You’ve experienced it time and time again. It’s a beautiful morning and the first task on your to-do list is landscaping. As you reach down to crank the motor of your gas string trimmer, you realize it’s low on gas.
What if there was a tool where you didn’t have to worry about gas? Or loud noise? Or high maintenance? While there’s no question that gas outdoor power tools are dependable, there’s a new line we think you should give a go: ECHO’s 58V Professional Grade Cordless System.
Launching this spring, ECHO’s new system consists of five cordless outdoor tools operating with the power of a 58-volt battery. We had a few questions about the products, so we sat down with Lee Sowell, President of TTI Outdoor (the company responsible for the revolutionary lithium-ion battery found in the ECHO tools), to get the inside scoop. Lee shared how they were able to overcome previous shortcomings of battery-operated tools and develop a superior product without compromise through an exclusive partnership with ECHO and The Home Depot. The power and convenience offered in the 58-volt system proves there’s a new option for professional and casual gardeners.
Can you tell us about the new 58v Professional Grade Cordless System? 
This is really the first cordless product line that’s professional grade, with a commercial warranty. That’s how you know it’s top of the line.
What tools can consumers expect to see in the new ECHO line?
The line consists of five tools: String Trimmer, Blower, Chain Saw, Hedge Trimmer and Lawn Mower. All of the tools use the same 58-volt battery.
Did a lot of R&D time go into creating the new system?
This was a very fast-paced program. We did tens of thousands of hours of testing to ensure quality—all within a year.
Are battery-powered tools as effective as gas-powered?
In the past, these products carried two main drawbacks: the run time and the power. Between being 58-volt, lithium-ion and brushless, those issues are solved. Users have the convenience, performance and cost-savings they need, for the first time. You aren’t giving anything up on performance by choosing a battery-powered tool.
How long does it take to charge the battery for these tools?
The tools fully charge in as little as 30 minutes and as long as an hour—it depends on the tool and battery size. All of the products run as long as—or longer than—comparable gas products on one tank of gas.
What’s the benefit of a lithium-ion battery?
Lithium-ion batteries have really brought these products to the next level in recent years. There’s no fade in power, the charge will hold for months and the cost to charge is much cheaper than gasoline. It costs, on average, about $.03 to fully charge.
What are some of the other benefits of these tools? 
There’s essentially no maintenance. No tune-ups, air filters to change or ethanol issues to address. The tools have zero emissions and are much quieter than their gasoline counterparts.
What’s next?
We don’t abandon battery platforms, so you can be assured that any future products will be compatible when it comes to charging. We are working on creating a whole catalog of items, so that you can spend less time grooming the yard and more time enjoying it.
Think one of these tools may be perfect for your next spring project? There’s a 90-day satisfaction guarantee, so head to The Home Depot and try them out.
