Ryobi 40V String Trimmers: Brushless, Expand-IT or Kit?

Best for
40V owners wanting a basic Expand-IT head

The Ryobi 40V 15 in. Expand-IT Cordless Attachment Capable String Trimmer Tool Only is the straightforward choice for owners who already have a 40V battery. Its model number is RY40ST01B, and it is attachment capable, so the powerhead can later drive Expand-IT tools. The spec sheet lists 7000 rpm, a weight of 8.6 pounds and a length of 69 inches.

The listing itself is thin. Its feature and description text is generic parts copy that says nothing about the trimmer, and the title calls it a 15-inch trimmer while the specifications list a 13-inch cutting width. We treat the width as unconfirmed. The listing does not specify runtime, motor type or line size. What is clear is that it ships as a tool only, without a battery or charger.

• Expand-IT attachment capable
• 7000 rpm listed
• 8.6 pounds
• Tool only

This one suits battery owners who want the simplest, lightest trimmer here. If power is the priority, the 16-inch HP brushless model is the upgrade.

Best for
Owners wanting the widest Ryobi swath

The Ryobi 40V HP BRUSHLESS Whisper Series 17 in. Carbon Fiber Shaft String Trimmer sits at the top of the range by title: a 17-inch cutting path, an HP brushless motor and a carbon fiber shaft. The Whisper Series name points to a focus on quieter running, which is welcome if you trim early or near neighbors, though the listing gives no noise figure.

Beyond the title, the listing offers little. The features and description repeat the same generic parts text as the Expand-IT model, the included components line just says item, and the specifications give a model number of RY402110VNM and a weight of 12 pounds. The listing does not specify runtime, rpm or line size. It is tool only.

• 17-inch cutting path per the title
• HP brushless motor
• Carbon fiber shaft
• Tool only

Pick it if you want the widest swath and quiet running and already own batteries. If you want documented performance claims, the 16-inch carbon fiber model has a far more complete listing.

The Ryobi One PLUS+ AC80RL3 OEM .080 Inch Twisted Line and Spool Replacement is the genuine Ryobi refill. The three-pack of pre-wound spools uses .080 inch twisted line, which Ryobi says improves cutting efficiency and reduces noise. It is compatible with Ryobi 18V, 24V and 40V cordless trimmers, making it the answer for most Ryobi trimmer line replacement questions.

Installation is a direct swap when your current line runs out. Each spool measures 2.5 by 2.5 by 1 inches. The listing’s 0.01 ounce weight and its note about required batteries are obvious listing errors; a spool uses no battery.

• Genuine OEM AC80RL3
• Three spools per pack
• .080 inch twisted line
• Fits 18V, 24V and 40V trimmers

Buy this when you want guaranteed fit from Ryobi itself. The YWTESCH spool below is the third-party alternative.

The 16″ Carbon Fiber Shaft String Trimmer with 40V HP Brushless Motor by Ryobi is the power-first pick with the most detailed performance claims. Ryobi says its 40V HP technology, combining a brushless motor, advanced electronics and high-performance lithium cells, delivers more power than a 27cc gas trimmer. Runtime is listed at over 45 minutes with a 40V 4Ah battery.

The description mentions an adjustable 14 to 16 inch cutting width, while the specifications list 12 inches and a speed of 2 rpm; both look like data errors, so rely on the description’s adjustable range. The carbon fiber shaft keeps the design rigid, and the listed weight is 12 pounds. It is Expand-IT attachment capable and accepts other universal attachments too. It ships without a battery. If you want to compare it against another 40V platform, our 40V weedeater comparison is a good reference.

• More power than a 27cc gas trimmer per Ryobi
• Over 45 minutes on a 4Ah battery
• Adjustable 14 to 16 inch cutting width
• Expand-IT attachment capable

This is the trimmer for thick weeds and larger yards when you already own batteries. First-time buyers without a battery should look at the kit instead.

The YWTESCH 0.080″ AC80RL3 Weed Wacker String Replacement for Ryobi One Plus+ is not a Ryobi product. It is made by YWTESCH as a third-party replacement for Ryobi ONE+ 18V, 24V and 40V trimmers. We include it because many owners compare it to the OEM spool.

The line is 0.080 inch polyamide nylon with a stated tensile strength of over 100 pounds, and YWTESCH claims it is 30 percent more durable than other brands, which is the seller’s claim rather than a verified figure. The spools are made for automatic feeding heads. The listing does not specify how many spools are in the package, though it lists an item weight of 11.7 ounces, which suggests several.

• 0.080 inch polyamide nylon line
• Over 100 pound tensile strength
• Auto-feed spools
• Fits Ryobi 18V, 24V and 40V

Choose it if you are comfortable with third-party parts. If guaranteed fit and the twisted line profile matter more, stick with the genuine AC80RL3.

The RYOBI 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Attachment Capable String Trimmer with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger is the complete package, model RY40250. It includes a 40V lithium-ion battery and a 90-minute charger, so it works out of the box.

The cutting width adjusts between 13 and 15 inches, narrower for longer runtime or wider for faster coverage. The reel-easy bump-feed head speeds up reloading, and it ships with 0.080 inch twisted line. A variable speed trigger gives control around beds and fences. Ryobi recommends it for yards up to one acre. At 13.9 pounds, it is the heaviest trimmer listed here, and the listing does not describe it as brushless. For a different approach to clean edges, see our lawn edger guide.

• 4Ah battery and 90-minute charger included
• 13 to 15 inch adjustable width
• Reel-easy bump-feed head
• Expand-IT attachment capable

It suits first-time 40V buyers. Existing battery owners get more power from the HP brushless tool-only models.