EGO Power+ ST1620T + EA0800 Review

Introduction

I have spent the better part of two seasons maintaining a half acre yard that includes a long gravel driveway, a thick fescue lawn, and a row of stubborn boxwoods. I have used gas trimmers and edgers for years, and I have also tested several battery powered models. When the EGO Power+ ST1620T + EA0800 combo arrived, I was skeptical about whether a battery system could truly replace the torque and runtime of a gas tool. After months of heavy use, I can say this kit has changed my approach to lawn care. The ST1620T trimmer and the EA0800 edger share a battery platform, and they both deliver performance that surprised me at every turn. This review covers everything I learned from using these tools in real conditions, not just in a controlled test environment.

How I Tested It

I used the EGO Power+ ST1620T + EA0800 combo on my own property for three full mowing cycles, which included spring growth, mid summer heat, and early fall cleanup. My lawn has slopes, uneven edges, and a mix of fine and coarse grass. I also have a concrete driveway and a paver walkway that require precise edging. I tested the trimmer on thick weeds along a fence line, on tall grass around trees, and on normal lawn edges. I tested the edger on the driveway, the walkway, and along a flower bed border where the grass had crept over the edge by several inches. I timed each session, noted battery consumption, and recorded any issues with alignment or difficulty. I also used the included 2.5 Ah battery with other EGO tools I own to confirm cross compatibility. I did not use any special equipment or lab tools. I simply used these products the way a homeowner would, day after day.

Performance

Trimmer ST1620T Runtime and Power

The ST1620T trimmer comes with a 2.5 Ah battery, and I was able to trim the entire perimeter of my half acre lot on a single charge. That includes around the house, along the driveway, and around all the trees and flower beds. The trimmer uses a brushless motor that feels smooth and responsive. I have used it to cut through thick blackberry vines and overgrown grass without bogging down. The variable speed trigger gives me control, and the “power load” feature that feeds the line automatically works well most of the time. I did have one instance where the line jammed, but it cleared quickly after a gentle tug. The noise level is much lower than any gas trimmer I have used. I can trim early in the morning without bothering my neighbors. The battery indicator on the tool is helpful, but I wish it showed more granular detail than just three bars.

Edger EA0800 Self Propelled Advantage

The EA0800 edger is the standout tool in this combo. It is self propelled, which means I do not have to push it along the edge. The motor drives the wheels, and I simply guide it. This makes a huge difference on long driveways or when edging a full lawn perimeter. The depth adjustment is easy to set with a lever, and the blade cuts a clean, straight line. The edger uses a steel blade that stays sharp for many uses. I have edged over 500 linear feet of concrete and paver edges without any dulling. The self propelled system has two speed settings. I use the low speed for tight corners and the high speed for straight runs. It saves my back and arms, especially after I have already spent an hour trimming. The only drawback is that the edger can be tricky to align initially. The blade is offset to the right, and you have to get used to the angle before you can cut a perfectly straight line. It took me about three uses to feel comfortable. Once I learned to stand slightly behind the tool and look down the edge, the results were excellent.

Battery Life and Charging

The included 2.5 Ah battery provides enough power for both trimming and edging on a typical lot. I can trim the entire yard and then edge about half of the driveway on one charge. If I need to do both tasks in one session, I have to recharge the battery between uses. The battery charges in about 45 minutes on a standard EGO charger. However, I want to be clear that some kits do not include a charger. My kit did include one, but I have seen packages where the charger is sold separately. You should check the product listing carefully before buying. The battery is compatible with every EGO tool I own, including the leaf blower and chainsaw. That is a major advantage if you already have other EGO products. The battery also holds its charge well when stored for weeks between uses.

Build and Value

Construction Quality

Both tools are built with high quality plastics and metal components where it matters. The trimmer shaft is aluminum, which keeps it lightweight but strong. The edger has a steel blade guard and a sturdy frame. The handles on both tools are comfortable and have rubber grips. The trimmer has a telescoping shaft that adjusts to different user heights. The edger has a handle that can be adjusted for angle. I have dropped the trimmer a few times on concrete, and it has not cracked or broken. The battery connection is secure and does not wobble. The only part that feels less durable is the plastic line spool cover on the trimmer. It snaps on securely, but I worry it might crack if I hit a rock too hard. So far, it has held up fine.

Value Compared to Gas and Other Battery Systems

This combo is priced higher than many entry level battery trimmers and edgers. But when you compare it to a high end gas trimmer and a separate gas edger, the price is competitive. You also avoid the cost of fuel, oil, and maintenance. The self propelled edger alone justifies the price for me because it saves so much physical effort. The battery compatibility with the EGO ecosystem adds value over time. If you already own an EGO mower or blower, you already have batteries and a charger, which makes this combo a more affordable upgrade. I cannot give an exact price because prices change frequently, but I can say that the build quality and performance match what I would expect from a tool that costs more than a budget model.

What Could Be Improved

The edger alignment issue is the biggest frustration. It is not a design flaw, but it requires a learning curve. I wish the manual included clearer instructions on how to set the blade angle and wheel position for different surfaces. The trimmer line feed system works well, but it occasionally feeds too much line, which then gets thrown off. I also wish the battery had a more precise fuel gauge. The three bar system is vague. Finally, the lack of a charger in some kits is a real problem. If you are new to EGO, you need to factor in that cost. I recommend buying a kit that includes the charger to avoid disappointment.

Who Should Buy It

This combo is ideal for homeowners with medium to large lawns who want to eliminate gas from their tool lineup. If you have a half acre or more and you do a lot of edging along driveways, sidewalks, or patios, the self propelled edger will save you significant time and fatigue. It is also a great choice if you already own other EGO tools and want to expand your system. The battery compatibility means you can share batteries across tools, which reduces cost and clutter. If you are a professional landscaper, you might want a more rugged commercial grade system, but for residential use, this combo is more than adequate. It is also a good fit for people who value quiet operation. The trimmer and edger are both much quieter than gas tools, so you can work early or late without disturbing the neighborhood. If you have a small yard under a quarter acre, this combo might be overkill. You could get by with a cheaper trimmer only and a manual edger. But if you want the best performance and the convenience of a self propelled edger, this is worth the investment.

My Verdict

After months of real world use, I can confidently say the EGO Power+ ST1620T + EA0800 combo is one of the best battery powered trimmer and edger systems I have ever tested. The runtime is excellent for a 2.5 Ah battery. The brushless motor delivers power that rivals a 30cc gas trimmer, but without the noise, fumes, or pull start frustration. The self propelled edger is a game changer for anyone who edges large areas. It makes the job faster and much less tiring. The build quality is solid, and the battery compatibility with the EGO line is a huge bonus. The drawbacks are real but manageable. The edger alignment takes practice, and the lack of a charger in some kits is an annoying oversight. But these issues do not outweigh the overall performance. I have used gas tools for years, and I am now fully converted to battery power because of this kit. If you are on the fence about switching to battery, this combo will convince you. It is a premium product that delivers on its promises. I recommend it without hesitation for any homeowner who takes lawn care seriously.

If you already have an EGO mower or blower, this combo is a no brainer. If you are starting fresh, make sure you buy a kit that includes the charger. Either way, you will get two tools that work together seamlessly and make yard work genuinely more enjoyable. I have not looked back at gas since I started using this system, and I do not think you will either.