Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Review

Introduction

I have been using string trimmers for over a decade, both as a homeowner and as someone who helps friends maintain their yards. When the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless trimmer landed on my workbench, I was curious to see if it could live up to the hype around the HP series. Ryobi’s 40V platform has been around for years, but the “HP” and “Brushless” labels promise more torque and efficiency. After spending several weeks using this trimmer on everything from light grass to overgrown fence lines, I have a clear picture of where it shines and where it cuts corners.

This is not a paid endorsement. I bought this trimmer with my own money, and I have no affiliation with Ryobi. My goal is to give you an honest, grounded review so you can decide if this is the right tool for your yard.

How I Tested It

I wanted to test this trimmer in real-world conditions, not just a manicured lawn. Over the course of three weeks, I used the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless on the following tasks:

• Weekly lawn edging: I trimmed around a 2,500 square foot yard with standard grass, including edges along a driveway, walkway, and garden beds.
• Heavy weed cleanup: I tackled a neglected area along a fence line where weeds were waist high and thick, including some woody stalks.
• Wet grass trimming: I used the trimmer after a rain to see how it handled clumping and bogging down.
• Battery swapping: I tested it with a 4Ah battery, a 6Ah battery, and an older 2.6Ah battery to see how performance varied across the Ryobi 40V lineup.

I also paid close attention to the build quality, vibration levels, and ease of use. I did not use any stopwatches or lab equipment. This is a practical test based on how a typical homeowner or DIYer would use the tool.

Performance

Power for the Price

The first thing I noticed is that this trimmer has surprising punch for a battery powered unit in its price range. The brushless motor delivers consistent torque, and I never felt like it was struggling with normal grass and weeds. With a fully charged 4Ah battery, I could trim the entire yard and edge all the hard surfaces without losing power. The automatic feed head worked reliably, advancing line when I tapped it on the ground. I did not have to stop and manually pull line more than once or twice during a full session.

When I moved to the heavy weeds along the fence, the trimmer did bog down if I tried to cut too fast. But if I took a steady, moderate pace, it chewed through thick growth that would have stalled my old 18V trimmer. The brushless motor recovers quickly when you ease off the trigger. For a trimmer that costs less than many competitors, the power is genuinely good. It is not a commercial grade machine, but for a suburban yard or a small acreage, it gets the job done.

Lightweight and Maneuverable

This trimmer is noticeably light. I did not put it on a scale, but it feels like one of the lightest 40V trimmers I have handled. The weight distribution is balanced, with the battery sitting low near the handle. I could trim for 30 minutes without my arms getting tired, and I did not need to take frequent breaks. The adjustable handle and telescoping shaft let me dial in a comfortable position. I am 5’10”, and with the shaft extended to the middle setting, I could edge without bending over.

The lightweight design also makes it easy to maneuver around obstacles. I could swing it into tight corners between shrubs and along flower beds without fighting the tool. If you have a lot of detail work around landscaping, this trimmer will not wear you out.

Battery Compatibility

One of the biggest selling points is that this trimmer works with any Ryobi 40V battery. If you already own Ryobi 40V tools, you can use the same batteries. I tested it with three different batteries, and the performance scaled with the amp hour rating. With the 2.6Ah battery, run time was about 15 minutes of heavy trimming. The 4Ah battery gave me roughly 25 minutes of continuous use. The 6Ah battery pushed that to nearly 40 minutes. For most yards, a 4Ah battery is the sweet spot. If you have a larger property, you will want a second battery or a higher capacity one.

The battery not being included kept the price lower, which I appreciate. If you already have Ryobi 40V batteries, this is a cost effective upgrade. If you are starting from scratch, you will need to factor in the cost of a battery and charger. That is a con for new users, but it is also a common practice in the cordless tool world.

Cutting Performance and Line

The cutting path is about 15 inches, which is standard for this class. It uses 0.080 inch line, and the bump feed works well. I did have one instance where the line jammed inside the head, but I cleared it in under a minute. The trimmer does not have a dedicated edging function, but you can rotate the head 90 degrees for edging along sidewalks. It works fine, but it is not as convenient as a dedicated edger. For light edging, it is adequate.

I also tested it with a heavier 0.095 inch line. It handled it, but the motor did feel slightly strained in thick grass. I recommend sticking with the recommended 0.080 inch line for best performance and run time.

Build and Value

Plastic Build Feels Less Durable

This is where the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless shows its budget roots. The shaft, handle, and housing are all plastic. It is not cheap plastic, but it does not feel as robust as metal shaft trimmers I have used. After a few weeks of use, I noticed some flex in the shaft when I pushed through heavy weeds. The handle adjustment knob is plastic too, and I am careful not to overtighten it. The trimmer head has some scuffs from hitting the ground, but no cracks.

For light to moderate use, the plastic build is fine. I do not expect it to survive being dropped off a truck or used commercially. If you are rough on tools, you might want to look at a trimmer with a metal shaft or a reinforced housing. But for the price, the plastic build keeps the weight down and the cost low.

Value Proposition

I have seen this trimmer priced around $100 to $130 without a battery. That is a strong value for a brushless 40V trimmer. Comparable models from other brands often cost $150 to $200 for the tool only. The Ryobi gives you similar power for less money. The trade off is the plastic build and the lack of a battery. But if you already own Ryobi 40V batteries, you are getting a lot of performance for your dollar.

The brushless motor also means less maintenance and longer motor life compared to brushed motors. That adds to the value over time. I have owned Ryobi 40V tools for years, and the batteries have held up well. The ecosystem is mature and widely available.

Who Should Buy It

This trimmer is a great fit for homeowners who already own Ryobi 40V tools. If you have a battery or two from a Ryobi mower, blower, or chainsaw, this trimmer is a no brainer. You get good power, light weight, and compatibility without spending extra on a new battery system.

It is also a good choice if you have a small to medium yard (under half an acre) and want a trimmer that does not tire you out. The lightweight design makes it ideal for people who find heavier trimmers uncomfortable, including older users or those with wrist or shoulder issues.

If you are a professional landscaper or someone who trims multiple large properties every day, this is not the tool for you. The plastic build and moderate power will not hold up to commercial abuse. You should look at a gas trimmer or a higher end battery model with a metal shaft.

If you are new to battery powered yard tools and do not own any Ryobi products, this trimmer is still a solid option, but you need to budget for a battery and charger. The total cost will be higher, but you will be entering a versatile platform that includes mowers, blowers, and chainsaws.

My Verdict

After weeks of testing, I can say the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless string trimmer delivers on its promises for the price. It is powerful enough for most residential trimming, light enough to use without fatigue, and fully compatible with the extensive Ryobi 40V battery line. The plastic build is the main compromise, but it keeps the weight and cost down. If you treat it reasonably, it will last for years.

I recommend this trimmer to anyone who already owns Ryobi 40V batteries and wants a reliable, lightweight trimmer. If you are starting fresh, it is still a good buy when you factor in the long term value of the platform. Just be honest about your needs. If you need a tank that can take abuse, look elsewhere. If you need a capable, affordable trimmer for regular yard maintenance, this is one of the best values in the cordless market right now.

Would I buy it again? Yes. It does exactly what I need, and it does not break the bank. That is a win in my book.