All About Outdoor Power Equipment
Every homeowner needs at least a little outdoor power equipment in addition to that shed of handheld tools — think lawnmowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, and chainsaws. These tools are specifically designed to make outdoor tasks easier and more efficient, allowing homeowners to save time and effort in their yard maintenance.
Switching to outdoor power equipment from traditional hand tools can offer several benefits for homeowners. Firstly, using power equipment can significantly reduce the amount of time spent on yard work. For example, a zero-turn or riding lawn mower can quickly and effectively cut grass up to 50% faster than a push mower!
Secondly, outdoor power equipment can help keep yards and gardens looking better over time. With their powerful and precise capabilities, these tools can provide a more even and professional finish to various tasks. Outdoor power equipment just makes it easier to keep your property looking well-maintained.
So, which outdoor power tools are right for your property? Here’s Ty’s list of the top 10 outdoor power tools every homeowner needs, and how to pick the right option for your property size and location.
The 10 Outdoor Power Tools Every Home Owner Needs
When it comes to maintaining your home and property, having the right outdoor power tools is essential. Whether you need to tackle your general yard work or you want to do some DIY landscaping, having the right equipment can make all the difference. From trimming hedges to clearing leaves, the following 10 outdoor power tools are a must-have for every homeowner:
Mowers
When it comes to maintaining a well-kept lawn, choosing the right lawn mower is essential. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is best for your property. Today, we will discuss three main types of mowers: zero-turn mowers, riding mowers, and push mowers.
For large properties with vast open spaces, zero-turn mowers are the way to go. These mowers offer exceptional maneuverability and speed, making them ideal for quick and efficient mowing. Stihl is a trusted brand that just recently branched out into durable, electric zero-turn mowers.
If you have a medium-sized property with some obstacles to navigate, a riding mower is a great choice. With comfortable seating and powerful engines, riding mowers make lawn maintenance a breeze. Cub Cadet is a reliable brand that offers top-notch riding mowers.
For smaller, more compact yards, walk-behinds & push mowers are the most practical option. They are lightweight, affordable, and easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Toro is a reputable brand that manufactures high-quality push mowers. Plus, these mowers are perfect for those with limited storage, thanks to their fold-away option called SmartStow.
Hedge Trimmers
Hedge trimmers are essential tools for maintaining a tidy appearance for bushes, hedges, and shrubs. They allow homeowners to shape, trim, and even out growth in their gardens with ease. Our recommended brand for these residential hand tools is Stihl:
The Stihl HS 45 is an electric model, lightweight and compact. This hedge trimmer is perfect for small to medium-sized hedges, bushes, and shrubs. Its anti-vibration system ensures comfortable and smooth operation, reducing fatigue on the hands and arms. The HS 45 also features a dependable engine for consistent and powerful trimming.
Alternatively, the Stihl HSA 25 is a convenient and cordless hedge trimmer, ideal for light trimming tasks and shaping smaller hedges. It offers great maneuverability and comfort, with a lightweight design and adjustable blade for precision cutting.
Edgers
Edgers are designed to create a clean and crisp separation between your lawn and other areas such as driveways, sidewalks, or flower beds. It helps to define the edges of your property and gives it a polished and professional look.
When it comes to choosing an edger, Ty recommends Stihl for homeowners. Known for their reliability and durability, Stihl offers a range of high-quality edgers that can meet the needs of any homeowner. Their edgers are equipped with powerful engines and sharp blades, allowing for precise and efficient edging. Additionally, they are designed with user comfort in mind, featuring ergonomic handles and lightweight bodies for easy maneuverability.
String Trimmers
While a mower is great for cutting the grass, it often can’t reach all the growth in some tighter areas. This is where a string trimmer comes in handy.
A string trimmer is a versatile tool that allows you to easily trim and cut through grass and weeds in hard-to-reach areas. Whether it’s along the fence line, around trees, or near obstacles, a reliable string trimmer can ensure a clean and well-maintained yard.
For most homeowners, our model is the Stihl FS 56 RC-E. This trimmer is lightweight, easy to use, and features a reliable electric engine that starts quickly and runs smoothly. It also has a convenient loop handle design for comfortable handling and maneuverability.
Chainsaws
There are a few reasons you might find yourself in need of a chainsaw. Most often, you’ll find yourself clearing fallen branches after a storm or cutting firewood for your fireplace. If your property has trees, it’s a wise idea to have a chainsaw at hand, and you can’t go wrong with DeWalt.
When it comes to choosing a reliable and high-quality chainsaw, Ty highly recommends the DeWalt Brushless Lithium-Ion XR Chainsaws, known for exceptional performance and durability, making it a perfect choice for any homeowner.
These DeWalt chainsaws feature a brushless motor, providing longer runtime and extended motor life. It also comes with a 16-inch bar and chain, allowing you to effortlessly tackle even larger cutting tasks. With its ergonomic design and lightweight construction, this chainsaw offers comfort and ease of use.
Leaf Blowers
As a homeowner, having a leaf blower can significantly save time and effort when it comes to tidying up your yard. Instead of spending hours raking leaves and clippings, you can simply use a leaf blower to swiftly gather them into a neat pile. Plus, a leaf blower can be a helpful tool for clearing dust and dirt from patios, decks, and garages, saving you the hassle of manually sweeping or using a broom.
If you’re in the market for a reliable leaf blower, Stihl is renowned for producing top-quality residential blowers in both handheld and backpack options. With their innovative designs, durability, and excellent performance, Stihl blowers are a popular choice among homeowners looking for a dependable tool to simplify their yard maintenance tasks.
Cultivators & Tillers
While not often at the top of everyone’s outdoor power shopping list, owning your own cultivator or tiller can offer significant savings when it comes to landscaping projects. With the ability to prepare your own soil, cultivate gardens, and even remove weeds and roots, a tiller is a versatile tool that can save you both time and money.
Honda Power Equipment has multiple options in multiple sizes and price points. For smaller projects, check out the FG110 Mini Tiller. This compact and powerful tiller is perfect for homeowners, offering ease of use and excellent performance. Its lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver, while its powerful engine ensures efficient operation. Additionally, this model features adjustable tines, allowing you to customize the depth and width of your tilling.
Whether you’re starting a new garden, improving existing flower beds, or refreshing the appearance of your yard, owning a tiller puts you in control of your landscaping endeavors. Plus, with the ability to work at your own pace, you can complete the project on your own time, saving even more money.
Aerators
When it comes to maintaining a healthy and vibrant lawn, aeration is key. For homeowners who have the storage and want to have control over the aeration process, owning an aerator can be a better investment than hiring a lawn service.
With your own aerator, you have the flexibility to aerate your yard whenever you see fit, without having to rely on a company’s schedule. Plus, you may save money in the long run, as the cost of hiring a company for regular aeration can add up over time.
If you’re considering owning an aerator, we recommend the Bluebird line of aerators. With its durable construction and efficient performance, the Bluebird aerator is a reliable choice. It features adjustable tines that penetrate the soil effectively, ensuring thorough aeration. Additionally, its compact design makes it easy to maneuver around your yard, even in tight spaces.
Power Washers
Power washers are the perfect tool to keep the exterior of your home clean and well-maintained. Power washers use high-pressure water to remove dirt, grime, mold, and mildew from various surfaces. It provides a deep clean that regular cleaning methods can’t achieve.
These versatile tools can be used on a variety of surfaces such as siding, decks, driveways, fences, and even vehicles. Be sure to choose a model with easily adjustable pressure settings to accommodate different cleaning needs without causing damage!
When it comes to power washers, Stihl offers a range of reliable options. One recommended option is the Stihl RB 600. It has a powerful engine and adjustable pressure settings, making it suitable for both heavy-duty cleaning tasks and more delicate surfaces. With Stihl’s reputation for durability and performance, you can trust that the RB 600 will be a reliable investment for your home.
Portable Generators
Midwest weather is unpredictable. Severe thunderstorms, tornados, or heavy snowfall can result in power outages, some of which can go on for days. To ensure the safety and comfort of your home, portable generators are a smart investment.
In an emergency, these generators can keep essential systems running, such as refrigerators to prevent food spoilage, security systems to protect your home, lights to maintain visibility, power to cell phones and electronics, and heat or air conditioning to keep your home livable in extreme temperatures.
Honda Power Equipment makes a range of portable generators for homeowners. From economy generators to deluxe, whole-house power providers, Honda Power Equipment has a generator for every need. Check out their Inverter Series generators for small, emergency power that can do double-duty at your tailgates and outdoor events!
Gas or Electric?
When it comes to choosing between gas and electric options for outdoor power tools, there’s no single right answer.
Gas-powered tools excel in certain areas. They generally provide more power, making them ideal for heavy-duty tasks like cutting thick branches or mowing large lawns. Gas tools also tend to be more portable, as they do not rely on a power cord or battery charge. Additionally, gas-powered tools offer a longer runtime, allowing you to work for extended periods without interruption. However, it is worth noting that gas tools require regular maintenance, such as oil changes and spark plug replacements.
On the other hand, electric-powered tools have their own advantages. They are generally more lightweight and quieter compared to gas tools, making them easier to maneuver and operate. Electric tools also have zero emissions, making them an environmentally friendly option. Furthermore, they require minimal maintenance and are often more cost-effective in the long run, as they do not require fuel or oil. However, electric tools may have limited power and runtime, relying on a battery charge or being plugged into an electrical outlet.
If you’re not sure which type of tool is right for you, come talk to the experts at Ty’s Outdoor Power. We’ve been helping homeowners choose the right tools for the right job for over 20 years.
Get The Right Outdoor Power for Your Property
Every property is unique, and so are your outdoor power equipment needs. If you’re not sure which options are right for your home, stop by the Omaha or Lincoln store for a personalized recommendation!Whether you have a small backyard in the city or an acreage outside of town, our team can help you identify the right tools to maintain your property effectively and efficiently. Stop by or give us a call today.
