Skil 40V Powerhead String Trimmer Kickstarts Lawn Care Versatility
Having already reviewed a number of products from Skil’s PWRCore 40 OPE lineup, we’re now getting our hands on the Skil 40V Powerhead String Trimmer. We’d been using it for some of our maintenance trimming, but most recently, we ran it through a series of tests head-to-head against other popular models. In this review, I’ll share what we learned and help you decide if it’s the right for your lawn.
Want to see who makes the cut as the best battery-powered string trimmer?
Pros
- Lightweight design
- 2-speed gearbox
- Compatible with multiple attachments
- Rapid-load trimmer head
- D-ring tether point
- Excellent kit value
Cons
- Moderate vibration level
Skil 40V Powerhead String Trimmer Performance
- Model: Skil PLT1500C-10
- Power Source: Skil PWRCore 40V battery
- Max Speed: 6000 RPM
- Cutting Swath: 14/16 in.
- Line Size: 0.080 in.
Cutting Power
Since this is an attachment-capable system, the power comes directly from the Skil PH0040 powerhead. At its heart, you have a brushless motor that spins the trimmer head up to 6,000 RPMs, and the two-speed selector switch allows you to prioritize either maximum power or runtime.
Skil’s 16-inch cutting swath lets you quickly and efficiently power through thick grass and weeds around your home. However, if you need to trim in tighter spaces or want to conserve some runtime, you can reverse the line cutter on the guard and limit the swath to 14 inches.
Skil rates this trimmer head for 0.080-inch line only. While we like to see 0.095-inch line on our high-performance string trimmers, this line size is great for homeowners and helps maintain a longer runtime for those of you with larger lawns.
During our recent battery-powered string trimmer shootout, Skil was the only model not rated for 0.095-inch line. Since it cut confidently with its stock line, we went ahead and bumped it up anyway to see what it could do. While it didn’t challenge the more powerful (and much heavier) powerhouses from Milwaukee and Makita, it did finish ahead of DeWalt and was only 0.3 seconds behind Stihl.
The strong performance wasn’t a surprise, though. In order to effectively power the edger, pole saw, snow thrower, and other attachments, it has to have the muscle to back it up.
Vibration
As for vibration control, Skil is in the middle of the pack for me. It’s not off-the-charts terrible, but it is much more noticeable than some of the more premium models.
Universal Attachment System
This string trimmer is the first of its kind on the Skil PWRCore 40 platform because it is attachment-capable. It features an attachment system that accepts universal implements. “Universal” is a bit of a misnomer since there are attachments that aren’t compatible, such as the ones on EGO’s multi-head system. However, that’s the term the industry uses and the powerhead works with any brand’s attachments that also feature a universal interface.
Skil 40V Powerhead String Trimmer Design Notes
- Weight: 10 lbs (bare), 13.6 lbs. (with 40V 4.0Ah battery)
- Feed Type: Bump
- Line Load Method: Twist Load
- Weather Rating: IPX4
- Motor Type: Brushless
Size and Weight
Since the Skil 40V power head is attachment-ready, it lets you do more on yard day while saving a little time and storage space in the process.
The grip ergonomics are pretty standard with a textured rubber overmold, an ambidextrous thumb safety switch, and a 2-finger trigger.
Rapid Line Loading
Reloading the trimmer line is very easy with Skil’s Twist Load head. Just insert a section of your favorite 0.080-inch line and pull until the two tag-ends are even. Then, twist the trimmer head clockwise to feed the line onto the internal spool. Compared to the manual loading systems that are standard on many string timmers, it takes far less time and creates fewer headaches.
9-Inch Edger Attachment
- Model: PED0900
- Blade Size: 9 in.
- Max Cutting Depth: 3 in.
- Guard Material: Plastic
In addition to the string trimmer head, we also got to use the 9-inch edger attachment. It features an adjustable depth guide wheel that allows the blade to reach a max cutting depth of 3 inches. A thick rubber debris shield and plastic blade guard keep you safe from flying debris and reduce the mess from grass clippings, dirt, and mulch.
Additional Features
- Ready for use with a shoulder sling
- Adjustable front handle
Skil 40V Powerhead String Trimmer Price
Look for the string trimmer kit for $199.99, including the powerhead, string trimmer attachment, 4.0Ah battery, and PWRJump charger. The powerhead and attachments carry a 5-year warranty while batteries and chargers are covered for 2 years.
When you’re ready to expand the system, here are the other attachments Skil has available:
- 12-inch Snow Shovel
- 10-inch Pole Saw
- 22-inch Articulating Hedge Trimmer
The Bottom Line
The Skil 40V Powerhead String Trimmer offers a straightforward design that makes it easy to use for most homeowners and it’s a nice step up in performance from 18V/20V max systems. In our experience, the string trimmer and edger attachments are capable of tackling your basic trimming tasks with ease. For Skil, this is a smart expansion to the PWRCore 40 system that promises to be a popular option.
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