Are cordless or petrol garden tools better?

08 Jul.,2024

 

Are cordless or petrol garden tools better?

The benefits of cordless garden tools

At John Miller Garden Machinery, we offer a wide range of garden tools in different sizes to suit your needs and the size of your garden. In order to do this, we offer solutions that are powered either by electric or petrol engines and while petrol engine garden machinery has their advantages, there are many cases where cordless electric products are preferred. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of buying cordless garden equipment.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Cordless Garden Tools.

The noise &#; is Cordless garden machinery quiet ?

Although petrol powered garden machinery such as chainsaws are more powerful and ideal for heavy-duty use, they can be very noisy which can be annoying for you as well as nearby neighbours. Especially during extended use. Cordless alternatives, however, are much quieter and there&#;s no need to have to wear ear defenders.

Cordless hedge trimmers and leaf blowers are popular with businesses, hotels and schools as they don&#;t cause so much disruption with the less noise they produce.

The weight &#; is garden equipment with petrol engines light to carry?

Overall, no - garden equipment with petrol engines are not as &#;light as a feather&#; to carry (although this depends on your strength). Petrol engine tools are heavier because of the engine and the fuel tank. This can make usage over a long period an issue with tools such as hedge trimmers and chainsaws as they are heavier to hold when using. They can make your arms ache is you&#;re not used to them. Cordless hedge trimmers, however, are much lighter so you can get small tasks done quicker, without having to take a break.

No need to buy fuel &#; cheaper and quicker using battery power

Although cordless devices need their batteries charged, it&#;s a lot less hassle than having to go to the garage to buy fuel - which also costs more. We have a range of products including battery leaf blowers and battery hedge trimmers which can be charged up very quickly and are ready to use without needing to head off to the petrol station.

Lower service costs

Electric products such as our cordless brush cutters have less moving parts than their petrol engine equivalents. This can only be good news for you because it means there are fewer parts to service and service costs tend to be lower as a result.

Fewer emissions than petrol engines

Cordless tools also have a lower carbon footprint than their petrol equivalents and are therefore much better for the environment.

The downsides of electric and cordless garden machinery

When deciding whether to go for petrol powered garden machines or cordless and electric, there are some downsides to using cordless versions.

The first consideration is how long you will be using the product for. If you already have petrol at hand, then a petrol engine alternative can be quickly topped up while a cordless version requires recharging the battery and waiting before you can carry on. The batteries of cordless products are typically designed with the product to last long enough for the required task, but extra batteries can be purchased to prevent downtime.

Another consideration is how intensely you need to use the garden tool as petrol versions are designed for bigger tasks and larger gardens. Petrol engine versions for items like grass cutters and  mowers, trimmers and chainsaws are designed for more regular and intense use and these maybe a better solution if it&#;s needed constantly over a period of more than a couple of hours. For many people, this isn&#;t a requirement and even on days when a chainsaw or leaf blower is needed for longer periods, it&#;s possible to take a break from the task and do something else while the battery re-charges and the device is rested.

Which garden tools are cordless?

The number of cordless garden tools for sale online has grown over the last few years and there will be more in the future. At the moment, the following products are available as a cordless solution to make garden care for enjoyable and hassle-free gardening:

For more information on the various products and to find out more, ask our customer services department on 652 573

Ready for your next cordless garden tool?

There are some great benefits to using cordless products when looking after your garden. Here on the John Miller Garden Machinery website we have a full list of our current products including all our cordless garden tools. Visit our shop now and buy online or get in touch by calling our customer services department on 652 573 if you have any questions.

Cordless garden tool and battery FAQs - EGO

Arc-lithium battery FAQs

Can a cordless battery beat petrol for performance?

Yes! Thanks to advances in battery technology, it&#;s now possible to achieve petrol-matching power &#; without the noise, fuss or fumes. This makes EGO battery powered cordless equipment not just a viable alternative, but the preferred solution for a wide range of outdoor applications. Discover more about our battery performance.

Are cordless garden tools cheaper to run than petrol alternatives?

Cordless garden tools are much cheaper to run than their petrol counterparts. As an example, we took three EGO tools (LBX, HTX & STX) and compared them to their petrol equivalents, then calculated over 5 years, you'll save over £6,000 using battery power (using these tools for 6 hours a day, 170 days a year). This is an average of £142.80 a year (over 5 years) for electricity, and £1,295.40 a year (over 5 years) for petrol. (Estimates have been calculated according to average kWh pricing in the UK, and the cost of petrol based on published UK pricing. To calculate annual costs, the change in price over the past 5 years has been applied as an average to the next 5 years to get a very rough estimate as to how prices change). Read more about the cost-savings of cordless garden tools.

Will petrol garden tools be banned in my country?

We hope this happens sooner rather than later. Some US and European cities have already banned certain types of petrol garden tools. This includes Los Angeles, which has banned petrol-powered leaf blowers, and Berlin. To put this into a wider context, the European Commission has committed to banning all petrol cars from city centres by . Many countries, like Denmark, Norway and France, have even more ambitious targets. Change is coming. Discover how you can help speed up better environmental practices.

Are cordless garden tools better for health and safety reasons?

All products in EGO&#;s cordless garden tool range produce less noise, no vibration and zero emissions. Ditching petrol means you ditch the risks associated with hand-arm vibration, noise pollution and emissions. Read more about how we protect the health of our customers.

Are EGO cordless garden tool batteries interchangeable?

Our batteries provide the most flexible solution for outdoor garden equipment. For real flexibility, the same 56V Arc Lithium battery fits every tool in the EGO Power+ range. Just click in the battery and you&#;re ready to go. For extra running time,  choose a more powerful battery - they range from 2.5Ah to 12.0Ah. Check out the product specification for the full range of running times on pages 30-31 of our product catalogue.

Is EGO&#;s ARC-lithium battery technology unique?

Our battery technology design and performance is unique and industry-leading. It delivers a new level of performance that surpasses the competition on every level &#; mechanical, chemical and electrical. Our engineers have completely revolutionised battery technology to deliver the optimum power and performance for outdoor cordless equipment. The majority of components are built in-house. A small number of components are sourced from the most reputable brands, like Sanyo and Samsung.

Does an EGO battery really have the &#;power of petrol&#;?

Powered by our industry-leading 56V ARC Lithium battery, the EGO Power+ system delivers petrol-matching power but without any of the downsides. It&#;s simpler, cleaner, quieter and with less vibration is more comfortable to use. Impressive run times and fast recharge offer the ultimate in convenience. Learn more about battery performance.

Who designs EGO&#;s cordless garden tool batteries?

EGO&#;s commitment to innovation is driven by a talented team of over 300 highly qualified technicians. They are responsible for developing and delivering clean, reliable power tools. Working in our dedicated R&D centre, they partner with international teams to design innovative, durable and powerful tools that deliver superior performance. Our team of internationally and professionally recognised testing engineers also implement international safety authorisations and help define global safety and quality standards. Discover more about our technology.

What&#;s the best thing about cordless garden tools?

The EGO Power+ system delivers petrol-matching power but it&#;s simpler, cleaner, quieter and, with less vibration, it&#;s more comfortable to use. Switching to EGO Power+ will lead to long term savings thanks to lower running and maintenance costs means. Plus, with zero emissions during use, you reduce your impact on the environment. They are so reliable we offer exceptional warranties for domestic and professional customers.

How is the power of a battery calculated?

Battery power is measured in Watts (W) and calculated using the equation Voltage (V) x Current (A) = Power (W). A big voltage doesn&#;t necessarily mean big power &#; there also has to be enough current (and vice versa). With battery powered technology, the current  depends on the cell types being used, the condition and quality of the cells, plus the control system that manages them. Capacity can be measured in amp hours (Ah) that are delivered at a given voltage. The length of time power can be delivered by a battery is therefore calculated as Voltage (V) x Capacity (Ah) = Energy (Wh).  EGO provides the best balance of voltage and current to deliver the right power and run time for any task &#; combined with an efficient way of managing and delivering that power for each specific tool.

Are EGO cordless tool batteries better than others?

Yes. Our 56V batteries deliver more usable power than any other hand-held battery - as much as a traditional 80V system. However, an 80V system would not be able to achieve the same usable power as a 56V system because the required battery would be too big and heavy to comfortably use. EGO batteries provide the best balance of voltage and current to deliver the right power and run time for any task &#; combined with an efficient way of managing and delivering that power for each specific tool. Discover more about our battery performance.

What does the information on a battery label mean?

Each battery should tell you its voltage, amp hours and total power (watt hours). Some battery labels use watts (W) instead of watt hours (Wh). This isn&#;t as helpful because users don&#;t just want to know how much power the battery generates in a given moment &#; they want to know how long it can deliver that power. Watt hours (Wh) is a measurement of energy over time, and an indication of run time. Read more about battery performance.

What does 1P, 2P, 3P, 4P mean?

More battery cells mean more power and run time. Series and parallel circuits can be combined together to pack more punch into a battery. EGO batteries must deliver 56V for an extended period of time. To achieve this, we arrange the right number of cells in series to deliver 56V &#; then increase capacity (Ah) by adding more cells in parallel.

  • 1P means there are enough individual cells to reach 36V, 56V or 80V.
  • 2P means there is the same series of cells x2, connected in parallel, to deliver a higher capacity and more power (W).
  • 3P means there are the same series of cells x3, connected in parallel, to deliver a higher capacity and more power (W).
  • 4P means there are the same series of cells x4, connected in parallel, to deliver a higher capacity and more power (W).

Discover more about our battery performance.

How do we ensure battery cell quality?

Cell consistency is critical to battery performance. All individual battery cells should produce electricity as close to the same characteristics as possible. Inconsistencies could lead to over-charging and discharging, which can impact battery lifecycle and create potential safety issues.

That&#;s why we only use high quality cells from premium manufacturers. We have excellent relationships with the leading Lithium-ion cell manufacturers and continually assess the market to ensure we source the very best cells in the world.

Even then, we test and select every single cell before building a battery. We test and sort every single cell to ensure we only use the cells with the most consistent voltage. We monitor and manage each cell during operation. The EGO Power+ 56V ARC Lithium battery is continuously controlled by software and microprocessors within the battery and by our tools&#; intelligent power management systems.

Discover more about our battery performance.

How do we ensure continuously high battery performance?

Our specially developed Battery Management System constantly monitors and optimises each individual cell, so you always get the very best power, performance and run time. Battery Management System in action Microprocessors and software within the battery, monitor each individual cell for temperature and voltage to ensure that charging and discharging is managed in a balanced and controlled way with the other cells within the pack. This ensures each cell is performing optimally and prolongs the lifetime of the entire battery pack. Discover more about our battery performance.

How does my choice of battery affect power and run time?

The power that batteries generate comes with a trade-off. A battery gets hotter the longer it is used. The more power it generates, the more heat is released. Too much heat and the battery will shut down for safety. Heat also degrades cells over time, reducing battery life. That&#;s why batteries must be cooled effectively to increase performance run time and battery life. We manage heat while ensuring maximum power, run time and battery lifetime through innovative design. Our unique EGO Power+ 56V ARC Lithium battery maximises cooling in three ways: mechanically, chemically and electronically. Discover more about our battery performance.

How does 56V ARC Lithium battery maximise cooling?

Our unique EGO Power+ 56V ARC Lithium battery maximises cooling in three ways: mechanically, chemically and electronically. 

  • Mechanical cooling is a design improvement - rather than conventional &#;brick shaped&#; batteries where the cells are packed together, overheat and shut down, our unique design maximises surface area and so dissipates heat more effectively. 
  • Chemically, our batteries actively absorb heat with Keep Cool&#; Technology - each and every cell is surrounded by our unique Keep Cool&#; phase change material (PCM) that absorbs heat energy and keeps individual cells at their optimum temperature for longer, while increasing battery life. 
  • Electronically, we individually monitor each cell. Most manufacturers use one or two sensors but this isn&#;t enough - for example, we engineered 28 sensors to monitor the temperature of all cells (on our 2P battery). The sensors are controlled via the EGO Battery Management System. This ensures safety and prolongs the battery lifetime. Because every cell is monitored, when a specific overheating cell is identified, the entire battery will shut down until it cools down to within the optimum operating parameters.

Discover more about our battery performance.

What is Keep Cool&#; Technology?

Keep Cool&#; Technology actively absorbs heat naturally generated when the battery is in use. Each and every cell is surrounded by our unique Keep Cool&#; phase change material (PCM) that absorbs heat energy and keeps individual cells at their optimum temperature for longer, while increasing battery life. Discover more about our battery performance.

How does Keep Cool&#; phase change material work?

When a material goes from a high energy state to a low energy state, it releases energy. For example, liquid water loses energy when it becomes solid ice. And the reverse is true &#; solid ice gains energy to become liquid water. 

When a material is changing state from solid to liquid, the energy applied goes towards changing the state of the material, rather than heating up the battery cell. Our PCM begins absorbing heat as a solid. However, unlike traditional heat storage materials, when the PCM reaches its melting temperature, it absorbs large amounts of energy at an almost constant temperature until all the material is transformed into liquid. 

The more heat the PCM absorbs from the battery, the more heat the battery can generate without overheating. This helps to maximise run time. When the battery is not in use, the PCM cools down by safely transferring heat to the atmosphere and turning back into a solid. Discover more about our battery performance.

What&#;s more powerful: 56V or 80V?

Our 56V batteries deliver more usable power than any other hand-held battery - as much as a traditional 80V system. However, an 80V system would not be able to achieve the same usable power as a 56V system because the required battery would be too big and heavy to comfortably use. Discover more about our battery performance and compare how light our cordless hedge trimmers are.

Should I use a smaller voltage battery for less demanding work?

No. EGO&#;s range of 56V batteries are designed to deliver the optimum amount of power over the widest range of equipment. The three batteries in our range optimally cover all applications, from leaf blowing to heavy duty cutting. Each battery is 56V. Only the amp hours and weight differ &#; tailored to provide the right amount of power and run time for each battery&#;s intended applications. Even the biggest 80V solutions are underpowered at the top range (and overpowered for pretty much everything else).

Similarly, our smaller 56V batteries are perfectly configured to get the job done without sacrificing power &#; or being lumbered with excess weight. 56V system gives higher flexibility in terms of battery weight and cost, compared to only two options for 80V. For tools that draw power in excess of W an 80V 2P battery will be insufficient too. Discover more about our battery performance.

How do I choose the right battery for the job?

When choosing which battery to use on your EGO tool, there&#;s really only two things you need to consider:

  1. How much power do you need for the tool?
  2. How long the power will last?

From the lightest 2.5Ah to the high density 12.0 Ah battery with the longest run time, we have the right battery for every task. And whatever size you choose, they all feature our innovative 56V ARC Lithium technology. Plus, all our batteries fit all our tools. So whichever you choose, simply click in and get to work. See our range of batteries and accessories.

Which 56V battery is suitable for a cordless blower?

An EGO Power+ 2.5Ah 56V ARC Lithium battery will power a cordless blower for up to 10 minutes on boost, up to 22 minutes on high, and up to 75 minutes on low. A 4.0Ah battery will power a cordless blower for up to 35 minutes on high. A 5.0Ah battery will power a cordless blower for up to 44 minutes on high. A 6.0Ah battery will power a cordless blower for 53 minutes on high. A 7.5Ah battery will power a cordless blower for up to 66 minutes on high. Times are approximate and dependent on model and operational setting. Compare cordless blowers.

Which 56V battery is suitable for a cordless hedge trimmer?

An EGO Power+ 2.5Ah 56V ARC Lithium battery will power a cordless hedge trimmer for up to 75 minutes. A 4.0Ah battery will power a cordless hedge trimmer for up to 120 minutes. Times are approximate and dependent on model. Compare cordless hedge trimmers.

Which 56V battery is suitable for a cordless line trimmer?

An EGO Power+ 2.5Ah 56V ARC Lithium battery will power a cordless line trimmer for up to 70 minutes. A 4.0Ah battery will power a cordless line trimmer for up to 120 minutes. A 5.0Ah battery will power a cordless line trimmer for up to 150 minutes. A 7.5Ah battery will power a cordless line trimmer for up to 210 minutes. Times are approximate and dependent on model. Compare cordless line trimmers.

Which 56V battery is suitable for a cordless multi-tool?

The run times for our multi-tool can vary due to the wide range of attachments which are available. For example, an EGO Power+ 5.0Ah 56V ARC Lithium battery will power the hedge trimmer attachment for up to 82 minutes, the line trimmer attachment for up to 45 minutes or the lawn edger attachment for up to 60 minutes. Other EGO batteries fit this cordless power tool and will operate it for varying times. Times are approximate and dependent on the attachment. See our range of cordless multi-tool attachments.

Which 56V battery is suitable for a cordless chain saw?

An EGO Power+ 2.5Ah 56V ARC Lithium battery will provide up to 130 cuts. A 4.0Ah battery will provide up to 220 cuts. A 5.0Ah battery will provide up to 300 cuts. A 6.0Ah battery will provide up to 330 cuts.  A 7.5Ah battery will provide up to 450 cuts. Cuts are based on 100mm x 100mm cuts on a single full battery charge, and dependent on model. Compare cordless chain saws.

Which 56V battery is suitable for a cordless lawn mower?

An EGO Power+ 2.5Ah 56V ARC Lithium battery will cut up to 400sqm. A 4.0Ah battery will cut up to 640sqm. A 5.0Ah battery will cut up to 800sqm. A 6.0Ah battery will cut up to 900sqm. A 7.5Ah battery will cut up to sqm. Sizes are approximate, based on a single full battery charge, and dependent on model. Compare cordless lawn mowers.

Which 56V battery is suitable for a cordless backpack blower?

We have two backpack blowers available. Both are part of our Professional range of tools.

The LBE powered with a 5.0Ah battery will provide up to 120 minutes on low, 22 minutes on high or 15 minutes on max. With an EGO Power+ 10.0Ah 56V ARC Lithium battery will power this cordless leaf blower for up to 240 minutes on low, 44 minutes on high or 30 minutes on boost.

Our LBPE backpack blower can combine two EGO batteries at the same time. Using Peak Power&#; Technology, the blower combines a maximum output and runtime, meaning you can complete your work efficiently. Times are approximate and dependent on which batteries you're using.

See our cordless backpack blowers.

Which 56V battery is suitable for a cordless brush cutter?

An EGO Power+ 7.5Ah 56V ARC Lithium battery will power a cordless brush cutter for 65 minutes. Other EGO batteries fit this cordless power tool, and run times will depends on your chosen battery capacity. Times are approximate and dependent on model. See cordless brush cutters.

Does EGO Power+ make a backpack harness?

Compatible with every tool, including our Professional-X range, our harness and adapter means any EGO Power + battery can be used to power all our tools.

What is a backpack harness for?

Light, comfortable and ergonomic, the EGO Power + backpack harness is the most comfortable way to enjoy the industry-leading power. It works with all our batteries and by carrying the battery in the backpack instead of the tool it makes the tool lighter, more maneuverable and more comfortable to use, especially over prolonged periods.

What is the benefit of using a backpack harness?

With long run times and user-comfort EGO Power + backpack batteries are perfect for all-day use. They&#;re compatible with all EGO Power + tools, and as the battery is on the harness and not the tools, they are lighter and even easier to handle.

Are EGO batteries compatible with every device?

Yes. Whichever EGO Power+ 56V ARC Lithium portable battery you choose for the job, our clever design means it will fit any tool. And when it&#;s time to top up your power, your charger will fit any battery.

Why are EGO the best cordless garden tools? 

EGO is the only manufacturer of battery powered cordless outdoor power equipment that delivers the power of petrol while optimising run time, weight, size and cost.

How cost effective are EGO batteries?

EGO batteries cost a little more than the competition. And for good reason. Due to their superior hand-held battery performance, they provide much better lifetime performance and value for money. The cost per watt hour is significantly lower.

How fast is an EGO rapid cordless battery charger?

For more information, please visit Cordless Power Tools Manufacturer.

When it&#;s time to recharge, the EGO Power+ rapid charger is the fastest on the market. The intelligent battery control system constantly monitors each cell&#;s charge and temperature to deliver the most efficient and quickest charge. Plus, the fan-cooling system allows the battery to start charging sooner and finish faster. As a result, the time it takes to refuel the battery is often less than the run time you get from a full charge. In fact with the rapid charger, the 2.5Ah battery takes just 25 minutes. So with two batteries on the go, you&#;ll have all the power you need, all day long. 

Does use affect battery lifecycle?

Repeated use of the rapid charger can lead to some reduction in cycle life, but this is negligible for the average user. The standard EGO charger (CHE) will ensure maximum cycle life due to lower charging currents used. For heavy users, EGO commercial chargers have two charging modes - ensuring the cycle life is protected while providing rapid charging whenever required. 

How should I store my Lithium-ion batteries?

Maintaining a full charge over time, without using the battery can damage cells. According to the characteristics of Li-ion cells, when they are stored at full capacity over a long period of time without use, the recoverable capacity will be reduced. EGO batteries discharge automatically after 30 days without use to reach the optimum storage capacity of 30%. 

  • No special temperature requirements for winter. 

  • No need to recharge during storage. 

  • Batteries can be left in the charger.  

  • Batteries can be used at any state of charge. 

  • Batteries should be stored dry

How do I transport my Lithium-ion batteries safely?

To keep our batteries safe and sound, the electronics are already protected from dust and moisture by a resin coating and the cells are packaged in a robust case that absorbs shocks and vibrations. However, when transporting batteries, always ensure they are well secured against movement and the terminals are protected from short circuiting. For commercial users, simplified or full ADR (a treaty governing transport of hazardous materials by road) rules apply. For advice, contact your local dealer or EGO directly.

Are EGO batteries weather resistant?

Yes. All EGO batteries are IPX4 rated when connected to the tool. This means they have been proven to be safe for use after splashing with water (equivalent to light rain). 

What is an IPX rating?

The International Protection Marking (IPX) classifies the degree of protection provided against water ingress and other materials. It is published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

What should I do if my hand-held battery gets wet?

Batteries that have been exposed to water for longer than recommended should be returned to EGO dealers for inspection. CAUTION: Batteries should only be assessed by trained personnel.

What is the shelf life of a typical Lithium-ion battery?

Due to their high capacity, all EGO batteries can be stored unattended for a minimum of 10 years without damaging capacity and cycle performance. After 30 days batteries discharge to 30% capacity (to ensure longevity).

What is the warranty period of an EGO cordless battery?

Our warranties are exceptionally good because we have complete faith in the quality of our products. Domestic warranties are 3 years and warranties for professional use are 2 and 3 years. Read the full details about our warranties for batteries and cordless garden power tools.

What should I do if my EGO cordless battery is faulty?

Faulty batteries should be returned to the EGO dealer where they were purchased.

How can I recycle EGO Lithium-ion batteries?

We place the utmost importance on respecting the environment and comply with all necessary recycling standards. Our batteries have a long lifespan, but when the time comes, simply return them to where they were purchased to ensure they are safely recycled in accordance with local and international regulations, or find your closest recycling centre.

Are you interested in learning more about Corded Power Tools? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!