Greenworks vs Ryobi brush cutters
Two value cordless brands. Greenworks' 40V tools cut wide and are sold bare; Ryobi's are more often sold as kits with the battery included.
In short:Greenworks' GD40BC is a 40V brushless brush cutter with a 40 cm cut using 2 mm line, a 25 cm blade, a harness and a D-grip handle, sold tool-only with a three-year guarantee; its G40LT trimmer cuts 30 cm. Ryobi's RBC36X26B is a 36V MAX POWER brush cutter with a bike handle, a 26 cm 3-tooth blade and a 30 cm line head, sold with a 4.0 Ah battery and charger; Ryobi quotes up to 47 minutes of brush cutting. Ryobi's 18V ONE+ trimmers cover lawns.
Greenworks and Ryobi both sell good-value cordless machines. The headline difference is what's in the box.
Models we cover
| Greenworks | Ryobi | |
|---|---|---|
| Brush cutter | GD40BC — 40V brushless, 40 cm line, 25 cm blade, harness | RBC36X26B — 36V, bike handle, 26 cm 3-tooth blade |
| Battery in the box | No (tool-only) | 4.0 Ah + charger |
| Line cut | 40 cm | 30 cm |
| Trimmers | G40LT — 30 cm, split shaft | OLT1832, RLT1831H25F, RLT183220S |
Brush cutters head to head
The GD40BC clears open ground fastest with its 40 cm line cut and comes with a harness and D-grip handle. The RBC36X26B's bike handle suits blade sweeps, and Ryobi quotes up to 47 minutes of brush cutting per charge. Some retailers list the RBC36X26B as discontinued, with successor versions available.
Batteries
Greenworks' 40V platform covers its mowers, trimmers and blowers. Ryobi's brush cutter uses 36V MAX POWER, separate from its 18V ONE+ range — worth knowing if you own ONE+ batteries.
The verdict
Starting from scratch, the Ryobi kit is the simpler buy. On Greenworks 40V already, or for big open areas, the Greenworks GD40BC. Head-to-head: GD40BC vs RBC36X26B.
The models we review from each brand
Greenworks— Cordless-only platforms (G40 / 60V)
| Model | Type | Engine / power | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenworks GD40BC | Cordless | 40V G40 | 8/10 |
| Greenworks G40LT | Cordless | 40V G40 | 7.6/10 |
Ryobi— Value cordless (ONE+ 18V / 36V MAX)
| Model | Type | Engine / power | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryobi RBC36X26B | Cordless | 36V MAX Power | 8.1/10 |
| Ryobi RLT1831H25F | Cordless | 18V ONE+ | 7.5/10 |
| Ryobi OLT1832 | Cordless | 18V ONE+ | 7.3/10 |
| Ryobi RLT183220S | Cordless | 18V ONE+ | 7.3/10 |
Ratings are judged against each machine's class and price; see how we review.
Frequently asked questions
Greenworks or Ryobi for a cordless brush cutter?
Both make a capable brush cutter with a blade. Greenworks' GD40BC cuts 40 cm with line, has a 25 cm blade and a harness, but is sold tool-only. Ryobi's RBC36X26B comes as a kit with a 26 cm 3-tooth blade, a bike handle and a 4.0 Ah battery.
Which is cheaper to start?
Usually Ryobi, because the RBC36X26B price includes its battery and charger. The UK GD40BC listing is tool-only, so add a Greenworks 40V battery and charger unless you own one.
Which trimmers do they make?
Greenworks' 40V G40LT (30 cm, auto-feed, split shaft) is tool-only. Ryobi's 18V ONE+ trimmers include the bare OLT1832 and the RLT1831H25F and RLT183220S kits.