How to Use a Grass Trimmer Properly

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How to use a trimmer lawnmower

Surely, many owners of summer cottages have encountered a problem when they need to clear a certain area from weeds, on which, for example, fruit trees grow densely. It’s not possible to wield an ordinary scythe here with your hand. you can’t swing it off, the chopper is long and laborious, the lawn mower will not pass. But there is still a solution: you can use a trimmer (scythe), which has long been used abroad for mowing grass in hard to reach places.

How to use a trimmer lawnmower

Before you purchase or rent a trimmer or a brushcutter, you need to decide for what purpose you need it. If the proposed area of ​​grass mowing is from four to six acres, it is better to use a trimmer. If the area of ​​the cultivated area is more than six hundred parts. you need a Lawn Mower. Today we will focus on the first option. the trimmer.

Trimmers come in two forms:

  • Electric trimmers are less powerful, suitable for work in a summer cottage, where it is possible to connect to the mains for direct power supply or recharging batteries.
  • Petrol trimmers. equipped with gasoline engines, they are more autonomous and are suitable for those gardeners and gardeners who do not have the opportunity to connect to the outlet. In addition, in terms of energy reserves, gas trimmers give a head start to electric ones. they work 10-15 minutes longer than “outlet” ones.

Petrol trimmers

As a rule, gas trimmers are equipped with two-stroke engines, the power of which is about two horsepower / 1.5 kW. By the location of the engine, such devices are divided into upper motor and backpack.

Upper-motor gasoline trimmers are suitable for mowing grass in small areas with uneven terrain. Due to the fact that the engine on such a device is located on the upper part of the handle, it is convenient for them to balance and reach hard-to-reach areas. Such trimmers, in particular, are produced by the German company Solo.

For example, the Solo 142B is designed to work in large areas with uneven terrain. She has an ergonomic handle-like handle. At the top of the trimmer is a two-stroke, 2.6-horsepower motor, at the bottom. a cutting mechanism. Depending on the stiffness of the mowed grass, one of two cutting tools can be used: a three-toothed knife (for hard grass, small bushes) or a fishing line (for thin-stemmed weeds). The volume of the fuel tank of such a trimmer is 0.7 liters, this amount of fuel on average is enough for 45-60 minutes of operation.

Gasoline Lawnmower Trimmer

Trimmers with a knapsack engine and a flexible shaft are used to mow grass in large areas. They are more convenient to use, since their engine (with a power of the order of 2.5–3 hp or more) is fixed behind, which allows the mower not to get tired during the processing of large-scale sections.

The model of the Italian company Oleo-Mac 446 BP Ergo is an example of such a knapsack device. Vibrations fastened behind the back on special backpack mounts of a powerful motor (2.8 hp) are practically not felt during operation. thanks to a special vibration suppression system. The fuel tank of the device has a volume of 1.5 liters, which is enough for 1.5 hours of operation. The set of such a device includes several types of knives, which allows you to clean grass of any stiffness, shrubs and even small trees.

Electric trimmers

This type of trimmer is what any gardener who has a small summer cottage needs to mow soft-stem weeds or lawns. By their design, electric trimmers are divided into upper and lower motor.

Upper motor electric trimmers, such as gasoline ones, are designed for mowing grass in areas with uneven terrain. Another important distinguishing feature of such devices: they can mow wet grass, while this is contraindicated for lower-motor electric trimmers. there is a risk of short circuit.

Electric trimmers

An example of an upper-motor trimmer is the model of the German gardena manufacturer Gardena. ProCut 800. The device is equipped with an 800-watt electric motor that is powered by a wall outlet. They can process small areas up to six acres. The cutting mechanism is fishing line.

Lower-motor electric trimmers are usually equipped with small-capacity rechargeable batteries, and such devices are intended for mowing grass in areas with a flat relief.

The Gardena AccuCut 400 Li is equipped with a lithium-ion battery (18 V / 1.6 Ah) and is designed for short-term (enough charge for 30 minutes of work) grass mowing on flat areas. The rotary handle of the device helps mow grass on the edges of the lawn.

How to use a trimmer

Step 1: Install the cutting mechanism

Depending on the type of weed grass, we choose a cutting tool: for soft-stalked grasses. a fishing line, for hard-stemmed and small shrubs. a knife. Unscrew the nut securing the cutting mechanism and install the cutting tool. Tighten the nut. the mechanism is ready to work.

Note: some trimmers do not have interchangeable cutting tools, so you can start working with them right away.

Step 2: Preparing the Trimmer for Use

If the trimmer is electric. we charge the battery or turn on the motor in the network. If gasoline. fill the tank with fuel. Then, depending on the type of trimmer. we adapt it to ourselves (upper-motor. is hung with a loop on the shoulder, knapsack. for the shoulders, lower-motor. we take the handle). We hold the trimmer over the grass so that its cutting mechanism is parallel to the treated area. We start the engine.

Grass mowing with a trimmer is carried out with simple movements. It is important to remember that the cutting mechanism of the device rotates counterclockwise, so that the mowed grass will fall on the already treated area. The first is from right to left in front of us (this is how we cut off the top of the grass). The second is from left to right (this is how we remove the rest of the grass).

It is better to divide a large area of ​​the cultivated area into squares, and mow grass on them, moving from one to another on the outside of each square.

When mowing grass on the slopes, it is recommended to mow from below, moving parallel to the sloping area. We reached the edge, went back, became a little higher. and we repeat the same route. until the site is completely mowed.

For mowing grass on a site where there are trees, it is better to use a forest cutting mechanism, and you need to mow, passing the site along the perimeter, bypassing the tree around the trunk.

Step 4: Finish

After mowing all the grass in the area, you need to turn off the engine, remove the trimmer (for shoulder and knapsack devices), clean the cutting mechanism of the rest of the grass.

How to mow grass with a trimmer?

The main thing is to correctly adjust the trimmer belt so that the drum with fishing line does not crawl along the ground.

Properly make a gasoline-oil mixture.

Do not use too thick fishing line. it picks up speed and overloads the trimmer.

Do not be afraid to give him speed.

Do not wind too much fishing line on the drum, and do not wind it too much.

Stop and clean from time to time "the basket".

Lubricate the trimmer cable and gear (if any) with a grease gun.

The technique of mowing grass with a trimmer is not very complicated and takes into account the need:

  • Decide how exactly you are going to mow. It is possible to fold, crosswise.
  • choose a place so that a bald spot does not appear as a result and the site looks harmonious
  • understand what exactly you are going to mow, and depending on the choice to put the right knife. They are different. For example, hay or weed. You also need to set the speed.
  • Of course, it is necessary to prepare both clothing and protective equipment. Whatever you are an experienced mower man, but glasses must be worn. and don’t forget the headphones and long clothes.

Video: How to Use a Grass Trimmer Properly


All the details of the technique are on the video how to mow with a trimmer.

First of all, inspect the area that you have to mow. Cut off bushes or large flowers that cannot be cut on your own.

Always start with a light area where there is little grass. See if there are slopes or ditches in the area. The easiest way to mow across the slope.

Determine the direction of the grass. Mowing is easier if the grass is tilted forward.

As for clothes, you should always wear glasses and boots. Also anti-vibration gloves do not interfere.

Use different knives depending on the density of the grass.

One more tip: try to mow at the same speed. This way your mower will last longer. If you stop and immediately pick up speed, then the trimmer will wear out faster.

If you decide to mow the grass with a trimmer, it is important not only to carefully prepare for the cutting process. It is also important to be able to handle the trimmer well and have a protective suit. In addition, you must be able to adjust the trimmer.

Correct mowing with trimmer:

  • choose the fishing line correctly. For different tasks, there are two different objects. fishing line and knife. Too wide fishing line is undesirable, as this will give overload to the trimmer. As a rule, on a simple site fishing line is enough.
  • when cutting is installed (fishing line or knife), it is necessary to tighten and fasten the nut.
  • Check the charge or availability of fuel. Put on the belt comfortably.
  • movements when mowing with a trimmer should be thought out. The algorithm is: right-left-left-right. This will give the maximum result. Yes and be attentive to work. It is necessary to control that there are no children or animals near you. You should also wear a mask to protect your eyes.

First, adjust the trimmer belt so that the drum does not touch the ground. Further, it is important to remember that due to the thick fishing line, the trimmer will be overloaded, so do not overdo it with the thickness.

A lot of fishing line on the drum is not worth winding.

Remember to periodically clean the trimmer.

Lubricate the cable with a solid oil.

The trimmer is very convenient as it can be used in a variety of places, including complex terrain and areas near trees. If you mow tall grass, first start with the protruding tops and then continue with the bulk.

Use the trimmer as intended. An electric scythe (that is, a trimmer) is good because it copes well with its work in hard-to-reach places. Therefore, the trimmer can be used near trees, fences in relief areas. And not only for mowing the lawn, but also ordinary grass.

The main thing is to ensure that the weeds do not have time to give the seeds and mow them in time.

If you did not have time to mow the grass until the moment it gave the ears, then first mow the tops of the ears and burn them. And only then mow the grass itself, and put it into compost.

In almost all trimmers (if there are no special ones), the fishing line or the disc rotates clockwise. That is why it is better to mow the grass with a movement from right to left (a movement that resembles movement when mowing with an iron scythe). It can be mowed by tilting slightly towards mowing.

You need to mow with calm movements, not jerks. Mow grass half the length of the fishing line. If you grab more, the trimmer can handle it, but grass can clog the space between the coil and the tube.

Mow, squeezing the gas to full.

Before mowing the grass, first adjust the fishing line and firmly fix it in your cavity so that the fishing line does not hang out and go here and there. Then fill the fuel accordingly (if you do not have an electric trimmer) which consists of special oil and gasoline. Next, start mowing the grass with smooth movements (not fast) to the right and left. Do not try to chop thick stems of plants often, as the fishing line will instantly end, and you will have to adjust the reel again. In dense places, the main thing is not to spare gas)

The trimmer from the company Varyag koshu according to the instructions:

Step 1. Install the cutting mechanism.

Depending on the type of weed grass, we choose a cutting tool: for soft-stalked grasses. a fishing line, for hard-stemmed and small shrubs. a knife. Unscrew the nut securing the cutting mechanism and install the cutting tool. Tighten the nut. the mechanism is ready to work.

Note: some trimmers do not have interchangeable cutting tools, so you can start working with them right away.

Step 2. Preparing the trimmer for work.

If the trimmer is electric. we charge the battery or turn on the motor in the network. If gasoline. fill the tank with fuel. Then, depending on the type of trimmer. we adapt it to ourselves (upper-motor. is hung with a loop on the shoulder, knapsack. for the shoulders, lower-motor. we take the handle). We hold the trimmer over the grass so that its cutting mechanism is parallel to the treated area. We start the engine.

Action 3. Mowing.

Grass mowing with a trimmer is carried out with simple movements. It is important to remember that the cutting mechanism of the device rotates counterclockwise, so that the mowed grass will fall on the already treated area. The first is from right to left in front of us (this is how we cut off the top of the grass). The second is from left to right (this is how we remove the rest of the grass).

It is better to divide a large area of ​​the cultivated area into squares, and mow grass on them, moving from one to another on the outside of each square.

When mowing grass on the slopes, it is recommended to mow from below, moving parallel to the sloping area. We reached the edge, went back, became a little higher. and we repeat the same route. until the site is completely mowed.

For mowing grass on a site where there are trees, it is better to use a forest cutting mechanism, and you need to mow, passing the site along the perimeter, bypassing the tree around the trunk.

Step 4. Finish the job.

After mowing all the grass in the area, you need to turn off the engine, remove the trimmer (for shoulder and knapsack devices), clean the cutting mechanism of the rest of the grass.

How to work with an electric grass trimmer

When choosing equipment for a summer cottage, it’s not always worth chasing powerful and dimensional devices. The power of the tool is, undoubtedly, an important parameter, but it certainly pulls the increased weight of the device, its large size, as well as the high price and increased fuel costs. But that’s not the point. If you have a small garden in which fruit trees are densely planted or a small lawn with flower beds and shrubs, then cleaning it from weeds and mowing grass neatly is clearly an impossible task for any lawn mower. In such cases, even a hand tool. an ordinary scythe and that will not help: you just can not swing it, bumping into tree trunks. The ideal solution in this case is a good and inexpensive electric trimmer. It is so light, convenient and easy to operate that it always becomes a favorite among women and older people. A lightweight, quietly buzzing electric motor, a handle with convenient handles and a nylon fishing line tucked into the spool are the main components of the electric trimmer.

Electric trimmer efficiency

A trimmer that works from a household electrical network, relevant on a plot of four to six acres, planted with trees, flowers, shrubs. It is convenient for them to carefully mow the grass near the house or along the curb, mow the paths, and an environmentally friendly motor that does not produce exhaust, gas and burning will even make it possible to remove weeds in any indoor room. a greenhouse or greenhouse.

The trimmer cable limits the grass mowing radius, but can be increased with a standard extension cord. If this length is not enough for you, or the power supply parameters do not contribute to the normal operation of the electric motor, then you can purchase a kind of electric tool. a cordless trimmer. It works autonomously, the built-in battery lasts for half an hour or an hour of intensive work. it is enough to mow the trees in the garden.

The motor at the trimmer can be placed at the top of the tool or at the bottom. Upper-motor trimmers work well on bumpy and uneven terrain. They are also well balanced and can work with tall and wet grass. a short circuit will not occur. The convenience of working with it is also enhanced by a single-arm loop, which is hung on the shoulder.

How to Use a Grass Trimmer Properly

The lower motor trimmer can only be used for wet grass and for flat areas. Often, lower motor trimmers operate on a battery.

The household trimmer is the easiest to use and at the same time very effective tool. It seems that there is nowhere easier. to plug the instrument into a power outlet and work. But still there are some nuances that you need to know in order for the trimmer to work long and productively.

If there are a lot of trees on the site, mow only with fishing line, otherwise you can cut the tree trunk with a knife. In such a garden, it is best to mow around the perimeter, bypassing the tree in a circle.

5. Shutdown. Turning off the engine and removing the shoulder straps is not a complete shutdown. It is necessary to carefully clean the spool and knife from the remnants of grass. Then fold the trimmer if it is telescopic or collapsible and hide it until the next mowing.

The fishing line is wound around the spool inside the reel, and its tips are exposed. When mowing, the spool rotates, and the line, with this rotation, cuts off the grass. To release the tips you need to lightly tap the coil on the ground (semi-automatic system), there are automatic reels in which the fishing line is released by itself. When working with fishing line there are also several rules:

In order not to damage the fishing line and reel. Try not to touch the reel and fishing line of various solid materials. paths, borders, fences. From this fishing line is prematurely shortened, the coil may be damaged or even jam the engine. The spool with fishing line should also not touch the ground.

Mowing with tips is more efficient. If you mow the entire length of the fishing line, you can overload the engine. In addition, this reduces the efficiency of mowing. The tool must be held so that it mows only the ends of the fishing line. To do this, tilt it forward. towards mowing.

Tall grass requires several mowing. If the grass is above 20 centimeters, then one mowing will not do here. It is necessary to mow two to three times, from top to bottom. This is done so that the grass does not wrap around the reel. Wound grass is a guaranteed overheating of the engine. If the grass is still wound, you need to stop the tool and clean it.

The fishing line ran away and hid in a reel. This option when working happens if you did not release the line from the reel on time. After all, the line when mowing is erased and shortened. If you do not have time to release it, then stop the engine, turn off the tool from the network, and then disassemble the spool and pass the ends of the fishing line into the desired holes.

What does the consumption of fishing line depend on? It must be remembered that the line wears out faster if the grass is tough. Therefore, you need to release it more often when mowing weeds and dry hard grass. Around the foundation of the house, near the wall and the curb, the consumption of fishing line will also be greater than directly on the lawn or near trees. It is worth considering: if you work carefully and accurately, the consumption of trimmer line will be optimal and economical.