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You’ve always used petrol, but battery-powered garden tools are making major inroads. When it boils down to it: is the new tech better than going old-school – or is there a place for both?
While the choice ultimately comes down to which task you need the tool for – let’s face it, it’s impossible to say one or the other will be perfect for every job – Jim’s Mowing franchisee David Youhaneh often opts for petrol-powered. “Petrol tools have the power to get things done!” says David, who has been tackling overgrown gardens and lawns for eight years.
Some days he’s taking on half a dozen jobs. David takes us through why he’s such a petrol devotee.
Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves and a mask, for example) when using power tools. Always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
“Petrol just has more power,” David says. “For a lot of homeowners doing something around the house, battery tools are fine, but when you come up against a big job, you want to know you can get on with it.
“Petrol tools stay powerful all the way, unlike a battery that will run out and slow down. On a job that has wet grass, heavy branches or a lot of brush to get out, the power from the petrol engine will go through that a lot easier than batteries.”
One key factor in using petrol over battery for David is the sheer convenience of knowing if he runs out of power he can refuel in moments, not hours. “I have two petrol cans; one is five litres with two-stroke mix and the other is 10 litres unleaded, and that’s all I need to make sure all of my tools are ready to go,” he says. “If one runs out of fuel I can refill straight away. If battery tools run out, that’s it until I can charge again.
Plus, you must think about them every time you come home after a long day at work – take all the batteries out, recharge them and then repack them – and I have enough to do already!” Even if you ignore the increased power and torque of a petrol-powered tool, having the one power source is a huge weight off David’s mind when he’s out on the road going from job-to-job. “A big advantage is I know it’s easy for me to get petrol anywhere, but it’s sometimes not easy to recharge a battery,” he says, adding: “So, that’s one less hassle for me to have to worry about when I’m also running a business.”
“Petrol engines are not as quiet as electric; we all know that” David admits. “But they’re not as loud as they used to be, that’s for sure. And anyone using these tools knows they have to have the right safety equipment, like ear muffs. Also remember you’re probably not using the tool for as long.”
David says this is because the powerful motor of a petrol-operated tool cuts through jobs quicker. “If you’re up against a big job, a petrol tool will usually get through the work very quickly,” he says.
“That means you can go on to another job.”
With brands such as ECHO making advancements in their tools, including reducing emissions for the latest 350mm 34.4cc 2-stroke petrol chainsaw and increasing the torque on the 21.2cc curved shaft line trimmer (both of which David used for this story), a lot of the arguments against petrol tools are losing their momentum.
David tested out a chainsaw, trimmer and blower – all powered by petrol – and gave us his verdict.
ECHO 350mm 34.4cc 2-Stroke Petrol Chainsaw, I/N: 0457340
“I like this chainsaw, it’s a little weapon!” David says. “It’s a great size and small enough to be easy to use, but still powerful and strong enough for commercial purposes. It goes straight through the wood – a very handy tool.”
ECHO 21.2cc Curved Shaft Line Trimmer GT-222ES, I/N: 0087561
“I’d never used this before and it was very easy to handle and use,” David says. “I think this would be perfect for using around the home, or for lighter jobs. The curved arm actually makes this very good for doing the edges.”
ECHO 25.4cc Petrol Blower Vac, I/N: 0232291
“It’s a really good blower. Handheld and, again, very easy to use,” David says. “It has lots of power to move leaves or clippings, and the vacuum is good, too. Plus, the curved blower tube has rotational control, which helps reduce fatigue.”
Check out our story on the latest innovations in decking materials.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
