it works perfectly. Spins the string, string cuts grass, makes a nice line, that’s all I need. I don’t plan on using it to chop down thick brush, my old one I did actually use for that at times and it was actually perfectly fine, I’m sure this one can handle it too.Weight - it’s a little on the heavy side, however I’m fine with it, just noting. It’s a balanced heavy, once you put the battery in it, it sorta sits comfortably in your hands if you put the handle in the right spot for yourself. I’m 5’ 11”, male, and have the handle pretty much down as far as it’ll go on the top shaft, and it seems good. Came with a shoulder strap, I don’t use it, but is available.And it came with string on the spool. These are easy to rewind too, instructions are easy and it winds about 15 feet of line on there which lasts me a while.Battery - no complaints, I usually take one of the batteries out of the mower when I’m done, and even with almost no juice in them, I can always get my yard trimmed up. 1/4 acre trimming area, flower beds, fence line, driveway, sidewalk, normal stuff.Great tool. If you have the batteries already, the tool only is a great deal. If you’re taking the plunge for the first time into electric tools, can’t go wrong with this.Happy trimming!

***Edit #3, May 2022, going on almost 5 years***Still going strong. As are both 40v 4.0ah batteries. Other than the bump head and thumb screw I mentioned previously, I haven't done anything. The nearly 5 year old batteries, I've purchased an inverter for them from Greenworks, and I now take them camping too, lol. I just did my annual pre summer yard cleanup, and it blazed through everything like a breeze.***Edit #2, Jan 2021, after almost 3.5 years***So this thing is still rocking. Battery is stil almost as good as new, it might die a little quicker, but better than i expected, no practical difference.Over the years, I've worn the bump feed button down. I searched for a replacement, couldn't find one. I called greenworks, and the told me the only option was am entire new head. And that was less than $30 shipped, and i had it in less than a week.Still definitely 5 stars.***Edit after over a year***So this is definitely a quality machine. I've upped it to 5 stars. I love this thing. It's still heavy, but i've learned to work with it. And as quickly as u can get things done with it, i don't care, lol. The only issue I've had is with the thumb screw on the shaft to tighten when changing attachments. It's stripped, though i may have overtightened it, and i change attachments regularly. It's a few dollar fix at home depot. And it still works anyways, i just have to be cautious bumping the head to feed line.4 stars only because I've only had it a week. If the battery life holds up well over the long term I'll change it to 5.Has plenty of power, even on the lower power setting. Battery life is great (4ah battery). I edged my front and back yard (I'm in Florida and haven't properly edged my yard this year) with an edger attachment, and trimmed the entire 1/4 acre, on one charge. Mostly on the low setting. I used high power for a few spots with the edger. It ate through everything I threw at it quickly, some tough weeds and crab/St Augustine grass.The only con is it's heavy, as many have noted, and a bit awkward to position properly. Comes with a shoulder strap, but I'm having problems using it to actually bear some of the weight of the machine and still keep it positioned properly to operate, if that makes sense. I used it for over an hour, and feel like i did an upper body workout. Maybe that's actually a plus, lol. But I've only used it once, so maybe I'll get that figured out better with more use.But as far as performance, i'm amazed it's a battery powered machine. It ate everything. Bump feed works well. And still fairly quiet with low vibration.