How to make Ryobi R18HLTR38 trimmer easier to use?

[JohnSt]

I have just purchased the Ryobi trimmer but because of my age and severe back problems I have found the unit difficult to use - bought specifically for lawn edges only for a small lawn at the front of the house and similar rear yard.Perhaps I was swayed by the Bunnings team member at my local store about “ease of edge trimming, etc”.My neighbour has a trimmer with a wheel fitted and edge trimming is a breeze! Is there a wheel & edge cutter attachment available for my new unit as I feel the unit is not really suitable for me (and certainly not for my wife! Thank you.

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @JohnSt 

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Community Its a nice place to take a wander through, tho it is way to easy to get distracted!

Trying to support equipent, yeah we all get that one. I have no strength in my left wrist so use things like that wheel support to make my life easier as well.

I just had a look on the Ryobi page for an attachment for edging and Bunnings have one Ryobi Expand-It Edger Attachment 

I will tag @EricL and @JacobZ as they will know more product specifics.

Dave

[JohnSt]

Thank you for your information. Unfortunately I purchased a product that I find difficult to handle and acted on advice provided by a Bunnings team member. Now another expense to purchase an edge cutter attachment with wheels that should assist with my back problems!!!

[Nailbag]

Hi @JohnSt 

 The product has a 30 day satisfaction warranty under consumer law, Ryobi and Bunnings themselves. 

Simply return the unit with all parts and receipt. You can then exchange it for either one of Ryobi’s corded electric or cordless edger specific models. Either type is far lighter to operate and easier to use. 

regards Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Evening @JohnSt 

Sorry I thought you were after a wheeled attachment.

Then @Nailbag's suggestion is a better way to go when you are unhappy with the product.

Dave

[MitchellMc]

Hi @JohnSt,

It sounds like the 18V range might be a better choice. However, their motors are in the front, not the back, so they might also be front-heavy. The store should have all models set up and ready for you to test and use. Were you able to try the unit before purchasing it?

If you'd like to let me know the store you purchased from, I'd be happy to contact them to see what options are available.

Mitchell

[JohnSt]

Thank you to everyone who responded to my lawn trimmer dilemma - appears I bought a “Rolls Royce” model for what should have been a “Mini” requirement! For some 30+ years I relied on my trusty Briggs & Stratton petrol blade edge trimmer and together we aged gracefully - unfortunately it had now to be “retired” and so I ventured out to explore the new technology in garden equipment! Bunnings has a great range of trimmers on display so on advice purchased the trimmer but it is only when used at home do misgivings arise. But there was a suggestion in a previous feedback to buy a “wheeled attachment” - this should make it less strain full to cut my straight lawn edges (approx. 90%) - is this available from Bunnings? Overall an expensive exercise but this seems the only option. Many thanks again for your kind support!

[MitchellMc]

Hi @JohnSt,

The only wheeled attachment I'm aware of for that machine would be the Ryobi Expand-It Edger Attachment that Dave mentioned. That's good for cutting edges but won't assist with line trimming.

As I mentioned before, if you could let me know the store you purchased from, I'd be happy to contact them to see whether there might be a machine better suited to your needs that we could exchange it for.

Mitchell

[JohnSt]

Hello Mitchell

Many thanks for your reply - apart from insinuating that “Bunnings has been my second home for years”, my dear wife is now even more “troubled” by my new social media interaction with Bunnings! 🤣😂

The Mile End store is where I made the purchase last week but as I mentioned previously, I have already used the trimmer - if I get this attachment with the wheel, I can use the edge cutter for most of the straight edge cutting and then take off this attachment, refit and use the line trimmer to do the corners and other small bits. Best option? Thank you.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @JohnSt,

I've spoken to one of the managers at Bunnings Mile End and we'd like to assist with the situation. If you'd like to phone the store when you're available and check that Pat in Power Garden is in, he can help you. He'll walk you through the machine and ensure that you have things like the shoulder strap set up correctly, which will bear most of the weight. He'll also be able to show you the edger attachment and pop it on to ensure it resolves your issues. 

The team are also happy to discuss whether this was the best-suited unit for your needs, and if there is a more light-weight unit, they'd be happy to exchange it for you.

Mitchell