EGO made a couple of major leaps forward in string trimmer technology with their ST1520 model. The EGO 56V Powerload String Trimmer features a lightweight carbon fiber shaft and a line loading system that completely changes the game.
Pros
- Lightweight and strong carbon fiber shaft
- Powerload push-button line loading
- Low vibration
- Excellent balance
- Excellent cutting power
Cons
- Front handle is a little on the small side and flexes a bit more than we’d like
EGO Powerload String Trimmer Head
The first time I saw the EGO Powerload string trimmer head, I knew it was going to be an innovation everyone from commercial Pros to homeowners would want. Now that it’s on the market, it’s time to see what happens!
The concept is brilliant and the application is simple. You run your line through the eyelets in the head until you get to the center (the total length depends on what line diameter you’re using). Then press the Powerload button above the motor and it winds itself up. The speed is fast enough to make it a quick operation but slow enough to avoid potentially whipping the line in your face.
You’ll hear a loud enough sound from the mechanism to help you get an idea of the winding rate and stop before you wind it all the way in. Leave it a little long? Push the button again. Leave it a little short? Bump it to get some back out.
EGO Carbon Fiber Shaft
EGO is also moved away from a traditional shaft and moving to carbon fiber, starting a trend that others have followed. We don’t always name names when it comes to project managers, but this time I’m going to. Kyle Selph is behind both major pieces of innovation, but that’s particularly important on the carbon fiber shaft. Kyle is a high-level cyclist in his free time and understands how the strength to weight benefits of the carbon fiber frame on his road bike extends to a string trimmer shaft.
Before you ask, he’s WAY faster than me on the road. If I can talk him into wiring up an EGO motor and 56V battery to my bike, then maybe I have a chance. But I digress…
The carbon fiber shaft offers plenty of strength – you’ll have a hard time breaking it, even in near abusive conditions. It’s the weight reduction that really makes it worth the upgrade. Because of how a string trimmer’s weight distributes, users often find themselves reaching for some Advil and spending the afternoon on the couch waiting for the back pain to subside. The lower the total weight, but particularly the weight as it extends from the body, the happier your back will be.
Additional Features
- 56V brushless motor
- Cushioned D-shaped handle
- Side-mounted trigger safety
- Available as a straight shaft (ST1520) or hinged shaft (ST1520S)
EGO 56V Powerload String Trimmer Performance
The Powerload 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.
First of all, it’s really quiet. Measuring from our tester’s ear, it registers just 80 decibels.
One thing that helps keep the noise level down is how well EGO controls the vibration in the tool. That’s not unique to this model. EGO does a great job across the board and their string trimmers tend to operate much smoother than most.
You can cut up to 15 inches—perfect for residential trimming needs. You can also load either 0.080 or 0.095-inch line. If you have a lot of hard edges or fencing, go with the 0.095-inch. You’ll get more runtime out of the 0.080-inch if you don’t need the extra thickness, though.
You need to feather the trigger to vary your speed. The lowest speed is 4000 RPM and we like to make quicker work of things at its 5800 RPM wide open throttle. At that speed, there’s enough power to tackle just about anything with a grassy stalk, including thick areas your mower misses.
EGO 56V Powerload String Trimmer Runtime
Your runtime varies based on the battery you’re using, the speed you’re cutting with, and the diameter of the line. We tested using the 2.5Ah battery and 0.095-inch line that comes with the kit.
Running in high, we were able to trim for just under 25 minutes continuously. That should be enough to cover most lawns up to 1/4 or 1/3 of an acre without trouble. Even 1/2-acre lawns are probably good to go. If you need more runtime, moving up to the 5.0Ah battery doesn’t make this string trimmer unwieldy and is easier than stopping to go back to the garage for another battery.
EGO Powerload String Trimmer Pricing
You can pick up this model as a bare tool for $169 (ST1520S) or with a 2.5Ah battery and standard charger for $229 (ST1521S) at your favorite EGO retailer.
There are other options with the Powerload head, though. The ST1511T has a telescoping aluminum shaft instead of carbon fiber if you’d prefer to go that route.
The Bottom Line
As it currently stands, the EGO 56V Powerload string trimmer is one the best we’ve tested for any homeowner. Its combination of lightweight carbon fiber shaft, low vibration, easy line loading, and excellent performance make it the complete package.
EGO 56V Powerload String Trimmer Specifications
- Model: EGO ST1520S
- Power Source: EGO 56V batteries
- Cutting Swath: 15 inches
- Line Diameter: 0.095-inch or 0.080-inch
- Weight: 11.97 pounds
- Warranty: 5-year limited on trimmer, lifetime on shaft
- Price: $169 bare, $229 with 2.5 Ah battery and standard charger
Discover more by checking out EGO’s website or visit your local Home Depot to pick up one for yourself!
