Take 1 Minute: Know Exactly Which Trimmer Fits All Your Needs

| Friday, March 23, 2012
By Jose Boight


When you finish mowing your lawn, a string trimmer can make it easy to finish your task by cleaning up hard-to-reach areas mowers can't get to, such as in and around shrubs, walkways, fences and more. With gas and electric trimmers and several different kinds of trimmer line to choose from, it's important to do some research before you buy to ensure that you find the trimmer that best suits your needs. Keep the following questions in mind as you begin your search for a new trimmer:

* How big is your yard and where are power outlets located?

* Do you prefer a gas or electric model?

* Will a straight or curved shank be better for your yard?

Shanks, Trimmer Line, Usage.

You'll have to make a few choices when purchasing a trimmer. The most important factors in making a decision are the size of your lawn, the trimmer's primary purpose and your personal preferences. Buying a model that matches your wants and needs most closely will ensure you get maximum performance from your trimmer. There are also a number of ways you can increase efficiency through intelligent use and proper care. Safety is also an important consideration when using a line trimmer, so be sure to take adequate steps to protect yourself and others when operating the device.

Shanks: There are two different shank, or shaft, styles.

* Straight shanks provide safer operation by keeping the head farther away.

* Curved shanks are easy to maneuver and often weigh less for more comfortable use.

Trimmer Line: Using the right type of trimmer line will go a long way toward ensuring efficiency and dependability. Standard-grade line is best for low-intensity trimming in smaller yards. It provides excellent performance on light grass and is an economical choice. Commercial-grade trimmer line is ideal for use in larger yards where there are more likely to be heavier patches of grass and troublesome weeds. Whichever kind most suits your yard, make sure you have a spare spool on hand as a replacement so you don't get stuck in the middle of a job.

* Commercial grade offers improved cutting performance and durability.

* Consult the trimmer's manual for suggestions on recommended line grade

* Let the very tip of the line do the cutting to avoid premature wear

Usage: There are a number of things you can do to ensure proper and efficient use of your trimmer.

* Always use the recommended line size, since using a heavier line will put extra stress on the motor.

* Models with tap lines feature a button on the bottom of the head that lets out extra line when you tap it on the ground.

* More advanced trimmers may have automatic line-advance systems that sense when the line is worn and automatically release more.

* Keep the trimmer head free of dirt and debris for optimum operation.

* Always use fresh line -- old line can break or crack prematurely.

* Safety: Use safety goggles to avoid flying debris and ear plugs to protect your hearing.

* Use safety goggles to avoid flying debris and ear plugs to protect your hearing

* Avoid cutting materials, such as shrubbery and ivy, that aren't at ground level




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment