Bosch Professional GRT 18V-33 String Trimmer - EVERYTHING you need to know (GFR 18V-23 Brush Cutter)
Howto & Style
Introduction
The Bosch Professional GRT 18V-33 string trimmer is a recent addition to the Bosch professional 18V tool range, and after testing it over the last few weeks, I have some insights on its speed control, motor, warranty, and general usability that you need to know before making a purchase.
Specs and Overview
This powerful machine is driven by a 550W motor, utilizing either 0.95 mm or 2.4 mm line, with a cutting swath of 13 inches (33 cm). Important queries about this trimmer include: Does it offer sufficient power? How long do the batteries last? Is it easy to balance and operate? And, since it’s electric, is it quiet enough?
Performance Testing
While it can be challenging to assess power without firsthand usage, I attempted to demonstrate how the motor performs through various types of grass in the accompanying video.
Battery Testing: Throughout the tests, I utilized the standard 4Ah battery, along with 8Ah and 12Ah Procore batteries. I purchased the string trimmer for 3,800 Rand (approximately $ 220) from Power Tool Services, an online store in South Africa. The typical retail price is around 4,500 Rand or $ 260, subject to change based on location and promotion.
To evaluate cutting capabilities, I performed edge trimming in various grass types. The standard fine wispy grass that typical homeowners encounter was effortlessly managed, as demonstrated in the video.
For the densest, thickest grass tested, a full power setting was required and yielded impressive cutting results, with a run-time of about 22 minutes on a 12Ah battery under heavy load. The standard 4Ah battery lasted around 9 minutes, while the 8Ah battery managed 13 minutes under similar conditions.
Weight and Balance
The trimmer weighs 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs) with a 4Ah battery, increasing to 4.9 kg (10.8 lbs) with a 12Ah. Balance varies with battery size; the 12Ah offers the best weight distribution, while the 4Ah battery makes the trimmer slightly nose-heavy. For users around 5'8", adjusting the handle mid-way yields the best comfort, while shorter users can adjust heads forward for balance.
Features and Usability
The trimmer showcases an anti-tangle feature, which reverses the rotation briefly if a blockage is detected – this performed suboptimally during tests. It holds 3 m of line and extends the line by 10 mm with each bump. It’s also noteworthy that removing the battery for checking the charge status might be inconvenient.
In terms of control, the safety mechanism requires the safety switch to be slid forward before pulling the trigger. The speed trigger feels slightly large, potentially hindering fine motor control. Reflections on comfort led to mixed thoughts; the trimmer can be less comfortable when used in vertical edging positions.
Warranty Considerations
Warranties vary by region, with a standard one-year warranty in South Africa. While Bosch offers extended warranties in other regions (up to 6 years in Australia), this policy does not seem applicable in South Africa.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bosch GRT 18V-33 string trimmer is a solid choice for regular yard maintenance or light commercial use, though users needing heavy-duty capabilities for larger areas should consider higher-powered alternatives.
Keywords
- Bosch Professional GRT 18V-33
- String trimmer
- GFR 18V-23 brush cutter
- 550W motor
- Battery performance
- Weight and balance
- User comfort
- Warranty
FAQ
1. What is the power of the Bosch Professional GRT 18V-33 String Trimmer?
The machine is powered by a 550W motor.
2. How long do the batteries last during operation?
Under continuous heavy load, the 12Ah battery lasts approximately 22 minutes, the 8Ah battery lasts about 13 minutes, and the 4Ah battery lasts around 9 minutes.
3. How heavy is the trimmer with different battery sizes?
With a 4Ah battery, it weighs 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs), 4.46 kg (9.8 lbs) with an 8Ah battery, and 4.9 kg (10.8 lbs) with a 12Ah battery.
4. What warranty is offered for the Bosch Professional range?
In South Africa, only a one-year warranty is provided, while extended warranties apply in other regions.
5. Is the Bosch GRT 18V-33 suitable for commercial use?
It is designed for general maintenance! Suitable for medium to large residential yards, it can handle some light commercial work, but for extensive areas, a more powerful machine might be preferred.