Gone are the days when the garden plot was completely planted with cultivated plants, vegetables and garden trees. Today, owners of private houses are increasingly organizing a lawn around their home, which raises the question of caring for it and cutting the grass. An electric trimmer can solve this problem and give your lawn a beautiful, finished look.
What is an electric trimmer?
Such an indispensable tool in the field as a scythe is familiar to every Russian, albeit not personally, but definitely from old Soviet films. An electric trimmer is an improved version. It was invented by the American D. Bollas in 1971. Arriving at the car wash, he looked at the work of the rotating brushes and the idea arose in his head to use the principle of their operation for cutting grass. The first electric scythe was made from a tin can. Later, a tool that was already familiar to everyone appeared, which Bollas called the “weed eater.”
Electric trimmer device
The long tube that forms the basis of the device is called a rod. At one end there is a motor, and at the other there is a cutting part, that is, a working head with a knife or fishing line. An electric grass trimmer can have either a straight or curved shaft. In the first case, the engine torque is transmitted by a cable, and in the second, a shaft is provided for these purposes. It is considered a more reliable transmission link, which is why straight-bar mowers are more popular.
Operating principle of an electric trimmer
When you plug the device into a socket, alternating current is supplied, which is rectified and smoothed thanks to the built-in rectifier and capacitive filter. Triggering the switch supplies electricity to the stator winding and brush assembly. The electric trimmer starts working, its rotor begins to rotate as a result of the action of the activating electromagnetic field.
If the motor is located at the top, the rotational force is transmitted to the cutting tool through the shaft and gearbox. With the motor located at the bottom, everything happens directly. Once the electric garden trimmer reaches maximum speed, the operator can begin working. High speed and small cross-section of the cutting part are necessary conditions for a high-quality cut.
Pros and cons of an electric trimmer
This device for work in the garden and on the site has many advantages:
- An electric lawn mower trimmer is multifunctional and can solve a variety of tasks.
- Easy to operate and repair. The simple design is easy to understand and, if necessary, replace a failed part with a new one, since all the necessary components are available for free sale.
- High efficiency.
- Quiet electric trimmer. Such a device will not disturb the neighbors and will not cause their anger.
- Environmentally friendly. Unlike its gasoline counterparts, this tool does not pollute the environment.
Of the minuses it is worth noting:
- Connection to the power grid. The device does not tolerate voltage surges and is limited in movement. The exception is for battery powered tools.
- Low power. The more neglected the site, the less often the owner visits his dacha, the more powerful the tool he needs. If he combines it with a lawn mower and uses it only for cutting along the fence and paths, then a lightweight model with low power will be enough for him to complete the task.
- Inability to use an electric trimmer on flat areas. It's all about different heights of grass mowing, which negatively affects the aesthetic appeal. In addition, you have to collect the cut vegetation yourself.
Which is better, electric or gas trimmer?
Everyone decides this question for themselves. Gasoline mowers are characterized by high performance and power. They process the surface efficiently and quickly, making it possible to move unhindered around the area, because in this case the person is not “tied” to the electrical cord. However, lawn mowers vibrate and make a lot of noise and pollute the air with exhaust gases, which creates obstacles for their use near growing vegetables and fruits. In addition, they are much more expensive than their counterparts.
Powered by mains, mowers are compact and lightweight. They are much easier to operate in hard-to-reach places. Electric garden trimmers are cheaper than their gasoline counterparts, and the model range is incredibly wide, which makes it possible to choose a tool for yourself and your needs, taking into account the individual characteristics and specifics of the landscape.
TRIMMER STEP COLLECTION
STEP 1: Attach the tool handle
1. Unscrew the thumbscrew 2. Remove the top mounting cover
3. Insert the handle into the equipment
4. Install the cover
5. Tighten the screw
To adjust the handle, you need to loosen the lamb and move it. Then secure the screw.
FUBAG electric trimmers are equipped with rubberized handles, which increases ease of use and safety. They allow you to hold the instrument securely even in wet hands.
STEP 2: Install the protective cover
1. Align the holes in the protective cover and the mounting bracket.
2. Secure the cover to the rod with screws and washers using the wrench included in the kit.
READ How to thread line into a trimmer
In this model, the body is secured with metal plates on both sides. This guarantees additional reliability and durability of the trimmer.
The body itself is made of dense but flexible plastic. This material does not break when it hits small obstacles. We advise you to pay attention to this if you are just going to choose an electric trimmer or a gas trimmer.
STEP 3: Fasten the shoulder strap
One of the simplest manipulations when assembling an electric trimmer. Many will understand how the shoulder strap attaches intuitively. For those who are not sure, we decided to add a few important points to the guide:
1. Connect the carabiner to the strap ring 2. Adjust the position of the mounting ring on the stem 3. Secure the ring with the captive screw.
STEP 4: Install the line spool
1. To begin, connect the hole in the washer with the hole in the gear cup and secure it with a special rod.
2. Unscrew the mounting nut from the hub clockwise. 3. Remove the cup from the pressure shaft and washer
4. Turn the line spool counterclockwise until it stops while holding the rod.
Types of electric trimmers
As already mentioned, manual electric trimmers for gardens can be powered by mains or battery. The first ones are limited in movement, and the second ones are designed for a certain charge, that is, they have a time limit. In addition, existing devices are divided by engine location:
- An electric bottom-mounted mower-trimmer is automatically released from the rotating shaft or cable. As a rule, low-power tools or battery-powered scythes have this design. In this case, the battery is placed in the upper part to maintain the necessary balance.
- A top-mounted mower has more power. This design distributes the mass better.
By weight they are divided into light and heavy. A mower of the first category can weigh 1.1 kg, and the last - 7.5 kg or more. In addition, the tools differ in performance. The higher the potential of the electric scythe, the more it weighs. Lightweight devices with a power of less than 1000 W will not cope with an overgrown area. They will overheat and shut down. Electric scythes also differ in the diameter of the fishing line, the size of which varies from 1.2 to 2.4 mm.
Bottom motor trimmer
If the area is not very large, such as 2-3 acres, it is better to buy a trimmer with a low-power electric motor (up to 400 W) installed at the bottom of the device. It is capable of perfectly mowing soft grass in flower beds and flower beds. In addition, this garden tool copes well with delicate work. If you need, for example, to carefully trim the grass between flowers or seedlings, it will easily complete the task, since it has a fairly small turning diameter of the mowing line. Lower motor trimmers are also used to regularly cut grass that is much softer than normal. They have a fairly short work schedule and often have to rest. It is important to remember that these trimmers should not be used to trim wet grass.
READ How to Install a Trimmer Guard
The lower engine trims are lightweight. In addition, they are very maneuverable, i.e. The cutting surface (line) can be rotated to an angle convenient for work and cut the grass even in almost inaccessible places. Devices with a lower motor position are very well balanced and very easy to operate even with one hand. The advantages of this equipment also include their small size.
And now a few words about the disadvantages of trimmers with a smaller engine. All of them have a power of no more than 650 W and are not equipped with steel knives.
How to choose an electric grass trimmer?
The selection criteria for this tool are as follows:
- Lawn size. In large, flat areas, a traditional lawn mower performs better. You should not buy a trimmer to process them, as the grass will be cut unevenly.
- Electrical network reliability. If there are problems with uninterrupted operation or the current is not enough for the specified power, then it is better to choose a battery-powered device.
- Dimensions of the trimmer itself. If the owner of a personal plot is a fragile, petite woman, then she is unlikely to cope with a powerful and bulky device.
- Those who want to know which electric trimmer is best for grass should answer that they need to take into account the type and size of plantings growing on the site. Large and tough stems can only be cut with a knife, but the fishing line may not “pull” such plants.
Rating of electric trimmers
Among the most popular devices, the following brands are in greatest demand:
- Bosch
electric trimmers are readily purchased by owners of their own garden plots. This company has long established itself in the household appliances market by supplying quality products. This braid also meets the stated requirements. - Trimmer Patriot
. The choice of an electric trimmer is worth making in favor of this tool, because it is an excellent combination of price and quality. Powerful, but also bulky. - Trimmer Champion
. This option is a cheap and productive tool that can cope with almost any planting. It is heavy and requires constant pressing of the button. - Trimmer STAVR TE-1700R
. A domestic development, characterized by great power and unpretentiousness. However, the device weighs a lot and does not protect well from flying grass. - Trimmer Stihl
. Products of a German brand, equipped with a flexible wire that reduces the load on the motor. Thanks to the support wheel, crops can be prevented from being mowed down.
Can you cut wet grass with an electric trimmer?
Many people are interested in whether it is possible to operate the unit in wet weather? Experts do not recommend using an electric trimmer with or without wheels in rain and fog, especially if its engine is located at the bottom. There is a high risk of water getting inside, but top-mounted models are best used in dry weather to reduce the risk of short circuits and other unpleasant consequences. In addition, wet grass sticks more strongly to the cutting part, which creates difficulties when working.
How to use an electric trimmer?
The procedure here is as follows:
- It is necessary to free the area from foreign objects that can damage the fishing line - stones, glass, wire, garbage dumps and other ownerless elements
- Plug in the electrical device and charge the battery.
- Secure the tool on your shoulder or back, depending on the type of strap arrangement, and grasp the handle with both hands.
- Press the button and start moving, pointing the scythe in front of you from right to left.
- Finish work by pressing the switch.
- Remove the braid. The best electric grass trimmers disassemble and take up little space in your shed or garage.
How to lubricate an electric trimmer?
From time to time the tool needs to be lubricated. Experts advise doing this every 10-15 hours of operation of the device. Here's how to do it:
- The electric lawn trimmer is equipped with a technological hole in the upper part of the body, where the gear block is located. We need to find him.
- Unscrew the screw that acts as a plug in the hole.
- Introduce 1.5-2 ml of thick consistency into the cavity.
- Rotate the shaft by hand several times to make sure that it has penetrated into all parts of the gearbox - the flywheel, the starter coil pawl and the bearings.
- Before preserving the electric mower for the winter, you should clean and rinse the gears of the gearbox, remove the old lubricant and apply new one. By caring for your tool, you can significantly extend its service life.
How to disassemble an electric trimmer?
Some owners perform scythe repairs themselves. To do this they need to disassemble the engine:
- All screws for fastening are located on one side. Having unscrewed them with a screwdriver, you need to separate the halves of the case and expose the “insides”.
- In the future, carry out the repairs that a powerful electric trimmer needs. All mechanically damaged elements with traces of exposure to high temperatures must be replaced.
- Fold the two halves again and connect with self-tapping screws.
How to change the line on an electric trimmer?
The structure of the trimmer head is very similar to the design of the bobbin of a sewing machine. To replace the line, do the following:
- Remove the cover.
- Carefully remove the bobbin.
- Set aside the spring, if there is one, and unscrew the fixing bolt in the center of the body, moving counterclockwise.
- All that remains is to remove the coil from the gearbox shaft and replace it.
- Those who want to know how to insert fishing line into an electric trimmer should answer that there is a special hole or groove in the bobbin for this. Having inserted the fishing line into it, begin to wind the string in the direction opposite to that in which the reel rotates during operation.
So how to win line on the mowing head of a trimmer or braid
The video shows in detail how to wind fishing line onto a trimmer
or braid. Refueling with a mower
READ How to Properly Adjust the Carburetor on a Patriot Trimmer
I would like to note that the manufacturer carefully placed a bright sticker on the panel with warnings about safety issues when working with the product. Do not use this device in the rain, and the use of safety glasses is recommended.
The product came with fairly detailed instructions and a warranty card.
There is no shoulder strap, but there is an additional plastic handle for support when mowing with the other hand.
10 Best Electric Trimmers
Rating feature
Many owners of private houses and cottages carefully care for their personal land. When active grass growth begins, then the need for special equipment arises. The modern market offers a choice of lawn mowers, lawn mowers, electric trimmers
. The latter are advantageously available; therefore, there is a constant demand for them. Electric trimmers are especially effective in small areas where the extension cord can be easily extended. But difficulties arise at the purchasing stage. The range of power tools is very diverse, so some expert advice will be relevant and relevant. What parameters should you pay close attention to?
- First of all, you need to decide on performance. It depends on the power and speed of the engine. For well-groomed areas where you have to cut the grass, power up to 1000 W is sufficient. High performance should not be pursued for any other reason. The stronger the engine, the greater the weight of the trimmer.
- The price and ease of use are influenced by the location of the engine. Cheap, low-power models have a lower engine position. But this design has serious disadvantages, such as grass clogging and poor cooling.
- For models with outboard engines, shoulder straps will be an important piece of equipment. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers provide trimmers with these accessories.
- Electrical braids differ in the shape of the handle. The lightweight units feature D-shaped holders that allow the trimmer to be maneuverable. And more powerful units are controlled by a handle in the form of a bicycle handlebar.
We've reviewed the best electric trimmers. When compiling the rating, the following criteria are used:
Malfunctions of electric trimmers
Among the frequently occurring breakdowns are:
- Broken power line
. Even the best electric scythe is not immune to this. Any check of the device’s performance should begin with an analysis of the health of the power circuits. Even if you are sure that there is voltage in the outlet, the issue may involve a broken extension cord. - Failure of an engine that has been exposed to high temperatures
. Overheating of the “heart” of the tool is the most common cause of mower failure. This is indicated by scuffing of the cylinder and piston on the exhaust channel side, destruction of the piston ring, and discoloration. To prevent such unpleasant consequences, it is necessary to take breaks from work and promptly clean the knife from grass residues. - Normal operation at idle and stops under load
. Perhaps the reason lies in a clogged air filter. During operation, debris, dust particles, and dirt get into it, so it needs to be cleaned from time to time.
Why does an electric trimmer get hot?
The reasons can be very different. An electric small grass trimmer with low power and a bottom-mounted motor heats up very quickly, especially if it is used mercilessly. As a result, its parts melt and flow, disabling the entire instrument. There are quite a few “Kulibins” who independently install thicker fishing line on the spit, mount knives and chains, and then are surprised that the device “does not pull.” All of them create an increased load on the engine, for which it is not designed, so overheating and breakdown cannot be avoided.
How to use the trimmer
Garden trimmers are effective. Beginners think that operating a lawn mower is quite easy because you just need to plug it in or fill it with fuel, but this is not true.
The effectiveness of garden tools and their service life directly depend on operating conditions. Therefore, before using the trimmer, it is necessary to carry out preparatory work.
Carefully inspect your lawn for mowing. Be sure to remove glass and large stones. If they fly out from under a running mower, they can injure a person. The wire is removed from the lawn because it can become wrapped around the rotating element, breaking the mower.
Then move on to installing the cutting system. There are small power trimmers on sale that use only line. Designed for mowing lush and soft grass. But there are models with a power of more than 1 kilowatt that are equipped with metal knives. They trim seeded thistles and other tough weeds and trim young shrubs.
To replace the cord with knives, you need to unscrew the fastening nut and install the cutting element. Then the nut must be returned to its place and tightened with a wrench.
The operator must take care of his own safety. Wear thick protective clothing when cutting the grass. To protect the eyes, special glasses are used that will protect against dust, grass and flying debris. Cover your hands with gloves.
The electric trimmer is connected and the battery models are charged several hours before use. Fuel is poured into a gas mower.
The mower is held so that the reel or blade is parallel to the ground. When the tool is in the correct position, start the engine. After cutting the grass, the lawnmower turns off.
First start
Before the first use, the operator assembles the lawnmower, the procedure is described in the instructions supplied with the product.
If the trimmer is gasoline, it must be checked before use. The fuel tank is filled to the neck.
The engine must run on fuel, so when first started it should run for a few minutes under no load. Then start mowing the grass.
How to refill a gas trimmer
Gasoline scythes are available with two-stroke and four-stroke engines. The first option is much more common. What are the differences between them:
- Trimmers with a two-stroke motor respond faster to pressing the power lever (for this reason, brushed trimmers are mainly equipped with this type of motor);
- A tool with a two-stroke engine will be much simpler and also easier to maintain;
- The fuel consumption of a two-stroke engine is approximately 30% higher than that of a four-stroke engine with the same power;
- A 4-stroke engine is more environmentally friendly because the fuel in it burns completely and is not released into the atmosphere, and its noise level is much lower;
- And the most important distinguishing feature is refueling: a two-stroke engine is equipped with one common tank into which gasoline mixed with oil is poured; The 4-stroke engine has a separate gas tank and engine oil tank.
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For refueling, you must use fresh AI-92 or AI-95 gasoline and high-quality motor oil for garden equipment (manufacturers produce different types of oil for 2- and 4-stroke engines). You can use mineral, semi-synthetic or synthetic oil.
The ratio of gasoline to oil for trimmers with a two-stroke engine can be found in the operating instructions for your specific model. Usually it is 50:1, in some cases a ratio of 25:1 or 40:1 is recommended. The fuel mixture must be prepared in a separate container with exact proportions. Never pour liquids “by eye” directly into the tank without first mixing them. Detailed instructions for mixing gas oil, with a video and description, can be found on our website here.
Works in
Lawn mowers must be started before work begins. The operator turns on the engine; it should stand for a while. It is necessary to ensure that the engine does not overheat and there should be no load.
As the mower operates, the load increases gradually. If you start at high speed, the engine will run poorly, which will affect the future performance of the lawn mower.
When starting for the first time, there is no need to fully develop a temporary resource. Once the engine is idling, you can begin treating your lawn. The lawn mower should run for no more than 15 minutes, after which the engine should be turned off and allowed to cool down.
If you want to run the electric trimmer, first assemble the belt. Then do a test run at least 3-5 times. If the engine runs normally, proceed to mowing. At first they work for no more than 5 minutes, then the duration of work gradually increases.
How to wear a belt
If the tool is shoulder mounted, it hangs on the shoulder before use. The trimmer attaches to both shoulders if he has a backpack.
The bike handle model is held with both hands and the D-shaped handle wraps around the palm. The belt should be worn so that it is comfortable, then your back will not get tired.
How to mow the lawn so that it is even
To ensure an even cut of the grass, lower the mower as low as possible while operating. The plot should be divided into squares. You need to work clockwise. In this case, the hay will always lie on the left, without interfering with the legs.
Scythe under the hay
It is better to mow not with a fishing line, but with a metal disk. The grass is cut at the root, maintaining its length as much as possible.
Mow tall grass
If you need to mow tall grass, it can be done in several passes. Treats the lawn 2-3 times. The rotating part is lowered from top to bottom, and in this case the grass is not wound onto the reel.
The operator must remember that damaged grass around the reel will cause the motor to overheat. If this happens, the hedge trimmer turns off and the bobbin is cleared.
It is most effective to mow the grass at the ends of the line, rather than along its entire length. In the second case, the tool works worse, and the motor may overload. If you need to trim a large area of grass to improve efficiency, the trimmer should be tilted to cut.
