The quick handle adjust also makes it easy to change the grip, if you use the trimmer as an edger. Along with my now shelved Stihl gas trimmer, I have an older corded electric trimmer that I’ve almost never used for one main greenworks pro reason—and it’s not the cord. There is no variable speed trigger like gas models have. Chalk up another win for EGO, because the POWERLOAD String Trimmer has a variable speed control that works just like a gas trimmer.
This decision eliminated cordless models from pro names—such as Husqvarna and Stihl—offering trimmers in the $300 range that don’t even include a battery. You do not need to pay that much for basic lawn maintenance. We did look at a number of very light-duty trimmers, ideal for smaller lawns. These use a thinner string and can cut grass and some weeds, but they struggle with thicker, stalkier plants.
With the included charger, the 2.5ah battery can be ready for another 30-minute job after about 50 minutes of charging. Cumbersome is the word that comes to mind after working with this string trimmer throughout the yard. Since we had to hold it at various awkward angles when trimming thinner brush, it’s not the model we want to use for bigger jobs, despite its power.
I’m still using it—in fact, I got rid of my corded blower and haven’t missed it at all. I’m now reviewing the new EGO Power+ 15” POWERLOAD String Trimmer and let’s just cut to the chase. In fact, it’s better than my trusted Stihl gas trimmer in every way—except for usage time. The Powerload Ego Powerload String and carbon fiber shaft features are really nice. However, it’s also the performance of this string trimmer that has consistently kept it on top of our ratings since its launch. EGO made a couple of major leaps forward in string trimmer technology with their ST1520 model.
You could do without them, but personally I am really liking the auto-winding head. Having experienced it, I’d pay the premium for this feature. With a 16-inch cutting swath, the EGO 56V string trimmer mows through the grass and weeds with ease. And, there’s plenty of power from the 56-volt arc-lithium battery and brushless motor. A button above the trigger allows you to select Low or High speed. Using a 4Ah battery, the EGO string trimmer will run on Low for about an hour.
In 2021, a tree worker borrowed it in a pinch and was impressed with how easy it was to use. In general, we were impressed with how all of the attachments performed greenworks pro when attached to the cordless tool. The Ego ST1521S is very similar to our main pick, but it lacks the telescoping shaft and quick handle adjustment.