Finds: Ryobi’s “Expand-It” System
By Chuck Cage
Ryobi’s got an interesting take on outdoor power tools: Why buy and maintain a half-dozen engines when you’re only going to use one tool at a time? With their Expand-It system you can purchase any one of a number of different Ryobi split-shaft string trimmers, then swap out the business end with any of a long list of accessories includinga brush cutter, edger, blower, cultivator, limb pruner, and hedge trimmer.
Essentially, the trimmer splits apart in the middle of the shaft, leaving you with a power-drive for all the different accessories, which snap on via a one-button “Click-Link” system.
Pricing varies dramatically depending on the specific attachment you seek, but they’re all pretty reasonable. Our contact at Ryobi indicates that the accessories actually work with a variety of other manufacturer’s split-shaft trimmers as well, but you’ll want to check carefully before you buy.
The Expand-It System [Ryobi]
November 21st, 2006 at 9:25 pm
I have the Ryobi, and have used its attachments with a Craftsman of the same design, so there is compatibility there.
November 21st, 2006 at 10:36 pm
Their site is a bit short on details, for sure! They mention “the gasoline engine or electric motor”, but fail to give any detail on those units. Are we talking plug-in electric or cordless? What battery packs does it take?
I’m optimistic about the ability to run the same tools from either gasoline or batteries, that’d very cool. Anyone want to shed some light?
May 14th, 2008 at 9:16 am
I’ve recently purchased the Ryobi with the Pruner attachment (chainsaw-on-a-stick) and also bought the Roto-Tiller and Hedge-Trimer attachments. I like the concept and the fact that they’re interchangeable with other brands.
I am not disappointed with the gas motor or the attachments.
The motor is strong enough to power the Roto-Tiller (we’re doing small flower beds - perfect application for it) and the attachment is very well built. The pruner is equally well built.
The only problem I have experienced is the stress on my back. I’m very out-of-shape and these tools do require that you carry them. They work great even if I don’t
June 10th, 2008 at 3:22 am
I use the Ryobi attachments with my Homelite (John Deere) powerhead and love the system. Got the hedge trimmer, pruning (chain) saw, blower, tiller, edge trimmer, and all work very well. More regular use of the power head has so far negated the likely-hood of the gas gumming up the carb - a fate all too common to my last set of separately powered gas tools despite using gas protectant.
September 20th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
I bought the electric motor for the Ryobi Expand=it tools. I used it very lightly for 2 yrs and the engine blew. Now there are no more electic motors offered - only gas. Did anyone else have this bad experience? Will the Cub Cadet trimmer fit the Expand-it line?