WORX Nitro WG186.9 40V 15-Inch Cordless String Trimmer (Tool Only)

The WORX Nitro WG186.9 is a 40V cordless string trimmer with a brushless motor and a 15-inch cutting path. It uses a split shaft, so the trimmer head can be swapped for other attachments in WORX's Driveshare system. It's sold as a bare tool: the battery and charger are bought separately. Here is what the features mean.

Brushless power

WORX says the Nitro line is designed to give gas-like power and runtime. The listing describes the brushless motor as more efficient, with 50% longer run time, 25% more power and 10% longer life, compared with the brand's brushed motors. In general, brushless motors waste less energy as heat and have no brushes to wear out, so they typically suit tools that get heavy use.

Speed is controlled with a variable-speed trigger and an ECO mode. ECO is for stretching battery life on light work such as tidying edges, while full speed is for thick grass and weeds.

The 15-inch cutting head

The dual-exit head feeds line from two points and has an easy-load design, which makes restringing quicker. A wider swath of 15 inches (about 38 cm) covers more ground per pass than the 10-12 inch heads common on smaller trimmers. WORX gives the line as 0.095 inch in diameter with 20 feet of cutting line, and a spare easy-load head is included in the box.

Driveshare attachments

The shaft is split so it can take other Driveshare attachments, sold separately. The brand's description lists a hedge trimmer, brush cutter, pole saw and edger. The idea is that one powerhead handles several yard jobs, rather than owning several separate tools. WORX also states that it fits most other brands' attachment-capable trimmer systems, though you should check the details for the specific attachments you plan to use.

Batteries: a note on "tool only"

This listing is for the tool alone. WORX recommends its Power Share PRO batteries for best performance, naming the WA3012 (4.0Ah) and WA3571 (5.0Ah). The description says that pairing the trimmer with two high-capacity Power Share PRO batteries gives the best power. Batteries and the charger are sold separately, so confirm that you either have them or plan to get them.

Size and handling

The listed length is about 70.3 inches (roughly 179 cm), with a width of 12 inches and a height of 7.8 inches. A long shaft generally suits taller users and reduces bending, although tool weight depends on the battery you choose. Look at balance, the shoulder strap options and the grip in the manual or on the tool itself.

Who it suits

It suits owners of mid-sized to large lawns who want to move away from petrol equipment, and those already invested in WORX's 40V Power Share batteries. Anyone who wants one powerhead for trimming, edging and hedge work will see the point of the Driveshare design.

What to check before you buy

• Battery and charger: neither is included. Confirm that your batteries are Power Share compatible and meet the brand's recommendation.
• Attachment plans: attachments are sold separately; check that each one you want is available and fits.
• Cutting width: 15 inches is wide, so check it suits your tighter garden beds and edges.
• Line type: use the line diameter the manual specifies.
• Weight and length: if possible, try the tool for comfort, particularly if you're shorter or doing long sessions.
• Safety: wear eye protection and follow the manual, including for attachments such as pole saws.

The short version

• A 40V brushless cordless string trimmer, model WG186.9, with a 15-inch cutting swath.
• Variable speed with ECO mode; 0.095-inch line and an easy-load head.
• Attachment-capable split shaft for WORX Driveshare accessories, sold separately.
• Tool only: battery and charger are not included.
• Includes a spare easy-load trimmer head.

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