Hi Dandare,
If I was choosing ,I'd just get a Honda GX25 from Bunnings for $429 or possibly cheaper online. If the battery powered trimmer
is not used in winter (Grass growth slows dramatically as temperatures drop, and below about 3–5 °C most common turfgrasses effectively stop growing.) As we know Batteries degrade when not used over time.
My neighbour has had a GX35 for many years and all it needed was fuel lines and a new carby for $30. and my
GX25 can sit unused for 6 months and put some fuel in and it will start second pull and that was second hand and cost $17.
The Honda 4 strokes are a lot less noisy than 2 stroke trimmers.
EGO ST1401E-ST-KIT
56 V battery platform (ARC Lithium).
Kit includes 2.5 Ah battery + charger.
Up to ~45 minutes runtime (with 2.5 Ah battery) in typical use.
35 cm cutting width (350 mm) and high-efficiency brushless motor.
Telescopic aluminium shaft (adjustable length) for comfort.
Warranty: 5-year tool, 3-year battery (conditions apply) in Australia.
Risks & Things That Could Make the EGO Option Less Ideal:
Runtime may be limiting: With the 2.5Ah battery, 45 minutes is decent, but if you’re doing a lot in one go or have a big yard, it could be tight.
Battery cost: If you need a second battery, the cost adds up.
Some user complaints: some people report issues with line heads, or having to buy replacement parts.
Overfeeding / line problems: For some PowerLoad or “line IQ” heads, there are reports of line feeding problems.
Honda 4-Stroke (unleaded fuel, no oil/fuel mixing). For example, the 25cc bent shaft line trimmer.
Lightweight for petrol (some around ~6-7 kg dry weight) though heavier than many cordless units when you include full tank + user gear.
One‐pull easy start (Honda’s reputation for reliability).
Better torque and uninterrupted runtime — as long as you have fuel, you’re good.
Price for example: around ~A$429 for the 25cc 4-stroke model at some stores.
Bunnings Warehouse
🔍 What you gain & what you give up
What you gain with EGO (battery)
Very low maintenance: no petrol mixing, fewer fumes, quieter.
Easy to start instantly (no pull‐cord engine).
Lightweight and flexible (cordless means no trailing cable).
If you already or plan to own other EGO 56 V tools, you’ll benefit from shared battery/charger ecosystem.
Great for moderate residential trimming jobs: edging, general maintenance.
What you give up / potential limitations
Runtime limited by battery capacity. The 2.5 Ah battery might be fine for small-to-medium yard, but if you go big or have lots of thick growth you might find yourself needing a second battery or waiting to recharge.
Battery will degrade over time (all lithium‐ion do) and the cost of extra batteries can add up.
Possibly less “grunt” (torque) compared to a petrol engine when tackling very thick weeds, heavy overgrowth or long continuous sessions.
if you add a higher capacity battery later it can add cost.
What you gain with Honda 4‐stroke (petrol)
Strong, consistent performance; good for tougher jobs.
Unlimited runtime (as long as you have fuel) — great for large properties or extended trimming.
Very reliable engine (especially from Honda’s reputation) and well proven.
No “battery fade” concern while trimming.
Good value especially if you prefer to “set and forget” without worrying about charging cycles.
What you give up / potential drawbacks
More maintenance: oil changes, air filters, spark plugs, petrol fuel management.
Heavier machine (engine + fuel + tank) which may be more tiring for longer use or if you’re trimming large areas or overhead/edges.
More noise, more vibration; more exhausted quicker especially if you do frequent trimming.
Fuel cost, storage of fuel, dealing with emissions (though 4‐stroke is better than 2‐stroke in that respect).
If you only have a small job/yard, you might not need all the extra performance, so the additional weight & maintenance might be “overkill”.
🎯 What your decision should depend on
Here are key questions for your situation to help pick:
Size of your yard / area to trim: If your lot is modest (typical suburban block) and trimming is just for edges and maintenance, then the EGO likely is sufficient. If you have a large property, long fences, embankments, thick weeds or lots of verge/out‐back trimming, the Honda might handle more easily.
Frequency of use: Do you use it often, or just occasionally? Occasional use favours cordless for convenience; frequent/hard use leans petrol.
Type of vegetation: If you’re trimming mostly grass and light weeds, cordless is great. If you have heavy brush, thick tough growth, etc., petrol gives more “reserve”.
Existing tool ecosystem: If you already have (or plan to buy) other EGO 56 V tools (lawn mower, blower, etc), then the cordless battery ecosystem gives big benefits.
Maintenance tolerance & preference: If you prefer low maintenance, less fuss, battery is attractive. If you don’t mind servicing engine, fuel, etc — petrol is fine.
Budget & future expansion: Consider cost of extra batteries/charger if cordless, vs fuel/servicing costs of petrol.
Noise/vibration preferences: Cordless wins in comfort and ease; petrol wins in grunt.
🧮 recommendation
If your yard is moderate size (say suburban block), vegetation is normal weeds/grass, and you value ease of use + low maintenance → go with the EGO ST1401E-ST-KIT. It gives excellent convenience and good performance for typical tasks.
If your yard is large, or you have heavy trimming tasks (e.g., long lengths, thick growth, long sessions) or you expect to use the unit very frequently (commercial pace) → the Honda 4-stroke becomes more appropriate. The extra flexibility and power may pay off.
If you go with the EGO, consider upgrading battery later (to maybe 4 Ah or more) if you find runtime insufficient. But it’s a good start with the 2.5 Ah kit.
On the Honda side, check the weight and ergonomics for you (especially if you’ll hold it overhead, do edges, etc). Even though 4‐stroke is better than 2‐stroke for ease, petrol still demands more physical effort than cordless.
The major risk for the EGO cost is the battery: if the 2.5 Ah battery lasts well and you don’t need to upgrade, the cost is much lower. Conversely, if you buy a second or replacement, that’s the big cost hit.
For the Honda, the risk is less in “running cost” but more in maintenance / “wear & tear” — though small 4-stroke engines are pretty durable.
There’s also a time / opportunity cost: with EGO, you need to wait for battery charging (or have a second battery). With Honda, you just refuel quickly and keep going.
Cheers
Max.
