09/06/18 UPDATE – WORX has released an updated version of this string trimmer, called the GT Revolution. You can find our review here >>

Editor’s Note:  WORX also has a 32V model that has exactly the same features described here for the 20V GT2.0.

Are you tired of hauling around a heavy, smelly gas trimmer? Or tripping over the cord on an electric one? Then the new, redesigned WORX GT2.0 MaxLithium^TM 3-in-1 Grass Trimmer/Edger/Mower may be the perfect tool for you.

Unlike most trimmers, this one is battery powered.

I was skeptical at first. 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 seems to have fixed these issues.

For me, ease of use is of primary concern. That means it has to work as it’s supposed to (and not run out of battery power halfway through the job) and it must be comfortable to hold and use. The new battery-powered trimmer hits on all fronts.

Operating the WORX GT2.0 String Trimmer/Edger

Using the WORX trimmer is as simple as sliding in the battery back 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 the battery pack will be charged by the time you need it …

Using the String Trimmer

The tool can be used as a regular string trimmer. In this redesigned version, WORX has increased the trimming diameter to 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 side-to-side 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

With a simple adjustment to the handle and trimmer head (see video for how-to), the WORX GT2.0 3-in-1 trimmer can be converted to a pretty good edger. 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 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. 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 GT2.0 3-in-1 Trimmer/Edger comes with an optional wheel assembly that’s intended to provide support when the tool is in use. The support wheels easily slide onto metal plates 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.

Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery

Previous versions of the WORX Trimmer/Edger had problems with battery life. The manufacturer says that they’ve found a new battery provider who has rectified the previous problems and that the new high-density MaxLithium^TM battery has almost twice the capacity of previous batteries. After using the trimmer for a full season, I can say that I’ve had no problems with the battery at all. In fact, I’ve been able to trim my (admittedly small) property twice on a single charge.

For full details about the battery, read our Q&A About the WORX MaxLithium Battery with Brandon Martin, WORX Product Manager (it’s in our review of the WORXAIR Blower).

The Li-Ion battery must be fully charged before first use (it is not charged when you purchase it) which can take up to 12 hours the first time you charge it. After that, charging should only take about 3 hours.

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 a 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.

The WORX GT2.0 Trimmer/Edger easily adjusts to a compact size, perfect for storage.

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 GT2.0 is only 5.7 lbs. Wow. (Note that the 32V model weighs 6.2 lbs.)

Super Adjustable

The feature I like most about the WORX GT2.0 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 2” longer than previous models) is fully adjustable to suit your height, and the auxiliary handle can be moved into a wide range of positions. Between the two, you can easily adjust the tool to the perfect height and angle of use.

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.

Assembling the WORX GT2.0 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.

When adjusted to its smallest size, the WORX GT2.0 Trimmer/Edger fits easily in even the tightest storage space.

Storing the Trimmer

Because the WORX GT2.0 Trimmer/Edger 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 (see photo to right) 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 trimmer/edger 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!

Recommendation

If you’re looking for a lightweight, adjustable, and convenient string trimmer, I highly recommend the WORX GT2.0 MaxLithium 3-in-1 Trimmer/Edger.

Update April 2015: After two years of frequent use, it’s still going strong. There have been no battery issues, string spools have been easy to replace, and I love the convenience of not having to gas up or plug in.

Where to Buy It

It’s available at local retailers, on the WORX website, and on Amazon (as the WG160) for under $115. It’s also available in the more powerful 32V model (WG175) and with a 1/2 hour quicker charger for $149.85.

WORX WG160 Cordless Lithium Grass Trimmer/Edger and Mini Mower, 20-volt

WORX WG175 32-volt Lithium MAX Cordless Grass Trimmer and Edger with Wheel Set

WORX WA0010 Replacement 10-Foot Grass Trimmer/Edger Spool Line 6-Pack for WG150, WG151, WG152, WG155, WG165, WG166, WG160, WG167, WG175

Note that the 10-inch 18V model (WG150 or WG155) is no longer available.

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