EGO Line IQ adds automatic wire feed to drive string trimmer innovation
With solid performance and low vibration, EGO makes some of the best battery-operated cord trimmers for homeowners. The range also has some top-notch innovations, which we see again in the EGO Line IQ battery-operated cord trimmer.
advantage
- Automatic wire feeding
- Simplest Line Loading
- excellent cutting force
- excellent runtime
- 2 speed settings
- Telescopic carbon fiber shaft
shortcoming
- no obvious disadvantages
Line IQ
Without a doubt, the biggest talking point was EGO's latest innovation – the Line IQ. In the simplest terms, it automatically feeds into the line, keeping your cutting tape at 16 inches without bumping your head as you progress.
When we use the spinner, we pay close attention to how the line is fed. If either end becomes too short (~7 inches), the head automatically releases extra wire. It's that simple.
One thing to note is that the knife cannot be flipped over and gives you two options for cutting diameters. Line IQ sensors are specifically dialed in to keep the overall line width at 16 inches.
dynamic load
EGO also features the PowerLoad design on the trimmer. To load it, simply pull the new wire from the head to the middle of its length, press the PowerLoad button and the motor will automatically wind it up. It takes a few tries to get used to, but once you do, it's the easiest line break ever.
speed setting
Like some battery-operated cord trimmers, the Line IQ has two speeds and a variable-speed trigger. What's unusual about the EGO's design is the LED indicator to let you know which one you are in.
Use low speed (3500 – 4800 RPM) when you need to run longer. Turn up to high speed (4000 – 5500 RPM) when you want to work faster or have to deal with thicker overgrowth.
to cut
This is all great, but it still needs mowing. With a 0.095" wire from EGO, it does a great job, especially at high speeds. It gets even better if you switch to something like the Echo's Black Diamond. That said, you must check out EGO's two-color replacement line. It switches from orange to yellow at the midpoint, making changing lines much easier.
What really helps is not having to stop for bumps. That's actually kind of underestimating it. You don't realize how good it is to not bump across the lawn until you don't bump across it. It's fantastic! Not only were we able to keep mowing at a more consistent pace, but we also didn't have to hunt for a hard surface to extend the line or mow the grass lower than we would otherwise.
For runtime, we tested the 4.0Ah battery in the kit and ran it for 1 hour and 4 minutes… top speed! For most lawns, you can save some weight and use a 2.5Ah battery if you like.
EGO Line IQ Battery Powered Harness Trimmer Design Notes
carbon fiber shaft
A telescopic carbon fiber shaft sweetens the deal. It's strong enough for the job, reduces the overall weight of the trimmer, and gives you some length adjustments to dial in what works best for you. It's as easy as flipping the quick-clamp lever to shorten or lengthen, then flip the clamp down.
Another really nice feature is the quick clamp handle adjustment. Just flip it open, adjust the handle to your preferred position (including tilting to the side), and lock it. If more than one person is using your trimmer, easy tool-free adjustments make getting the right size easier than with other string trimmers.
weight and balance
Thanks in part to the carbon fiber axle, it weighs just 7.7 pounds bare. A good balance is easy to achieve after adding a 4.0Ah battery to the mix to bring the total weight to about 12.5 lbs with the battery installed and the brushless motor on the trimmer head.
The trimmer is easy to handle, but if you want to add a shoulder strap, EGO includes a removable clip point in the box. It mounts just below the throttle and you have about 6 inches of length to help you find that sweet spot.
Additional features
- padded front handle
- trigger safety
- Lifetime Shaft Warranty
- Brushless motor performance and runtime (up to 60 minutes on 4.0Ah battery)
- 0.095 inch line capacity
- variable speed trigger
- weather resistant structure
- Compatible with all EGO 56V batteries
EGO Line IQ String Trimmer Price
The kit including the 4.0Ah battery and charger retails for $299. There's also a bare tool option for $199.
As always, EGO backs this trimmer with a 5-year warranty. Carbon Fiber Shaft Lifetime Warranty.
the bottom line
The EGO Line IQ battery-powered cord trimmer is everything you'd expect from EGO's impressive innovations: it's easier to use than previous models, with the high performance and low vibration we've come to expect. Can you ask for anything better than this?
Specification
- Model: EGO ST1623T (Kit) ST1620T (Bare)
- Power supply: EGO 56V battery
- Cutting Tape: 16"
- Wire Diameter: 0.095 inches
- Weight: 7.7 lbs naked
- Warranty: 5 years
- Price: $199 (bare), $299 (kit)
Discover more EGO products here!