18V, 40V, 56V, 58V, 120V – do you really get that much more power by moving up in voltage? That’s the question I had for Tim Johnson of OPE Reviews when he started telling me about his experience with the Oregon 120V Edger. I get it – to a point anyway. EGO’s 56V mower has a clear advantage over the 40V models out there. My 36V tools have better performance than my 18V tools. But more than doubling the voltage to 120V seems like we might reach a point of diminishing returns.
However, there’s a glaring problem with cordless OPE. None of the current options are a legitimate replacement for Pro-level lawn equipment. You can make the argument that hedge trimmers are at least close. String trimmers are getting closer. Blowers still have a long way to go.
Oregon EG120VX 120V Edger Features
Enter stage right the new 120V lineup and the Oregon 120V edger (model EG120VX if you’re keeping score at home). Here’s what Oregon promises you can expect from the line:
- Quietly Powerful – Patented “Stealth Mode” setting allows your crews to run at full-speed without violating noise restrictions.
- More Power and Torque – Engineered to offer up to 15% more power than gas-fueled equipment.
- Weather Ready – Water and dust seals on electrical connections and components, so the tools are ready for use – rain or shine.
- Increased Productivity – Efficient power offers extended run times with no refueling stops, while ultra-quiet operation allows early start times at noise-sensitive sites.
- Commercial-Grade Durability – Tested tough to endure the rigors of professional use.
Cool, But What About the Edger?
The edger uses an 8″ blade on a wheeled shaft like most professional gas edgers. Obviously, you’re using a 120V battery instead of a gas engine for power. What’s interesting (and refreshing) is that the weight of the battery isn’t on the tool – it’s on your back. The entire line is designed around a backpack battery system that your arms will surely thank you for taking advantage of.
Stated runtime is 5 hours, 36 minutes on the 9 Ah battery, or 7 hours if you kick it into “Stealth Mode”. That’s a mode that reduces the RPMs without reducing the torque to keep the tool running quieter.
How Much Power Do You Get?
Oregon claims they’re getting 1.2 kW (1200 watts) of power out of their edger. That’s a believable number considering DeWalt claims 2400 watts out of their 60V Max FlexVolt Worm Drive Style Saw. Can we compare that to gas? Yep, 1200 watts is equivalent to roughly 1.6 horsepower. That legitimately meets or exceeds Pro-level gas edgers, at least on paper.
Whether or not it can back up the power claims is another story. Fortunately, that’s a story that Tim Johnson is telling, so head over to Outdoor Power Equipment Reviews to check out how the Oregon 120V Edger performs in the field.
Editor’s Note: Oregon has just informed us that they have made “significant changes to the power control and battery control software” so the product we had in for testing may not be representative of what will be available.
Oregon 120V Edger Specifications
- Model: Oregon EG120VX
- Power Source: Oregon 120V battery
- Blade Diameter: 8″
- Power Output: 1.2 kW (1200 watts/1.6 hp)
- Weight: 13.3 lbs
- Runtime: 5.6 hours (7 hours in Stealth Mode)
- Price: $459 (bare tool)
