Power up product preview

Outdoor power equipment is one of those categories we habitually return to because the cutting-edge products tend to look vastly different on a year-by-year basis.

This year, as with the previous year, the products have come back bolder, stronger and, actually, quieter (thanks to advancements in engine technology). Manufacturers are serving up more robust battery offerings, as well as innovative new lineups to be powered by them.

Here are a few OPE items to have on your radar:

EGO Power+ Snow Blower

EGO’s Arc Lithium battery-powered snow blower is so powerful, it was advertised doing its thing in Antarctica. EGO’s claim that it’s the only cordless snow blower as powerful as gas, and its high-efficiency brushless motor and 21-inch wide intake help it handle big jobs.

(egopowerplus.com)

Poulan Pro Backpack Blower

Poulan Pro’s most powerful blower yet emits high-velocity air speeds up to 220 mph (and airflow up to 490 cfm) via two-cycle engines. An ergonomic design rounds out the package by reducing strain and fatigue.

(poulanpro.com)

DeWalt 40VMAX 60-Pack Charging Station

DeWalt is killing six birds with one stone with its new 6-Pack Charging Station for its 40VMAX line. The Station can charge all necessary OPE batteries at once, eliminating the need for 2-cycle gas mix on landscaping trucks.

(dewalt.com)

Kobalt Quiet Tech Air Compressor

Designed to operate 80% quieter than a standard compressor, Kobalt’s offering features a big bore cylinder design, cast iron construction, heavy-duty oil lubricated pump, providing a single versatile power source for a range of tools and applications.

(kobalttools.com)

Toro 28" Hydro Drive Brush Cutter

This self-propelled brush cutter is capable of tackling all manner of debris, ranging from brush up to 6’ tall to small trees up to 2” in diameter. A pivoting deck and two-way operation (maneuverable in both forward and reverse) make for versatile performance.

(toro.com)

TroyBilt FLEX YardCare System

This Transformers-esque implement uses one engine to rule them all – or rather, power multiple attachments to form a complete OPE suite. This versatile contraption can become a wide-area mower, leaf blower, snow thrower, or pressure washer – with attachments for a chipper shredder, water pump and log splitter coming soon.

(troybilt.com)

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Blower

Part of Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL lineup (all of which feature the Powerstate Brushless Motor, RedLithium Battery Pack and Redlink Plus Intelligence Hardware and Software), this blower possesses the power to clear from 15 feet (while emitting 30% less noise than a standard gas blower).

(milwaukeetool.com)

Briggs & Stratton Elite Series Portable Generator with StatStation Wireless

This generator has Bluetooth capabilities, but that’s not all. The app allows users to monitor power usage, run time, fuel level and more. The 8,000-watt generator is also fueled by a Briggs & Stratton 420CC OHV Engine.

(briggsandstratton.com)

Stihl BR 450 C-EF Backpack Blower

How many backpack blowers are capable of starting or stopping with the push of a button? The Stihl Easy2Start system, along with an adjustable telescopic tube, makes this among the more user-friendly blowers.

(stihlusa.com)

Husqvarna 536LiP4 Pole Saw

Along with its cousin, the 536LiPT5, this pole saw is designed for comfort and balance. The ergonomic design and evenly distributed weight makes it easy to grip, but it doesn’t compromise any of the power.

(husqvarna.com)