Outdoor Power Equipment Glossary Terms

What Is the Difference Between 2-Stroke and 4-Stroke Garden Machinery?

2-stroke petrol engines run on a mixed fuel-and-oil blend, are lighter and can be used in any orientation, making them common in chainsaws and strimmers, but they are typically louder and produce more emissions per hour of use. 4-stroke engines use separate fuel and oil, run cleaner and quieter with better fuel efficiency, but are heavier — a trade-off that shapes which engine type dominates a given category of garden power tool.

What Does Ah (Amp-Hour) Mean for Power Tool Batteries?

Amp-hour (Ah) rating indicates how much charge a power tool battery holds — roughly, how long it can run before needing a recharge — separately from voltage, which affects raw power output. A higher-Ah battery of the same voltage runs longer between charges but is heavier and pricier, so buyers often choose a smaller Ah battery for light, occasional jobs and a larger one for extended use.