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Customer reviews for Expand-It 2-Cycle 26 cc Trimmer Power Head
Expand-It 2-Cycle 26 cc Trimmer Power Head
The Ryobi Expand-it Universal Power Head features a 2-cycle low-emission engine and is ready to power most any universal lawn and garden attachment. It is also UV protected.
Overall rating:
(252 reviews) 251
Rating breakdown 252 reviews
5 stars
44
4 stars
27
3 stars
16
2 stars
25
1 star
140
76 out of 242(31%)reviewers recommend this product.
Customer reviews for Expand-It 2-Cycle 26 cc Trimmer Power Head
Review 1 for Expand-It 2-Cycle 26 cc Trimmer Power Head
Overall rating
Headache right out of the box
,PostedMarch 16, 2013
ExRyobiowner
Age:55 to 64
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Level of expertise:Advanced
Length of ownership:1 year or longer
Features
1
/
5
Quality
1
/
5
Ease of use
1
/
5
Value
1
/
5
Took it home and would only run if on 1/2 choke. Took it back and got a replacement. Due to bad choke lever placement kept choking out the engine when lever rubbed against my hip. Put a hook & spring on to hold the choke open. After 2 months the tension screw that holds the attachments stripped out and had to replace it with a hardened bolt & nut. At about 6 months the throttle cable slipped out of position and engine would only run at 1/2 speed. Had to wire the cable into place with wire ties because the plastic handle would not hold it in place any more. At about 1 year the fuel lines split and had to be replaced. At about 2 yrs. the drive shaft stripped out and would no longer run the attachments. Donated it to the waste disposal people this past week.
Pros: came in a nice box
Cons: Not Durable, poorly designed, cheap materials
No, I do not recommend this product.
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+10points
10out of 10found this review helpful.
Review 2 for Expand-It 2-Cycle 26 cc Trimmer Power Head
Overall rating
Not good out of the box, but great after adjusting
,PostedDecember 2, 2012
Features
5
/
5
Quality
2
/
5
Ease of use
5
/
5
Value
4
/
5
Out of the box the product worked for a little while and quickly became hard to start and would die if I gave it some gas. I was very frustrated with it - cleaned the carb, replaced the plastic pipes, filter and bulb with a kit, still no luck.
This part is important- I was able to fix it by doing 2 things,
1: I had to adjust the hidden "high speed" ad "idle" screws. You can google this. I actually tapped them with a hacksaw so a normal screw driver could turn them.
2: I found the screws over the metal plate behind the actual motor would become loose which wouldn't allow for proper compression. I put some tacky glue (most prefer loctite) on the screws and tightened them down.
This part is important- I was able to fix it by doing 2 things,
1: I had to adjust the hidden "high speed" ad "idle" screws. You can google this. I actually tapped them with a hacksaw so a normal screw driver could turn them.
2: I found the screws over the metal plate behind the actual motor would become loose which wouldn't allow for proper compression. I put some tacky glue (most prefer loctite) on the screws and tightened them down.
With these 2 adjustments, the motor starts one the first or second pull and NEVER gives up.
I think it's a tragic shame Ryobi released something which requires tuning after it's broken in, but I felt it was necessary for someone to post the method of correcting the problem.
No, I do not recommend this product.
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+42points
43out of 44found this review helpful.
Review 3 for Expand-It 2-Cycle 26 cc Trimmer Power Head
Overall rating
Don't buy
,PostedJune 3, 2012
JonM
Quality
1
/
5
Value
4
/
5
One word sums up this trimmer GARBAGE. Needed to replace my old Ryobi so I went to HD and picked a new Ryobi up. It would not stay running, took it back and exchanged it for the same model. Second one ran like a champ after two times using it. On the third time using it, it would not start no matter how many times I tried to pull it. Started my troubleshooting it had good spark and was getting fuel but would not start. I'm taking this one back also and getting a different brand. I purchased my first Ryobi and used it for 8 years guess this is what happens when you outsource to China, good brand names become junk. Won't buy another Ryobi anything again.
No, I do not recommend this product.
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+29points
30out of 31found this review helpful.
Review 4 for Expand-It 2-Cycle 26 cc Trimmer Power Head
Overall rating
Disposable Trimmer
,PostedMarch 25, 2013
pnv0218
Age:45 to 54
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Level of expertise:Intermediate
Length of ownership:1 year or longer
Features
3
/
5
Quality
1
/
5
Ease of use
3
/
5
Value
4
/
5
I'm on my 3rd Ryobi gas trimmer and this one is now giving me fits. All 3 had the same symptoms:
First, starting it becomes a hassle with several pulls and alternating between full and half throttle while the neighbors chuckle.
Then, it only stays running at full throttle.
Finally, it stops running altogether. Naturally, the trash guys won't take it so now I have to spend my lunch hour running to the dump.
You've been warned.
Pros: Easy to Use, Good Size & Weight, Light Weight
Cons: Not Durable
No, I do not recommend this product.
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+4points
5out of 6found this review helpful.
Review 5 for Expand-It 2-Cycle 26 cc Trimmer Power Head
Overall rating
Good once carb adjusted
,PostedJune 17, 2012
Mike
When I first purchased this power head it had little power and did not like the throttle wide opened. I would have returned it had I not tossed the box it came in. Sounded like not getting enough fuel. I adjusted the the carb (I'm an auto technician). Now runs great. Factory adjustments should have never passed Ryobi's QC. Ryobi has done well for low level non comercial use tooling. I own many of their products along with Bosch (which is a superior product with a price). Unfortunately I would not recommend this power head right now to users who don’t want to make any adjustments straight out the box (they should not need too).
No, I do not recommend this product.
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+13points
13out of 13found this review helpful.
Review 6 for Expand-It 2-Cycle 26 cc Trimmer Power Head
Overall rating
Piece of Junk!!!!!
,PostedMay 16, 2013
Features
1
/
5
Quality
1
/
5
Ease of use
2
/
5
Value
1
/
5
I bought this trimmer power head in the fall of 2011, used it without incident for the remainder of the season and for the majority of 2012. The only problems I had were taht it was hard to start once in awhile. Then literally one day it just wouldn't start. Took it in to a local power center, they cleaned the fuel line, checked it out, and said that the carburetor just wouldn't work and that they couldn't find any parts suppliers anywhere in the area to get a new one as it was made in China. I used this for maybe 15-20 hours total in the time I had it. Completely disappointed with this product. Don't waste your money.
No, I do not recommend this product.
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0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 7 for Expand-It 2-Cycle 26 cc Trimmer Power Head
Overall rating
Biggest piece of excerement
,PostedJune 23, 2012
partypete
Age:35 to 44
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Level of expertise:Intermediate
Length of ownership:1 year or longer
Quality
1
/
5
Value
1
/
5
I had an older Ryobi power head that had a larger engine, which lasted me for ten years, so I couldn't complain. I purchased this as a replacement last season. Hard to start from the get go, but it would eventually start. This season, however, (and I drain all my power equipment of gas at the end of the season) I have used it maybe 5-6 times, although I cut probably 15 times already. the reason I didn't use it is I couldn't get it started. It won't start now because I threw it over the fence and it landed in the street, shattering, due to my frustration with this Junk
Oh, it's underpowered too.
Time to buy a new quality head. Thanks for nothing Ryobi.
Oh, it's underpowered too.
Time to buy a new quality head. Thanks for nothing Ryobi.
No, I do not recommend this product.
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+15points
19out of 23found this review helpful.
Review 8 for Expand-It 2-Cycle 26 cc Trimmer Power Head
Overall rating
DO NOT PURCHASE
,PostedJune 24, 2012
DIYer
Age:35 to 44
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Level of expertise:Advanced
Length of ownership:1 week
Had a Ryobi before ran great with heavy use for years had all the attachements till it died out. Purchased this unit; couldn't get it started EVER. Returned it and exchanges it for another one. Got it started ran it, stop to change attachments and never ran again!
No, I do not recommend this product.
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+13points
13out of 13found this review helpful.
Review 9 for Expand-It 2-Cycle 26 cc Trimmer Power Head
Overall rating
A pain to start ... if you ever get it started
,PostedJuly 18, 2012
DanInFlorida
Age:45 to 54
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Level of expertise:Advanced
Length of ownership:1 year or longer
Features
3
/
5
Quality
2
/
5
Ease of use
1
/
5
Value
2
/
5
It's amazing in the year 2012 that no one can create an internal combustion engine that starts easily. I bought a replacement power head this morning at HD, and inside the box was a used one. I went back to the store to exchange it for a new one. Upon getting it home, filling it with gas, it would not start ... there was no spark, nothing. Now I have to head back again for a third one. The problem with this setup is once you have the accessories you need, you are locked into their substandard head design.
Pros: versatile
Cons: Difficult to Use, Not Durable, pain to start
No, I do not recommend this product.
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+13points
15out of 17found this review helpful.
Review 10 for Expand-It 2-Cycle 26 cc Trimmer Power Head
Overall rating
start up good weight is not
,PostedMay 21, 2013
Tbubbles
Age:45 to 54
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Level of expertise:Advanced
Length of ownership:1 year or longer
Had to take in to local pro shop for major tune up year later. For easy start up been starting better since. Atttachment for edger vibrate so much had to take it off just use single six inch stran heavy duty line to put a false edging on side walk really need gas edger to do correctly. Picked one up at flea mrkt for $30.00 I use a dog chain hook it to shaft to support weight of machine and and id tag necklace with clasp.
Pros: Long-Lasting, strong motor
Cons: Too Heavy, carb needed fine tuning then cool
No, I do not recommend this product.
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0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 11 for Expand-It 2-Cycle 26 cc Trimmer Power Head
Overall rating
This product well worth the money
,PostedMay 19, 2013
HJCplumber1
Age:55 to 64
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Level of expertise:Advanced
Length of ownership:1 week
Features
5
/
5
Quality
5
/
5
Ease of use
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
Bought this power head to replace a 30cc that went bad at the end of last season. Unpacked and put together , then followed instructions on power head to start. One pull and perfect start up. Extremely happy with purchase. Would definitely recommend purchase. Some reviews have been negative so really makes me wonder what they did wrong. Will definitely buy another when this one wears out.
Pros: Easy to Use, Accurate, Good Size & Weight, Great Engine, Light Weight
Yes, I recommend this product.
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0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 12 for Expand-It 2-Cycle 26 cc Trimmer Power Head
Overall rating
waste of money
,PostedMay 3, 2013
beesh
I bought it and it worked a few times but it was always difficult to get it started. Also inserting the spool and managing the line is cumbersome. I kept having trouble starting it even with fresh gasoline. Once it starts it runs so I try not to turn it off once it starts. Now it doesn't even start and I have to take it in for servicing. I also bought the blower attachment thinking that I can use this for multiple tasks. Even inserting the attachments were very difficult where it didn't have enough power to run the blower. Don't buy this junk!
Cons: Difficult to Use, Not Durable
No, I do not recommend this product.
Share this review:
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 13 for Expand-It 2-Cycle 26 cc Trimmer Power Head
Overall rating
Junk
,PostedMay 21, 2013
Disappointed
Age:55 to 64
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Level of expertise:Intermediate
Length of ownership:1 year or longer
This is my second Ryobi gas trimmer. After the first one quit, I picked up a power head and now it has quit also. This is the start of the second season and after one use it won't start. New spark plug and fresh gas but nothing works. I will never buy another Roybi gas implement.
Cons: Difficult to Use, Not Durable
No, I do not recommend this product.
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0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 14 for Expand-It 2-Cycle 26 cc Trimmer Power Head
Overall rating
Ryobi Gas Edger = Piece of junk
,PostedMay 19, 2013
Disappointed
Features
1
/
5
Quality
1
/
5
Ease of use
1
/
5
Value
1
/
5
Have had the Ryobi for 3 years, has progressively gotten worse even though I've maintained it. Will only run with choke on, and now will only start with Starter Fluid. Despite having new spark plug, always fresh fuel.
Cons: Difficult to Use, Not Durable, diffucult to start and keep running
No, I do not recommend this product.
Share this review:
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 15 for Expand-It 2-Cycle 26 cc Trimmer Power Head
Overall rating
Easy to use, replaced an older one I had for several years
,PostedMay 21, 2013
gamingvic
Age:65 or over
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:Other
Level of expertise:Intermediate
Length of ownership:3 months
Features
4
/
5
Quality
4
/
5
Ease of use
4
/
5
Value
4
/
5
works well as expected reliable and easy to start good quality for the money
Pros: Easy to Use, Good Size & Weight
Yes, I recommend this product.
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0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 16 for Expand-It 2-Cycle 26 cc Trimmer Power Head
Overall rating
Complete disaster!!!!
,PostedMay 15, 2013
Chuck3455
Features
1
/
5
Quality
1
/
5
Ease of use
1
/
5
Value
1
/
5
This is the worst built product I have ever bought. Doesnt like to start, if it does, cant put it to full throttle, just a nightmare. I will say this though, if you throw it 50 yards and then smash it off a tree several times, it still doesnt work!
Cons: Difficult to Use, Not Durable, terrible build
No, I do not recommend this product.
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0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 17 for Expand-It 2-Cycle 26 cc Trimmer Power Head
Overall rating
JUNK!
,PostedMay 13, 2013
EMB14
Age:25 to 34
Level of expertise:Advanced
Length of ownership:6 months
Features
3
/
5
Quality
1
/
5
Ease of use
1
/
5
Value
1
/
5
Had this less than one season and no matter what I do it will not start. Was working and started sputtering and has not started since. Should have looked at the reviews. Don't waste your money or time!
No, I do not recommend this product.
Share this review:
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 18 for Expand-It 2-Cycle 26 cc Trimmer Power Head
Overall rating
Not Worth It
,PostedMay 12, 2013
rnd53
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Level of expertise:Beginner
Length of ownership:1 year or longer
Features
1
/
5
Quality
1
/
5
Ease of use
2
/
5
Value
1
/
5
Worked well the first 4 or 5 times I used it, then the problems started happening. First it was hard starting. It is now the second season it won't run full power. Either have to pay to have it fixed or buy a new one.
Cons: Not Durable, Too Heavy
Yes, I recommend this product.
Share this review:
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 19 for Expand-It 2-Cycle 26 cc Trimmer Power Head
Overall rating
GARBAGE
,PostedMay 13, 2013
MARV
Age:55 to 64
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:Professional
Level of expertise:Advanced
Length of ownership:1 week
BRAND NEW OUT OF THE BOX IT WOULD NOT START
I CAN'T BELEIVE THEY SELL THIS PRODUCT, I RETURN IT AND BOUGHT A TORO 3RD PULL AND IT STARTED.
I CAN'T BELEIVE THEY SELL THIS PRODUCT, I RETURN IT AND BOUGHT A TORO 3RD PULL AND IT STARTED.
No, I do not recommend this product.
Share this review:
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 20 for Expand-It 2-Cycle 26 cc Trimmer Power Head
Overall rating
Piece of Junk
,PostedMay 17, 2013
Anonymous
from Santa Clarita, CA, USA
Age:35 to 44
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:1 year or longer
Features
1
/
5
Quality
1
/
5
Ease of use
1
/
5
Value
1
/
5
Bought this thing a couple of years ago after my electric Black and Decker had seen it's last day of service. I wish I had researched trimmers online before heading over to HD and making a hasty decision to buy a gas trimmer. Allow me to explain...
The first summer, it was difficult to start, but I got the hang of it. I probably used it about 10-12 times with reasonable results.
The second summer, after it wouldn't start for the life of me, I replaced the spark plug and cleaned out the carb the best I could. A spot of fresh gas and It finally started. I was off an running for about another 8 sessions. By the way, the thing leaks gas bad, like if the tank is 3/4 full one weekend, it is completely empty by the next, no matter how I stored it.
This year, the thing would just not start again. After another "servicing" on the plug, carb, doing everything else described in the book, and pretty good string-pulling cardio workout, I finally got it to start once again.
Today, after a pretty rough week, I came home early from work to give the old lawn a long needed manicure. Well, who would give me problems once again, why Mr. Ryobi String Trimmer, that's who. After another good workout and no results, I decided to cool down by grabbing it by the shaft and swinging it swiftly onto the driveway like a pimply school boy trying to impress a girl at one of the those hammer games you see in a carnival. After picking up about 27 pieces of trimmer strewn about my driveway, I have resolved to cut my losses and buy something that actually works. Only this time I will actually do some research.
Cons: Difficult to Use
No, I do not recommend this product.
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0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.