Anybody make yard tools with AC motors that don't have plastic brush holders?

[mike]

I need a new electric lawn edger. No, I don't have anywhere to store a gas one.

EVERY yard tool I've bought has a universal AC motor with brush holders made out of plastic. They inevitably overheat and melt, freezing the brush. Then the arcing makes it worse. The first symptom is that it worked fine an hour ago, but is now dead. I've fixed a weed eater and chainsaw (temporarily) by filing the plastic.

Is there a brand that spends another quarter to make the brush holders out of something that doesn't melt?

I've been looking at the Ryobi string trimmers because I have some of their other tools. But, I have an older 24V lead acid trimmer. It's not nearly powerful enough. Don't expect the Ryobi to be hugely better. It's all about how much energy you can get out of a battery.

[croy]

What would *you* make the brush-holder out of?

[Ralph Mowery]

I don't know if they make them, but it is possiable to use some electronics and make the motor operate like an AC motor without brushes. Most hard dirves in computers are that way. Have not checked to see if my Dewalt drill is that way or not.

[mike]

Idunno, ceramic? Anything that doesn't melt in normal use.

[croy]

Ceramics would be a Cadillac choice.

[mike]

Well, you seem to have a lot of opinions. Got any positive/helpful suggestions?

[Dean Hoffman]

Black & Decker and Dewalt make brushless versions. The B&D one isn't rated very highly on Amazon. It's LST540. Dewalt calls theirs DCST970X1. Is brushless good/bad/indifferent?

[Tekkie®]

Dean Hoffman posted for all of us...

Brushless is good. It uses electronics instead of brushes. Many premium tools are now brushless, expect to pay more.