Greenworks 40V 13-Inch Cordless String Trimmer Review

The Honest Intro

We didn’t just read the specs—we bought, unboxed, and personally tested the Greenworks 40V 13-Inch Cordless String Trimmer. If you hate yanking gas pull-cords, inhaling exhaust fumes, or fighting with “bump-feed” heads that fail, this tool offers a silent, maintenance-free escape. The motor is an absolute beast for residential yards. However, the factory-loaded string is garbage. It will frustrate you almost immediately. Buy this trimmer only if you plan to upgrade to a heavy-duty aftermarket string right away.

Disclaimer

Greenworks 40V 13-Inch Cordless String Trimmer / Edger (Gen 2), B…

• 40V Lithium-Ion – One battery powers over 75+ Greenworks 40V tools
• 13” TRIMMER / EDGER (2-IN-1) – Converts from trimmer to edger with push of a button
• 90° PIVOTING HEAD – Trimmer head rotates 90° so you can trim and edge at multiple angles

$109.99

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What Does It Actually Do?

This 2-in-1 tool uses a spinning .065-inch nylon line to slice through tall weeds. With one button, you can turn it into a walk-behind edger.

• Professional Sidewalk Edging: Use the 90-degree rotating head and guide wheel to carve crisp lines along your driveway. It makes the job look easy.

• Sneaking Under Fences: The 7-position pivoting head reaches under chain-link fences and walls where your mower simply can’t go.
• Wacking Heavy Weeds: The 40V lithium-ion battery provides plenty of muscle. It chews through thick ground covers like Kurapia without stalling.

The Target Audience: This is perfect for homeowners with 1/4 to 1/2 acre yards. If you are a commercial landscaper, look elsewhere; it lacks the power for daily professional use.

Marketing vs. Reality

Greenworks claims their “auto-feed” system is a flawless miracle. They say it prevents jams with a simple push of a button. The truth? That factory-loaded .065″ string is incredibly brittle. It binds up inside the spool constantly. You will find yourself “blipping” the trigger just to get the line to advance.

Our Hands-On Testing

We put this trimmer through the wringer. We took it into overgrown patches and thick lawn edges to see what it could handle. The 40V motor never overheated. It sliced through weeds and thick stalks up to 3/8-inch wide without breaking a sweat.

But the blue string was a disaster. It shattered against concrete sidewalks. We had to stop constantly, pop off the cap, and untangle the spool by hand. Everything changed once we threw that junk away. We swapped it for a premium, twisted aftermarket line, and the tool became an incredibly reliable powerhouse.

Battery Life: How Long Does It Actually Run?

Greenworks claims their batteries provide fade-free power, but we wanted hard numbers. The 2.0Ah 40V battery gives you approximately 40 to 45 minutes of continuous run time under typical residential use, and it takes 60 minutes to fully recharge using the included charger. Sometimes it takes a few extra minutes in warm weather, and slightly less time in the cold.

If you are just edging a driveway or trimming standard grass, you have plenty of time. You can easily finish a 1/4 acre lot without rushing. However, expect a different result if you force this tool through a neglected field of thick, woody dandelion stems. You will drain the battery significantly faster in heavy brush, so keep a second pack on standby if your yard is a jungle.

Will It Last? (Durability & Repairs)

Build Quality

The durability comes down to two things: the aluminum telescoping shaft and the 40V brushed motor. If you only handle weekend chores on a standard lot, expect this tool to last 3 to 5 years. Eventually, the motor brushes or battery cells will start to degrade.

Expert Insight on Repairs

You won’t have to trash the whole tool if the head wears down. You can find replacement .065-inch spools, covers, and batteries easily on Amazon or the Greenworks website. They are surprisingly cheap.

Advice for Longevity: Clean grass clippings from under the guard after every use. Keep the metal line-cutting blade sharp. A dull blade lets the string get too long, which overworks the motor and leads to burnout.

The Real Benefits

• Ditch the Fumes: The 40-volt platform delivers aggressive torque without the exhaust or maintenance of a gas engine.
• Perfect Borders: The rotating head and guide wheel let you roll the tool along sidewalks for a clean finish.
• Save Your Back: Adjust the aluminum telescoping shaft to your exact height. This eliminates the lower back pain caused by hunching over a small trimmer all afternoon.

The Pros & Cons

✅ The Pros:

• One 40V battery powers over 75 other Greenworks tools. That saves you a fortune on future gear.
• The 7-position head sneaks under low decks and tight fences with ease.
• It weighs only 5.2 lbs (without the battery). You won’t feel arm fatigue during long sessions.

❌ The Cons:

• The stock blue string is cheap. It shatters the moment it hits concrete or brick.
• The “auto-feed” mechanism frequently binds. Prepare to pop the cap and untangle the line manually.

Is There a Better Alternative?

If you own a massive, overgrown property, this model will struggle. Look at the EGO Power+ 56V String Trimmer instead. It packs professional power, but it costs over $300. For a standard 1/4 to 1/2 acre lawn, the Greenworks is a steal. Don’t pay a “brand tax” for a heavy commercial model when this lightweight beast handles residential jobs for much less.

Head-to-Head: Why Greenworks 40V Trimmer is an Absolute Steal

We always warn you to watch out for the “brand tax.” To prove our point, we stacked the Greenworks 40V against the heavy Ryobi 40V and the popular Worx GT 2.0.

FAQ

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

Buy this right now if you are a homeowner who wants a lightweight fix for driveway edging without the smell of gas.

Walk away if you are a commercial landscaper, or if you refuse to spend five minutes upgrading the string before your first use.