Home setup / EGO string trimmers
The ST1623T pairs POWERLOAD spool winding with LINE IQ automatic line advance and a telescopic carbon-fiber shaft. The ST1502SA uses a manual Rapid-Reload head and a folding aluminum shaft with a smaller battery.
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Automatic line-feed pick
Best for: fence-heavy yards or repeated trimming where bump feeding and manual spool winding are chores. Why it fits: the 4.0Ah kit combines POWERLOAD, LINE IQ, and a telescopic carbon-fiber shaft. EGO lists up to 60 minutes runtime. Tradeoff: the larger battery weighs 4.8 lb and the shaft does not fold in half.
Lightweight folding-shaft pick
Best for: a smaller yard where a 2.5Ah battery and compact folded storage matter more than motorized spool loading. Why it fits: the Rapid-Reload head twists by hand, then bump-feeds line while trimming. The kit includes a 2.5Ah battery and standard charger. Tradeoff: it has a folding aluminum split shaft and no POWERLOAD or LINE IQ.
Attachment-sharing alternative
Best for: a yard that also needs an edger on the same power head. Why it fits: the kit pairs the PH1420 power head with trimmer and edger attachments, a 4.0Ah battery, and charger. Tradeoff: attachment changes add a setup step; check the exact kit contents before buying.
Routine fit
POWERLOAD winds the spool when reloading; LINE IQ feeds line automatically during use. Keep the head clear of chain-link fencing and hard edges.
The 2.5Ah kit weighs less than the ST1623T battery and the shaft folds for storage. You still twist the head to reload and bump it to advance line.
Use a Multi-Head system when sharing one motor between compatible tools matters more than a dedicated standalone trimmer.
Line handling
EGO uses three head names across its string trimmers. POWERLOAD solves reloading an empty spool: thread the line through the head and press the loading button to start the winding motor. LINE IQ solves line advance while trimming: the head advances line automatically, without bumping. Rapid-Reload uses a twist-to-wind spool; tap the spinning head on the ground to advance line during use.
The ST1623T includes POWERLOAD and LINE IQ. The ST1502SA uses Rapid-Reload. Both trimmers use 0.095-inch dual-feed line, but their reload and advance steps are different.
Spec table
| The choice | EGO ST1623T | EGO ST1502SA |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting swath and line | 16-inch / 0.095-inch dual-feed line | 15-inch / 0.095-inch dual-feed line |
| Reloading method | POWERLOAD button starts motorized spool winding | Rapid-Reload manual twist-to-wind head |
| Line advance during trimming | LINE IQ automatic feed, no bumping | Bump-feed tap on the turf |
| Shaft | Telescopic carbon fiber; does not fold in half | Aluminum split shaft that folds for storage |
| Bare tool weight | 7.5 lb | 7.3 lb |
| Kit battery and published runtime | 4.0Ah / 4.8 lb / up to 60 minutes | 2.5Ah / 2.77 lb / up to 30 minutes |
No-buy
Skip both if you also want a powered metal-blade edger, pole saw, or cultivator on the same motor. Neither standalone trimmer accepts interchangeable EGO Multi-Head attachments. Consider the MHC1603 kit above if attachment sharing is part of the job.
Setup and sharing
Read next
Manufacturer documentation
FAQ
No. The ST1502SA shaft folds for storage, but it is not an EGO Multi-Head power head. For interchangeable attachments, choose a Multi-Head power head and compatible attachment.
Yes. LINE IQ advances line automatically during use, while POWERLOAD winds line onto the spool when you reload it. Keep the trimmer head clear of fencing and follow the manual.