New Ryobi 40 Volt Lithium Yard tools

[annunaki]

Recently HD has been selling the new 40 Volt Lithium yard tools.
Presently, the stores have the 24inch hedge trimmer $149,(battery alone costs $129 so for $20 more, you get the trimmer and charger and if you are a Vet, Deduct 10% which is $15, so the trimmer and charger wind up costing $5.), and a Weed Wacker $169, each with a 40 Volt battery and charger .
Now on HD "on line only" web site is the leaf blower at $59- no battery or charger.
There are two other items coming in this line-
1. A 12 inch Chain Saw
2. A Lawn Mower

I wanted to know when the Lawn Mower would be available as the Ryobi site only states "coming soon".

After contacting Ryobi, I was referred to HD and after some waiting was told that it would be available July 1st.
It was unknown if this would be "on line only", or "in store".
I told them they blew it by missing "Father's Day", but at least they can bring in the Fourth of July with a nice addition. No mention of price yet, but I expect all present battery yard tools will drop in price.
There are videos available on these tools.

The Lawn Mower is RY40110

I have used the Oregon 40 Volt lithium 14" chain saw and found it worked very well. One quick way to ready a hot battery for recharge that worked was to put it in the fridge for a few minutes.

[unknown poster]

I have an 18v Ryobi weed wacker and a grass blower. They're light weight and quiet relative to their gas equivalents. I don't think I would want to lug around a 40v battery when the 18v works fine. I'm assuming the 40v is heavier.

[annunaki]

This was an issue raised when 18Volt power tools were first introduced to supersede 12V & 14V.

While indeed it's heavier, it is offset by good balance.

It is still lighter than a gas version, which many still use.

Long duration trumps the need for changing/charging before the job is finished.

I have 18V and 40V. and enjoy them both.

Bottom Line-Why not try it first before knocking it?

[Cochese]

I find it interesting they abandoned the 24v tools so quickly. Those just came out last year.

Part of the lure of the 18v ones is the system. The same battery I use to power my radio, drill or trim router then can be put in the weeder and take care of the lawn. 18v lasts me for that as much as I want, but then again I'm not cutting the yard with it. The 18v weeder does an awesome job. The blower, well, IMO it sucks. I'm glad I only paid $18 for it. I'm interested in trying the hedge trimmer, but the chainsaw looks to be too short.

Since I don't want an electric mower, there's really no lure to the 40v system for me.