22 Hilti SIW 10-22 3/4″ High-Torque Cordless Impact Wrench

Hilti NURON SIW 10-22 Impact Wrench

5/5

Manufacturer: Hilti
Model number: SIW 10-22
Price: $420
Power source: Li-Ion
Motor size: Brushless
Weight: 6.4 lbs (Bare Tool)

Specifications and Features

• Anvil Type: 3/4″ through hole with friction ring
• Maximum Torque: 627 ft-lbs (1); 1180 ft-lbs (2)
• Nut Busting Torque: 1475 ft-lbs
• Full Hammering Frequency: 2500 impacts/minute
• Number of Gears: 2
• No Load RPM: Gear 1: 1000 rpm, Gear 2: 1250 rpm
• Dimensions: 8.5″ x 3.4″ x 9.3″
• Tool Weight: 6.4 lbs (Bare Tool)
• A-Weighted Emission Sound Pressure Level: 97 dB
• Brushless Motor

High-Torque Performance

The Hilti SIW 10-22 3/4″ High-Torque Impact Wrench isn’t adorned with fancy controls or features. However, it’s a straight forward powerhouse for really difficult fastening applications. The combination of the robust brushless motor and the new NURON battery platform result in one of the most powerful cordless 3/4″ impact wrenches.

Sending tools to the fleet mechanic in the quarry usually results in a short life. The environment and shear size of the equipment makes it the perfect testing location for high capacity tools like the Hilti SIW 10-22 Impact Wrench. One of the most impressive things about the SIW 10-22 is the nut busting capability of this wrench. It can break free many bolted connections that some 1″ cordless impact wrenches can’t do.

It’s so powerful that it will break fasteners. Hilti publishes a warning on their site stating that there is a risk of over-tightening and damaging fasteners. This impact wrench broke off several 5/8″ fasteners with very little effort, therefore users should be careful on small fastener applications.

The SIW 10-22 doesn’t have many features which is refreshing with an impact wrench. The SIW 10-22 has a well placed LED light just above the battery that provides good light for the work surface. There is a simple switch to change between speed 1 and 2. It also has a simple green LED light to designate which gear its in.

For those that work at height and require a positive retention for sockets the SIW 10-22 has a  through hole friction ring anvil. It’s a pretty simple system and works well.

Final Thoughts – Hilti SIW 10-22

The Hilti SIW 10-22 High-Torque 3/4″ Impact Wrench is outstanding. It’s built like a tank, it has very impressive torque, has a great price point, and it offers one of the best warranties on the market. This is an exceptional cordless impact wrench for steel erectors, fleet mechanics and anyone working with large diameter fasteners.

Hilti SIW 10-22 3/4″ High-Torque Impact Wrench Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Hilti NURON Cordless 1/2″ High Torque Drill Driver – SF 10W-22

Hilti NURON SF 10W-22 Cordless Drill Driver

5/5

Manufacturer: Hilti
Model number: SF 10W-22
Price: $289
Power source: Li-Ion
Motor size: Brushless
Weight: 4.1 lbs (Tool Only)

Specifications & Features

• Maximum Torque: 841 in-lb (soft joint), 1062 in-lb (hard joint)
• No Load RPM: gear 1: 330 rpm; gear 2: 560 rpm; gear 3: 1300 rpm; gear 4: 2230 rpm
• Clutch Settings: 15
• Dimensions: 9.4 x 2.6 x 8.7 inches
• Tool Only Weight: 4.1 lbs
• Brushless Motor
• Full Metal Chuck
• Optimized Cooling
• Active Torque Control (ATC) helps prevent uncontrolled spinning if the drill bit sticks
• LED Work Light

Picture above is the speed selection switches that give this drill a huge range of control. The chuck also has a traditional clutch setting from 1-15 and a drill setting.

Hilti continues to build quality tools with less of the “bells and whistles” that some manufactures crank out. The SF 10W-22 has an all steel chuck with really good knurling on the chuck surface. The keyless design is simple and straightforward and locks bits into place really well.

The SF 10W-22 comes with a LED light mounted just above the battery which provides decent light for the work area. It also comes with a removable, multi-position side handle which is very useful considering the torque this drill produces.

Performance That Packs a Punch

There are lots of tools out there that continue to get smaller and lighter. The Hilti NURON SF 10W-22 isn’t small and it isn’t light. This is a large, powerful 1/2″ drill that not only delivers great torque for difficult drilling applications, but it also has a 15 step clutch, and 4 speed settings that allows users to also deal with delicate drilling applications. This much improved 1/2″ drill boasts a powerful brushless motor that cranks out the torque when paired with Hilti’s NURON line of batteries.

The torque that the Hilti SF 10W-22 produces is impressive to say the least. It mixes drywall compound easier than this drywall crews electric 1/2″ drill. The crew was impressed with the power and speed. The SF 10W-22 is impressive drilling wood as well. Designed for bits up to 6″ this drill can tackle any drilling applications that require the power of larger drills.

Final Thoughts – Hilti NURON SF 10W-22

Hilti’s updated NURON line-up has been impressive. The NURON SF 10W-22 1/2″ Drill Driver isn’t full of fancy extras, it’s a robust, quality built 1/2″ drill driver built for demanding drilling applications. Hilti continues to impress with really well built tools that are designed to take punishment on busy jobsites and keep working day after day. If you are looking for an extremely powerful 1/2″ drill this is one to consider. Priced at $289 for the bare tool, it’s a good value for the quality of this drill.

Hilti NURON SF 10W-22 Cordless Drill Driver Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

EGO POWER+ 28 In. Self-Propelled 2-Stage Snow Blower – Model SNT2807

EGO POWER+ 28 In 2-Stage Snow Blower

5/5

Manufacturer: EGO
Model number: SNT2807
Price: $2,199
Power source: 56V Li-Ion
Weight: 182 lbs

This battery powered snow blower was  designed to perform like a gas powered 2-stage unit and it’s clear from the outset that EGO has set the bar high. Some fresh wet snow here in New Hampshire was a great way to give this snow blower a great test. Check our thoughts on this battery powered snow blower.

Specifications and Features

• 2-in-1 electronic chute adjustment joystick delivers effortless control of 200-degree chute rotation and deflection
• Throws snow up to 60 feet
• EGO claims it will clear a 32-car driveway with 8 inches of snow on a single charge when used with the two recommended 12.0Ah ARC Lithium batteries
• Trigger-controlled steering assists with turning for more control
• Heated handle grips keep your hands warm
• 28-inch clearing width and 21-inch intake height
• Large 16- by 5-inch snow tires deliver added traction in slippery conditions
• IPX4-rated weather resistance for working in challenging weather conditions
• 5-year tool warranty, 5-year battery warranty

Initial Thoughts – Using the EGO 28 Inch 2-Stage Snow Blower

EGO ships the SNT2807 battery powered 2-stage snow blower on a pallet partially assembled. Assembly of the unit is exceptionally easy to do and takes less than 30 minutes from the time you un-crate the unit. The control panel and handles come shipped loose as well as the chute assembly. Both of these pieces come with the control cables attached to them so it’s really only a matter of attaching both with some easy to use bolts and knobs. The knobs have nuts embedded in them so there’s no tools needed, the knobs are simply hand tightened to the bolts.

Over the years we’ve been impressed with the quality of EGO outdoor power equipment and this unit is no different. It clearly stands out both in quality and the features compared to other similar snow blowers. EGO put some thought into both the controls on this snow blower and added features to make it stand out among the competition.

The snow blower includes large 16 inch by 5 inch snow tires that grip well and roll really nice. It also includes adjustable skid plates for the front of the snow blower. These are really important with gravel driveways to minimize the front auger area picking up stones and gravel.

The motorized chute rotates and tilts with the control of the joystick. The snow blower also includes a plastic stick for unplugging a clogged auger or chute.

The snow blower includes steel augers and a typical sheer pin design. The metal auger housing is sturdy and well built.

EGO has also included some LED lights both in front of the auger housing and also on the front of the control panel. This provides a good amount of light for blowing snow at night.

Snow Blower Controls

One of the first things that stand out on this snow blower are the controls. Pictured above are the controls which not only work well but they are very intuitive and positioned well.

• Drive Controls – The left green upper lever is the drive lever that engages the wheels. The lower black lever on the right and left handles are used to steer the snow blower left and right. The green handle just to the right of the left handle operates forward and reverse, with multiple positions that determine the wheel speed.
• Power / Accessories – In the center of the console is the large green power button, along with a button for the LED lights and also the heated handles.
• Auger Control – The upper right green handle engages the auger. It has a safety handle that must be depressed before the auger can be started. To the left of the right handle is the auger speed lever. This lever controls the speed of the auger and the distance the snow is thrown. This is a great feature as it allows battery use to be maximized depending on the depth and heaviness of the snow.
• Chute Controls – At the top, center of the control panel is a joystick that controls the snow chute. The joystick can be depressed left or right to move the chute left or right. By pressing the joystick forward or backward, the top of the chute is angled to increase or decrease the distance the snow is thrown. Both of these motions are motorized and not cable driven like older snow blowers.

Battery Compartment

The EGO 2-stage snow blower holds two batteries in a compartment located just over the axle. Without a motor this is a great location to store the batteries and place as much weight on the drive wheels as possible. The snow blower can use any of the EGO 56V batteries. EGO does recommend the 12 Ah ARC batteries for maximum performance.

Snow Blower Performance

Great features and controls are one thing but the real question is performance. So far the EGO POWER+ 28 Inch 2-Stage Snow Blower has proven to be an excellent battery powered snow blower. This snow blower was able to throw heavy wet snow just as good as a gas powered unit. The electric chute controls work well and the variable auger speed is a very useful feature. The torque created by the electric motor is evident when chewing through a 2 foot tall heavy wet snow bank. This blower can handle anything my old gas powered Craftsman did and then some.

Run-Time

EGO claims this snow blower can clear a 32 car driveway of 8 inches of snow. If you assume a car is roughly 6 ft wide, 15 feet long, or roughly 2,880 square feet. That’s roughly a 200 foot long driveway that’s roughly 10 feet or so wide. Of course 8 inches of what kind of snow? At any rate, that’s a decent size driveway. Just so happens that the driveway this snow blower was tested on is roughly that size. In the previous storm there was about 6 inches of heavy wet snow and a full charge nearly finished the driveway. Luckily we’ve got other EGO batteries so we just swapped them out and finished.

If you’re going to own a battery powered snow blower you really should own at least one set of backup batteries. This will double the range and make things much less frustrating. While doing research for this review, some users were complaining about batteries getting too cold to charge. This is definitely one down fall of all battery powered snow blowers and another reason to have a backup set of batteries that are stored in a warm area.

Final Thoughts – EGO 28 Inch 2-Stage Snow Blower

The EGO POWER+ 28 Inch 2-Stage Snow Blower is by far the best battery powered snow blower we’ve used and reviewed. The snow blower is packed full of features, has easy to use controls, offers exceptional performance, and supported by a company leading the way in battery powered outdoor power equipment. Backed by a 5 year warranty on both the machine and the batteries this snow blower deserves a 5 star rating. Get yourself and extra set of batteries and ditch the yearly maintenance of a gas powered machine and the reliability of your snow blower starting when you need it. We’ve all been in a situation where the gas snow blower won’t start when the first storm hits and that’s not fun!

EGO POWER+ 28 Inch 2-Stage Snow Blower Video Review

EGO POWER+ 28 Inch 2-Stage Snow Blower Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Ryobi Announces 18V ONE+ 4Ah Lithium High Performance Edge Battery Pack (PBP1104)

Tabless 21700 lithium cells are entering the market in many Brands and Ryobi jumped into the action today. These new battery packs offer more power, more run-time, cooler operation, and a longer lifetime. The following was released by Ryobi today:

• RYOBI – Leading The Cordless Revolution: RYOBI continues to drive innovation and advancements in lithium battery technology with the next evolution of its 18V ONE+ battery.
• Tabless Cell Advantage: Utilizing upgraded tabless 21700 lithium cells, this all-new ONE+ battery provides more power and longer runtime while running cooler and living longer than other ONE+ batteries in a more compact size. With a re-designed cell structure, tabless cell technology enhances energy transfer efficiency, leading to increased power output and cooler operation in demanding scenarios. This results in extended runtime and an overall longer lifespan for the battery pack. These HIGH PERFORMANCE EDGE batteries will elevate the performance of over 300 cordless products in the RYOBI 18V ONE+ System.
• 18V ONE+ Compatibility:​ This all-new battery is forward and backward compatible with all RYOBI 18V ONE+ tools, giving users the Power To Do EVEN More.

Initial Thoughts

This is a really exciting development especially for Ryobi. These new cells are a much needed upgrade to the cordless tool industry. The biggest benefit in our opinion is the ability to operate at lower temperatures which results in much longer battery life and the ability to provide much higher amp draws for high demand applications. According to Ryobi this batteries will hit the market in the Summer of 2024 and we’ll be getting some samples in the Spring of 2024. This new technology has already appeared in a few brands and it’s clear this is the new standard for cordless tools.

Ryobi Updates 18V Battery Packs with Tabless Li-Ion Cells is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Milwaukee Expands Their MX FUEL Lineup

At the 2024 World of Concrete Milwaukee Tool is introducing six new tool to their MX FUEL Equipment System lineup. This brings the MX FUEL lineup to over 25 different solutions and continues to bring cordless products into the larger tool category.

In addition to the new tools the recent expansion of the system includes new more powerful MX FUEL REDLITHIUM FORGE XC8.0 and HD12.0 Battery Packs and a new Super Charger with COOL-CYCLE capabilities.

MX FUEL 1 HP 2” Submersible Pump

The MX FUEL 1 HP 2” Submersible Pump provides portability to pump anywhere without the need for a generator. Utilizing auto-sensing technology and auto-shut off, the MX FUEL 1HP 2” Submersible Pump can adjust performance to match incoming flow, turning the pump off once water level is low, saving users time and positioning the pump to last longer without burnout. When paired with the MX FUEL XC6.0 battery, the MX FUEL 1 HP 2” Submersible Pump delivers up to 20 minutes of run-time on high and up to 2,000 gallons per charge.

This new pump is scheduled to hit the market in the Summer of 2024.

MX FUEL High Cycle Concrete Vibrator

The MX FUEL High Cycle Concrete Vibrator provides the most powerful, most consistent consolidation by sustaining 11,500 VPM in the stiffest concrete. Offering the fastest setup, the MX FUEL High Cycle Concrete Vibrator eliminates the need for dedicated high-cycle generators and extension cords and provides a wireless remote, allowing the user to control from up to 30 feet away from the vibratory unit. When paired with the MX FUEL REDLITHIUM FORGE XC8.0 Battery Pack, the MX FUEL High Cycle Concrete Vibrator consolidates up to 90 yards³ per charge utilizing a 1.75-inch head with a 7-foot whip.

The new concrete vibrator is scheduled to hit the market in the Spring of 2024.

MX FUEL 70 kg Rammer

The MX FUEL 70kg Rammer delivers the power to hit harder and travel faster for maximum productivity without sacrificing compaction performance. Providing no gas headaches and greater control, the MX FUEL 70kg Rammer offers a centralized user interface, allowing for easier control adjustments and maneuverability in trenches or confined spaces. When paired with the MX FUEL REDLITHIUM FORGE HD12.0 Battery, the MX FUEL 70kg Rammer delivers up to 25 minutes of continuous run-time or over a quarter mile of compaction.

The new compactor is scheduled to hit the market in the Spring of 2024.

MX FUEL ROCKET Dual Power Compact Tower Light

Providing a faster set-up and maximum portability, the MX FUEL ROCKET Dual Power Compact Tower Light requires 75% less space to store and transport compared to the MX FUEL ROCKET Tower Light/Charger. Delivering up to 15,000 lumens of task and area lighting, the MX FUEL ROCKET Compact Tower Light provides coverage of over 2,300 sq. ft., 5X the usable light of an M18 ROCKET Dual Power Tower Light. The MX FUEL ROCKET Dual Power Compact Tower Light provides up to 3 hours of run-time on high when powered with the MX FUEL REDLITHIUM XC406 Battery and features Dual Power to plug in for all day use.

This new light is scheduled to hit the market in the Summer of 2024.

MX FUEL Portable Battery Extension

The MX FUEL Portable Battery Extension connects to MX FUEL equipment, removing the weight of the MX FUEL battery pack to deliver up to 45% lighter weight and less fatigue on handheld equipment. The MX FUEL Portable Battery Extension can be worn as a backpack for easy transport or placed on the ground while using handheld MX FUEL equipment. The MX FUEL Portable Battery Extension maintains peak performance with all MX FUEL equipment and is compatible with all MX FUEL batteries.

The new portable battery extension is scheduled to hit the market in the Spring of 2024.

Milwaukee Cut-Off Saw Cart

The Milwaukee Cut-Off Saw Cart is designed to be used with the MX FUEL 14” Cut-Off Saw (MXF315) with RAPIDSTOP Brake and provides users with longer, easier cuts. The Cut-Off Saw Cart allows users to cut precisely at different, adjustable depths while minimizing the potential for muscle strain and fatigue.

The new cut-off saw cart is scheduled to hit the market in the Spring of 2024.

Milwaukee Announces New MX FUEL Tools for 2024 is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Milwaukee REDLITHIUM USB Bluetooth® Jobsite Ear Buds

Model 2191-21

Milwaukee USB Jobsite Ear Buds

4/5

Manufacturer: Milwaukee
Model number: 2191-21
Price: $179.99
Power source: Li-Ion

REDLITHIUM USB Bluetooth® Jobsite Ear Buds

Features and Specifications

• Premium In-Ear Audio Provides Powerful and Balanced Sound
• Up to 10 Hours of Runtime on a Single Charge
• Bluetooth® 5.1 Provides up to 55ft of Range
• Phone Call Capable
• Impact Resistant
• Auto Connects to Prior Devices Out of the Case For Grab-And-Go Use
• Passive Hearing Protection Provided by Foam (25 NRR) & Silicone (22 NRR) Ear Tips
• Water and Dust Resistant
• Control Calls and Audio With Easy-to-use Buttons
• 1 Year Limited Warranty
• 2 Year Warranty on REDLITHIUM USB Battery

Fit, Comfort and Use

The Milwaukee USB Bluetooth Jobsite Earbuds come with a large selection of ear tips and ear wings to help users find the best fit. There seems to be quite a bit of negative comments online about the fit of these earbuds and I’ll admit at first I really struggled to find a good fit. However, after trying several different combinations I found them to stay in place nicely even when riding my lawn mower or using the treadmill.

These ear buds come with:

• 3 Pairs of Silicone Ear tips
• 3 Pairs of Foam Ear Tips
• 3 Pairs of Ear Wings
• 3 Pairs of Cover Bands

I found the larger ear wings combined with the largest foam ear tips to work best for me.  Users should try different combinations to find their best fit.

The storage case for the Milwaukee Jobsite Ear Buds also serves as a charging dock. The case is first charged with a USB cord and Milwaukee’s REDLITHIUM USB 3.0 Battery. Then, when the ear buds are placed in the case they charge. A lighted perimeter around the ear bud glows green when they are fully charged.

The ear buds are quite easy to control and there’s a handy diagram inside the storage case to remind users of the functions. The left ear bud controls the Jobsite Aware Mode and the right ear bud controls the Bluetooth and Phone call functions. The large size of these ear buds makes the push button activation on the ear buds easy even with gloves on.

Performance on the Jobsite

I find the Milwaukee Jobsite Ear Buds to be comfortable, easy to use and they offer great sound quality. They are definitely larger than some of the other options on the market but the larger size definitely makes the controls easier to use. Also, the case is much larger than traditional buds but that’s due to the on-board battery that charges them when you are away from a power source. The storage case / charger is very robust and built to withstand the demands of jobsite use.

I found the Jobsite Awareness feature to work well allowing me to hear background noise (you can control the volume of it which is very nice). This is extremely important for any type of electronic hearing protection allowing users to be more aware of their surroundings.

Overall Thoughts

Overall I think the Milwaukee USB Bluetooth Jobsite Ear Buds are well built, comfortable and a great solution for all trades. While they are a bit larger than other options, I feel that the build quality is worth the extra size. Some users may struggle with fit in the ear, but after much trial and error I was able to find a good fit.

Priced at $179.99 the price is in-line with quality ear buds. It comes with a USB 3.0 Battery which can also be used on other Milwaukee USB powered tools which is a nice added bonus. For people working in the trades it’s nice to have a more robust option that can handle tough jobsites.

Where To Buy

Milwaukee USB Bluetooth Jobsite Earbuds Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Metabo HPT NV 83A5 3-1/4″ Coil Nailer

Metabo HPT 3-1/4" Coil Nailer

5/5

Manufacturer: Metabo HPT
Model number: NV83A5
Price: $399
Power source: Pneumatic
Weight: 8.8 lbs

Coil nailers are extremely versatile nailers for a wide range of applications from framing to sheathing applications. The use of coil nailers vs stick nailers tends to be somewhat regional. Here in the northeast coil nailers are fairly prevalent on many job sites for both framing and sheathing applications. The big benefit of coil nailers vs stick nailers is the much larger nail capacity and the compact design. However, depending on certain code requirements stick nailers may be the only choice for larger 3-1/2″ fasteners.

Metabo HPT NV83A5 Features and Specifications

• Fastener Type: Wire Collation
• Magazine Angle: 15° +/- 1
• Fastener Length Capacity: 2″ to 3-1/4″
• Fastener Diameter Range: 0.099″ to 0.131″
• Magazine Capacity: 200-300 nails
• Magazine Loading: Side
• Fitting: 1/4″ Industrial
• Operating Pressure: 70-120 psi
• Jam Clearing: Open Nose
• Depth Setting: Tool-Less
• Actuation: Selective (Sequential / Contact)
• Weight w/o Hook: 8.8 lbs
• Weight w/ Hook: 9.1 lbs

Performance, Power, Balance

We’ve been using the Metabo HPT NV83A5 3-1/4″ Coil Nailer in the field for about a year now on a couple large renovations and new home builds and it’s clear this nailer has maintained all it’s heritage from the Hitachi days. This is great news for longtime fans of the Hitachi brand that might have been nervous the make the change. The nailer is full of quality materials and great fit and finish.

When it comes to performance, power and balance the NV83A5 is an exceptionally designed coil nailer with few if any flaws. The NV83A5 really shines in both framing and sheathing applications. It has plenty of power to sink fasteners in engineered lumber like LVL’s and I-Joists, while it can fasten sheathing at high speeds without jamming.  Holding 200 framing nails and 300 sheathing nails in a single coil is such a huge time saver and production bonus.

The only things we’d love to see is a cordless version of this classic coil nailer! In all seriousness this is one of those nailers that really deserves a 5 star rating as it’s exceptional from front to back. If you’ve never framed with a coil nailer you really should give it a shot, you may be very surprised at the versatility and added bonus of not loading nails as often.

Where To Buy

Metabo HPT NV 83A5 3-1/4 Inch Coil Nailer Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Metabo HPT Cordless 21° Framing Nailer (NR1890DRS)

Metabo HPT 18V Cordless Framing Nailer

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Metabo HPT
Model number: NR1890DRS
Price: $359
Power source: 18V-36V
Motor size: Brushless
Weight: 10.8 lbs

Metabo HPT makes this nailer in both the 21° plastic collated and 30° paper collated nails (NR1890DCS). While this review is focused on the 21° version we have both in use on jobs and it really comes down to nail availability for us.

Features & Specifications | NR1890DRS

Features

• Air spring drive system
• Tool-less depth of drive adjustment
• Automatically shutoff after 30 mins of inactivity
• Dry fire lock out system
• Side lock trigger switch
• Pivoting rafter hook
• Warranty: Lifetime Tool Warranty, 2-year battery warranty, and 1-year charger warranty

Specifications

• Battery: 18V Lithium-Ion
• Nail Style: 21° Plastic Strip Collated
• Nail Length: 2 – 3 1/2 in.
• Fastener Head: Round
• Magazine Capacity: approx. 37
• Nails/Charge: 400 (w/ 3.0Ah Battery)
• Modes: 1) Sequential mode 2) Bump fire mode
• Weight: 10.8 lbs
• Motor: Brushless
• Driving Speed: Up to 2 Nails/Sec
• Firing Modes: Sequential and Contact
• Rafter Hook
• Battery Warranty: 2 Year Lithium Ion
• Tool Warranty: Lifetime Lithium Ion

Performance On The Job

The Metabo HPT 18V cordless framing nailer is leaps and bounds ahead of the early cordless framers that were around 8-10 years ago. These new brushless nailers have plenty of power to handle engineered lumber, they are fast, and overall the ergonomics are drastically improved.

Power and Speed

The two leaders in cordless framing nailers right now are Milwaukee and Metabo HPT without a doubt. We’ve got extensive experience with both nailers and they are extremely close in performance. I think it’s fair to say that they both have the advantage in some ways over the other. The Metabo HPT has a ton of power and while I have no way to quantify that I do believe it edges out the Milwaukee. The cycle speed of this nailer is also quite impressive especially on bump-mode where it really can simulate the performance of a pneumatic framing nailer.

The Metabo HPT NR1890DRS uses an air spring drive system, which essentially is a sealed piston that is compressed by the brushless motor and releases compressed air when each nail is fired. This system cycles very fast and provides great power. It’s a drastic improvement over early cordless nailers that used flywheel designs.

Weight and Ergonomics

The Metabo HPT cordless framing nailer weighs 10.1 lbs with a compact 3.0Ah battery pack. While the Metabo HPT 21 deg pneumatic framing nailer only weighs 7.5 lbs. Obviously that’s almost 25% more weight, however, you’re not dragging around an airhose which also adds weight and reduces mobility. The cordless framing nailer feels very well balanced and comfortable even when used overhead.

Controls

One of the minor frustrations with this nailer are the controls. The location at the base of the grip make them difficult to see, and a bit difficult to push. To turn the nailer on you have to push and hold the on button for a second. The nailer will automatically shut off after 30 mins of inactivity as well.

Another feature that I think Metabo HPT needs to address is the sequential vs contact (bump) modes. It’s great that you can switch between these modes with the press of a button (old nailers sometimes require changing the trigger, so this is a great feature), but there is a nuance that makes these much different than a pneumatic nailer. When you put this nailer into contact (bump) mode, you can’t do a sequential shot. Why is this important? Well there are times when you’re bump firing a framing nailer and you get to a position that you want to push in the tip and squeeze the trigger for more control. This could very easily be changed in the programming and would be a great upgrade in a future release. Also, this nailer always starts in sequential mode when you turn it on, it would be nice if it remembered which mode you were using previously.

Rafter Hook

Rafter hooks are important with framing nailers especially when working on roof framing. The rafter hook on these framers is a decent size, made of metal, all what you’d expect. However, the position of them, especially when mounted on the left side make it nearly useless. When mounted on the left side the magazine interferes almost completely from hanging from a rafter. On both sides, when it’s folded close, it is too close to the grip. This is a pretty important detail the Metabo HPT needs to address for future models.

Overall Impression

Both of the Metabo HPT cordless framing nailers (NR1890DRS and NR1890DCS) are excellent cordless framing nailers. These nailers are very powerful and fast. Other than the weight and some nuances with the controls it’s hard to see much difference compared to pneumatic nailers of similar features. These absolutely excel with punch list work, working on roof framing where hoses are problematic, and remote sites with no power.

Metabo HPT Cordless 21° 18V Framing Nailer Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Kress 60V Line Trimmer Model KC100.9

Kress has launched an impressive list of commercial outdoor power equipment here in the US. The new KG100 Commercial 60V Cordless Line Trimmer nicely compliments the Kress 60V 21″ Self-Propelled Mower and Kress 60V Backpack Blower that we’ve recently reviewed. Like the other equipment from Kress that we’ve used this cordless string trimmer is built with the commercial landscaper in mind.

Features and Specifications

• Battery: 60V
• Brushless Motor
• Cutting Speed: 4200/5100/5900 rpm
• Cutting Diameter: 16.5″
• Line Diameter: 0.095″/0.105″ (2.4 / 2.7 mm) nylon line
• Water Protection: IPX4
• Tool Weight (Bare Tool): 9.9 lbs
• Available Batteries: KAC802 60V CyberPack 2Ah or KAC804 4Ah

The Kress line trimmer has been designed with professional landscapers and maintenance crews in mind. The commercial brushless motor delivers 1.2kW of power which is equivalent to a 30cc 2-stroke gas powered trimmer. The trimmer motor can be adjusted with 3 speed settings to maximize power and run-time depending on the application.

It includes a heavy-duty non-flexible steel driveshaft for long term durability. It also includes an aluminum gearhead. The Kress line trimmer has an IPX4 waterproof rating allowing users the ability to work in wet conditions such a rain. In addition, the Quick-load trimmer head includes a 30 foot spool capacity reducing the need to re-string it as often.

The controls are large and easy to use. There is a simple on/off button along with two buttons to increase/decrease the head speed. A large easy to grasp trigger makes for a comfortable operation.

Available Options

We reviewed the basic setup with none of the available options. However, you can purchase separately a harness to help support the weight of the tool (which I honestly think should come standard as this is a pretty heavy trimmer), and you can get battery backpack harness, which can allow you to use an 11 Ah battery for heavy duty use and longer run-time.

You can also purchase a 4″ cutter head and also a knife blade attachment, both sold separately.

Battery Options and Charging

The 60V Kress line trimmer can operate on both of their battery configurations of 4 Ah and 11 Ah. We tested the trimmer using the 4 Ah battery attached to the unit. In order to use an 11 Ah pack you’ll need to buy the battery backpack harness.

The heart of these new Kress Commercial OPE are their 8-Minute CybeSystem batteries. For the serious commercial landscaper they can purchase the CyberTank DC-DC charger. The CyberTank is essential a very large battery, 5040 Wh or 7200 Wh depending on model, that can quickly charge the the smaller 4.0Ah or 11.0Ah multiple times throughout the day. The DC-DC charging is extrememly efficient and fast as the energy requires no conversion and a large amount of power can be transfered from one battery to another quickly. The CyberTank gets charged typically overnight from an AC power source that takes 4-6 hours. This can easily be mounted on a trailer allowing the batteries to be quickly charged in the time it takes to drive to the next jobsite.

These batteries come with a 6 year (commercial use) warranty or 3,000 cycles warranty which is really quite impressive. 3,000 cycles. If you charge that battery once a day, 5 days a week, that’s nearly 23 years!! Obviously they are very sure of this battery platform and stand by it!

Performance

The Kress Commercial 60V Line Trimmer is a beast! It’s a commercial grade tool from top to bottom. Packed with power, great ergonomics and simple controls. It’s well built and comparable to any other professional trimmer I’ve used. I trimmed a very large yard multiple times on the same battery charge. When you consider that 8 minute full charge with this system it’s hard to even worry about run-time, managing a large group of batteries, or the other challenges previous cordless solutions presented.

Cost

Obviously commercial outdoor power equipment is typically expensive and an investment. This new line of Kress equipment is certainly an investment but the long term savings in fuel and maintenance can’t be overlooked. If you’re a professional landscaper there will be some overlap with chargers and batteries. I’m not including the CyberTank Portable Power Station as we’ll have another article focusing on that. Here are the listed prices on what we tested for this stand alone mower.

• Line Trimmer – KC100.9 – $349.99
• KAC840 Dual Port Charger – $779.99
• KAC804 4 Ah CyberPack Battery – $549.99

As a stand alone setup you’d be looking at roughly a $1,700 investment. With the current pricing of fuel this certainly isn’t a terrible proposition along with the warranty that comes with the trimmer and battery.

Final Thoughts

I’ve been reviewing power tools long enough to remember a few huge transitions in our industry. Kress has unlocked a major transition in OPE with this 60V lineup that is sure to revolutionize this industry. This is the real deal and something that will certainly disrupt this sector. Landscapers and professional lawn-care companies, especially ones working in areas that cannot use gasoline powered engines should take this new product seriously. When you combine really good quality with superior engineering you’ve got a winner. Kress has hit a home-run!

Kress Commercial 60V Line Trimmer Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Kress Commercial 60V 21 Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower KC710.9

Kress 60V 21" Self Propelled Mower

5/5

Manufacturer: Kress
Model number: KC710.9
Price: $799.00
Power source: 60V Li-Ion
Weight: 77 lbs

At the 2022 International Equip Exposition in Louisville KY Kress revealed a robust line-up of commercial outdoor power equipment that promised to change the professional landscaper approach to lawn care. Kress, a long established and well respected tool brand from Germany has now released these new products in the US and we’ve been using them the last several months to get a feel for their offering and more importantly their performance. In this review we are taking a look at their 21″ Self-Propelled 60V Mower.

Features / Specifications

• Brushless Motor
• Voltage: 60 Volts
• Cutting Deck: Reinforced Steel
• Cutting Speed: 2800/3300 rpm
• Cutting Width: 20-5/64 in
• Grass Bag Volume: 2.5 bushels
• Water Protection: IPX4
• Weight: 77 lbs
• Built-in LED Control Panel
• 2-point Height Adjustment
• Deck wear plate & front bumper guard
• Improved air flow deck design & Versatile cutting blades
• Powerful 7 lb-ft of torque provides the force needed for professional cut quality under severe working conditions.
• Variable self-propelled speed, up to 4mph, allows professional landscapers to match cutting speed to cutting conditions for optimal efficiency.
• The heavy-duty differential drive transmission provides exceptional durability while the auto-clutch allows for easy transition from self-propelled operation to push operation.

Build Quality

The very first thing that was noticeable about the Kress mower was it’s weight and sturdy build. The deck on this mower reminds me of old school push mowers that were built to last forever. It has a reinforced steel deck that’s thicker and more robust than many riding mowers have.

The wheels are robust and also heavy duty and provide easy maneuverability. The mower’s 2-point height adjustment is very easy to use and intuitive.

The steel handlebars are also robust and offer several adjustments to provide the most comfort for different user heights and mowing styles. It’s clear from the moment this mower was assembled that it’s been designed for serious commercial use and longevity. I’ve personally reviewed dozens of cordless mowers over the years and not a single mower has been built like this, not even close! For some the 77 lb weight might seem excessive but this machine is built to work.

This mower is also rated with IPX4 waterproofing so the mower can be washed and used in wet weather conditions.

Controls

The controls on the Kress 60V 21″ self-propelled mower are simple and straight forward. The LED control panel provides users with information on the battery levels and blade speed. To use the mower you first push the on/off red button on the lower right, the larger red start button on the lower left starts the blades. The lower black grab bar must be engaged for the mower blades to engage. The upper red grab bar engages the self-propelled wheels. The speed of the wheels is controlled with a lever to the right of the run/walk graphic on the control panel. I found the controls easy to use and well placed.

Battery Options and Charging

The 60V Kress mower can operate on both of their battery configurations of 4 Ah and 11 Ah. I tested this mower with both batteries and found no difference in performance other than run-time and weight. For me the weight doesn’t really matter because of the powerful self-propelled design this mower offers. The top of the mower lifts up allowing a single battery to be installed (either 4 or 11 Ah packs).

The heart of these new Kress Commercial OPE are their 8-Minute CybeSystem batteries. For the serious commercial landscaper they can purchase the CyberTank DC-DC charger. The CyberTank is essential a very large battery, 5040 Wh or 7200 Wh depending on model, that can quickly charge the the smaller 4.0Ah or 11.0Ah multiple times throughout the day. The DC-DC charging is extrememly efficient and fast as the energy requires no conversion and a large amount of power can be transfered from one battery to another quickly. The CyberTank gets charged typically overnight from an AC power source that takes 4-6 hours. This can easily be mounted on a trailer allowing the batteries to be quickly charged in the time it takes to drive to the next jobsite.

Kress also has an AC-DC charging solution with their KAC840 Kress Commercial 30A AC Charger. We tested this unit along with our battery and blower. While the AC charger is not as fast as the 8-minute DC-DC charge, the KAC840 is still able to charge the 11Ah CyberPack battery in under 25 minutes and the 4.0Ah battery in 12.0 Minutes. This is still unbelievably fast compared to other industry leaders.

Performance -Not A Homeowner Cordless Mower!

The million dollar question for these mowers is are they really a commercial grade mower that can replace a gas mower on a landscaping crew? The answer is absolutely! While these mowers are certainly a much larger upfront investment the savings in fuel, maintenance and the added benefits of no fuel storage, no fumes, and less noise make this a very attractive platform to invest in.

I tested this mower in both the mulching mode and bagging mode and it provided the same or better performance that I expect from quality gas mowers. This is a result of DC motors powering the cutting blade which we’ve come to appreciate with the larger cordless mowers. Tall wet grass is no problem for this mower and it churns through it like a walk in the park!

The self-propelled wheels on this mower will literally tow you around the yard and likely pull a small car uphill. It’s hard to quantify the power of this mower in an effective way, but I’d put it up against any gas powered mower under any testing situation.

The steel deck has been specifically designed to increase suction for the bagging option. With 4 different blade options and an optimized deck geometry Kress has created a mower with exceptional grass collection. Combined with a 2.5 bushel bag users can run longer without emptying the bag.

Run-Time

I didn’t do any run-time testing on this beast. The reality is I did a TON of mowing with the 4 Ah pack and never killed it. I did even more with the 11 Ah pack and it didn’t even move off the fully charged icon. Kress is using a new cell type that doesn’t have the heat issues of 18650 and 21700 lithium-ion cells. Because of this they can charge batteries MUCH faster, they can draw more amps without overheating the tool, and ultimately deliver more power at higher rates than the market standard cells. This is VERY obvious from how this mower performed in the field.

Why didn’t I test run-time? It’s a great question and typically that would be a big issue in a cordless tool review. But the reality is that you can mow with this mower and fully charge in 8 minutes! Think about that, an 11 Ah pack charged in 8 minutes, which is likely less time than it takes to drive to the next job! At that point it’s no different that gassing up  your mower between jobs. As tool companies solve the heat issue with batteries and find ways to fully charge them in minutes, the argument of time lost diminishes and cordless tools become a very attractive solution for every industry.

Obviously another consideration is longevity of the batteries. We’ve seen this with many different brands and it’s a real question. For this review we can’t possibly report any information on the longevity of these battery packs. However, from what I’m seeing in the Kress lineup I have a feeling these are very robust packs that will last through many cycles. Rapid charging is typically not great for the long term health of a battery. Despite this, Kress guarantees 3000 life cycles (charge and discharge) on the CyberPack batteries.

These batteries come with a 6 year (commercial use) warranty or 3,000 cycles warranty which is really quite impressive. 3,000 cycles. If you charge that battery once a day, 5 days a week, that’s nearly 23 years!! Obviously they are very sure of this battery platform and stand by it!

Cost

Obviously commercial outdoor power equipment is typically expensive and an investment. This new line of Kress equipment is certainly an investment but the long term savings in fuel and maintenance can’t be overlooked. If you’re a professional landscaper there will be some overlap with chargers and batteries. I’m not including the CyberTank Portable Power Station as we’ll have another article focusing on that. Here are the listed prices on what we tested for this stand alone mower.

• Mower – KC710.9 – $799.99
• KAC840 Dual Port Charger – $779.99
• KAC810 11 Ah CyberPack Battery – $1,399.99

As a stand alone setup you’d be looking at roughly a $3,000 investment. With the current pricing of fuel this certainly isn’t a terrible proposition along with the warranty that comes with the mower and battery.

Final Thoughts

I’ve been reviewing power tools long enough to remember a few huge transitions in our industry. Kress has unlocked a major transition in OPE with this 60V lineup that is sure to revolutionize this industry. This is the real deal and something that will certainly disrupt this sector. Landscapers and professional lawn-care companies, especially ones working in areas that cannot use gasoline powered engines should take this new product seriously. When you combine really good quality with superior engineering you’ve got a winner. Kress has hit a home-run!

Kress Commercial 60V 21 Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz