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Tool of the Year Awards is an annual tradition of celebrating the most notable new tools and solutions for pros and average Joes. This series spotlights the handiest products launched in the last 12 months across 10 essential categories, ranging from power tools to cleaning tools.
Quality outdoor equipment can change the way you approach your property maintenance. Powerful mowers trimmers, blowers, and other machines not only save time but deliver exceptional results and reduce user fatigue. In our testing, we’ve found that small design upgrades—whether in ergonomics, power, or durability—make the biggest difference in day-to-day use.
This year’s winners in our Tool of the Year Outdoor Equipment category stood out for their ability to deliver dependable performance with thoughtful features that simplify tough jobs. From advanced lawn care to snow removal, these products can handle demanding conditions while making outdoor work more manageable.
1. Stihl RMA 448 V Cordless Lawn Mower
At first glance, Stihl’s new battery-powered lawn mower seems quirky, but it actually solves a couple of pain points we had not considered before. The sturdy mono-comfort handlebar allows easier access to the hard-sided grass bag and quicker height adjustments than conventional designs. It also folds flat for compact storage.
Additionally, the RMA 448 V cordless lawn mower offers four options for clipping disposal: bag, mulch, side-discharge, or rear discharge. It also comes with a couple of more common premium features, including an integrated mulch flap and a single-point, height-of-cut adjustment system.
2. Lymow One Robot Lawn Mower
Just when we thought the basic design of robotic lawn mowers had been settled, along came Lymow One with something different. This standout mower features rubber caterpillar tracks instead of drive wheels and a front mower deck instead of an under-mounted cutting head—a combination that proves effective.
The tracks give this mower remarkable grip on slopes up to 45 degrees, while the front-mounted mower deck offers the widest range of cutting heights of any robot mower we’ve tested, from 1.2 inches to 4 inches. It can also cut up to .57 acres per charge, and there’s no perimeter wire to set up. Instead, Lymow uses a combination of real-time kinematic (RTK) and visual simultaneous localization and mapping (VSLAM) for the most robust and reliable navigation.
3. Toro 60V Max 17-Inch Telescoping String Trimmer
The new Toro 60V Max String Trimmer was upgraded to improve cutting performance and operator convenience. In particular, we appreciate the quality and functionality of the carbon fiber shaft. Durable yet lightweight, it folds for compact storage and adjusts an impressive 6 inches longer or shorter to accommodate a wide range of user heights.
The Toro’s performance features also set it apart from other string trimmers. Its high-capacity speed-feed cutting head uses pro-grade .095-inch trimmer line and holds twice as much line as similar models. Plus, the runtime is generous enough for most extensive trimming tasks, averaging about 40 minutes per charge in our testing (up to 45 minutes, per Toro) with the included 2.5Ah battery.
4. DeWalt 20V Max 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw Kit
The Dewalt 20V Max 12-Inch Chainsaw delivers serious cutting performance but is lightweight enough for just about anyone to use. Its high-efficiency brushless motor maximizes runtime and extends the tool’s life, while the compact design makes it easy to control for limbing, trimming, and light felling. We had no problem using this chainsaw to trim overgrown bushes, small trees, and even large branches. It makes quick work of cutting firewood, too.
We really loved the tool-free chain tensioning, which allows for quick adjustments. With the included 5.0Ah battery and charger, it’s ready for work right out of the box, making it ideal for yard maintenance, storm cleanup, or jobsite use.
5. Worx 40V 12-Inch Cordless Electric Snow Shovel
Gazing out on a winter wonderland can be relaxing, but shoveling the driveway is not. Enter the Worx 40V 12-inch cordless electric snow shovel. This lightweight, ergonomically designed mini snow thrower minimizes operator fatigue while clearing all types of snow, whether light and fluffy or wet and heavy.
This updated version boasts significantly more power and longer runtime than the original. The included batteries pack enough power to clear two 4-car driveways on a single charge. (After your easy job, maybe you’ll be inclined to assist a neighbor!) The Worx electric snow shovel clears a 12-inch wide swath up to 6 inches deep, throwing snow up to 25 feet away in any of three adjustable throwing directions.
More Top-Rated Outdoor Equipment
- FOR LARGE YARDS: With a wide deck and adaptive power, the DeWalt 28 in. 224cc RWD Self-Propelled 3-in-1 Lawn Mower with PowerAdapt makes quick work of big yards while delivering a clean, even cut.
- PRO-QUALITY YARD CLEANUP: The high-powered Kress Commercial KC510.9 60V 22N Handheld Blower clears leaves and debris fast with commercial-grade force in a cordless design.
