FAQs about Batteries for Yard Tools
What are the different types of power equipment batteries?
Li-Ion (Lithium Ion) batteries have become the standard batteries in most cordless tools. They provide significant power from a lightweight system, can be recharged many times, and generate a sustained current for long periods of time.
NiMH (Nickle Metal Hydride) batteries tend to be more lower cost options that provide high amp hours, delivering bursts of current when needed. But they have some disadvantages like sensitivity to temperature and lack of use shortening their lifespan, so it’s crucial they are always charged, used, and stored correctly.
NiCd (Nickel Cadmium) batteries have a long history of use but are generally outperformed by Li-Ion and NiMH batteries. While they are cost-effective and robust options, NiCd batteries are not very environmentally friendly (contain cadmium), have low amp hours, and are heavier than Li-Ions and NiMHs.
Which is better: a brushed or brushless motor?
Brushed motors use carbon brushes as the sole provider of energy to make the rotor turn, meaning the system relies on friction. This can cause heating issues and is less energy efficient than using brushless motors. For light jobs or maintaining small yards, brushed motor tools will work fine, but the battery will drain quickly.
Brushless motors use magnets and electrical currents instead of carbon to generate power. There are no brushes that can wear out over time and no friction is created, so brushless motors eliminate issues of overheating and provide an overall better performance. Brushless motors generate more power, produce larger battery run times, and have a longer life than brushed motors.
What does battery voltage mean?
High voltage in power equipment means higher torque, which makes using greater force easier without straining the battery as much. If you have a variety of tough property tasks, you’ll need the power that comes with high voltage tools. Battery-powered yard tools feature all voltage amounts, from 12 up to 80 volts, but batteries with 80+ volts are usually found on commercial-grade tools.
What are battery amp hours??
A battery’s amp hour (Ah) is the rating of how much amperage (or amp) of power a battery can provide for one hour. For example, a 5 Ah battery will discharge 5 amps per hour under ideal conditions (no vibration, moderate temperature, consistent power). If you’re working in less-than-ideal conditions and run the yard tool at a speed that discharges more than 5 amps, the battery will drain faster.
How important is battery wattage?
A battery’s Ah rating doesn’t tell you how much total power the tool can deliver. The real measure of a battery-powered yard tool’s efficiency is the battery’s wattage. This is calculated by multiplying volts by Ah. A tool with more wattage generates more power than a comparable tool with less wattage.
How long will the batteries last for?
Most batteries in yard tools last for 20-40 minutes per charge. A common issue with battery-powered tools is the battery not lasting for the length of time advertised. Many manufacturers publish run times based on using the tool at its lowest setting, and if you run it at a higher speed, it won’t last as long.
Here are some tips for managing the battery’s run time:
- A lot of homeowners default to the system’s top speed just to get the job done faster. But tools like leaf blowers or chainsaws don’t need that higher speed to clear a solid surface or cut a small tree. Start by running the tool at the lowest speed and use the higher speeds as needed.
- Keep up with your yard work. Letting growth or debris get out of hand will result in many battery charges to clear again. It’s best to handle any trimming, mowing, etc. on a regular basis and use the lowest settings.
- If you’re starting from scratch and clearing heavy weeds or other debris, consider adding an extra battery. Keeping another on-hand allows you to work continuously through the toughest property conditions.
Are batteries interchangeable between yard tools?
Some manufacturers have designed cordless electric tools that accept the same battery, so you can build your own tool collection and save money on batteries. The cordless yard tools offered from DR Power Equipment use interchangeable 62-volt Li-Ion batteries that fit 10 tools. Whether you’re trimming thick weeds, blowing leaves and snow, or cutting heavy branches, one battery powers all!