Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 16-inch Combo Review

Introduction: Why I Finally Gave the Ryobi 40V Combo a Shot

For years, I’ve been the guy who wrestled with a gas trimmer that refused to start after sitting in the shed for two months. I’d pull the cord until my arm ached, swear under my breath, and eventually give up and borrow a neighbor’s electric model. That’s when I started paying attention to battery-powered options. When Ryobi released their 40V HP Brushless 16-inch Combo, I saw it as a potential game changer for my small-to-medium sized yard. The price was right, the brushless motor promised efficiency, and the tool-free attachment system seemed like a no-brainer for switching between trimming and edging. I’ve been using this combo for three full mowing seasons now, and I’m ready to give you the honest, ground-level truth about what it’s like to live with this tool day in and day out.

How I Tested It: Real Yards, Real Conditions

I didn’t run this thing through a lab or a controlled test track. I used it the way you would: on my own property, which is a mix of fescue and Bermuda grass, with some thick weeds along the fence line and a concrete driveway that demands clean edges. I also brought it to my brother’s place, which has a much larger lot with heavier, damp grass and a few rocky patches near the garden beds. Over the course of 12 weeks, I used the trimmer for weekly maintenance, the edger for driveway and sidewalk borders, and I even pushed it to its limits by letting the grass grow an extra week just to see how it handled heavy overgrowth. I tested it with both the standard 4.0 Ah battery that came in the kit and a larger 6.0 Ah battery I already owned from another Ryobi tool. I kept notes on runtime, cutting performance, ease of switching attachments, and any signs of wear or fatigue.

Performance: Where It Shines and Where It Stumbles

Trimming Power and Cut Quality

The 16-inch cutting path is generous for a battery powered trimmer. I can cover a lot of ground along the fence line without constantly repositioning. The brushless motor delivers consistent torque, even when I’m cutting through thick clover or the occasional patch of crabgrass. It doesn’t bog down the way my old brushed electric trimmer did. The automatic feed line works reliably most of the time–I’ve only had to manually bump the head a handful of times when the line got stuck after hitting a rock. The .080 inch line is standard, but I wish Ryobi offered a slightly thicker option for really heavy weeds. That said, for 95 percent of my trimming needs, it’s more than adequate. The variable speed trigger gives me good control; I can feather it for delicate work around flower beds or pin it for the thick stuff along the back fence.

Edging: Clean Lines Without the Bend

Switching to edger mode is where this combo really earns its keep. The tool-free attachment change is genuinely quick–I can go from trimmer to edger in under 10 seconds without any tools. The edger attachment uses a fixed blade that cuts a clean, sharp line along concrete and asphalt. It’s not as aggressive as a dedicated gas edger, but for weekly maintenance, it leaves a professional looking edge. I’ve found it handles best when the grass is dry; wet grass tends to clump and leave a slightly ragged edge. The adjustable depth guide is a nice touch, letting me set how deep I want the cut. One thing to note: the edger head is a bit bulky, so getting into tight corners near a mailbox or a fence post takes some careful maneuvering. Overall, though, it’s a solid performer that saves me from having to buy a separate edger.

Battery Runtime: The Big Asterisk

Here’s where I have to be honest: the battery runtime is the weakest link. With the included 4.0 Ah battery, I get about 25 to 30 minutes of continuous trimming in normal grass. If I’m edging as well, that drops to around 20 minutes because the edger blade draws more current. For my 0.3 acre lot, that’s just enough to trim the front and back yards with a little left over for edging the driveway–but I’m always watching the battery gauge. If you have a larger property or let the grass get too tall, you’ll definitely need a second battery. The good news is that Ryobi’s 40V system is widely available, and you can find larger capacity batteries (like the 6.0 Ah) that push runtime closer to 40 minutes. But that’s an extra expense. The brushless motor is efficient, but it’s not a miracle worker. I’ve learned to plan my trimming sessions around battery life, which is something I didn’t have to think about with gas.

Build and Value: Balancing Cost and Durability

Construction and Materials

The Ryobi 40V HP Brushless combo is built to a price point, and you can feel it. The shaft is a lightweight aluminum, which keeps the overall weight down to about 9 pounds with the battery–that’s easy to handle for an hour of work. The motor housing and the attachment locking mechanism are mostly high impact plastic. It feels solid enough for regular home use, but I have my doubts about how it would hold up to heavy commercial abuse. After three seasons, I’ve noticed some minor scuffing on the lower housing where it occasionally scrapes against the ground, and the plastic locking collar on the attachment system has developed a little play. It still works fine, but it doesn’t inspire the same confidence as a fully metal system. The telescoping shaft is a nice feature for adjusting to your height, and the handle is comfortable with a soft grip. But if you’re the kind of person who drops tools or stores them in a damp shed, the plastic components might wear faster than you’d like.

Value for the Money

This is where the Ryobi combo really stands out. When you compare it to other 40V or 56V trimmers from brands like Ego or Greenworks, the Ryobi is typically $50 to $100 less for a similar kit. You’re getting a brushless motor, a 16-inch cutting path, and two attachments for a price that often falls under $200 for the tool only (or around $250 with a battery and charger). That’s a lot of capability for the money. The trade off is the plastic construction and the so-so battery life, but for the average homeowner who trims once a week, that’s a fair exchange. I’ve seen these kits on sale for as low as $180 during holiday sales, which is an absolute steal. The fact that it works with all Ryobi 40V batteries means if you already own other Ryobi tools, you’re not locked into a new battery system. That ecosystem compatibility is a huge plus for value minded shoppers.

Who Should Buy It (And Who Should Skip It)

Ideal User: The Budget Conscious Homeowner

This combo is perfect for the homeowner with a small to medium yard (up to half an acre) who wants the convenience of battery power without spending a fortune. If you’re coming from a corded electric trimmer or an old gas model that’s more trouble than it’s worth, the Ryobi 40V HP will feel like a major upgrade. It’s quiet, starts instantly, and requires almost no maintenance. The tool free attachment change means you can edge your driveway and trim around the garden in one session without breaking a sweat. If you already own Ryobi 40V tools, the battery compatibility makes this a no brainer addition to your lineup.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you have a large property (over an acre) with heavy, thick grass and weeds, or if you need to trim professionally every day, this isn’t the tool for you. The runtime limitations will frustrate you, and the plastic components may not survive the abuse. Similarly, if you’re a stickler for premium build quality and want a tool that feels like it could survive a fall off a truck, you’ll want to spend more on a model with a metal drive shaft and a metal attachment system. And if you hate swapping batteries mid job, you’ll need to invest in multiple high capacity packs, which eats into the cost savings. For those users, a higher end brushless model from Ego or a gas trimmer might be a better fit.

My Verdict: A Solid, Honest Performer With a Few Caveats

After three seasons of regular use, I can say the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 16-inch Combo has earned its place in my shed. It’s not the most powerful trimmer I’ve ever used, and it’s not built like a tank, but it does exactly what it’s supposed to do: trim and edge a typical suburban yard reliably, quietly, and without the hassle of gas. The brushless motor delivers good power for the price, the tool free attachment change is genuinely convenient, and the compatibility with Ryobi’s 40V battery system makes it a smart investment if you’re already in that ecosystem.

Yes, the battery runtime is a limiting factor, and the plastic components don’t inspire the same confidence as a metal framed tool. But for the price point, I think those are fair compromises. I’ve learned to work around the battery life by keeping a second pack charged and ready, and I’ve accepted that the plastic housing will show some wear over time. What I haven’t had to deal with is a trimmer that won’t start, a carburetor that needs cleaning, or the smell of gas and oil in my garage. That trade off is worth it to me.

If you’re looking for an affordable, easy to use trimmer and edger combo for weekly yard maintenance, I’d recommend the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless without hesitation. Just go in with your eyes open about the battery runtime and the build materials, and you’ll likely be as satisfied as I am. It’s not the best tool on the market, but it’s one of the best values.