WORX GT Revolution string trimmer review String Trimmers

WORX WG170 GT Revolution 20V 12″ String Trimmer / Edger / Mini-Mower: Product Review

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GPR Recommendation

Quality
Ease of Use
Performance
Final Thoughts

Lightweight, highly adjustable, two batteries and gets the job done - what's not to like?!

Overall Score 5

Available on Amazon

Buy It

Editor’s Note:  We reviewed an earlier model, the WORX GT2.0 20V MaxLithium 3-in-1 String Trimmer / Edger / Mower, in 2013 and awarded it a Golden Shovel award based on quality, innovation, performance, and more. The GT Revolution reviewed here is an updated version of the GT2.0.

Are you tired of hauling around a heavy, smelly gas string trimmer? Or tripping over the cord on an electric one? Then the new, redesigned WORX GT Revolution 20V 12” 3-in-1 String Trimmer / Edger / Mini-Mower may be the perfect tool for you.

But first, a little bit of history. Back in 2013, when we reviewed the GT2.0, I’d read some less than positive reviews about an earlier model (the WORX WG155 20V MAX Cordless Lithium 10-Inch String Trimmer/Edger) – about the poor battery life, the difficulty in adjusting it, and the 10″ trimming width. But with the 2013 redesign, WORX fixed these issues and created a terrific tool that more than earned a spot in the garden shed (and on our list of Golden Shovel award winners).

With this new 2018 redesign (called the GT Revolution), WORX has added more features and even improved upon the features and performance of the GT2.0. New features include the Command Feed line dispensing button, onboard spare spool storage, a longer shaft and reduced weight.

The GT Revolution string trimmer comes in two configurations – WG170 (with two 2.0 Ah batteries – that’s what I reviewed) and WG170.1 (with two 4.0 Ah batteries).

WORX GT Revolution string trimmer in action

String trimmer/mower in action

Specifications

WG170 – 2 x 20V 2.0 Ah Li-ion Power Share batteries with power gauge

WG 170.1 – 2 x 20V 4.0 Ah Li-ion Power Share batteries with power gauge

1 x 20V battery charger

3 x string spools with Double Helix 0.065” line and onboard extra spool holder

12” cutting diameter

Command FeedTM button to extend the cutting line

6 rotating head positions

Ergonomic 7-position handle

Telescoping shaft that extends from 35-3/4” to 55-1/2” long

Adjustable flower guard

On-board spare spool storage

Tool-free switching between mowing, trimming and edging

 

For me, comfort and ease of use are of primary concern – and, of course, it has to work as it’s supposed to and not run out of battery power halfway through the job. This redesigned battery-powered string trimmer hits on all fronts.

WORX GT Revolution string trimmer in packaging

The WORX GT Revolution string trimmer arrived neatly packaged and undamaged

Assembling the WORX GT Revolution String Trimmer

Before first use, the safety guard must be attached to the trimmer head with the provided screw. The instructions for doing this are not particularly clear so take your time and make sure it looks right before you screw it together. You’ll need a #2 Phillips head screwdriver.

Operating the WORX GT Revolution String Trimmer / Edger / Mini-Mower

Using the WORX trimmer is as simple as sliding in the battery pack and pressing the ‘On’ button. No gas tank to fill, no cord to pull, no trying to find an outdoor electrical outlet. Just press and go.

Of course, you do have to plan ahead to ensure that at least one of the two included battery packs will be charged by the time you need it …

About the CommandFeed

Remember when you had to bump a string trimmer against the ground to advance the string? Or when it would automatically spool out during use but you couldn’t control how much was dispensed?

Well, the GT Revolution takes care of those problems by introducing the CommandFeed system. When you press the CommandFeed button on the handle, the line is automatically fed out of the spool. Press until you hear the line hitting the line cutter on the Safety Guard and then keep trimming, mowing or edging.

There are two things to note, however.

First, the motor stops when you press the button and then restarts when you release it, interrupting your “flow” as you work. I kept having to go back over spots that weren’t trimmed as I moved along the edges of the lawn while depressing the button.

Second, you must leave the Safety Guard in place for the line feed system to work properly (I know some people prefer not to use a Safety Guard). The line is cut to length by the line cutter on the Safety Guard; without it, you cannot control the line length.

The CommandFeed button is perfectly placed where it’s easy to depress with your thumb, even if you have small hands like me. And just in case you run out of line mid-way through a job, you can store a spare spool in the holder that’s attached with hook-and-loop tape to the shaft. Convenient.

I’m still undecided as to whether or not I like CommandFeed. It’s nice not to scalp the lawn by bumping the trimmer or go through an entire spool of string in 10 minutes because the autofeed wasn’t properly adjusted, but it’s disconcerting to have the motor shut off every time I press the CommandFeed button.

underside of WORX GT Revolution string trimmer

The line is automatically fed out of the spool when the Command Feed button is pressed.

Using the WORX String Trimmer

WORX GT Revolution edger in action

Edger in action making a nice, clean line

The tool can be used as a regular string trimmer. In this redesigned version, WORX has kept the trimming diameter at a full 12”, allowing you to trim a nice, wide swath.

WORX recommends attaching the support wheels underneath the Safety Guard to keep the trimmer head a safe, consistent distance above the ground. However, the wheels limit you to a very unnatural movement and make for pretty slow going. Don’t bother using the support wheels – just extend the Flower Guard (to prevent you from chopping down your prized petunias) and use it as you would any other string trimmer.

When working along uneven walls or around rocks, you may want to push in the Flower Guard so you can get closer to the object.

Using the Edger

The WORX GT Revolution 3-in-1 string trimmer can be converted into a pretty good edger, although the instructions for how to do this aren’t very clear. Basically, you’ll need to pull on the trimmer head until it moves down the shaft and then twist it into position.

By attaching the wheel assembly onto the side of the trimmer head, you can easily ‘drive’ the edger in a straight line with only one hand.

Using the Mini-Mower

WORX suggests that you can use the trimmer as a mower to get into hard-to-reach places where a lawn mower wouldn’t fit (for example, between or underneath bushes). To do that, they recommend attaching the support wheel underneath the Safety Guard and using the trimmer in a straight backward and forward motion (like using a vacuum cleaner).

That works – sort of. The front of the trimmer head keeps nose-diving as you move back and forth and it’s difficult to move the trimmer where you need it because of the wheel assembly. Don’t bother with the wheels – just use it as a string trimmer and it will get the job done.

Using the Support Wheels

I’ve mentioned the wheels several times already, but what exactly are they?

The WORX GT Revolution Trimmer / Edger / Mini-Mower comes with an optional wheel assembly that’s intended to provide support when the tool is in use. The support wheels slide into plastic slots located in several places on the trimmer head or safety guard, including a handy spot where they can be stored on the tool itself when not in use (a good idea for those of us who tend to lose items that aren’t locked down!).

While the support wheels are helpful when using the tool as an edger, they only get in the way when trimming or mowing. The tool is light enough that the wheels aren’t needed for support.

Plus, unless you keep the plastic slots perfectly clean (not an easy feat), the wheel attachment tends to get stuck when sliding it on or off the machine.

The 4 indicator light options on the charger to show you the battery’s charge status is a nice upgrade since the previous model we reviewed.

20V Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery

The two included 20V 2.0 Ah Power Share Li-Ion batteries are an upgrade over previous versions, with an easy-to-read indicator on the end that shows how much charge is left and a large release button that’s much easier to use than on older batteries.

The batteries are fully compatible with over 30 other 20V WORX products so if you already have one or more Power Share batteries, you can buy the GT Revolution without a battery for a much lower cost.

The Li-Ion battery must be fully charged before first use (it is not charged when you purchase it) which supposedly can take up to 9 hours the first time you charge it (mine was fully charged in just under 5 hours). After that, charging should take about 5 hours for the WG170 and 2 hours for the WG170.1 (the WG170.1 comes with a fast charger, unlike the WG170).

And never, never, never try to “squeeze all the juice” out of the battery when it stops working. That’s a sure-fire way to kill the battery. Just put it on the charger and recharge it (this is where the second battery comes in handy!).

If you store your trimmer in a garden shed or other damp spot, you’ll want to store the battery charger somewhere else – water is never a good thing when dealing with electricity.

For full details about the Li-Ion batteries typically used in outdoor power equipment, see our FAQs about Li-Ion Batteries.

battery gauge on WORX GT Revolution string trimmer

The battery gauge on the back of the battery is bright enough to see in full sun

Runtime & Coverage

Runtime (and the amount of lawn you can cover on a single charge) depends on a number of factors, including the density of what you’re trimming or mowing, but mostly on the battery.

WORX recommends the WG170 (with 2.0 Ah batteries) for properties of up to ¼ acre and the WG170.1 (with 4.0 Ah batteries) for larger properties of up to ½ acre.

I have been consistently able to trim and edge our .17-acre property twice on a single charge with the WG170. With the two batteries that are included with the GT Revolution, you should easily be able to cover at least 1/2 acre with the WG170.

Given that the average lawn size for American homes is only about one-fifth of an acre, the WORX GT Revolution trimmer should be more than adequate for most homeowners (Source: Professional Landcare Network; Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Pesticide Programs fact sheet).

Lightweight

I’ve used a lot of string trimmers and one of my biggest complaints is weight. A heavy tool gets, well, heavy… And that makes trimming or edging a much more difficult job. But the WORX GT Revolution is only 5.5 lbs with the battery installed (the WG170.1 weighs in at 6 lbs with battery onboard). Wow.

WORX GT Revolution string trimmer adjustments

The tool is adjustable to fit nearly anyone and easy to use

Super Adjustable

The feature I like most about the WORX GT Revolution is how easily it adjusts to nearly every position imaginable. And all without any tools.

The trimmer head tilts 90 degrees with only two clicks of the pivot head locking knob (one click to unlock it, a second to lock it). No torquing on it to move it into position.

The shaft length (now a foot longer than previous models) is fully adjustable to suit your height, and the auxiliary handle can be moved into 7 different positions. Between the two, you can easily adjust the tool to the perfect height and angle of use. Both my 5-foot tall friend (well, she claims to be 5’1”) and 6-foot tall husband were able to adjust it to a comfortable length and position.

Users with smaller hands may find the main handle (where the on/off switch is located) to be a little large and, after prolonged use, your hand may start to cramp up.

Storing the String Trimmer

Storing the WORX GT Revolution string trimmer

Because of its compact size, it’s easy to store the string trimmer – even in spots where a full-size one wouldn’t fit.

Because the WORX GT Revolution String Trimmer / Edger / Mini-Mower is so adjustable, it can be stored in spaces where other trimmers couldn’t. I keep mine hanging on the wall in my garden shed where it’s out of the way yet easily accessible. If you have limited storage space, you’ll love this feature.

Instruction Manual

In looking at the instruction manual, it’s pretty clear that this string trimmer / edger / mini-mower is targeted at women. All of the drawings show a woman (complete with pony tail) performing the various adjustments and using the tool – all using only one hand while the other hand is placed jauntily on her hip. Given the light weight, simple adjustments, and ease of use, it’s a good trimmer/edger for smaller individuals. But seriously, let’s not make the instructions look like a housewife vacuuming!

Free Lifetime Replacement Spools

As long as you own the GT Revolution, you can get replacement spools for free from WORX, just pay shipping and handling of $8.62 for a package of 6 spools.

The spools are easy to replace but be careful when removing the spool cap (just squeeze the sides and pull up) to ensure you don’t break it (or lose it!).

Warranty

The Worx GT Revolution comes with a 30-day money back guarantee from date of receipt, less shipping and handling (see details here).

It also has a 2-year limited consumer warranty (void if used for commercial purposes). You can extend your warranty to 3 years by registering online within 30 days of purchase. This warranty doesn’t cover parts that are subject to normal wear and tear.

WORX batteries are covered by a 1-year limited consumer warranty and are not eligible for warranty extension.

Recommendation

If you’re looking for a commercial-grade model, this wouldn’t be the string trimmer for you (see our Best Cordless String Trimmers for our recommendations). But if you’re looking for a lightweight, adjustable, and convenient cordless string trimmer, I highly recommend the WORX GT Revolution 20V 12” String Trimmer / Edger / Mini-Mower. It’s easy to use, does a very good job, takes up hardly any space when storing it, and with the two included batteries it runs long enough to cover a ½ acre yard. Of all the weed eaters we’ve reviewed, this is the one I turn to every time.

As a side note, I used the previous model (GT2.0) for three years before giving it to a neighbor when we moved – he tells me it’s still going strong and he uses it every week.

Where to Buy It

The WORX GT Revolution 20V 12” String Trimmer / Edger / Mini-Mower is available at local retailers, on the WORX website, and on Amazon (as of the publication of this review, only the WG170 is available on Amazon).

You can also purchase only the tool (no batteries) for $49.99 directly from WORX.

Price Reduction
Worx String Trimmer/Edger/Lawn Mower 3-in-1 Grass Trimmer GT Revolution 20V 12" (2 Batteries &...
A lightweight, adjustable, easy-to-use string trimmer that will trim and edge a ½ acre lawn

 

Last update on 2024-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Disclaimer – GPReview would like to thank WORX for giving us a free sample to review. There was no expectation that it would be a positive review and we received no compensation for writing it. All opinions expressed here are those of the author based on personal experience using the product.

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4 Comments on WORX WG170 GT Revolution 20V 12″ String Trimmer / Edger / Mini-Mower: Product Review

  1. Larry Lilly

    Free Spools for Life—NOT
    The cost to ship the “free” spools is $8.73 for 6 spools. I ordered 12 spools to save on shipping. I was charged over $17 and the 12 spools came in the same package.

    • I suppose that technically the spools are “free” but the “shipping & handling” charge seems a little much. Still, it’s cheaper than pretty much any alternative I’ve found – while you can buy replacement spools for the WORX string trimmer from other vendors, the prices are either the same or higher. Given that, I’d rather get them directly from WORX so I know what I’m getting.

      But I do agree with you – WORX’s claim of “free spools for life” should come with a massive and very visible disclaimer!

  2. Karla Boggs

    Can’t get the telescopic handle to extend?! No pull trigger release just the tighten or loosen collar on the shaft! Extends maybe 1 inch. What’s the deal?

  3. Guy Goodine

    Loved your review. Not only was it informative, it was a great read (this from a retired journalist). Good job, all around!

Comments are closed.