ECHO LM-2119SP Self-Propelled Gas Powered Lawn Mower Review

ECHO LM-2119SP Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Echo
Model number: LM-2119SP
Price: 579.99
Power source: Gas
Motor size: 190cc

Specifications

• Gas Engine: 190cc Briggs and Stratton
• Self Propelled
• Deck Size: 21” Steel cutting deck
• Cutting height: Adjustable from 1.25 to 4.0 in.
• Warranty: 5-year consumer / 90-day commercial

The ECHO LM-2119SP is a foldable “Mown N Stow”

Having a gas-powered mower that can be folded is a very beneficial space-saving feature for many people. The easy-to-use orange locking handles allow the mower to fold up quickly for space-saving storage purposes.

The mower can be hung by the built-in deck handle or can neatly sit while folded. The handle arms allow the mower to stand up vertically while folded and create a stable platform, preventing the mower from tipping over.

21” Steel cutting deck

The ECHO LM-2119SP has a 21” steel-cutting deck. In addition, the deck has a built-in quick connector that allows you to attach a garden hose for cleaning the grass clippings and build-up from the underside of the deck.

Under the deck, there is a plastic shield that protects the bearings and spindles from water and dirt contamination. For myself, I am not a big fan of spraying water into an area with bearings that could potentially rust. I would rather prop the deck up in “storage mode” and scrape it by hand. However, this is a personal preference.

The Deck Cutting Height is easily adjustable from 1.25” to 4.0” by the easy-adjustment handle. When adjusting the front and rear, they will adjust simultaneously, rather than having to adjust each separately. Adjusting both wheels at the same time saves the user the hassle of having to adjust multiple levers.

190cc Briggs and Stratton Engine

The ECHO LM-2119SP comes with a 190cc Briggs and Stratton Engine. Briggs and Stratton engines have been included on lawnmowers for decades and are a common name in the industry. This Briggs and Stratton engine also has a “ready-start” feature to enable quicker starting in any climate. Quicker starts are always favorable.

In addition, standing a gas mower straight up is usually frowned upon because the gas can leak out of the gas tank. Furthermore, engine oil can drip into places that it should not within the motor. On this Echo lawn mower, the gas cap is positioned so that the gas will not leak out while standing upright, but you have to be sure not to have it filled past the fill line (about ¾ of the tank). I did some research on the Briggs and Stratton web page. This engine was designed to be “Mow N Stowed”. What does this mean? Briggs and Stratton do not go into detail about what they did to this motor to allow it to be stored in an upright position, however, it was engineered to be stored in this manner and isn’t something to worry about.

3 in 1 Discharge capabilities

The ECHO LM-2119SP is a 3-in-1 discharge-capable mower. This means that you can mow with the included rear bagger, remove the bagger, and use the already attached mulching attachment, or easily clip on and install the side discharge chute. This is a user preference and will be determined based on the operator’s needs. Another benefit is that the rear bagger comes off and goes back on rather easily by the orange handle. Easy attachment is important when frequently removing the bag during mowing.

Other features worth mentioning

The ECHO LM-2119SP has 11” rear and 8″ front wheels. Larger wheels can improve maneuverability and increase comfort over a bumpy lawn. Echo also includes a dual cutting blade that will give a cleaner cut with more finely chopped grass. This will assist in more grass fitting into the bagger. The mower has a rubber drag strip, which doubles as a striping tool by helping to push the grass downward and as a safety mechanism to prevent debris from flying toward the operator.

Testing

Here at ToolBoxBuzz, we wanted to share the features of this mower. We weren’t able to put this mower through the normal rigorous testing that we usually do because spring is still on the horizon. Although the grass isn’t growing yet where I am located, I was able to mow some tall, dormant grass and weed areas around the yard to get some testing in. Holding the handle automatically accelerates the mower in motion with the downforce of the spring-loaded handle. I found this handle to be comfortable to hold.

The 190cc Briggs and Stratton Engine was strong and did an excellent job mowing and self-propelling.  The motor ran strong and did not bog down even when I lowered the mowing deck to a lower setting. The ECHO LM-2119SP did a good job mowing whatever I was able to throw at it, and it was comfortable to use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the newly released ECHO LM-2119SP Gas-Powered self-propelled lawn mower comes with a proven 190cc Briggs and Stratton Engine, which is designed to be folded into a vertical position for easy storage. Not only is the mower attractive and powerful, but has several useful features that make this mower a solid choice when selecting a gas-powered lawn mower.

The ECHO LM-2119SP retails for 579.99. This cost is on par with many mowers of similar comparison; however, this Echo mower is backed by a 5-year user warranty and the Echo brand name.

ECHO Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower Review – LM-2119SP is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Milwaukee M18 Tire Inflator

Milwaukee 2848-20

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Milwaukee
Model number: 2848-20
Power source: Cordless 18 volt
Weight: 7 lb

Its TrueFill Technology ensures accurate inflation, and its cordless design adds unmatched portability, making it ideal for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.

Milwaukee M18 Tire Inflator |  Key Features

• Max PSI of 150 it cancan inflate 33″ light truck tires in under 1 minute.
• TrueFill Technology: auto-pressure check feature activates to ensure that the desired PSI target is reached.
• Automatic shut-off at the selected PSI to prevent overinflation, giving you a set-it-and-forget-it experience.
  Tire Capacity: Designed with premium components to handle tires with pressures over 100 PSI. The inflator is rated for a max of 150 PSI, making it suitable for a wide range of tire types and sizes.
• PSI Memory Preset:  4 PSI memory slots
• On-Board Hose & Nozzle Storage: 36-inch hose and attachments can be easily stored on-board
  Accessories Included: a brass Schrader chuck, inflation needle, inflator nozzle, and Presta chuck to accommodate various tire types and inflation needs.
• 5-Year Tool Warranty

Dimensions

• Length 13.8 in
• Weight 7.0 lb
• Height 7.8 in
• Width 6.4 in

Using the Milwaukee Tire Inflator

I enjoyed using this tool, there is very little learning curve to this tool. Once connected to the tire it tells you the pressure and you select your psi and hit the inflate button – easy peasy!

Improvement

The only area of improvement I can come up with is ther is not LED worklight, in case your inflating a tire at night. I’m sure Milwaukee will add this on the Gen 2 version.

Final Thoughts

The Milwaukee M18 18V Cordless Tire Inflator (model 2848-20) is one of the fastest tire inflators on the market, featuring advanced technologies like TrueFill Technology, auto shut-off, and PSI memory presets.

At $135 online, this inflator might not seem like the most affordable option, especially for those not already on the Milwaukee tool battery platform. However, it runs off the same M18 batteries used across Milwaukee’s cordless tools, making it a convenient choice for those who already own Milwaukee tools.

Whether you’re inflating tires for passenger vehicles, light trucks, or medium-duty vehicles, the M18 Tire Inflator delivers outstanding performance and durability. Its portability, included accessories, and 5-year warranty make it an excellent investment for both professional users and DIY enthusiasts who need precision, speed, and reliability when it comes to tire inflation.

Milwaukee M18 18V Cordless Tire Inflator 2848-20 Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Bosch StarlockPlus Model GOP18V-34N OMT Review

Professional Cordless Oscilating Multi-Tool

4/5

Manufacturer: Bosch
Model number: GOP18V-34N
Price: $159.00 Bare Tool
Power source: 18V lithium-Ion Batteries
Weight: 2.7 Lbs. Bare Tool

Features and Specifications

The Bosch Professional OMT features a large, heavy-duty, spring-loaded blade release lever. It is easy to grab while wearing gloves. Blades immediately eject when the lever is pulled.

• Height: 3.6″
• Length: 11.1″
• Width: 3.5″
• Speed Range: 10,000-20,000 OPM
• Weight: 2.7 Lbs. (Bare Tool)

Bosch carried over their proven variable speed setting dial into the new Professional OMT. Additionally, the GOP18V-34N is compatible with Starlock and StarlockPlus pattern OMT blades. In addition to this, Bosch included Starlock 3D mounting technology in the blade mounting system.  The system is “3D” in that it grabs the blade from three dimensions of points of contact. This allows for enhanced torque transfer, with less vibration, while still allowing for lightning-fast blade changes.

Improved Ergonomics

Previous versions of the Bosch OMT were bulky and cumbersome. They felt more similar to a grinder than a precision cutting tool. The new GOP18V-34 slims and lengthens the grip portion of the tool and moves the battery to the end of the grip. The battery now inserts perpendicular at the end of the grip, allowing the tool to stand up independently. Additionally, this allows larger battery packs to be used with the new Bosch OMT in cutting applications like flush cuts. Previous versions were limited to compact batteries to perform these tasks.

Bright LED Worklight

The Bosch Professional OMT’s bright LED work light makes working in corners, closets, crawl spaces, etc.. a piece of cake. It broadcasts a wide cone of light that illuminates the entire work surface. The light can also be independently activated without turning the tool on. The main control switch on the top of the tool has two detent positions. The first is for work light only, while the second position turns on the OMT.

Our crew found this especially beneficial when cutting out damaged drywall in a bedroom closet with no lights. The light was used to line up the blade and the tool was then turned on to perform the cut.

Bosch Professional OMT Cutting Performance

Many tool companies describe their cordless tools as having “corded-like performance” and Bosch is no exception. However, the Model GOP18V-34N is an example of where the marketing fluff is accurate. The testing crew found the new Bosch Professional OMT to be on par with previous corded versions of the tool and more powerful than previous cordless versions.

The tool excels in a variety of cutting applications, thanks to the wide range of oscillation settings. At full power, with a proper sharp blade, the tool is capable of ripping through framing lumber. The power can easily be dialed back for more precision cuts and softer materials. The vibration control gives the user a comfortable experience regardless of what speed the tool is set for.

The rear battery position of the new Bosch OMT also allows for greater control and leverage of the tool. The crew agreed that this slight change makes controlling the OMT during precise cuts much easier.

Overall Impressions

The Bosch Professional OMT is a significant upgrade from previous cordless versions. During the review process, the crew found that the improved ergonomics and comfort of the tool make for a greatly enhanced user experience. Additionally, the lack of felt vibration and outstanding blade interface and change system make this an insensible tool for carpenters, remodelers, and other tradesmen.

A point of criticism on the tool is the sliding control switch located on the top. Our review sample tended to stick and required a great deal of pressure to activate. This is likely an isolated issue, but overall an electronic switch would be a welcome addition here. Bosch had outstanding digital controls on their cordless grinder lines. Including those features in the OMT line for power, work lights, and speed settings, would take this tool up to an even higher level.

Price and Availability

The Bosch Professional OMT is readily available from online and in-person retailers. Currently, it is available from our friends at ACME Tools for $159.00 as a bare tool. This pricing represents a great value based on the crew’s experience with the new Bosch. For users already on the Bosch 18V battery platform, we would strongly recommend the upgrade from previous versions.

Users that are looking to upgrade to a Starlock Plus capable tool should consider the Bosch Professional OMT as well. Oscillating multi-tools are one of the most commonly used tools in the construction and remodeling world. This new Bosch upholds their legacy as a top performer in this category. Follow the Buy Now link below to purchase the Bosch GOP18V-34N from our friends at ACME Tools.

Bosch StarlockPlus Professional OMT Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Makita 18V Impact Driver Model XDT20Z

Makita 18V Impact Driver Model XDT20Z

4/5

Manufacturer: Makita
Model number: XDT20Z
Price: 144.00- bare tool
Power source: 18 volt
Motor size: Bruahless
Weight: 2.29 lb

This Makita impact driver is a high-performance tool designed for professionals combining power, control, and efficiency. This driver is ideal for contractors, HVAC techs, mechanics, and anyone who frequently uses an impact driver for heavy-duty but also needs it for precision work.

Key Features and Specifications

The Makita XDT20Z is powered by a brushless motor, which delivers an impressive 1,590 in.lbs. of max torque, providing ample power for a wide range of fastening applications. With a maximum speed of 3,600 RPM and 3,800 impacts per minute (IPM), it ensures fast and efficient performance, whether you’re working with wood, metal, or masonry. The tool also features a four-speed power selection, offering precise control over fastening tasks with settings ranging from 0-1,100 RPM to 0-3,600 RPM. This versatility allows users to adapt the speed for both light and heavy-duty applications. Additionally, the Quick-Shift Mode utilizes electronic controls to intelligently balance speed and torque, ensuring optimal performance for each specific task and enhancing the overall efficiency of the tool.

Specifications

• Hex Shank : 1/4″
• No Load Speed (var. 4 spd.) : 0 – 1,100 / 0 – 2,100 / 0 – 3,200 / 0 – 3,600 RPM
• Impacts Per Minute (var. 4 spd.) : 0 – 1,100 / 0 – 2,600 / 0 – 3,600 / 0 – 3,800 IPM
• Maximum Torque (in.lbs.) : 1,590 in.lbs.
• Speed power selection : 4
• Battery : 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion
• Form Factor (LXT) : 18V LXT®
• Power Type : Cordless
• Motor Type : Brushless
• Overall Length : 4-1/2″
• Net Weight (with battery, sold separately) : 3.3 lbs.
• Packaged Depth (in) : 3.82″
• Packaged Height (in) : 5.51″
• Packaged Width (in) : 8.39″
• Shipping Weight : 2.29 lbs.

LED Light Ring

I love the 360° LED light illumination. It is superior to other brands when working in low-light conditions, helping eliminate shadows and illuminating a larger area.

Assist Mode (A-mode) and Tightening Modes (T-mode)

The Makita XDT20Z features an Assist Mode (A-mode), this is a feature that is nice to have.  It’s designed to help prevent common issues like screw cam-out and cross-threading. This mode starts at a lower speed and gradually increases as tightening begins, providing more control and reducing the risk of damaging the screw or work piece.

Additionally, the Tightening Modes (T-mode) are specifically designed for faster tightening of self-drilling screws in both thick and thin gauge metal. These precision modes help prevent damage to the screws and the workpiece, ensuring a more efficient and secure fastening process, particularly in metal applications. HVAC technicians love this feature.

Reverse Rotation Auto-Stop Mode

Just when you think that they can’t add anything more to these tools, the Makita XDT20Z impact driver is also equipped with a Reverse Rotation Auto-Stop Mode, which enhances its performance and protects both the tool and the work piece. When the fastener is sufficiently loosened, this mode automatically stops both rotation and impact, preventing unnecessary wear on the tool and reducing the risk of over-loosening the fastener. This feature helps ensure that the job is completed efficiently while minimizing the potential for damage to the fastener, surrounding materials or spinning the fastener loose and loosing it!

Design & Build

The Makita XDT20Z is designed with both comfort and durability in mind. Its compact size, measuring just 4-1/2 inches in length, makes it an excellent choice for working in tight or confined spaces where larger tools may not fit. Additionally, the lightweight design, weighing only 3.3 lbs. with the battery, helps reduce user fatigue, allowing for extended use without discomfort. The tool is built for durability, featuring an all-metal gear housing that enhances its toughness on the job site. Coupled with a rubberized soft grip, it offers added comfort and improved handling, ensuring better control and less strain during long or repetitive tasks.

Performance

The Makita XDT20Z excels in both power and speed, offering an impressive 1,590 in.lbs. of max torque and four-speed settings that allow for precise control across a variety of tasks. Whether you’re driving screws into wood, metal, or masonry, the tool’s variable speed settings provide fine-tuned power for both light and heavy-duty applications. With a high RPM of up to 3,600 and an IPM of up to 3,800, it delivers fast and efficient performance, making it ideal for a wide range of fastening jobs.

In terms of torque and control, the Makita XDT20Z is highly capable, delivering ample torque while maintaining excellent control. During testing on materials like hardwood, softwood, and metal, the impact driver proved consistent in its performance. The inclusion of the Quick-Shift Mode allows for seamless transitions between different torque and speed settings, making the tool highly adaptable to various tasks and fastener types.

The tool’s versatility is another standout feature, making it ideal for a broad array of applications, from general contracting and woodworking to metalworking and automotive repair. With specialized modes like A-mode (Assist Mode) and T-mode (Tightening Mode), the XDT20Z offers superior control over a wide range of materials and fasteners, ensuring efficient and precise results regardless of the job at hand. 

Build Quality and Durability

The Makita XDT20Z is built with high-quality materials, including a metal gear housing that provides long-lasting durability. The rubberized grip ensures comfort while helping to prevent hand fatigue.

Ease of Use

The Makita XDT20Z is designed for easy handling and comfort, weighing just 3.3 lbs with the battery, making it ideal for long hours of use without causing fatigue. Its compact size of 4-1/2 inches allows for excellent maneuverability, even in tight spaces, enhancing control during detailed work.

In terms of ease of control, the tool features a four-speed power selection dial and an additional one-touch power selector button, allowing users to easily adjust the speed and torque for a variety of tasks. The ergonomically designed handle further contributes to user comfort by reducing strain on the hand and wrist, especially during extended work sessions

Price

The Makita 18V Impact Driver Model XDT20Z sells as a bare tool online for $144.00

Overall Impression

The Makita XDT20Z is an excellent impact driver that combines power, versatility, and a compact design, making it a top choice for professionals. It’s a durable impact driver for a variety of applications, but its compact size and feature set are where it shines.

Makita 18V Impact Driver XDT20Z Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

2024 Holiday Tool Gift Guide

This year’s TBB’s 2024 Holiday Gift Guide will help you pick out the perfect gift(s) for that hard-to-buy-for tradesperson in your life. Especially if you’re shopping for someone who just wants tools but already seems to have too many. Or that special person talks about tools and hardware even when they know you don’t have a clue what they are talking about. Yeah… we’re here to help!  Whether you need that last small gift or are looking to start off with a big bang, we have you covered. We go through the heartache, pain, and suffering of testing out some of the industry’s uniquest (yep, that’s a real word), most practical, and just plain coolest tools and job site gadgets to create a full-spectrum holiday gift guide.

To help you out, regardless of your budget, we broke down the tools by price categories which are:

• $30 and under:  The Simple gift
• $30-75:  The Perfect gift
• $75-200:  The Surefire gift
• Over $200:  Santa’s REALLY nice list!

And all of the tools in this year’s Holiday Gift Guide are ones that are in our job site kits or our Pros’ workshops. So hang some lights and then get ready to hang out with us for a bit.

$30 and under Gifts | The Simple gift

• Ryobi Titanium 22-Piece Drill Bit Set

You can never go wrong with extra drill bits. And this 22-piece Ryobi drill bit set is an easy choice for a quick gift grab. This titanium-coated drill bit set is an upgrade over a black oxide coated set. The 1/4 in. hex shank is also a must to allow for use in either a drill or impact driver. And the secure case is always nice to keep your bits stored safely and help prevent losing them in a disorganized drawer. They are great for a variety of materials including wood, metal, and plastic so you can’t go wrong.

purchase it here from Home Depot

• Helly Hansen Reversible Beanie

We like staying warm. At the Jobsite. In the workshop. Wherever. And we love the quality Helly Hansen offers with their warm workwear. This reversible beanie is comfortable and easily machine washable. It also comes on 4 different color combo options. It makes an easy and not too expensive gift option that’s worth the price.

purchase it here from Helly Hansen

• Kreg Panel Clamp

Sometimes you see a tool or accessory and immediately know its going to be great. That was our take on this Kreg Panel Clamp and we weren’t wrong; this is a great accessory! The Kreg Panel Clamp allows you to easily and very comfortably + safely lift and carry a 4×8 panel of plywood, drywall, wallboard, etc…  It automatically adjusts for panels up to 3/4 in. thick and holds them securely in place with a solid anti-slide gripping inner surface. The handle is ergonomically comfortable and doesn’t dig into your hand when lifting and carrying panels up to 100 lbs. this panel carrying clamp is awesome!

purchase it here from Kreg

• 5.11 Deploy K-USB Tactical Flashlight

Flashlights are a staple feature of our gift guides. I mean what tool lover doesn’t love a compact, bright, and rechargeable flashlight? The 5.11 Deploy K-USB flashlight definitely fits this mold. It’s a great option to keep on a keychain or in your glove box. At 180 lumens in surprisigly bright and offers good battery life with 2 options – low and high modes. The machined aluminum case looks great and it built to last. And the standard type-C charging port wont make you search for cords to recharge it with.

purchase it here from 5.11

• Gerber Prybar Utility Clip Knife

Another staple item for our gift guides are knifes. These may be the most basic yet useful tool there is. So we again loved the idea of pairing with Gerber to give you some great gift options. The Prybar Utility Clip knife is functional in a variety of settings and offers 8 tools in one. These include a utility blade, cord cut notch, bottle opener, pry bar, large flat head driver, small flat head driver, nail puller, wire stripper. Its made of rugged machined aluminum and comes on 3 stylish color combinations. This is sure to be a loved and often used gift for sure.

purchase it here from Gerber

$30-75 Gifts | The Perfect gift

• Milwaukee 12 Oz. Packout Bottle

This Milwaukee 12 ounce bottle is built for the jobsite for two reasons. First, it actually locks into place with any Milwaukee Packout Components. That means its easy to add to your jobsite kit and get to the jobsite without getting lost or falling. Secondly, its rugged aluminum and double walled construction means it can actually withstand the rigors of the jobsite while keeping hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. Its available in Milwaukee red or black. Oh, and its even dishwasher safe so its quick and easy to clean. Not bad!

purchase it here from Home Depot

• Crescent Tongue and Groove Plier Set

Having a well-built, adjustable, and comfortable set of pliers is a must. These Crescent Z2 pliers have some great design features that help them stand out… They are designed easy one-handed adjustability with Cresent’s “auto bite” lever. They also have a slim jaw design allowing them to more easily fit into tight spaces. This set includes 10 in. and 12 in. pliers for a wide range of applications. The grips are comfortable and feel built to last. They are alloy steel forged and have an anti-rust coating to help them stay in better shape longer. So, whether you’re looking for a new set or to gift someone an upgraded set of pliers, these are a great option.

purchase it here from Home Depot

• Kreg Corner Routing Guide Set

Leave it to Kreg to design such a useful and sturdy jig. This corner routing guide allows you to use both a trim router or router table to shape perfect rounded corners on your next woodworking project. It’s got a sturdy handle to prevent slippage and keep your hand safely in place. You can adjust the stainless steel alignment feet to match the material you’re working on and get clean lines on your finish project. This set comes with 8 snap-in profiles (5 radius and 3 chamfer) that securely store in an included holder. And at $40 it’s well worth the purchase.

purchase it here from Kreg

• Holex Multi-Function Electrical pliers

Electrician’s pliers are one of those tools that always come in handy, whether tackling bigger electrical installations jobs or doing basic home repairs. These Holex pliers feature a variety of crimps, threaded cutters, and wire stripper sizes. The plastic-dipped handles and powder coated finish keep them feeling and looking good. And from a trusted brand like Holex you really can’t go wrong giving these as a gift to your tool love or homeowner gift getter.

purchase item here from Hoffman Group

• Hilti USB Charger Adapter

When we’re on a jobsite we can never have enough options to keep devices going. Hilti’s charging adapter furthers this cause by allow you to turn any 22V Nuron battery into a mobile device charging station. It features Type-C (16W) and Type-A (18W) USB charging ports as well as a wireless phone charging (up to 10W) capability. It also sports an integrated flashlight feature. Better yet, you aren’t limited to charging one device at a time… it can simultaneously charge multiple devices at once. So if your worker is using Hilti tools, then this should be a no brainer!

purchase item here from Hilti

• 5.11 Deploy PL-USB Tactical Flashlight

Not everyone wants a tactical flashlight small enough to fit on their keychain. For those who want a slightly larger (and brighter) option than the 5.11 K-USB light, check out the 5.11 PL-USB flashlight. It checks in at a max of 300 lumens or up to 9 hrs 40 mins in low mode. It also features a rugged anodized aluminum body and USB-C charging port for ease of use. Plus the PL-USB light has a removable pocket clip if that’s your preference. You really can’t go wrong with this tactical flashlight.

purchase it here from 5.11

• Pittsburg Manual Tire Changer

Most of us have changed a tire before but if you want to give someone the ability to mount a tire… well that requires a different skill set. Or at least a different tool. The Pittsburgh manual tire changer is a cost-effective way to mount or remove your own tires from a rim. This can save you some serious cash and perform basic tire repairs at home. It’s also a great starting point before committing bigger bucks on a more expensive, automated version. It doesn’t take up a lot of room and works great on all types of tires… from trailer to automobile.

purchase item here from Harbor Freight

• Ryobi Heated Seat Cushion

No one likes to be cold, whether on a jobsite or relaxing off the clock. Ryobi’s heated seat cushion is a game changer in this department. It’s a plush 3 in. thick pad with three heat settings. magical. You can load either 1 or 2 Ryobi USB rechargeable batteries for up to 5 hours of heat. It has an integrated LED indicator as well so you can easily check how much battery life you’ve got left with the touch of a button. Oh, and there’s also a USB port to allow you to charge mobile devices while you’re recharging off having some fun.

purchase item here from Home Depot

$75-200 Gifts | The Surefire gift

• Milwaukee 18V Rover Light

When you need hours of hands-free light outside or in a dark crawl space, the Milwaukee Rover light is a great choice. First, it connects right onto a Milwaukee M18 battery. It’s super compact and checks in with a max of 1000 lumens. It also has 4 modes and boasts up to 110 hrs of light in high-efficient mode. The light is adjustable throughout a 300 degree range. It also has built in USB-A and USB-C ports (one each) so you can turn your M18 battery into a combo light and device charging station. And best of all it has an integrated metal rafter hook so you have even more mounting options in a variety of settings.

purchase item here from Home Depot

• Crescent Craftsman Rawhide Backpack

Tools are great. And so are ways to get them to and from the jobsite. On those occasions you don’t need a rolling or stackable toolbox, then the Crescent Craftsman Rawhide Backpack is a great option. It’s got plenty of room for all your tools. It looks as nice and its feels too which is a plus. the 30+ pockets/sleeves provide a place for everything and the predominantly open-bottomed sleeves mean your bits and small parts won’t get lost at the bottom of a deep pocket. the water-resistant base provides extra moisture protection in wet conditions too. Add in some integrated magnetic storage spots and it got it all. This is a great, portable tool carrying option.

purchase this item at Lowe’s

• Vulcan Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

We take safety seriously… and a poor performing welding helmet is a hazard we avoid at all costs. This Vulcan Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet is a great cure for that curse. It’s features REALVIEW Lens Technology with an overall 1/1/1/2 optical clarity rating, offering great visibility of weld puddle while reducing eye strain. It’s got four independent arc sensors delivering super-reliable arc detection for out-of-position welding. Plus its lightweight and looks great with the modern American flag design that exudes patriotism. This is a definite winner!

purchase it here at Harbor Freight

• Helly Hansen Oxford Soft Shell Jacket

Helly Hansen’s Oxford Soft Shell Jacket is the perfect blend of comfort, warmth, and style. It features a soft fleece-pile lining and ribbed hem and cuffs help keep the wind out and heat in. This jacket also has a removable hood with a built-in draw string. It’s also got heavy-duty YKK zippers throughout. The 2-tone color option in green combined with the 2-material finish give it a great look. And being easily machine washable makes it super easy to clean up after getting it dirty while working. This jacket is definitely another winner in Helly Hansen’s Workwear lineup.

purchase it here at Helly Hansen

• Ryobi 18V Stick Vacuum

If your tool lover is good at making messes then maybe they need another option to help clean up said messes? Ryobi’s 18V ONE+ Stick Vacuum is a great and versatile option to help out. It has 8 different cleaning configurations from a standard roller vacuum configuration to a hand vacuum perfect for a work truck. The roller bar easily comes out for cleaning as does the washable filter. Its impressive suction worked great on sawdust and pet hair alike. Plus emptying the cyclone suction cup is as easy as it gets. And since it’s part of Ryobi’s 18V lineup you’ll have no shortage of batteries if you’re already a Ryobi owner.

purchase it here at Home Depot

• Gerber complEAT Cooking Set

We fully support the “work hard play hard” mantra. So we quickly highlighted the Gerber ComplEAT cook wear set as a great holiday gift guide option. This portable cooking set easily packs into your truck or camper when you need a quick weekend getaway away from civilization. It features 16 pieces of stainless-steel cook wear and durable polypropylene eating ware (that might be a real word). Gerber included a Saute pan; detachable handle; basting dome lid; stock pot; slim lid; 4 plates; 4 bowls; mixing bowl; hot pad; and storage bag. The set features volumetric markings and triple ply construction on the stainless-steel item bottoms making them highly versatile and built to last. Lastly, it’s lightweight and easy to clean up as well so there’s nothing not to love!

purchase it here from Amazon

$200+ Gifts | Santa’s REALLY Nice List!

• Hilti 22V Nuron Caulking Gun

We were pumped to include Hilti’s 22V cordless caulking gun in this year’s gift guide. While a battery powered caulking gun may not be the first cordless tool to come to mind, they are fantastic when you need to lay feet of beads with an even finish. It limits waste and has a drip free stop feature to limit messes too. The LED light is well placed and bright to make sure you can clearly see where you’re working. But best of all the even finish comes with the added bonus of reduced fatigue. If your tool lover already owns Hilti 22V Nuron products then this is a great addition to their shop or kit.

purchase it here from Hilti

• Milwaukee 18V Compact Drill & Driver Kit

There is no way we can have a gift guide with including a drill or impact driver. This year, Milwaukee was the top choice with this great deal on their M18 drill and impact driver kit. We’ve been using these in our shops for a while and have only great things to say about both tools. They perform exceptionally well, are built to last, and are ergonomically excellent choices. Plus, a new and drill and impact driver are always a welcomed sight after the old set has been put through its paces. If you are looking for a gift set to start someone of on a cordless brand you can’t do better than this Milwaukee set.

purchase it here at Home Depot

• Kreg Loose Tenon Jig

Sometimes when we see a tool in action the results are a thing of beauty. And other times the tool itself is a work of art. In the case of the Kreg loose Tenon Jig, both hold true. This Kreg jig lets you cut loose mortises on two faces and then use a floating tenon to make tight and perfectly aligned joints. It does this using a standard drill and ensures a smooth finish via an automatic step-down design so only 1/16 in. of material is removed at a time. It comes with an integrated work surface pre-fabricated with clamp cutouts. It’s built to last featuring all-aluminum-machined components in an anodized Kreg-blue finish.

purchase it here from Kreg

• Evolution EVOMAX Metal Chop Saw

The last (and priciest) gift in this year’s guide is Evolution Power tools newest metal cutting chop saw. The EVOMAX 14 in. chop saw (model S14CPS) has two notable upgrades over previous versions; a redesigned motor with an extended life and an independently tested 14″ blade delivering over 3500 cuts in mild steel. It still features the quick clamp and release system, precision shadow line, and automatic safety stop brake. And it provides super clean and accurate, weld-ready cuts time and time again. This is worth every penny as an upgrade if your gift target is still using an abrasive cut off saw. They will thank you every time they use it for sure. We’ve also pictured this mounted on Evolution’s exception chop saw stand if they need a place to securely mount it as well.

Purchase it here at Evolution Powertools

HAPPY HOLIDAYS… | 2024 Holiday Gift Guide!

We know shopping for tool lovers is definitely a labor of love. It makes you ask “What do you get someone who seems to already have everything?” Just trust TBB’s 2024 Holiday Gift Guide to give you some great suggestions whether you are looking for the perfect small gift or that one unbelievable, big gift. Happy Holidays from the Tool Box Buzz Team!

2024 Holiday Tool Gift Guide is a post from Tool Box Buzz

DEWALT 20V MAX GRABO Lifter DCE592B

DEWALT 20V MAX GRABO Lifter

Manufacturer: DEWALT
Model number: DCE592B
Price: 249.00
Power source: 20 Volt Battery
Weight: 4.8 lbs

The DEWALT 20V MAX GRABO Lifter is a robust suction tool designed for lifting heavy materials, making it indispensable for professionals and DIYers alike. With a horizontal lifting capacity of 265 lbs and a vertical capacity of 132 lbs, it can handle diverse materials efficiently.

Here’s How It Works:

1. Place the vacuum pad on a clean, flat surface (free of holes or cracks)\
2. Press the green button to activate the vacuum pump.
3. The LED screen shows pressure levels, with a maximum of -12 PSI. Once max pressure is reached, the pump shuts off to conserve power.
4. A built-in sensor maintains suction, restarting the pump if pressure drops below -10.4 PSI. And at altitudes above 4,000 feet or with semi-porous materials, the pump may run continuously to maintain pressure.
5. To release the pump, press the green button to deactivate the pump. Then, engage the two-action release system by sliding the red button lever and then pressing it down.

DEWALT 20V MAX GRABO Lifter | Features:

• High Load Capacity: Lifts up to 265 lbs.
• Versatile Applications: Works on non-porous and semi-porous surfaces, including rough textures.
• Pressure Monitoring: Automatically maintains suction.
• Digital Display: Shows pressure levels in PSI or bar.
• Safety Alarms: Alerts for low suction, low battery, or power-off.

• Lift-Strap Hooks: Four hooks for added lifting configurations.
• Easy Maintenance: Removable, washable vacuum seal and replaceable dust filter.
• Sun Shade Accessory: Improves screen visibility outdoors.

Testing the DEWALT GRABO

We own three GRABO suction tools and use them regularly on remodeling projects. Testing the DEWALT version  was not a far reach for us since we were already familiar with the tool.

The main point I want to emphasize is that DEWALT improved safety on their suction tool, by including a 3-step suction release process to prevent accidental activation. Other tools have a 1-step process which could be a problem if that button were accidentally activated.

Performance by Material:

• Masonry: Effortlessly lifted granite and bluestone pavers, as long as surfaces were clean.
• Wood: Handled full plywood sheets with ease.
• PVC Sheet Stock: Simplified lifting heavy, floppy PVC sheets.
• Cabinets: Performed exceptionally, allowing precise lifting and placement.
• Appliances: Simplified moving and installation, providing secure grip/lift  points.
• Glass: We tested the Grabbo on single-pane, double-strength glass. While we were able to achieve a good seal and lift the pane, we unfortunately broke the glass during the lift. This may be due to the fragility of the material, so caution is advised when using the tool with glass.

DEWALT 20V MAX GRABO Lifter |Pros and Cons

Pros:

High lifting capacity for heavy materials.
Built-in safety alarms enhance control.
Portable and lightweight.
Ideal for various materials: stone, tile, plywood, HVAC appliances, and more.

Cons:

Battery and charger sold separately.
Struggles with some porous or fragile materials.

DEWALT 20V MAX GRABO Lifter | Maintenance

The foam rubber vacuum seal is easy to remove, clean, or replace. Dust filters can be swapped out using spare parts included with the tool.

Price: $249 (bare tool).

Conclusion:

The DEWALT 20V MAX GRABO Lifter is a versatile and reliable tool for lifting and moving heavy materials safely and efficiently. Its thoughtful design and advanced safety features make it a worthwhile investment for professionals and DIYers alike.

If your projects involve heavy lifting or delicate material handling, the DEWALT GRABO is a practical addition to your toolkit.

Dewalt 20V Grabo Suction Lifter | Video Review

DEWALT 20V MAX GRABO Lifter Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Best Cordless Job Site Table Saw

When it comes to choosing the right table saw, professionals know that not all tools are created equal. With so many options on the market, it’s essential to understand how different models stack up in real-world scenarios. In this comprehensive Head-2-Head comparison, we put six of the top cordless table saws to the test, evaluating their performance on precision, power, ease of use, and safety. Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or a woodworking enthusiast, this guide will help you make an informed decision and find the saw that best meets your needs in the workshop. Let’s dive in and see which saw comes out on top!

Cordless Table Saw | Selection Criteria

We chose to test six saws in the 8-¼” range focusing on the mobile Pro contractor. In the end, we allowed Metabo HPT to send us their 10- inch and Festool to send their 168 mm [6.6”] saw because they did not have an 8-¼” saw.

Table Saw Specifications

Bosch

• Model: GTS18V-08
• Bare Tool Price: $399.00
• Blade Size: 8-¼
• Voltage: 18V
• Max RPM Speed: 5,500 RPMs
• Rip Capacity Left: 12”
• Rip Capacity Right: 25”
• Weight: 44 lbs
• Max Cut Height 90°: 2-½”
• Max Cut Height 45°: 1-¾”

DEWALT

• Model: DCS7485B
• Bare Tool Price: $449.00
• Blade Size: 8-¼
• Voltage: 60V
• Max RPM Speed: 5,800 RPMs
• Rip Capacity Left: 12”
• Rip Capacity Right: 24”
• Weight: 52.69 lbs
• Max Cut Height 90°: 2-½”
• Max Cut Height 45°: 1-¾”

Festool

• Model: CSC CYC 50 EB
• Bare Tool Price: $1,499.00
• Blade Size: 168 mm, 6.6”
• Voltage: (2) 18V
• Max RPM Speed: 6,800 RPMs
• Rip Capacity Left: 0”
• Rip Capacity Right: 11-¼”
• Weight: 33.08 lbs
• Max Cut Height 90°: 1-⅞”
• Max Cut Height 45°: 1-11/32”

FLEX

• Model: FX7211
• Bare Tool Price: $449.00
• Blade Size: 8-¼
• Voltage: 24V
• Max RPM Speed: 6,000 RPMs
• Rip Capacity Left:12”
• Rip Capacity Right: 25”
• Weight: 50.73 lbs
• Max Cut Height 90°: 2-⅝”
• Max Cut Height 45°: 1-⅞”

Metabo HPT

• Model: C3610DRJ
• Bare Tool Price: $599.00
• Blade Size: 10
• Voltage: 36V
• Max RPM Speed: 5,000 RPMs
• Rip Capacity Left: 22”
• Rip Capacity Right: 35”
• Weight: 67.3 lbs
• Max Cut Height 90°: 3-⅛”
• Max Cut Height 45°: 2-¼”

Milwaukee

• Model: 2736-20
• Bare Tool Price: $449.00
• Blade Size: 8-¼
• Voltage: 18V
• Max RPM Speed: 5800RPMs
• Rip Capacity Left: 12”
• Rip Capacity Right: 24-½”
• Weight: 41.6 lbs
• Max Cut Height 90°: 2-½”
• Max Cut Height 45°: 1-¾”

Cordless Table Saw | Evaluation Format

Our team has put significant time and effort into our Head-to-Head evaluation to provide you with the most comprehensive information available. For this evaluation, we divided the analysis into several categories:

1. Precision & Accuracy
2. Performance
3. Price
4. Features, Usability & Ergonomics
5. Saw Stand Evaluation
6. We also chose the best value saw and also discuss decibels.

How Most Table Saws Are Used In Job Sites

When these saws arrive on-site, they are quickly unboxed, assembled, and put to immediate use. Users expect them to be mostly accurate. So we looked at the saws out of the box and then corrected any accuracy deficiencies prior to our power testing.

Best Cordless Table Saw | What and How We Measured

To assess the manufactured accuracy of the eight saws, TBB evaluated six key areas:

1. Table Flatness,
2. Accuracy of 45° Stop,
3. Accuracy of 90° Stop,
4. Blade Parallel to Miter Slot,
5. Fence Parallel to Miter Slot,
6. Saw Blade Runout

Best Cordless Table Saw | Accuracy Testing Procedures

Table Flatness

We assessed the flatness of the table by placing the edge of a precision-ground flat bar across it and using feeler gauges to measure any gaps. Measurements were taken in four directions:

1. Front-to-rear at the arbor
2. Left-to-right at the arbor
3. Upper left-to-lower right table corners
4. Upper right-to-lower left table corners

This comprehensive data collection allowed us to create a ranked set of results by assigning a 1-2-3 rating to the relative values of the measurements. We then ranked the saws for overall table flatness as manufactured. For context, a typical sheet of copy paper is approximately 0.004 inches thick.  Our measurements ranged from 0.004 to 0.026 inches.

The saws individual flatness scores across the 4 measurements are added to a summarized score.  The saws are then ranked based on that score.

The Bosch ranked the highest in table flatness with a maximum measured deflection was .011″.  The Flex was a close second followed by a three way tie for third with the DEWALT, Metabo HPT and Milwaukee.  Surprisingly, Festool had the most deflection in its table with this measurement method.  The Festool has a unique feature where the left side of the table can glide front and back to act as pseudo cross-cut sled. There is a small variable in the height between the sliding and the stationary sections of the table.

Accuracy of 45° Stop

To measure the accuracy of the factory-set 45-degree stop, We used a Beall digital inclinometer, which has an accuracy of 0.1 degrees. The process began by placing the Beall gauge on the table and calibrating it to zero relative to the table surface. After calibration, we attached the gauge to the blade and adjusted the blade incline until it hit the factory-set 45-degree stop. The measurement was recorded, and the test was repeated to ensure repeatability, with results consistently within 0.1 degrees of each other.

For contractors using their job site saws for high-quality built-ins or precise finished cuts, saw accuracy is crucial. The out-of-the-box accuracy from the manufacturer directly impacts the quality of the cuts and the safety of the operator. We compared the relative accuracy of the saws immediately after assembly to determine their “as-built” precision. The results showed how each saw stacked up in terms of manufactured tolerances and overall accuracy.

Accuracy of Vertical 90° Stop

We measured the accuracy of the factory-set 90-degree stop using the same digital inclinometer. After calibrating the gauge to the saw’s table, we moved the blade to approximately 70 degrees off vertical and then adjusted it to the factory-set 90-degree vertical stop. The measurement was recorded and repeated, with consistent results within 0.1 degrees of the previous tests. All of the saws were perfect at 90 degrees.

Blade Parallel to Miter Slot

To measure the blade’s alignment with the miter slot, we used an iGauging 35-125-4 digital dial indicator, accurate to 0.0005 inches. A new Diablo blade was installed in each saw, and the blade height was set to 2-inches.

We marked a single tooth as the reference point, positioned that tooth at the rear of the saw, and the dial indicator was set to zero against the marked tooth. The blade was then rotated to the front of the saw, and the same tooth was measured again.
A negative reading indicated the blade and miter slot were closer together at the front, while a positive reading indicated they were farther apart.

By analyzing the data from these tests, We were able to rank the saws based on their as-built accuracy and alignment.
Note – we placed a Diablo 8-1/4″ blade on the Metabo HPT for testing, but were not able to use a Diablo blade on the Festool, we used compatible tooth count Festool OEM blades.

Saw Fence Parallel to Miter Slot

The accuracy and safety of a saw depend on the blade being parallel to the rip fence. Having already tested the parallelism between the blade and the miter slot, the next step is to check if the miter slot is parallel to the rip fence. This ensures a parallel relationship between the blade and the rip fence.

We used the iGauging 35-125-4 digital dial indicator to measure the accuracy of the factory-set fence relative to the table’s miter slot. We started by locking the fence in position approximately 1 inch away from the blade on the side opposite the miter slot. The throw of the dial indicator was adjusted to take readings in the middle of the indicator’s range of movement, ensuring consistency and accuracy in the measurements.

We calibrated the iGauging dial indicator to zero at the operator’s end of the rip fence. Then, we positioned the dial indicator at the rear of the saw, placed it on the rip fence, and took the reading. If the fence and the miter slot were closer together at the rear of the saw, the dial indicator showed a positive reading. Conversely, if they were farther apart, the dial indicator displayed a negative reading. A positive reading indicated that the materials being cut might be pinched, increasing the likelihood of kickback.

Saw Fence Parallel to Miter Slot | After Adjustment

It is important to note that all saws were adjusted after the accuracy evaluation and before the performance testing. With the exception of blade run-out, other adjustments can be made to fine-tune the saws. We were able to adjust the saws to the following:

Being able to reliably and repeatedly adjust the fence is an important feature of any table saw.

Blade Run-out

Blade run-out describes how much the edge of a saw blade wobbles while mounted on the motor shaft. Measuring run-out with a saw blade assumes the blade is nearly perfect in flatness. To ensure accurate measurements, TBB used a Freud calibration plate, which is ground to a flatness tolerance of ±0.0005 inches.

We used the Freud calibration plate on each test saw to measure run-out. After removing the new Diablo blade and installing the calibration plate, we raised the trunnion to its maximum vertical adjustment. A black mark on the calibration plate provided a consistent starting position for the run-out test, using the iGauging dial indicator.

We carefully rotated the calibration plate by its outer rim to avoid side-to-side force that could skew the results. We recorded the maximum reading on the dial indicator and validated it by repeating the test, ensuring consistent readings. Notably, the maximum readings occurred at different points along the plate’s rotation across the eight saws, reinforcing our confidence in the plate’s flatness.

Precision Summary – Winner FLEX

Based on the data from the 7 individual tests, we compiled a summary ranking to determine the overall winner for as-built accuracy. Here are the results: FLEX was consistently accurate and precise in 6 out of 7 categories. Milwaukee was a close second followed by DEWALT.

Best Cordless Job Site Table Saw | Performance Testing

For this segment of the testing, we used two different materials (3/4″ CDX Plywood, and 2x KD lumber while measuring the saw blade RPM drop. We assessed the saws performance based on their blade speed under load and speed of cut.

Blade Speed (RPM under load vs no load)

The first performance measurement we looked at was blade speed while cutting all the test materials. This test provides a relative comparison of blade speed reduction under different loading conditions, giving us an idea of the motor/gearbox combination strength for each saw. We recorded the “no-load” speed to capture the relative drop in RPM during cutting. We used our measured no-load speeds instead of the manufacturers’ published values.

To measure blade speed, we used a digital laser, non-contact tachometer. Reflective tape was adhered to each saw blade just behind the carbide tooth, positioned above the wood cutting surface, allowing us to capture blade speed during the cuts.

A power feeder ensured consistent feed rates through each saw. We used a Diablo 8-¼” 24-tooth Framing blade in all the saws, including the Metabo HPT [10-inch saw] and for the Festool saw we used a 42 tooth finish [168 mm] Wood Universal Blade.

Performance Summary – Winner DEWALT

To determine our power winner we measured the percentage of RPM drop of the saw under a slow-feed cut and a fast-feed cut. By averaging the RPM drop across these two scenarios we determined our power ranking.

DEWALT had the most available power and showed the least RPM drop under load with just a 14% drop in RPM. By comparison the next closest was FLEX with a 19% drop and Milwaukee with 24%. The Festool was unable to complete either cut without overloading.

Manual Hand Feed Comparison

To validate our power feeder rig, we conducted a cutting speed test without it. One operator handled the test, feeding the material as quickly as possible while monitoring the saw’s motor and adjusting the feed rate accordingly. The operator adapted the speed for each cut, either speeding up or slowing down as needed. We made several cuts and recorded the fastest time achieved.

The hand feed result and the subsequent ranking matched the result seen in the power feed test.  The gap between the FLEX and Milwaukee was closer in the 2nd and 3rd place race.  The Festool was still unable to complete the test without overloading.

Best Cordless Table Saw | Price Comparison – Bosch

We ranked the table saws using their bare tool pricing. The Bosch was the least expensive at $399.00, with DEWALT, FLEX and Milwaukee tied at $499.00. Metabo HPT was $599.00 and the Festool was $1,499.00.

Ergonomics & Features

When evaluating cordless jobsite table saws, ergonomics play a crucial role in ensuring tools are both efficient and safe to use. Ergonomics focuses on designing tools that enhance productivity while reducing discomfort, fatigue, and the risk of injury.
Features such as well-placed handles, riving knives, safety switches, and non-slip coatings contribute to the overall ergonomic performance of a saw.

Evaluation Factors

In our ergonomic evaluation of cordless table saws, we considered the following factors and rated them on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 being best):

Weight

Below is a summary based on the provided weights for the different brands. These figures show the relative heaviness of each model with its battery, with Metabo HPT being the heaviest at 62.4 lbs, and Bosch being the lightest at 45.7 lbs.

Power Switch

Ease of use and safety are major considerations for our team, especially with the large, easy-to-actuate power switches.
Bosch and FLEX had the best switch, both are pulled into the on position, or shut off with the users knee. The team found them to be simple and intuitive.

The Festool has a two-step process to turn the saw on, requiring activating a master power switch, followed by the power on switch. The saw cannot be stopped easily with a knee.

The DEWALT has a red paddle, however, when held at its highest point and released, the paddle can accidentally shut off the saw due to the closing momentum. This occurs occasionally.

On Board Storage

The Festool was superior with its Systainer based accessory storage. The Milwaukee came in second with excellent accessory storage secured with a permanent mounted, spring-loaded securing nut. All the other saws had removable wing-nuts that can be easily lost.

Fence

The Flex fence is a rack and pinion style similar to DEWALT and Milwaukee. The only real difference is that the FLEX fence has a rechargeable, 12 LED light strip built into the fence. This light is activated by a rocker switch on the rear side of the fence. The DEWALT and Milwaukee fence are super smooth to operate, and capable of precise 1/64” adjustments.

The Bosch saw also has a rack-and-pinion system, but we experienced jerky micro adjustments. Additionally, the fence lock is on the left side of the knob, which can be awkward, especially for DEWALT and Milwaukee users.
Festool has a lever-lock fence that indexes and slides in a dado. We found that it was not as smooth as other saws and took effort to dial in. The fence requires unlocking with a knob, sliding out, reversing, and sliding in for narrow rips. The fence can be removed and stored in a Systainer.

Metabo HPT has a pull-to-lock mechanism, which is opposite of Bosch, DEWALT, and Milwaukee saw. The team found it choppy when trying to dial in 1/64”. The fence features a twist knob to lock on or remove, requiring users to push tabs to engage which is less intuitive than other models. The fence also rotates for extended support or narrow rips, requiring a sub-fence assembly that stores on the side of the saw.
Raising Blade

The Festool blade can be adjusted to a precise height using an electronic control linked to a 1/64-inch digital display. In comparison, raising the blade on the Flex saw is quick, requiring just 9¾ hand rotations.

Hand Rotation Results are as follows:

• FLEX: 9-¾ rotations
• Bosch: 13-¾ rotations
• DEWALT: 35-¾ rotations
• Metabo HPT: 29-¾ rotations.
• Milwaukee: 15 rotations.

Ripping Width

Most of the 8-¼” saws had similar ripping widths.
The Metabo HPT is a 10-inch saw and as a result has the largest ripping capacity at 35-¼” to the right and 22-⅜” to the left.

Bevel Adjustments

The Festool had the widest bevel range from -10 to 47 degrees.

Riving Knife Adjustments

The riving knives were either removable or non removable. The Milwaukee riving knife was the easiest to adjust or remove. It requires a uses a easy to actuate, pull lever to release the riving knife.

The FLEX uses a flip down lever to release the riving knife. The user needs to tilt the riving knife out and down to seat it, which is not intuitive. Overall we liked the feature, once you get the hang of it.

The DEWALT has an easy to turn knob to loosen and a simple depress on the knob removes the riving knife. The Bosch has a lever that turns to adjust, locks in at multiple positions, but is non-removable. The Festool requires too many steps to access, but super easy to remove once accessible. Locks in at one height and is removable.

The Metabo HPT has a nicely machined aluminum cam lever, but was stiff to actuate. It has three height positions and is non-removable.

Guard

We evaluated the saw blade guards and found that the Metabo HPT was super easy to install. The Bosch was clunky and awkward to attach. The DEWALT features a 1-⅝” OD (1-⅜” ID) dust shroud on the blade guard. Milwaukee was similar to DeWalt but without a dust shroud. The Festool required many steps but was super easy.

Battery Gauge

The FLEX has the brightest battery LED gauge, with 4 LEDS. This feature can be activated with the saw in the off position. Bosch has a bright green, 3-LED light above the power switch but does not activate unless the saw is powered on. Festool has two battery symbols on the top left corner of the LCD screen, which can be hard to see in daylight. The rest of the saws require pushing the battery indicator, all facing in the user’s direction.

Best Cordless Table Saw | Feature Winner – FLEX

FLEX’s cordless table saw has set a new standard in its category, emerging as the feature winner with an impressive performance. Scoring a low 31 points across 14 categories, FLEX excelled by taking top honors in six distinct areas, outshining many competitors.

While Milwaukee scored 37 points and Bosch came in with 44 points, FLEX’s unique features make it a strong contender. The saw is equipped with a folding side extension table, which enhances stability and support for larger workpieces—an invaluable asset for both professional woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts.

Additionally, the FLEX table saw includes innovative rechargeable LED lights integrated into the rip fence, providing excellent visibility for precise cuts. This thoughtful design element not only improves visibility and enhances safety by illuminating the work area.

Best Tablesaw Stand -Winner Milwaukee

Our crew found that saws with scissor stands were the fastest and easiest to set up. Brands like DEWALT, Bosch, Milwaukee, and Flex all offer models with scissor stands. Bosch, Flex, and Milwaukee have latches that lock the saw to the stand, making them highly mobile; you can easily pick up and relocate the saw since they lock together.

Photo: Bosch Saw

In contrast, the DEWALT stand does not have a locking mechanism, which often results in the saw sliding off when users try to move it. The Milwaukee stand features an adjustable foot for leveling, while the Bosch stand has rear legs that extend further than the others, providing added stability but also creating a potential trip hazard.

The Festool setup includes the MFT table and dolly, which takes up more space than the scissor stands. Although the Festool saw sits in grooves marked on the tabletop to assist with placement, it does not lock in place, making it awkward to move once set up. This system is more suited for rolling from the truck to the job site and can stack with other Systainers to save space inside a vehicle.

The Metabo HTP stand is excellent but requires bolting to the saw, creating a semi-permanent pairing. It features sturdy folding tubular legs, an adjustable leg, and roller wheels. While the crew appreciated this setup, they found it too large to be considered a truly mobile table saw, as it’s not easy to lift into a vehicle.

Decibels

All of the saws were quite loud, with decibel levels ranging from 104 to 106 dB. We concluded that a difference of just 2 dB was not sufficient to effectively differentiate or score the saws.

Best Portable Job Site Table Saw – Winner FLEX

Choosing the best portable job site table saw was a challenge, as our testing focused on the everyday mobile contractor.
FLEX, being new to the market, had ample time to perfect their saw. With a total score of 8 points, the FLEX portable jobsite table saw ranks first overall in our assessment, showcasing its balance of accuracy, usability, and value. While it may not lead in every individual category, its combination of strengths makes it an excellent choice for contractors seeking a dependable and cost-effective tool, particularly for those prioritizing performance without a high price tag.

The Milwaukee portable job site table saw ranks second overall with a score of 10 points. Its strong performance in accuracy, power, and ergonomics makes it an appealing option for contractors who value precision and reliability. The stability provided by its stand further enhances its appeal, ensuring safe operation in various job site conditions. In summary, the Milwaukee table saw represents a solid investment for professionals looking for a high-performing, durable tool that delivers consistent results. While it comes at a slightly higher price, its overall value in terms of performance and usability makes it worthwhile for serious contractors.

The DEWALT portable jobsite table saw ranked third overall with a score of 14 points. Its strengths in power and competitive pricing make it a reliable choice for contractors seeking a powerful saw. Although it may not excel in every category, it provides a well-rounded performance that meets many professionals’ needs. In summary, the DEWALT table saw offers a good balance of power, accuracy, and affordability, making it an attractive option for contractors who prioritize performance and value. Its reputation for reliability further enhances its appeal, ensuring it remains a popular choice in the job site tool market.

The new Festool table saw did not quite fit our testing criteria and, due to its high price, is likely to attract a specific user base. While it is expensive, it offers several key advantages: designed for precise cuts, it is ideal for job sites or workshops with limited space and seamlessly integrates with other Festool products, enhancing workflow for brand users.  We feel that the Festool is best suited for professional woodworkers, carpenters, finish carpenters, and those who value precision and portability.

Best Value Winner – FLEX

“Best value” is a crucial category in tool comparisons as it balances decision-making by considering both performance and budget, leading to practical choices that provide long-term savings and higher overall satisfaction by ensuring durability and reliability.

Best Cordless Table Saw | Final Thoughts

These tests and evaluations are demanding, time-consuming, and limited in scope since we are not a professional testing company and have restricted time for evaluations. We are unable to conduct long-term testing to assess durability, nor can we test every possible application for which you might use these saws. Nevertheless, we believe that all the table saws in this Head-to-Head are quality tools, and our testing highlights the pros and cons of each model.

Ultimately, everyone must choose a tool based on their specific needs, uses, and budget. With all the data provided above, we are confident that you can make a more informed decision when purchasing your next portable jobsite table saw.

Best Cordless Tables Saw Comparison Video

Best Cordless Table Saw | 2024 Head-To-Head is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Stihl Model RZ 560K Zero-Turn Mower Review

The ToolBoxBuzz Crew partnered with Stihl this summer to bring you an in-depth review of the new RZ series of professional grade zero-turn lawnmowers. In this article, the crew looks specifically at the RZ 560K mower. To evaluate the machine in a variety of seasonal grass conditions, Stihl agreed to loan this machine to the crew for testing. Our impressions of it are based on its use during the spring through fall cutting season of 2024.

Stihl first announced its new zero-turn line in May of 2022 and made them available to dealers and consumers in January of 2023. Stihl is no stranger to the world of OPE manufacturing. However, they partnered with the Briggs & Stratton company to benefit from their over 116 years of experience in mower and small engine manufacturing.

Stihl Professional Zero-Turn Mowers

In March of 2024, Crew member Wes Bartosik had the opportunity to attend the Stihl Ride+Drive event at Stihl’s North American headquarters in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The full line of mowers was on display, including the RZ 560K. Stihl is offering a series of heavy-duty homeowner-grade mowers and several professional-grade lines.

The professional line features three tiers of mowers. The 500 series is the entry-level geared towards large landowners, heavy-duty DIYers, and lighter commercial applications. The 700 series is a general-purpose commercial-grade line in various deck sizes. The 900 series is the largest and most professionally oriented series with premium features, such as a full suspension seat as a standard feature. Collection bags are not standard on any of the models available but are optional accessories.

Stihl RZ 560K Specifications

• Cutting Deck Width: 60″
• Engine Type: Kawasaki FT730V
• Horsepower: 24 HP
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 5.5 Gallons
• Displacement: 726 CC
• Transaxles: Hydro-Gear ZT-3400
• Forward Ground Speed: 10 MPH
• Reverse Ground Speed: 5 MPH
• Mowing Height Range: 1.5″-5″
• Deck Construction: Fabricated 10 Gauge Steel
• Cutting Height Options: 13
• Blades Type: 3-MARBAIN Hardened
• Front Tire Size: 13″ x 6.5-6
• Rear Tire Size: 23″ x 10.5-12
• Weight: 1,291 Lbs.
• Spindle Shaft Diameter: 1″
• Spindle Bearings Size: 2.5″ x 1″ Dual Ball Bearing
• Front Suspension Travel: 2.05″
• Rear Suspension Travel: 2.68″

Standout Features

Fast and Easy Deck Adjustment

Professional users require the ability to adjust deck height on demand and quickly. The Stihl zero-turn mowers tackle this problem head-on with a robust and intuitive deck adjustment system. A large foot pedal locks the deck in a secure upright position. Then a heavy-duty steel pin is pushed into the slot for the desired cutting height. The RZ 560K offers fifteen height settings, ranging from 1.5″to 5″. The settings are clearly labeled and easy to read with 1/4″ increments.

USB Charging Ports

The left side of the mower control area features two USB-A charging ports with spring-loaded covers. These are an invaluable feature for pro users and homeowners alike! Each port is capable of 3.15 Amps of power output.

Additionally, the two cup holders on the left side of the control area include a rectangular slot cut-out perfectly sized for a smartphone. This prevents a phone from bouncing out of the cupholder area while still being close enough to the charging ports to run a power cable. Our crew appreciated this small comfort feature, especially when using a set of Bluetooth-connected hearing protection and having easy access to the phone.

Easy Access

The RZ 560K makes it easy for users to access the internal components, belt drive systems, and engine area for cleaning and maintenance. A piston actuator helps the seat assembly fold upwards. A steel panel is also easily removed from the floorboard area over the deck to access the belt drive assemblies. This quick access stood out to us while cleaning the mower off after use.

Furthermore, Stihl includes an Easy-Drain style drain plug extender from the factory. This allows controlled draining of the engine oil and less mess and spills. A small detail like this was greatly appreciated by our crew, who usually add these to any piece of OPE.

User Comfort

While full suspension seats are considered the “Cadillacs” of the mower world, the RZ 560K’s premium seat and control station are exceptionally comfortable. The seat features dual folding armrests and a well-contoured back and seat cushion. The Stihl’s suspension is so flexible and responsive that it provides a ride experience that is closer to that of a suspension seat than traditional rigid chassis mowers.

The control handles are tight to the armrest areas, which allows actuation with minimal arm movement. They are also height-adjustable using the bolts on the lower portion of the arms. However, we were unable to adjust them to a position where an operator could rest their arms on the seat’s armrests and still control the mower. While running the mower, the operator’s arms hang in space like a T-Rex.

LED Light System

The front of the chassis frame on the RZ 560K features two extremely bright LED work lights. Both lights are controlled with a single switch on the master control panel. This is an outstanding standard factory feature for all users. During our testing period, we were able to navigate and cut grass in near pitch-black conditions thanks to the beam projected by these two lights.

Speed and Maneuverability

Stihl is a company that prides itself on engineering and quality control. This mindset is immediately apparent when examining the RZ 560K. The mower chassis includes an independent front suspension system and a rear suspension system with shock absorbers. This combination creates an incredibly comfortable ride experience for the user, regardless of the terrain. It is difficult to describe the exact sensation the operator experiences, but the Stihl professional zero-turn flexes and sways into turns and corners the same way a German sports car performs in hard curves. A fitting pedigree given the company’s heritage.

The Kawasaki FT730V power plant is not an impressively big engine. It is rated for 24 HP but features the legendary quality control and durability that is synonymous with traditionally carburated Kawasaki engines. The engine shines when it is synced with the Hydro-Gear ZT-3400 transaxle system. This system provides instantaneous feedback on the controls and allows the mower to achieve the top-rated speed of 10 MPH in forward gear.

Electric zero-turn mowers are often cited as having the most responsive control systems available. However, our entire crew was blown away at the lack of any kind of delay with the controls on the RZ 560K. This speed and level of control make the experience of operating the Stihl mower more like an off-road recreational vehicle than a turf management tool.

Turf Burnout

While the mower is quick to respond and fast to operate, that speed comes at a price. The RZ 560K is prone to skidding due to the instantaneous response and speed of the rear drive wheels. It is very difficult to perform a three-point turn with the mower at the end of a row and not cause skid marks in the grass. A workaround to this is to keep the mower moving forward at all times, but that is not feasible with certain turf patterns that customers desire. Our crew was forced to come to a near halt and slowly make turns to avoid damaging the grass. This is increasingly difficult in wet conditions.

Stihl Professional Zero-Turn Cutting Performance

Does the RZ 560K back up all of that speed with cutting performance? Absolutely. Throughout the testing period, our crew was impressed at the level of clean and consistent cut that the mower can produce. Furthermore, in average-height dry grass, the mower achieved these cuts at near maximum speed! Consistent clean lines at that speed are an impressive feat.

Above we mentioned the advanced suspension system. This also includes a mowing deck compensator to allow the deck to float and adjust as the suspension flexes.  This system builds upon the cutting capabilities of the Stihl professional zero-turn mower line. The properties used for testing feature some uneven areas including the steep bank of a pond. Our previous experience cutting this area allows us to identify areas that will be scalped during cutting. This leads us to avoid them and return later with a trim mower or string trimmer. The 60″ deck featured on the RZ 560K could not scalp these areas, regardless of how hard we tried!

With most dry grass conditions, the discharge port on the deck does an excellent job of broadcasting the clippings off to the side of the mower. So much so, that on one of our first test runs a crew member remarked on how the mower pulls double-duty as a blower as well. We cleared clippings from the driveway and roadway areas using the blowing force of the mower deck alone. That extra blowing force, combined with the thick fabricated steel deck, does result in some excessive noise for the operator. We collected readings in excess of 120 Decibels during use.

Wet Grass Bogdown

One issue we discovered though was a result of environmental conditions. Our testing area was located in Southern New England where we experienced heavy rainfall and humidity throughout the summer season. This results in thick grass with loose soil conditions and is guaranteed to become overgrown if not regularly maintained. In this thick wet grass, the Stihl struggled to keep up with the cutting and discharging. The Kawasaki engine was heard bogging down under the load. The clumps of grass then struggled to be broadcast out of the cutting deck and away from the mower. This resulted in uneven cuts and clumps of grass left behind the machine.

Wet grass is a reality that we all must face and there isn’t always time to wait for things to dry out. Conditions like these are somewhat challenging for the RZ 560K. A better option from Stihl for conditions like these is the Model RZ 552. This mower features a smaller 52″ cutting deck with a larger 27 HP Briggs & Stratton engine. The combination of a smaller-width deck with a more powerful engine would result in less bogging down. A 52″ version of the mower is also available with the same 24 HP Kawasaki engine as well.

Mower Balance and Weight Distribution

The RZ 560K seats the operator at a comfortable height and is positioned slightly forward of the rear drive wheels. The engine housing extends further off the rear of the chassis with large roll bars to protect it from impact. However, the front end of the machine is short, and the front casters are as close to the mower deck as possible. The benefit of this is that the Stihl professional zero-turn mower can get closer to obstacles and cut more. Combined with its maneuverability, the Stihl reduces the amount of string trimming to be done afterward.

The heavy rear end of the mower however creates a unique issue. When pushing forward rapidly on the control arms, the mower sags backward like a muscle car as the torque engages the rear wheels. This rear counterbalance leads to the skidmark issues we discussed before. Additionally, the mower struggles at times to gain traction in the reverse drive mode.

Overall the mower’s weight feels well-distributed and stable. While it features a sturdy steel rollbar, we did not encounter any situations where we were concerned with a rollover or flip situation.

Stihl Zero-Turn Mower Price and Availability

A mower with such a long list of professional features and high performance as the RZ 560K commands a higher cost of ownership than an average homeowner mower. However, the Stihl professional grade mower is designed with both performance and longevity in mind. As a commercial-grade machine, it is intended to be used daily and is overbuilt to ensure that components last. Therefore the MSRP from Stihl of $11,199.99 as of Fall 2024 should not be a surprise. While this may seem excessive to the average homeowner, commercial-grade mowers of this size are all within this ballpark of pricing. Stihl also includes a huge amount of features as described above to bring it to this price point.

If interested in purchasing an RZ 560K, the best option is to always meet with your local Stihl dealer. Stihl stands by its networks of dealers for sales, service, and support for all users. Commercial users rely heavily on their dealer relationships to keep their equipment running and making money. Homeowners should consider doing the same thing and building a relationship with a local dealer. Currently, Stihl is offering financing options that make purchasing a commercial-grade mower like the RZ 560K or its bigger brothers.

Final Thoughts

The testing crew was blown away by the speed and agility of the RZ 560K from Stihl. It is physically impossible to operate the mower at full speed and not have a smile on your face. The comfort of the full suspension system and smooth responsive controls were unmatched by any mower our crew has experience with. However, the mower was underpowered in the grass conditions we tested it in. The large 60″ deck bogged down in thick and wet grass. Based upon this experience our crew agreed that a smaller 52″ deck would be a better option for a mower the size of the RZ 560K in our area. Or a step up to the larger and more powerful 700 series mowers, but with that comes additional expense.

This machine is ideally suited for large property owners or commercial contractors who place a premium on speed and finishing the job as quickly as possible. While it struggled in some of our testing conditions, it may be an excellent solution for your application.

Stihl Professional Zero-Turn Mowers

In closing, we want to reflect on the quality of Stihl as a company. Their pride in quality workmanship and manufacturing was visible in every aspect of the manufacturing facilities that our crew visited. The attention to detail in their products, like the RZ 560K, is also impressive. However, sometimes issues do happen. During testing, our mower spun loose all three of its blades, and the blades were damaged as a result. Stihl immediately stepped in through their support teams to identify the issue, resolve it, and get the product back up and running.

Additionally, they are ensuring that this won’t happen with mowers moving forward. While all machines can fail and manufacturing is never perfect all the time, Stihl is a company that will go the extra mile to make sure things are done right or will make it right. That is something the entire ToolBoxBuzz Crew can support.

Stihl RZ Professional Zero-Turn Mower Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Best Commercial Battery Backpack Blower

The Tool Box Buzz Crew seeks to crown the best commercial-grade battery backpack blower in this most recent Head-to-Head comparison test. In 2023 our crew tested and chose the best Handheld Cordless Blower. Building on that success, we are now examining battery backpack blowers. However, this Head-to-Head will primarily be geared towards commercial users. Backpack blowers are synonymous with the landscaping and property maintenance trades. We aim to determine which blowers are ready to keep up with demanding commercial use and provide the best options for pros looking to purchase a battery-powered model.

Are Battery Blowers Ready for Prime-time?

The demand for rugged, commercial-grade, battery-powered OPE is constantly growing. This demand is being fueled by technological improvements as well as legislative requirements. As of June 2024, more than one hundred cities in the United States, and the entire state of California, have banned or restricted the use of gas-powered leaf blowers. Contractors are now forced to look for battery-powered options to stay in business. These restrictions have forced OPE companies to step up their game.

Direct Comparison to Gas Powered

One common question with all battery OPE is how the tools perform compared to traditional gas-powered models. While gas vs. battery is not a true even comparison, we elected to include a gas-powered model in some of our testing to provide an additional data point. The gas-powered model will not be included in any of our rankings, but we felt the information collected is of interest.

Echo provided a sample of their model PB-770T X Series backpack blower. This blower features a 63.3 CC professional-grade two-stroke engine. This is Echo’s smallest commercial-grade backpack blower and is a close comparison to our battery-powered options in terms of power and output. Its technical specifications are as follows:

• Max Air Volume: 756 CFM
• Max Air Speed: 234 MPH
• Max Blowing Force: 33
• Fuel Capacity: 68.3 Fl./Ozs.
• Warranty: 2 Year Commercial

Best Commercial Battery Backpack Blower  | Test Criteria

We selected eight categories to determine our best commercial battery backpack blower of 2024. The tools were ranked in each category and an overall score was later used to determine our winner. The evaluation categories are:

• Measured Maximum Air Speed (MPH)
• Calculated Maximum Air Volume (CFM)
• Total Run-time on a Battery Charge (Minutes)
• Power Sled Performance Test
• Measured Noise Output (Decibels)
• Assembled Weight
• Features and Ergonomics
• Price

In addition to our overall winner, we selected a tool as our Best Value. This category highlights a single backpack blower that may not be our top-performing tool but offers an excellent overall value based on its features and performance compared to its price.

Battery Backpack Blower Lineup

Once our testing criteria were finalized, we identified the current available pro-grade models. Invitations were sent to the manufacturers to participate in our Head-To-Head. A total of six companies agreed to participate and provided us with samples of their products. Not every company that was invited chose to participate however our sample size is an excellent representation of the pro-user market.

Our participating companies provided us with the backpack blower unit, a battery, and a charger. Additionally, manufacturers were invited to include any accessories or optional parts that improve the overall user experience. Only one company elected to do this. Stihl provided us with an upgraded waist belt to enhance user comfort.

Echo eFORCE

• Model: DPB-5800T
• Battery Platform: eFORCE 56V
• Motor Type: Brushless
• Batteries Tested: (3x) 8.0 Ah
• Max Air Volume: 795 CFM
• Max Airspeed: 195 MPH
• Max Blowing Force: 25 Newtons
• Warranty: 2 Years Commercial

Greenworks Commercial Optimus

• Model: BB361
• Battery Platform: 82V
• Motor Type: Brushless
• Batteries Tested: (2x) 8.0 Ah
• Max Air Volume: 755 CFM
• Max Airspeed: 225 MPH
• Max Blowing Force: 36 Newtons
• Warranty: 2 Years Commercial

Husqvarna

• Model: 550iBTX
• Battery Platform: 36V
• Motor Type: Brushless
• Battery Tested: BLi950X
• Max Air Volume: 551 CFM
• Max Airspeed: 148 MPH
• Max Blowing Force: 21 Newtons
• Warranty: 2 Years Commercial

Kress Commercial

• Model: KC500.9
• Battery Platform: 60V
• Motor Type: Brushless
• Battery Tested: KAC810 CyberPack 11 Ah
• Max Air Volume: 900 CFM
• Max Airspeed: 190 MPH
• Max Blowing Force: 35 Newtons
• Warranty: 3 Years or 750 Hours of Use Commercial

Milwaukee M18 FUEL

• Model: 3009-24HD
• Battery Platform: 18V
• Motor Type: Brushless
• Battery Tested: (4x) M18 FUEL 12.0 Ah
• Max Air Volume: 650 CFM
• Max Airspeed: 155 MPH
• Max Blowing Force: 20.5 Newtons
• Warranty: 3 Years Commercial

Stihl

• Model: BGA300
• Battery Platform: 36V
• Motor Type: Brushless
• Battery Tested: AR3000L
• Max Air Volume: 571 CFM
• Max Airspeed: 192 MPH
• Max Blowing Force: 26 Newtons
• Warranty: 2 Years Commercial

Backpack Blower Battery Systems

Determining the best battery backpack blower requires testing tools with the largest battery packs available. We requested each manufacturer provide us with the largest battery pack(s) currently available for their platform and the corresponding charger system. As a result, our charging stations look much different than in previous H2H tests! To provide performance and run-time comparable to gas-powered blowers, the battery models we tested rely upon either a large suitcase-style battery or a combination of smaller packs. Here is a breakdown of the batteries and chargers we used.

Echo

The Echo DPB-5800T is powered by any combination of up to three 56V batteries. While the kit version of this tool features two 5.0 Ah eFORCE batteries, we tested the tool with three 8.0 Ah batteries. We have a full review article of the Echo backpack blower available here. Additionally, Echo provided us with an eFORCE Rapid Charger to use during testing. The rapid charger will completely charge an 8.0 Ah battery in about 60 minutes.

Greenworks Commercial

The Greenworks Commercial model accepts two 82V batteries. The tool is capable of operating on a single battery. The tool will draw from both batteries simultaneously when two are inserted. We used two 8.0 Ah batteries, the standard offering in the kit configuration for this tool. The GWC batteries feature Bluetooth connectivity and digital display screens indicating charge levels. The charger tested is the dual port rapid charger. It is capable of charging two 8.0 Ah batteries in about one hour.

Husqvarna

The Husqvarna BLi950X battery is a large suitcase-style battery, as previously mentioned. It is a 36V, 31.1 Ah, behemoth! The 550iBTX backpack blower is only compatible with this style of battery pack. However, the battery is cross-compatible with all Husqvarna handheld 36V tools. The battery includes a standalone backpack frame for carrying when in use with handheld equipment. It also includes an adapter plug which is compatible with all Husqvarna chargers. We used a QC500 charger during testing. A full recharge of the BLi950X is approximately three hours.

Kress

The Kress Commercial Cyber System of batteries offers a variety of solutions. We tested the blower with the larger 60V CyberPack battery which is 11.0 Ahs. However, the Kress blower is also compatible with any 60V CyberPack battery, such as the smaller 4.0 Ah battery pictured above, borrowed from a Kress 16″ chainsaw. The graphene cores of the Kress batteries and the high-output Kress chargers allow a full recharge of the large suitcase-style battery in approximately ten minutes. This is an astoundingly short time compared to the other tools tested.

Milwaukee

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL battery platform is a staple of the tool industry. The kit option of their backpack blower includes a total of four 12.0 Ah M18 FUEL batteries. There are four battery ports on the blower and a minimum of two batteries must be inserted to run the tool. Each pair of batteries is drained simultaneously. It will then automatically switch to the second pair of batteries if all four batteries are inserted. We used the Milwaukee backpack blower with all four batteries inserted during testing. The kit option includes two dual-port Milwaukee Rapid Chargers. These chargers will charge two 12.0 Ah packs in about two hours.

Stihl

The Stihl AR3000L battery is the largest battery we tested. It features 41.20 Ahs on Stihl’s 36V battery platform. This large suitcase-style battery is also compatible with all Stihl handheld equipment with an adapter cable. A backpack-style platform is also available for the battery. We used a Stihl AP Adapter to connect the battery to an AL 500 high-speed battery charger during testing. The total recharge time is about three and a half hours using this combination.  Stihl recently announced their new ADA 1000 battery adapter. It allows two smaller AP series battery packs to power a large output tool like the BGA300 backpack blower—an outstanding accessory for any pro user currently on the Stihl AP battery platform.

Pitot Tube Performance Testing

To flush out generous marketing specifications from true performance for each of our tools, we employed a pitot tube test rig. This test is a specialty of Tool Box Buzz Crew member Jeff Deitz. Jeff, also a helicopter pilot, explained that a pitot tube probe measures the pressure difference of an air stream and can calculate fluid flow velocity. The Pitot Tube was invented by a French engineer, Henri Pitot, in the early 18th century.

Pitot tubes are widely used to determine the airspeed of aircraft, the water speed of boats, and the flow velocity of liquids, air, and gasses in various industries.

When manufacturers test their blowers to come up with the MPH and CFM values they follow an American National Standard (ANSI) procedure to measure the force or thrust. This is effectively an electronic scale that measures the force in Newton’s 5 inches from the blower nozzle. You can read more about the theory behind our pitot tube test rig in our Best Cordless Blower 2023 H2H article.

The Pitot Tube was set up 5 inches from each blower in the center of the air stream. Batteries were fully charged and measurements were taken at max speed setting. The data was collected at a 1 Hz sample rate or once per second for five minutes for the first test. Our second test is another five-minute recording, with the battery depleted to 25% charge.

An ExTech HD350 Pitot Tube Anemometer was used to perform this test.

Max Air Speed Winner – Greenworks Commercial

The Greenworks blower produces airspeeds over 176 MPH. We are unable to determine the exact speed because our testing monitor maxes out at 176 MPH! This is another remarkable performance for the big green machine. In second place is Stihl at 160.7 MPH. An interesting data point is that the Stihl produced slightly higher numbers on the second test run with the battery depleted down to 25%  charge. The BGA300 automatically downshifts its battery system to normalize output and performance regardless of charge charge level.

Measured MPH Results

Third place went to Echo at 150 MPH, fourth place Husqvarna at 137.5 MPH and fifth place went to Kress at 137.3 MPH. Milwaukee was our bottom finisher at 117 MPH.

Max Air Volume Winner – Kress

Using the data collected from our ExTech HD350 meter we were able to calculate the max airflow for each tool in cubic feet per minute (CFM). The Greenworks Commercial blower is the only tool that maxed out our anemometer. Therefore we added a value for Greenworks in our calculations of 200 MPH. This is a close representation of the actual value based on the tool’s performance in all of our testing. Greenworks claims that the max CFM on the tool is 225 MPH.

Calculated CFM Results

Kress is our first-place winner for air volume with a max calculated CFM of 808.44. The Kress has the largest nozzle diameter of all of the tools tested at 3.5″. This allows the Kress to move a massive volume of air. In second place we have Greenworks at 779.70 CFM. Greenworks utilizes a smaller diameter nozzle than Kress but has faster airspeed. This combination of factors still results in an impressive amount of air moved.

In third place is Milwaukee at 548.39 CFM, fourth place is Husqvarna at 545.09 CFM, and fifth place is Stihl at 531.47. Our sixth-place finisher is Echo at 220.48 CFM. This surprised our crew given that Echo performed so well in the airspeed (MPH) test. However, the Echo nozzle chokes down to 1.75″ diameter which is half the size of the Kress. Echo favors speed, but a wider nozzle would likely improve CFM output.

Max Run-time Winner-Stihl

Run-time is one of the most discussed and important categories we evaluated with our backpack blowers. Commercial users require a tool that will accomplish most tasks without constantly switching or recharging batteries. We tracked the total run-time on our blowers by combining our five-minute intervals with the pitot tube along with the time spent depleting the batteries completely. All of this was done at the highest power output setting of each tool. Fall cleanup season is quickly approaching and our entire test crew agreed that we all default to the highest setting on our blowers for tasks like this.

Measured Runtime Results

Our winner here is Stihl with a total run-time of 45:23. The crew expected nothing less from the Stihl, considering the monster 41.20 Ah battery pack that was included with the BGA300. Second place went to Echo with a total run-time of 41:15. The three large 8.0 Ah batteries used with the Echo made this a close race with Stihl.

Third place went to Husqvarna at 39:41, fourth place to Greenworks at 38:36, and fifth place to Milwaukee at 25:45. Kress came in sixth place at 19:51, which is less than half of our top two finishers. However, Kress’ lightning-fast recharge times are somewhat of a redeeming quality compared to the short run-time.

Power Sled Test | Winner-Greenworks Commercial

When life gives you backpack blowers, you build a rocket ship! In our previous handheld blower H2H, the crew used a weighted sled to test the total blowing force of the tools. This time we stepped up the test rig to accommodate our larger and more powerful commercial backpack blowers.

The testing site we used for the day provided us with access to some heavy equipment. A twenty-foot-long Hud-Son firewood conveyor was used as a ramp. We set the conveyor at a seven-degree angle with the help of a PTO hitch on a tractor. Then a classic Radio Flyer wagon was used as our test vehicle. We added a large galvanized washtub to the wagon to act as an air collector. This is a textbook example of Swamp Yankee engineering.

With the test rig in position at the bottom of the ramp, our operator held the end of the blower nozzle in line with the edge of the test rig. The operator then activated the tool on the highest output setting and held it for ten seconds. If the sled moved, we recorded the distance traveled using a tape measure on the conveyor belt. Our unloaded sled weighed in at 34.76 pounds.

All of our tools were able to move the unloaded sled. We then added five pounds to the sled (39.76 Pounds) and continued testing. Two of our blowers were completely unphased by the five-pound increase, while the others showed significant struggle. We then worked up to a fifteen-pound weight (49.76 Pounds) with the two strongest performers and repeated the test.

Power Sled Results

Greenworks is our strongest performing tool, driving the fifteen-pound loaded sled to a distance of 13.25 feet and holding steadily. Kress is our second-place finisher driving the same fifteen-pound loaded sled a total distance of 12.17 feet. Both of these blowers greatly impressed our crew during this test. Both had near-instant spooling-up to power and moving the sled. It felt as though the sled began moving as soon as the control was engaged, regardless of the weight.

Power Sled Results

Milwaukee finished in third place driving the five-pound loaded sled a total of 13 feet. Echo and Stihl were also able to drive the five-pound loaded sled. However, Husqvarna was unable to move this sled and maxed out during the unloaded test.

The overall power of a back blower is dependent upon a combination of features like nozzle diameter, maximum airspeed, and the volume of force the tool puts out. Each of our blowers has its own secret sauce approach to creating power. The Power Sled rig is an excellent visual representation of these different approaches. The stats we listed above, such as MPH and CFM, are shown in actual use with the sled. Overall, the tools with larger nozzle diameters and faster airspeeds performed best, such as our top two tools Greenworks and Kress. Conversely, blowers with fast airspeeds and narrow nozzles, such as Echo, struggled to perform well in this test.

Noise Output Winner-Husqvarna

Reduced noise pollution is often cited as one of the primary benefits of battery-powered OPE. Commercial users of backpack blowers also benefit from reduced engine noise while maintaining occupied residences or office buildings, and noise pollution-restricted areas. However, are commercial battery-powered options quiet enough?

We measured the decibel output of each battery-powered blower and our gas-powered sample. Measurements were taken at the ear of the operator and a 15′ offset. The two measurements show what the noise impact would be for both the operator and a possible pedestrian walking by. Readings were recorded at the highest captured decibel level according to our meter while the blowers were set for maximum output. We ranked the tools based on the at-ear decibel level due to the long-term potential impact on the operator.

Measured Decibel Output Results

Husqvarna is the quietest tool tested at 74.7 decibels. This is well below the OSHA threshold for required hearing protection. Furthermore, the Husqvarna has an impressive tone that is almost pleasant to the ear compared to a traditional backpack blower. In addition, Husqvarna is the quietest tool at our 15-foot offset distance.

Our top five finishers are under the OSHA 85-decibel threshold for hearing protection requirements. In contrast, the Greenworks Commercial blower was the only backpack blower over this 85-decibel threshold at the operator’s ear.

Weight Winner-Milwaukee

Weight is a big consideration for commercial users, who will likely be using the tool for eight hours or more daily. Battery-powered backpack blowers are faced with a tough compromise between a large enough battery for commercial use, while not weighing as much as a Volkswagen. We weighed all of our tool samples as a bare tool only and fully assembled with batteries inserted, however we ranked them by the assembled weight.

Our first-place finisher is Milwaukee with the lightest assembled weight of 32.08 pounds. This impressed the entire crew, especially considering that Milwaukee uses four large 12.0 Ah batteries.  A close second-place finish is Kress at 32.12 pounds. This is also impressive given the large suitcase-style CyberPack battery. Third place is Greenworks and Echo in Fourth. Husqvarna finishes in our fifth-place slot at 34.52 pounds and Stihl finishes the category in sixth-place at a hefty 36.16 pounds.

Measured Weight Results

Each of our tools increased by at least fifteen pounds when adding the weight of the necessary batteries. However, our bottom two finishers, Husqvarna and Stihl, saw weight increases of over twenty pounds after inserting batteries.  An interesting comparison to this is our gas-powered model. The gas-powered tool was the heaviest bare (empty fuel tank) tool tested but gained about two pounds when fully fueled. It is still almost six pounds lighter than our lightest battery-powered unit.

Features and Ergonomics Winner-Greenworks Commercial and Stihl

For this category, we focused on six major areas with our tools:

• Controls
• Grip Ergonomics
• Harness Comfort
• Ease of Battery Change
• Tube Adjustment and Storage
• Fit and Finish

Each tool was assigned a point value from 1 to 3 for each category, with 1 point being the most desired. The total score for all six categories was then calculated and the tools ranked based on the lowest total points to the highest.

Features and Ergonomics Results

In this category, Greenworks Commercial and Stihl tied for first place. Echo claimed our second-place slot, Kress in third, Milwaukee fourth, and Husqvarna in fifth.

Controls

Grip Ergonomics

Harness Comfort

Ease of Battery Change

Kress features the easiest battery change system of all of our tools. The large suitcase-style pack slides out easily with an easy-to-reach release button. Echo, Greenworks, and Milwaukee are all very comparable in terms of battery change. The individual packs are slid out or inserted in order to power the tools. Echo has a slight advantage over the other two, due to all the packs being vertically oriented and easy to access. Greenworks has a spring-loaded cover obstructing the batteries, while Milwaukee positions the batteries in different positions on the external frame.

Stihl and Husqvarna utilize more complicated battery change systems due to the size of the battery packs. Stihl features a rotating cam-lock to secure the battery pack once lined up. It is a little tricky to line everything up at first, but it secures the battery completely with no movement once engaged. Husqvarna requires two sliding plastic tabs to secure the battery from the side, which are difficult to align properly. A power cable must then be run from the battery to an adapter plug on the side of the tool housing. Additionally, the battery must be manually turned on before the tool can be turned on. Our entire crew agreed that this is annoying, especially when considering that it is impossible to reach this switch with the backpack on.

Tube Adjustment and Storage

Milwaukee and Stihl both utilize a telescoping tube design that collapses for storage. In addition, the control stick position is easy to adjust using a cam-pock system. This collapsing feature is ideal for shrinking the overall profile of the tool for storage.

All of our tools, except for the Echo, feature a clip or strap system to secure the tube to the tool body for storage. Milwaukee and Stihl feature heavy-duty metal hooks to secure the tube in a proper upright position.  Kress and Husqvarna both secure the tubes across the harness which causes the tube to hang off to the side and is awkward. The Kress hook also does not stay attached and comes off easily, which was frustrating for our crew. Greenworks secures the tube pointing upwards but uses a thin plastic molded clip that pops off easily and likely won’t hold up to long-term commercial use. Echo needs to include some form of attachment to secure the blower tube.

Fit and Finish

All of our tools tested are designed with commercial users in mind. Therefore we expected excellent fit and finish on all of the models that are still rugged enough to survive getting beat up on a job site or in a tool trailer. Overall we were impressed with the majority of the tools.

Echo, Greenworks, and Husqvarna all used heavy-duty fasteners and steel hose clamps in the construction of their tube designs. Milwaukee and Stihl utilized plastic connectors and clamps, however, they are thick and strong enough that they held up well during our testing without issue.

Kress uses a thinner grade of plastic on their tube and connectors than all of the tools we tested. This results in a lighter felt tube in the hand, but our crew expressed concern over this holding up over long-term, commercial use. During testing the plastic connecter that held the control stick in place repeatedly became loose and would not lock in place. We had to repeatedly tighten it with tools during testing to secure it.

Price Winner-Echo/GreenWorks Commercial/Milwaukee

In this category, we ranked all of our blowers based on the total kit price. Kit prices are most applicable as many professional users will be investing in a battery product for the first time. Due to the substitutions in battery packs used for testing, we built our kit pricing to mirror the setups listed above. We used the ACME Tools website to price as many of the tools as possible.

Price Data Results

We ranked our tools based on price and included this category in the overall rankings. Unlike other H2H tests, our entire test sample is made up of commercial-grade tools designed for demanding pro use. This levels the playing field.

First place in this category is a three-way tie between Echo, Greenworks, and Milwaukee. All three options are available as a kit for $1,500.00. However, Greenworks and Milwaukee both include dual port chargers in their kitted options while we priced the Echo out with a single rapid charger, as tested. The Echo is available as a kit with a dual port charger and two smaller battery packs currently. The price point of all three of these blowers is very reasonable when considering the power and performance of each as well as the additional tools available on the battery platform.

Second place goes to Husqvarna at $1,830.00. Stihl is in third at $2,410.00 and finally we have Kress in fourth at $2,680.00. Kress’ innovative battery and charger system comes with a hefty price tag. The Kress charger is almost $800.00 on its own. Husqvarna and Stihl are two of the most well-known brands in the OPE industry. While they represent a high cost of initial investment, they are both of extremely high quality with huge dealer support and other available tools and equipment.

Our pricing breakdown may come as a shock to some of you. Battery-powered options represent a significant price increase compared to traditional gas-powered options. For example, our pro-grade Echo PB-770T bower that was used as a comparison in some of our testing has an MSRP of $550.00. That’s roughly a third of the cost of our cheapest commercial battery-powered option. The initial investment of the Greenworks Commercial model ($1,500.00) would roughly cover the cost of two Echo PB-9010 gas-powered backpack blowers, the current world’s strongest backpack blower.

Best Commercial Battery Backpack Blower Winner-Greenworks Commercial

Greenworks Commercial emerged as the top performer in several key categories, including max airspeed and power output, making it a powerful choice for high-demand tasks. Stihl impressed with exceptional run-time, ideal for prolonged use, while Kress delivered outstanding air volume performance and record-setting recharge times, perfect for those prioritizing quick battery turnaround.

Milwaukee stood out for its lightweight design, striking a balance between portability and performance. Echo and Husqvarna also had strong showings, though they each faced challenges in categories like weight, ease of battery change, as well as some other comfort and ergonomic-related issues.

Overall Rankings Results

Best Value Winner-Greenworks Commercial

Ordinarily, our best value winner is a tool that offers outstanding performance compared to price. However, in this Head-to-Head our overall winner is also one of our most affordable tools! Greenworks tied for first place in our price category. When comparing the amount of performance the Greenworks is capable of, in addition to its features, our entire crew agreed that the Greenworks is the best all-around value of all of our tools tested.

Final Thoughts

Our comprehensive testing of battery-powered backpack blowers serves as a valuable buyer’s guide for professionals in search of the best tools for their needs.

As professionals evaluate their options, it’s essential to consider not just performance metrics but also the availability of local dealer support. Companies such as Echo, Husqvarna, and Stihl excel in this area thanks to well-established dealer networks and support services as well as box store options.

Choosing a brand with strong local representation can significantly enhance the ownership experience, providing easier access to service and replacement parts. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on specific needs—whether that’s raw power, battery life, or ergonomics.

Speaking of service! Follow the Buy Now links below to purchase some of the blowers featured in this article from our friends at ACME Tools.

Best Battery Backpack Blower | Video Review

Best Commercial Battery Backpack Blower Head-To-Head 2024 is a post from Tool Box Buzz

ECHO hosted their annual POWER-ON-ATHON event on September 19th at their headquarters in Lake Zurich, IL. They invited a number of industry and media partners as they announced new products for 2025. This event included a factory tour, product release, and tool test.

Factory Tour

During the factory tour, Ryan Ladley, VP of Operations at ECHO, spoke about a few major focuses for their manufacturing of high end tools. They were safety, vertical integration, continuous improvement, and listening to feedback from their employees and customers. Let me break that down a little further.

Safety:

As ECHO has updated their manufacturing facility, they have made various changes to the assembly line. One of the biggest focuses for them has been the safety and health of their employees. They spend a significant amount of money to ensure that the team has an ideal quality of life and enjoys their work. Some of the improvements to the work line seem simple, but have prevented overuse or work related injuries for employees.

Vertical Integration:

This was a topic that Ryan brought up numerous times throughout the tour. COVID was a challenge for every vendor/supplier. ECHO felt the impact of material and part delays just like every other company. Their response was to bring more processes in house and improve the efficiency of their operations. In essence, they wanted to control their own destiny. This required keen attention to detail. ECHO brought an automation team, molding team, and maintenance team in house. All of this investment allows them to move towards a more self-sufficient supply chain.

Continuous Improvement:

The focus on improving their manufacturing operation was displayed in their quest for quality. For example, ECHO has invested heavily in automation. This investment allowed for improvements in the overall quality of their offering, reduced their scrap rate, and used new, innovative manufacturing methods. They even go as far as regrinding their scrap so that they can reuse the plastic. Today, ECHO has effectively eliminated all manufacturing waste.

Listening to feedback:

ECHO has implemented a few notable ways to gather high quality feedback. Externally, ECHO has implemented their User Advisory Group (UAG). The UAG members are end users (landscapers, carpenters, etc) that they rely on for feedback on their products and suggestions for future development. Internally, they host annual Kaizen events. During these sessions, they invite employees from various levels in the company to collaborate and determine what they can do to improve.

The tour ended with a walk through their warehouse. It was incredible how much product they keep on demand in order to stay ahead of demand.

Product Release

After the tour, the main attraction…the ECHO POWER-ON-ATHON product announcement. For 2025, a total of 10 new products were launched. This includes:

• 4 blowers (DPB-2610, DPB-5900T, DPB-7700T, DPB-2500LE)
• A rapid field charger
• 2 string trimmers (DSRM-225, SRM-2120)
• A hedge trimmer (DSHC-2600)
• A handheld pruning saw (DHS-3006)
• A gas mower (LM-2119SP)

Tool Test/First Impressions

Next up, we were able to test out the new products. Here are our first impressions!

Blowers:

ECHO continues to deliver on high quality blowers for the homeowner and professional alike. The 2610, 5900T, and 7700T are all part of the X Series. The DPB-2500LE is a limited edition blower in which ECHO partnered with Susan G. Komen. All of these blowers put out an impressive amount of power. ECHO’s 56V batteries produce an impressive run time in all of these continuing on the likes of the 5800T.

Rapid Field Charger:

The 6-port Field Charger was designed for commercial landscapers. This comes with awesome features like their trailer/wall mount. With electric tools becoming more prevalent on job sites, this charger allows you to charge 6 batteries at once, ensuring you’re ready for the next job.

String Trimmers:

ECHO’s Speed-Feed trimmer heads make reloading trimmer line a breeze. The DSRM-225 combines this technology with a light, durable carbon fiber shaft and battery power. This makes it a great option for homeowners looking for a low maintenance trimmer. The SRM-2120 utilizes gas and the Rapid-Loader head. And with an incredible price point of $199.99, this trimmer is an unbeatable value.

Hedge Trimmer:

Another addition to the X Series line is the DSHC-2600, however this time with a battery. ECHO designed this to incorporate a 7-degree angle which allows the operator to use the trimmer with added comfort. The blades are also designed to improve cutting efficiency, and the battery allows for quiet operation of a typically noisy tool.

Handheld Pruning Saw:

The DHS-3006 has a 6” bar and cuts through branches with ease. This new tool is one of the lightest, most powerful pruning saws on the market and is a great addition to anyone’s chainsaw collection.

Gas Mower:

Considering battery powered mowers consume a lot of juice, a gas powered saw was a nice return to conventional mowers. The LM-2119SP easily adapts to walking speed meaning you no longer need to fight the controls to find your Goldilocks setting. And the dual-blade design means you get a professional cut.

Recap

All of these great releases continue to improve on ECHO’s established reputation for quality in outdoor power tools. The ECHO POWER-ON-ATHON event was a great success! We look forward to getting our hands on these tools and seeing the ECHO line continue to grow. Check out the ECHO Press Release from the event for more info!

ECHO POWER-ON-ATHON 2024 is a post from Tool Box Buzz