Selecting a gasoline grass trimmer

Trimmer is a tool for cutting grass by hand. It is useful for owners of private houses, dacha owners, rural residents. The popularity of the tool is due to its compactness, efficiency of grass mowing and simple operation. To choose the right gasoline trimmer for grass, you need to understand where it will be used and how often.

Let’s consider what trimmers there are and their purpose.

Types of trimmers

Devices differ in such parameters as: type of engine, power, shape of the boom, etc. The main difference is the type of motor used. Two types of motors for mowers are used:

1. Gasoline.
   1.1. 2-stroke.
   1.2. 4-stroke.
2. Electric.
   2.1. Networked. They work from the mains 220 volts.
   2.2. Cordless.

In this article we will consider only gasoline variants.

The device of a gasoline trimmer

The main structural elements of the trimmer are:

1. Engine.
2. Gasoline tank.
3. Starter. Necessary for starting the engine.
4. Bracket for attaching the belt.
5. Boom.
6. Handle with controls.
7. Gearbox. Transmits the rotation of the shaft to the nozzle.
8. Cover. Protects from flying grass and stones.
9. Nozzle. Attached to the output shaft of the gearbox.

It is worth understanding the device of the trimmer to distinguish between the models presented in the store and detect breakdowns, if the device fails.

Disassembled models

The length of the mower boom is about two meters. It is inconvenient to transport it in a car, so if transportation is necessary, it is better to buy a trimmer with a collapsible boom. It is divided in half by pressing the lock. It should be borne in mind that the additional complication reduces reliability.

Selection by characteristics

Choosing a trimmer it is important to evaluate it on several parameters. In the future, when cleaning the territory of the yard or garden, the correct selection of the tool will prolong its service life, and you will facilitate the work. So, before buying, pay attention:

• Engine type.
• Power.
• Boom and type of drive shaft.
• Handle.
• The nozzle.
• Attachment.

Gasoline trimmers are equipped with 2-stroke or 4-stroke engines.

Two-stroke – cheaper, work on gasoline mixed with oil. The noise level is high. From the power depends on the duration of continuous operation.

Four-stroke trimmers are more expensive, the motor runs quieter and does not smoke. It needs oil for lubrication. But since the engine is 4-stroke, you will not have to dilute the gasoline mixture. Suitable for long work.

Power of the trimmer

According to the power of trimmers are divided into three types. From it depends on the scope of their application:

1. Professional. Sometimes they are called brush cutters. Power from 2.5 hp. They are used by management companies, public utilities. Such a device will cope with the overgrowth of burdock or burshevik, small trees. The tool is designed for long-term work. Minuses – weight up to 12 kg and high price.
2. Semi-professional. Power from 1.5 to 2.5 hp and continuous operation time up to 5 hours. Suitable for work on a neglected uneven site, mowing weeds, tall grass, haymaking. Weight and cost are average, parts are of high quality.
3. Household. Low power, up to 1.5 hp and working time up to 2 hours. Lightweight, maneuverable devices for lawn care and small countryside. They are used to cut low grass, young lawns. The device should not be used on large weeds – this will lead to overheating of the engine.

Boom shape

The boom is the frame of the trimmer, which connects all the elements. Inside is the drive unit that connects the motor to the rotating head.

The engine is connected to the gearbox by a rigid or flexible shaft. The choice of a gasoline trimmer with a straight boom and a rigid shaft will allow not only to cut grass, but also to cut bushes, branches, young trees up to 7 cm thick.

The head of the curved boom can be easily positioned parallel to the ground. The cut is as smooth as a lawnmower on wheels. The disadvantage of the bent boom is that there is a flexible drive inside. It deforms when working with hard shrubs or overgrowth and can break. It is used on low-power household models.

Control handle

Handles are fixed on the boom. They come in three types:

1. D-shaped. They are characteristic of compact household models. The owner holds the trimmer like a shovel, which allows you to smoothly trim bushes, flowerbeds and areas with a complex landscape. Minus – quickly get tired hands.
2. U-shaped. Reminiscent of a bicycle handlebar. Suitable for prolonged work. With them it will be possible in one movement to cut a patch of grass about 2 meters wide.
3. V-shaped. They have the same pros and cons as the U-shaped ones.

Working tools

The permitted mowing attachments are specified in the instructions. Do not disregard this information. Increased stress on the shaft, gearbox and motor will lead to premature failure of the trimmer. Types of attachments for cutting grass:

1. A fishing line. It is used only for cutting lawn, burdock, burshevik. The thickness of the fishing line is selected according to the characteristics of the grass.
2. Knives. There are plastic and metal. They can be used to mow the lawn, trim bushes and coarse grass.
3. Saw disks. Suitable for professional tools. Will cope with young trees and neglected areas.

All three types of attachments can be included in the kit, but it is possible to buy separately, making sure that they are compatible with the trimmer.

Mounting

Gasoline trimmer weighs 4-12 kg, and with a large territory it is difficult to hold it in your hands for several hours. The task of holding it is done by special straps.

Shoulder strap is a standard equipment for many models. If this option does not suit you, then it is worth looking at backpack mounts for trimmers with two straps, a waist belt and a shield to protect the thigh. The attachment is adjustable and the tool is easy to remove and cling to the structure.

Other features

Some models are equipped with optional features that make operation noticeably easier.

The anti-vibration system makes it easier to work for long periods of time. Shock absorbers dampen vibration, so that the owner is less tired.

Various accessories are useful: face shield, goggles, measuring cup for mixing gasoline and oil. They come in a set or are purchased separately.

Difference between brushcutters and trimmers

In principle, it is one and the same device – trimmer. In translation from English trim – trim, trimming. But originally this name was used in relation to a manual mower with a fishing line.

With the increase in engine power, it became possible to use various attachments: disks, saws, blowers to work in the garden or other areas. Such apparatuses began to be called brushcutters.

Pros and cons

Posing the question: “what trimmer is better: gasoline, battery or electric”, is incorrect. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Of course, the gasoline scythe is universal: independence from external devices, duration of work, mobility – all this distinguishes it. However, is there a need to overpay twice for a gasoline model, when you need to cut a lawn with grass in 1 hectare near the house. In this case, an electric model of low power is enough, because it is cheaper than a gasoline model.

Electric or gasoline

Electric scythes are much cheaper, but dacha owners still choose gasoline models, because they can work not only close to the socket. There is no wire tangling underfoot and cutting tools.

Another difference is the power. Electric models, as a rule, are weaker, they are more suitable for cutting not thick lawn grass. Electric trimmers have two obvious advantages: they are lighter and more economical.

There are also quite powerful electric models, for example, Huter GET 1700B, with a power of 1700 watts.

Here’s what is included in the electric trimmer kit:

Gasoline or cordless

Battery-powered trimmers are more convenient than electric ones, as they are not tied to the mains. However, they are heavier, more expensive, limited in power and run time without recharging. They cannot be used in the rain.

Benzokosa will be able to process a large area overgrown with large weeds. The minus of gasoline trimmers is that they need fuel and oil to work, they are heavier, make more noise.

Gasoline trimmer or gasoline lawnmower

The main difference between the tools is that the trimmer needs to be held in your hands. It is compact, so it can be stored anywhere and can fit in a passenger car. It is suitable for cutting grass in difficult areas, including around trees or between beds. The cost is relatively low.

Lawn mower is more powerful, allows you to treat a huge area. It is more suited for trimming the lawn, as it maintains a uniform grass height throughout the area. Cut plants do not fly in different directions, but remain in the container. Minuses – high cost, the impossibility of working on an uneven landscape, bulky.

Thus, tools are designed for different purposes. Lawnmower is necessary for the design of a beautiful lawn. Trimmer – for the care of hedges, cutting weeds on uneven surfaces.

In general, gasoline trimmers are in the greatest demand, well, a dacha dweller may need a couple of tools.

Choice by manufacturer

Many, even before the purchase, have decided which firm to choose a gasoline trimmer. In this choice play a role in the advice of friends, acquaintances and the Internet. From the manufacturer depends on the durability of the device, maintenance, availability of replacement parts. We also associate the reliability of the apparatus with the brand. The most reliable gasoline trimmers are techniques from firms:

• Makita.
• ECHO.
• STIHL.
• Husqvarna.
• Patriot.
• Champion.
• Partner.
• Forward.
• Oleo Mac.
• Zubr and others.

When choosing it is worth studying customer reviews, it is better to buy in specialized stores. Managers will let you hold the tool in your hands, and make sure it is in good working order, as well as correctly fill out warranty cards. In addition, they usually have their own service center.

To make the device last as long as possible, it should be serviced in a timely manner: replace filters, plugs, lubricate the gearbox.

Popular brands of dachshunds – “Champion” and “Patriot”. Pros – quality assembly. “Champion” is appreciated for low fuel consumption and wear-resistant parts.

It is impossible to say what is better: trimmer “Champion” or “Patriot”. The comparison is made between specific models. For example, CHAMPION T433-2 and PATRIOT PT 555. They are almost identical in characteristics, but Champion has a higher user rating.

Lightweight trimmers

The weight of chainsaws varies from 4 to 12 kg. Models up to 6 kg are called light, such trimmers are suitable for women and pensioners who will not be able to handle a bulky device for a long time. The weight of the tool is influenced by:

1. Thetype and power of the motor. 2-stroke products are preferred.
2. Starting system. Gasoline trimmers with an electric starter are more convenient to start. Such a trimmer can be recommended for women. Instead of jerks of the mechanical starter, it is enough to press the “Start” button to start the engine. But they are heavier because of the starter and battery.

   

3. Tank volume. There are small models with a tank that holds only 350 ml. They are lighter, but lead to frequent stops for refueling.

The table shows the lightest models.

Lightweight gasoline trimmers include: Husqvarna 524R, STIHL FS 131, STIHL FS 94 C-E and PATRIOT PT 3055 Imperial. They are a little heavier, but the weight is no more than 6 kilograms.

Inexpensive models

The lowest price is characteristic of household trimmers. Usually, these are Chinese or Russian gasoline mowers with a power of up to 1.5 hp and a weight of up to 8 kg. More often they are equipped with only one nozzle with a fishing line.

Here are some of the cheapest gasoline trimmers with high user ratings:

1. PATRIOT PT 3555 ES COUNTRY. Power – 1.8 hp Easy start, anti-vibration system. Four-blade blade and fishing line are used as attachments.
2. HUTER GGT-1500T. 2-stroke engine with an output of 2 hp. Sturdy construction with a non-disassembling boom. Includes fishing line and three-blade blade.
3. CHAMPION T333-2. Engine 1.22 hp. The boom is disassembled. Knife with three blades and fishing line.

Choosing a budget gasoline trimmer, remember the value for money. Goods from unknown Chinese manufacturers are cheaper, but such a device can break down after the first start.

Trimmer for dacha

For the dacha, a household or semi-professional chainsaw is suitable. To correctly choose a gasoline garden trimmer, pay attention to a couple of data:

1. Power. With regular trimming of the lawn, the grass does not have time to grow and for its mowing is enough 700-800 W, for example, Stiga SBC 226 JD, Husqvarna 122C. If you rarely visit the dacha and the garden has time to come into disrepair, you will need a tool with a power of 1000 watts.
2. Mowing width. For a lawn, you need about 45 cm, and for mowing the space between the beds – 25-35 cm.

Also when choosing it is worth evaluating ergonomics. The straps should be adjustable. It is not bad to hold the device in your hands before buying.

Line or blade

Thefishing line is the most popular attachment. Its advantages:

• low price;
• easy replacement.

Minuses – sensitivity to collision with hard surfaces. Consumption in this case increases dramatically. It is also not suitable for trimming bushes.

Knife – devoid of these disadvantages, with its help it will be possible to trim green hedges or prepare fodder for livestock. At the same time, a trimmer with a metal blade is vulnerable to accidentally caught on the way hard objects: stones, tree trunks. Collision can lead to the breakage of the shaft or gearbox.

Both nozzles have their disadvantages, it is worth choosing the one that meets the set goals. If we are talking about a dacha with a soft lawn, then you can not overpay for the purchase of a disk and limit yourself to a fishing line.

Conclusion

We have considered all the issues that you should pay attention to when choosing a gasoline trimmer. In conclusion, we want to note that you should not rush with the purchase – assess the area of work, their nature – based on them, choose a tool. Watch a useful video about choosing a trimmer from the store’s consultant.