Choose the Right Handheld Outdoor Power Equipment

Find the Right Handheld Outdoor Power Equipment for the Job

Before comparing engines, batteries or features, start by thinking about the job you need the equipment to handle.

A homeowner maintaining a small lawn has very different equipment needs from someone managing mature landscapes or heavy fall leaves. Match the equipment to the job so you don’t pay for power or capacity you won’t use.

Trimming and Edging

String trimmers clean up around fences, trees, foundations and landscape beds, while edgers create a defined line along sidewalks, driveways and other hard surfaces.

When making your selection, consider property size, shaft style for reach and comfort, cutting swath for how much area a trimmer can cover in each pass, equipment weight and whether you need attachment capability.

For more versatility, opt for a trimmer that converts to an edger or an attachment-capable system that can handle additional yard care tasks.

Leaf and Yard Cleanup

A leaf blower can clean lawns, driveways, patios and other outdoor spaces quickly. Handheld blowers are easy to carry for everyday use while backpack models make sense when you regularly cover a larger area.

When comparing blowers, look at both CFM and MPH. Cubic feet per minute (CFM), describes the volume of air the blower moves. Miles per hour (MPH), describes air speed. Both help indicate how fast and far a blower will move leaves and debris.

Tree and Branch Cutting

For pruning trees, clearing limbs or cutting firewood, match the saw to the size and location of the material you're cutting. A pole saw helps reach elevated branches while you remain on the ground. A chainsaw is designed for cutting at ground level.

Chainsaw bar length is one of the most useful starting points when comparing models. Longer bars can cut larger material but typically require more power and can make the saw heavier and harder to control.

Don't buy a larger saw simply because it appears more capable. For occasional pruning, a smaller, more manageable saw may be the better tool.

Caution

Cutting equipment requires the correct protective gear and careful operation. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and wear the recommended eye, hearing, hand, leg and foot protection for the equipment you're using.

Hedge and Shrub Maintenance

When selecting hedge trimmers, consider blade length, cutting capacity and tool weight. A longer blade covers more hedge with each pass, while a lighter or better-balanced tool may be easier to use during extended trimming sessions.

Consider Your Property Before You Choose

Consider your yard size, landscaping and the types of jobs you regularly tackle. Trees, shrubs, garden beds, fences and areas of heavy growth can all affect which handheld outdoor power equipment you need. Also consider how long you’ll work and whether you have access to an outdoor power source.

Factor	Why It Matters	What to Look For
Property Size	Larger properties and longer jobs may require extended runtime or more fuel.	Consider battery runtime and capacity, fuel capacity and how long you typically use the tool for.
Yard Conditions	Thick brush, dense hedges, larger branches and other demanding conditions may require more cutting power or capacity.	Choose specifications suited to the work, such as cutting capacity, bar length, air volume or air speed.
Obstacles	Trees, fences, landscape beds and structures can make cords harder to manage.	Look for equipment that’s easy to maneuver and consider whether cordless operation makes sense for your yard.
Storage Space	Handheld tools, batteries, fuel and accessories all require appropriate storage.	Consider where you’ll store the equipment and whether tools on the same battery platform can simplify your setup.
Use of Frequency	How often and how long you use a tool can affect the power source and features that work best for you.	Choose equipment that balances runtime, weight, comfort and maintenance needs for the jobs you do most often.

Choose Your Power Source: Battery vs. Gas vs. Corded Equipment

There isn't one best power source for every homeowner. Runtime, mobility, maintenance, equipment weight and access to electricity all matter.

Battery

Best for: Routine yard care and small to midsize properties
Benefits: Cordless operation, push-button starting and batteries that may work with other compatible tools
Keep in mind: Runtime varies by tool, battery capacity and working conditions. A spare or higher-capacity battery can help with longer jobs.

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Gas

Best for: Larger properties, longer work sessions and demanding jobs
Benefits: Extended runtime and cordless operation
Keep in mind: Requires fuel storage and routine engine maintenance, which may include changing oil, filters or spark plugs.

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Corded Electric

Best for: Smaller properties and work areas near an outdoor outlet
Benefits: Continuous power and generally lighter tool weight
Keep in mind: The cord limits range and may be harder to manage around trees, fences and other obstacles.

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Good to Know

Don’t choose a power source based on yard size alone. The type of work matters too. A small property with dense vegetation and mature trees may require different equipment than a larger, more open yard.

Choose a Brand and Battery Platform With Future Tool Needs in Mind

Brand matters when you're choosing a cordless platform or looking for equipment with compatible accessories. If you're looking at buying cordless outdoor power equipment, your first tool can influence several purchases that follow.

Many outdoor power equipment brands offer cordless tools that share the same battery platform. Once you own compatible batteries and chargers, choosing a standalone tool instead of a tool-and-battery combo can save money while reducing the number of batteries and chargers you need to buy and store.

Before committing to a platform, think about:

Does the platform include the other equipment you're likely to need?
Are multiple battery capacities available?
Can you easily find replacement or additional batteries?
Does the platform include both light-duty and higher-demand equipment?
Are batteries and chargers included with the equipment you're comparing?

Lowe's carries outdoor power equipment from brands including EGO, Kobalt, CRAFTSMAN, and others.

Rather than choosing by brand name alone, compare power source, battery compatibility and replacement parts or accessories.

For cordless equipment, it’s useful to think ahead. A platform that offers the chainsaw you want plus compatible trimmers and blowers may have more long-term value than choosing each tool independently.

What to Look For When Buying Handheld Outdoor Power Equipment

Handheld outdoor power equipment can come with a long list of specifications, but you only need to focus on the ones that affect how the tool works for your yard.

Equipment	Focus On	Why It Matters
String Trimmers	Cutting swath, weight and edging or attachment capability	Cutting swath affects how much area you can trim at once, while weight and balance matter during longer jobs.
Leaf Blowers	CFM, MPH and tool style	CFM tells you how much air the blower moves, while MPH measures air speed. Also factor in whether a handheld or backpack design is more comfortable for you.
Chainsaws	Bar length, weight and power source	Bar length helps determine the size of wood the saw can handle. Choose a size that fits the cutting you do most often rather than automatically choosing a larger saw.
Hedge Trimmers	Blade length, cutting capacity and weight	Blade length affects how much hedge you can cover in a pass, while cutting capacity determines the thickness of branches the tool can handle.
Pole Saws	Reach, bar length and balance	Extra reach can help with higher branches, but a longer tool may also feel heavier and more difficult to control.